Ireland at your Leisure 2019/2020 by Ashville Media Group

2019 2020

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Welcome

A GUIDE TO ...

2019/2020 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jane Matthews DESIGN Anna Wesolowska PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE Julie Dunne SALES DIRECTOR Diarmaid Lennon PHOTOGRAPHY In thanking our advertisers for supplying information and photography for this publication, we would also like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the following: Fáilte Ireland, CenterParcs, Titanic Hotel Belfast, Finn Lough, Ard na Sidhe, Newpark Hotel, Pure Camping, Butler House, Hidden Ireland (Bruckless House), Ireland’s Blue Book (Newforge House), Canteen Cellbridge, Grow HQ, Elaine Fleming (The Chestnut), Mikey Ryan’s Bar and Kitchen, Daniel Callen (Ballymaloe Cookery School), @Storytravelers, Dublin Horse Show, iStock, Cook and Gardener Restaurant at Rathmullan House.

PASS IT ON If you’re finished with your copy of Ireland at Your Lesiure don’t throw it away. Pass it on to someone who you think may enjoy it and spread the love (and all those great insider tips!)

2 Activities 11 Accommodation 16 Attractions & Events 22 Food 28 Golf 32 On the Water 38 Wild Atlantic Way 46 Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands 51 Ireland’s Ancient East 56 Genealogy

DUBLIN & THE EAST

62 Dublin 74 Meath 76 Louth 80 Kildare 82 Wicklow

THE SOUTH EAST

86 Wexford 87 Waterford 89 Kilkenny 90 Laois 91 Carlow

THE SOUTH WEST

96 Cork 101 Kerry

107 SHANNON & THE MIDLANDS 110 Clare 112 Limerick 116 Tipperary 117 Offaly 118 Westmeath

119

THE WEST

133

THE NORTH WEST

123 Galway 125 Mayo 128 Roscommon 130 Longford

136 Donegal 137 Sligo 138 Leitrim 140 Cavan 142 Monaghan

142 NORTHERN IRELAND 147 Antrim 148 Derry 149 Down 150 Armagh 151 Fermanagh 152 Tyrone

Ireland at Your Leisure is published by Ashville Media Group Unit 55 Park West Road, Park West Industrial Park, Dublin 12 Tel: (01) 432 2200 Email: info@ashville.com; Web: www.ashville.com Publisher’s Statement The information in Ireland at Your Leisure is carefully researched and believed to be accurate and authoritative, but the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. Statements and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the publisher. Copyright 2019 Ireland at Your Leisure magazine. No part of this may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without written permission from the publisher. All discounts, promotions and competitions contained in this magazine are run independently of Ireland at Your Leisure. The promoter/advertiser is responsible for honouring the prize.

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Activities

ACTIVITIES

HORSERIDING, OFF-ROAD CYCLING, PADDLEBOARDING OR RELAXING BOAT RIDES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NO MATTER WHAT YOUR PACE OR PREFERENCE, YOU WILL NEVER BE SHORT OF THINGS TO DO HERE IN IRELAND. OUR JAM-PACKED FESTIVAL CALENDER IS ALSO SURE TO KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED YEAR-LONG.

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Dalkey Island, Co Dublin IRELAND AT YOUR LEISURE 2019/2020 | 3

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Activities

Festival Calendar

ACTIVITIES

From activity centres to natural attractions to festivals and events, you will never be short of things to do here in Ireland. Soak up the culture and fun or relax in a spa.

St. Patrick’s Day parade

JULY 2019

Climbing, Co Donegal

reland boasts a broad range of unique things to do with activities to suit all ages and fitness levels. Take a ride on Ireland’s only cable car on Dursey Island – the only cable car in Europe that transports people over open sea – or learn about Irish history and mythology in one of the country’s many museums. Go mountain biking in the Ballyhoura mountains or enjoy a leisurely cycle along the off road Mayo or Waterford Greenways. Walk the scenic coastal path from Bray to Greystones or experience the nerve-racking cliff side trail along the Slieve League Mountains. Ireland is bursting with family fun and child-friendly activities with a whole host of outdoor and indoor activity centres to choose from. Go on a family adventure to Clare Island Adventures or learn about Ireland’s resident bottlenose dolphins in Carrigaholt, County Clare. With an entire calender of festivals and events, there is never a dull moment. From music and dance, to storytelling and literature, to craft beer and seafood there is something to suit all tastes. Experience traditional Irish music at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August or listen to some jazz at the internationally renowned Guinness Cork Jazz Festival in October.The Galway Arts Festival in July and Kilkenny Arts Festival in August both offer guaranteed craic, with theatre, street art, music, comedy, literature, and much much more. After a long day of activities, relax in a seaweed bath at one of Ireland’s award-winning spas – after all that adventure, you’ll need it!

THE BIG DAY Where better to celebrate St Patrick’s Day on March 17th than at the big parade in Dublin? The festivities on March 17th 2020w will take place throughout Ireland. For more information, log on to www.stpatricksfestival.ie

■ 17 - 21 July: FÉILE BRIAN BORÚ Killaloe, Co Clare ■ 11 - 14 July: COMERAGHS WILD FESTIVAL 2019 Bunmahon, Co Waterford ■ 15 - 28 July: GALWAY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL 2019 Galway City, Co Galway ■ 18 - 21 July: THE FESTIVAL OF CURIOSITY 2019 Dublin City, Co Dublin ■ 1 - 2 June: SUMMERFEST CARLOW Carlow Town, Co Carlow

AUGUST 2019 ■ 28 July - 5 August: DURROW SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2019 Durrow, Co Laois ■ 2 - 4 August: SPRAOI INTERNATIONAL STREET ARTS FESTIVAL Waterford City, Co Waterford

■ 10 - 12 August: PUCK FAIR Killorglin, Co Kerry ■ 8 - 18 August: KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL Kilkenny City, Co Kilkenny ■ 11 - 18 August: FLEADH CHEOIL NA HÉIREANN Drogheda, Co Louth

SEPTEMBER 2019 ■ 30 August 29 September: LISDOONVAARNA MATCHMAKING FESTIVAL Lisdoonvaarna, Co Clare ■ 17 - 19 September: NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS Ballintrane, Co Carlow ■ 16 - 22 September: CLONAKILTY GUITAR FESTIVAL Clonakilty, Co Cork

OCTOBER 2019 ■ 16 October 4 November: BELFAST INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL Belfast, Co Antrim ■ 20 October 3 November: WEXFORD FESTIVAL OPERA Wexford Town, Co Wexford ■ 24 - 28 October: GUINNESS CORK JAZZ FESTIVAL 2018 Cork City, Co Cork

NOVEMBER 2019 ■ 7 - 17 November: CORK FILM FESTIVAL Cork City, Co Cork

JANUARY 2020 ■ 22 - 26: TEMPLE BAR TRAD FEST, Temple Bar, Co Dublin

MARCH 2020 ■ 17 March: ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVALS Nationwide

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ACTIVITIES

THE QUICK GUIDE TO THINGS TO DO

DELPHI ADVENTURE RESORT, DELPHI, CO MAYO Adventure centre www.delphiadventureresort.com

GLENVEAGH NATIONAL PARK, LETTERKENNY, CO DONEGAL Natural attraction www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie

CARRICK ON SHANNON ELECTRIC BIKE TRAIL, CO LEITRIM Bike hire www.electricbiketrails.com

BENBULBEN MOUNTAIN, CO SLIGO Natural attraction

LOUGHCREW ADVENTURE CENTRE, OLDCASTLE, CO MEATH Adventure centre www.loughcrew.com/ attractions/adventure-centre

CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK, CONNEMARA, CO GALWAY Natural attraction www.connemaranationalpark.ie

CASTLECOMER DISCOVERY PARK, CASTLECOMER, CO KILKENNY Adventure centre www.discoverypark.ie

IRELANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SCHOOL OF FALCONRY, ASHFORD CASTLE, CONG, CO MAYO Visitor attraction www.falconry.ie

WATERFORD GREENWAY, CO WATERFORD Cycling route www.visitwaterfordgreenway.com

DONERAILE WILDLIFE PARK, DONERAILE, CO CORK Visitor attraction

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COASTAL FUN

Dolphinwatch Carrigaholt Location Carrigaholt, Co Clare Contact: www.dolphinwatch.ie Cost: Adults - €35, Children (15-year-old and younger) – €20 Go For: Watch and learn about

Ireland’s only resident wild bottlenose dolphins at the Shannon Estuary. An EU Special Area of Conservation, it is home to a variety of nesting seabirds, spectacular cliffs and fascinating maritime history. On board the passenger boat, Draíocht (the Irish word for “magic”) you will depart from Carrigaholt Castle Pier on a fully guided trip and see dolphins in their natural habitat in the meantime enjoying stunning views of Loop Head and the Kerry coast. Stay For: Carrigaholt is a recommended destination point on the Wild Atlantic Way and Dolphinwatch is one of the BBC Wildlife Magazine’s Top Ten Attractions in Ireland.

Whale Watch West Cork Humpback Whale, West Cork

ACTIVITY:

FUN

From wildlife observation to action-packed adventure parks, visitors to Irish shores will find a variety of fun things to do for all the family. Activity Centres With plenty of indoor and outdoor activity centres around Ireland, there’s no excuse to stay at home, even when it’s raining. Just a short drive from Dublin, Kippure Estate in Blessington, County Wicklow offers a whole host of activities including kayaking, hillwalking, clay shooting, raft building and bush craft survival. A little further south, based in a stunning 80 acres of woodland is the Castlecomer Discovery Park.The park has everything from walking trails, relaxing boat rides and fishing to more extreme activities including highropes adventure activities, as well as a fascinating multi-media coal mining museum and design craft workshops. At Oysterhaven in Kinsale County Cork you can stay in one of the on site holiday cottages and make a weekend out of your visit and relax after a day of sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. For adventure in the west, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark not only offers breathtaking views of one of the most unique landscapes in Ireland, it is also home to the longest cave system in Ireland and the largest stalactite in Europe, as well as a national park, and a host of wild flora and fauna. For adrenaline junkies, Carlingford Adventure Centre in County Louth has your regular adventure centre activities such as canoeing, abseiling, archery and rock climbing as well as ziplining, zorbing and laser combat. Tanagh Outdoor Adventure Centre in County Cavan has some unique activities on offer including mud slides, raft building, electronic orienteering, and white water kayaking. And let’s not forget Tayto Park, Ireland’s exhilarating theme park and zoo in County Meath. Another exciting new addition to Ireland’s activity offering is the highly anticipated CenterParcs, opening in Longford forest in summer 2019.

Location Baltimore, Co Cork Contact: www.whalewatchwestcork.com Cost: €50 per person Go For: A guided tour of marine wildlife off the West Cork coast.

To date, 24 species of the world’s whales and dolphins have been recorded in Irish waters, with over 12 cetacean species spotted in West Cork waters, making it one of the richest areas for whale and dolphin watching in Ireland. A variety of species can be spotted including Minke Whales, Basking Sharks and Fin Whales. A variety of other marine wildlife can be seen throughout the season. Stay For: The retur n jour ney is along the beautiful West Cork coastline and islands.You can view castles, harbours and inlets.

Blasket Islands Eco Marine Tours Location Baile an Trasna, Ventry Harbour, Co Kerry Contact: www.marinetours.ie Cost: Morning tour - €40 per person. Afternoon tour - €55. All Day Ferry and Eco Marine Tour - €70. Go For: In the spectacularly beautiful Atlantic waters of Dingle Bay,

you will encounter porpoises, common dolphins, risso’s dolphins and minke whales – the most frequently observed species. Killer whales can occasionally be observed in passage, while humpback and fin whales appear in these waters in the late summer and autumn months. Visit the remote islands of Inis na Bro, Inisvickalaun and Tearaght where thousands of migrating seabirds nest during the summer months including puffins and Manx shearwaters. Stay For: The Great Blasket Island is home to a colony of about 700 grey seals, while a large heard of native Irish red deer live on Inisvickalaun.

Titanic Harbour Guided Tour Location Donegall Quay, Belfast, Co Antrim Contact: www.laganboatcompany.com Cost: Family - £35 (2 adults, 2 children) Go For: The tour tells the story of Belfast’s maritime heritage and

takes you on a unique trip to see the birth place of the famous liner and her connection to the city. Learn about the history of the Harland & Wolff shipyards and the famous Titanic sites around Belfast Harbour.The Lagan Boat Company also offers tours of the river Lagan and seasonal tours to the historic town of Carrickfergus where you can visit the town’s well preserved Norman Castle and museum. Stay For: The tour offers visitors the chance to see the Musgrave Channel, home to Belfast’s large breeding seal colony.

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Quest Adventure Race, Glendalough, Co Wicklow

ACTIVITY:

ADVENTURE TOURS

Zipling high above a forest, scaling a 100 metre sea stack or climbing Ireland’s highest mountain, however you get your thrills, Ireland has plenty of adrenalin pumping activities to satisfy even the most intrepid traveller. Nestled in one of the most inaccessible locations in Ireland stands hundreds of sea stacks, sprouting from the Donegal sea. Unique Ascents safely guide you to the summit of some of the most outstanding sea stacks in Ireland where you will stand on a pinpoint summit over 100m above the ocean, 500m from the nearest point of land and 20km from the nearest main road, offering breathtaking views of the open sea and the mainland in the distance. No previous climbing experience is required, just a sense of adventure and humour. For an alternative view of the capital, City Kayaking, operated by Adventure Training Ireland provides single and double kayaks so you can explore Dublin from the river Liffey. Located at their base at the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship on Custom House Quay, City Kayaking can be reached in less than a ten minute walk from O’Connell Street. Alternatively, you can take a day tour or walking adventure holiday with Hilltop Treks. Day tours from Dublin include trips to Wicklow, The Boyne Valley and The Cliffs of Moher. Hilltop Treks also offers a 15-day All-Ireland Tour, a week-long tour to either the south-west of Ireland or to Connemara and the Aran Islands or a walking tour of The Wild Atlantic Way. If your tour takes you to Northern Ireland, stop off in Newtownabbey, County Antrim to learn how to fly with Northern Ireland’s longest established paragliding school, First Flight Paragliding. Courses take place seven days a week (weather depending) on various sites around Northern Ireland. The introductory one-day ‘Taster’ course costs £120.

Horse Riding From beach rides, post to post treks to cross-country routes, Ireland boasts some of the best riding breaks you could wish for, catering for a range of experience levels. Clonshire Equestrian & Polo Centre in Adare, County Limerick welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities, whether it be for a day or two, or to partake in their renowned week-long programme. Set on 130 acres of parkland, it is located just 20 minutes from Limerick City and 2.5km from the charming village of Adare. The highly-qualified staff do their best to match each rider with a suitable horse to ensure riders get the most from their experience, and are happy to organise individual coaching. Among their programmes are a five-day programme, a pony camp, and a residential programme for unaccompanied children. Ireland also hosts horse shows which draw horse lovers, young and old. The 2019 Dublin Horse Show will take place from August 7th to 11th with live music and entertainment, art, fashion, shopping, food and the best in national and international equestrian competitions. Ladies Day on Thursday, August 9th, promises fantastic prizes for ‘best dressed lady’, ‘most colourful outfit’ and ‘most creative hat’. There is also a prize for ‘best dressed man’.

Dublin Horse Show

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Activities

Angling

Spa and Wellness

Ireland is recognised as being an outstanding fishing holiday destination in Europe. The vast variety and quality of fishing in Ireland makes it the perfect destination for your angling holiday. Kilmore Quay in south Wexford is considered a ‘sea angling centre of excellence’. Whether fishing from a boat or the shore, the sea angler has the opportunity to target fish from a variety of interesting marks and locations. Forty-one species have been caught on rod and line off Kilmore Quay, varying from hard-fighting bass and fast-running tope, to the sleek blue shark. A 55-berth marina is home to a fleet of purpose-built licensed charter vessels which operate on a daily basis and work the fish-rich waters off the Saltee Islands. For the small boat angler, a wide slipway, accessible at all stages of the tide, opens the door to a host of sea-angling opportunities. The Brandies, Barrels and Conningbeg Rock are well-known offshore marks here. Codling, pollack, wrasse, pouting, conger and ling abound on these offshore reefs, with ray, flatfish, smooth hound and tope resident over the inshore banks. Shore angling is equally varied. Local storm beaches are home to bass, smooth hound, and flatfish, with night tides being particularly good. Nearby estuaries such as Cullenstown and Bannow provide autumn and winter sport for anglers targeting specimen flounder, while big tides and settled weather in the spring and summer offer the serious lure and fly fisherman superb conditions to target sea trout and bass. With a range of experienced charter skippers, good local food, angler-friendly accommodation, Kilmore Quay is ideal as a base for all-round angling break.

Glencolumbcille, Co Donegal

Recharge your batteries at one of Ireland’s top-class spa destinations. Reap the benefits of natural resources combined with high-quality amenities located in incredible settings. Seaweed SPA

Irish spas have received accolades in the World Luxury Hotel Awards and are ranked in Forbes Magazine’s top 10 destinations in the world. From seaweed baths to peat treatments, a trip to the spa is a great way to detoxify the skin, soothe aching muscles and indulge in a calming, simple and yet powerfully restorative experience. Marine cure therapy is one of Ireland’s most famous indigenous therapies. Simply bathing in mineral rich seaweed can have near miraculous benefits, helping sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and eczema, joint pain and post-traumatic stress injuries. The Voya spa in Strandhill, Co. Sligo specialises in seaweed baths and is the ideal pit stop after a weekend of surfing on Strandhill’s famous waves or a round of golf at the local links golf club. A family-run spa, it attracts over 40,000 visitors each year who come for the full body massage and facial experience - among the most popular options. Seaweed’s antioxidant and anti-ageing qualities come into their own when applied directly to skin, feeding it with a boost of raw nutrition for a visible result. It is an all-round healer and beautifier, working to fight cellulite and restore skin elasticity. It is the perfect way to ease away the stresses of a busy lifestyle. Peat might seem like an unusual ingredient to put on your skin, but believe it or not, this is the ultimate way to condition winter skin and warm and soothe aching, tired muscles. In 2003, two bog bodies dating back to the Iron Age, were discovered and their skin was in remarkable condition. The therapists at ESPA at the Powerscourt Hotel in County Wicklow are putting peat to good use with their ‘Warming Peat Ritual’, made with 100% natural Óg Ireland Peat. The signature ‘Peat Ritual’ commences with an ‘ESPA Salt and Oil Body Scrub’ with muscle warming oils to prepare the skin for treatment. Gently heated Óg Ireland Peat is then applied over the body, focusing on key tension areas. Stress is eased away with anoriental head massage, followed by warm oils being applied in preparation for a full body massage. Peat improves the skin’s tonicity and is an ideal anti-aging treatment due to its content of copper and zinc and its skin healing properties. It is also a good treatment for acne, psoriasis and eczema. Be sure to take advantage of Ireland’s natural resources and ease away the stresses of a busy lifestyle.

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Activities

ACTIVITY:

DRIVING TOURS

Driving tours allow visitors the time and freedom to discover Ireland at their leisure. Get off the beaten track and uncover hidden gems. From stunning coastal routes, to wild mountain passes and pit-stops at historical landmarks, Ireland has a wealth of great attractions and breathtaking sights to captivate its visitors. Lonely Planet even tipped the Causeway Coastal Route to be the world’s top region to visit in 2018. The Grand Tour of Kildare and Wicklow

Heading west, take in the stunning scenery of the Causeway Coast before arriving at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge spanning a 24-meter chasm. Head inland to the village of Bushmills, home to the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. After Bushmills, head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway. Heading west observe the romantic ruin of Dunluce Castle before continuing on through Portrush and Portstewart, lively seaside resorts. Returning on to the Causeway Coastal Route head towards Limavady, along by Castlerock. Look out for the glorious Mussenden Temple, the cliff top folly said to have been inspired by the Temple of Vesta at Rome. Drive down to Downhill, Benone or Magilligan Beach and take a walk. These windswept and dramatic beaches are so long you’ll often be the only one around. Limavady, a vibrant market town, is next along your route, before arriving in Derry to spend the night. An ideal place to end the trip, it is the only completely walled city in the British Isles, where you can wander along the 17th century walls and enjoy the charms this northern city has to offer.

The Grand Tour driving route takes in the most spectacular scenery,

the most beautiful big houses and gardens and the most intriguing early Christian heritage sites in Kildare and Wicklow, right on Dublin’s doorstep.Visitors can pick the best bits to cover in a day or immerse yourself fully in a longer, more leisurely tour. This 324km touring route contains plenty of hidden gems including a Givenchy dress worn by Princess Grace of Monaco at the Newbridge Museum of Style Icons and St. Kevin’s, a sixthcentury monastic settlement at Glendalough. Along the way, stop off in spectacular gardens and well preserved old mansions. Places to see on route include Avondale House and Forest Park, Blessington Lakes, Bray Promenade and Sealife Centre, Brittas Bay, Glendalough, Mount Usher Gardens, Powerscourt Gardens & Waterfall, Russborough House, Gardens and Maze, the Sally Gap and Wicklow’s Historic Gaol.

Causeway Coastal Route Driving Tour

In Northern Ireland, the Causeway Coastal driving tour from Belfast to Derry is a great way to experience the northern coast and gain an insight into its heritage and history while taking in the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO world heritage site. Leaving Belfast, join the Causeway Coastal Route at Newtownabbey with the beautiful Belfast Lough providing stunning views to your right. Stop at Newtownabbey’s Loughshore Park with spectacular views of where the Titanic first sailed as she headed out from the shipyards of Harland & Wolff. You will then come to the pretty seaside town of Carrickfergus with its well-preserved 12th century Norman castle. Next on the route is Kilroot, where Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver’s Travels) made his first living as a minister. Continue to Larne, gateway to the beautiful Glens of Antrim. Head northwards through a selection of villages and the Glens of Antrim will unfold before you. Slip off the side road to Glenoe where four waterfalls creat magnificent views. Just outside Larne, take the famous Antrim Coast Road. At the foot of Glenarm Glen lies the little village of Glenarm, set slightly inland where you can stop in for the traditional folk music sessions. It is also home to the Glenarm Castle and the beautiful public parkland of Glenarm Forest. Driving further on will bring you to Cushendall. Here, the town’s four-storey Curfew Tower is surrounded by pretty buildings and some convivial watering-holes. Next, head towards the seaside resort of Ballycastle where ferries leave for Rathlin Island, well worth visiting but visitors must allow 45 minutes for crossing each side.

Culture For Kids Ireland boasts numerous cultural attractions and entertainment for children. Museums, folk parks and fun parks give your children the opportunity to run around and enjoy themselves while simultaneously exploring educational and sensory activities. IMAGINOSITY, Dublin Children’s Museum in Sandyford, County Dublin, is a great way to while away a rainy afternoon. A childcentred creative, educational and interactive space for children under nine years, your children can dance and dress up in costumes in the theatre or present the news at the TV station, become a mechanic in the garage or become and engineer in the Construction Zone; the list goes on. All visitors are encouraged to get involved and celebrate children’s imaginations. For a unique experience, visit the Lambert Puppet Theatre in Monkstown, County Dublin, Ireland’s only purpose built puppet theatre which first opened its doors to the public in 1972. Eugene Lambert and his wife Mai visited The Harlequin Puppet Theatre in Colwyn Bay and an International Puppet Festival in Prague. Inspired by this, they decided to set up their own puppet theatre. A stop in Tayto Park in Ashbourne, County Meath is a sure way to find excitement and adventure. An amusement park with over 100 attractions, the main draws are the animals; porcupines, emus, wild cats, buffalo, highland cattle and many more. The Pow Wow Playground was specially built for children aged between 4 – 14 and contains four towers, each with different connectors, slides, climbing walls and bridges. The park is the only one of its kind in Ireland. The Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh, County Tyrone is a great way to have some family fun and education. Immerse yourself and your children in the story of Irish emigration at a museum which brings it all to life. The adventure takes you from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board an emigrant sailing ship to the log cabins of the American Frontier. Costumed characters guide you on your tour, with traditional crafts, stories and food to share. Make your trip to Ireland this year a memorable one for you and your family – have some fun!

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Welcome to a world of difference

From Castles and Manor Houses, to Country Hotels and City Boutiques, each of our hotels is as diverse as the destinations that define them. Offering true local character and an authentic welcome, experience the very heart of Irish hospitality. Discover your perfect stay, or give an experience unlike any other with a gift voucher for a stay at one of our idyllic properties.

Explore the full collection of over 60 hotels at, originalirishhotels.com or, call us on +353 1 295 8900

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Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION AND TOP-CLASS HOSPITALITY MAKE HOLIDAYING IN IRELAND AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE.

HOTEL RATING SYSTEM

★

★★

Functional locations, with good levels of comfort and service. Not all guest rooms will include private bathrooms.

Generally a family-run premises promising charm and atmosphere. Guest rooms include private bathroom, and dining facilities will be available for guests – though you shouldn’t expect late-night room service.

★★★

★★★★

★★★★★

Ranges from small family-run hotels to larger city hotels. Guest rooms include private bathrooms with bath/shower. Three star hotel restaurants marry quality food preparation with a relaxed atmosphere.

Includes contemporary hotels and charming period houses furnished to the highest standards of modern comforts. Guest accommodation is luxurious, with suites and half-suites available, and adjoining restaurants provide quality food.

The very best of the best in comfort and service. Hotels of this standard will range from stately castles and country club hotels to luxury city hotels. Accommodation in such locations is a blend of luxury and space, while they also include some of Ireland’s best restaurants.

HOTELS ON THE ISLAND OF IRELAND ARE RATED ON A ONE TO FIVE STAR SCALE.

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Accommodation

Hidden Ireland Bruckless House

ACCOMMODATION

When you visit Ireland, you will find no shortage of options when searching for a place to rest your head. From ancient castles, to luxurious spas, to glass domes beneath the stars, the choice is yours...

Bubble Domes at Finn Lough, County Fermanagh

reland is known as “The Land Of A Thousand Welcomes”, and you will receive just that if you stay at one of Ireland’s top hotels, with something to suit all tastes and budgets. From family favourites like Kelly’s Resort & Spa in Rosslare to romantic getaways in Galgorm Resort & Spa in County Antrim to chic city breaks in the capital at the Iveagh Garden Hotel, you never have to travel far for amazing experiences. Step back in time at the Titanic Hotel in Belfast. The four-star hotel in the city’s Titanic Quarter incorporates the original Harland & Wolff drawing rooms in which Titanic was designed, along with posters and scale models and Villeroy and Boch tiles identical to those used in the ship’s pool to completely transport you to the setting of the iconic ship. Some of Ireland’s top hotels have undergone major refurbishments this year and the results will not disappoint. Adare Pure Camping

Manor reopened in November 2017 after

an extensive restoration that took nearly two years. For a taste of the opulence, afternoon tea in the impressive gallery costs €45pp. Dromoland Castle and Ashford Castle have also undergone major refurbishments. Cahernane House in Killareny was one of the most eagerly anticipated re-openings this year, following an impressive €6 million renovation. The hotel features beautiful antiques inside and breathtaking views of the lakes of Killarney outside. Belfast’s new €60 million Grand Central Hotel features a chic cocktail lounge on the building’s 23rd floor. With incredible views of the city, it’s said to be the “highest bar in Ireland”. Luxurious resorts The decadent Lady Eleanor Suite in Butler House in County Kilkenny features plush furnishings and a bay window overlooking 18th-century gardens. The stunning ivy-covered building is just a short walk from the bustling town of Kilkenny. For luxury and relaxation, head to Monart Destination Spa in Enniscorthy, County Wexford. With free classes including yoga and aqua aerobics and luxurious spa treatments, it’s no wonder this 5-star resort has previously been voted Ireland’s best spa. A chic new Garden Bar and plant-based vetgan menu make it the perfect choice for a healthy weekend of R&R. For something

idden Ireland is a fascinating collection of privately-owned historic country houses, where visitors stay as guests. Country houses offer the opportunity to explore the best of Ireland’s countryside, while the town houses provide a relaxing way to visit Ireland’s towns and cities. They range from Ireland and Northern Ireland’s grandest and most important Georgian buildings to charming rural rectories, but they are united by their owners’ commitment to traditional hospitality and service in a rapidly changing world. Spend your days in Donegal surfing in Bundoran, and your evenings and nights enjoying the splendid luxury of Bruckless House, the 18th century home of the Evans family, and a nationally listed protected building. 18km west of Donegal town, bordering Bruckless Bay, it features developed and protected mature woodlands, locally-bred Connemara ponies, and an award-winning and nationally-recognised Robinsonian Garden. Or enjoy fishing, walking and tours of the west of Ireland from Clonalis House in County Roscommon, the ancestral home of the O’Conor family, descendants of Ireland’s last High King and the traditional Kings of Connacht. The family has lived on this beautiful estate for 700 years and guests are invited to explore the family’s rich and varied history. Things to see include the harp of the blind Irish composer and harpist, Turlough O’Carolan, one of Ireland’s greatest and well known travelling bards; a collection of family portraits; the library of Charles O’Conor of Belnagare (famous 18th century antiquarian; the largest private collection of original documents in Irish) and the O’Conor coronation stone, on which the Kings of Connacht were crowned. Southern Ireland has its fair share of historical resting places too. In Killarney, County Kerry, lies the elegant Coolclogher Manor House, another of Ireland’s listed buildings, and one which has occupied this land since 1746. Ross Castle is within walking distance, while the Gap of Dunloe, Muckross House, the lakes of Killarney and Killarney National Park are only a short drive away.

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Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION

THE QUICK SLEEPOVER GUIDE

FANAD HEAD LIGHTHOUSE, LETTERKENNY, CO DONEGAL Historic Building www.fanadlighthouse.com

THE TITANIC HOTEL, BELFAST, CO ANTRIM ★★★★ www.titanichotelbelfast.com

BUBBLE DOMES AT FINN LOUGH, CO FERMANAGH ★★★★★ www.finnlough.com

ASHFORD CASTLE HOTEL, CONG, CO MAYO ★★★★★ www.ashfordcastle.com

CASTLECOOTE HOUSE, CASTLECOOTE, CO ROSCOMMON Historic House www.castlecootehouse.com

BALLPORTY CASTLE, NEWTOWN, CO CLARE Historic House www.ballyportry.ie

NEWPARK HOTEL, CASTLECOMER ROAD, CO KILKENNY ★★★★ www.flynnhotels.com /Newpark_Hotel_Kilkenny

ARD NA SIDHE, KILLORGLIN, CO KERRY ★★★★ www.ardnasidhe.com

INCHYDONEY HOTEL AND SPA, INCHYDONEY ISLAND, CO CORK ★★★★ www.inchydoneyisland.com

GREAT NATIONAL BALLYKISTEEN GOLF HOTEL, LIMERICK JUNCTION, CO TIPPERARY ★★★★ www.kilshanehouse.ie

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Accommodation

The Armada Spanish Point features seaview

Butler House

rooms overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and further up the western coast, Harvey’s Point is ideally located on Lough Eske in Donegal with a new terrace and bar designed to make the most of the surroundings. In Northern Ireland, the Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh is the perfect base from which to discover the countless natural wonders this beautiful part of the country has to offer.

a little less formal, The Duck Lodge at Marlfield House offers understated luxury in a private setting. The self-catering two-bedroom cottage on the grounds of Marlfield House allows visitors to experience the best of both worlds – the stunning grounds of the four star country house, and the comfort and ease of private accommodation. The Kildare Hotel, Spa and Country Club (also known as The K Club) is one of the country’s leading golf resorts, located in the pretty village of Straffan, County Kildare, just 30 minutes from Dublin’s city centre. An 18th century Irish country house, the estate covers an impressive 220ha of parkland and gardens. In the capital, The Shelbourne hotel is one of Ireland’s most iconic hotels, overlooking St Stephen’s Green, it is Dublin’s largest 5-star hotel and is the epitome of luxury. Stunning sights Sitting in front of a stunning backdrop, Achill Island Hotel combines first-class accommodation with aspects of local culture and heritage. Take a stroll along one of the island’s beautiful blue flag beaches or relax in a cosy pub. Ard na Sidhe in Kerry offers stunning views over Caragh Lake. The little sister of the more famous Europe Hotel in Killarney and Dunloe Castle, Ard na Sidhe offers a relaxed country vibe. Conveniently located on the Wild Atlantic Way route,

Ard na Sidhe Country House, Killorglin, Co Kerry

Unique experiences If you’re looking for a unique experience then look no further than the Bubble Domes at Finn Lough, County Fermanagh. Sleep beneath the stars surrounded by lush woodland and scenic lakes in these spherical transparent structures with 360 degrees views of the nature surrounding you. With everything you need for an unforgettable stay, there’s even a telescope should you fancy a closer look at the constellations. For architecture enthusiasts, Breac.House in County Donegal is a modern retreat on the dramatic north-western headland, Horn Head. Blending modern and traditional design, with a strong focus on homegrown talent, this stunning guest house doesn’t invade or intrude on the beautiful surroundings but rather highlights and complements the breathtaking landscape and expansive views over Dunfanaghy Bay. Breac. House is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking, surfing and cycling. After an action-packed day, guests can indulge in a complimentary seaweed bath. Like the idea of camping but don’t like the idea of erecting tents? Glamping offers outdoor enthusiasts an upgrade on rest and recuperation. Ireland has a whole host of unique camping experiences that allow you to relax and unwind in the great outdoors with zero hardship and a little bit of luxury. Pure Camping on Loop Head in County Clare features three luxurious and furnished bell tents kitted out with a deck and campfire, perfect for long summer nights.The campsite offers a series of Wellness Weekends with meditation and yoga included. For panoramic coastal views you can even stay in a lighthouse. At Wicklow Head Lighthouse, guests can spend the night in the actual lighthouse tower. For the highest vantage point, you’ll need to scale 107 steps to the kitchen. St John’s Point, Donegal, offers views of the beautiful Coral Beach below. These are just a few examples of the many lighthouse campuses you can now stay in, thanks to the Irish Landmark Trust’s Great Lighthouses of Ireland project. Spa resorts, castles, lighthouses and scenic hotels – with countless places to stay across the country, make sure you choose a resting spot you’ll remember!

The Blue Book

Newforge House

ormed in 1974, with 11 founding members, the Blue Book Association nestles comfortably in the gap between bed and breakfast accommodation and the larger hotel industry. In the 2017 edition of Ireland’s Blue Book, there are 48 properties spread across the island, alongside two exclusive rental properties. A strict criteria is involved for potential members, so you can be sure your visit to a Blue Book venue will be marked by strong individualistic style, and character. Each property is distinct, and unique, and offers an experience which is hard to find elsewhere. Liss Ard Estate, for example – situated one mile from Skibberean Village in beautiful West Cork – occupies a 185 acre estate, and sits beside a charming 50 acre lake. Boasting a rich history, dating back over 160 years to the time of the prominent O’Donovan Anglo-Irish landlords, it promises enchantment, contemporary design and peace and tranquillity. Closer to Dublin, Rathsallagh House is a large and comfortable house sitting on 530 acres of peaceful parkland, combined with a walled garden and an 18 hole Championship golf course. Less than an hour from Dublin airport, Rathsallagh offers a gateway to the sights of the east, with Glendalough, the Wicklow Mountains, The National Stud (with its own Japanese Gardens) and the Curragh all well within driving distance. At the very tip of Ireland, in ancient Armagh, once one of the royal capitals of pagan Gaelic Ireland, Newforge House is cradled in mature gardens and green fields in the village of Maghaeralin. Built in 1785, the Georgian country house has been in the Mathers family for six generations. Contemporary comforts blend easily with period features, and first class food is a cornerstone of any visit. Centrally located in Northern Ireland, Newforge is a great base for touring Counties Armagh and Down, with the main M1 motorway a mere two miles away, and both Belfast airport and the ferry terminal a 30 minute drive.

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WHERE HISTORY & CULTURE LIVE ON Rediscover Russborough – rich with paintings collected by the Earls of Milltown and donated to the National Gallery of Ireland in 1902, on view in their original surroundings for the first time in over 100 years. Th e RHSI 18th century walled garden is available for pre booked groups For Family Fun: there is a Maze, Fairy trail, Playground & Tree Trail 2km walking tour of the Demesne - Gift Shop & Restaurant OPENING TIMES: 1st March to December, 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm Tel: + 353 (0)45 865239 Email: friedaoconnell@russborough.ie www.russborough.ie Sat Nav GPS: Lat 53.135517 Long 6.572386

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* Free Coach Park * €3 Car Park Location: 20 km from Dublin off the N81 and 4.5 km from Blessington, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

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IRELAND AT YOUR LEISURE 2019/2020

Princess Grace

A L SO FE ATU R IN G O N E O F THE G R E ATE ST P R IVATE C O L L E C TIO N S O F O R IG IN A L AU D R E Y HE P B U R N C O U TU R E IN E X ISTE N C E

2019 2020

IRELAND AT YOUR LEISURE 2017/2018

WHERE ROYALTY & ICONS MINGLE…

2018 2019

Michael Jackson

Marilyn Monroe

Princess Diana

T H E M US E UM O F S T Y L E I C O N S AT NEWBRID GE SILVERWARE, NEWBRID GE, CO. K ILDARE, IRELAND .

ASHVILLE MEDIA GROUP

Located in the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre, the Museum of Style Icons boasts a world-class collection of some of the greatest style and cinema memorabilia ever to exist. The collection includes garments worn by Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minnelli, Elvis, Tippi Hedren, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Kim Kardashian and so much more.

M U SEU M | VISITOR CEN T RE | SILVER RESTAU RAN T T: 353 (0)45 431301. SHOP ONLINE AT WWW.NEWBRID GESILVERWARE.COM

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If you would like to advertise in Ireland At Your Leisure 2020/2021, please call Shane Kelly, Sales Manager on (01) 432 2234 or email shane.kelly@ashvillemediagroup.com 000 IAYL 2019 cover_Kildare.indd 1

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Attractions and Events

ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS

WITH A RICH AND VARIED HISTORY, IRELAND HAS A WEALTH OF ATTRACTIONS. FROM PRESERVED CASTLES AND MANSIONS, CHURCH RUINS AND BATTLE RE-ENACTMENTS, TO SPECTACULAR VIEWS AND GARDENS, LOSE YOURSELF IN SOME OF THE MOST ROMANTIC AND CAPTIVATING SETTINGS IRELAND HAS TO OFFER.

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Plassey, InisEvents Oirr, Co Galway Attractions and

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Attractions and Events

EVENTS

ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS

Immerse yourself in Irish culture and history at the nation’s best-loved attractions and traditional events.

Foynes Air Show Foynes, Co Limerick

JULY 2019

OCTOBER 2019

■ 5-7 July: FÉILE TRAIDPHICNIC, Spiddal, Co Galway ■ 6-7 July: GROOVE FESTIVAL 2019, Bray, Co Wicklow ■ 21-23 July: TOWNLANDS CARNIVAL 2019 Macroom, Co Cork

■ 11 -19 October: TALKING WALLS FESTIVAL, Achill Island, Co Mayo ■ 25-28 October: BRAM STOKER FESTIVAL Dublin City, Co Dublin ■ 26-31 October: FÉILE SAMHAIN AT HOOK LIGHTHOUSE, Co Wexford ■ 27 October: DUBLIN MARATHON, Dublin City, Co Dublin

AUGUST 2019

Limerick City

Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb 3200 BC, County Meath, Ireland

ith museums, ancient ruins and striking natural formations in every corner of Ireland, it couldn’t be easier to soak up the rich history of this diverse country. Discover the secrets of Christians and pilgrims, saints and scholars and medieval and Viking quarters.Visit one of Ireland’s breathtaking UNESCO world heritage sites, such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway or Skellig Michael. Experience the unique landscape of The Burren in

County Clare. Get a sense of Ireland long ago while enjoying tranquil scenes at ancient castles and settlements in Cashel or Clonmacnoise.Travel 5,000 years back in time to the old passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, monuments older than the Egyptian pyramids, or discover life on one of the many islands off the coast of Ireland. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, a stop at these destinations will certainly make it a trip to remember!

■ 10-14 August: TUBBERCURRY OLD FAIR DAY FESTIVAL, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo ■ 8-11 August: WEST CORK HISTORY FESTIVAL, Skibereen, Co Cork ■ 23-25 August: LOUGHREA MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL 2019, Loughrea, Co Galway ■ 17-25 August: TRIM SALMON OF KNOWLEDGE FESTIVAL Trim, Co Meath

MONASTIC CITY

www.h midlands-ea

NOVEMBER 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019

■ 8-10 November: SNEEM INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING & FOLKLORE FESTIVAL, Sneem, Co Kerry ■ 10-17 November: SCIENCE WEEK, Nationwide ■ 22-24 November: CORK CHOCOLATE WEEKEND, Cork International Hotel, Co Cork

■ 20 - 22 September: FEILE CLASSICAL, Thurles, Co Tipperary ■ 14 September: HARVEST MOON CELEBRATIONS, Fethard on Sea, Co Wexford ■ 1 - 20 October: DUBLIN FESTIVAL OF HISTORY 2019, Dublin Castle, Co Dublin

■ 18-23 December: WINTER SOLSTICE AT NEWGRANGE Donore, Co Meath ■ 30 December – 1 January: NYF DUBLIN Dublin City, Co Dublin

DECEMBER 2019

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Attractions and Events

ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS

THE QUICK GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON

MARBLE ARCH CAVES, FLORENCECOURT, CO FERMANAGH Natural attraction www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com

ST PATRICK’S GRAVE, DOWN CATHEDRAL, DOWNPATRICK, NORTHERN IRELAND Historical attraction www.downcathedral.org

CÉIDE FIELDS, BALLYCASTLE, CO MAYO Archaeological site www.ceidefields.com

HILL OF TARA, CASTLEBOY, CO MEATH Archaeological site www.hilloftara.org MONASTIC CITY OF CLONMACNOISE, ATHLONE, CO OFFALY Historical attraction www.heritageireland.ie/en/ midlands-eastcoast/clonmacnoise

TRIM CASTLE, TRIM, CO MEATH Historical attraction www.heritageireland.ie/en/ midlands-eastcoast/trimcastle

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND, DUBLIN CITY Historical attraction www.museum.ie/Home

ARAN ISLANDS, CO GALWAY Natural attraction www.aranislands.ie

GLENDALOUGH, CO WICKLOW Natural and historical attraction www.glendalough.ie

DUNBRODY FAMINE SHIP, NEW ROSS, COUNTY WEXFORD Historical attraction www.dunbrody.com

BLARNEY CASTLE, BLARNEY, CO CORK Historical attraction www.blarneycastle.ie

JERPOINT ABBEY, THOMASTOWN, CO KILKENNY Historical attraction www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-CultureHeritage/jerpoint-abbey/405

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Titanic Belfast

ATTRACTIONS Have you ever visited a Neolithic monument? Viewed the Atlantic ocean from the top of a 700ft-high sheer cliff? This is just a taster of the remarkable experiences visitors to Irish shores can enjoy. Why not visit the birthplace of the worldfamous ocean liner, the RMS Titanic, or take a trip to Blarney Castle where the Blarney Stone is said to have the power to confer eloquence on all who kiss it? You will never again be lost for words!

Titanic Belfast, Co Antrim

Titanic Belfast is a must-see attraction in any tour of Belfast and Northern Ireland. Located in the heart of Belfast, County Antrim, the exhibition is housed in an iconic, six-floor building right beside the historic site of this world-famous ship’s construction. Your journey takes you through nine galleries employing a variety of interactive media to tell the story of the RMS Titanic, from its conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through its construction and launch, to its famous maiden voyage and tragic end. The exhibition includes historical information about Belfast as a boomtown at the start of the century and is brought up to the present with the discovery of the wreck and live links to contemporary undersea exploration. High points include a thrilling, dark ride and an underwater exploration theatre.

Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, Blarney Castle is most famous for the Blarney Stone, which is said to have the power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it.The stone is set in the wall below the battlements and to kiss it, you will have to lean backwards from the parapet walk while holding on to an iron railing! From the top of the castle you can take in the wonderful views of over 60 acres of sprawling parklands. There are pleasant walks along the riverbanks and in springtime the castle grounds are filled with thousands of bulbs and the ‘Belgian beds’, full of hybrid azaleas, are in full flower. In Autumn, the grounds turn beautiful shades of red, amber and gold. No matter your tastes, Ireland is sure to have something to keep you occupied. From historic sites of ancient significance to arts festivals and visitor centres – it is all waiting for you to discover!

Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre A visit to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, in Donore, County Meath, is a great way to explore the Neolithic monuments of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.The extensive exhibition includes a full scale replica of the chamber at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Newgrange, as well as a full model of one of the smaller tombs at Knowth. Brú na Bóinne, which means the ‘palace’ or the ‘mansion’ of the Boyne, refers to the area within the bend of the River Boyne which contains one of the world’s most important prehistoric landscapes. The archaeological landscape within Brú na Bóinne is dominated by the three well-known large passage tombs, Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, built some 5,000 years ago in the Neolithic or Late Stone Age.The Brú na Bóinne tombs, in particular Knowth, contain the largest assemblage of megalithic art in Western Europe. All admissions to Newgrange and Knowth are through the visitor centre, there is no direct access to these monuments.Visitors are brought from the visitor centre to the monuments by shuttle bus.

Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, Co Clare

Blarney Castle, Co Cork

Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction and a signature discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Located on the west coast of Ireland close to Liscannor village, County Clare, they stretch for 8km (5miles) along the Atlantic coast and reach 214m (702feet) at their highest point at Knockardakin. The word Mothar means “ruined fort” in ancient Gaelic, and a first century BC fort once stood where Moher tower now stands, so the ‘Cliffs of Moher’ translates as ‘the cliffs of the ruined fort’. However, no trace of this fort now remains. Located almost midway along these spectacular cliffs, The Cliffs of MoherVisitor Experience is home to an environmentally-friendly visitor centre, O’Brien’s Tower, a 19th century viewing tower, and 800 metres of protected cliff side pathways, viewing areas and steps.

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Attractions and Events Titanic Belfast, Co Antrim

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Irish Food & Drink

IRISH FOOD & DRINK EAT YOUR WAY AROUND IRELAND â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SAVOUR FOOD MADE BY PASSIONATE PEOPLE WHO ARE PROUD OF THEIR LOCAL INGREDIENTS, AND CHEFS WHO PRODUCE A VAST RANGE OF TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY IRISH DISHES.

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Irish Food & Drink

REGULAR MARKETS Regular Markets

IRISH FOOD & DRINK

English Market, Cork

From traditional thatched cottages to contemporary, exotic cuisine, Ireland’s food scene is varied and unique and always full to the brim with passion and healthy local produce.

DAILY English Market, Cork; all year 8am - 6pm Closed Sundays

TUESDAY The Village Market, Keoghs Yard, Oughterard, Galway; 10am-6pm University of Limerick (UL) Farmers’ Market, Limerick; 12pm-5:30pm Fayre in the Square, St. James Hospital, Dublin; 11am-3pm (Summer months only)

WEDNESDAY

Cockles in their shells

xperiencing Irish food and drink is experiencing Irish culture in its truest form. And while recipes adapt to changing tastes and evolving expectations, tradition is never too far from our menus. As a generation of well-travelled, educated and experienced chefs come to Irish shores to set up shop, the food and drink scene in Ireland has never been more exciting. New ventures this year include ichigo ichie, Una Mas, and the highly anticipated opening of The Ivy. The Wild Honey Inn in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare is also about to get a lot busier after becoming the first pub in Ireland to win a Michelin star this year. Vibrant food and farmers’ markets have also been popping up all over the country, highlighting our growing desire for fresh, local produce. Most notable perhaps is the English Market, trading since 1788, this bustling market in the

heart of Cork City celebrates its 230th anniversary this year and is just as popular as ever with Prince Charles and Camilla paying a visit during their threeday trip in June 2018. Food festivals also showcase the vast variety of food and dining experiences available. Can you beat the Guinness World Record for eating the most oysters (233 in three minutes – set at the Hillsborough Oyster Festival in 2005)? As tradition is never too far from our hearts, you will always find a steaming plate of Irish stew or pint of Guinness. Cookery classes are a great way to experience Irish food and locally sourced ingredients and truly master the art of hearty Irish cooking. At the Ballymaloe Cookery School in County Cork, you will cook in the middle of a 100-acre, organic farm. You can also experience Ireland’s booming gin trade or follow the Ireland Whiskey Trail.

Kinsale Farmers’ Market, Temperance Hall, Kinsale, Cork; 9am-2.30pm Kenmare Farmers’ Market, Kerry, 11am-3pm East Point Village Market, East Point Business Park, Dublin; 11.30am-2pm

THURSDAY Dungarvan Farmers’ Market, The Square, Dungarvan, Waterford; 9.30am-2pm Kilkenny Farmers’ Market, Mayors Walk, The Parade, Kilkenny; 9.30am-2.30pm Mahon Point Farmers’ Market Cork; 10am - 2pm Carrick-on-Shannon Farmers’ Market, The Market Yard, Carrick on Shannon, Leitrim; 10am-2pm

FRIDAY Ennis Farmers’ Market, Roslevan Shopping Centre, Tulla Road, Ennis, Clare; 8am – 2pm Dingle Farmers’ Market, Holyground, Dingle, Kerry; 9am-3pm Carrick-on-Suir Farmers’ Market, Heritage Centre, Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary; 10am-2pm Roscommon Farmers’

Market, Market Square,Roscommon; 10am-2pm

SATURDAY Midleton Farmers’ Market, Hospital Road, Midleton, Cork; 9am – 1.00pm Temple Bar Market, Meeting House Square, Dublin 2; 10am-4.30pm Naas Farmers’ Market, Friary Lane, Naas, Kildare; 10am-3pm Gorey Farmers Market, Esmonde Street, Gorey, Wexford; 9am-2pm Tralee Farmers’ Market, Princes’ Quay, Tralee, Kerry; 10am-2.30pm

SUNDAY People’s Park Market, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin; 9am - 4pm Lismore Farmers Market, The Castle Avenue,Lismore, Waterford; 10am-4pm Strandhill Peoples’ Market, Strandhill, Sligo; 11am-4pm Emo Craft and Farmers Market, Emo Court Wood, Laois; 11.00am-4.00pm Killaloe Farmers’ Market, Killaloe, Clare; 11am-3pm

KATE

www

WEEKENDS & BANK HOLIDAYS Galway Farmers’ Market, Galway; Saturdays and bank holidays 8.30am-6.00pm, Sundays 2pm-6pm St George’s Market, Belfast, Antrim; Friday 6am - 3pm, Saturday 9am - 3pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm The Milk Market, Limerick; Friday 10am-3pm, Saturday 8am-3pm, Sunday 11am-3pm

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Irish Irish Food Food & Drink & Drink

IRISH FOOD & DRINK

THE QUICK GUIDE TO FOODIE DESTINATIONS

COOK AND GARDENER RESTAURANT AT RATHMULLAN HOUSE, RATHMULLAN, CO DONEGAL Restaurant www.rathmullanhouse.com ST GEORGE’S TERRACE, CARRICK-ON-SHANNON, CO LEITRIM Restaurant www.stgeorgesterrace.com

WINE & BRINE, MOIRA, CO ARMAGH Restaurant www.wineandbrine.co.uk

AN PORT MOR, WESTPORT, CO MAYO Restaurant www.anportmor.com

3 LEAVES, BLACKROCK, DUBLIN Indian restaurant www.3leaves.ie

THE PIE MAKER, CROSS STREET UPPER, CO GALWAY Restaurant www.thepiemaker.ie CANTEEN CELLBRIDGE, CELLBRIDGE, CO KILDARE Restaurant www.canteencelbridge.com KATE BROWNE’S PUB & RESTAURANT, ARDFERT, CO KERRY Bar/restaurant www.katebrownes.com

BARROWS KEEP, GRAIGUENAMANAGH, CO KILKENNY Restaurant www.barrowskeep.com

THE CHESTNUT, BALLYDEHOB, CO CORK Restaurant www.restaurantchestnutwestcork.ie

MIKEY RYAN’S BAR & KITCHEN, CASHEL, CO TIPPERARY Bar/restaurant www.mikeyryans.ie

GROW HQ, DUNMORE ROAD, CO WATERFORD Restaurant www.growhq.org

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Irish Food & Drink

Cookery Schools

Ballyknocken Cookery School, Co Wicklow

Cookery classes are a great way to discover Irish food and locally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s a cookery weekend, a week-long class or even a 12-week course, make your trip memorable with some of the top cookery schools in the country. BALLYMALOE COOKERY SCHOOL located in Shanagarry, County Cork, classes have been running since 1983. Run by chef Darina Allen and her husband Tim, a farmer, the school has its own organic market gardens, orchards and greenhouses, so students can be sure they are using the finest and freshest ingredients. Ballymaloe Cookery School offers courses in a wide variety of subjects. ‘Pizza Mastrclass’, ‘Sushi Made Simple’, ‘Gluten Free Cooking’ and ‘Feel Good Food for Winter’ are just a few of the short courses they offer. They also offer a 12-week intensive Certificate Course. The school’s facilities are among the best int he country, with state-of-the-art kitchens, a dining room, lecture rooms, library and selfcatering accommodation, as well as beautiful gardens and orchards. BALLYKNOCKEN COOKERY SCHOOL, situated in the beautiful town of Ashford, County Wicklow, offers a selection of day, weekend and residential courses with themes such as ‘Gourmet Cooking’, ‘Southern Italian Cuisine’ and ‘Baker’s Delight’ to name a few. Run by chef Catherine Fulvio, the school emphasises the use of good,local ingredients, many of which are supplied from the Ballyknocken Farm garden and from the local farmers of Wicklow. Ballyknocken Cookery School also welcomes private groups, and has a wide range of courses and fun events on offer. Accommodation is available at Ballyknocken Farmhouse and special packages including cookery and overnight stays can be arranged.

Ballymaloe, Co Cork

Whiskey Tour of Ireland The Ireland Whiskey Trail is an award winning guide to Ireland’s distilleries, best whiskey pubs, bars and shops. More pubs, distilleries and hotels can be added to your itinerary as desired, including distilleries in Northern Ireland. For more information log onto www. irelandwhiskeytrail.com Boasting more Irish brands than any other whiskey brands in Ireland, the first stop on the itinerary is the Irish Whiskey Collection store in Terminal 2 Dublin Airport which is undoubtedly the world’s best travel retail shop for Irish whiskeys. Second on the list is the Old Jameson Distillery, Bow Street in Dublin 7, John Jameson’s former distillery which offers guided tours and whiskey tastings. From there travel into Dublin city centre to visit The Temple Bar in the most popular and lively part of Dublin. This popular Irish pub is where you will find Ireland’s biggest collection of whiskeys. Next on the itinery is The Mercantile, situated on Dublin’s Dame Street which has developed an impressive whiskey collection, with over 85 Irish whiskeys and 50 international whiskeys. The O’Neill Bar & Restaurant on Dublin’s Suffolk Street has a whiskey collection spread over two floors. In the downstairs section, you’ll find plenty of choice in the main bar and in the beautifully ornate Victorian bar (where the carvery stands) and upstairs, you have a dedicated Whiskey Bar. The Celtic Whiskey Shop on Dawson Street is number five on the trail.If you are looking for a rare, unusual or collectable Irish whiskey, then the Celtic Whiskey Shop is probably where you will find it. A five minute walk will bring you to Brooks Hotel & The Jasmine Bar on Drury Street. Ever wondered how the name “whiskey” was derived or about the different production styles of whiskey? The answers are all in Jasmine Bar’s Whiskey Library. Mitchell & Son Wine and Spirits in Dublin’s Docklands is seventh on the trail. The shop offers a range of whiskeys and is a famed wine specialist. From the Docklands, the trail takes you on to Yamamori Sushi & Tengu Bar on Lower Ormond Quay and its sister restaurant, Yamamori Izakaya on South Great George’s Street. Rarely do people consider Japan as a whiskey destination, yet it is one of the world’s great whisky producing and consuming nations. A ten minute taxi journey will bring you to the Brian Boru Pub in Glasnevin, a well-loved Victorian pub with its own Whiskey Bar, with a large collection to reflect the many Irish whiskeys now being produced in Ireland. The Dylan Whisky Bar in the medieval city of Kilkenny is your first stop outside of Dublin.Tastings are available on demand in this dedicated whiskey bar.

Celtic Whiskey Shop Dawson Street, Dublin

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Irish Food & Drink Irish Food & Drink

An hour’s car journey will take you to Malone’s Galtee Inn in Cahir, County Tipperary. Opening early in the morning, it is as famous for its excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, as it is for its creamy pints and great range of whiskeys, but the real surprise is right next door - Ireland’s smallest whiskey bar which seats about 5 people. The Jameson Experience in Midleton, County Cork is one of the most striking and interesting tourist attractions in Ireland. This distillery operated for 150 years, from 1825 until 1975 and has been beautifully preserved. The tour guides visitors through the story and making of Irish whiskey and ends with a complimetary glass of Jameson. While in Midleton, call into Michael Canty’s Pub on Connolly Street, a traditional Victorian Irish pub with a full range of Midleton whiskeys on offer. While in this area, it would be an excellent idea to stay at the Castlemartyr Resort a 5-star, luxury hotel and golf club close to the distillery with a bar of its own stocked with one of Ireland’s best Irish whiskey selections. The Tap Tavern bar is one of the oldest in Kinsale, County Cork. The only family-run bar in town, it has been in the same family for the past four generations. The Folk House is nearby and specialises in home infused whiskeys. Kinsale is known as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland, and here you will have an opportunity to sample many different types of whiskey, not least of which is the Kinsale 2000. Killarney is your next stop, to see Courtney’s Pub on Plunkett Street, one of Killarney’s oldest and most popular pubs. It offers a drinks menu which lists over 50 Irish and 30 Scottish whiskies as well as some bourbon and Japanese whiskeys.You will also find Beaufort Bar & Restaurant in Killarney which has an excellent restaurant and more than 100 different whiskeys to discover. Continuing through Kerry, the Dingle Distillery, a small artisan whiskey distillery offers daily visits but pre-booking is essential. Dick Mack’s in Dingle is an iconic pub in Ireland with a superb choice of Irish whiskeys including some limited editions as well as whiskeys from every region in Scotland together with some impressive international names. A two-hour car journey will bring you to Michael Flannery’s Pub in Limerick, where you can enjoy an Irish whiskey, a whiskey tasting, a pint or craft beer in front of a real fire. Famous in Limerick for being an old-fashioned pub, there is no TV and a lively traditional music session takes place every Tuesday. Located just 15 minutes’ from Shannon airport in the car and opposite Bunratty Folk Park, the Creamery Bar & Restaurant in Bunratty, County Clare is an ideal place to stop on your way to Galway. With a good selection of whiskey, they are famous for their pints of stout. Next on the itinerary is O’Loclainn’s Irish Whiskey Bar in Ballyvaughan, County Clare specialises in whiskey and is full of old memorabilia. As the owner is a farmer during the day, this cosy traditional Irish pub does not open until 8pm. Arriving in Galway, Garavan’s Bar on William Street has traditional music sessions every weekend. After hosting the Powers Irish Coffee Making Championship in the West of Ireland, they now serve one of the best Irish Coffees in Galway. Freeney’s Pub & Off-License is located on High Street and is a traditional pub, whiskey shop and fishing shop all under one roof. An hour’s drive towards the coast will bring you to Clifden and Lowry’s Irish Pub on Market Street which is famous around these parts for its traditional Irish music sessions. Leaving Galway, the next stop on your itinerary is Mooney’s Pub in Monasterevin, County Kildare, which is not to be missed for its treasured bottle of Cassidy’s whiskey from the old distillery. A short drive will bring you to the Fisherman’s Thatched Inn, in Ballybrittas, County Laois. A thatched pub dating back to the 1600s, it is one of Ireland’s most traditional pubs.

Jameson Distillery, Dublin

Take a trip to the Tullamore D.E.W Visitor Centre in Tullamore, County Offaly, an interactive guided tour in a restored 19th century warehouse. While in Tullamore, The Brewery Tap is a very popular traditional Irish pub close to the centre with a full range of Tullamore Dew whiskeys including some rarities. Kilbeggan Distillery Experience in Co Westmeath is your next stop. A restored, fully operational distillery, it is the oldest continually licensed distillery in Ireland offering daily guided tours and tastings. Finally, end your whiskey tour of Ireland at Mc Caul’s Pub on Bridge Street, County Cavan. Here you can enjoy a delicious local cheese and whiskey tasting while you sit in front of their open fire. No matter where you are in Ireland, one thing is for sure, you’re never too far from a delicious meal and a relaxing drink! Fuelled by popular demand, Ireland’s gin trade is booming. Conscious of this growing interest, gin distilleries in Ireland are now offering unique tasting experiences and tours. The Listoke Distillery and Gin School located in the Boyne Valley on the outskirts of Drogheda, County Louth offers visitors the chance to craft their own gin using different botanicals with the help of distillery experts. Visitors can bottle, label and of course take home their unique blend. Tickets are €95 per person. Lough Derg Gin Cruises have been a roaring success since their launch in 2017. Early bookings for Spring/Summer 2019 are highly recommended. Dubbed the gin capital of Ireland, the town of Castlebar offers a unique experience for gin lovers with every bar along the Castelbar Gin Trail specialising in one particular gin served with carefully chosen garnishes to highlight its specific flavour profile. Great Irish Beverages and Fáilte Ireland have also joined forces to celebrate the much-loved G&T. Over a dozen Irish gin brands and numerous restaurants, bars and hotels take part in the yearly festivities which take place at the end of June.

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Golfing Guide

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GOLF

IRELAND BOASTS OVER 300 GOLF COURSES AND HOSTS THOUSANDS OF GOLF TOURISTS A YEAR. WHETHER YOU’RE A VISITING PRO OR A RECREATIONAL AMATEUR THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, NO MATTER WHAT PART OF THE COUNTRY YOU VISIT.

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Golfing Guide

Ireland’s Best Courses

GOLF

The K Club

With some of the most challenging courses in the most scenic locations, a golf trip to Ireland is an experience you will never forget.

Glasson Hotel and Golf Club, Athlone, Co Westmeath

t’s not only Ireland’s golfers - Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington to name a few - that are recognised on an international level, the country also boasts some superb courses, dotted along the rugged coastline and nestled in the scenic Midlands. Ireland’s green landscape makes it a golfer’s paradise with four courses included among the Top 50 courses in the world and a quarter of the world’s natural links courses located on the Emerald Isle. Some of the most challenging and breathtakingly beautiful courses you’ll ever experience await you. The Ballyliffin Golf Club in Inishowen Donegal has undergone major improvements ahead of July’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open when it will host some of the sport’s biggest stars including Rafael Cabrera Bello. This is the first time the tournament will take place in the north-west. Lahinch Golf Club will host the tournament in 2019. The County Clare coastal course will also host the Home Internationals in September 2019 and the Arnold Palmer Cup in July 2020. Limerick’s recently renovated Adare Manor is also strongly tipped to host the Ryder Cup in 2026. As well as extensive renovations to the hotel itself, including a new 42-bedroom wing and a ballroom that can host up to 350 guests,Adare Manor also unveiled its newly rebuilt, redesigned and remodelled golf course this year. Don’t forget to visit the 19th hole after your golfing day is done.

FOLLOW THE SHAMROCK

WHEN CHOOSING A GOLF COURSE, FOLLOW THE SHAMROCK – THE OFFICIAL MARK OF FÁILTE IRELAND’S QUALITY ASSURANCE.

When you see this symbol, you’ll know the course you’re visiting is quality assured. Courses with the shamrock symbol will have staff on-hand to ensure your arrival is welcomed, to show you where all the facilities are located,and to answer any queries you may have about the course. The symbol also ensures that the course you’ve chosen is well-maintained, so you can concentrate on your game.

LOCATION: Straffan, County Kildare COURSE: Parkland & Links LENGTH: 7,350 / 7,277 yards PAR: 72 (both)

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Club

Old Head Golf Links

LOCATION: Blessington, County WicklowCOURSE: Championship LENGTH: 7,165 yards PAR: 72

LOCATION: Kinsale, County Cork COURSE: Links LENGTH: 7,159 yards PAR: 72

The K Club is one of Europe’s greatest golfing destinations. A combination of two courses – the Palmer Ryder Cup course and the Smurfit course- it offers golfers 36 exciting holes. The Palmer Ryder Cup course is regularly ranked as one of the top three parkland courses in the country. Designed by Arnold Palmer, it hosted the Ryder Cup in 2006 and 11 European Opens. The Smurfit Couse – a true championship golf course – is an inland links course, filled with dramatic landscapes and vantage points.

Standing on the tee at Tulfarris by the shores of Blessington Lake will leave you speechless. Set across three of the lake’s stunning peninsulas, the 18hole championship course provides one of the finest golfing challenges in the country. Nestled amid 200 acres of mature woodland against the backdrop of Wicklow’s rolling hills, and just an hour from Dublin, Tulfarris is the perfect place to test your golfing skills while enjoying the views.

Situated on 200 acres of land jutting out more than two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Head Golf Links is home to a world-class 18-hole, par 72 course. From the tip, the course stretches over7,000 yards, with a minimum five tees per hole; nine holes stretch along the cliff, with a stunning ocean backdrop for all 18. The course was voted one of the most spectacular courses on the planet by Links Magazine in 2011. Other facilities at the location include a warm-up range and a game practice area.

Druids Glen

Adare Manor

Lough Erne Fermanagh

LOCATION: Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow COURSE: Parkland LENGTH: 6,560 yards PAR: 71

LOCATION: Adare, County Limerick COURSE: Parkland LENGTH: 7,453 yards PAR: 72

LOCATION: Enniskillen, County Fermanagh COURSE: Parkland LENGTH: 7,167 yards PAR: 72

Known as the ‘Augusta of Europe’, Druid’s Glen hosted the Irish Open for four consecutive years, with a course that has tested golf’s great players, including Ballesteros, Montgomerie and Garcia. Situated in a truly beautiful location, and often called ‘nature’s gift to golf’, it’s a challenging course that will test even the most accomplished of golfers. And, when your day of golf is over, you can relax int eh 400-year-old Woodstock House clubhouse and enjoy the fine dining experience on offer.

Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort offers a superb 18-hole championship golf course which was completely redesigned and reconstructed with the latest technology and course innovations and reopened in 2018. The course is set amongst trees, a 14 acre lake and the River Maigue. Desmond Castle and the ruins of a Franciscan abbey provide a spectacular backdrop. Following the day’s activities, visitors can dine at the Carriage House Bar and Restaurant helmed by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Neils Van Oers.

Lough Erne Golf Resort is home to two championship golf courses, the Faldo Course and Castle Hume Golf Course. The resort is located on a private 600-acre peninsula in between Lower Lough Erne and Castle Hume Lough. The Faldo Championship Course was designed by the six-time Major winner Nick Faldo, his first such design in Ireland. Golfers can enjoy a quick snack at the Halfway House located behind the ninth, and if you’re looking to improve your game, the resort’s Golf Academy provides a range of lessons and schools for golfers of all levels.

BELMUL BELM

www.belm

LAHI LA

www

BALLYBUNN BALLYBU

www.ballybun

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Golfing Guide

GOLF

THE QUICK COURSE GUIDE

BELMULLET GOLF CLUB, BELMULLET, CO MAYO Links

BALLYLIFFIN GOLF CLUB, BALLYLIFFIN, INISHOWEN, CO DONEGAL Links www.ballyliffingolfclub.com

ROYAL PORTRUSH GOLF CLUB, PORTRUSH, CO ANTRIM Links

www.royalportrushgolfclub.com THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN GOLF CLUB, NEWCASTLE, CO DOWN Links www.royalcountydown.org

THE COUNTY SLIGO GOLF CLUB, ROSSES POINT, CO SLIGO Links

www.countysligogolfclub.ie

www.belmulletgolfclub.ie

SLIEVE RUSSELL HOTEL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, BALLYCONNELL, CO CAVAN Parkland www.slieverussell.ie

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB, LAHINCH, CO CLARE Links www.lahinchgolf.com

PORTMARNOCK GOLF CLUB, FINGAL, CO DUBLIN Links www.portmarnockgolfclub.ie

ADARE MANOR, ADARE, CO LIMERICK Parkland www.adaremanor.com

THE MOUNT WOLSELEY HOTEL AND RESORT, TULLOW, CO CARLOW Parkland www.mountwolseley.ie

ROSSLARE GOLF CLUB, ROSSLARE, CO WEXFORD Links www.rosslaregolf.com DUNDRUM HOUSE HOTEL, DUNDRUM, CASHEL, CO TIPPERARY Championship Parkland www.dundrumhousehotel.com

BALLYBUNNION GOLF CLUB, BALLYBUNNION, CO KERRY Links www.ballybuniongolfclub.com

CASTLEMARTYR SPA & GOLF RESORT, CASTLEMARTYR, CO CORK Links www.castlemartyrresort.ie

MOUNT JULIET, THOMASTOWN, CO KILKENNY Parkland www.mountjuliet.ie

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On The Water

ON THE WATER FROM FISHING TO DIVING, SURFING TO A LEISURELY CRUISE ALONG THE SHANNON, EXPERIENCE ALL OF THE WONDERS IRELANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COASTS, RIVERS, LAKES AND CANALS HAVE TO OFFER.

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On The Water

Ireland’s Blueway Trail

WATERWAYS

Ireland is home to myriad lakes, rivers, streams and waterbased adventure centres, not to mention our coastline. If you want to get wet, you’re in the right place!

Marina with sailboats

reland is one of the most popular sport fishing and water sports destinations in Europe, and for good reason too. The massive variety and quality of fishing and water sports has given the country an enviable reputation. Ireland’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters are a proud heritage and a rich resource, and their distinct beauty has been enjoyed by locals and visitors for countless millennia.

Shannon Cruise

The longest river in Ireland, the River Shannon presents a wealth of opportunities for fishing, watersports and pleasure boating. Meandering for over 200 miles from its source in County Cavan to its estuary on the sea in County Clare, in the past the Shannon was the route by which Viking raiders penetrated the heart of the country – in the 9th century, the Norse leader Turgis sailed the Shannon’s waves to Lough Derg in County Clare, plundering the monastic settlements along the way. These days, the river activities are decidedly more

Ireland’s Blueway

Killary Harbour

Achill Island

Take the trip of a lifetime through Ireland’s Blueway, an inviting network of water trails along the west coast of Ireland. Stretching from north-west Mayo to south Galway, these beautiful trails offer a host of activities like kayaking and snorkelling. Each of the five Blueway sites (Keem Beach, Old Head, Inishbofin, Killary Fjord and Mannin Bay) have on-site info boards with trail maps, safety details and info on equipment hire and tuition.

Killary Harbour is a fjord in the heart of Connemara that forms a natural border between counties Galway and Mayo; 16 kilometres long and in the centre over 45 metres deep. It is one of three glacial fjords that exist in Ireland. On its northern shore lies Mweelrea Mountain, Connacht’s highest, rising to 814 metres, while to the south are the Maumturk Mountains and the Twelve Bens. The area contains some of Ireland’s most awe-inspiring and dramatic scenery.

Achill Island has long been a popular water sports and walking destination with a range of accommodation, dining and entertainment options. The Blueway trails on the island are located on the north and western coastline at Doogort and Keem. Keem was once home to large numbers of basking shark which can grow to 11 metres in length but have no teeth. Occasionally basking sharks visit the area, as do porpoises. You may also spot trigger fish and spider crabs, usually from midJuly and just out from the beach, a few metres under the surface.

Inishbofin Island

Old Head

Mannin Bay

Accessible by ferry, Inishbofin is a vibrant island with a range of accommodation and dining options and a variety of walking and cycling trails. The island’s snorkel trail brings you west and into contact with a large variety of sea life, including beadlet, anemones, starfish, limpet, mussels, barnacles, starfish, spider crabs and hermit crabs.

Old Head is a blue flag beach located approx. 3.5km east of Louisburgh village. It has a small harbour, an attractive and popular sandy beach and a woodland walk, while the nearby village has a number of shops, pubs and dining outlets. Keep an eye out for anemones, shoals of fish and shore crab.

Mannin Bay, to the south west of Clifden, has a small roadside beach which is an ideal launch point for a range of waterbased activities. Entry to the beach is via the small car park. Look closely at the sand here and you will see it is made up of the remains of a type of coralline seaweed and the skeletal remains of barnacles, molluscs and sponge.

G Fis

THE BLUEWAY CODE

FOLLOW THE BLUEWAY CODE TO HELP KEEP IRELAND’S BLUEWAY SITES IN TOP CONDITION.

Galway hooker, traditional sailing boat

Prepare for your Blueway experience and stay within your limits – the limits of your fitness, experience, equipment, weather and tides. Travel in an appropriate group size according to the conditions and your abilities. Help manage this Blueway, and please leave no trace. Respect the host community, landowners and other water users.

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On The Water

ON THE WATER

THE ULTIMATE WATERWAY

CARROWMENA ACTIVITY CENTRE, LIMAVADY, CO DERRY Watersports www.carrowmena.co.uk

LOUGH NEAGH, COUNTIES ANTRIM, DOWN, ARMAGH, TYRONE & DERRY Variety of watersports www.discoverloughneagh.com

BUNDORAN SURF CO., BUNDORAN, CO DONEGAL Surf school www.bundoransurfco.com

ACHILL ISLAND, CO MAYO Variety of watersports www.achilltourism.com

CARLINGFORD LOUGH, COUNTIES LOUTH & DOWN Variety of watersports www.carlingford.ie

LOUGH DERG, COUNTIES CLARE, GALWAY & TIPPERARY Fishing, powerboating, yachting

KILKEE DIVING AND WATERSPORTS CENTRE, KILKEE, CO CLARE Variety of watersports

STAR OUTDOORS ADVENTURE CENTRE, KENMARE, CO KERRY Water/land-based activities www.staroutdoors.ie

BRITTAS BAY SURF SCHOOL, BRITTAS BAY BEACH, CO WICKLOW Surf school www.brittasbaysurfschool.com

SAILING IRELAND, KILMORE QUAY, CO WEXFORD Sailing www.sailingireland.ie

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On The Water

civilised. There are many companies operating the length and breadth of Ireland’s longest river, offering the chance to view some of the country’s ancient sights by boat, witness Ireland’s water flora and fauna in their natural habitat, or simply enjoy a relaxing cruise. Sail around Killaloe with Killaloe River Cruises, discovering the ancient capital of Ireland and home of legendary High King Brian Boru, learn about the history of the Killaloe Canal, and the Shannon Scheme of 1929 as you cruise towards the ancient spot where Brian Boru kept watch over the crossing at Beal Boru. If time is on your side, why not spend three nights or longer floating down the Shannon with Carrickcraft’s fleet of boats, experiencing the idyllic towns, villages, forestry and historical sites that dot this ancient waterway, including one of the world’s most famous monastic sights, Clonmacnoise, founded in 546AD. Or, if you’re searching for a shorter experience, take the 20-minute Shannon Ferry across the water, saving you 85 miles as you pass from County Clare into County Kerry, enjoying the beautiful scenery as you travel.

Surfing

When it comes to surfing, there’s no place hotter than Ireland (figuratively speaking, of course!). Featuring a rugged and scenic coastline, visiting surfers can take advantage of a fantastic variety of beach, reef and break points along our coast. The surfing season runs between September and May and no matter what part of Ireland you find yourself in, you can be sure there’s a beach and waves not too far away. In County Donegal, Bundoran has earned its reputation as the surf capital of Ireland, boasting some of the best known surf schools in the country, and the beach at Rossnowlagh is perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. Mayo is rich in great surfing beaches including Bertra. For a total getaway, head for the brilliant beaches of Belmullet, or Keel Strand in Achill. SurfMayo at Carrownisky Strand in Louisburgh is one of the first surf schools established in Ireland and is open all year. Surf schools in Clare are always busy, and once you’ve brushed up on your skills, head off and practice at less crowded beaches such as Doolin, Doonbeg and Spanish Point. The south west is the great surfing secret of Ireland. Inch and Banna beaches are long, sandy, and bordered by the Kerry Mountains. In Ballybunion, world-class surf breaks along four miles of golden sands, ensuring a trip you won’t forget, while the Atlantic cliff break ensures exhilarating challenges for serious surfers. At Brandon Bay you’ll find the longest beach in the country, Castlegregory, extending almost 20km, with gentle beach break surfing that’s perfect for novices. West Cork also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Take advantage of the rebel county’s seas at scenic highlights such as Barley Cove, Garrettstown or Castlefreke. The

Poll na bPeist, Inis More, Aran Islands

endless beach at Inchydoney is the perfect place to get all the family involved, with lessons running all year. Waterford’s coast is fringed with sandy beaches, including Bunhahon and Tramore.

Adventure on the Waves (and Beneath)

Located in its marine, coastal and inland waterways are waters practically teeming with life – from basking sharks in Cork Harbour to feeding dolphins off the coast of County Kerry – coupled with a plethora of fascinating wreck sites on the seafloor. Well-known sites include the 1588 Spanish Armada and 1796 Spanish Armada wrecks which lie off the coast of Cork, an early medieval bridge in the River Shannon at the monastery of Clonmacnoise, and the Lough Kinale book shrine from a crannóg site in County Longford. For beginners, there are many outdoor education centres dotted around the country that provide sailing and kayaking lessons like Kinsale Outdoor Education centre in County Cork, and Sailing Ireland, Kilmore Quay, County Wexford. For a unique experience, take the whole family for some moonlit kayaking on Lough Hyne in County Cork. The experience costs €50 per adult, €40 for youth with one adult and one youth per boat. Bay Sports in Athlone, County Roscommon is home to an inflatable waterpark as well as other exciting water activities. Visitors can race eachother on the floating obstacle course or rent pedal boats, kayaks or standup paddle-boards. At Killary Adventure Centre ideally located on Killary fjord in Connemara, you have over 20 thrilling water activities to choose from. If your interests lie beneath the waves, learn to dive at Burren Adventures in Ballyvaughan, County Clare, which provides scuba diving lessons for all levels of divers, or in Waterworld, Ireland’s largest diving and leisure centre, in the spectacular Dingle Peninsula, Kerry. Visit discoverireland.ie for a comprehensive list of diving and sailing schools and operators in Ireland.

Iconic Lakes Killarney

Lough Derg

Glendalough

The Lakes of Killarney are one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions – Lough Leane, Middle Lake and Upper Lake. The three lakes are found in a valley that stretches southward between the mountains in Killarney National Park, which include the highest mountain range in Ireland, the McGillycuddy Reeks. The best way to see the lakes is by one of the organised tours – getting around can become a little confusing, and you don’t want to miss any beauty spots!

A historic island with its roots in Christianity and pre-Christian times. Pilgrims travelled here for hundreds of years right up to the mid 19th century. The island is also associated with the famous Irish chieftain Brian Boru. His brother was abbot here and Brian is said to have built one of the churches on the island. You can walk among the ruins of churches, round towers and crosses that date back before 1000AD, while Romanesque arches dating from the 12th century can also be seen.

Glendalough (Gleann Dá Loch in Irish, meaning ‘The Glen of the Two Lakes’) is located in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, which receives over one million visitors every year. Visit the ancient monastery that was founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. A round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses are still standing to this day. The round tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the area. The site also includes a Celtic high cross, St. Mary’s Church and St. Kevin’s Church, and a fantastic walking trail.

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Marble HillOn Beach, Co Donegal The Water

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Wild Atlantic Way

THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY

IRELAND’S WILD ATLANTIC WAY IS A FANTASTIC ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE MYRIAD WONDERFUL SIGHTS AND VIEWS ON IRELAND’S WEST COAST. FROM DONEGAL IN THE NORTH TO CORK IN THE SOUTH, THE OPEN ROAD AWAITS!

View of the Wild Atlantic Way 38

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Wild Atlantic Way

MALIN FANAD HEAD

SLIABH LIAG MULLAGHMORE HEAD DOWNPATRICK HEAD

KEEM STRAND

DERRYGIMLAGH

CLIFFS OF MOHER

LOOP HEAD

BLASKETS SKELLIGS VIEWPOINT

DURSEY ISLAND

OLD KINSALE HEAD MIZEN HEAD

ave you ever dreamed of undertaking a journey that takes you on a path of discovery to secret locations, hidden treasures and vistas that are truly wonderful to behold? Well now you can! Take a trip along the wildest, most captivating coastal drive in the world – Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.You can drive the whole route in just a few days, or relax, take your time, and discover a new world out along the rugged coastline of Ireland’s western counties – surfing the magnificent waves in Donegal, learning a few simple words of Irish in our Gaeltacht areas (Irish-speaking regions), or marvelling at the ancient monastic settlements on the truly captivating Skellig Michael in Kerry. Follow these routes or map out your own – one thing is for sure, you won’t be disappointed!

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Wild Atlantic Way

Slieve League, Co Donegal

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DONEGAL

A breathtaking county filled with sandy beaches, a captivating coastline and plenty of cosy pubs to while away an afternoon – you might not want to leave.

ravelling around County Donegal takes in Malin Head, Fanad Head and Slieve League, a route which is approximately 557km (346 miles). Deriving its name from the Irish Dún na nGall (Fort of the Foreigner), the county is dotted with pre-Christian tombs and other prehistoric sites dating back 9,000 years. It’s known for the beauty of its rugged coastline, the wild geography that once protected its inhabitants from invasion, and some of the country’s best surfing spots.

DAY 1 – MUFF TO BUNCRANA: 157.5KM (97 MILES) Cross the River Foyle leaving the city of Derry in your wake, and head northwest. You’ll find yourself driving through the town of Muff and the beautiful Inishowen Peninsula, the huge Lough Swilly visible on the horizon. Turn south west and you’ll arrive in the town of Buncrana where you can rent a bike, trace your family history or visit the historic Buncrana Castle.

DRIVING THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY In Ireland, we drive on the left side of the road and drivers’ seats are on the right side of the vehicle. All the speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour, and the route has been marked with the Wild Atlantic Way logo. Just look for the signposts along the way to know you are on the right track. In these pages are several sample journeys you can follow while driving the Wild Atlantic Way – all journey times are calculated at 50 km/h . Slow down and enjoy the view!

DAY 2 – BUNCRANA TO LETTERKENNY: 45.5KM (28 MILES) Head south west again from Buncrana, with Lough Swilly once more providing a truly magnificent backdrop. Sites to visit in this area include the Grianan of Aileach (Fortress of the Sun), a circular stone ring fort dating from the 8th century AD. Turning the car west, you’ll head for the coast before turning slightly south, arriving in the heart of Donegal – the town of Letterkenny. DAY 3 – LETTEKENNY TO BUNBEG: 171KM (106 MILES) Point your car north, leaving Letterkenny, and towards the Fanad Peninsula. The route here is replete with geological features; follow the road southwards back along the coastline of the Fanad before looping up again towards Horn Head, passing through the village of Dunfanaghy, where you can stretch the legs with a brisk coastal walk or visit the Glenveagh National Park a little further on along the coast. As you continue west, you’ll pass through Donegal’s Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking community), and you may notice a great deal of signposts in Irish. Head for the village of Bunbeg, where excursions to nearby islands are available from Bunbeg Harbour. DAY 4 – BUNBEG TO ARDARA: 72KM (44 MILES) On leaving Bunbeg, head south again and before long you’ll reach Dungloe, another Gaeltacht town, where the primary language is Irish – though everyone will speak English too. If you’re hungry, the local restaurants all feature fresh fish from the boats, while you can also explore nearby Mount Errigal, or take a trip out to Arranmore Island. Keep the Atlantic on your right as you leave Dungloe and head south for Ardara, a designated heritage town. There are plenty of cottages and hotels dotted around this festive town, a great place to spend the night. DAY 5 – ARDARA TO DONEGAL TOWN: 111KM (68 MILES) Leaving Ardara, head south towards Killybegs, a beautiful fishing town whose history is outlined in the Maritime and Heritage Centre. If you have time, don’t forget to take a lesiurely stroll along the golden sands of Fintra Beach, from which you can see the lighthouse at St John’s Point, and neighbouring Ben Bulben Mountain. Donegal town lies east from Killybegs, and in between the two lie the Slieve League cliffs, some of Europe’s highest accessible cliffs. Donegal town itself is packed with shops, restaurants and historical sites, including Donegal Castle and the ruins of a Franciscan friary.

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Wild Atlantic Way

Achil Island, Co Mayo

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DONEGAL, SLIGO & MAYO

DAY 2 – SLIGO TOWN TO DOWNPATRICK HEAD: 125KM (77 MILES) Leaving Sligo town, head towards the ocean and Strandhill Beach to take in some surfing – all levels welcomed. From there, continue south west towards Aughris, part of the Dunmoran/Aughris coastal walk, which will take you to a deserted village of Booley huts, once used by herdsmen to remain close to their cattle. Ballina town lies west of Aughris, and continue along the coastline until you reach Downpatrick Head, standing 126 feet above the sea.

From rugged coastline to perfect waves and centuries old historic sights, there’s plenty to do and see from Donegal to Mayo.

DAY 3 – DOWNPATRICK HEAD TO BELMULLET: 169KM (105 MILES) Follow the road leading west from Downpatrick Head until you reach the Céide Fields, where settlers began to farm over 5,000 years ago. Half an hour to the north west lies Belmullet, a Gaeltacht town lying on the Erris Peninsula, where you can take in the end of the North Mayo Sculpture Trail, a series of sculptures created to celebrate 5,000 years of settlement in Mayo.

overing three of Ireland’s counties, from Donegal through surfing Sligo and concluding in Mayo, five days provides ample time to see all of the sites. The gateway to the north west of Ireland, Sligo is a place steeped in history, from the Dominican Order that has remained in Sligo for more than 700 years, to the wrecks of the Spanish Armada at Streedagh Strand, which met their fate while fleeing from a failed invasion of England. Neighbouring Mayo – Ireland’s third-largest county – has a rich archaeological heritage coupled with spectacular landscape. DAY 1 – DONEGAL TOWN TO SLIGO TOWN: 100KM (62 MILES) Heading southbound from Donegal town you’ll find yourself in Sligo town within an hour or two, driving along the Atlantic coast. Sligo town is well-known for its traditional music sessions, so blend in with the locals, climb to the cairn of Queen Maeve of Connacht at the summit of nearby Knocknarea Mountain or pay a visit to Sligo Abbey.

DAY 4 – BELMULLET TO KEEM STRAND: 133KM (82 MILES) Turn south for Ballycroy village to visit the Ballycroy National Park, filled with dedicated walking trails through the Bephin Beg mountain range. Further south is Keem Strand, one of Mayo’s blue flag beaches looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. DAY 5 – KEEM STRAND TO WESTPORT: 97KM (60 MILES) Located south of Keem Strand is Clew Bay, home to 117 islands, the largest of which – Clare Island – can be reached via ferry, and was once home to the pirate queen Grace O’Malley. The town of Westport is only a few minutes away, voted one of the best places to live in Ireland. If you’re visiting during September, the Westport Food Festival promises a great time, and there’s plenty of accommodation to spend a night, or three.

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Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare

east and then south will bring you to Roundstone, where transatlantic transmissions were first recorded around Derrygimlagh Bog. On the way, take in the unique landscape of Connemara’s lakes, mountains and fields, Coral Strand outside Ballyconneely or Gurteen Beach on the way to Roundstone. DAY 2 – ROUNDSTONE TO GALWAY CITY: 185KM (115 MILES) Follow the Atlantic Road signs to Rossaveal, one of Galway’s Gaeltacht areas and the gateway to the Aran Islands (daily sailings to all three are available). The village of Spiddal will be the next stop on your route through this captivating area, the home of Irish language television soap opera Ros na Rún. Galway city will be your next encounter, a medieval town that will surely keep you occupied between shopping, eating, visiting places of interest and resting for the night. DAY 3 – GALWAY CITY TO DOOLIN: 95KM (59 MILES) From Galway city, head east and keep the coastline on your right, leading you south towards the picturesque village of Ballyvaughan located near the Burren in County Clare, a lunar-like landscape popular with botanists and naturalists (and archaeologists too: the Neolithic Poulnabrane Dolmen dates back to between 42002900BC, for example). Your next stop will be the fishing village of Doolin, a charming seaside village known for its welcoming pubs and traditional music sessions.

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MAYO, GALWAY & CLARE

DAY 4 – DOOLIN TO KILKEE: 78KM (48 MILES) Kilkee lies south of Doolin, but in between are a host of sights to be seen, including the Cliffs of Moher and Ireland’s surfing capital, Lahinch, which also features a championship links golf course, if finding your balance on a slippery board isn’t your thing. Below Lahinch and before you reach Kilkee you’ll find Spanish Point, which takes its name from the Spanish sailors who lost their lives there following the wreck of the Spanish Armada in 1588; those who made it to shore were executed. From Spanish Point it’s a short trip to the town of Kilkee, Loop Head’s main town and a popular seaside resort that overlooks Horseshoe Bay, which is protected from the might of the Atlantic Ocean by the Duggerna Reef.

Inishmore, Aran Islands

From the Céide Fields to the Burren, take your time as you journey through the fantastic sights and scenery of the unspoiled west.

his route takes you through some of Ireland’s most striking scenery, from the rugged beauty of Connemara to the sheer Cliffs of Moher. There’s so much to do and see, with Georgian architecture, lively cafés and restaurants and some great traditional music pubs – four days might not be enough!

DAY 1 – WESTPORT TO CLIFDEN: 164KM (101 MILES) Once you’ve had your fill of Westport, head south towards the town of Louisburgh, a small town on the Bunowen River. Take in over 700 archaeological sites, music festivals and panoramic views of nearby Croagh Patrick, climbed by pilgrims on ‘Reek Sunday’ each year, the last Sunday in July. Following the Wild Atlantic Way signposts you’ll pass through the village of Leenane and reach the fjord of Killary Harbour, one of only three fjords in Ireland. Here you can take a guided walk along the Famine Trail before departing for Letterfrack through lakeland landscape and finally on to Clifden, the home of great food, drink and places to rest your head. Heading

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Slea Head, Co Kerry

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CLARE, LIMERICK & KERRY

Ireland’s southwest is home to many jewels, including the hauntingly beautiful Ring of Kerry.

eading you from Clare through neighbouring Limerick into County Kerry, this route features a wonderful mix of food, history and, of course, fantastic coastal views.

DAY 1 – LOOP HEAD TO TRALEE: 167KM (103 MILES) Heading southeast towards the ferry crossing at Killimer, enjoy the panoramic views from Loop Head – on a clear day at the lighthouse you can see from the Twelve Bens mountain peaks of Connemara to the Blasket Islands in County Kerry.You’ll disembark from the ferry in Tarbert (so-named for an old Norse word meaning ‘draw-boat’) and head east into County Limerick and the town of Foynes, home to the Flying Boat Museum featuring an eclectic mixture of clandestine war stories, a 1940s cinema and a Boeing 314 Pan Am Clipper flying boat replica. From Foynes, follow the road west back into Kerry through Ballyduff and into Fenit – where you’ll discover Saint Brendan the Navigator and the legendary story of his quest for the ‘Isle of the Blessed’ (some

believe this was North America), a journey filled with devils and sea monsters. From Fenit it’s only a short trip to Tralee, one of Ireland’s best known towns and home of the Rose of Tralee festival. DAY 2 – TRALEE TO GLENBEIGH: 180KM (112 MILES) From Tralee, all roads lead west to the captivating Dingle Peninsula, which includes Mount Brandon (named for St Brendan), the highest peak on the peninsula and the conclusion to a Christian pilgrimage trail. On the way to the harbour town of Dunquin, along the Slea Head Drive, don’t forget to stop at the Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian stone church built in the shape of an overturned boat, and take in the coastal views along this route stretching out to the Blasket Islands, which can be reached by boat from Dunquin. Leaving Dunquin and the Blaskets behind, strike out east for Dingle, an artisan town that is home to weavers, cheesemakers, potters and jewellers, food festivals and perennial favourite Fungie the bottlenose dolphin. DAY 3 – GLENBEIGH TO KENMARE 165KM (102 MILES) The route through Kerry will bring you further into the Iveragh peninsula, through the town of Glenbeigh (often called the jewel in the Ring of Kerry) and south west toward Valentia Island to see the Skellig Islands, once home to a monastic settlement high on the island, which survived for several centuries through a solitary lifestyle, rough weather and Viking raids. Follow the route signs along the coast to the south and then the east, through the village of Waterville and past a bronze statue of Charlie Chaplin, and Derrynane, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, ‘The Emancipator’, who campaigned for Catholic Emancipation in the years before the Great Irish Famine. While the beautiful scenery will captivate you, the final stop on this route – Kenmare – awaits along the twisting Ring of Kerry, a vibrant and colourful town filled with shopping, gourmet food, and unspoiled scenery.

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DAY 2 – BANTRY TO BALTIMORE: 165KM (102 MILES) Beyond Bantry to the south west is Sheep’s Head, also known as Muntervary, an unspoilt peninsula featuring coastal walks and a pleasant little café to refresh yourself before continuing on your journey.Turn northeast and follow the road to Durrus, the gateway to Mizen Head (Ireland’s most southerly point), which stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean. From there, cross the peninsula heading southeast past the scenic collection of islands between Mizen Head and Baltimore (pictures are a must, while you can visit Cape Clear or Heir Island by ferry). Upon reaching Baltimore itself, there is plenty to do in the way of water activities, from sailing and whale watching to diving and angling, lots of charming accommodation, and ‘the Beacon’, a coastal icon built by the British following the 1798 rebellion to form part of Ireland’s coastal warning system. The town is a historian’s delight and boasts a colourful history, including the Sack of Baltimore in 1631, when much of the town’s population were carried off in a North African pirate raid, never to be seen again.

Hole 17 on Kinsale Headland

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CORK & KERRY

The Rebel County and the Kingdom of Kerry are as famous for their prowess in Irish sport as they are for the distinctive welcoming nature of their people.

DAY 3 – BALTIMORE TO KINSALE: 179KM (111 MILES) Leaving Baltimore behind, drive east along the Wild Atlantic Way heading towards Kinsale, one of Cork’s most striking headlands and home to a fantastic golf course set in a dramatic backdrop, and the scene of countless shipwrecks over the years, including the torpedoing of the Lusitania passenger ship by a German U-boat in 1915. Your next and final stop on the Wild Atlantic Way will be Kinsale town itself, a medieval fishing port with a wide and fantastically varied range of pubs, restaurants and cafés. Take a pleasant walk through the town’s streets and visit the 17th century star-shaped Charles Fort that was used until 1922, or the James Fort that guards the entrance to the narrow harbour. The entry to scenic west Cork, Kinsale is also known as a yachting and angling centre, as well as home to the world-class golfing destination. These routes have only touched upon some of the fantastic sights and scenery to be seen as you journey along Ireland’s coast.Though you could drive the whole route in one go, you don’t have to – why not slow down, and take in your surroundings, delving deep into the sights and experiences that Ireland has to offer. There’s a vast library of scenic treasures and adventures just waiting to be discovered along the way.

Skellig Michael, Co Kerry

Whale watching, golfing, shipwrecks and copper mines all await you as you journey from Kerry into neighbouring County Cork, Ireland’s Rebel County. DAY 1 – KENMARE TO BANTRY: 165KM (120 MILES) Saying farewell to the pretty town of Kenmare, you’ll cross into County Cork and turn southwest towards Dursey Island as you journey along the Beara Peninsula, filled with hills and cliffs, small villages and rocky paths. Along the way stop off in Allihies, a village known for copper mining during the 19th century, whose story is told at the town’s Copper Mine Museum, or stretch your legs for a while on one of the area’s short coastal walks. Dursey Island is only a short trip away, reachable by the only cable car in Ireland when the weather is fine and perfect for bird, whale and dolphin watching off Cork’s coast.The Wild Atlantic Way continues on the road to Glengarrif and the intriguing Ewe Sculpture Garden, the garden island of Garinish in Bantry Bay and Glengarrif Nature Reserve. Bantry is only a short drive from here – a busy coastal town and one of the region’s most popular destinations, the highlight of which is Bantry House, which has been in the White family since the mid-1700s.

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SIGNATURE POINTS

Discover a host of hidden treasures as you journey around the Wild Atlantic Way, from the Slieve Liag Cliffs in County Donegal to the ancient monastic settlement on County Kerry’s Skellig Michael.

rom Donegal to Galway, Kerry to Cork, the sights and sounds of the Wild Atlantic Way will stun your senses and reinvigorate your soul. Here are some of the best natural attractions or landmarks that are simply unmissable, and will help you get the most out of an action-packed holiday as you travel the Wild Atlantic Way.

Mizen Head Signal Station

Originally built to save sailors’ lives from the deadly rocks at Ireland’s most southwesterly point, Mizen Head Signal Station in west Cork is open to the public, and combines several exciting experiences in one package – a dynamic visitors’ centre filled with items such as a propeller from the S.S. Irada, a navigational aids simulator, the 99-step walk to the signal station that takes in the arched bridge and a stunning scenic backdrop, and the keepers’ quarters in the station itself, where you can see the engine room, Marconi radio room and the Mizen map collection, among other interesting items.

Keem Beach

A sheltered beach on Achill Island (Ireland’s largest island) in County Mayo, Keem Beach is located at the head of a valley between the cliffs of Benmore to the west, and Croaghaun Mountain in the east. The beach is accessible to cars via a clifftop route which is said to cross a seam of amethyst in the cliffside.

Slieve League Cliffs

The Slieve League Cliffs (Sliabh Liag, in Irish) are some of the highest of their kind in Europe, and offer terrific views out across the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay, where the cliff face of Bunglas rises 600m over the ocean below. For much of Ireland’s history this has been a sacred mountain, and was a site of Christian pilgrimage for a thousand years, and a pagan ritual site for many centuries before.

Old Head

Protruding more than two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, the Old Head of Kinsale in County Cork is home to a world-class 18-hole golf course. Other points of interest include a lighthouse established by Robert Reading – the first and last Baronet Reading – in the 17th century, and the nearest land point to the site of the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915, a luxurious ocean liner that was torpedoed by a German U-boat approximately 14 miles off the coast of Kinsale.

Fanad Head

Situated on the Fanad Peninsula, between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay on County Donegal’s north coast, a lighthouse sits on the peninsula’s eastern shore and was voted the world’s second most beautiful lighthouse after Lindau Lighthouse in Germany by Mental Floss, while the beach at Ballymastocker Bay was voted the second most beautiful beach in the world.

Skelligs, Co Kerry

Blasket Islands

An archipelago lying off the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, the mystical Blasket Islands are famous for their storytellers who come from a traditional, isolated and simple culture that lived off the land and the sea.Though the last of the island’s inhabitants left in 1953, you can still take a boat to visit the mountainous main Great Blasket Island, and wander through ruined cottages, climb An Blascard Mór, take in some dolphin and whale watching and much more. Back on the mainland, the Blasket Centre provides a great insight into the hard lives of the islanders who once lived on these islands, the story of emigration and the literary heritage of the Blaskets.

Derrygimlagh

A mosaic of tiny lakes and peatland, Derrygimlagh is the site of two of 20th century history’s most remarkable achievements. At the side of the Bog Road lies the remains of the world’s first permanent trans-Atlantic radio station, which was built by Guglielmo Marconi. It opened in 1907 and was raised to the ground during the Irish War of Independence. A little further on lies a memorial to Alcock and Brown, two British airmen who crash-landed their VickersVimy biplane (without injury) into Derrigimlagh Bog at the end of the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic in 1919.

Malin Head

Located in County Donegal, Malin Head is renowned for its rugged coastlines and beautiful beaches. See if you can spot the wreck of the Twilight at low tide (which sank in 1889 while sailing to Derry), or visit the radio station, built in 1910. From Banba’s Crown, you can see Inishtrahull Island and its almost 200-year-old lighthouse, while on a clear day you can see the hills of Scotland, and Tory Island to the west. Or take a stroll along the cliffs to Hell’s Hole, a subterranean cavern 250 feet long and eight feet wide, into which the tide rushes with great force.

Skelligs Viewpoint

Standing alone in the Atlantic Ocean 13km south west of Valentia Island, County Kerry, the Skellig Islands have entranced visitors for centuries, viewable from any vantage point on the Ring of Kerry route. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skellig Michael exists as a well-preserved outpost of early monastic Christianity, reached by climbing 500 stone steps on a 1,000-year-old stairway. It was described by Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw as “an incredible, impossible, mad place. I tell you the thing does not belong to any world that you and I have lived and worked in; it is part of our dream world.” Small Skellig, meanwhile, is home to 27,000 pairs of gannets, the second largest colony in the world. Reachable by a boat trip, you can also visit the Skellig Experience Centre on dry land.

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IRELAND’S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS IRELAND’S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS ARE THE BREATHTAKING WOODLANDS, WATERWAYS, TRACKS AND TRAILS AT IRELAND’S CORE. DOTTED ALONG THE RIVER SHANNON, THESE HIDDEN GEMS STEEPED IN NATURAL BEAUTY OFFER THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF ACTIVITY AND RELAXATION. SO GO GET LOST IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS, AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE REAL HEART OF IRELAND.

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Cloughoughter Castle and surroundings, Co Cavan IRELAND AT YOUR LEISURE 2019/2020 | 47

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Xxxxx Heartlands

The Beara Breifne Way – The Irish Camino

THE HIDDEN HEARTLANDS Burren Park, Co Cavan

Ireland’s longest inland walking and cycling trail is a must for any adventure seekers visiting Ireland. The Beara Breifne Way spans from County Cork to County Cavan, crossing hills and connecting bogs, woodlands, farmland, river banks and villages through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands taking in counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo Leitrim and Cavan. Stretching 500km from the tip of the Beara Peninsula in Dursey County Cork to Blacklion in the Breifne area of counties Leitrim And Cavan, the route is inspired by the 14-day march undertaken by the chieftain O’Sullivan Beare and his supporters in 1603. The Beara Breifne Way was developed by local communities following the 400th anniversary re-enactment of the march. The dramatic history of the walk contrasts with the beauty and diversity of the landscapes along the Beara-Breifne way. The walk is broken into sections and trails so you can join in no matter where you are along the route and use the surrounding towns as walking hubs. A Walking Passport for the route is available at bearabreifneway.ie. You can collect heritage stamps along the way, meet some of the people behind the walk’s creation and catalogue your progress over days, months or even years.

www en/m

ith so much to see and do on Ireland’s rugged coastlines, it’s easy to forget the Midlands, but this region at the heart of Ireland should not be overlooked. From Leitrim to East Clare, extending through Longford, Roscommon, East Galway, as well as parts of Westmeath, Cavan, North Tipperary and Offaly; the Midlands is a vast area of natural beauty. It’s the perfect landscape to escape to if you like to explore the great outdoors and get active. With the River Shannon at its core, the Midlands region has plenty of outdoor adventure to offer both on and off the water with something to suit all ages. Immerse yourself in the heart of rural Ireland by canoe, bike or on foot with countless cycling routes, hiking trails, greenways, woodlands and picturesque rivers and lakes at your fingertips. Cruise down the river Shannon or take a leisurely boat ride on Lough Derg, relax by the lake or give in to your adventurous side and rent a stand up paddle board or canoe. The waterways also offer great fishing all the way from Drumshanbo to Carrickon-Shannon. Meanwhile the tracks and trails and quiet rural byways that criss-cross this picturesque part of Ireland allow you to take in the views, or explore the rural heartlands and small villages in this quiet, relaxing part of the country, on foot, on a bike or on horseback – the choice is yours.

Stand up paddle boarding with Soulkite, in Killaloe, Co Clare

WHERE TO STAY

AN ADVENTURE TRAIL THROUGH IRELAND’S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS WOULDN’T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT SOME GLAMPING – BECAUSE A LITTLE BIT OF LUXURY IS A WELCOME TREAT AFTER AN ACTIVITY FILLED DAY.

•

Pink Apple Orchard Yurt Glamping, Corry, Drumkeeran, Co Leitrim www.irelandglamping.com Pod Umna Village, Dominic Street, Portumna, Co Galway www.podumnavillage.ie

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Heartlands

IRELANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS

YOURS TO UNCOVER CLOUGHOUGHTER CASTLE, CO CAVAN https://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-CultureHeritage/clough-oughtercastle/48729

ARIGNA MINING EXPERIENCE, CO LEITRIM www.arignaminingexperience.ie

LOUGH KEY FOREST, CO ROSCOMMON www.loughkey.ie

SACRED SITE OF CLONMACNOISE, CO OFFALY www.heritageireland.ie/ en/midlands-eastcoast/ clonmacnoise/

CENTER PARCS, CO LONGFORD www.centerparcs.ie

SOUL KITE KILLALOE, CO CLARE www.soulkite.ie

ATHLONE CASTLE, CO WESTMEATH www.athlonecastle.ie

BIRR CASTLE AND GARDENS, CO OFFALY www.birrcastle.com CRAG WOOD, CO CLARE www.coillte.ie/site/ballycuggaran

AQUA SPLASH DROMINEER, CO TIPPERARY www.aquasplash.ie

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Lough Oughter Lake, Co Cavan

HIDDEN HEARTLANDS: PLACES OF

INTEREST

Discover the ancient sites, natural wonders and thrilling adventure parks as you journey through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

egin your tour of culture and adventure at the breathtaking Cloughoughter Castle, set on an island in the middle of the Cavan lakes. Travel then to Lough Allen taking in the Arigna Mining Experience before visiting the floating board-walk at Acres Lake. This exciting new development at Acres Lake includes a stunning floating board-walk as well as walking and cycling trails all the way into the town of Drumshanbo, connecting it to Leitrim village where you can rent an electric bike to take in more of the region including the neighbouring village of Drumcong. Next on your tour is Lough Key Forest. Get your adrenaline kick by zip-lining through the forest at Zipit Lough Key. Heading south along the Shannon, be sure to stop off at Strokestown Park House in Roscommon and of course Roscommon Castle. Strokestown House is an 18th century restored mansion that is open to the public with a Famine Museum located on the grounds and 300 acres of land to explore. Roscommon Castle is a dramatic and imposing 13th century Norman castle located a short distance from Lough Ree. Next to the castle lies Loughnaneane Park, a 14 acre recreational park with a wildlife sanctuary where you can explore the region’s flora and fauna. To the East of the River Shannon, more adventure awaits. The first Center Parcs resort is due to open in Ireland in summer 2019 in Longford Forest in the town of Ballymahon. Plans include 470 lodges to accommodate 2,500 guests, 30 apartments, and more than 100 indoor and outdoor family activities as well as shops, restaurants and the much loved Aqua Sana Spa and Subtropical Swimming Paradise. Next on your journey through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is Athlone Castle in County Westmeath. Dating from the 12th century, Athlone Castle offers visitors culture and history in the heart of the

bustling town. Be sure to check out Sean’s Bar – the 1,000 year old bar guaranteed to provide a lively, Irish atmosphere. Continuing your historical journey through the green Midlands, the next stop is the sacred site of Clonmacnoise. The ancient monastery of Clonmacnoise was founded in 544 by St. Ciarán and visited by scholars from all over the world. A walk through the ancient ruins will give you a true sense of why this region is known as the land of saints and scholars. The site is beautifully set on the river with spectacular views. It has long been a site of religious pilgrimage. Make your way down now to the market town of Portumna at the northern tip of Lough Derg. Located in the South East of County Galway, Portumna is linked by a bridge to County Tipperary. Visit Portumna forest before travelling to Birr Castle and Gardens in County Offaly where you can explore the awardwinning gardens and go back in time at the science centre and check out the giant telescope. The Slieve Bloom mountains lie to the east of the town. Continue the adventure in Terryglass with wakeboarding, waterskiing, surfing and bodyboarding with Watermark Ski Club. As you meander further down the banks of Lough Derg, stop off in the village of Dromineer where you can make the most of all the water sports on offer. Dromineer is a popular stopping point for Shannon cruisers. The village claims to have the third-oldest yacht club in the world, the Lough Derg Yacht Club, which celebrated 175 years in 2010. Sailing classes can be arranged via Shannon Sailing, who are located further into the harbour, and a 10 km walking trail of the surrounding areas also begins here. Dromineer is a trailhead for numerous cycle and walking routes including the Lough Derg Way and Slí Eala Way. Dromineer is also home to the Aqua Splash water park – a floating inflatable obstacle course located on Lough Derg. Just a short drive away waits Portroe Quarry where you can go scuba diving in the crystal clear waters of the old slate quarry.Travel a little further east and you will find yourself in Barack Obamas’ ancestral home town of Moneygall where the former president visited in 2011. Finish your action-packed journey through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands in Killaloe with some stand up paddle-boarding with SoulKite Killaloe. Killaloe is a hive of activity and just a stone’s throw from the Wild Atlantic Way route. From Killaloe, make your way to Ballycuggaran for one last walking trail in Crag Wood. This scenic walk follows roads and trails through dense forest and open hillside on the shoulders of Feenlea Mountain. The beautiful expanse of Lough Derg lies below you.

Lough Key Forest, Co Roscommon

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IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO PEEL BACK THE LAYERS OF TIME, IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST IS A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE 5,000 YEARS OF EUROPEAN HISTORY IN A COMPACT AREA. GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK TO SEE, HEAR, TOUCH AND FEEL THE IMPRINTS OF THE MILLENNIA OF SETTLERS IN THIS LAND.

Glendalough, Co Wicklow IRELAND AT YOUR LEISURE 2019/2020 | 51

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Ancient East

ROADTRIP 5,000 YEARS IN 400 MILES In Ireland’s Ancient East, visitors will listen to the best storytellers in the world and become part of 5,000 years of history.

MELLIFONT ABBEY JOURNEY: From Dublin: 45 minutes

MONAGHAN

CAVAN

HILL OF TARA JOURNEY: From Dublin: 45 minutes

LOUTH

LONGFORD

BRÚ NA BÓINNE JOURNEY: From Dublin: 45 minutes

MEATH WESTMEATH NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND

DUBLIN OFFALY

GLENDALOUGH JOURNEY: From Dublin: 1 hour 15 minutes

KILDARE

WICKLOW

LAOIS

HUNTINGTON CASTLE JOURNEY: From Dublin: 1 hour 30 minutes

CARLOW KILKENNY

LIMERICK TIPPERARY

IRISH NATIONAL STUD AND JAPANESE GARDENS JOURNEY: From Dublin: 53 minutes

WEXFORD WELLS HOUSE JOURNEY: From Dublin: 1 hour 30 minutes

WATERFORD

CORK

TITANIC EXPERIENCE JOURNEY: From Dublin: 2 hours 40 minutes

HOLYCROSS ABBEY JOURNEY: From Dublin: 1 hour 46 minutes

WATERFORD VIKING TRIANGLE JOURNEY: From Dublin: 1 hour 55 minutes

MEDIEVAL MILE JOURNEY: From Dublin: 1hour 30 minutes

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Ancient East

Viking Triangle, Reginald’s Tower, Co Waterford

ANCIENT EAST

JOURNEY

When you travel through Ireland’s Ancient East you will be taking a journey through 5,000 years of history. You will discover vibrant towns and villages set in a lush green landscape where life is celebrated through festivals, food and a deep-rooted love of place.

panning 17 counties, Ireland’s Ancient East shows you every face of the island. You will find megalithic tombs that predate the pyramids, medieval castles, holy treasures, ghostly Gothic architecture, and panoramic seascapes. Whether you are running from the witch’s ghost in St Canice’s Cathedral, exploring the sixth century monastic retreat of Glendalough, or gazing across the sea from the world’s oldest lighthouse at Hook Head, one thing is certain - Ireland’s ancient history is still very much alive. There is an engaging authenticity to life in the local, bustling towns and villages. Take in a festival, try tasty local specialities, drive leafy roads through lush rolling valleys, and explore meandering rivers and the mountains that once protected the original inhabitants.

MELLIFONT ABBEY, Co Louth Old Mellifont Abbey in County Louth was the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland, founded in 1142 by St Malachy of Armagh. The site is located just a 10 minute drive from Drogheda and features an unusual octagonal lavabo in which the monks washed their hands, dating from circa 1200. The Old Mellifont Abbey Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition on the work of masons in the Middle Ages, with fine examples of their craft on display, alongside remnants of the abbey’s gate and its church. JOURNEY: From Dublin - 45 minutes HILL OF TARA, Co Meath Depart Dublin early morning for the Boyne Valley which was once Ireland’s ancient capital and its most sacred and mythical landscape. First stop should be at the Hill of Tara, located between Navan and Dunshaughlin. It is said that a quarter of the landscape of Ireland can be seen from this hill. Though best known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill has been an important site since the late Stone Age when a passage-tomb was constructed. However, Tara was at the height of its power as a political and religious centre in the early centuries after Christ. JOURNEY: From Dublin - 45 minutes BRÚ NA BÓINNE, Co Meath Continue north east to the Valley’s most famous attraction, Brú na Bóinne, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Newgrange is the most

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Ancient East

famous of its megalithic tombs, but the tombs at Knowth and Dowth are equally as impressive. JOURNEY: From Dublin - 45 minutes

Wells House, Co Wexford

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND, Co Dublin The Treasury exhibition space has been reopened after a major refurbishment and you can see iconic artefacts such as the Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch and the Derrynaflan Hoard. Make sure to visit the Kingship and Sacrifice exhibition which includes recently found bog bodies. Ór, Ireland’s gold exhibition, is one of the largest and most important gold collections in Europe. Featured in the fascinating Ancient Egypt exhibition is the gilt and painted cartonnage case of the mummy Tentdinebu, as well as tomb furniture, offering tables, jewellery and household objects. Not to be missed is the Viking Ireland exhibition, which features finds from the Museum’s Dublin excavations, carried out between 1962 and 1981. GLENDALOUGH VISITOR CENTRE, Co Wicklow Glendalough Visitor Centre is dedicated to showcasing the Glendalough monastic site, one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions. Positioned in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the Glendalough monastic site is a fascinating early Christian settlement in a spectacular natural location, founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century. The extensive ruins of Glendalough include several early churches, and an impressive 30-metre high round tower. The valley stretches for approximately 3km and contains several areas of great historical interest and beauty. JOURNEY: 1 hour 15 minutes from Dublin. IRISH NATIONAL STUD AND JAPANESE GARDENS, Co Kildare In the nearby Co Kildare you can see some of the stars of the horse breeding world at the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens. JOURNEY: 53 minutes from Dublin. HUNTINGTON CASTLE, Co Carlow Visit Huntington Castle to step into another world.The 17th century house is a treasure trove of historical architecture and objects, while the Yew Tree Walk, Lime Tree Avenue and water features are just some of the elements of Huntington’s delightful gardens and pleasure grounds. Located in Clonegal, County Carlow, Huntington Castle was originally built as a defensive garrison. After its soldiers relocated, it was developed into a family estate by the Baron of Esmonde. Many generations of the family added various extensions and details, resulting in the creation of a truly unique and interesting building. JOURNEY: 1 hour 30 minutes from Dublin. WELLS HOUSE, Co Wexford The estate of Wells House and Gardens is located in County Wexford and comprises 450 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds. The gardens were designed by renowned architect Daniel Robertson in the 1830s who introduced features such as the Terrace Gardens, Radiating Parterre, Arboretum and Main Avenue. Two woodland walks - the Lady Frances Woodland Walk and the Mogue’s Walk contain hidden treasures in a verdant landscape of mature plants and trees. Families will enjoy the Wishing Well, Lady Frances’ Daffodils and the Craft Courtyard on the site of the old stables. JOURNEY: 1 hour 30 minutes from Dublin. MEDIEVAL MILE, Kilkenny city, Co Kilkenny Once the medieval capital of Ireland, the city has a rich medieval heritage visible through its narrow streetscapes, its historical buildings and landmarks. Saint Canice, who gives Kilkenny its name, founded a monastic settlement here in the 6th century. Built in the 13th century

and a great example of ornate stonemasonry skills, St Canice’s is the second longest cathedral in Ireland. Strongbow, the legendary Norman invader, built a fort in the 12th century on the site where Kilkenny Castle stands today. William Marshall, Strongbow’s son-inlaw, the 4th Earl of Pembroke, fortified the city walls, built a stone castle on the site, and consolidated the Norman’s position of power in the city. JOURNEY: 1 hour 30 minutes from Dublin. HOLYCROSS ABBEY, Thurles, Co Tipperary Just outside Thurles, Holycross Abbey was founded in 1168 for the Benedictines by the King of Munster, Donal O Brien. A particle of the True Cross was enshrined (and still remains) in the abbey, and subsequently Holycross became one of the most frequented places of pilgrimage in Ireland. JOURNEY: Loughcrew to Holycross: 1 hour 46mins. WATERFORD VIKING TRIANGLE, Co Waterford Three museums tell the story of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city founded by theVikings in 914.The story of the city starts at Reginald’s Tower, a 12th century mural tower where the Viking museum is located. The exhibits include a set of Viking warrior armour dating from the 9th century. JOURNEY: 1 hour 55mins from Dublin. TITANIC EXPERIENCE, Cobh, Co Cork Titanic Experience Cobh is a visitor centre located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office in the centre of Cobh town, formerly known as Queenstown, the departure point for the final 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic. The visitor experience is presented in two parts.The first is an exciting immersive audio visual tour retracing the steps of the 123 passengers who boarded Titanic from Queenstown on April 11th 1912. With Officer Boxall as your virtual guide, innovative audio visual technology and the replica interior ship set, experience the anticipation of the long journey ahead and the new life waiting for Queenstown’s passengers in America. Share the excitement of boarding the most luxurious liner of her time and feel the horror of the tragedy on that fateful night. JOURNEY: 2 hours 40 minutes from Dublin

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Ancient East

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Tracing Your Roots

Useful Websites

TRACING YOUR ANCESTORS

DELVE INTO YOUR PAST – AFTER ALL, YOU COULD BE RELATED TO THE ANCIENT KINGS AND QUEENS OF IRELAND! There’s a story behind each family name – walk in the footsteps of your ancestors and discover yours!

www.nli.ie The National Library of Ireland website. www.census.nationalarchives.ie Includes a database of the 1901 and 1911 Census returns and digitised images of the original documents for all of Ireland. www.irishgenealogy.ie A government-run site with a database of church records relating to many locations in counties Kerry, Dublin, Carlow and Cork. Further records will also be added to this site. www.rootsireland.ie The website of the county genealogy centres which provides access (via 1 day, 1 month, 1 year subscriptions) to over 20 million church, civil, land, census, gravestone and ships’ passenger records for the majority of Irish counties. www.familysearch.org Run by the Latter Day Saints Church this contains a database of Irish civil records index of births, deaths and marriages from 1845 –1958 which you can search online.

Replica passenger ticket from the Dunbrody Famine Ship, Co Wexford

www.findmypast.ie Includes over 3.5 million crime and legal records, almost two million names in directories and almanacs, and exclusive land and estate records, census substitutes, travel and migration records, and details of Irish who fought overseas. This is also a subscription website.

hen you begin researching your family history you never know what you are going to find. Not everyone can boast connections with glamorous relatives, but with four recent US presidents claiming Irish family connections, researching your genealogy in Ireland is undoubtedly a rewarding and exciting adventure. It is recommended that you study the history of your family before beginning your research in Ireland. Working back through the records in your own country to identify your emigrant ancestors will make your trip worthwhile and increase your prospects of visiting your ancestral area. Gather as much basic information as possible. Details such as the name of your ancestor, approximate date of birth, parish or county of origin, religious denomination, names of ancestor’s parents, name of ancestor’s spouse and the date and place of marriage will all prove valuable on your search.

Sources that will supply this information vary from country to country, but the types of records that are likely to provide information include church records (baptism and marriage certificates), birth, death, and marriage certificates held by civil authorities, census returns, city directories, gravestone inscriptions, newspaper obituaries, wills, naturalisation papers and passenger lists. Whether you choose to conduct your own research and spend successive holidays in Ireland tracing your ancestors, or commission research, there are many options from which to choose. National repositories of material are available to those who wish to trace their ancestors. A network of county genealogy centres have experienced local staff who will assist you on your journey and have millions of records online at www.rootsireland.ie. The National Library on Kildare Street, Dublin (Tel: (01) 603 0200) has a dedicated genealogy research room where you can

access online resources and get advice from trained staff via a free genealogy advisory service. Log onto www.nli.ie before your trip to learn more about its holdings. The National Archives, also located in Dublin city (Tel: (01) 407 2300), operates a free genealogy service with members of Accredited Genealogists of Ireland (AGI). This service is provided free of charge to callers, and members of the AGI can advise you on where to go and how to use relevant records. For those whose ancestors were born in Ulster, a visit to the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) in Belfast is a great starting point. PRONI hold many records for all nine counties of Ulster, including the 1901 census returns, Griffith’s Valuation, tithe applotment books, and copies of church registers of all denominations. If the exact details of your emigrant ancestor are lost in the mists of time and you are unable to pinpoint their place of origin, learning about their circumstances can be a very rewarding and worthwhile undertaking. Exploring attractions such as the Dunbrody emigrant ship in New Ross, County Wexford, or the Country Life – National Museum of Ireland in County Mayo would give a valuable insight into your ancestor’s experiences.

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Tracing Your Roots

Genealogy Centres - Members of the Roots Ireland network County Genealogy Centres will carry out commissioned research using their unique local knowledge and databases. The types of service available, as well as charges, can be obtained by contacting the relevant centre. DUBLIN & THE EAST

SOUTH WEST

DUN LAOGHAIRE HERITAGE

LOCAL STUDIES, CORK

& GENEALOGY, CRAFT

COUNTY LIBRARY,

COURTYARD, MARLAY PARK,

CARRIGOHANE

RATHFARNHAM,

ROAD, CO CORK

DUBLIN 16

T: + 353 (0) 21 4546499

T: +353 (0) 1 4954485

E: localstudieslibrary@

E: cmalone@dlrcoco.ie

corkcoco.ie

KILDARE GENEALOGY,

MALLOW HERITAGE

RIVERBANK, MAIN STREET,

CENTRE, 27-28 BANK

NEWBRIDGE, CO KILDARE

PLACE, MALLOW,

T: +353 (0) 45 448350

CO CORK

E: cilldaragenealogy@gmail.ie

T: + 353 (0) 22 50302 E: mallowheritagecentre@

LOUTH CO LIBRARY, RODEN

gmail.com

PLACE, DUNDALK, CO LOUTH

SKIBBEREEN HERITAGE

T: +353 (0) 42 9353190

CENTRE, OLD GASWORKS

E: libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie

BUILDING, UPPER STREET,

SWORDS HISTORICAL

SKIBBEREEN, CO. CORK

SOCIETY, CARNEGIE

T: +353 (0) 28 40900

LIBRARY, NORTH STREET,

E: skibbheritage1@

SWORDS, CO DUBLIN

gmail.com

T: +353 (0) 1 8400080 E: swordsheritage@gmail.com

SHANNON & MIDLANDS BRU BORU CULTURAL

WICKLOW FAMILYHISTORY

CENTRE, ROCK OF

CENTRE, COUNTY ARCHIVES,

CASHEL, CASHEL,

COUNTY BUILDINGS,

CO TIPPERARY

STATION ROAD,

T: +353 (0) 62 61122

WICKLOW TOWN

E: eolas@bruboru.com

T: +353 (0) 404 20126 E: wfh@eircom.net

SOUTH EAST

CARLOW LIBRARY, GENEALOGY SERVICE,

GALWAY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY (WEST), ST JOSEPH’S COMMUNITY CENTRE, SHANTALLA, CO GALWAY T: +353 (0) 91 860 464 E: galwayfshwest@eircom.net

LONGFORD GENEALOGY, 17 DUBLIN STREET, LONGFORD T: +353 (0) 43 3341235 E: longroot@iol.ie

ROSCOMMON HERITAGE & GENEALOGY COMPANY, CHURCH STREET, STROKESTOWN, CO ROSCOMMON T: +353 (0) 71 9633380 E: info@roscommonroots.com

MEATH HERITAGE CENTRE, TOWN HALL, CASTLE STREET, TRIM, CO MEATH T: +353 (0) 46 9436633 E: noeltrim@gmail.com NORTH TIPPERARY GENEALOGY CENTRE, THE GOVERNOR’S HOUSE, KICKHAM STREET, NENAGH, CO TIPPERARY T: +353 (0) 67 33850 E: tipperarynorthgenealogy@ eircom.net WESTMEATH GENEALOGY, DÚN NA SÍ AMENITY AND HERITAGE PARK, KNOCKDOMNEY, MOATE, CO WESTMEATH T: +353 (0) 90 6481183 E: dunnasimoate@eircom.net

TULLOW STREET,

ROTHE HOUSE &

CARLOW

GARDEN TRUST,

WEST

T: +353 (0)59 9129709

ROTHE HOUSE,

E: bwalsh@carlowcoco.ie

EAST GALWAY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY, WOODFORD HERITAGE CENTRE, WOODFORD, LOUGHREA, CO GALWAY T: +353 (0) 90 9749309 E: galwayroots@gmail.com

PARLIAMENT

LIMERICK GENEALOGY, LISSANALTA HOUSE, DOORADOYLE, CO LIMERICK T: +353 (0) 61 496542 E: research@ limerickgenealogy.com

STREET, KILKENNY

CLARE HERITAGE CENTRE,

T: +353 (0) 56 772 2893

COROFIN, CO CLARE

E: kilkennyfamilyhistory@

T: +353 (0) 65 683 7955

rothehouse.com

E: clareheritage@gmail.com

WATERFORD HERITAGE,

IRISH MIDLANDS

GENEALOGY CENTRE,

ANCESTRY, BURY QUAY,

JENKINS LANE,

TULLAMORE,

CO WATERFORD

CO OFFALY

T: +353 (0) 51 876 123

T: +353 (0) 57 9321421

E: mnoc@iol.ie

E: info@offalyhistory.com

MAYO NORTH HERITAGE CENTRE, ENNISCOE, CASTLEHILL, BALLINA, CO MAYO T: +353 (0) 96 31809 E: northmayo@gmail.com

SLIGO HERITAGE AND GENEALOGY CENTRE, ARAS REDDAN, TEMPLE STREET, SLIGO T: +353 (0) 71 914 3728 E: heritagesligo@eircom.net SOUTH MAYO FAMILY RESEARCH, MAIN STREET, BALLINROBE, CO MAYO T: +353 (0) 94 954 1214 E: soumayo@iol.ie

NORTH WEST CAVAN GENEALOGY, 1ST FLOOR, JOHNSTON CENTRAL LIBRARY, FARNHAM STREET, CAVAN T: +353 (0) 49 4361094 E: cavangenealogy@eircom.net DONEGAL ANCESTRY, OLD MEETINGHOUSE, BACK LANE, RAMELTON, CO DONEGAL T: +353 (0) 74 915 8285 E: info@donegalancestry.com LEITRIM GENEALOGY CENTRE, BALLINAMORE, CO LEITRIM T: +353 (0) 71 964 4012 E: info@leitrimroots.com MONAGHAN GENEALOGY, 6 TULLY, MONAGHAN E: theomcmahon@eircom.net

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Tracing Your Roots

Genealogy Centres continued NORTHERN IRELAND ARMAGH ANCESTRY, THE NAVAN CENTRE, 81 KILLYLEA ROAD, ARMAGH, NORTHERN IRELAND, BT60 4LD T: +44 (0) 28 3752 1800 E: researcher@ armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk DERRY CITY & STRABANE DISTRICT COUNCIL GENEALOGY CENTRE, TOWER MUSEUM, UNION HALL PLACE, DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND, BT48 6LU T: +44 (0) 28 7137 2411 E: genealogy@derrystrabane.com FERMANAGH/TYRONE IRISH WORLD HERITAGE CENTRE, 51 DUNGANNON ROAD, COALISLAND,

CO TYRONE, NORTHERN IRELAND, B71 4HP T: +44 (0) 28 8774 6065 E: info@irish-world.com MELLON CENTRE FOR MIGRATION STUDIES, ULSTER AMERICAN FOLK PARK, MELLON ROAD, CASTLETOWN, OMAGH, CO TYRONE, NORTHERN IRELAND, BT78 5QU T: +44 (0) 28 8225 6315 E: mcms@librariesni.org.uk

Independent Genealogy Centres ENECLANN LTD, AUNGIER STREET, DUBLIN 2 T: +353 (0) 1 671 0338 W: www.eneclann.ie

IVEAGH ANCESTRY, BANBRIDGE, CO DOWN T: +44 (0) 28 4067 1401 W: www. iveaghancestry.com

HISTORICAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES BELFAST T: +44 (0) 28 9336 8502 W: www.historical

MC RESEARCH, DUNDALK, CO LOUTH T: +353 (0) 42 937 2046 W: www.mc-research.com

researchassociates.com

Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Co Galway

ULSTER HISTORICAL FOUNDATION, THE CORN EXCHANGE, 31 GORDON STREET, BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND, BT1 2LG T: +44 (0) 28 90 661988 E: enquiry@uhf.org.uk

Common Irish Names NAME

GAELIC

MEANING

BRENNAN

Ó Braonáin

Sorrow

BYRNE

Ó Broin

Raven

DOHERTY

Ó Dochartaigh

Hurtful

DOYLE

Ó Dubhghaill

Dark Stranger

GALLAGHER

Ó Gallcobhair

Foreign help/ lover of foreigners

KELLY

Ó Ceallaigh

Uncertain, probably from ceallach, meaning strife

KENNEDY

Ó Cinnéide

LYNCH

Ó Loinsigh

Seafarer

MCCARTHY

Mac Carthaigh

Loving

MURPHY

Ó Murchadha

Sea warrior

MURRAY

Ó Muireadhaigh

Lord, master

O’BRIEN

Ó Briain

Descendant of Brian (Boru)

O’CONNOR

Ó Conchobhair

Lover of hounds

O’NEILL

Ó Néill

Son of Niall

O’REILLY

Ó Raghallaigh

Ugly head/

Rock of Cashel

helmet headed

Uncertain, possibly ‘sociable tribe’

O’SULLIVAN

Ó Súileabhain

Hawk-eyed/One-eyed

QUINN

Ó Cuinn

Descendant of Conn, meaning wisdom or chief

RYAN

Ó Maoilriain

Little king

SMITH

Mac Gabhann

Son of the smith

WALSH

Breathnach

From Wales

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IRELANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOP LINKS COURSES STUNNING PARKLAND & HEATHLAND COURSES A COURSE TO FIT EVERY WALLET OR LEVEL OF PLAYER

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Dublin and the East

Dublin is one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most colourful capital cities, from the vibrant Temple Bar with its medieval street pattern and narrow, cobbled streets, to the historic Dublin Castle and the treasures housed in Trinity College. As a touring base, Dublin has plenty to keep you busy in itself. Then, when you venture further afield, the east has more to offer its visitors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from ancient Newgrange in the Boyne Valley and Mellifont Abbey (once home to Cistercian monks), to the rolling plains of the Curragh, the centre of Irish horseracing, and the natural beauty of the hills and valleys of Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland.

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Dublin and the East

Highlights JULY

LOU T

MEATH

■ Thursday 18 July – Sunday 21 July THE FESTIVAL OF CURIOSITY, DUBLIN CITY A festival packed with arts and science activities set in Dublin city centre.

KILDARE WICKLOW

■ Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July GROOVE FEST @ KILRUDDERY HOUSE & GARDENS, BRAY, CO WICKLOW A family-friendly music festival for all ages.

AUGUST

DUBLIN Ireland’s capital city, Dublin is located in the province of Leinster on Ireland’s east coast, and has stood at the mouth of the River Liffey for the past 1,000 years. A lively and vibrant city, Dublin combines old-world charm with modern cosmopolitan flavour.

he city of Dublin can trace back its origin more than a thousand years when it was officially established as a Viking settlement in 998AD. The Vikings become synonymous with looting, burning and pillaging; particularly from Ireland’s rich churches and monasteries. However, the Norsemen also left a more positive and lasting legacy in the towns and cities they founded, and brought trade, commerce and Ireland’s first use of coinage. Though a number of rebellions threatened their hold on the city, Dublin remained inViking hands until the Norman conquest of Ireland in 1169 and flourished under their hands, becoming the political and commercial capital of Ireland, replacing Tara, County Meath, the seat of the Irish high kings. Throughout the following centuries, Dublin continued to grow, despite constant raids from surrounding clans, the ravaging Black Death and the Tudor conquest of Ireland in the 16th century. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Dublin saw a remarkable period of growth in trading and the beginning of a golden age of architecture as the city’s noblemen relocated to the city’s southside, sparking a wave of Georgian construction, much of which still stands today.

■ Thursday 8 August – Monday 12 August CARLINGFORD OYSTER FESTIVAL, CARLINGFORD, CO LOUTH The famous festival promises a packed programme of delicious gastronomy and oyster pearl antics.

■ Monday 29 July – Saturday 3 August IRISH DANCE FESTIVAL 2019, CARLINGFORD, CO LOUTH A week of master classes, sessions, céilis and craic.

SEPTEMBER ■ Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September IRISH CHAMPIONS WEEKEND, DUBLIN AND KILDARE A fantastic weekend of racing at Leopardstown and the Curragh Racecourse.

OCTOBER ■ Friday 25 October Monday 28 October WICKLOW WALKING FESTIVAL, GLENDALOUGH, CO WICKLOW A variety of walking challenges from rolling hills to rugged mountains.

Tourist office information ■ DUBLIN: Suffolk Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 1890 324 583 ■ MEATH: Headfort Place, Kells. Tel: 046 924 8856 ■ LOUTH: The Tholsel, West Street, Drogheda Co Louth. Tel: 041 987 2843 ■ KILDARE: Market Square, Kildare Town. Tel: 045 530 672 ■ WICKLOW: Fitzwilliam Square, Wicklow Town. Tel: 0404 69117

Many of the city’s famous buildings were erected during this period, including the Four Courts and the Customs House, and the wide central boulevard then known as Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street). The years that followed, however, brought the Great Famine that ravaged Ireland’s population, which has never recovered. Waves of revolutionary feeling swept the country as various rebellions rose and failed, culminating in the 1916 Rising and the subsequent War of Independence, which saw 26 Irish counties uniting under Irish rule, followed swiftly by the Civil War during the early 1920s, events still quite sharp in Irish minds. Today Ireland’s capital city is one in which you can find world-renowned entertainers, fantastic culinary experiences and the same ‘céad míle fáilte’– the hundred-thousand welcomes for which the Irish (and Dubliners) are justifiably famed.

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The high point of your Dublin visit. Visit the home of Guinness at Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No. 1 Visitor Attraction. The experience unfolds across seven floors, telling the story of the iconic drink and bringing to life the heritage of this world-famous beer. Top off your visit in the Gravity Bar with a complimentary perfect pint, where panoramic views of Dublin await.

Book online to get the best deals and fast track access

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Dublin and the East

ROADTRIP

This tour takes you from Dublin city through the countryside into the Wicklow Mountains and the fantastic scenery of Glendalough and into the flatlands of County Kildare.

From (A) Dublin city, head south along the winding R115 route and very B soon you’ll find yourself in Wicklow, C where you’ll be surrounded by hills and valleys, forest and woodland and a veritable host of activities including cycling, hiking, walking or horseriding. Crossing over the (B) Sally Gap, follow the road as far as Laragh, where you’ll take the R756 to (C) Glendalough. Here you’ll find one of the most peaceful and beautiful attractions Ireland has to offer, right in the heart of the Garden of Ireland. For thousands of years, people have been drawn to the valley of the two lakes, home to an ancient monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. JOURNEY: 41KM D

Carry on through the National Park (following roads N81, R411, R413, M7) to (D) Kildare, where you can tour the Irish National Stud and adjoining Japanese Gardens and St. Fiachra’s Gardens.The famous stud farm here now belongs to the Irish people, and continues to produce thoroughbred racing stallions – Sea the Stars (horse of the year in 2009) and Sun Chariot (one of the few horses to complete the fillies Triple Crown) were both born and bred here, while the Stud is currently home to the living legends Vintage Crop, Moscow Flyer, Kicking King and Beef or Salmon.The stud’s Japanese Gardens are world-renowned and continue to flourish, a source of peace and inspiration for all who visit. St. Fiachra’s Garden, meanwhile, moves you to a different world from centuries past, as it aims to capture the spirit which inspired Ireland’s historic monastic settlements. JOURNEY: 50KM

Custom House

Though there’s plenty to see in between, there are few better sights than that of (E) Newgrange in County Meath (take R415, R408, R407, R158, N2). A few minutes’ drive from the N2, along the banks of the River Boyne, lies the fascinating megalithic site of Newgrange, which has a roof that has stayed miraculously waterproof for over 5,000 years. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient burial mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, which are elaborately decorated with megalithic artworks. Visitor access to the site is by guided tour only, and your destination is the Brú na Bóinne visitor centre. JOURNEY: 88KM

Glendalough

Trinity College

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Dublin and the East

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology

Trinity College Library

DUBLIN CITY

SOUTH

here’s so much to do in Dublin, and many famous heritage sites and museums are located south of the Liffey. For a distinctive look into Ireland’s past, head to the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, on Kildare Street. It houses a rare collection of artefacts dating from 7000BC to the 20th century, and features permanent exhibitions including Ór – Ireland’s Gold, Prehistoric Ireland,Viking Ireland and Ancient Egypt. Open all year round, Tel: (01) 677 7444. Near the museum is the famous Trinity College, located right in the heart of Dublin. The main Regent House entrance leads into Front Square, Library Square and Parliament Square, all overshadowed by the magnificent Campanile designed by Edward Lanyon in the 1850s. Elsewhere, the campus features many fine buildings, including the Graduates’ Memorial Building, Rubrics and Provost’s House. There are a number of fine modern sculptures by artists such as Henry Moore and Alexander Calder, as well as statues of the college’s many famous luminaries. Also worth seeing are the Berkeley Library, the Douglas Hyde Gallery of Modern Art and the Dublin Experience, a 45-minute multimedia introduction to the city. What attracts most visitors to the Trinity campus is a visit to the college’s single most impressive element, the famous 9th century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells – one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful books. Along with the equally venerable Book of Armagh and Book of Durrow, it is housed in the east pavilion of the Colonnades Library.

Until the Act of Union in 1801, the Bank of Ireland building across from Trinity College served as the Irish parliament building. Since its construction in 1729, a host of illustrious architects (including Edward Lovett Pearce, James Gandon, Robert Park and Francis Johnston) have added their own touches, yet the building retains a glorious cistency of style. The House of Lords Chamber, with its 18th century chandeliers, tapestries and oak panelling, offers a fascinating glimpse of the past.The building can be visited Tuesday to Friday, 10am-4pm, and there are free talks/tours available on request, Tel: (01) 671 1488. Finally, make your way up Dame Street to visit Dublin Castle and City Hall, where you can view the State Apartments and the Chester Beatty Library. Dublin Castle was built in the 13th century on a site originally occupied by the Vikings. Over its long history, it has been a military fortress, a treasury and the seat of English government in Ireland for 700 years. Open all year round, Monday to Sunday including Bank Holidays, 9.45am-5.45pm,Tel: (01) 645 8800. Meanwhile, The Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library that houses the fascinating collection of manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and some decorative arts assembled by Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968) in a restored 18th century building in Dublin Castle. The Library was named Irish Museum of the Year in 2000 and was awarded the title of European Museum of the Year 2002, a coveted international accolade in the museum world. The Library’s exhibitions open a window on the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world. The rich collection from countries across Asia, the Middle East, north Africa and Europe offers visitors a visual feast. Admission is free. Contact Chester Beatty Library for further details, Tel: (01) 407 0750. The City Hall, Tel: (01) 222 2222, one of Dublin’s finest neoclassical buildings, houses a multimedia exhibition tracing the evolution of the city from 1170 to the present day, with emphasis on the development of the civic government.The story is told through the display of civic regalia, including the great city sword and mace, the Lord Mayor’s chain and other city treasures, and supported by digital interactive displays, archive films, models and costumes. Slightly further from the city centre is Kilmainham Gaol. Antiquelovers should stop off en-route at Francis Street in the historic Liberties area to snap up a rarity. From its construction in 1792 until its decommissioning in 1924, Kilmainham Gaol has witnessed some of the most heroic and tragic events in Irish history including the executions that followed the 1916 Easter Rising. A visit begins with an excellent audio-visual introduction, followed by a tour that ends with an atmospheric visit to the prison yard where the executions took place. Open daily, all year round, Tel: (01) 453 5984.

Dublin Castle

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Dublin and the East

Who can leave Dublin without a trip to the Guinness Storehouse? In recent years this fantastic attraction has been hugely revamped, so if this is not your first visit to Dublin and you think you’ve already seen it all, think again! Any pre-November 2000 visit to what was formerly the Guinness Hopstore would have been a completely different experience. The Guinness Storehouse, shaped like a giant pint, offers an exciting tour through the ins and outs of the brewing process and how it has been marketed and transported across the globe. So head to the world’s most famous brewery and discover what goes into making the black stuff. Then finish off your visit in Gravity – a chic bar located at the ‘head’ of the ‘pint’ (or building) – where you will be treated to a complimentary pint of Guinness and an astonishing view of the city. Open daily, 9.30am-5pm. Shoppers will find just about everything they could want along Dublin’s famous Grafton Street, where high street shops and department stores from the reasonable to the utterly chic abound. At the top of Grafton Street is the St Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre with its variety of shops and galleries. Situated off the other end of Grafton Street is Nassau Street, home to several souvenir shops of interest including the Kilkenny Shop, Celtic Note and House of Ireland. Those looking for a unique one-off find will want to hunt the George’s Street Arcade or the many other side streets that are located near Grafton Street, including Wicklow Street, home to Chesneau’s flagship store where sophisticated leather handbags and accessories abound. The Temple Bar area is also a treasure trove for lovers of vintage clothing stores and unusual ensembles. After a long day of touring, you’ll be ready to sample a bit of Dublin’s nightlife. From pub grub to nouveau cuisine, pints to cocktails, Dublin has everything and many locals and tourists alike head to the southside to enjoy a great night out. Experience a footstomping traditional music session at one of the many old-style pubs or hear a local band at one of Dublin’s popular concert venues. A pint of the black stuff should be consumed at Ireland’s oldest pub, the Brazen Head, Tel: (01) 677 9549, near Christ Church Cathedral. With a history dating back over 800 years, this pub has set the benchmark by which Irish pub culture is measured. If you feel up for it, sample the many trendy nightclubs scattered across the south side of the city. A memorable night is sure to be had in Temple Bar, where old-style pubs meet trendy cafés and nightclubs.

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Location: St James’s Gate, Dublin 8. Tel: +353 (0)1 408 4800

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Open from 6pm – 6am, 7 Days a Week and

Guinness Storehouse

SNAPSHOTS: Book of Kells EXHIBITION Written around the year 800AD, the Book of Kells is one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world. Two volumes can normally be seen, one opened to display a major decorated page, and one to show two pages of script. Location: Trinity College Library, College Street, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 (0)1 896 2320

Christchurch Cathedral HISTORICAL SITE Early manuscripts date Christchurch Cathedral to approximately 1030AD. Today, it is home to interesting items such as the

Treasures of Christchurch exhibition, while the church is open to visitors from Monday to Sunday. Location: Christchurch Cathedral, Christchurch Place, Dublin 8. Tel: +353 (0)1 677 8099

St Patrick’s Cathedral HISTORICAL SITE Having long played its part in Irish life since its foundation in 1191, the history of St Patrick’s Cathedral includes the term of Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver’s Travels) as its dean, from 1713-1745. Location: St Patrick’s Cathedral, St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8. Tel: +353 (0)1 453 947

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Dublin and the East

DUBLIN CITY

Things to do

NORTH

he northside of Dublin offers a very different atmosphere to the south, with its own rare attractions to enjoy. Now marked by the Spire on O’Connell Street you are sure to find your way, and once you’ve crossed the river you’ll find quality shops and shopping centres featuring a wide choice of unique souvenirs, clothing and gourmet items. So venture north and see what else this inspiring city has to offer. Probably one of the the most famous and definitely the biggest natural attraction is the Phoenix Park. Encompassing more than 700 hectares – twice the size of New York’s Central Park – the Phoenix Park is one of the largest city parks in the world. It features gardens, lakes, football and hurling fields, polo grounds, the headquarters of the Garda Síochána, as well as the residences of the US Ambassador and the Irish President. The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, Tel: (01) 677 0095, features a lively exhibition and audiovisual presentation on the history and wildlife of the park.Visitors can also tour the adjacent Ashtown Castle, a 17th century tower house. Located at the north end of the park is Farmleigh, the former home of the Guinness family.Tours around the house are available, Tel: (01) 815 5900. Also within the park is Dublin Zoo, one of the oldest in Europe. Open all year round, Tel: (01) 474 8900. If you’re a follower of history, the northside offers plenty of heritage sites to explore. The National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History in Collins Barracks houses the State’s exquisite collection of silver, ceramics, glassware, furniture, clothing, jewellery, coins and medals. Major collections include The Way We Wore, an exhibition presenting 250 years of Irish clothing and jewellery; Airgead – A Thousand Years of Irish Coins and Currency; and a fascinating exhibition of the work of Irish-born Eileen Gray, one of the most influential designers and architects of the 20th century. Open all year round, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday, 2pm-5pm, Tel: (01) 677 7444. Admission is free. The General Post Office (GPO) on O’Connell Street was the site of the proclamation and final battle of the 1916 Rising and is perhaps Dublin’s most famous historical landmark. Its impressive interior was gutted by fire during the Easter Rising and still bears bullet holes from this time, and signs of damage from the start of the Civil War in 1922.The building still fulfils its primary function as Dublin’s post office HQ. Meanwhile, art lovers will appreciate the Hugh Lane Gallery,Tel: (01) 222 5550, as it houses an extensive collection of 20th century Irish art, with work by Walter Osborne, Sir John Lavery, Roderic O’Conor and Jack B.Yeats. Its international collection includes Manet, Monet, Renoir and Degas, as well as late 20th century painters such as Francis Bacon. Bacon’s studio, along with its many drawings and canvasses, was gifted to the gallery in 1998. Ireland’s national theatre, the Abbey Theatre, Lower Abbey Street, Tel: (01) 878 7222, marked the beginning of its second century in 2005. Founded by one of Ireland’s literary heroes, W.B. Yeats, and Lady Augusta Gregory, the theatre has been involved in, and mirrored, the development of the city since 1904. Shopping on the northside is a different experience from the south. Fine fashion, homewares and cosmetics can all be found at the major department stores such as Arnotts and Debenhams on Henry Street.The Jervis Centre is located on Mary Street and houses everything from large department stores to shops selling homewares, books and strange gadgets. For more Irish gift items, head to Clerys on O’Connell Street or one of the many

Jameson Distillery

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Carroll’s Irish gift stores. If you’re a lover of books you’ll enjoy Eason’s on O’Connell Street and Chapters around the corner on Parnell Street. Finally, towards the end of your day of touring, stop off at the Jameson Distillery Bow Street in Smithfield,Tel: (01) 807 2355. An hour-long tour guides you through the old distillery and the history of this world-famous whiskey, ending in a relaxing tasting session. After your visit to Jameson’s, kick back for the evening in the nearby Smithfield area, which is growing in popularity as trendy bars and restaurants open up shop.

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HOSTING THE WORLD SINCE 1798

Don’t just explore our heritage, immerse yourself in it… people from all over the world have set on a journey through the Dublin mountains to discover the quaint allurement that lies behind the doors at Johnnie Fox’s.

HAVE A HOOLEY Step back in time to discover the true Irish experience at the renowned Johnnie Fox’s Hooley Night - this includes the famous Fox’s troupe of Irish dancers, lively band playing traditional Irish music, a four course meal by our award winning kitchen and plenty of good ‘aul’ Irish craic.

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From Presidents to Prime Ministers, from film icons to farmers, from sporting greats to singing legends, the pub has become famous for its guests and its true ‘Céad mile fáilte’. Johnnie Fox’s is inimitable to the pretender - It has often been copied, never equalled.

BOOK NOW

to avoid disappointment

www.johnniefoxs.com Phone: +353 1 2955647

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Dublin and the East

COUNTY

DUBLIN

hough it’s often difficult to tell where Dublin city ends and Dublin county begins, it’s worth remembering that, not too long ago, all the suburban areas around the city – north and south – were once towns and villages in their own right, surrounded by acres of fields and linked to the nearby capital by connecting roads. Today, the whole area is a large conurbation, yet each of County Dublin’s towns and villages retains its own unique character. Throughout County Dublin, you’ll find all the cosmopolitan amenities you’d expect of the city, albeit at a less frenetic pace. For further information on all Dublin city and county attractions, see www.visitdublin.com.

Dalkey Castle

SOUTH COUNTY DUBLIN Like the city, County Dublin is divided into north and south areas by the River Liffey. Directly south of the river, Dublin Bay arcs around scenic old coastal villages and towns, including Blackrock, Monkstown, Dún Laoghaire, Killiney and Dalkey. The fresh seaside air may be the first thing you notice, followed by a varied range of unique architecture and a colourful atmosphere.Visitors will enjoy a trip to Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre, Tel: (01) 285 8366. The centre comprises the 15th century castle, early Christian church and graveyard, plus an exhibition hall and more. If you are a fan of James Joyce, the Sandycove Martello Tower, where the opening sequence to Ulysses is set, houses the James Joyce Museum. The collection includes letters, photographs, personal possessions of Joyce, and first and rare editions, including the original edition of Ulysses published by Shakespeare and Company in 1922. Bloomsday is celebrated by Dubliners each year on June 16th, the date Joyce’s ‘everyman’, Leopold Bloom, began his day-long odyssey. Joyceans come from all corners of the globe to celebrate the life and work of their favourite author. When the touring is done, take a refreshing walk along the coast breathing in the fresh seaside air. Killiney Bay in particular offers the most magnificent views. If it’s a bit of shopping you’re

after, the south county area boasts an array of top quality options. Dundrum Shopping Centre has brought with it stylish department stores like House of Fraser and designer outlets. In Blackrock, on weekends, the Blackrock Market offers bric-a-brac, clothes, antiques and books. A bit further south is the Bloomfield Centre in Dún Laoghaire, plus many of the villages feature lovely boutiques and shops, so make sure to sample their wares. Be sure to make time to walk Dún Laoghaire Pier, watch yachts and cruisers cast off, and enjoy an ice cream. Moving inland and westward are the suburbs of Rathfarnham, Tallaght, Lucan and Clondalkin, home to beautiful wooded parklands. Tymon Regional Park in Tallaght boasts a number of water features and wildfowl colonies as well as an award-winning urban forest, while Clondalkin’s Corkagh Regional Park has a rich heritage of mature trees, extensive woodlands and a full range of sporting facilities, including fishing facilities. Here you will find Camac Valley Tourist Caravan and Camping Park. These two large parklands are complemented by three smaller parks: Esker Park in Lucan, Dodder Valley Park in Firhouse and Sean Walsh Memorial Park beside Tallaght village. Set in over 155 acres of spectacular parkland is one of the country’s premier public golf courses – Grange Castle Golf Club. Tallaght was, with Finglas, one of ‘The Two Eyes of Ireland’ in the 9th century. In the early 14th century, the archbishops of Dublin built a medieval castle on or close to the monastery site, and a small tower survives in the grounds of the Dominican priory. Located on the Liffey, Lucan is a fast-growing town that embraces its old village, which features some fine examples of Georgian architecture and a charming ivy-covered bridge. The Pearse Museum in Rathfarnham is also well worth a visit. Formerly a school run by the Irish patriot, this building is now a museum tracing the history of the revolutionary, Padraic Pearse, and his brother William, who were both executed after the 1916 Rising. The museum is in the grounds of St Enda’s Park,Tel: (01) 493 4208, a truly charming place with riverside walks, a waterfall and walled garden. Opening hours vary with the season, although the park is usually open during daylight hours. Finally, a visit to Rathfarnham Castle,Tel: (01) 493 9462, is always a worthy trip. Recent research dates the castle back to 1583.Visitors can experience a castle undergoing active conservation and catch glimpses of the many layers of the castle’s history. At Killakee, you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Dublin Bay and the city. A steep climb up Hell Fire Hill brings you to the ruins of the imposing Hell Fire Club,where the first Earl of Rosse and his friends were once said to engage in devil worship, hence the hill’s name.

Things to do Johnnie Foxes OVER 220 YEARS GETTING READY FOR TONIGHT…. Est. 1798 - one of Ireland’s oldest and most famous traditional pubs in Ireland, Fox’s is also renowned for being the highest pub in the country, surrounded by the beautiful scenery and serenity of the Dublin Mountains. Johnnie Fox’s hosts a world famous Irish dancing ‘Hooley’ Show and is the longest running all year round show, with folk, ballads, and traditional music followed by the spectacular Irish dancing show. This famous dance show is renowned for being the best cultural show in the country. The pub itself is like stepping in to a 19th century Irish home with 21st century standards. The rough floor flagstones strewn with sawdust, the open fires burning turf always kept alight, the antiques and bric-abrac make this pub inimitable to the pretender - often copied never equalled. From Presidents to Prime Ministers, from film icons to farmers, from sporting greats to singing legends, the pub has become famous for its guests and the ‘Céad mile fáilte’ (one hundred thousand welcomes).

Location: Glencullen, Co. Dublin Tel: +353 (0) 1 295 5647 Web: johnniefoxs.com

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AWARDED WORLDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING DISTILLERY TOUR SEARCH JAMESON DISTILLERY TO BOOK

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Dublin and the East

COUNTY DUBLIN FINGAL

n the doorstep to Dublin city and home to Dublin International Airport, the Fingal region of Dublin offers the best of Ireland - old world charm, beautiful coastal scenery, great food and a rich heritage. The landscape is diverse, ranging from sleepy rural villages in a rolling country landscape, to bustling coastal villages surrounded by sandy beaches and rugged coastline, and vibrant urban towns of ancient heritage. The area is renowned for its magnificent castles and stately homes, some dating back to the 12th century, and many of which are set amid beautiful gardens in spacious demesnes. Most notable among these are Malahide Castle, Ardgillan Castle and Newbridge House. There is also a plethora of other buildings of historic, scientific and cultural importance such as Skerries Mills, The National Transport Museum, a Vintage Radio Museum in Howth, and the historic Dunsink Observatory. Fingal’s amazing coastal location is perfect for those with a penchant for outdoor adventure.The expanse of Dublin Bay offers vast open skies, great sweeping beaches, estuaries and coves. If kitesurfing, kayaking, scuba diving or powerboating is your thing, then Fingal has the perfect place for you to indulge, be it in Howth, Malahide or Skerries. Those who enjoy an invigorating walk or cycle will be spoilt for choice with a trail or loop to suit every ability and taste. And the picturesque open countryside and magnificent sandy coastline provide the essential ingredients for superb parkland and links golf courses. With over 27 courses dotted throughout the area, there is certainly a course to suit every golfer’s ability, taste and pocket. Fingal has become a place to have a true gourmet food experience. It offers a mouth watering array of restaurants and gastro pubs serving modern Irish cooking that is influenced by the range of chefs working in the area and the abundance of fabulous local ingredients. The rich fertile lands of North County Dublin provide around 55% of the country’s fresh produce. They are also home to two of Ireland’s leading fishing ports, in Howth and Skerries, where fresh seafood lands every day. Fingal has something to offer all tastes and pockets! And if it’s location and atmosphere you are looking for, then there are restaurants and cafés in picturesque historical buildings, on stilts in the water, and even in bank vaults and harbour buildings. The area enjoys a proud reputation for the quality of its diverse array of accommodation, offering style, comfort and elegance combined with the most modern facilities. Choose from luxurious hotels, charming guesthouses and homely B&Bs. For more information, check out www.visitfingal.ie.

Skerries Mills

Howth

Things to do Swords Museum and Fingal Genealogy

Skerries Mills

Activity

This complex offers a unique experience to visit two windmills, a watermill, mill ponds and mill races. The history of the complex dates back to the 16th century and, to this day, all is in working order. The complex is open daily and guided tours (lasting approximately 50 minutes) are available. Relax in the Watermill Café, where fresh products are baked daily, or browse in the award-winning Craft Shop. Location: Skerries Mills, Skerries, Co Dublin Tel: +353 (0)1 849 5208

Society founded in 1982 to promote, record and preserve the history of the greater Swords area. The group at the Carnegie Library are available weekdays from 1 pm to 4.30 pm to facilitate those who wish to walk around Historic Swords, trace their Fingallian Roots. Visit Graveyards, explore place names and town lands, and purchase books on local history. Web: swordsheritage.com

Historic Building

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KILDARE HERITAGE TOWN EAT

Open daily from 8am

DRINK

Live music Thursday to Sunday

DANCE SLEEP

26 Guestrooms

The Square, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare Ph. 045 522232, info@silkenthomas.com

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Dublin and the East

COUNTY

Newgrange

MEATH

nown as ‘the fifth province’, Meath was once the seat of the pre-Christian high kings and the spiritual and political hub of pagan Ireland. Although the county has few large towns, the whole history of Ireland is said to be written along the banks of the River Boyne, which bisects the county. Its immense historical significance can be seen at Tara and the world-famous megalithic passage tombs at Newgrange and Knowth, built around 3200BC. Ireland’s rich monastic heritage is also evident throughout the county, particularly at Kells. With its lush pasturelands and a long tradition of agriculture, Meath is also home to some of the finest produce and this is reflected in the many fine restaurants represented by the Meath Good Food Circle.

SNAPSHOT: Brú na Bóinne Centre

Kells Heritage Centre

TOMB The passage tombs of

HISTORICAL ATTRACTION The

Newgrange and Knowth, outside Donore, are reason enough to visit Meath. The Brú na Bóinne Centre interprets the archaeological heritage of the Boyne Valley and is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. Access to Newgrange and Knowth is via the centre, where there is a fine exhibition, tourist office, gift shop and restaurant. This site is extremely busy and visitors are advised to arrive early.

Book of Kells (see page xx) was written in this town. Established by St Colmcille in the 6th century, it was once one of the most important ecclesiastical centres in Ireland and the many high crosses dating from as early as the 9th century still bear witness to the fact. The Kells Heritage Centre gives an excellent interpretation of the culture of monastic Ireland. Open all year round. Location: Kells, Co

Location: Donore, Co Meath Tel: +353 (0) 41 988 0300

Duleek TOWN Situated in the quiet valley of the Nanny River is the town of Duleek. In the 5th century, St Patrick founded a church here. The O’Kelly family founded an abbey dedicated to the Virgin Mary here around the 12th century and, in 1182, Hugh de Lacy – to whom the district fell – founded St Mary’s Augustinian Priory. Today, many interesting ruins remain. Duleek also features a 9th century high cross displaying scenes of the crucifixion and the holy family

Meath Tel: +353 (0) 46 924 7840

Navan HISTORICAL TOWN Navan, the county town of Meath, lies at the confluence of the rivers Boyne and Blackwater. South east of the town are the impressive remains of Althumney House, a 15th century castle allegedly set alight by its owners following the defeat of King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Best known as the seat of Ireland’s high kings, the nearby Hill of Tara, Tel: (046) 902 5534, has occupied a place in Irish history and legend since the late Stone Age. The site features remains of Bronze Age passage graves, raths, earthworks, the great banqueting hall and the Lia Fail (the Ritual Stone of

Destiny), which was used in the conferral of the Irish high kings. Most of the tour of the site is outdoors, so dress according to the weather.

Slane HISTORICAL SITE The village of Slane overlooks the River Boyne and was originally the manorial village for the impressive Slane Castle, restored following a disastrous fire in 1991. Slane Castle is open for tours for limited days during the summer months, Tel: (046) 903 0600. The Hill of Slane, about 1km north of the village, was once a site of great druidic significance. In 433AD, St Patrick chose this spot to light his Easter fire, symbolising Christianity’s triumph over paganism. To this day, on the eve of Easter Sunday, the local priest still lights a fire on the hill, which features the remains of a motte and bailey castle and the ruins of a church and tower, once part of a Franciscan friary. On a clear day, it is said that a person standing on the tower can see the River Boyne and seven other counties.

film location for Braveheart. Hugh de Lacy began construction in 1172 but the central tower – the keep – was not completed until the 1220s. Trim Castle, Tel: 046 943 8619, has undergone extensive restoration and conservation work and only recently opened to the public. Guided tours of the keep are available and visitors can also explore the rest of the castle. Some of the stairs in the keep are very steep, therefore it is not accessible for visitors with disabilities. Trim Visitor Centre on Castle Street, Tel: (046) 943 7227, has a multimedia show reflecting Trim’s former power and glory as well as a craft shop.

Trim HISTORICAL SITE Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and was the

Kells

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Free

Museum

Factory

Lifestyle STORE

CARLETON

Visit our free museum housing a memorable collection of couture design, artefacts and fashion items that once belonged to some of the greatest style icons of modern times including Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana, Marilyn Monroe & many others. Immerse yourself in Hollywood glamour.

Take a guided tour of the working factory floor and meet the people behind the traditional craft practiced at Newbridge Silverware since 1934. Learn about the time honoured processes and truelife stories at the heart of one of Ireland’s most well-known and treasured brands.

Browse through the complete range of much loved Irish designed products in our stylish showroom. Here you will find all of the collections on offer from our jewellery and giftware to homeware and tableware. Tax free shopping for eligible customers from outside of the EU.

The award winning Café Carleton features freshly prepared local food with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or a sumptuous afternoon tea in a relaxed, stylish and friendly ambience. Live piano music Monday to Friday mornings.

OF STYLE ICONS

TOUR

Newbridge Silverware, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Ireland. Only 40 minutes from Dublin. Junction 10/12 on the M7. Open 7 days a week. Free coach and car parking. Groups welcome. Online booking available.

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Café

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Dublin and the East

COUNTY

LOUTH

Sandwiched between County Meath to the south and County Down to the north, Louth is the smallest county in Ireland. The two principal towns are Drogheda and Dundalk. Drogheda is a busy market town and a superb base for exploring the Boyne Valley. Dundalk is a border town with Northern Ireland and a gateway to the scenic mountains of the Cooley Peninsula, the mythical battleground of the Táin Bó Cúailgne (the Cattle Raid of Cooley), Ireland’s greatest legend and one of Europe’s oldest epics. The ancient ecclesiastical sites at Monasterboice and Old Mellifont Abbey are further evidence of Louth’s rich heritage. Louth also boasts two cycling and auto touring trails, both fully signposted. The Oriel Trail is routed through some of the most scenic areas of the country, allowing visitors to sample the delights of both rural and coastal villages and towns. The Táin Trail is a 365 mile circular route extending from the Cooley Peninsula to Rathcroghan in Roscommon. Equally suitable for auto touring, the trail takes visitors in the footsteps of Queen Maeve and Cúchulainn, passing battlefields and their last resting places, as well as other fascinating heritage sites. In County Louth, golf is a way of life. Louth has nine courses, including those in idyllic parkland settings and the world-famous links at Baltray. Set on the shores of Carlingford Lough is Greenore Golf Club. This is a splendid 18-hole championship parkland course that the visiting golfer will find a delight to play. South of Dundalk there is a championship layout at Blackrock, known as Dundalk Golf Club. This course is also home to the Irish PGA. There are a number of inexpensive ‘pay and play’ courses in the Dundalk region, including Ballymascanlon, Killin Park and Carnbeg. Moving further south towards the town of Ardee, you will find the superb layout of Ardee Golf Club. This course will test the skills of any golfer and the visiting golfer is always welcome. Further down the N2 you will find Townley Hall Golf Club. This is a 9-hole course that is proving very popular with all golfers. Travelling east towards the villages of Termonfeckin and Baltray, you will find two gems: Seapoint, designed by Des Smyth & Co, is fast becoming one of the top links in Ireland and is a great test of one’s golf skills; and Baltray, known as County Louth Golf Club, is ranked among the top links courses in the world and was host to the Nissan Irish Open in 2004.

Old Mellifont Abbey

Louth County Golf Calub

SNAPSHOT: The Cooley Pensinsula NATURAL ATTRACTION These lonely, atmospheric mountains and moorlands, about 20km north of Dundalk, are the mythic setting for Ireland’s epic tale, the Táin Bó Cúailgne. A haven for walkers, the peninsula’s low northern hills are actually an extension of the Mourne Mountains, separated by the waters of Carlingford Lough and the political border of Northern Ireland, which splits the lake in two. The best way to see the area is via the long distance walking route, the Táin Way. This 40km route encircles the Cooley Peninsula in the north east of the county and begins in Omeath. Shorter rural walks can also be enjoyed at places such as Ravensdale and Slieve Foye.

Drogheda HISTORIC TOWN Drogheda is a historic town on the River Boyne, famous for the imposing Gothic-style St Peter’s Church in the town centre where the embalmed head of the martyred St Oliver Plunkett is on display. Drogheda’s Irish name, ‘Droichead Átha’, means ‘The Bridge of the Ford’. It refers to the medieval bridge built over the River Boyne by the Normans to link two earlier Viking settlements. This act brought the present town into

being in 1412. The strange hump known as Millmount, south of the river, is all that remains of the Norman motte and bailey castle. Once fortified, Drogheda still retains one of its ancient city portals, St Laurence’s Gate. Millmount Museum and Martello Tower has displays and artifacts linked with the town and its history, Tel: (+353) 4198 33097. A visit to Millmount Craft Centre won’t disappoint those seeking local wares. Meanwhile, theatre-goers should make their way to the Upstate or Callipo. Both have earned a wealth of respect, along with local and international critical acclaim. About 6km south of Drogheda lies the Battle of the Boyne site where King William and King James fought for the kingship of England in 1690. Northwest of Drogheda, Old Mellifont Abbey was Ireland’s first Cistercian monastery and, for many years, the most magnificent and important Cistercian centre in the country. Only fragments of the extensive original structure remain but the ground-plan can be easily traced and the remains are worth seeing. Highlights include the 13th century cross-shaped church and the octagonal lavabo, or wash-house. The visitors centre describes in detail the daily life of the monks and their settlement. Tel: +353 (0) 41 982 6103

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A shopping experience like no other Discover 100 boutiques with savings of up to 60%* and tax-free shopping for guests visiting from outside the EU. Located less than an hour from Dublin on the M7. Present this advert at Tourist Information upon arrival at the Village to receive an additional 10% savingâ&#x20AC;Ą in participating boutiques. To find out more, visit KildareVillage.com |

*on the recommended retail price â&#x20AC;ĄReduction is applied to the Village price; terms and conditions apply ÂŠ Kildare Village 2019 03/19

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Dublin and the East

Things to do Silken Thomas Food & Accomodation

Athy Heritage Centre

COUNTY

KILDARE

itting right on Dublin’s doorstep and at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, Kildare’s abundance of luxury hotels, spas and guesthouses makes the next stop. There is outlet shopping at Kildare Village, gourmet fare in gastropubs; and Marilyn Monroe’s polka dot umbrella, plus the hot pink cocktail dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s – amongst other celebrity memorabilia at the Museum of Style Icons in Newbridge.. This county has hosted the finest golfers in the world and is home to world-famous horses and jockeys. In the Japanese Gardens, 200-year-old bonsai trees, lava rocks from Mount Vesuvius and form a trail tracing man’s journey through life. Next door in the Irish Horse Museum, you’ll find the skeleton of Arkle, three-time winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup..

Whether you’re after a quiet lunch in a vibrant setting, a delicious 3 course meal, or even just a drink in a warm and comfortable bar, everything you need in here. This familyrun spot has been a cornerstone of Kildare Town since 1973 and has perfected the art of hospitality. The Silken Thomas strives to offer you everything you need to enjoy a warm, entertaining, and comfortable stay in Kildare Town, whether you’re passing through or staying the night. Location: The Square, Kildare, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare Tel: +353 (0) 45 522 232

Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre

Kildare Village

Activity

Just an hour from Dublin in the charming Irish countryside, Kildare Village is home to 100 boutiques from leading brands, with savings of up to 60% off the RRP and tax-free shopping for guests from outside the EU. Enjoy dining in an array of restaurants and cafés, plus five-star hospitality with services such as Valet Parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, personal shopping service and Handsfree Shopping.

At Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre you can take an absorbing Factory Tour behind the scenes at the working silverware factory or enjoy free entry to the Museum of Style Icons featuring original fashion and artefacts that belonged to fascinating characters of stage and screen. This is the home of one of Ireland’s most beloved brands and here you can find the complete range of silverware collections & gift items in the Lifestyle Store or relax over freshly prepared local food in the award winning Café Carleton. Location: Newbridge, Co Kildare Tel: +353 (0) (045) 431 301

Shopping

Location: Find the Village off junction 13 of the M7. Visit KildareVillage. com for information.

SNAPSHOT: Athy Heritage Centre

Ballitore Quaker Museum

Located in the former 18th century market house, the Athy Heritage CentreMuseum traces the history of Athy, the Anglo Norman town on the Marches of Kildare. Discover Athy’s history from its Anglo-Norman foundations to the involvement of men from Athy in World War I. Other highlights include Athy’s role in the 1798 Rebellion, and the impact of the Great Famine.You can learn more about the life and exploits of Antarctic explorer Sir Earnest Shackleton at Athy’s permanent exhibition of the man, who was born in nearby Kilkea. Location: Town

MUSEUM The Ballitore Library and Quaker Museum is housed in the restored Meeting House of the Society of Friends in Ballitore, County Kildare. Ballitore is a charming village founded by the Quakers in the 1700s. The Quakers who founded Ballitore were originally from Yorkshire, and used their agricultural knowledge to transform the valley here into rich fertile farmlands, and developed the town as a Quaker settlement. Ballitore is the only planned and permanent Quaker settlement in Ireland. Interesting items include the letters and notebooks belonging to Mary Shackleton, and the door and

Hall, Emily Square, Athy Tel: +353 (0) 59 863 075

Athy Bridge

lintel stone from the original Shackleton home at Harden in Yorkshire, built in 1660. Location: Ballitore, Co Kildare Tel: +353 (0) 59 862 3344

Maynooth Castle MUSEUM This large stone castle dates back to the early 13th century and became the principal residence of the Kildare branch of the FitzGeralds, one of the most powerful families in Ireland,

with Maynooth Castle becoming one of richest of the earl’s houses. The castle was remodelled early in the 17th century and again, commencing in February 2000, under a programme of State restoration. An exhibition in the keep contains information about the history of the castle and the FitzGerald family. Location: Maynooth, Co Kildare Tel: +353 (0) 1 628 6744

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Superior Craftsmanship - Since 1934 Jewellery . Giftware . Dining www.newbridgesilverware.com

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Dublin and the East

Powerscourt

COUNTY

WICKLOW

f Ireland is the Emerald Isle, then Wicklow is its greenest county. Known as the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow is a land of majestic mountains and spectacular valleys, the most famous of which is the beautiful Glendalough, home to one of the country’s oldest monastic settlements, built in the sixth century by St Kevin. County Wicklow is an area rich in history and culture, with five of Ireland’s finest historic houses and gardens, including Powerscourt and Avondale House. With a stunning variety of landscapes, from colourful mountain ranges to sandy beaches straddling its unique coastline, the county is a haven for fans of outdoor pursuits. But there is far more to Wicklow than her magnificent scenery, history and culture.There are over 20 golf courses to choose from (see page 28), the Wicklow Mountains National Park to discover on foot and craft and film trails to explore, while crystal streams lie in the folds of the Wicklow foothills waiting to challenge the expert angler or firsttime fisherman. For further information contact Wicklow County Tourism, Tel: (0404) 20070. Powerscourt House is an 18th century house with the Sugarloaf Mountain in the background. It incorporates a terrace restaurant overlooking the garden, speciality shops, garden pavilion, an interiors gallery and an exhibition on the history of the estate. Take a stroll in the wonderful gardens – 47 acres in size – a breathtaking mix of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs. There’s lots to see and explore. For more information: Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, +353 (0) 1 204 6000

Things to do Russborough House

Wicklow’s Historic Gaol

Historic House

Wicklow town

For the last decade Russborough has always featured in lists of the best places to visit in Ireland, and is a centre that has become an even more attractive location to spend your time. With award-winning guided house tours, an engaging 3D interactive basement exhibition, gorgeous tea rooms, an 18th century walled garden, and much more, it is a must-see attraction that appeals to families and art and culture lovers alike.

Stop off for an unforgettable interactive journey through two centuries of Irish history. Just ten minutes off the motorway, Wicklow’s Historic Gaol is one of the Garden County’s ‘must-do’ experiences. The multimedia tour is perfect for families and includes holographic projections of cruel prison guards, lifelike audio from the 1798 rebellion and interaction with the notorious inmates. Refuel at the charming café or picnic area.

Location: Blessington, Co Wicklow Tel: +353 (0) 45 865 239

Location: Kilmantin Hill, Wicklow town Tel: +353 (0) 404 61599 Web: www.wicklows historicgaol.com

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St Canices Cathedral, Kilkenny

THE SOUTH EAST

From the busy port of Rosslare Harbour to the metropolitan hustle and bustle of Kilkenny and Waterford city, and the welcoming towns and villages across Laois and Carlow, you’ll find a wealth of things to see and do, from beautiful scenery and forest parks to scenic mountain drives and golden strands. The south east is rich in ancient heritage – from Reginald’s Tower in Waterford city to the Rock of Dunamase in Laois and Kilkenny’s Jerpoint Abbey, you’ll never be short of something to do.

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The South East

Highlights Electric Picnic, Stradbally, Co Laois

KILK

CARLOW

LAOIS

ENNY

X WE

WATERFORD

SOUTH EAST

Popular with visitors, the sunny south east has it all – from watersports to historical attractions, shopping and pleasant, charming towns and villages.

omprising counties Laois, Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford and Waterford, the southeastern region of Ireland is home to myriad activities, sights and locations. Kilkenny, a medieval city, is one of the homes of the fast-paced Gaelic sport of hurling – take in a game if you can. Waterford lies on the southern point of the region, a seasisde resort and home to internationally-renowned Waterford Crystal. Waterford city was founded by the Vikings centuries ago, and tours of this ancient city shouldn’t be missed. Don’t forget to take in Reginald’s Tower, the Bishop’s Palace, the city walls and Christ Church cathedral to name but a few – all located in the city. Next door, County Wexford offers picturesque views and pleasant villages, and is home to one of Ireland’s most remembered events – the ill-fated 1798 Rebellion. Stop in at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy – here you can discover more about the key figures of the rebellion, take part in a 4D experience and discover how weapons from the period worked. Landlocked Carlow, meanwhile, is a great place for a walk or a hike, or a river adventure. Take a stroll through the ruins and gardens of Duckett’s Grove, enjoy some shopping in Carlow town or relax as a river barge wends its way slowly down the Barrow river. Finally, neighbouring Laois is an oasis of peace, with rolling hills and plains, beautiful gardens and inland waterways. There’s plenty to do and see across the sunny south east, no matter what you’re looking for – it all awaits!

AUGUST ■ Sunday, 4 August and Monday 5 August NATIONAL STEAM RALLY, STRADBALLY, CO LAOIS Ireland’s oldest steam rally includes steam engine demonstrations and lots of family events including fashion, arts, crafts, jewellery and much more.

SEPTEMBER ■ Tuesday 17 – Thursday 19 September NATIONAL PLOUGHING

CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019, BALLINTRANE, FENAGH, CO CARLOW Europe’s largest outdoor event with an agricultural/ rural theme.

NOVEMBER ■ Monday 25 November– Sunday 1 December EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL, KILKENNY CITY, CO KILKENNY A chance to view European films that don’t usually make it to the conventional cinema.

TOURIST OFFICE INFORMATION ■ WEXFORD: The Quay Front, Wexford town. Tel: +353 (0) 53 91 23 111 ■ WATERFORD: 120 Parade Quay, Waterford City. Tel: +353 (0) 51 875 823 ■ KILKENNY: Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny city. Tel: +353 (0) 56 775 1500 ■ LAOIS: James Fintan Lawlor Avenue, Portlaoise Tel: +353 (0) 57 86 21178 ■ CARLOW: College Street, Carlow. Tel: +353 (0) 59 913 0411

Knockeen Dolmen, Waterford

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The South East

John’s Castle, Dungarvan

New Ross Piano Festival

ROADTRIP

A leisurely trip, this route will take you from Kilkenny city through the heart of the south east, and a worthwhile exploration of some of Ireland’s most beautiful monastic sites. KILKENNY CITY TO KELLS From (A) Kilkenny city, take the R697 some 15km south to the town of Kells, where there’s plenty to see, including an impressive 10-arch bridge and (B) Kells Priory, one of Ireland’s most impressive monastic sites. Venture roughly 3km south and follow the signposts to Kilree Tower and High Cross, which is said to mark the resting place of the 9th century Irish king, Niall Caille. JOURNEY: 15km KELLS TO INISTIOGE Returning to Kells, follow the L4206 southeast to the junction with the R448, and turn left for the monastic ruins of Jerpoint, once home to the Cistercian order of monks. From here, it’s a 1km journey to (C) Thomastown, a small market town and a great place to stop off, stretch your legs and get something to eat. Once back on the road, follow the winding R700 southeast in the direction of (D) Inistioge, a pleasant and charming little village where you can take a stroll along the tree-lined square and down towards the river. JOURNEY: 20km INISTIOGE TO ENNISCORTHY This is a pleasant scenic drive through the River Nore Valley, which includes a number of crossings on old stone bridges. Follow the R700 south from Inistioge to (E) New Ross in Co Wexford (home to the reconstructed Dunbrody famine ship, the star-shaped Duncannon fort – built in 1588, and which still keeps watch over Waterford Harbour – and Tintern Abbey, once home

to the order of Cistercian monks founded c.1200 AD). From there, follow the N30 north east towards (F) Enniscorthy, 20km north of Wexford town. During the 1798 Rebellion, Enniscorthy saw fierce fighting, including the Battle of Vinegar Hill, with the events recounted in the local museum. The main attraction is Enniscorthy Castle, which was used as a prison for captured rebels. JOURNEY: 43km ENNISCORTHY TO KILKENNY CITY Leaving Enniscorthy, follow the R702 through the

Blackstairs Mountains until it links with the R703 at (G) Graiguenamanagh. Then, take the road west to the village of (H) Kilfane and then continue north along the R448 until you reach (I) Dungarvan Glebe, and then (J) Gowran, famous both for its racecourse and the 13th century St. Mary’s church. From Gowran, head north west along the R702 for approx. 5km until you reach the R712; turn left, and continue straight for (A) Kilkenny city, home to Kilkenny Castle, a recently restored historic site that is always worth the tour. JOURNEY: 65km

J I H C

G D

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The South East

SNAPSHOTS: Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens HISTORIC VENUE Kilmokea is a recently restored, Georgian house that was built in 1794. As a member of ‘Hidden Ireland’, guests experience Irish country life at its very best. Garden visitors can stroll around the exquisite grounds and have lunch or cream teas in the magnificent Georgian conservatory. The gardens are open to the public from March to November, while the house is open to guests from February. Location: Great Island, Campile, Co Wexford Tel: +353 (0) 51 388 109

Duncannon

Tacumshane Windmill, Co Wexford

COUNTY

WEXFORD

Culture, history, shopping, festivals, sports, adventure activities and much more – County Wexford welcomes you to experience all it has to offer.

ocated on the south eastern tip of Ireland, County Wexford has been described as the ‘secret island’ – an unspoiled oasis in the sunniest corner of the country just waiting to be discovered. Over the centuries, Celts,Vikings and Normans came and stayed and today’s visitor can easily see why: lush, rolling farmland bordered by stunning beaches and brooding mountains; some of the best restaurants, pubs and hotels in Ireland; festivals of all kinds; outdoor activities offering superb golf courses, angling, scuba diving, equestrian sports, walking, agri-tourism and much more besides.Visitors can even turn back the clock and explore Wexford’s unique culture and heritage through its ‘open Wexford air museum’ of ramparts and castles, abbeys, manor houses and the oldest lighthouse in Europe.

HISTORIC VILLAGE A fishing village located on the Ring of Hook Drive, Duncannon is widely known for its starshaped fortress, Duncannon Fort, built in 1588. The fort features a maritime museum charting the history of one of the most dangerous coastlines in Ireland, an arts centre, a café and a craft shop.

National 1798 Rebellion Centre VISITOR CENTRE The National 1798 Rebellion Centre is open for visitors all year round. It tells the story of the birth of popular democracy in Europe through a spectacular exhibition using state-of-the-art audio-visual

material, including interactive computers. The Centre has a well-stocked craft/gift shop as well as a restaurant that is an ideal location for lunch or afternoon tea. A meeting room is also available for hire. It also houses Enniscorthy tourist office. Location: Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford Tel: +353 (0) 53 923 7596/7

Dunbrody Famine Ship VISITOR EXPERIENCE As you enter the inland port on the River Barrow, you will immediately be drawn to the sight of the beautiful tall ship, Dunbrody, towering over the quayside. Dunbrody is open to the public all year round and makes for a fascinating visit. Actors transport you back in time and you will relive the voyages of the 19th century Famine emigrants. An audiovisual presentation as well as the most comprehensive computer database of 19th century British and Irish emigration to the United States completes a most compelling visitor experience – now one of the most popular in Ireland. Facilities include a café with outdoor seating, tourist information office, souvenir shop and internet access. All facilities are wheelchair accessible. Location: New Ross, Co Wexford Tel: +353 (0) 51 425 239

Irish National Heritage Centre

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SNAPSHOTS: Ardmore HISTORIC SETTLEMENT

Spraoi Festival, Waterford

COUNTY

WATERFORD

A host of activities await you in County Waterford, from shopping and coastal fun to cultural and historic experiences.

acked full of houses and gardens, pre-historic and historic sites – including the town of Lismore, which was originally a monastic settlement founded in the 7th century by St. Carthage – Waterford combines the low farm lands and sandy beaches of neighbouring Wexford with the more rugged landscape of Cork to the south, with 147 km of coastline, 49 beaches, beautiful river valleys, lakes and two dramatic mountain ranges. Like Wexford, Waterford was an area that found favour with the invading Norsemen from Scandinavia, and later fell into the hands of the Anglo-Normans. Until the 17th century, Waterford city was Ireland’s second city; founded by Viking traders in 914, it takes its name from the Norse word Vedrarfjiordr, meaning ‘windy fjord’. The city is a thriving commercial city and port on the tidal estuary of the River Suir. Waterford’s 11th century city walls are the best surviving examples of their type outside Derry and the city is home to the world-famous Waterford Crystal and the ever popular Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre. The Mall in Waterford is a wide 18th century street that still features many original buildings from that era, including City Hall, the Theatre Royal and Bishop’s Palace – one of the finest townhouses in Ireland, which is now used as the City’s engineering office.The riverside Granary on Waterford Quay houses the award-winning Waterford Treasures Museum, one of Ireland’s most dynamic and coveted museums and visitor centres. Reginald’s Tower, a refurbished 12th century Norman tower, resembles a great stone barrel and was built on the site of an older wooden Viking structure. It was here that Strongbow met Aoife, whose subsequent marriage was to change the course of Irish history. A great way to familiarise yourself with the city is by taking the awardwinning Waterford City Walking Tour, Tel: (051) 873 Waterford 711. The interactive, one-hour journey takes you to some of the highlights of the city.

1,000 years of history of Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford. From its earliest Viking origins to the present, rare and fascinating objects are used to bring the story of this city to life. A must-see when visiting Waterford, facilities include full restaurant and coffee shop, souvenir and gift shop, tourist information office and exhibition area. Audio guides are available in six languages.

Originally a 5th century monastic settlement founded by St Declan in 316AD, Ardmore is now a popular seaside resort on the Gaeltacht and Galltacht scenic drive. Offering Blue Flag beaches, cliff walks and fine attractions such as Ardmore Round Tower and Cathedral, Ardmore Pottery Craft and St Declan’s Way – a 94km pilgrim’s way walk to Cashel – there is much you can do here.

Location: The Granary, Merchants Quay, Waterford, Co Waterford. Tel: +353 (0) 761 102501

Waterford Treasures

Lismore Heritage Centre

VISITOR CENTRE The multi-

award-winning Waterford Museum of Treasures is an interactive journey through

VISITOR EXPERIENCE A visit to Lismore Heritage Centre is a must for those wishing to discover more about

Things to do Waterford Crystal Visit the home of Waterford Crystal and take a journey to see exquisite pieces of crystal created before your very eyes. Visitors can enjoy all aspects of the manufacturing process through the guided factory tour. On completion of the tour, experience over 12,000 square feet of crystal heaven with the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. The House of Waterford Crystal was recently named as the ‘Best Ireland’s Ancient East Tourism Experience (Large)’ Location: 28 The Mall, Waterford Tel: +353 (0)51 317 000 Web: www. waterfordvisitorcentre.com

House of Waterford Crystal

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Reginald’s Tower, Waterford

Lismore, one of Ireland’s most picturesque and romantic places. Here, the visitor can come face-to-face with historic figures such as Bishop Miler Magrath, Sir Walter Raleigh, Richard Boyle and the many Dukes of Devonshire who influenced the unique architecture of the town. Meet monks and Vikings and discover the ancient treasures of the town. Most of all, enjoy the award-winning

use for the past 800 years. A circular defence tower, it was first built by the Vikings sometime after 914AD, and rebuilt by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century, with the top two floors added in the 15th century. Having been used over the years as a place to mint new coins for King John in the 13th century, a store for munitions during the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the strong point of the medieval city walls until 1700, today Reginald’s Tower houses an exhibition on Viking Waterford.

presentation ‘The Lismore Experience’ that takes you on a fascinating journey through time and relates the story of Lismore since 636AD.

Location: The Quay, Waterford city Tel: +353 (0) 51 304 220

Location: The Courthouse, Lismore, Co Waterford. Tel: +353 (0) 761 102157.

Passage East Ferry Company Ltd

Reginald’s Tower HISTORIC ATTRACTION One of Waterford’s landmark monuments, Reginald’s Tower has seen continuous

PASSENGER FERRY The vital link in the South East Coastal Drive, the Passage East Car Ferry operates a continuous cross-river ferry service between Ballyhack in Co

Wexford and Passage East, Co Waterford. With about 130 crossings every day, you won’t have long to wait! Fares for car and passengers: €8 single, €12 return. First sailing: Monday to Saturday, 7am; Sundays and public holidays, 9.30am. Last sailing: April 1st to September 30th, 10pm; October 1st to March 31st, 8pm. Location: Barrack Street, Passage East, Co Waterford Tel: +353 (0) 51 382480

Waterford City Tours VISITOR EXPERIENCE The Walking Tours of Waterford operate from mid-March to mid-October and feature a walking tour of one hour’s duration that includes two cathedrals, four national monuments and a gallery of rogues and rascals. The walk meets at the tourist office. Location: Waterford, Co Waterford. Tel: +353 (0) 51 873 711

Ardmore Cathedral, Waterford

Waterford Harvest Festival

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SNAPSHOTS: Dunmore Cave HISTORIC SITE Consisting

COUNTY

KILKENNY

An agricutural county, also famous for its hurling prowess, the jewel of the county is medieval Kilkenny city, where the mark of the Anglo-Normans is still clear to this day.

ilkenny is an area of rich farmland dotted with medieval ruins, solid stone walls, charming villages and a host of historic monuments, including Jerpoint Abbey, one of Ireland’s finest monastic settlements. The county’s most scenic areas cluster around the river valleys of the Nore and Barrow. From the 12th century, Kilkenny was favoured by the Anglo-Normans, and their mark can still be seen throughout the architecture of Kilkenny itself, an outstanding medieval city and one of the most attractive large towns in Ireland. Co Kilkenny is closely associated with the ancient Irish game of hurling, which – as any local will attest – is more like a religion than a sport in these parts.With its maze of narrow streets and impressive castle, Kilkenny city dates from 1609. Due to the black limestone, which features to great effect in many of its buildings, Kilkenny is often referred to as the Marble City. Kilkenny Castle dates from 1172 and was built by Richard Le Clare, the Anglo-Norman conqueror of Ireland. Three of the four original towers survive. Open to the public are the Long Gallery, with its vividly painted ceiling and portraits of the Butler ancestors, and the Butler Gallery with its collection of contemporary art. Rothe House, a fine Tudor merchant’s house on Parliament Street, dates from 1594. It’s built around a series of courtyards and one of its timber-panelled rooms features a museum of local items. The 13th century St Canice’s Cathedral dominates Irishtown at the north Kilkenny end of Parliament Street. According to tradition, the first church was built here in the sixth century by St Canice, patron saint of Kilkenny. The external architecture and the interior, with its 19th century stained glass windows, tombs and grave slabs, are impressive.

of a series of chambers that have been formed over the course of millions of years, this cave contains some of the finest calcite formations to be found in any Irish cave. Known for centuries, one of the most interesting references to the cave’s existence comes from the Annals, which tell of a Viking massacre which took place in 928AD. Admission to the caves is by guided tour only – open 7 days a week, tours commencing at 9.30am (closed Mondays and Tuesdays NovemberMarch). Exhibitions and displays can be viewed at the visitor centre. Location: Castlecomer Road, Co Kilkenny Tel: +353 (0) 56 776 7726

Jerpoint Abbey HISTORIC SITE Founded in the 12th century, Jerpoint Abbey was once home to the Cistercian monastic order. Though feeling the effects of time, the Abbey is still quite well-preserved, and gives an insight into how the Cistercian monks once lived, before the abbey was dissolved in 1540. Interesting features include the 12th century church with Romanesque details, tomb sculptures dating between the 13th and 16th centuries, the sculptured cloister arcade that features unique carving, and the visitor centre that is home to an interesting exhibition on the abbey.

you see today, a mixture of several architectural styles. The original castle was built for William Marshall, 4th Earl of Pembroke, during the early 13th century, and later spent 600 years as the principal Irish residence for the powerful Butler family, lasting from c. 1391 to 1967. The castle currently belongs to the people of Kilkenny, and includes the sprawling parklands through which you can take a leisurely stroll. Location: The Parade, Kilkenny City Tel: +353 (0) 56 770 4100

Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum GARDENS Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum are located just outside the village of Inistioge, overlooking the banks of the River Nore in Co Kilkenny. These Victorian gardens were developed circa 1840–1890 by Lady Louisa and Colonel William Tighe and were considered one of the greatest gardens in Ireland. The gardens have recently been restored by Kilkenny County Council and features include the Turner Conservatory, the walled garden, the flower terraces, the rose garden, the Monkey Puzzle Walk, the Noble Fir Walk and the arboretum. Facilities include car parking, toilets, mobility buggy and tearooms. The tearooms are seasonal – please call ahead to check opening times. Location: Inistioge, Co Kilkenny; Tel: +353 (0) 87 8549785

Location: Thomastown, Co Kilkenny Tel: +353 (0) 56 772 4623

Kilkenny Castle HISTORIC SITE In existence for the past eight centuries, Kilkenny Castle has undergone considerable renovations and additions, resulting in the multi-layered and complex structure

Kilkenny Arts Festival

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Rock of Dunamase, Co Laois

COUNTY

LAOIS

Formerly known as the Queen’s County – for the Tudor Queen Mary – Laois is a hotbed of welcoming landscape, culture and history.

aois is situated in the heart of some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes, where history has left its mark in the remains of Celtic ring forts, medieval ruins and monastic buildings. County Laois is steeped in heritage and folklore and has numerous historic buildings and gardens which are a testament to this, many located on the Heritage Trail. Home to the oldest mountains in Europe, Laois is imbued with myth and legend. The county has over 1,000 heritage sites that take you on a fascinating journey into its past. Some of the places you shouldn’t miss include the crumbling fortress at the Rock of Dunamase, Emo Court House and Gardens, which were designed by James Gandon, and Ballaghmore Castle and its grounds, which contain 100 varieties of tree. Although sobering, the Workhouse Museum in Donaghmore provides vivid stories of families who lived and died here after the Great Famine. Keep your eyes peeled while travelling and you’ll see countless monastic ruins that date from the sixth century, like Aghaboe Abbey and Timahoe’s round tower. Durrow and Abbeyleix are also worth a visit as both are designated heritage sites. The spectacular Emo Court is a jewel in Laois’s crown, as is Heywood Gardens. One of the primary reasons to visit Laois, however, is to see and experience the magnificent Slieve Bloom Mountains. From the summit of Mount Arderin on a clear day, it is possible to see the highest points of all four of the ancient provinces. The Rock of Dunamase, near Stradbally, is one of the country’s great fortifications where Vikings and Normans have fought over its possession. Finally, Laois is Laois dotted with many charming villages to visit, including Abbeyleix and Stradbally. For further details see Laois Tourism on www.laoistourism.ie.

SNAPSHOTS: Emo Court House and Gardens

Rock of Dunamase

HISTORICAL SITE Designed

HISTORICAL SITE Sitting atop a hill overlooking the valley of the O’Moores just outside the town of Portlaoise, the Rock of Dunamase has had a rich and varied history. The first settlement here was pillaged in 842 by the Vikings, and it became an AngloNorman fortified stronghold when the Normans arrived in Ireland in the late 12th century. Held by the Marshalls and the O’Moores over the centuries, its current state is said to have been the result of a siege and resulting explosion by Cromwellian generals in 1651.

in 1790 by architect James Gandon for the Earls of Portarlington, Emo Court House is often held up as a wonderful example of neoclassical style. Following a period of ownership by the religious Jesuit order, the house passed into the hands of Mr Cholmeley-Harrison during the 1960s, who restored it to its current condition.The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, and you can take a stroll along the 2.2km walking loop that circles around the 20acre man-made lake. Location: Emo, Co Laois Tel: +353 (0) 57 862 6573

Killeshin Church MONASTIC SITE The village of Killeshin takes its name from the Irish Cill Uisean meaning ‘Church of Uisean’, an abbott at Killeshin monastery that was founded during the late 5th or early 6th century. Although the round tower was destroyed during the 18th century, you can still view the remains of the Romanesque church that once stood proud here, including some fascinating carvings on the doorway, which includes an inscription reading ‘Orait Do Diarmuit Ri Lagen’ (a prayer for Diarmait, King of Leinster) – thought to be a reference to the famous Diarmait MacMurchada, who invited the Normans to Ireland. Location: Killeshin, Co Laois

Location: Near Portlaoise, Co Laois Tel: +353 (0) 57 866 4129

Aghaboe Abbey MONASTIC SITE Founded in the sixth century by St. Canice, Aghaboe Abbey grew to become a centre for learning, commerce and agriculture. It was burnt in 1234 and subsequently rebuilt, finding new life as an Augustinian priory, on which an 18th century Church of Ireland now stands. The ruins that still stand near the abbey belong to a Dominican friary founded in 1382 by the Lord of Ossory, Finghan MacGillapatrick, while nearby you can find the treecovered remains of a Norman motte. Location: Ballacolla, Portlaoise, Co Laois

Emo House, Co Laois

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Huntington Castle and Gardens, Co Carlow

SNAPSHOTS: Brownshill Dolmen HISTORIC SITE Located just a

few minutes outside Carlow town, the Brownshill Dolmen is a relic from another era, a portal tomb dating back to pre-historic times, with an estimated date of construction ranging from 4,900 and 5,550 years ago. Reputed to be one of the largest in Europe, the huge capstone weighs over 100 tonnes. Location: Hacketstown Road, Co Carlow

Duckett’s Grove

COUNTY

CARLOW

A county of mountains, rivers, valleys and superb countryside, County Carlow is a destination worth discovering and exploring.

ounty Carlow is one of Ireland’s most charming inland counties.The rivers Barrow and Slaney wind gently through its rolling valleys and the legacy of those who’ve travelled them can be seen in Carlow’s mystical pagan sites, early Christian settlements and magnificent Georgian country homes and gardens. From one end of the county to the other the towns and villages express a unique charm and rich heritage. Focal points for living and trading, riverside towns with graceful medieval bridges, old stone-built estate towns, and bustling market towns and hillside villages all add their individual colour and character to the Carlow landscape. Carlow has something to offer everyone.Those who love to suck in fresh air will be tempted by hiking in the stunning Blackstairs Mountains or angling and boating on the twinkling River Barrow. Great times to visit are during the walking festival in October or the Carlow Regatta that takes place in May. This is one of the oldest rowing events in the country. History buffs will be drawn to Carlow’s rich vein of monasteries and dolmens. The mustvisit list includes the monastic site at Saint Mullins, Killeshin’s Romanesque doorway, Old Leighlin’s medieval Cathedral and Europe’s biggest dolmen at Brownshill. Historic Carlow town was once the 14th century capital of Ireland; today it offers farmer’s markets, great boutique shopping, fine restaurants and an eclectic cultural calendar. The famous Eigse arts festival takes over the town for eight days in June, while July’s Floral Festival Trail covers some of the south east’s most Carlow beautiful gardens, including the Victorian Altamont Gardens and the stunning Duckett’s Grove, a Gothic revival castle dating from the 18th century.

HISTORIC HOUSE The home of the Duckett family from the eighteenth to the early twentieth century, Duckett’s Grove has dominated the landscape around Carlow for more than 300 years, once part of a huge 12,000 acre estate. Following a period of restoration, the walled gardens and wooded pleasure grounds have been re-opened to the public. The walled gardens have been the subject of a renovation project over the past few years, which involved revealing old paths and reinstating beds and borders. A major draw of Duckett’s Grove in recent times has been the tea rooms, which use the finest of local ingredients, and always have something tasty on offer – more information available on their Facebook page, ‘The Tea Rooms At Duckett’s Grove’. Location: Rainstown, Co Carlow

County Carlow TOURIST SITES With mountains,

glorious countryside and river valleys all close at hand, Carlow is a county worth discovering and exploring. Against a beautiful landscape visitors will uncover a great holiday experience – exhilarating outdoor adventure, traditional rural life, vibrant shopping and a rich, cultural heritage. Home to three of Ireland’s key national walking routes – The South Leinster, the Barrow and the Wicklow Ways – the county is blessed with hundreds

of miles of excellent and varied walking. The golfing visitor will find an impressive variety of golf courses, par 3s and golf ranges to suit all levels. The rivers Barrow and Slaney and their many tributaries provide exciting activities for the passive and active water enthusiast. Co Carlow is steeped in historical and archaeological artefacts from pagan sites such as the Brownshill Dolmen to ecclesiastical settlements, many of which are of national and international significance. The Carlow Garden Trail is another gem for visitors to enjoy featuring a collection of eighteen gardening attractions including great old gardens such as those at Altamont and smaller gardens that are maturing beautifully with time. Tel: +353 (0) 59 913 0411 Web: www.carlowtourism.com

Huntington Castle & Gardens HISTORIC HOUSE The ancient seat of the Esmonde family, the current Durdin Robertson family are direct descendants of the castle’s original occupants. Huntington Castle was built in 1625 as a garrison on the route between Dublin and Wexford, later converted to a family home. The accompanying gardens were established in the 1680s and include French limes, ornamental lawns, fish ponds and a yew walk. There’s also a kids adventure playground and farm to keep the children amused. Location: Clonegal, Co Carlow Tel: +353 (0) 53 937 7160

Brownshill Dolmen, Co Carlow

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POP IN FOR A VISIT. STAY FOR A JAMESON. BOOK NOW JAMESONWHISKEY.COM

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Skellig Islands, Co Kerry

THE SOUTH WEST The spectacular beauty of west Cork and the Ring of Kerry make Ireland’s south west one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Explore the lively streets of Cork, Ireland’s second city, or the yachting and fishing havens of Kinsale and Baltimore. In Kerry, visit the majestic Skelligs, Valentia Island and the Blasket Islands, stroll in the tranquil beauty of Killarney national park or take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the Dingle dolphin, Fungie.

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Highlights

Killarney Adventure Race

KERRY CORK

JULY

NOVEMBER

■ Friday 12 – Friday 19 July WEST CORK LITERARY FESTIVAL, BANTRY, CO CORK A programme packed with writing workshops, readings, evening events, book launches and more.

■ Friday 29 November– Sunday 1 December CORK CRAFT FAIR, CORK CITY, CO CORK Take in locally crafted products, exhibits, exhibitions, workshops and more.

AUGUST

SOUTH WEST

From lively Cork city to the natural beauty of the Killarney Lakes and much more waiting to be discovered in County Kerry, you’ll find the best of both worlds in the south west.

nown as the Rebel County, Cork has the history to back this claim up, once loyal to the dispossessed House of York during the English War of the Roses. Later, the county’s nickname became a reference to its rebellious nature, and can claim the birthplace of General Michael Collins, perhaps Ireland’s most famous revolutionary – born in Béal na mBláth. There’s something for everyone in Cork – take a stroll through Fota Island Wildlife Park and see the animals, or experience Cork city’s historical background through Cork City Gaol or St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. It’s also home to some of the most spectacular coastline in the country, with the beautiful and intricate peninsular landscapes of Beara, Sheep’s Head and Mizen Head. Don’t forget to take a trip to Blarney Castle in northwest Cork – home to the famed Blarney Stone, which is said to grant the gift of the gab to anyone who kisses it. Next door is County Kerry, and both counties have long shared a rivalry perpetuated through Gaelic football – the Munster Gaelic football title (and the bragging rights) generally coming to one of the two. Known as the Kingdom, Kerry is a proud county and a place of scenic beauty, history and mythology, and the county’s sandy beaches, majestic mountains and rugged coastlines are home to some of the most unspoiled and atmospheric scenery in the world. Popular areas include the town of Killarney, the world-famous Ring of Kerry located on the Iveragh Peninsula and offshore attractions such as Valentia Island and the remote Skelligs, home to the ruins of Ireland’s earliest monastic settlements.

■ Saturday 10 – Monday 12 August PUCK FAIR, KILLORGLIN, CO KERRY A more unusual annual tradition, come along and watch a wild goat being crowned King of the town. ■ Friday 23 – Tuesday 27 August ROSE OF TRALEE, TRALEE, CO KERRY One of Ireland’s largest festivals.

TOURIST OFFICE INFORMATION ■ CORK: BANTRY

(Tel: +353 (0) 27 50229); CLONAKILTY (Tel: +353 (0) 23 883 3226); COBH (Tel: +353 (0) 21 481

3301); CORK CITY (Tel: +353 (0) 21 427 3251); KINSALE (Tel: +353 21 477 2234); MIDLETON (Tel: +353 (0) 21 461 3702); SKIBBEREEN (Tel: +353 (0) 21 21489); YOUGHAL (Tel: +353 (0) 24 20170). ■ KERRY: CAHERSIVEEN (Tel: +353 (0) 66 401 0430); DINGLE (Tel: +353 (0) 66 915 1188); GLENBEIGH (Tel: +353 (0) 66 9769 184); KENMARE (Tel: +353 (0) 64 664 1233); KILLARNEY (Tel: +353 (0) 64 663 7928); LISTOWEL (Tel: +353 (0) 68 22212); TRALEE (Tel: +353 (0) 66 712 1288); VALENTIA (Tel: +353 (0) 66 947 6985).

SEPTEMBER ■ Friday 30 August – Sunday 1 September CAPE CLEAR ISLAND INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL, CAPE CLEAR ISLAND, CO CORK A unique storytelling festival in a breathtaking location.

OCTOBER ■ Saturday 12 October QUEST KILLARNEY ADVENTURE RACE, KILLARNEY, CO KERRY Ireland’s biggest adventure race.

Youghal Medieval Festival, Co Cork

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ROADTRIP

This spectacular journey travels through some of Cork’s most scenic towns and villages, taking in a stunning vista of rugged coastlines along the route – from Youghal to historic Kinsale on the Atlantic coastline and Mizen Head before looping gently back to Cork along the river Lee. YOUGHAL TO KINSALE Beginning in the town of (A) Youghal, a seaside resort in County Cork, travel south west (via E30/ N25) to historic (B) Midleton, a town that has been famous since the 19th century for whiskey distilling, and whose origins date back to the 12th century. Today, the town’s main attractions include the Jameson Heritage Centre, where you can take the Jameson Experience tour and discover restored machinery and old Irish distilling methods. From Midleton, take the N25 to (C) Cork city, stopping in at Barryscourt Castle along the way, the 16th century seat of the Barry family. On the outskirts of the city, follow the N40, N27 and then the R600 towards (D) Kinsale, another town that is steeped in history, where you can visit the old James and Charles forts, St Multose Church and Desmond Castle. JOURNEY: 73km KINSALE TO CROOKHAVEN From Kinsale, strike out south west for (E) Clonakilty along the R600/601, a small and charming town which dates from the 17th century. Clonakilty has plenty to interest the tourist both in and around the town – from the West Cork Regional Museum to the 10-day festival every July. Next, take the N71 to the town of (F) Rosscarbery, best known as the birthplace of the founder of the Fenian movement, Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa. The next stop will be the picturesque town of (G) Skibbereen, further southwest along the N71, where you can visit the heritage centre and learn about the impact of the Great Famine in what was one of the worst affected areas in Ireland. From Skibbereen, you can choose one of two routes; a 12km drive to Baltimore (scene of a 17th century sacking and kidnapping by Algerian pirates) via the R595 or follow the N71 to the busy town of Schull and on to (H) Crookhaven near Mizen Head, where some truly magnificent views await. JOURNEY: 78km (112 via Crookhaven)

Galley Head Lighthouse, Rosscarbery, Co Cork

CROOKHAVEN TO MACROOM From Crookhaven, follow the R591 north for a spectacular drive along the coast as you wind your way to (I) Bantry, the scene of a failed landing by French forces during the 18th century, an event that is commemorated by the French Armada Centre. Other places of interest around Bantry include the 18th century Bantry House featuring wonderful gardens and tapestries and pony trekking around Bantry Bay. From here, take the N71 north before following the R584 east over the Shehy Mountains, stopping in at (J) Ballingeary Forest Park. Don’t forget to stop in at Gougane Barra on the way past; a tiny island sits in the centre of Gougane Barra Lake containing the remains of St. Finbarr’s monastery from the sixth century. Continuing along the R584 you’ll pass through the small village of Ballingeary before reaching (K) Macroom, a beautiful market town with a colourful town centre.

Nearby attractions include the gateway and tower of the once proud Macroom Castle and the 19th century Bealick Mill. JOURNEY: 93km MACROOM TO YOUGHAL From Macroom, head east along the R618 for (L) Blarney – home to Blarney Castle and the world-famous Blarney Stone, which is said to grant anyone who kisses it the ‘gift of the gab’ – the power of speech. There are plenty of other attractions here to occupy your attention, including the Blarney Woollen Mills, Blarney House, which was built on the grounds in 1874, and the charming village of Blarney itself. From Blarney, follow the N20 and N8 into and through Cork city, and then the N25 on the outskirts of the city, heading once again for Midleton and returning to where you began in Youghal. JOURNEY: 89km

L C

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St Fin Barre’s Cathedral

SNAPSHOTS: Blarney Castle & Rock Close Gardens VISITOR ATTRACTION Built nearly 600 years ago, Blarney Castle is known the world over for the famous stone that has been a must-see attraction for any visitor to Ireland over the past 200 years. Legend has it that if you place a kiss upon the famous stone you will be bestowed with the ‘gift of the gab.’ Location: Blarney, Co Cork Tel: +353 (0) 21 438 5252

Jameson Experience

COUNTY

CORK

Travel through a scenic county filled with history, culture, mythology and a friendly population, in Munster’s Rebel County.

ounty Cork lays claim to some of the most spectacular coastline in the country. In beautiful west Cork are the historic towns of Clonakilty, Rosscarberry and Skibbereen, along with the beautiful and intricate peninsular landscapes of Beara, Sheep’s Head and Mizen. In the east of the county is Cork, Ireland’s second largest city and a vibrant commercial centre filled with character. Don’t forget to take in the fantastic sights you’ll discover along the way, including St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the old Charles Fort in historic Kinsale, and Ireland’s most southwesterly point, Mizen Head, where you can also Cork discover the signal station, built to protect swimmers and sailors from the coast’s treacherous rocks.

VISITOR CENTRE Founded in Smithfield in 1780 by John Jameson, The Old Jameson Distillery has been redeveloped as the Jameson Distillery Bow Street visitor centre. The distillery now welcomes over 350,000 visitors each year, making the centre not just a tour site, but also a fascinating and engaging experience rich in Irish heritage, and one of Ireland’s finest visitor attractions. Jameson whiskey tours offer guided tours through the romantic past of Irish whiskey making. Learn about the angels’ share, triple distillation and, above all, the smooth taste of Jameson Irish whiskey. Open seven days a week all year round, the journey begins with an audiovisual presentation followed by a guided walk through the recreated distillery and culminates in the Jameson Bar with a complimentary glass of Jameson ginger and lime and a chance to become a ‘qualified Irish whiskey taster’. Why not consider a delicious lunch in the restaurant or browse the distillery gift shop, where you will find exclusive Jameson gifts or a special memento of your visit. A second whiskey delight is their sister visitor attraction the Jameson Experience, nestled in the town of Midleton County Cork. Located just 15 minutes from Cork city and set on 15 acres of beautiful landscape, this was known as the Old Midleton Distillery

and is actually the site where the full portfolio of Irish whiskey from Irish Distillers is produced today. Open seven days a week, these tours are offered on scheduled times and can be booked online www.jamesonwhiskey.com/ tours. The Malthouse Restaurant and Jameson Gift shop are also available here where guests can pick up a special memento of their visit. Location: Distillery Walk, Midleton, Co Cork Tel: +353 (0) 21 461 3594

Michael Collins Centre VISITOR CENTRE A revolutionary and politician, Michael Collins is recognised for the extremely important role he played in the foundation of the modern Irish state. At the centre you can learn more about Collins’ early life, family history and the surrounding area through an audio-visual display and a presentation. The Michael Collins Tour takes in various places associated with Collins including Béal na mBláth, the site where he was ambushed and killed in 1922. Location: Clonakilty, Co Cork Tel: +353 (0) 23 884 6107

Blarney Castle

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The South West

The Jameson Experience, Midleton, Co Cork

Blue Pool Ferries Glengarrif ACTIVITY Garinish Island

(Ilnacullin), on the gateway to the Beara Peninsula, is an internationally renowned sub-tropical garden paradise where the extraordinarily mild climate of the area has encouraged the growth of a huge array of rare plants. A number of unusual garden buildings are featured within the island together with a replica sun temple and a very well preserved Napoleonic Martello tower. No visit to west Cork or the Ring of Kerry is complete without a visit to this island. Blue Pool Ferries have two fully licensed ferry boats which depart every 30 minutes (March to October) from the Blue Pool amenity. Location: Glengarrif, Co Cork Tel: +353 (0) 27 63333

Kinsale Harbour Cruises CRUISE This unique trip

is an opportunity to view

Kinsale town from the water, promising you a very different view of Kinsale and its beautiful surrounding natural harbour. A Kinsale harbour cruise brings you the perfect combination of culture, information, relaxation and stunning scenery. Kinsale has a wealth of historic sites and this tour gives you a bird’s eye view and an opportunity to appreciate them in context. The boat passes by Charles Fort, James Fort, the Block House and two yacht marinas. Jerome’s commentary gives a brief history, anecdotal legends and an insight into how the town has developed over the centuries. The tour represents excellent value for money and is perfect family entertainment as herons, seals and other wildlife can often be seen. Location: Upper Lispatrick, Old Head, Kinsale, Co Cork Tel: +353 (0) 86 250 5456

Things to do The Jameson Experience Visitor Attraction Today, every drop of Jameson is produced in Midleton. It’s the place of whiskey-making dreams, where a true Irish welcome awaits. You are invited to take one of the fully-guided tours around heritage grounds. It’s here you’ll come face-to-face with the largest pot still in the world, see the new micro-distillery in action, experience live maturation warehouse and taste whiskeys along the way. With so much to do, taste and learn, there is no time like the present to explore our past. Location: Mildeton, Co Cork Tel: +353 (0) 21 4613594 Web: www. jamesonwhiskey.com

Mizen Head Signal Station Historic Site Mizen Head Signal Station can be found at Ireland’s most southwesterly point in west Cork. The path to the Signal Station goes down the cliffs to the bridge and out to the point and the former Keepers’ Quarters with interpretive displays. There are several paths north along the coast to the Sheep’s Head and south down to the sea arch. Location: Mizen Head, Co Cork Tel: +353 (0) 28 35115 Web: www. mizenhead.ie Email: info@mizenhead.ie

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The South West

Cork City Gaol

CITY OF

CORK

Dating back to the sixth century, you’ll find a modern, vibrant city which hasn’t forgotten its historical roots.

ften referred to as Ireland’s second city, residents of Cork will, of course, tell you otherwise and remind you that Cork is the real capital. Both city and county are great sources of pride and loyalty to those who call themselves Corkonians. Its Irish name, ‘Corcaigh’, refers to the reclaimed marshland upon which much of the city is built. Cork is situated on the River Lee, which splits into a series of attractive channels with quays and bridges on the western side before widening into a fine natural harbour. In the 18th century, ocean-going vessels were able to come as far up-river as what are now St Patrick’s Street and Grand Parade. Still an important seaport, Cork is also a centre for commerce and industry. Settlement in Cork dates back to the seventh century when St Finbarr established a monastery there, which soon became a wealthy centre of learning. Plundered for a time by the Norsemen, the area soon became attractive to these northern attackers who eventually came to stay, beginning Cork’s long tradition of trade and commerce. The Norse were the first in a long line of raiders to cast their gaze towards Cork. Once in the control of Cork city the Gaelic chieftain, Dermot MacCarthy, the city was fought over by the Tudors and Stuarts and eventually fell into the

Blackrock Castle Observatory

hands of Oliver Cromwell. With such a turbulent history, little of the medieval city now remains, nor is there a great deal which dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. With a few Georgian buildings, Cork’s best surviving architecture dates from the 19th century and is especially notable in the wonderful St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. An imposing Church of Ireland cathedral dating from 1879, St Finbarr’s was designed by the Victorian architect, William Burgess. The cathedral is said to occupy the site of the sixth century church of St Finbarr and its graceful French Gothic triple spires can be seen from all over the city. Today, Cork is a bustling, modern city with a varied and lively nightlife, a thriving university, as well as plenty of historic sites and places of interest. Cork’s main thoroughfares are Oliver Plunkett Street and St Patrick’s Street. Cork International Airport is approximately 8km from the city centre, while the ferry port at Ringaskiddy is 13km away. The tourist information office on Grand Parade near Oliver Plunkett Street is open all year round, Tel: (021) 425 5100. The world-famous International Cork Jazz Festival takes the city by storm every year in late October and is followed closely by the equally popular Cork International Film Festival, which takes place in early November. Programmes are available from the Cork Opera House on Emmet Place Tel: (021) 427 0022, and it’s a good idea to book tickets well in advance as both festivals draw sizeable audiences. In May, Cork city hosts an annual Choral Festival and the annual Cork Midsummer Festival takes place in June. Arguably one of the city’s top attractions is the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery located at Emmet Place. Housing an amazing collection of Irish and international works, including paintings by Paul Henry, Jack B. Yeats, Walter Osborne, Edith Somerville, Sir John Lavery and Louis le Brocquy, it is a must-see when visiting Cork. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am–5pm (last entrance at 4.45pm), Tel: 021 480 5042. The Cork Public Museum can be found in Fitzgerald Park on the Mardyke. The permanent exhibition here traces the development of Cork from the Mesolithic period right up to the present day and contains many

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Mizen Head

Ireland’s most Southwesterly Point on the Wild Atlantic Way

“One of the best attractions in Ireland...” “... spellbinding”

Mannix Point Pic: John Eagle

Camping and Caravan Park Kerry

We are situated on the Gulf Stream coast in South-West Kerry and on The Wild Atlantic Way. In 2014 we celebrated 30 years of providing memorable experiences of Camping in Kerry for visitors and friends from 5 continents.

Mizen Café & Gift Shop www.mizenhead.ie

GPS: 51° 27’ 0.59” N - 9° 49’ 5.99” W

028-35000 / 35115

Mannix Point Camping & Caravan Park, Cahirciveen, Ring of Kerry, Ireland. Tel: +353(0)66 947 2806 • Email: mortimer@campinginkerry.com

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WO R K S H O P

•

CAFÉ

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SHOWROOM

Distinctive pieces made with skill and passion by the team in our Workshop near Clogher Strand, Ballyferriter, Co. Kerry

The Perfect Stop on Dingle’s Slea Head Drive Clogher Strand, Ballyferriter, Dingle, Co. Kerry 245110_2L_LouisMulcahy_JM_IAYL.indd 1

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The South West

Cork city

objects that have been firm favourites with visitors over the years, including the Garryduff Gold Bird, the Iron Age Cork Helmet Horns and very fine collections of Cork Silver, Cork Gold and Youghal Lace. The 1916 to 1921 exhibition commemorates the special role that Cork men and women played in the War of Independence. Particular attention is paid to the parts played by Tomás MacCurtain and Terence MacSwiney, the first and second Republican Lord Mayors of Cork who both died in 1920. The museum also holds a large archive of 18th and 19th century documents pertaining to important historical events of those centuries. Of particular note in these collections is the illuminated address presented to Parnell by the Corporation of Cork and the Cobh Famine Relief Book. Temporary exhibitions are housed in the Dalton and O’Kelly galleries which have been purpose-built to international criteria. For information on current exhibitions housed in these galleries, contact the museum before your visit, Tel: (021) 427 0679. Cork City Gaol, Tel: (021) 430 5022, is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Featuring a magnificent audio-visual production, furnished cells with original graffiti from past prisoners and a few interesting surprises, the Gaol is an exciting journey for adults and children alike. Its size and charm make Cork city an ideal place to tour on foot. For a walking tour of the south and west city, begin at Grand Parade and turn left through Bishop Lucey Park, which leads to the Cork Archive Centre and Triskel Arts Centre. Then continue down South Main Street and turn left into Tuckey Street, which brings you back to Grand Parade, close to the Nationalist Monument, down South Mall, past the Imperial Hotel where Michael Collins spent his last night before setting out on his final fateful journey on August 22nd 1922. At the end of South Mall, cross Parnell Bridge to the right, taking in the steps of City Hall where US President John F. Kennedy addressed a rapturous Cork crowd during his visit in 1963. Turn immediately right along Union Quay to George’s Quay and Holy Trinity Church. Pass along the single-arched Parliament Bridge and, further along, the 18th century South Gate Bridge that once marked the entrance to the medieval city. St Finbarr’s Cathedral is straight ahead on this route. To the west of the cathedral lies the attractive campus of University College Cork (UCC) – a walking tour in itself. Passing through the University’s quadrangle and on through the North Wing, the road leads down to the main gates of UCC and

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just outside is the Cork Public Museum, which is well worth a visit. From the museum, Mardyke Walk and Dyke Parade lead back to the city via Lancaster Quay, Washington Street and, finally, Grand Parade. A walking tour of the north city follows a roughly circular route, starting and finishing at the corner of St Patrick’s Street and Grand Parade. From the Queen’s Old Castle Argus Shop, walk along St Patrick’s Street, which was originally built over a branch of the River Lee. The curve it follows describes the shape of the former watercourse. Crossing the triple-arched St Patrick’s Bridge to St Patrick’s Quay, a left turn passes by the fine late 18th century Georgian façades of Camden Place. The road bends around to the right, then left down Dominick Street through the city’s old commercial centre. On the corner of Church Street stands the impressive St Anne’s Church with its famous Shandon Steeple. A left turn off Church Street down Shandon Street leads to the North Gate Bridge. Turn right along the riverside and walk along North Mall. The road winds to the right, away from the River Lee and up Sunday’s Well Road, just past the magnificent St Vincent’s Church and towards the City Gaol on Convent Avenue. Continuing on Sunday’s Well Road, just past the Shanakiel Junction, turn left down the steps leading to Daly’s Bridge, a pedestrian bridge spanning the river and known locally as ‘The Shakey Bridge’. At the far side of the bridge is Fitzgerald Park, home to the Cork Public Museum. Turn left out of the park along Dyke Parade, Sheare’s Street and the wonderfully restored Fenns Quay. Turn right by the courthouse into Washington Street and, by turning left, you will be back at Queen’s Old Castle at the end of the tour. Cork is a shopper’s paradise with designer boutiques, rare book and toy shops and major high street and department stores. Gourmet lovers will drool over the English Market located in the heart of the city on Grand Parade. Open Monday to Saturday, 8am-6pm, the market features shops selling everything from Cork’s famous delicacy – tripe and drisheen – to garlic-stuffed olives and aromatic cheeses. The Cork Heritage Park, Tel: (021) 435 8854, in the suburb of Blackrock, makes for a lovely day trip for families with facilities including an activity centre, pet farm and museum.

SNAPSHOTS: Blackrock Castle Observatory

HISTORIC CASTLE There’s

plenty to do here for the amateur stargazer – an all-ages exhibition on the universe, extreme life forms on earth and life in outer space; a comet chaser interactive exhibit where you can virtually save the Earth from destruction; and the professional astronomical observatory – a working research observatory with a 16” robotic telescope. Blackrock Castle was built over 400 years ago on the River Lee, and the castle and dungeon tours bring you to those areas that still exist as a castle. Location: Castle Road, Blackrock, Cork city Tel: +353 (0) 21 432 6120

Red Abbey HISTORIC SITE The tower of the Red Abbey is the city’s only surviving link to medieval times, the only structure from that era which still stands in the city today. Founded in the late 13th/early 14th centuries, it was once an Augustinian friary, and appears to have been occupied until the rebellion of 1641. Much of the structure was destroyed in a fire in December 1799; by that stage the tower was in use as a sugar refinery. Listed as a national monument, the Red Abbey is currently the focus of a restoration effort. Location: Red Abbey Street, Cork city

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The South West

COUNTY

KERRY

Journeying through County Kerry may be as close as you’ll get to the mythical Ireland you’ll find in brochures and in dreams.

erry is the most visited county in Ireland and has more registered-approved accommodation than any other area, apart from Dublin. Kerry’s sandy beaches, majestic mountains and rugged coastlines are home to some of the most unspoiled and atmospheric scenery in the world. The most popular areas include the town of Killarney and the world-famous Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula. Kerry also covers half of the Beara Peninsula and includes offshore attractions such as Valentia Island and the remote Skelligs, where the ruins of Ireland’s earliest monastic settlements still stand. A spectacular landmass jutting out into the sea in the Kingdom of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula is renowned for its rugged beauty. Majestic rolling mountains, sparkling lakes, haunting woodlands and golden sandy beaches can be Kerry enjoyed in this most westerly coast off Europe. Home to craftspeople such as potters, knitters, jewellers, woodworkers, candlemakers, curraghmakers, painters and writers, the Dingle Peninsula is rich in culture. With world-renowned restaurants and the finest accommodation, ranging from hotels and guesthouses to self-catering cottages and campsites, the Dingle Peninsula has everything you need for an unforgettable holiday.The Dingle Peninsula is a treasure of pre-Christian and early Christian sites and monuments. Features include the mountain-top fortress of Caherconree, the promontory fort at Dunbeg, the beehive dwellings at Fahan, the church ruin at Kilmalkeadar, the excavated monastery at Riask, and the famous Oratory at Gallarus – which is the bestpreserved site of early Christian worship in Ireland. Killarney is perhaps Ireland’s most popular tourist town, offering visitors a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, pubs and a unique atmosphere worth sampling at any time of the year. At the beginning of the 20th century, Poet Laureate, Alfred Austin, wrote of the Killarney Valley: “If mountain, wood and water harmoniously blent constitute the most perfect and adequate loveliness that nature presents, it surely must be owned that it has, all the world over, no superior”. The Gap of Dunloe Tour is an iconic tour of Killarney’s three lakes and the magnificent glacial Gap of Dunloe. The tour begins with a journey to Kate Kearney’s Cottage where you can take a pony or jaunting car through the Six-Mile Pass – at your own risk! Alternatively, keen walkers may care to ‘Walk the Gap’ as the Gap offers an ideal opportunity for hiking. After a refreshment stop at Lord Brandon’s Cottage, boats wait on the Gearhameen River to take you on your homeward journey. The Beara Peninsula is the mirror image of the Ring of Kerry and a walk through here will take you through breathtaking landscapes, little coastal villages and the classic west Cork towns of Bantry and Glengarrif, with stops at the Italian Gardens on Garinish Island. Walking this route usually takes from 10.30am until 5pm. Regarded as one of the most spectacularly beautiful parts of Ireland, no trip to Kerry can be completed without a tour of the famous Ring of Kerry. Part of the mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland

Things to do Muckross Park Hotel

Louis Mulcahy Workshop

Killarney

Slea Head

One of the oldest hotels in Kerry, the Muckross Park Hotel first opened its doors back in 1795, as The Herbert Arms on the original Muckross Estate. The five star hotel boasts large luxurious guest rooms, with fine dining at GB Shaw’s restaurant, which prides itself on quality local food. For a more informal meal, there’s Molly Darcy’s traditional pub and restaurant while Monks Bar serves cocktails, wines and speciality whiskeys.

Create your own pot, learn how the pottery is made from start to finish at our workshop, see our full range in our extensive showroom, avail of the workshop prices and enjoy home baking and local produce in our Cafe, served on our very own pottery! Located on the scenic Slea Head Drive, nestled at the foot of a mountain and overlooking the wild Atlantic of Clogher Strand, Louis Mulcahy pottery is a place where you can browse, experience, create, learn, immerse yourself and bring home a memory.

Mannix Point Camping and Caravan Park. Kerry

Location: The National Park, Killarney, Co Kerry Tel: +353 (0) 64 667 0144

Location: Clogher, Ballyferriter, Dingle, Co Kerry, N 52°09.191’ W 010°27.260’ Tel: +353 (0) 66 915 6229 Web: www. louismulcahy.com

“This is one of the most beautiful campsites in the country, with 500m of wild Atlantic coastline and the mountains of the Iveragh peninsula to gaze out over.” So said the Irish Times in its survey of the ‘Top 100 Best Places to Stay’ in Ireland. With twenty plus, national and international awards including The Ambassador for Tourism Award for Hospitality and TripAdvisor Five Star Certificate of Excellence in seven consecutive years, plus the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame in 2018 and 2019 you know you’re in good hands. Impromptu sessions in the music room are the highlight of our stays. The facilities are second to none and the location is outstanding with views across the bay to the nearby islands and to the hills and mountains. Web: campinginkerry. com Email: mortimer@ campinginkerry.com. Tel: +353 (0) 66 9472806.

Dingle, Co Kerry

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The South West

SNAPSHOTS: The Blasket Heritage Centre & Restaurant

Skellig Michael

that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years, the Ring of Kerry’s spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits including golf, cycling, walking, riding and the very best fishing for salmon and trout – in addition to some of the finest beaches in Europe for a traditional seaside holiday. Above all, the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland. Look out for the Iron Age forts, Ogham stones, old monasteries and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age, 10,000 years ago. The Ring of Kerry route covers 170km, starting from Killarney, heading around the Iveragh Peninsula and passing through Kenmare, Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen and Killorglin. Popular landmarks along the way include the Gap of Dunloe; Rossbeigh, the 8km scenic golden sand beach at Glenbeigh which is perfect for both relaxing and adventurous water sports; Derrynane House, home to the late Daniel O’Connell, which has been restored to its former glory; the Skellig Experience; Valentia Island, which is accessible from the bridge at the town of Portmagee; and Molls Gap, located on the long and winding road between Kenmare and Killarney, perfect for viewing the famous MacGillicuddy’s Reeks and surrounding lakes. This is a fabulous driving route with some incredible scenery – be sure not to miss it!

Ireland and Star Wars Long renowned for its beauty and captivating scenery, the Dinlge Peninsula – most notably Skellig Michael - was famously chosen as the filming location for the latest Star Wars installments; The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017). The Last Jedi boasts awe-inspiring footage of Skellig Michael and features the celebrated ‘wailing woman’ rock at the cliff edge. The crew recreated the beehive huts that are found on Skellig Michael on Ceann Sibéal (Sybil Head) as filming opportunities were limited on the island itself. Skellig Michael is a renowned bird sanctuary and only accessible by small craft, meaning visitor numbers are strictly limited. But it is still possible to appreciate how magnetic it is from the mainland and to immerse yourself in the world of Star Wars. The picturesque village of Portmagee in is where most boats depart to visit Skellig Michael in the summer months. During the filming the cast and crew stayed here and regularly frequented nearby Ballyferriter and Dingle. A festival - May the Fourth Be With You festival - celebrating Star Wars Day in Kerry took place from 3-5th May 2019 and will likely be an annual event.

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VISITOR CENTRE The Blasket Centre is the ideal stop off at the halfway point of the Slea Head Drive. This famous interpretative centre is dedicated to the memory of the people and culture of the Blasket Island, which was abandoned in 1953. The Centre tells their story with audio-visual presentations, photographic exhibitions, artifacts, storyboards and interactive displays. The restaurant offers a full menu specialising in home baking and a family-friendly experience. Amazing sea views, ample parking and toilet facilities are available. Fáilte romhaibh isteach! Location: Dún Chaoin, Slea Head Drive, Co Kerry Tel: +353 (0) 66 915 6444

Inisfallen Island HISTORIC SITE Inisfallen’s main claim to fame is the fact that the famous 13th century Annals of Inisfallen were written here and it was also where Ireland’s most famous High King, Brian Ború, was educated. Having hired a boat at Ross Castle in Killarney, a short 20-minute journey takes visitors to the site of a monastery founded in the seventh century by St Finian the Leper. The original monastery is gone but there is a 12th century oratory from a ruined Romanesque priory near the original site. Location: Lough Leane, Co Kerry

Valentia Island HISTORIC SITE Just 500m off Kerry’s west coast and one mile from the Ring of Kerry, Valentia Island is an unspoilt haven. Easily accessible by ferry at Knightstown or via the bridge at Portmagee, the island is a mere 11km long and 3km wide. Arriving by ferry, the crossing takes just five minutes and the Valentia Ferry runs a continuous shuttle service every day from April to October. Breathe in the scenery and views of Valentia Harbour,

Knightstown (with its famous landmark clock and lifeboat station),Valentia lighthouse, the smaller Beginish and Church Islands and the majestic Kerry Mountains. Watch the gannets dive and the seals bob during your journey. A great place to mooch, you’ll find much to interest you on the island. Tetrapod footprints at Dohilla are some 385 million years old, an example of the world’s oldest and rarest fossilised footprints. The Altazamuth in Knightstown was used to determine the earth’s latitude and longitude in 1862. The Megalithic tomb at Feighmane, beehive huts, Ogham stones and other evidence that Valentia has been inhabited since pre-Christian times are all found throughout the tiny island.You’ll find a place for quiet contemplation at St Brendan’s Well. Also, visit the local heritage centre and learn about Valentia’s rich history, its location as the terminus of the first transatlantic telegraph cable and its past inhabitants. Location: Knightstown, Co Kerry Tel: +353 (0) 66 947 6411

Seafari Cruises ACTIVITIES AND PASTIMES

Seafari’s two-hour, 10-mile long cruise takes you on a magical tour around the sheltered Kenmare Bay. Captain Ray and his guides provide an entertaining commentary throughout and you are given the unique opportunity to see a large colony of common seals and their pups and white-tailed sea eagles. Cameras are highly recommended to remember the experience. Customer comments from Seafari’s visitor’s book show a universal ‘seal’ of approval! The use of binoculars, charts and wildlife books and refreshments of tea, coffee, lollipops and a tot of rum for adults are all complimentary. Reservations are essential for wildlife and barbecue cruises. Location: The Pier, Kenmare, Co Kerry Tel: +353 (0) 64 664 2059

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Commerical Profile

IRELAND’S 5* CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

on’t miss Ireland’s premier cultural experience at Siamsa Tíre in Tralee, on Kerry’s Wild Atlantic Way. Home to the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, it presents the best of Ireland’s traditional Irish music, song and dance in five-star cultural heritage performances. This plush, purpose-built, iconic ringfort theatre and arts centre also offers visual arts exhibitions and is Ireland’s first environmentally Green Certified theatre. It is a guaranteed highlight of any visit to Ireland and one guests always recommend! Celebrating over 50 years of performances, you can choose from five different traditional shows from May to September every year. Ireland’s leading performers transport you to times past and bring Ireland’s cultural and working traditions on the land and sea to life. They create an unforgettable evening, rich in colour, mesmerising music, song and storytelling, thrilling and energetic Irish dance. The dedicated, passionate, and professional cast are all trained in the authentic Siamsa Tíre style from a young age at the National Folk Theatre Training Academy. For a truly immersive cultural experience that supports this living tradition, you can join the Siamsa Tíre cast to learn Irish

dance and song in Academy Workshops. It offers scheduled workshops on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (June to August), or for small to large groups, the Academy can tailor workshops to your group and itinerary. The Siamsa Tíre galleries host exhibitions of Irish artists and representations of the National Folk Theatre all year round. From October to April visitors of all ages can also enjoy an extensive theatre programme of touring drama, comedy, music and children’s events and workshops. Visit Siamsa Tíre for a theatrical, emotional and authentic traditional experience you will treasure forever!

National Folk Theatre Of Ireland presents

Ireland’s Premier Cultural Experience MUSIC, SONG AND DANCE

Step back in time and enjoy the Story of Ireland through Music, Song and Dance 5 AUTHENTIC CULTURAL PRODUCTIONS • IRISH DANCE AND SONG WORKSHOPS MAY-SEPTEMBER • SHOWS NIGHTLY AT 8.30PM Siamsa Tíre, Town Park, Tralee • Box Office: (066) 712 3055 • www.siamsatire.com 247576_2L_Siamsa Tire_JM_IAYL_V4.indd 1

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VISIT CLARE MUSEUM AT ARTHUR’S ROW, ENNIS Experience 6,000 years of Clare’s history excitingly captured in the Riches of Clare exhibition.

• ARCHAEOLOGY • FOLKLIFE • HISTORY

OPENING HOURS

June – September: Monday to Saturday 09.30 – 13.00 / 14.00 – 17.30 (last admissions at 17.00) October – May: Tuesday to Saturday 09.30 – 13.00 / 14.00 – 17.30 (last admissions at 17.00) Closed Bank Holiday Weekends

ADMISSION IS

FREE

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Have you ever wondered how to smoke salmon? Or how people fished salmon in the old days, and where the salmon is coming from today? Come to the Burren Smokehouse Tasting Room and experience the interactive "Story of Irish Salmon". Taste the Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon and browse other local culinary treats.

Open every day of the year (apart from Christmas and New Year) +353 (0)65 707 4432 www.burrensmokehouse.ie Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare V95 HD70

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Clonmacnoise Monastic Settlement, Co Offaly

SHANNON AND THE MIDLANDS

Comprising counties Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly and Westmeath, this region offers the pastoral tranquility of the River Shannon and the open moors. Great castles, monastic ruins and old cathedrals dot the countryside and are poignant reminders of another Ireland â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Ireland of saints and scholars. IRELAND AT YOUR LEISURE 2019/2020 | 107

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Shannon and the Midlands

Highlights

Irish Game and Country Fair, Birr, Co Offaly

WESTMEATH OFFALY

CLARE

TIP PE

AUGUST

OCTOBER

■ Friday 2 Saturday 10 August BIRR VINTAGE WEEK AND ARTS FESTIVAL, BIRR, CO OFFALY A week-long celebration of Birr’s history and culture with a jam packed programme of events.

■ Wednesday 9 – Tuesday 15 October OFFLINE OFFALY FILM FESTIVAL, CO OFFALY Caters for all film lovers with screenings of new national and international films and documentaries.

RA RY

LIMERICK

JULY ■ Sunday 14 July MULLINGAR AGRICULTURAL SHOW, MULLINGAR, CO WESTMEATH One of the oldest agricultural shows in the country.

SHANNON AND THE MIDLANDS

■ Friday 5 – Sunday 14 July LIMERICK PRIDE FESTIVAL 2019 Limerick Pride Festival 2019 will showcase a city that is ‘truly open and accepting’, with fun, colourful and exciting events for everyone.

SEPTEMBER ■ Thursday 19 – Sunday 22 September CASHEL ARTS FEST, CASHEL, CO TIPPERARY A selection of contemporary arts events in the historic town of Cashel.

Journey through the Shannon and midland counties where the countryside is welcoming and the atmosphere historic.

rom Tipperary in the south to Westmeath in the north, then along the river Shannon into County Clare, Shannon and the Midlands are the heartland of Ireland. Explore the beauty and variety of Ireland’s lush countryside from the historic atmosphere of the Rock of Cashel and Clonmacnoise to the extraordinary stone landscape of the Burren. Cruise the Shannon-Erne waterway, fish the flowing rivers or soak in the atmosphere of the region’s many castles, historic houses and ancient monuments.

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Swiss Cottage, Cahir, Co Tipperary

TOURIST OFFICE INFORMATION ■ CLARE: Shannon

airport. Tel: +353 (0) 61 712000 49 Frances Street, Kilrush. Tel: +353 (0) 761 075310 The Square, Kilkee. Tel: +353 (0) 65 9056112 Arthur’s Row, O’Connell Square, Ennis. Tel: +353 (0) 65 6828366 ■ LIMERICK: O’Connell Street, Limerick city. Tel: +353 (0) 61 317522 ■ TIPPERARY: Banba square, Nenagh. Tel: +353 (0) 67 31610 ■ OFFALY: Mid Ireland Tourism,Birr Technology Centre, Brendan Street, Birr. Tel: +353 (0) 57 91 4000 ■ WESTMEATH: Market House, Market Square, Mullingar. Tel: +353 (0) 44 934 4044

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Carron Church Ruins, Co Clare

Sea stack at Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare

ROADTRIP

This leisurely route from the town of Ennis takes in the spectacular coastline of west Clare and the heartlands of the famous Burren region before doubling back to Ennistymon. ENNIS TO LAHINCH From (A) Ennis – home to the Clare Museum and Ennis Friary – follow the N35 north west towards the picturesque town of (B) Ennistymon. Stop to take in the character of the old shop fronts and façades and the fine views of the Cullenagh Waterfalls that can be appreciated from the grounds of the nearby Falls Hotel, or from the seven-arch bridge which spans the river. From here, continue west for about 4km to the popular seaside resort of (C) Lahinch. A must-see town, you can also stop off at the ATM – you might need it for your travels along the coast. JOURNEY: 30km LAHINCH TO LISDOONVARNA Follow the R478 road that arcs north west around Liscannor Bay to the small fishing village of Liscannor, with fine views of the whole bay area. From here, continue north along the R478 that runs alongside the popular Burren Way walking trail, past Hag’s Head and onwards to the (D) Cliffs of Moher, which boasts spectacular views, clifftop walks and an excellent visitor’s centre. From the Cliffs, you can continue to the lively spa town of (E) Lisdoonvarna, a great place to stop and recharge – visit the Burren Smokehouse and get a free taste of Burren smoked salmon. JOURNEY: 16km LISDOONVARNA TO LEAMANEH From Lisdoonvarna, follow the N67 road north east to the pretty fishing village of (F) Ballyvaughan – stopping off just before the village at Corkscrew Hill, which offers a magnificent view of the limestone terraces south of Black Head. From Ballyvaughan,

retrace your steps along the N67 for approx. two km, and turn left onto the R480, which will take you into the heart of (G) the Burren, one of the best ways to see a landscape that has been called ‘otherworldly’. Take the turn to the left 2km after joining the R480 to discover the Aillwee Caves, or continue south and keep an eye out for the impressive megalithic tombs on the east side of the road. Continue south and you’ll soon discover (H) Leamaneh Castle, where the R480 meets the R476. Once a four storey Elizabethan house, only the shell remains now, though it is still a remarkable

site. The nearby 15th century tower house is also worth a visit, and there’s a great view from the top. JOURNEY: 32km LEAMANEH TO ENNIS From Leamaneh, take the R476 west to (I) Kilfenora, which lies on the southern fringes of the Burren. Here you’ll find the Burren Display Centre and Clare Heritage and Genealogy Centre, as well as the 12th century high crosses. From here, you can follow the R481 south west, through Ennistymon, and return to Ennis. JOURNEY: 40km

F E

D C

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COUNTY

CLARE

Poulnabrone Dolmen, The Burren, Co Clare

With Galway Bay to the north and the Shannon estuary cutting deep into the south, the county of Clare is almost a peninsula.

he limestone rock that contributes to the traditionally poor farmland also gives rise to the beautiful Burren, one of the many good reasons to visit Co Clare. With a long and fascinating history there’s plenty to see, from the spectacular Cliffs of Moher to more than 250 castles in various states of preservation.The towns of Clare, from the narrow streets of Ennis to the old shops and pubs of Ennistymon, have a special charm you’ll find nowhere else. There are few more striking places in Ireland than the majestic limestone landscapes of the Burren in the north of Co Clare. Named after the Irish word ‘Boireann’ meaning ‘rocky land’, the area is the most extensive limestone region in Britain or Ireland. The lunar landscape of the Burren has evolved over the years into a unique botanical environment where Mediterranean and alpine plants grow side by side. Glacial, wind and rain erosion has formed limestone pavements with deep fissures known as grykes in which welldrained soils and humid, sheltered conditions allow the mélange of plants to prosper. It is also home to some of Ireland’s rarest wildlife, including the elusive pinemartin.The area is dotted with over 2,500 historic sites, including castles, round towers, stone arches, churches and the 5,000-year-old Poulnabrone dolmen. The villages and towns in the area, which include Doolin, Lisdoonvarna and Kilfenora are all worth a visit. The Burren Centre in Kilfenora offers an introduction to the area with various displays and guided tours. The awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, standing five miles long and towering almost 700ft over the Atlantic Ocean, are the quintessential emblem of Irishness, making them one of the country’s most visited attractions. On a clear day the fabulous views from O’Brien’s Tower includes the Aran Islands, the mountains of Connemara and the lighthouse on Loop Head. The tower itself was constructed in 1835 by Cornelius O’Brien as an observation point for the hundreds of tourists who visited the cliffs. This visionary was ahead of his time, believing that tourism would develop the local economy Bunratty Castle, Co Clare and rescue the people from poverty. Clare’s county town of Ennis is one of Ireland’s most charming places. Although the town is now a progressive business and marketing centre and was named the ‘Information Age Town’, it has not lost its appeal and cleverly marries city-calibre nightlife and shopping with the familiarity of a small community. Ennis has a rich history just waiting to be discovered, with the origins of the town dating back to the founding of the Ennis Friary by the O’Brien kings of Thomond around 1240AD. The site of this Franciscan friary was originally on an island on the River Fergus around which the modern day town has grown. During the 1370s the friary was one of Ireland’s most important and prestigious theological schools with no Clare fewer than 350 friars and 600 students. To this day, you can find the remains of an ecclesiastical jail cell,

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where young scholars who engaged in too much wine-induced revelry were sent to think about what they had done! The friary was finally forced to close in 1692 and thereafter fell into ruin. Today, the walls are intact and within there are many interesting sculpted tombs and carvings, including the famous 15th century McMahon Tomb with alabaster panels depicting scenes from the Passion. Back in the town, the Riches of Clare exhibition at the Clare Museum traces the story of the county from 8,000 years ago to the present day through excellent audio-visual presentations mingled with original artefacts. Killaloe is picturesque Clare at its very best. Sited at the southwest tip of Lough Derg, with the stunning backdrop of the Bernagh Mountains to the west and the Arra Mountains to the east, this town manages to find a balance between fascinating history and the modern pleasures of waterbased activities. The magnificent Killaloe Cathedral is definitely worth seeing with its exquisite Romanesque doorway and the early Christian ‘Thorgrim’s Stone’ – unusual as it bears both old Scandinavian Runic and Irish Ogham scripts. Killaloe flourished as an important religious and political centre in medieval times and the Killaloe Heritage Centre provides an excellent starting point for learning about the area.

Things to do Shannon Ferries Travel Operator The Killimer-Tarbert car ferry links the main tourist routes of Ireland’s Shannon region on the Wild Atlantic Way from Killimer, Co Clare to Tarbert, Co Kerry. With scheduled sailings every day, the 20 minute journey across the Shannon estuary will save 137km and provide a staging point for the many nearby attractions. Enjoy our onboard refreshments and our visitor centre ashore at Killimer. Location: Killimer, Co Clare Tel: +353 (0) 65 905 3124 Web: .shannonferries.com

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SNAPSHOTS: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park HISTORIC SITE Bunratty Castle, built in 1425, offers medieval banquets year round. 19th century Irish life is vividly recreated at the Folk Park, where there are over 30 buildings in an urban and rural setting.Visit Bunratty House, a typical Victorian house with Regency gardens, traditional Irish farmhouses, watermills, a church, blacksmith’s forge and a village street. Traditional Irish nights are held in the Folk Park from April to October while both the Castle and Folk Park are open to day visitors year round (except for Good Friday and December 24th–26th). Reservations are necessary. Location: Bunratty, Co Clare -Tel: +353 (0) 61 360 788

The Burren Perfumery NATURAL ATTRACTION Visit Ireland’s first perfumery where natural aromatherapy products and fragrances are hand-produced using

traditional methods, including steam distillation. Experience their outstanding audio-visual photographic exhibition, organic herb garden and tearooms. Admission free. Open all year round (check website for January). Location: Carron, Co Clare Tel: +353 (0) 65 708 9102 Web: www.burrenperfumery.com

Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience VISITOR CENTRE The ecofriendly underground visitor centre at Ireland’s most spectacular sea cliffs houses the award-winning Atlantic Edge Exhibition as well as state-of-the-art visitor facilities. Outside, over 500m of cliffedge pathways and viewing platforms afford fantastic views of the stunning Cliffs of Moher and O’Brien’s Tower. O’Brien’s Tower reopened in 2009 after a restoration project and is open every day for tours. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is open all year round but opening times vary by season – see www.cliffsofmoher.ie for full details. Location: Liscannor, Co Clare Tel: +353 (0) 65 708 6141

Things to do Clare Museum

Doolin Cave

Exhibition

Visitor Centre

The Burren Smokehouse

The Riches of Clare exhibition at Clare Museum tells the history of the county over a period of 6,000 years. The exhibition is divided into the themes of Earth, Power, Faith, Water and Energy and includes a large collection of objects on loan from the National Museum of Ireland. Admission is free with ample car parking and free coach parking beside the museum.

Doolin Cave is home to the longest freehanging Stalactite in Europe. Take a fully guided cave tour deep under the karst Burren landscape to see the world’s most compelling cave attraction. Enjoy a stroll on our 1KM farmland nature trail, home baking in our Café and available in our gift shop you will find unique pieces of hand-made pottery from clay found deep inside Doolin Cave. 20% off online bookings

Lisdoonvarna near the Cliffs of Moher has turned into a must-stop destination for foodies. In the Burren Smokehouse Tasting Room and the interactive “Bradán – The Story of the Atlanic Salmon”, visitors can taste Burren Smoked Irish Organic Salmon, learn about the smoking process and some amazing facts about this popular fish. The nearby Roadside Tavern and Burren Storehouse offer delicious food throughout the summer, and beers from the onsite Burren Brewery.

Location: Arthur’s Row, Ennis, Co Clare Tel: +353 (0) 65 682 3382

Location: Doolin, Co Clare Web: www. doolincave.ie

Location: Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare Tel: +353 (0) 65 7074432 Web: www. burrensmokehouse.ie

Natural Attraction

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COUNTY

LIMERICK

From the beauty of the Shannon region to the charming and picturesque towns and villages, Limerick is home to a wealth of historical significance.

imerick borders Ireland’s scenic southern and western regions and there’s plenty to interest the visitor en route. With Kerry to the south and the Galtee Mountains to the south east, Limerick is primarily an agricultural county – low, undulating farmland famous for its bacon and ham. The county is also renowned for its strong sporting heritage, including rugby favourites Young Munster and Garryowen. Co Limerick is steeped in history; the 17th century Jacobite Siege of Limerick was a pivotal event in the struggle between Ireland and England and, to this day, the imposing remains of the city’s castle stand as a testament to it. South of the city, there is a host of fascinating historic and prehistoric sites. A few miles southwest of Limerick is the village of Adare, regarded by many as being Ireland’s prettiest and most picturesque village. The village, situated on the River Maigue, dates all the way back to the 13th century and its strategic location resulted in many conquests, wars and rebellions landing on its doorstep.The village has a rich heritage that can be explored at the heritage centre created by the Earl of Dunraven in the 19th century. Adare is also home to the ruins of a 14th century Augustinian priory, Ireland’s only Trinitarian priory, and the 13th century Franciscan Limerick friary. This little village, with its thatched cottages, medieval churches and old-world charm, has so much to offer that you simply cannot afford to miss it.

Foynes Flying Boat Museum

SNAPSHOTS: Curraghchase Forest Park NATURAL ATTRACTION Curraghchase Forest Park covers 313 hectares of parkland, lakes and woodlands and is home to a wide variety of animals and plants. The estate was once known as Curragh Estate before being changed to Curraghchase, and once belonged to poet and author Aubrey Thomas de Vere, born here in 1814. From the adventurous to the casual walker, there are a number of marked trails that will suit all types of visitors, from wheelchair users to family walkers. A permanent orienteering course is also available. Parking at the site is €5 per car. Location: Kilcornan, Co Limerick Tel: + 353 (0) 61 337 322

Foynes Flying Boat Museum HISTORIC ATTRACTION Come visit the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, housed in the original terminal building in Foynes. See the exhibits and learn about the history of the flying boats in the authentic 1940s cinema. The radio and weather room is full of transmitters, receivers and Morse code equipment. The museum is also home to a full size replica B-314 flying boat and the Brendan O’Regan restaurant. Location: Áras Íde, Foynes, Co Limerick Tel: +353 (0) 69 65416

Adare Village

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King John’s Castle

LIMERICK CITY

Previously the city of culture for 2014, Limerick enjoys a reputation as a cultural hotspot. A lively city straddling the River Shannon, it is awash with historical architecture, grand museums and rugby enthusiasts.

he riverside city of Limerick is one of the largest in Ireland and is the principal town of the county. The city was first established by the Vikings in the 10th century. They used it as a base from which to plunder the surrounding areas. They were eventually driven out of the county by the great high king, Brian Ború. The city was granted its charter by King John in 1197 and he ordered the building of a castle on King’s Island in the heart of medieval Limerick overlooking the Shannon. The castle remains to this day and is the highlight of this heritage precinct, allowing visitors to explore 800 years of history in an imaginative exhibition. Across the river from the castle you can visit the Treaty Stone on which the treaty was signed following the last defence of the city against the Williamites in 1691. Staying on the historical track, the Romanesque St Mary’s Cathedral Limerick City was the ecclesiastical centre of the fortress for hundreds of years and is the city’s oldest building. Erected in 1172 by Donal Mór O’Brien, the last King of Munster, the original plan of the church was in the form of a Latin cross. The cathedral is filled with

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relics of the past, including several splendidly carved misericords – unique in Ireland as the only pre-Elizabethan carvings, they probably date from around 1480. Between the castle and the cathedral you will find the Limerick City Museum, Tel: +353 (0) 61 557 740, which houses archaeological and historical items that explore Limerick’s past. Also in the area is the Poet’s Corner, where the famous five-line ‘Limerick’ poems are celebrated. The Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Angela’s Ashes, by local author Frank McCourt, has brought fame to the city in recent years.Visitors can also experience the Angela’s Ashes Walking Tours, Tel: +353 (0) 87 2351339. No trip to Limerick would be complete without a trip to the Hunt Museum, Tel: +353 (0) 61 312 833, housing an internationally important collection of some 2,000 original works selected according to their design, craftsmanship and artistic merit. The works range in period from the Stone Age through to the 20th century and include such treasures as the personal seal of Charles I of England, the Queen Mary of Scots Cross, a coin revered as one of the ‘30 pieces of silver’, and a bronze horse by Leonardo da Vinci. Limerick not only holds a wealth of historical significance; it is also a vibrant modern city and stands as a dynamic educational, economic, social and recreational base for the mid-western region. The city has a renowned university and is also famed for its passion for sport – football and hurling, golf, greyhound racing and boating.

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SNAPSHOTS: Angela’s Ashes Walking Tour

Thomond Park

GUIDED WALK The Angela’s

SPORTING ARENA Thomond

Ashes Walking Tour is based on the famous book by author Frank McCourt, which has led to increased interest in Limerick city in recent years, a book that was also made into a successful film starring Robert Carlyle and Emily Watson. Locations along the walking route include Arthur’s Quay, River Shannon, Windmill Street, Barrack Hill, Leamy’s School, Parnell Street and more besides. Tours begin at Limerick’s tourist office each day at 14.30, and bookings must be made in advance with tour guide Noel Curtin.

Park is the home ground of Munster Rugby, one of the most successful and best supported rugby clubs in the world. The redeveloped venue now has an increased capacity of 25,600.Visit the Munster Experience Museum where you can gain insight into Munster rugby’s and Thomond Park’s history – from junior to senior level, and the trophies and medals the club and its players have won. Interesting features include visitors’ signatures such as the New Zealand All-Blacks and Australian Wallabies – and the games room, where you can try your hand at throwing a line-out ball. An audio-visual presentation will show you how the new museum was built, replete with photos and facts.Visitors can also take the stadium tour, which brings you from the home dressing room through the tunnel and visits pitch-side and the Munster dugout, allowing for a brief glimpse into how players might feel striding out on match day.

Location: Starting at Limerick Tourist Office, O’Connell Street. Tel: +353 (0) 87 235 1339

Bishop’s Palace HISTORIC HOUSE Located adjacent to King John’s Castle, the Bishops’ Palace is the restored home of the former Protestant Bishops of Limerick. The Palace has a classical façade and is related to the English Palladian style. The house is currently occupied by Limerick Civic Trust. Location: Church Street, King’s Island, Limerick city Tel: +353 (0) 61 313 399

St. Mary’s Cathedral

Location: Thomond Park, Limerick city Tel: + 353 (0) 61 421 129

Thomond Park Museum

Things to do The Milk Market Food Market The Milk Market in Limerick is similar in style to the English Market in Cork. Amongst some of the traditional fare on offer are pigs heads, ribs and trotters or crubeens, fresh milk and country butter from Adare, and a myriad of cheeses. Protected from the elements by the largest fixed tent in Ireland, it even has an integral balcony with free seating from which to take in the sights, smells and musical airs. Location: The Milk Market Market House, Mungret Street, Limerick City Tel: +353 (0) 61 214782 Web: milkmarketlimerick.ie

St. Mary’s Cathedral HISTORIC CHURCH Located where a Viking meeting house once stood, St. Mary’s Cathedral may well incorporate parts of the former palace of Donal Mór O’Brien, King of Munster, which he donated in 1168. The cathedral is still in use as a place of daily worship, and visitors can take a stroll around its lofty interior, admiring the gothic stain glass windows, the vaulted roof, medieval floor tiles and the elaborately carved 17th century choir stalls. Location: Bridge Street, Limerick city Tel: + 353 (0) 61 310 293

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SNAPSHOTS: Nenagh Castle HISTORIC CASTLE Nenagh’s

Rock of Cashel

COUNTY

TIPPERARY

In County Tipperary you’ll find several ancient heritage sites and a county famed for its natural beauty – rolling landscapes, mountains and lakes and old-world charm.

which was built by James Butler in 1675 as a courthouse for the administrative area of Co Tipperary.

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Location: O’Rahilly Street, Nenagh, Co Tipperary Tel: +353 (0) 67 33850

Cahir Park

ipperary, Ireland’s largest inland county, is an area of rich farmland that culminates in the southern region of the Golden Vale – Ireland’s richest pasture. Every major town lies along either the banks or tributaries of the River Suir, cutting through the middle of the county. Since the days of Cromwell, the county has been nominally divided into North and South, but these days this refers more to the county’s equestrian credentials than any political boundary. Tipperary is dotted with prosperous towns like Nenagh, Clonmel, Cahir, Thurles, Carrick-on-Suir, Cashel, Fethard, Roscrea and Tipperary town. There are dozens of historical sites, especially the spectacular Rock of Cashel, Norman castles and the tower houses built by the Irish who resisted them. Cashel was once the seat of the Kings of Munster and capital of this southern province. This lively and prosperous town is dominated by one of Ireland’s most dramatic sites, The Rock of Cashel. The Rock lies 200ft above the town and towers over Cashel like a miniature Camelot. Mighty stone walls encircle a round tower, abbey, 12th century chapel and numerous other buildings and High Crosses. In the 4th century the Rock was the seat of power for the Eoghanachta clan from Wales, until St Patrick converted their leader to Christianity in the 5th century. Like so many other strongholds, Brian Ború took the Rock in the 10th century and in 1101 his ancestors gave it to the Church to prevent the Eoghanachta (now McCarthy) clan from retaking it. Cormac McCarthy built the chapel as a sign of goodwill before his departure in 1169. It still survives as the most remarkable Romanesque chapel in the country. Also in Cashel, don’t miss the Cashel Heritage Centre, and the Cashel Folk Village on Dominick Street, featuring thatched dwellings, traditional shops and buildings to transport you back in time. As the capital of Tipperary and Ireland’s largest inland town, Clonmel has a wealth of treasures to offer visitors. Situated on the banks of the River Suir, Clonmel has long been regarded as the best shopping town in the county. Sites of historic interest around the town include the 13th century Franciscan friary on Abbey Street, Old St Mary’s Church, the West Gate and the restored Mainguard,

oldest building, Nenagh Castle was constructed in the 13th century, and paved the way for the development of Nenagh town. The castle’s keep, like most keeps, formed part of the perimeter of the fortress, being incorporated in the curtain walls surrounded by a five-sided courtyard. The castle has had extensive renovations from 2009 to completion in June 2013.

NATIONAL PARK The estate was originally owned by the Butlers of Ormonde until the 18th century and was originally used as a quiet retreat for the estate’s owners and guest. There’s plenty of wildlife living in these woods and waters, including swans, ducks, cormorants, squirrels, pheasant and woodcock. Location: Cahir, Co Tipperary Tel: +353 (0) 52 41453

Farney Castle HISTORIC HOUSE First built in 1185, the castle was originally a wooden structure. The round tower was constructed in 1495 by Thomas Butler, 7th Earl of Ormond. Farney Castle remained in the hands of the Butlers for 500 years until the castle was

confiscated by King Henry VIII of England in 1536, though he returned the lands to the family once he married Anne Boleyn. Location: Holycross, Co Tipperary Tel: +353 (0) 504 43281

Thurles Famine and War Museum MUSEUM This museum commemorates the many people who lost their lives during the Great Famine 1845-1850. Holding the largest collection of Famine memorabilia in Ireland, interesting items include the only known minutes of a Famine food committee, as well as an example of 18th century clothing. Location: St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Thurles, Co Tipperary, Tel: +353 (0) 504 21133

Ormond Castle HISTORIC CASTLE Built by Thomas, the 10th Earl of Ormond, in the 1560s, Ormond Castle is the best example of an Elizabethan manor house in Ireland. Closely integrated into the manor house are two 15th century towers. Inside, you can view the state rooms, which contain some of the finest decorative plasterwork in the country, including plasterwork portraits. Access to the castle is free of charge, and by guided tour only. Location: Castle Park, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary Tel: +353 (0) 51 640 787

Tipperary

Swiss Cottage, Cahir, County Tipperary

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1552, but the ruins remain the most extensive of their kind in Ireland and include a cathedral, eight churches, two round towers, three high crosses and hundreds of early Christian cross slabs. The country partly owes its title as ‘The Land of Saints and Scholars’ to Clonmacnoise, a humbling site that is still revered as a place of pilgrimage to this day.Tullamore is the county town of Offaly.This vibrant and progressive town owes much of its development to its position on the Grand Canal, which provided important transport links in the early days. It is the home of Tullamore D.E.W., a fine whiskey, and the Tullamore D.E.W. Heritage Centre charts the development of the town and the part that the whiskey industry played in that development. About a mile to the south of the town is the Charleville Forest Castle. This eerie Gothic castle boasts not only spectacular interiors but extensive grounds and the oldest oak tree in Ireland.

SNAPSHOTS: Tullamore D.E.W. Heritage Centre HISTORICAL ATTRACTION

Birr Castle Telescope, Co Offaly

COUNTY

OFFALY

Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Offaly is a landscape of wildlife, bogland, tumbling monastic ruins and picturesque mountains.

ordered on the north by Westmeath and to the south by Laois and the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Offaly’s main towns are Tullamore and Birr, which is one of only 15 members of the Heritage Towns of Ireland Association. The county is also home to Clonmacnoise, the most extensive monastic settlement in Ireland. Also of massive archaeological significance is the Bog of Allen and Boora Bog between Ferbane and Kilcormac. During the Viking raids of the 9th and 10th centuries these flat, marshy lands provided a measure of defence for the local inhabitants but in recent years they have achieved greater prominence with the discovery of 9,000-year-old flint weapons. Clonmacnoise was once home to some 3,000 scholars during Europe’s Dark Age, but today you will simply find cattle grazing among the tumbled walls and birds nesting in the silent bell towers. St Ciarán established Clonmacnoise in 548AD at an intersection of the River Shannon on an important Offaly junction for Celtic river and road travel. The settlement has a violent and troubled history and has been destroyed at least 13 times by invading forces. It was finally razed by the English in

Housed in an 1897 converted Bonded Warehouse, visitors will see how malting was used to trick barley into growing, and hear the tales of the distillery’s early workers. To suit the know-how levels of Tullamore D.E.W. enthusiasts, experts and aficionados, visitors can choose from two tours. The first caters for the inquisitive, who want to truly get to know their favourite whiskey. The second is for those already wellacquainted with the whiskeymaking process, but want to investigate a little deeper. The tour ends with a tutored tasting. Location: Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co Offaly Tel: +353 (0) 57 932 5015

Birr Castle Demesne HISTORICAL ATTRACTION

Birr Castle Demesne covers 50 hectares of parkland, encompassing rivers, a lake, waterfalls, formal gardens and Victorian fernery. The gardens are famous for their outstanding collection of trees and shrubs, accumulated from around the world, and are home to the Great Telescope. Location: Birr, Co Offaly Tel: + 353 (0) 57 912 0336

Lemanaghan Monastic Site

HISTORICAL ATTRACTION In 645 Diarmait, king of Ireland, granted this site to the monks of Clonmacnoise after they successfully prayed for his

victory in battle. Not long afterwards, St Monaghan, a respected scholar, perished here in the yellow plague of 664. Since then, this area has been known as Lemanaghan: ‘the grey lands of Monaghan’. The monastery experienced a golden age during the 12th century, which saw the building of the church with its beautiful Romanesque doorway and St Monaghan’s shrine. The holy well and tree continue to be a site of pilgrimage and prayer. The feast day of St Monaghan is celebrated on January 24th each year. Location: On the R436 from Ballycumber to Ferbane; on the turn for Pullough Tel: Heritage Office, Offaly County Council, Co Offaly: +353 (0) 57 934 6839

Charleville Castle HISTORICAL ATTRACTION

Situated in Ireland’s most ancient primordial oak woods, Charleville Castle in Tullamore, Co Offaly is Ireland’s finest gothic revival castle. Built between 1798 and 1810, it is considered to be Francis Johnston’s masterpiece, one of the leading architects of the day who also designed the GPO in Dublin. The castle is available for wedding ceremonies, seminars, photo-shoots, filming on-site, concerts and other special events, and is home to the Castlepalooza music and arts festival. Location: Tullamore, Co Offaly Tel: + 353 (0) 57 932 3040

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their stepmother to live as swans in the Lough for hundreds of years. North of Crookedwood you will find Castlepollard, a district of low hills that provides the perfect centre for discovering the Westmeath lakelands. The 17th-century, Gothic revival Tullynally Castle is just outside the village and its gardens are open to visitors in the summer. Just a few more kilometres down the road is the quaint village of Coole, home to an excellent amenity area on the shores of the Lough and Turbotstown House, a Georgian mansion designed by the celebrated architect Francis Johnston. While in the area do not miss the charming Multifarnham, built around a Franciscan friary in the 13th century. On the grounds of the friary you will find life-sized stations of the cross, one of the finest outdoor shrines in Ireland. Fore Abbey, Co Westmeath

COUNTY

WESTMEATH

One of Ireland’s smaller counties, what Westmeath lacks in coastline, it makes up for in an abundance of lakes and waterways – the ideal base for a watersports holiday.

estmeath is a county of lakes and rich pastureland, well-known to trout fishermen and connoisseurs of the county’s most celebrated export: beef. Athlone, with its spectacular castle and set as it is on the glorious River Shannon, is known as the ‘Gateway to the West’. Goldsmith Country to the north of the town is one of the most scenic spots in the midlands. The county’s main centre of activity is Mullingar to the east, the only town in Ireland, aside from Dublin, beloved of James Joyce. Today, it is beloved of golfers and fishermen. Further information is available from the Mullingar Discover Ireland Centre, Tel: (044) 934 8650.

ATHLONE

Athlone is the largest town on the River Shannon. It is seen as the centre of Ireland and is situated on the main Dublin-Galway route, making it an excellent stopping-off point when touring the country. Its riverside location opening on to Lough Ree makes it ideal for cruising the Shannon, fishing, or enjoying any number of water-based activities. Take a tour of Lough Ree on a powerboat with Hodson Bay Watersports, Tel: (090) 649 4801. Athlone’s strategic position on the Shannon is evident from the splendid fortress of Athlone Castle, dating from 1210. Not only does the castle offer spectacular panoramic views of the river and the surrounding countryside, there is also a museum housed in the oldest part of the castle, the central keep. During the summer months the town comes alive with festivals, guided tours and boat trips, along with some of the finest shops and restaurants in the midlands. An Dún Transport and Heritage Museum, Tel: (090) 643 0106, is definitely worth a visit, with a collection of vintage cars, farm equipment and a European model railway and cable car among their collection. Just 10km north of Mullingar you will find the enchanting village of Crookedwood. It lies on the shores of Westmeath Lough Derravarragh where the legend of the Children of Lir evolved. As the story goes, the children were exiled by

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SNAPSHOTS: Tullynally Castle HISTORICAL ATTRACTION

Located just 2km west of Castlepollard are the gates of Tullynally, a huge rambling castle built by successive Earls of Longford. The Pakenhams, who later became the Earls of Longford, settled here in the 17th century and three generations still live here in their family home. Wide, terraced lawns around the castle lead to winding paths, lakes, walled gardens and assorted summer houses and follies. The adventurous should not miss the forest walk to the Chinese garden, complete with pagoda, and then on to the lower lake, past plantings of giant lilies and rhododendrons. For children there are llamas, ducks and a special treasure trail. Location: Castlepollard, Co Westmeath Tel: +353 (0) 44 9661856

Kilbeggan Distillery Experience HISTORICAL ATTRACTION

Established in 1757, the Kilbeggan Distillery is one of the oldest licensed pot-still distilleries in the world. The distillery is now open to the public as a museum. A guided tour, explaining the process of whiskey-making, is a visit you should have on your Irish itinerary. See for yourself the traditional method of mashing in oak mash tuns, fermenting in Oregon pine vats and the new Kilbeggan malt spirit flowing from ancient pot stills. Of course no visit would be complete without the complimentary glass of Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey at the end of your tour! Location: Main Street, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath Tel: +353 (0) 57 933 2134

Tullynally Castle

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The Wesr

THE WEST

With its incredibly varied landscape, the west is sure to be a highlight of any visit to Ireland. Wandering Galway city’s cobble-stoned streets, you’ll get to know one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the country. Elsewhere in the west, from fishing along the Shannon, the Inny and the Camlin River in County Longford, to traversing the wild beauty of the Aran Islands and the rugged landscape of Connemara, there’s a rare charm and a sense of hospitality you’ll find nowhere else. County Mayo boasts stunning seascapes and peaceful tranquility, while County Roscommon, with its pristine rivers, lakes and hillsides, offers unique heritage experiences and plenty of activity. Doolough Pass, Co Mayo IRELAND AT YOUR LEISURE 2019/2020 IRELAND AT YOUR LEISURE 2014 | 119

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Highlights

MAYO

ROSCOMMON

N LO

GALWAY

Macnas Festival, Galway City

JULY ■ Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 July GALWAY GARDEN FESTIVAL, CLAREGALWAY, CO GALWAY Showcasing the best rare and special plant traders from Ireland and further afield.

WEST

A rugged landscape, friendly people, the Irish language and much more is waiting to be discovered in Ireland’s western region.

he west is sure to be a highlight of any visit to Ireland with an incredibly varied landscape that you need time to discover. From blue flag beaches to a spectacular bogland, Mayo is sure to surprise. Roscommon could be described as operating under the radar and is a great destination for watersports and river and lake cruises. It’s also the site of a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site at Rathcroghan, and birthplace of Chris O’Dowd, star of Bridesmaids. Longford’s lakes and waterways, meanwhile, complement a gentle countryside that is bound to attract those with an outdoor-sy nature. And then there’s Galway – home to the cobbled streets of Galway city and also to ancient Connemara, marked by bog grasses, stone walls and rugged landscape and a remoteness that is hard to find elsewhere. So, get ready to visit a region of history and culture, of traditional music and fantastic food, of achingly beautiful scenery and welcoming people. Welcome to the west.

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■ Monday 15 – Sunday 28 July GALWAY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL, GALWAY CITY, CO GALWAY The worlds of visual art, street theatre, music, dance and spoken word collide on Galway city’s streets.

■ Friday 19 – Saturday 27 July BOYLE ARTS FESTIVAL 2019, BOYLE, CO ROSCOMMON Ten days jampacked with events and activities for all ages.

■ Thursday 15 – Saturday 24 August BELMULLET GALA FESTIVAL 2019, BELMULLET, CO MAYO A festival filled with family fun and entertainment.

AUGUST

OCTOBER

■ Sunday 4 August BALLINA CYCLING CLUB SALMON SPORTIVE, BALLINA, CO MAYO A scenic cycle with three route options along the Mayo coast.

■ Tuesday 22 – Monday 28 October VODAFONE COMEDY CARNIVAL, GALWAY CITY, CO GALWAY An annual comedy festival featuring the best of Irish and international talent.

TOURIST OFFICE INFORMATION ■ GALWAY: Galway City, Co Galway. Tel: 091 537 700 ■ MAYO: Bridge Street, Westport, Co Mayo. Tel: 098 25711 ■ ROSCOMMON: John Harrison Memorial Hall The Square, Roscommon. Tel: 090 663 7100 ■ LONGFORD: Market Square, Longford town. Tel: 043 334 2577

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Connemara, Co Galway

Salthill Promenade, Co Galway

ROADTRIP

Travelling from Newport, County Mayo to Doolin in County Clare, your roadtrip through Ireland’s western region certainly won’t be lacking in excitement. DAY 1 Leave (A) Newport, County Mayo, along the shore of (B) Clew Bay, on the N59 heading south for Connemara, County Galway. Stop at (C) Kylemore Abbey, beautifully overlooking a lake. Originally a millionaire’s mansion, it is now home to Ireland’s Benedictine nuns. Spend the rest of your day exploring Connemara. In the mountains of the National Park you’ll find adventure sports galore, or you can take the easier option and laze on any one of the sparkling white beaches that fringe the coastline. An overnight stay in the pretty fishing village of Roundstone, County Galway is recommended. A 40 minute drive incorporating the Sky Road will afford you stunning views and along the way to (D) Roundstone you can stop off at the Station Museum and Connemara Heritage & History Centre. JOURNEY: 101km DAY 2 Follow the N59 from Roundstone leading to (E) Galway city where you can take time out to wander before getting back in the car. You can also choose to lose yourself for a couple of extra days, exploring the attractions on offer in Galway city or simply go for a stroll along Salthill promenade to stretch your legs. Along the route, you can make a detour along the R340 out to Patrick Pearse’s Cottage (Teach an Phiarsaigh). The cottage was used by Patrick Pearse, leader of the 1916 Rising, as a summer residence and summer school for his pupils. Back on the N59 you can stop off at the Glengowla Mines and Aughnanure Castle in Oughterard. Find your way to the N18 and R460 and head towards the (F) Burren in County

and after you’ve tapped your feet to the sound of the bodhrán (small Irish drum) and fiddle, make your way to the harbour, park the car and catch the ferry to the (I) Aran Islands. Just 20 minutes later you’ll find yourself besotted by the warm and wonderful sense of tradition here, with a wild beauty that captures the soul. Try to spend the day exploring the islands and their landscapes of limestone rock. On Inis Mór you can visit Dún Aonghasa, the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. A veritable outdoor museum of artefacts and cultural importance, the first language on the islands is Gaelic, but the fáilte (welcome) goes far beyond words. Overnight on the islands or in (J) Doolin; the choice is yours. JOURNEY: 19km

Clare, which boasts a magical karst limestone landscape scattered with ancient settlements, tombs, and enchanting flora and fauna. Along the route, you can make a detour to Kinvara and visit Dunguaire Castle. Kiltartan Gregory Museum and Coole Park are also located en route. (G) Lahinch, a little to the south, is a good place to overnight, with yet another amazing beach that surfers will adore. JOURNEY: 177km DAY 3 From Lahinch it’s a short drive north to Doolin. However, you can make a stop off at the spectacular (H) Cliffs of Moher along the way, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. Doolin is often referred to as the capital of Irish traditional music,

A B

C D

E I J H

F G

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CITY

GALWAY

County Galway is located in the province of Connacht. The second-largest county in Ireland, it stretches from its eastern border with County Offaly to the Atlantic coast in the west making for an extremely varied landscape, ranging from inland farming plains to the valleys and wild, rugged coastline of Connemara.

alway has a rich and interesting heritage – for example the Claddagh is an area in Galway city that was once a distinct community with its own king who led the fishing fleet and made the major decisions. The fishermen here sailed a particular type of boat known as a ‘hooker’ and they spoke the Irish language. Their fishing catches were sold at Galway market beside the Spanish Arch, located in Galway city, and the age-old ceremonial blessing of Galway Bay and its fishermen still takes place annually. Although the old thatched cottages are long gone, the distinctive Claddagh ring is still worn on many hands. The Irish name for Galway (Gaillimh) means ‘stony river’, and it is believed that Galway city had its early beginnings as a fishing village. Over the centuries, this ‘City of the Tribes’ (so-called because of its 14 prosperous ruling families) expanded to become a Norman walled town and by the 14th century had developed into a thriving merchant centre whose ships traded as far afield as Spain and Portugal. The city was granted its charter by King Richard II in 1396, when he proclaimed its people to be his loyal subjects. The region entered a long period of decline with the emergence of prominent sea ports on the east coast, namely Dublin and Waterford. It would be many years before Galway would again enjoy such prosperity, but the character and style of the city is evidence of its medieval legacy. Today, Galway is thriving, and along with being a popular seaside destination with beautiful beaches and a long, winding promenade where you can watch the sunset over Galway Bay, the city is a hub for entertainment. Aside from being filled with excellent pubs, hotels and restaurants, the city is known for its many festivals with huge crowds gathering for the annual Galway Arts Festival, Galway Races and numerous other events taking place throughout the year. Old Ireland is present too, with turf fires and traditional music featuring in many pubs.

SNAPSHOT: The Spanish Arch HISTORICAL SITE Today

home to the Galway City Museum, the Spanish Arch was built in 1584 and is located on the banks of the river Corrib, and on the site more commonly known as Ceann na Bhalla (The Head of the Wall). Originally an extension of the famous city walls, designed to protect the quays, in the past it was known as the Blind Arch. The arch features a wooden sculpture by well-known artist Claire Sheridan, who lived in the adjacent building during the 1950s. Location: Galway city

Galway City Museum HISTORICAL ATTRACTION The museum houses exhibitions that explore aspects of the history and heritage of Galway city. Current exhibitions include: Routes to the Past (prehistoric Galway); Galway Within the Walls (Medieval Galway); Pádraic Ó Conaire: the Man and the Statue; Lamb in Connemara (Paintings by Charles Lamb); Dance Hall Days; Cinema, Galway goes to the Pictures; the Arts in Galway, and Galway & the Wars of Empire. Among the museum highlights are the Galway civic sword and great mace. The civic sword dates from the charter of King James I in 1610, which granted authority for the carrying

of such a weapon before the Mayor. The great mace, a massive piece of ornamental silverwork crafted in Dublin in 1710, was presented to the town by Edward Eyre, Mayor of Galway, in 1712. The museum is also home to two iconic symbols of the city – the statue of Padraic Ó Conaire and a traditional sailing vessel or Galway hooker, named Máirtín Oliver, which was made especially for the museum. Location: Spanish Parade, Galway city Tel: +353 (0) 91 532 460

St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church of Ireland HISTORICAL SITE St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church was established in Galway city in 1320 and is dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra, known today as Santa Claus. The structure is well preserved, and inside visitors can view fragments of two wooden mitres and a crown that survived, in addition to the unique triple nave, fascinating carvings, gargoyles and stained glass windows. The church has attracted many notable visitors over the years, including Christopher Columbus, who is said to have prayed here during a visit to Galway in 1477. Location: Market Street, Galway city

Things to do McDonaghs Restaurant Galway city Galway city

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McDonagh’s Seafood restaurant features a variety of fish dishes, from native Clarenbridge oysters to scallops, prawns, hake and lemon sole, as well as wild mussels and smoked salmon from Connemara. They also serve locally brewed beers and stout. In their Fish & Chips Bar the fish is cooked to order. Fish and chips can be taken away or eaten on the premises. Outdoor seating is available during summer months. Location: 22 Quay Street, Galway city Tel: +353 (0) 91 565 001

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Galway Arts Festival

COUNTY

GALWAY

Clifden, Connemara

Home to the Connemara region, an astonishingly beautiful natural landscape, and vibrant Galway city filled with food and fun, and much more, Galway is the perfect destination.

lthough Galway city makes for an excellent base to discover the rest of Galway and the west, there are many destinations to choose from as your holidaying base for the rest of the county. The awe-inspiring Twelve Bens mountains overlook Connemara, a region that is home to a national park, Irish-speaking Gaeltachts, stately homes transformed into welcoming hotels, spectacular beaches and cosy coastal villages like Roundstone and Ballyconneely. Off the coast of Connemara, a holiday on Inishbofin or one of the Aran Islands is an unrivalled Galway experience, while the picturesque seaside town of Clifden is a must-see,

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particularly in late summer, when horse racing on the beach at Omey Island and the Clifden Regatta make for unforgettable family holidays. You will also find many attractions outside of the city, such as the impressive Kylemore Abbey and Gardens, a very worthwhile visit. Alternatively, you can go underground and explore the marble chambers at the Glengowla silver and lead mines, which have been preserved as a monument to Ireland’s industrial heritage. The east of Galway has a quiet, low-lying landscape and is a treasure trove of villages such as the medieval town of Athenry and other hidden pearls such as the pre-Christian Turoe Stone, Clonfert Cathedral, Dartfield Horse Museum and Portumna Forest Park. While Galway International Oyster Festival, the Galway Races and the Clarenbridge Oyster Festival compete as the social events of the season, there’s so much more on offer for you to see and do around the county. Why not experience a medieval banquet at Dunguaire Castle, or visit the Ocean and Country Visitor Centre at Letterfrack to explore the underwater world on Ireland’s only glass-bottomed boat tours.

SNAPSHOT: Oranmore Castle HISTORICAL ATTRACTION

Oranmore Castle was built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Originally a De Burgo (Burke) stronghold, An Cáislean Mór or the Castle of the Well played a pivotal part in the defence of Galway during the Confederate Rebellion in the 1640s, when provisions were shipped from the castle to the besieged fort of Galway. Left abandoned to the elements in 1853, it was bought in 1945 by Lady Leslie for her daughter, the writer Anita Leslie, whose daughter Leonie continues to reside in the castle with her husband, the noted musician Alec Finn of De Dannan. Today the castle is an enchanting, welcoming paradise of art, music and history. Location: Oranmore, Co Galway Tel: +353 (0) 86 600 3160

Letterfrack Bay Water Tours TOUR Letterfrack Bay Water Tours has over 200 exhibits, combined with a seaside nature trail. Ireland’s only glass-bottomed boat tours sail across Ballinakill harbour, which is home to a large variety of sea birds, grey seals, dolphins and porpoises. This

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unique sea tour provides a voyage of discovery with a difference. See the underwater world as divers do, with commentary provided throughout the tour. Lower tides are required for the best underwater views so please enquire beforehand, particularly as boat trips may be weather-dependent.

Things to do Aran Island Ferries

Kylemore Abbey Connemara

Galway city Aran Island Ferries are an award-winning business, sailing daily to the Aran Islands year-round. Operating four stateof-the-art vessels, our ferries offer passengers maximum comfort and excellent amenities, including bar service on board. Sail and discover some of the country’s oldest monuments, forts and monastic dwellings. Live music, seasonal food produce and the Aran Island Sweater Market are highlights of any trip. Save 10% when booking a return journey online. Location: Forster Square, Galway city Tel: +353 (0) 91 568 903 Web: aranislandferries.com

Kylemore Abbey, in the heart of Connemara, is one of Ireland’s most photographed sites. Visit the Victorian Walled Garden, the restored rooms in the Abbey, the Gothic Church and extensive woodland and lakeshore walks. Dine in the awardwinning Mitchell’s Café or the Garden Tea House. Pick up a unique handmade gift in the Craft and Design Shop. Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden is the perfect day out. Location: Connemara, Co Galway Tel: +353 (0) 95 52001 Web: www. kylemoreabbey.com

Connemara Smokehouse Bunowen Pier, Ballyconneely, Co Galway Connemara Smokehouse specialises in highquality seafood, where every product is produced by traditional methods. It is located in Ballyconneely, a small village situated 10km south of Clifden. On a smokehouse tour, visitors can experience the various preparation methods and enjoy a taste. Location: Ballyconneely, Co Galway Tel: +353 (0) 95 23739

Derrigimlagh, Co Galway

Location: Letterfrack, Co Galway Tel: +353 (0) 95 43473

Rinville Park FOREST PARK With an extensive network of walks through woodlands, open farmland and by the sea, Rinville Park offers a recreational facility of outstanding quality and beauty. Created around an ancient castle, a stately home and a fine estate demesne, which dates from the 16th century, there is access to Rinville Point and Saleen Point, where views of Galway Bay, Galway city and the Burren of County Clare can be enjoyed. The park has picnic areas and a children’s playground, and is open all year round. Admission is free. Location: Five minutes from Oranmore, Co Galway

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Aasleagh Falls, Co Mayo

COUNTY

MAYO

Wild, dramatic, unspoiled – located on Ireland’s Atlantic west coast, Mayo is often described as one of Ireland’s hidden treasures.

emarkably untouched by the commercialism that has affected other tourist destinations, Mayo’s landscape spans from just north of Connemara to the hundreds of islands off its west coast, including Achill Island, Clare Island and Inishturk Island, to name but a few. A cultural gem with several Irish-speaking communities (Gaeltachts), Mayo is home to more than 120,000 people with 86 towns and villages. It has plenty to offer residents and tourists alike with a wide variety of shops, restaurants and festivals to choose from. Mayo’s extensive coastline offers miles of unspoilt beaches and countless lakes and rivers provide ample opportunity for surfing, sailing, kayaking, and fishing. Ballina, which has been named the Salmon Capital of Ireland, is home to the annual Ballina Salmon Festival. The county of Mayo is also famous as the birthplace of Grace O’Malley, or Granuaile, as she is known in Irish, the Pirate Queen whose ancestors built Westport House Estate in 1730. The word ‘boycott’ was coined in Mayo and other significant historical and religious sites in the county include Ballintubber Abbey, an 800-year-old sacred site just outside Castlebar, Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain Mayo and location of the National Famine Memorial, and Knock Shrine, where in 1879 there was a reported apparition of Our Lady.

View of Clare Island Lighthouse on the Wild Atlantic Way, Co Mayo

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SNAPSHOT:

Things to do

Achill Island

Achill Island ISLAND TOUR Connected to

the mainland by a bridge, Achill is a scenic island with unspoiled beaches. Drive on, breathe deep, and relax in total peace. Achill offers traditional Irish hospitality and the warmest welcome in the west. From hill-walking and outdoor activities to fishing and angling, from golf, painting or horseriding to surfing, windsurfing or scuba diving, your visit to Achill can be as active as you like. Or simply relax with a coffee or a pint and a view of Achill’s spectacular mountains, cliffs and several Blue Flag beaches. There is always something to do for all ages in Achill. For further information log onto www.achilltourism.com. Location: Achill Tourism Office, Davitt Quarter, Achill Sound, Achill Island, Co Mayo Tel: +353 (0) 98 20705 / 20400

Fr. Patrick Peyton CSC Memorial Centre TOURIST ATTRACTION The Fr. Peyton Memorial Centre is a celebration of Fr.

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Peyton’s incredible life and apostolic work. The centre commemorates the life of this extraordinary individual and continues to promote his timeless slogans: ‘The family that prays together, stays together’ and ‘A world at prayer is a world at peace’. Fr. Peyton was born in Attymass in 1909 and became one of Ireland’s most famous priests, internally known as the rosary priest. The centre is one of north Mayo’s most popular tourist attractions, welcoming in excess of 10,000 visitors per year. Take time out to pray in the Oratory or Rosary garden. Enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens with the Ox mountains as a backdrop. Location: Attymass, Ballina, Co Mayo Tel: +353 (0) 96 45374 Web: www.fatherpeytoncentre.ie

The Lodge at Ashford HISTORIC HOUSE

The Lodge at Ashford Castle was designed originally in 1865 as the home for the estate manager of the Ashford Castle Estate. With 24 deluxe bedrooms and 26

National Museum of Country Life

Patrick Sweeney & Son Ltd

Activity

Shopping

Immerse yourself in the unique stories, rich heritage and fascinating cultural traditions of our rural ancestors at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life. Located just 30 minutes from Westport and the Wild Atlantic Way in Co. Mayo, this impressive museum site features four floors of awardwinning exhibition galleries, a historic country house and Victorian gardens. There is also an excellent café and Irish craft and bookshop onsite. Admission is free. Open seven days a week from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sundays and Mondays from 1pm to 5pm.

When on Achill, stop by Sweeney’s Ltd, a unique trading experience since 1870. Everything from a needle to an anchor can be found here, including gifts, clothing, rainwear, builders’ DIY provisions, house furnishings, boating and fishing gear, gas, fresh food, wines, a delicatessen, internet access and SuperValu supermarket. Location: Achill Sound, Achill Island, Co Mayo Tel: +353 (0) 98 45211

Location: Achill, Co Mayo Tel: +353 (0) 94 903 1755

Croagh Patrick Natural Attraction Located six miles west of Westport on the Louisburgh Road, Croagh Patrick (pronounced Croke Patrick) is one of Mayo’s most famous landmarks. Best known for its association with Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, who is said to have fasted for 40 days at the summit in 441AD, Croagh Patrick has been a pilgrimage destination since pre-Christian times. The Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre includes a coffee shop/self-service restaurant, as well as a craft shop. Location: Murrisk, Westport, Co Mayo Tel: +353 (0) 98 64114

suites divided between the main house and the new courtyard, the Nintendo Wii Room, the Cinema Room and The Vault Pool Room are fun places to spend time together. Other activities on the estate include fishing, a cruise boat on the Corrib, nature walking, archery, clay pigeon shooting, and horse riding, as well as falconry in Ireland’s first school of falconry. Situated on the outskirts of the charming village of Cong, The Lodge at Ashford Castle is the ideal destination for those seeking a cosy hideaway retreat which is still close to the heart of everything the region has to explore. Location: Cong, Co Mayo Tel: +353 (0) 94 954 5400

Croagh Patrick

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Enter a world of Adventure BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON

• Boda Borg - Experience the Quest `new challenges for 2019´ • Tree Canopy Walk Old Servant Tunnels • Adventure Play Kingdom • Caravan & Camping Park • Lakeside Café • Gift Shop • 50 berth Marina • Orienteering & Wheel O Trails • Historical Forest Trails

Advert template.inddKey_JM_IAYL.indd 1 247572_1C_Lough 1

Other attractions within the park

• Zipit Forest Adventures • Lough Key Boat Tours • Bike Hire • Woodland Segway Glides and Mini Jeep Safari

LOUGH KEY FOREST & ACTIVITY PARK, BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON (N4 - DUBLIN TO SLIGO RD) T: 071-9673122 E: BOOKINGS@LOUGHKEY.IE W: WWW.LOUGHKEY.IE

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The West

Things to do Lough Key Forest and Activity Park Visitor Centre with Indoor and Outdoor Activities Experience the unique cluster of activities and attractions that are suitable for all ages and interests where you can do as much or as little as you like in a historical forest setting surrounded by woodland and water at the centre of ‘Irelands Hidden Heartlands’. Guide yourself through servant tunnels, and up amongst the trees on a Tree Canopy trail. Enjoy family/ team bonding in Boda Borg challenges to conquer quests. Appreciate the lake views from Lakeside Café with its outdoor deck. Enjoy boat trips around the lake, Zipit obstacle course in the Tree’s, Bike Hire with safe walking and cycling trails, mini jeep safari or a Segway Glide around the estate. Location: Boyle, Co Roscommon – N4 Dublin-Sligo road Tel: +353 (0)71 967 3122 Email: info@loughkey.ie Web: www.loughkey.ie

SNAPSHOT: Arigna Mining Experience HISTORICAL ATTRACTION At

Boyle Abbey

COUNTY

ROSCOMMON

A landlocked county, the landscape of Roscommon is rich cattle and sheep country, with the River Shannon flowing through Lough Boderg and Lough Bofin on the eastern border. The county features a host of interesting towns – from Strokestown, with its unique Famine Museum and well-preserved mansion, to Boyle, with its famous abbey, forest park and the impressive dolmen of Drumanone. Elsewhere in the county, there are dozens of castles, abbeys and prehistoric sites.

here are 60 or more standing stones, cairns and fortresses located in the village of Tulsk.The most important Celtic royal site in Europe, legend says that Queen Maeve’s palace was once in the area and nearby Oweynagat Cave is believed to be the entrance to the otherworld, of which the Cruachan Aí Visitor Centre will explain all. As the birthplace of Percy French, Douglas Hyde and Matt Molloy, Roscommon has always had a strong affinity with culture, heritage and the arts.Visit today, and you’ll find a wealth of festivals, summer Roscommon schools, performance, song and dance carrying on the tradition, with the renowned Boyle Arts Festival, the county’s biggest festival taking place from Friday July 19th to Monday July 30th 2018.

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Arigna Mining Experience, visitors have the opportunity to experience the life of a coal miner in what was Ireland’s last working coal mine, which closed in 1990 after 400 years. Through a unique underground tour, discover a life that was both exhausting and dangerous, with working conditions that were very hazardous and cramped. The tour guides are all ex-miners who can provide you with an authentic, interesting experience. After your tour you can relax with a cup of coffee in the centre’s coffee shop, and take in the breathtaking views over Lough Allen and the Arigna Valley. Location: Derreenavoggy, Arigna, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Roscommon Tel: +353 (0)71 964 6466

Cruachan Aí Visitor Centre HISTORICAL ATTRACTION

Located at Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in the medieval village of Tulsk, when you visit this area just off the N5 Dublin to Westport road you can experience the home of Celtic warrior Queen Maeve, the Goddess Morrigan, the Cattle Raid of Cooley, and what was once the

seat of Gaelic royalty. The Rathcroghan complex, with over 200 ancient monuments, is the historical royal capital of Connaught, Ireland’s western province. Having been nominated to World Heritage status, the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre offers fully-insured guided tours tailored to suit you and your special interests, including history, genealogy, literature, archaeology, heritage, spirituality, and mythology. Rathcroghan Visitor Centre provides professional guided tours with a qualified historian/ archaeologist, plus self-guide information, maps and advice, family-friendly activities, workshops, special events and full café facilities.You can shop for unique hand crafted gifts and avail of an unparalleled specialist book selection and expert advice in Irish culture, history, or heritage in the area. Location: Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Cruachan Ai, Tulsk, Co Roscommon Tel: +353 (0)71 963 9268

Strokestown Park House

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SWEENEY’S

General Merchants, Achill Sound, Co. Mayo Supervalu Supermarket Mon-Sat: 8am – 8pm Sun: 9am – 6pm Internet / Giftware / Clothing Mon- Sat: 9am – 6pm Sun: Closed Homevalue Hardware & DIY Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm Sat: 9am – 6pm • Sun: Closed

Tel: (098) 45211 • Fax: (098) 45313

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Discover Ireland’s National Folklife Collection at Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Admission Free - www.museum.ie Exhibition Galleries | Historic House and Victorian Gardens | Café and Shop 247993_2L_National Mesume of Ireland_JM_IAYL_V4.indd 1 NMICL-Ad001-Generic-190x130-Jul19-v2.indd 1

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The West

SNAPSHOT: Abbeyderg

Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, Co Longford

COUNTY

LONGFORD

Longford, in the north west corner of Leinster, bridges Connaught and Ulster.

mid the prosperous agricultural land to the south lies Lough Ree, with the River Shannon running along the county’s western border. Longford remains virtually untouched by mass development and still retains a welcoming and rural charm. Cairn Hill, referred to affectionately by locals as Corn Hill, is the highest point of the county, standing at 916ft. Longford also has strong associations with the legendary Queen Maeve who, according to the epic Irish tale, An Táin Bó Cuailgne, stayed in Granard overnight with her armies while en route to steal the coveted ‘Brown Bull of Cooley’. It is also said that she later met her death while bathing on the island of Inis Clothran on Lough Ree. The county boasts several impressive archaeological sites including portal dolmens in Aughnacliff and Cleenrath. Near Granard you will find standing stones and the highest Norman motte and bailey in the country. Tourist trails that criss-cross the county provide memorable days of discovery for drivers, walkers, cyclists and those enjoying the inland waterways of Ireland. The Royal Canal, Lough Ree, Lough Gowna, the River Shannon, as well as the many smaller lakes and rivers of the county, offer endless opportunities to take part in water sporting activities. Water polo, canoeing and kayaking, white water rafting and water tubing are all enjoyed by visitors to the area. Longford offers horse riding, go-karting, grey hound racing and even flying lessons in the award-winning village of Abbeyshrule, home to Abbeyshrule Airfield, the only airfield in the midlands of Ireland and the base for a number Longford of flying schools. The airfield also hosts the longest-running air show in Ireland, attracting large crowds from home and abroad on an annual basis.

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HISTORICAL ATTRACTION Located just 5km from Kenagh, County Longford, the village of Abbeyderg is home to a 13th century Augustinian monastery founded by Gormgall O’Quinn. It was the final resting place of Maiolin O’Mulgonry, who has been described as Chief Ollamh and poet of Ireland. The monastery was destroyed in 1567, though some of the structure remains preserved. Location: Kenagh, Co Longford

Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre

HISTORICAL ATTRACTION Discover an ancient transport route, constructed in the Iron Age, that was built in the year 148BC across the bogland at the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, located 3km from Kenagh village close to the River Shannon. The oak road is the largest of its kind to have been uncovered in Europe and was excavated over the years by Professor Barry Raftery of University College Dublin. Inside the building, an 18-metre stretch of preserved road is on permanent display in a specially designed hall with humidifiers to prevent the ancient wood from cracking in the heat. Bord na Móna and the Heritage Service have carried out conservation work on the surrounding bog to ensure that it remains wet and that the buried road is preserved. Admission is free and access is by guided tour only.

McAlesse, then President of Ireland, in July 1999 and houses a fascinating and lively exhibition. The fateful events of the Battle of Ballinamuck on September 8th 1798 are vividly presented with eyewitness accounts from local people and officers of the opposing armies. The exhibition explains the background to these events and the national and international significance of the collision of forces around this county Longford village. After immersing yourself in the impressive history of the area you can walk the ground where the battle took place, visiting the many historically significant sites. Location: Ballinabuck, Co Longford

Abbeyshrule Cistercian Abbey

HISTORICAL ATTRACTION Established in 1150, Abbeyshrule Cistercian Abbey is located in Abbeyshrule village in the picturesque valley of the River Inny and is one of Ireland’s first Cisterican abbeys. The site was founded by the O’Ferralls and colonised by monks from Mellifont. Among the ruins, visitors will find the east end of the church and a lovely pointed doorway.

Location: Abbeyshrule, Co Longford Ardagh, Co Longford

Location: Kenagh, Co Longford Tel: +353 (0) 43 332 2386

Ballinamuck Visitor Centre

HISTORICAL ATTRACTION Located in the former Royal Irish Constabulary barracks in the picturesque village of Ballinamuck in the north of the county, the centre was officially opened by Mary

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ARAN ISLAND FERRIES

THE ARAN ISLANDS

A CULTURE THAT HAS SURVIVED MODERN LIFE

YEAR-ROUND DAILY SAILINGS • STATE-OF-THE-ART VESSELS SHUTTLE BUS FROM GALWAY CITY CENTRE TO PORT IN ROSSAVEAL PARKING AT THE PIER 10% off when you book a return journey online Advanced booking advised at www.aranislandferries.com Aran Island Ferries, 37-39 Forster St, Galway City, Co. Galway +353 91 568 903 info@aranislandferries.com A trading name of Island Ferries Teo. 247708_2L_Aran Island Ferries_JM_IAYL_V5.indd 1

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CAVAN. WHERE THE HEART OF IRELAND MEETS THE ANCIENT EAST ONLY AN HOUR FROM DUBLIN

www.thisiscavan.ie

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THE NORTH WEST

The North West

Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scenic north west boasts more megalithic monuments than anywhere else in Europe, along with castles dating from Gaelic and plantation times. Once a centre of medieval scholarship, the area is also known for its beautiful cathedrals. The north west extends from the burial place of W.B. Yeats in Sligo to the wild landscape of Donegal. The spectacular beaches and rugged coastline extends to Malin Head, Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northernmost point.

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The North West

Highlights Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival, Bundoran, Co Donegal

DONEGAL

LE ITR IM

SLIGO

CAVAN

JULY

NORTH WEST

Ireland’s scenic north west boasts more megalithic monuments than anywhere else in Europe, along with castles dating from Gaelic and plantation times.

nce a centre of medieval scholarship, the area is also known for its beautiful cathedrals. The north west extends from the Sligo burial place of W.B. Yeats to the wild landscape of Donegal. The spectacular beaches and rugged coastline extends to Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point. Located on Europe’s longest inland navigable waterway, Leitrim is famous for cruising and, along with Cavan, which is said to have 365 lakes, has a great reputation for angling. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of Sligo’s ancient monuments and historic country houses, tour the majestic scenery of bloody foreland and the poisoned glen in Donegal, or simply bask in the traditional music and rich culture of Donegal’s Irish-speaking Gaeltacht. Log onto www.irelandnorthwest.ie to start planning your trip!

Malin Head, Co Donegal

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■ Wednesday 10 – Sunday 28 July EARAGAIL ARTS FESTIVAL 2019, DONEGAL TOWN, CO DONEGAL A bilingual (Irish and English) arts festival held throughout the county of Donegal.

■ Saturday 6 – Saturday 13 July CAIRDE SLIGO ARTS FESTIVAL, SLIGO TOWN, CO SLIGO An annual celebration of cultural diversity and inclusion. ■ Saturday 14 and – Sunday 15 July INISKEEN ROAD JULY EVENING

THE KEY BLUE FLAG BEACHES The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. ■ CO SLIGO Rosses Point ■ CO DONEGAL Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Portnoo/Naran, Carrickfinn, Killahoey, Marblehill, Downings, Portsalon, Culdaff, Stroove, Greencastle Marina

TOURIST OFFICE INFORMATION There is an extensive network of Tourist Information Offices and Visitor Information Points around Ireland. ■ DONEGAL: The Quay, Donegal Town, Co Donegal. Tel: +353 (0) 74 972 1148 ■ LEITRIM: The Old Barrel Store, Carrick-on-Shannon. Tel: +353 (0) 71 9620170 ■ CAVAN: Johnston Library & Farnham Building, Farnham Street, Cavan Town, Co Cavan. Tel: +353 (0) 49 437 8500 ■ MONAGHAN: The Market House, Monaghan. Tel: +353 (0) 47 81122 ■ SLIGO: Old Bank Building, O’Connell Street, Sligo. Tel: +353 (0) 71 916 1201

FESTIVAL, INISKEEN, CO MONAGHAN Celebrating the life and work of poet Patrick Kavanagh.

AUGUST ■ Friday 9 and Saturday 10 August TASTE OF CAVAN 2019, CAVAN TOWN, CO CAVAN A showcase of the best of Cavan food, restaurants and chefs.

SEPTEMBER ■ Friday 6 – Sunday 8 September MONAGHAN RHYTHM & BLUES FESTIVAL, MONAGHAN TOWN, CO MONAGHAN A four day festival of blues music.

OCTOBER ■ October Bank Holiday Weekend VIRGINIA PUMPKIN FESTIVAL, VIRGINIA, CO CAVAN Six days and nights of spooky entertainment, food, fancy dress, a spectacular f ireworks display and much more.

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The North West

Errigal Mountain, Co Donegal

ROADTRIP

Tour the scenic northwest, taking in sights from the rugged Inishowen peninsula to the vibrant town of Letterkenny and the beautiful Fanad Head peninsula. Don’t be afraid to take a detour! Day 1

Day 3

Crossing the River Foyle with the city of (A) Derry/Londonderry in your rearview mirror, head northwest.You’ll be driving through (B) Muff and across the expanse of the (C) Inishowen Peninsula, with beauty spots at almost every turn, and the massive Lough Swilly crossing your horizon. (D) Doagh Famine Village, Ballyliffin Golf Club and the opportunity to spot the Northern Lights/Aurora Borealis over Mamore Gap or (E) Culdaff Beach are all highlights of the area. Swing south and you’ll come to the beating heart of the Inishowen Peninsula in the town of (F) Buncrana. With a variety of places to stay, Buncrana makes for the perfect stop and a base from which to explore. Rent a bike from Cycle Inishowen, or uncover your family history with Clonmany Genealogy.You can also take a trip to Buncrana Castle, see the landscapes from the back of a horse or go hill-walking. Alternatively, if you fancy taking it easy, book a session at the Seagrass Well Being Centre in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel and spoil yourself. JOURNEY: 157.5km

Head north again from Letterkenny, and onto the raw beauty of the (K) Fanad Head Peninsula. With a lighthouse at its peak, the route along here is studded with incredible geological formations, including the Great Arch that boasts an incredible viewpoint from every angle. Hugging the coastline, you may want to detour to (L) Glenveagh National Park (Glen of the Birches). This breathtaking National Park covers over 16,000 acres of forests, lakes and castles, and is home to a magnificent herd of red deer. Continuing west, you’re touring the Gaeltacht part of Donegal now, so a lot of the signposts will be in Irish. The tiny fishing village of (M) Bunbeg is next, and is sheltered by sea cliffs at the mouth of the Clady River. From picturesque Bunbeg Harbour, daily excursions are available to the nearby islands of (N) Innishinny, Tory and Gola – all of which give you a great vantage point of your surroundings. It’s southbound back along the coastline of Fanad, before looping up again towards (O) Horn Head, which can be found via the village of Dunfanaghy. An opportunity to stretch the legs is combined with the chance to come face-to-face with this 200 metre-high rock ledge. JOURNEY: 171km

Day 2 Heading south and west from (F) Buncrana, the mighty (G) Lough Swilly will make for a stunning backdrop. Before going too far off the peninsula, though, make time to visit the (H) Grianan of Aileach (Fortress of the Sun). This circular stone ring fort occupies a sacred site and was referenced by Ptolemy in his second century map of the world. Further south, (I) Inch Island soon looms on the horizon, and an opportunity for a round of golf presents itself at the North West Golf Club.Veering evermore west and towards the coast, and dipping slightly south again, you’ll then come into the bustling commercial heart of Donegal, (J) Letterkenny. After all that time in the wildness of the coast, it may be time for some retail therapy in the Letterkenny Shopping Centre. Post shopping, unwind in the Aura Leisure Complex: take a dip in the pool or relax with a sauna or jacuzzi.You could even sign up for Celtic stone carving classes at Redmond Herrity’s sculpture centre or head for the Colmcille Heritage Centre. JOURNEY: 45.5km

O M

E B

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The North West

Things to do Dunree Military Museum Visitor Attraction Fort Dunree is located 7 miles outside of Buncrana on the Inishowen Peninsula. With a history dating back to 1798 the site houses a Military Museum, Wildlife Discovery Room, 3km of stunning walkways, art exhibitions, kayaking, snorkeling and the most scenic coffee shop in Ireland! This is a must for every visitor to Donegal. Open all year round. Location: Dunree, Buncrana, Inishowen Tel: +353 (0) 74 9361817 Web: www.dunree.pro.ie Glenveagh National Park and Castle

SNAPSHOTS: Sliabh Liag Cliffs Centre VISITORS CENTRE Rising almost

Donkeys by Tranarossan Bay, Co Donegal

COUNTY

DONEGAL

Full of fabulous beaches and pubs, spectactular landscapes and welcoming people, spend some time in Donegal.

lthough part of the Republic of Ireland, County Donegal extends further north than any other county in Ulster. Its landscape of bogs and dramatic cliffs is spellbinding.You will be enamoured by the beauty and contrast Donegal offers. From the mountains and peaks to the vastness of its sandy beaches, this county possesses some truly wonderous sights. Roughly one-third of the county is Irishspeaking, and the pace of life is slow and very welcoming. County Donegal is one of the most popular destinations for Irish holidaymakers. The area around Gweedore and Bunbeg on the vast, undulating west coast has fabulous Donegal beaches, along with a pub life and traditional music scene unmatched anywhere else in the country.

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2000ft/598m from the Atlantic, the Sliabh Liag cliffs offer a truly fantastic view across Donegal Bay and west over the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see. Enjoy your visit and call into TĂ Linn cafĂŠ and craft shop at Slieve League Cliffs Centre, a family affair run by husband and wife team Paddy and Siobhan Clarke. As members of Good Food Ireland, Paddy and Siobhan maintain high standards, serving locally sourced food at reasonable prices, and during the summer there are traditional music evenings with some well-known national players. Location: Teelin, Carrick, Co Donegal Tel: +353 (0) 97 00000

Doagh Famine Village HISTORIC ATTRACTION Doagh Famine Village tells the story of a Donegal family and community living on the edge of Donegal and surviving from Famine times right up to the present day. The village contains a wide selection of actual size attractions, including some

original dwellings that were still inhabited up to 20 years ago. The centre has been built around the home of the owner who lived here with his family until 1983. By then, living in a thatched cottage was no longer fashionable and today this building tells of the subsistence way of life on Doagh Island. Location: Lagacurry, Co Donegal Tel: +353 (0) 74 93 78078

Glenveagh National Park and Castle HISTORICAL ATTRACTION Set in some 16,500 hectares of Donegal mountains, lakes, glens and woods, and with a large herd of red deer, Glenveagh Castle is a 19th century, castellated mansion built between 1867 and 1873. Surrounded by the famous Glenveagh Gardens, its construction in a remote mountain setting was inspired by the Victorian idyll of a romantic highland retreat. It was designed by John Townsend Trench, a cousin of its builder and first owner, John George Adair. Location: Glenveagh, Churchhill, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Tel: +353 (0)76 100 2537

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The North West

Glencar Lake, Co Leitrim

COUNTY

LEITRIM

Leitrim may be one of Ireland’s smaller counties, but this little gem is simply bursting at the seams with things to see and do.

eitrim lies between Longford to the south and Donegal Bay to the north-west. At Tullaghan, the county has one of the shortest coastlines in Ireland at just 5km. The county is split in two by Lough Allen and, to the south, the lush scenery of lakes and drumlins takes over. Leitrim town itself is set at the southern end Leitrim of the Shannon-Erne Waterway, reopened in 1994 after 125 years of disuse and now a popular haunt for barges and pleasure cruisers.

Parkes Castle HISTORICAL ATTRACTION This 17th

century fortified manor house was originally the stronghold of the O’Rourke clan, rulers of the kingdom of Breffni. It has been beautifully restored using Irish oak and traditional craftsmanship.The courtyard contains the foundations and features of an earlier defensive structure, while another remnant of a bygone age is a traditional blacksmith forge of 17th century style. It is open to the public from March 29th until October 3rd and the average length of a visit is one hour.

become a by-word for cruelty down through the centuries as a result of his brutality in suppressing uprisings led by the O’Rourke chieftains whose land he had seized. A permanent exhibition is on display featuring artefacts from the 17th century, replica period costumes, furniture, a castle model and other interesting items and information. Manorhamilton Castle and Heritage Centre is open all year round to the general public and to organised tours. Location: Castle Street, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim

Location: Fivemilebourne, Co Leitrim Tel: +353 (0)71 916 4149

Manorhamilton Castle and Heritage Centre HISTORICAL ATTRACTION Manorhamilton Castle, around which the town of Manorhamilton has grown, has a dramatic and colourful history, stories of which live on in the town to this day. The castle overlord Sir Frederick Hamilton was to

Parkes Castle, Co Leitrim

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The North West

Benbulben, Co Sligo

Surfing at Easkey, Co Sligo

COUNTY

SLIGO

The childhood haunt of renowned Irish poet W.B. Yeats, visit the county that inspired one of Ireland’s greatest writers.

he rich and varied landscape of Co Sligo inspired the poetry of W.B.Yeats and the paintings of his brother Jack B. Yeats. Filled with majestic mountains and glorious beaches and lakes, Sligo offers visitors a true escape. Its contrasting scenery facilitates those interested in walking and cycling which, in turn, provides an excellent way to explore the county at your leisure. The Yeats family spent their summers in the small town of Rosses Point and the remains of W.B. Yeats are buried in the Drumcliff churchyard, where many come to visit and pay their respects to one of Ireland’s most influential writers. The area surrounding Sligo town is known as Yeats Country and is peppered with references to this Nobel Laureate. Home to the Irish Surfing Association headquarters, Sligo is also famous for its surfing. The culmination of the Atlantic Sligo Ocean and the Sligo coastline result in great reef and beach breaks and welcoming waves.

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SNAPSHOTS: Benbulben

Sligo Abbey

NATURAL ATTRACTION Benbulben,

known as Sligo’s ‘Table Mountain’, is part of the Dartry Mountains. The steeper sides of Benbulben are composed of large amounts of Dartry limestone on top of smaller amounts of Glencar limestone. The smoother sides are composed of Benbulben shale. These rocks formed in the area approximately 320 million years ago. Benbulben hosts a unique variety of plants, possessing some organisms found nowhere else in Ireland. The Sligo Tourism Office do not recommend climbing the mountain. However, there is a looped walk around Benbulben, the details of which you can obtain from Sligo Tourism Office.

HISTORICAL ATTRACTION This Dominican abbey survives from medieval days. It was built by Maurice Fitzgerald for the Dominicans in 1252 and was accidentally burnt down in 1414, when a candle left carelessly in the building set it on fire. ‘The Abbey’, as it is known locally, was further damaged during the 1641 rebellion. Legend says that worshippers saved the abbey’s silver bell after it was thrown into Lough Gill and only those who are free from sin can hear it peal. The site contains a great wealth of carvings including Gothic and Renaissance tomb sculpture, well-preserved cloisters and the only sculptured 15th century high altar to survive in any Irish monastic church.

Location: About eight miles north of Sligo town Tel: +353 (0)71 916 1201

Location: Abbey Street, Sligo town, Co Sligo Tel: +353 (0)71 914 6406

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Commerical Profile

SLIGO HAS IT ALL! SLIGO IS A COUNTY THAT CELEBRATES ITS INDEPENDENT SPIRITS AND RICH HERITAGE.

riters and artists have long been inspired by its unique landscape, from the imposing presence of the mighty Benbulben, to the county’s rolling coastline. World-renowned Irish poet W.B. Yeats returned to the landscape of Sligo frequently in his poems. Most famously, The Lake Isle Of Innisfree saw the expatriated Yeats yearn for his homeland. Today, the county continues to celebrate the arts through a calender of exciting festivals and events and an impressive line-up of theatres and galleries. THE ARTS Sligo is a a must-visit destination for lovers of the arts. The Model, home of the Niland Collecton, is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary arts centres and features works by John and Jack B. Yeats, Estella Solomons, Paul Henry and Louis Le Brocquy. There is a vibrant theatre tradition at the Hawk’s Well Theatre, kept alive by The Blue Raincoat/Factory Theatre ensemble. The popular Coleman Irish Music Centre Gurteen is a celebration of Irish music, culture and heritage. The magnificent Lissadell House, built in 1830 by the famous Gore Booth family and beloved by W.B. Yeats, is also a must-see. THE FESTIVALS Visitors will also find a full calendar of great events celebrating life on the Wild Atlantic Way. Music lovers will find plenty of entertainment at the Sligo Summer Festival on August 8–11, the Coleman Traditional Festival (22-25 August), Celtic Fringe Festival (20-22 September), Sligo Festival of Baroque Music (2729 September), and the Sligo Races taking place on 22 August and 25 September. The massive Sligo Live Festival takes place over ten days from October 18–28 with an entertaining line-up of music, comedy and engaging talks. THE HISTORY Sligo’s archaeological and mythological heritage is also incredibly rich. This ancient county is filled with over 5,000 archaeological sites. Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland. Above the western shore of Lough Arrow, in the beautiful limestone upland of the Bricklieve Mountains, is the impressive passage tomb cemetery of Carrowkeels the best examples of a court tomb in Ireland. Knocknashee (The Hill of the Fairies), located near Tubbercurry, is a spectacular limestone tabletop plateau commanding a panoramic view of the north Connaught plain. THE GREAT OUTDOORS Renowned the world-over as a mecca for surfers, Sligo offers an array of outdoor activities. From walking trails in stunning landscapes to championship links golf courses, stand-up paddle boarding, offshore diving, and kiteboarding - Sligo has it all.

There are also ample destinations for a relaxed afternoon of fishing or an uplifting horse-ride along the beach. With its stunning coastline, there are many great beaches throughout Sligo, including Mullaghmore Beach, Streedagh, Strandhill and Enniscrone. Easy-going terrains set in beautiful forests, hills and lakesides are accessible for families and make for a great day out. Longer trails like the Sligo Way (a 74km walking route that traverses the county) or the Miners’ Way and Historical Trail offer more challenging routes for the dedicated walker. Popular walking routes include Queen Maeve’s Trail on Knocknarea, BenbulbenGortarowey Trail, and The Devil’s Chimney. For more information go to sligowalks.ie. After a long day of activities, it’ll be a relief to know that a huge variety of appealing refreshments are close at hand. Sligo is a fantastic foodie destination with a plethora of exciting Food Trail experiences, from craft beer tours to baking classes or a lunch on the seashore with your ancestors. At the Sligo Oyster Experience, visitors can indulge in Sligo Bay Oysters at WB’S Coffee House, and learn about the history and current farming methods of harvesting oysters on the Wild Atlantic Way. For more information on events and tours, visit sligotourism.ie

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The North West

Things to do This Is Cavan County Cavan is the perfect base from which to explore the historic landmarks of Ireland’s Ancient East and the dramatic, undulating landscapes of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Thousands of years of history are embedded in the rolling, ancient drumlins of Cavan which are alive with poetry, heritage and song. Nowhere more so than amid the life-affirming beauty of prehistoric Cavan Burren Park with its breath-taking views and ancient megaliths. If history is your thing, the World War One Trench Experience at Cavan County Museum is a must–see. This amazing true-to-life WWI trench is the largest in Ireland or the UK. For a tour with a difference, take a boat trip to the island castle of Clough Oughter. Extraordinarily beautiful in its isolation, Clough Oughter Castle stands like a silent sentinel on an island in the centre of a vast and charming waterway. Tours available from cavanadventure.com or ruraladventure.ie Cavan is an exciting, enticing, mysterious, historic and scenic county - one that must be explored at your leisure and where you’re sure to receive a warm and friendly welcome. To plan your trip visit www.thisiscavan.ie

SNAPSHOTS: Cavan County Museum HISTORICAL ATTRACTION A tour

Lough Oughter, Co Cavan

COUNTY

CAVAN

Visit County Cavan and discover a county steeped in northern history, and a place where life’s pace slows.

bout 90 minutes drive from Dublin and bordering Northern Ireland, Cavan’s extraordinary landscape is dominated by lakes and drumlins. The Cuilcagh Mountains in the northwest are the source of the River Shannon. Each year, anglers from all over Europe converge in the county for the excellent fishing. Historically, prior to the arrival of St Patrick, Magh Sleacht, on the northwestern plain near Ballyconnell, was one of the most important druidic centres of the fifth century, though the Celtic deities diminished as St Patrick spread the word of Christianity. Although landlocked, Cavan possesses many lakes scattered amongst the drumlins of the land. Its historical significance dates back many hundreds of years. The county’s landscape foiled the attempts of the Anglo-Normans to gain a foothold in the county during the 12th century, and the land remained in the hands of the O’Reilly clan until the 16th century, when the Ulster lords were defeated by the English in the Nine Years War. Today Cavan Cavan is a modern and dynamic county of culture and festivals, whose past lies easily alongside its present.

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of the museum through its elegant exhibition galleries provides an insight into the heritage of Cavan from antiquity to recent times. Exhibition galleries trace the history and heritage of the county from prehistoric and preChristian time to rural life as it was in the 1950s. Rare and precious artefacts on display include the 4,000-year-old Killycluggin Stone, three-faced Corleck Head, the 1,000-yearold Lough Errol log boat, medieval sheela-na-gigs and the 18th century Cavan Mace. There are also many costumes, implements and machinery on display. Location: Virginia Road, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan Tel: +353 (0)49 854 4070

Drumlane Monastic Site MONASTIC SITE A visit to the Drumlane Monastery is a lovely experience, as it occupies a very scenic site on the edge of a lake. Many believe St Mogue, the Bishop of Ferns, founded Drumlane Monastery in the sixth century, though others have argued that St Columcille was the original founder. In the 12th century, St Mary’s priory for the Augustinian canons was established here and the remains comprise a round tower, church, graveyard and

fragments of a cross-inscribed stone. The property also boasts interesting stone carvings and heads throughout. Location: Milltown, Co Cavan

Cavan Burren Park HISTORIC SITE/TRAIL

Cavan Burren Park is one of the finest integrated prehistoric landscapes in Ireland with megalithic tombs, stone walls, ancient rock art, glacial erratics and pre-bog walls, and is rich in archaeological and geological heritage.Visitors will enjoy exploring the visitor centre and five walking trails (inc. multi-access trail). Interpretation along the way will assist you in unravelling the intriguing layers of human history. Visitors can also download the free app or avail of the services of a local guide. Coach and car parking, picnic facilities and toilets are also available. Location: Blacklion, Co Cavan Tel: +353 (0) 71 985 3941 Web: www.cavanburren.ie Tullydermot Falls, Swanlinbar, Co Cavan

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Dunree Buncrana, Inishowen

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Exhibition Centres Audio Visual Facilities The Cofee Cup,The most scenic Coffee Shop In Ireland! Scenic Walks Majestic Views of Lough Swilly Car & Coach Parks Unique Flora and Fauna Birdlife kayaking and snorkeling now available

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th e ca s tle | the lodge | the old stable mews

A rural retreat in the heart of Ireland…

estled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodland and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is one of the last great Irish castle estates still in the hands of its founding family. Steeped in history, full of character and charm, it is the ultimate Irish rural escape.

Only 80 minutes from Dublin and 60 minutes from Belfast,

hub of the Estate, a country house boutique hotel that brings

Castle Leslie Estate boasts a variety of accommodation and

locals and guests together in an atmosphere of conviviality and

activities to suit all tastes. The Castle, at the heart of the Estate,

comfort. The Old Stable Mews and Village Cottages are the

offers authentic original interiors and old-style hospitality and

perfect spot for groups that want the convenience of hotel living

is a complete respite from the world. The Lodge is the social

combined with private luxury home rental.

Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Monaghan

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t: + 353 47 88 100

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The North West

Round Tower, Clones, Co Monaghan

COUNTY

MONAGHAN

Poetry and folklore, farms and hiking – it all awaits those who visit County Monaghan.

onaghan, like Cavan, is a landscape of drumlins and lakes and a popular county for fishing. Despite the unfettered appearance of its hundreds of scattered farms crisscrossed by hedgerows, Monaghan’s farming co-operatives are among the most active and progressive in Ireland. Monaghan is also the traditional centre for lacemaking in the country, a fine tradition that continues in the larger towns such as Clones and Monaghan Carrickmacross. Anyone familiar with the work of Patrick Kavanagh will also know of the strong connections Monaghan has with the famed Irish poet.

Places to stay Castle Leslie Estate Glaslough, Co Monaghan Castle Leslie Estate in County Monaghan is home to some of the most unique and enchanting accommodation on one of Ireland’s most breathtaking estates. It is full of character and personality and is the ultimate Irish rural escape. Unlike most hotels, Castle Leslie Estate boasts a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes including The Castle, The Lodge, The Old Stable Mews and Village Cottages. Whether your idea of a holiday is a romantic retreat, a relaxing break or an action-packed adventure, there is something for everyone. A host of activities are on offer including pike fishing, a private cinema, clay target shooting, archery shooting, hot air balloon rides, falconry, a fabulous spa and of course the famous world-class equestrian centre! For a full list of offers or to make a booking, please contact Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan. T: 04788100, E: reservations@castleleslie.com, W: www.castleleslie.com

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Patrick Kavanagh Rural and Literary Resource Centre HISTORICAL SITE The Patrick Kavanagh Rural and Literary Resource Centre is located in the home town and birthplace of the poet and novelist Patrick Kavanagh. It displays a permanent exhibition dedicated to his life and work and features a 60-seat audio-visual theatre and a research library. Also on view are twelve specially commissioned paintings illustrating Kavanagh’s epic poem ‘The Great Hunger’, a miniature model depicting Kavanagh’s classic, ‘A Christmas Childhood’, Kavanagh’s death mask and other memorabilia associated with the poet.

century. Having won the Council of Europe Museum prize, the museum continues to be involved in local archaeological excavations. Location: 1-2 Hill Street, Monaghan town, Co Monaghan Tel: +353 (0) 47 82928

Clones HISTORICAL TOWN Originally a monastic settlement that was founded around 500AD, the town of Clones features many sites of historical interest including a high cross, the ruins of John Wesley’s Methodist Church, Clones round tower and the ruins of an earlier motte and bailey fort. Location: Clones, Co Monaghan

Location: Inniskeen, Co Monaghan Tel: +353 (0) 42 937 8560

Monaghan County Museum VISITOR CENTRE Located in Monaghan town, the Monaghan County Museum includes a number of impressive artefacts on display, including medieval crannógs and the Cross of Clogher – which dates back to the 14th

Glaslough, Diamond, Co Monaghan

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Inspirational landscapes, beautiful scenery, locations steeped in history and a population that welcomes visitors with open arms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the joys and delights of Northern Ireland await.

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Highlights DERRY

ANTRIM

DOWN

TYRONE FE

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Larrybane, Co Antrim

JULY

AUGUST

■ Saturday 4 July MUSIC BY THE LAKE, CROM ESTATE, CO FERMANAGH Relax and listen to musicians on the shores of Lough Erne.

■ Saturday 11 August NEWCASTLE FESTIVAL OF FLIGHT 2018, NEWCASTLE, CO DOWN Featuring air displays, exhibitions, live music, street entertainment and more.

■ Friday 13 July SCARVA SHAM FIGHT, LURGAN, CO ARMAGH An annual mock fight between ‘King William’ and ‘King James’ including a parade through the village of Lurgan.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Northern Ireland is home to some spectacular sights: the Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Belfast, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the Mourne Mountains and many more.

orthern Ireland is renowned for its rugged beauty and spectacular views of the impossibly blue Atlantic. From the historical walls of Derry to the bustling streets of Belfast there is so much to see and do. Explore the lakelands of Fermanagh, Carlingford Lough, the Glens of Antrim, or the Mountains of Mourne. Drive the Causeway Coastal Route, stopping off at the Giant’s Causeway. You will be blown away by the region’s breathtaking landscape, friendly inhabitants and warm and beguiling character. Such is its beauty and uniqueness, Northern Ireland was chosen as one of the main filming locations for Game of Thrones. Retrace the steps of the popular characters through forests and rural roads to beaches and castles.

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■ Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August ULSTER MILITARY VEHICLE CLUB SUMMER SHOW,

PORTRUSH, CO ANTRIM A display of privately-owned military vehicles from WWII to present day.

OCTOBER ■ Wednesday 24

– Sunday 28 October CITY OF DERRY INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL, DERRY CITY A five-day festival of choral musicmaking.

BLUE FLAG BEACHES The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. Beaches and marinas that achieve this accolade must comply with a specific set of criteria. ■ DERRY Benone, Portstewart, Downhill, Castlerock ■ DOWN Murlough, Tyrella, Crawfordsburn, Cranfield Bay ■ ANTRIM Mill (West) Strand Portrush, Whiterocks,

TOURIST OFFICE INFORMATION There is an extensive network of Tourist Information Offices and Visitor Information Points around Ireland. ■ BELFAST: 8-9 Donegall Square North, BT1 5GJ. T el: 028 9024 6609 ■ ANTRIM: The Old Courthouse, Market Square, Antrim BT41 4AW. Tel: 028 9442 8331 ■ DOWN: The St. Patrick Centre, 53a Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6LZ. Tel: 028 4461 2233 ■ DERRY: 44 Foyle Street, Derry, BT48 6AT. Tel: 028 7126 7284 ■ ARMAGH: 40 English Street, BT61 7BA. Tel: 028 3752 1800 ■ FERMANAGH: Wellington Road, Enniskillen, BT74 7EF. Tel: 028 6632 3110 ■ TYRONE: Strule Arts Centre, Townhall Square, Omagh, BT78 1BL. Tel: 028 8224 7831

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ROADTRIP

Whether you follow our directions or create your own, taking a road trip across Northern Ireland is a great way of seeing the wonderful sites the province has to offer. Dunluce Castle, Co Antrim

Causeway Coast, Co Antrim

Day 1

Day 3

Take the Causeway Coastal Route from (A) Belfast via (B) Carrickfergus, checking out its 800-year-old castle on the way, then take the A2 to (C) Larne. This route has been rated one

Take time out to walk Derry city’s cannon-lined walls, taking in the richness of the sights and attractions that hark back to another era, scattered around the city.Then head south on the B48 and A32 towards (J) Omagh, County Tyrone. There’s plenty to enrich your journey as you pass through the gloriously scenic Sperrin Mountains and you can take a small detour to visit the Ulster American Folk Park, just outside Omagh, which is one of the best open-air museums of its kind, detailing why two million people left Ulster for America during the 18th and 19th centuries. Nearby Gortin also has a magical forest where the flora and fauna can be viewed in all their glory. Continue on towards (K) Enniskillen, County Fermanagh and finish your day here by visiting its impressive castle. JOURNEY: 130.4km

of the top five road trips in the world. From here travel north and enjoy the spectacular scenery – at times you’re just metres from the sea spray. As you continue on your journey, the nine Glens of Antrim will unfold before you. Stop off to explore them, along with the white, windswept beaches. At Glenariff Forest Park take a pit-stop to enjoy the glorious woodland walks. There are beautiful villages dotted along this coast, and we recommend you stop for lunch at the picturesque village of (D) Cushendun. From here, take the road hugging the coastline to (E) Torr Head for views over to the Mull of Kintyre. Returning to the Causeway Coastal Route, head towards Ballycastle before taking the coast road to the (F) Carrick-aRede rope bridge, where walking across and back over an 80ft chasm will give you a pure adrenaline rush. Head towards (G) Bushmills, where you can take a tour of the distillery, and perhaps a dram of whiskey once you’ve parked your car for the night. JOURNEY: 133.6km

F E D

Day 2 In the morning, head back along the coast road to the (G) Giant’s Causeway – you’ll need time to appreciate this awesome feat of nature. Legend has it that the Irish giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) built the causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart, Benandonner. Heading west, take in the ruins of medieval (G) Dunluce Castle, teetering out over the ocean, or breathe in the fresh air at the beaches of (H) Portrush or Portstewart. Look out for the glorious Mussenden Temple overlooking the nine mile long Benone Strand, before heading on to (I) Derry city for an overnight stay. JOURNEY: 74km

J A

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GAME OF THRONES Filming Locations in Northern Ireland

Dark Hedges, Co Antrim

For Game of Thrones enthusiasts, you can discover the television show’s fantastic and diverse locations in Ireland’s northern counties – where parts of the incredibly popular series are filmed. From Downhill Beach in Co Derry (Dragonstone) to Dark Hedges, Co Antrim (the Kingsroad), immerse yourself in the fantastical world of Westeros.

1Dragonstone

Downhill Beach, Co Derry Downhill Beach is home to the tiny Mussenden Temple, which perches on top of a 120ft-high cliff with dramatic views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. From the show: Downhill is the spot where the old gods are burned on the beach in season two, where Stannis pulls the flaming sword from the fire and Melisandre chants “For the night is dark and full of terrors.”

2The Stormlands

Larrybane, Carrick-a-Rede, Co Antrim Close to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Larrybane headland once stretched out towards Sheep Island. Its large caves used to serve as a safe haven from winter storms for boat builders. From the show: Larrybane is the spot chosen for Renly Baratheon’s camp in season two. Here, Catelyn Stark agrees on a treaty with Renly on behalf of her son Robb, the King in the North.

3Pyke, the Iron Islands

Ballintoy Harbour, Co Antrim Situated on the picturesque north coast of Antrim between the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, a narrow, winding road takes you from the village down to the harbour of Ballintoy. From the show: This stunning harbour location was used for exterior Pyke shots and as the Iron Islands. This is where Theon Greyjoy arrives back on the Iron Islands and meets his sister Yara after a long hiatus.

4Storm’s End

Murlough Bay, Co Antrim Located at the edge of the Mourne Mountains in a northeastern corner of Northern Ireland, Murlough Bay is best known for its outstanding beauty, remoteness and its views across the sea to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. From the show: This is the setting for Theon’s awkward horseride with Yara and also the place where Davos Seaworth is rescued from the Fingers by a passing ship following the Battle of the Blackwater.

5The King’s Road

Dark Hedges, Co Antrim One of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges is a striking avenue of arched beech trees, which was planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century. From the show: In season two, these spectacular trees line the King’s Road as Arya Stark makes her escape from King’s Landing disguised as a boy to avoid capture.

6Winterfell

Castle Ward, Co Down Overlooking the beautiful Strangford Lough, the lower part of the estate is where you’ll find Old Castle Ward, the 16th-century ruin that doubled as Winterfell. From the show: King Robert Baratheon and his entourage arrive here and are met by the Starks in season one.

7Riverrun

River Quoile, Co Down The north bank of the Quoile River is a historic site and is the location of the Twins and the Riverlands. From the show: In season one, this is where Robb’s army needs to cross the Trident and Catelyn Stark bargains with Walder Frey for his permission to do so. It is also the place where Catelyn and Robb first learn of Ned’s beheading.

8The Haunted Forest

Downhill Beach, Co Derry

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Tollymore Forest Park, Co Down Covering an area of almost 630 hectares, Tollymore Forest Park is situated at the foot of the beautiful Mourne Mountains.This romantic forest is a landscape of trees, woodlands, streams, grottos and caves. From the show: Tollymore Forest Park is the haunting backdrop to the scene in which a member of the Night’s Watch rides through the snowy forest and stumbles across dismembered Wildling bodies in the first season.

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COUNTY

ANTRIM

Ireland’s most northeasterly county, Antrim is home to many interesting sites, including the Giant’s Causeway, whose origin story comes from ancient mythology.

ounty Antrim is situated to the northeast of the province of Ulster, with Belfast – Ireland’s second largest city and the capital of Northern Ireland – as its principal settlement. Antrim’s coastal roads pass by the Glens of Antrim, an incredibly scenic region formed by nine valleys that stretch from the cliffs of Fair Head to Carrickfergus.To the north is a spread of coastal resorts, which includes Ballintoy, home of the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. It’s in this area that you’ll find the spectacular basalt formations of the world-famous Giant’s Causeway. Co Antrim borders on Lough Neagh, the largest lake in northern Europe, and offshore to the north is tiny Rathlin Island, just 22km from the Mull of Kintyre in Antrim Scotland. For the ultimate shopping experience visit Belfast, Ballymena or Lisburn.

BELFAST As a city, Belfast grew from humble beginnings, from a small hamlet on the banks of the River Lagan to the vibrant cultural and historical urban location you can visit today.

elfast and its outlying metropolitan areas of Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and North Down have plenty of variety for visitors wishing to expand their visit, encounter the beautiful coastal landscapes or discover more about Northern Ireland’s industrial heritage. Situated on the point where the lovely River Lagan empties into Belfast Lough, Belfast’s Irish name, Béal Feirste, means ‘mouth of the sandy ford’. It refers to an ancient crossing on the River Farset, the location of much of the city’s early history. First mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters in 665AD, Belfast’s development as a town dates back to 1177 when a castle was built on what is now the area between Donegall Place and Cornmarket. Belfast received its first charter from King James I in 1613 at a time when the city consisted of little more than 120 houses. Now a thriving city, Belfast has a wealth of cathedrals, historic buildings, museums and galleries. Belfast itself is an accessible place, described as a walkable city, built on a human scale. With many pedestrian zones, it holds wonderfully preserved examples of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, all of which are dominated by the domed City Hall.

SNAPSHOTS: Belfast City Hall HISTORICAL ATTRACTION The iconic

Belfast City Hall was officially reopened on October 12th 2009 following its £11m, two-year refurbishment programme. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton performed a ribbon cutting ceremony and unveilled a plaque to mark the reopening. The home of Belfast City Council, it was designed by Alfred Brumwell Thomas and built in Portland stone. Completed in 1906, it is a magnificent Edwardian ‘wedding cake’ built to reflect Belfast’s city status, granted by Queen Victoria in 1888. Today, the grounds of City Hall are a favourite for those looking to take a break from the bustling city. People can be found relaxing in the grounds with friends, or simply a sandwich and a favourite book. The grounds are also used for many events, from continental markets to open air concerts. Location: Donegall Square, Belfast Tel: +44 (0) 28 9032 0202

Queen’s University HISTORICAL ATTRACTION The fine

facade of the Main Building,

designed by Charles Lanyon, conceals a quiet, restful quadrangle. This was the original Queen’s College, but the university has expanded throughout the immediate area including all the houses on University Square. The visitor centre hosts exhibitions as well as selling university memorabilia. It is wheelchairaccessible and guided tours are available. Location: University Road, Belfast Tel: +44 (0) 28 9024 5133

Titanic Quarter HISTORICAL ATTRACTION Belfast’s Titanic Quarter is one of the world’s largest urbanwaterfront regeneration projects, spanning 185 acres on the site where RMS Titanic was designed and built at the Harland & Wolff shipyard. Aside from a variety of Titanic-related heritage sites, visitors can avail of a range of attractions here including Titanic Belfast, T13 (Belfast’s very own urban sports park), the Odyssey Arena and Belfast Harbour Marina. Location: Titanic Quarter Ltd, Titanic House, Queen’s Road, Belfast BT3 9DT Tel: +44 (0) 28 9076 6300

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most striking buildings in the north west and was originally built in 1887 by The Honourable The Irish Society. The red sandstone building is of neo-gothic architecture, with Tudor overtones. The Guildhall contains stunning examples of stained glass windows and visitors will be intrigued by its unique history and appeal. The staircase, the organ in the main hall and the corridors give a fascinating insight into this distinctive building. Location: Guildhall Square, Co Derry Tel: +44 (0) 28 7137 6510

Tower Museum

The Peace Bridge, Derry city

COUNTY

DERRY

A coastal county, County Derry is home to several picturesque towns nestled on the coast, perfect for a family seaside holiday with the kids.

ne of Northern Ireland’s most northerly counties, County Derry takes its name from the Irish word for ‘oak grove’; doire. In the distant past, the area was called Doire Colmcille, indicative of its importance in the life and work of St Colmcille. On lovely Lough Foyle, Derry is Ireland’s only walled city and is an excellent base for exploring the northwest. County towns include Limavady and Coleraine, while along the north coast, the picturesque seaside resort of Portstewart has an excellent beach and long promenade – perfect for exploring the famous Causeway coast to the east. To the north and west of Derry is Donegal and the Inishowen Peninsula. Mustsee sights include Glenveagh National Park Letterkenny, The Grianan of Aileach and Ireland’s most northerly point Derry with its breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, Malin Head, at the tip of Inishowen.

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SNAPSHOTS: Guildhall HISTORICAL ATTRACTION The Guildhall is a beautiful building and is well worth taking time to see. It is located in the heart of the city, just outside the city walls and close to the Peace Bridge. Fashioned in neo-gothic style, the Guildhall is one of the

HISTORICAL ATTRACTION The Tower Museum is located within the city’s historic walls and has won four major awards since its opening in October 1992. It houses two permanent exhibitions. The Story of Derry tells the colourful and dramatic history of the city from earliest prehistory to the present, while An Armada Shipwreck - La Trinidad Valencera tells the story of one of the largest ships in the Spanish Armada, La Trinidad Valencera, which sank off the Donegal coast in 1588 and was rediscovered by divers from the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971. Both exhibitions use a range of display and interactive techniques to present their stories. Location: Union Hall Place, Co Derry Tel: +44 (0) 28 7137 2411

Guildhall, Derry city

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Inch Abbey, Co Down

COUNTY

DOWN

Amongst other historic locations and cultural activities, County Down is reputed to be the resting place of the patron saint of Ireland – St Patrick.

ounty Down in southeast Ulster marks the beginning and end of St Patrick’s mission in Ireland.The remains of Ireland’s patron saint are said to be buried in the grounds of Downpatrick’s cathedral, the principal county town, and there are museums and heritage centres dedicated to commemorating the fact. The county has some of the most varied landscapes in the North: the celebrated Mountains of Mourne, the Georgian splendour of Hillsborough, the spectacular coastline of Dundrum Bay and the beauty and unspoilt environment of Strangford Lough, enclosed by the Down long arm of the Ards Peninsula. There are Blue Flag beaches at Tyrella and Murlough and some of the most challenging golf courses in Ireland – Helen’s Bay, Bright and Ardglass.

SNAPSHOTS: Tollymore Forest Park SCENIC WALK For the student of

garden follies, Tollymore is a rare treat. A barn dressed up to look like a church, stone cones atop gate piers and gothic-style gate arches all show the influence of that highly individualistic designer, Thomas Wright of Durham (1711-1786), who was a friend of Lord Clanbrassil, owner of Tollymore at that time. A walk along the Shimna river is marked by many curiosities – natural and artificial – rocky outcrops, bridges, grottos and caves. Seek out the original tree of the slow-growing spruce, picea abies ‘clanbrassiliana’ which originated nearby in about 1750 and is the oldest tree in any arboretum in Ireland. A magnificent avenue of deodar cedars is a striking feature of the entrance to this romantic forest park in the foothills of the Mourne mountains.

Mount Stewart House and Gardens HISTORICAL ATTRACTION Mount

Stewart’s glorious, unique

and unusual gardens were given to the National Trust in 1955. The garden reflects a rich tapestry of design and great planting artistry that was the hallmark of Lady Londonderry.Visitors can experience this wonderful place by taking a guided tour of the house, which has undergone a three year long restoration project, a leisurely

stroll in the gardens or a lakeside walk where you will find magnificent views of Strangford Lough from Temple of the Winds, a picturesque lake surrounded by swathes of woodland, and fascinating artefacts and artwork. Location: Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co Down, BT22 2AD Tel: +44 (0) 28 4278 8387

Tollymore Forest Park, Co Down

Location: Bryansford Road, Tollymore Park, Newcastle, Co Down, BT31 9BU Tel: +44 (0) 28 4372 2428

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Armagh city

COUNTY

ARMAGH

Known as the Orchard County, Armagh boasts a rich and colourful countryside, and a range of historic houses, attractions and beautiful parks.

rmagh, the Orchard of Apples, is named after the pagan goddess Macha who, according to legend, built a fortress here. In the early Christian era, St Patrick chose the county as a base from which to spread his message. Armagh city is one of Ireland’s oldest settlements and by the eighth century was the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland. Around the county you’ll find wonderful historic and prehistoric sites, from the magnificent gothic Armagh cathedral of St Patrick’s to the ancient Navan Fort, or Emain Macha – once the most important sites in Celtic Ulster.

Navan Fort

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SNAPSHOTS: The Navan Centre

Armagh Observatory

HISTORICAL ATTRACTION The

Navan Centre interprets one of Ireland’s most important ancient monuments, Navan Fort, the ancient capital and seat of the kings of Ulster. The Navan Centre offers visitors a unique appreciation of the history of the area through a stimulating exhibition packed full of information, artefacts and hands on activities for all the family. Enjoy the myths and legends of the Ulster Cycle in the vibrant audiovisual show and witness Celtic characters bring history to life in the Iron Age/Early Christian period dwelling with demonstrations of cooking, weaving, farming and much more. Finally, take a guided walk to the Navan Fort and be transported along the path of history.

MONASTIC SITE Armagh Observatory is a modern astronomical research institute with a rich heritage, adjacent to the Armagh Planetarium. Founded in 1790 by Church of Ireland Archbishop Richard Robinson as part of an ambitious plan to found a university in the city, the observatory is one of the UK and Ireland’s leading scientific research establishments. Around 25 astronomers are actively studying stellar astrophysics, the sun, solar system astronomy, and the Earth’s climate here. The Astropark is a scale model of the universe, where you can stroll around and discover some of the amazing phenomena in our solar system and beyond.

Location: 81 Killylea Road, Armagh, Co Armagh BT60 4LD Tel: +44 (0) 28 3752 9644

Location: College Hill, Armagh, Co Armagh BT61 9DF Tel: +44 (0) 28 3752 3689

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COUNTY

FERMANAGH

An excellent cycling county featuring routes of every length, visitors can also take advantage of Fermanagh’s fantastic waterways.

ith its wonderfully relaxed lakelands, the beautiful county of Fermanagh is a visitor’s paradise with wide stretches of island-dotted waterways and secluded bays surrounded by a patchwork of green fields, soft undulating hillsides and fresh forests. Ireland’s two major river systems,the Erne and the Shannon,are linked by the Shannon-Erne Waterway, giving 500 miles of navigable waters stretching from Limerick to the tiny village of Belleek.Together, they are regarded as the most attractive and unspoiled inland waterways in Europe. County Fermanagh also offers a wide range of accommodation, from camping and caravanning to cosy farmhouse guesthouses and fourstar hotels. Cycling, golf, walking, horse-riding and watersports are all Fermanagh readily available and offer an exciting way to explore the county’s scenic countryside.

SNAPSHOTS: Crom Estate

Enniskillen Castle Museums

HISTORICAL SITE Set on the shores

of Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Crom is one of Ireland’s most important nature conservation areas. Wild deer, pine marten and many other rare species can all be found on the estate. Also inhabiting the surrounding area are all eight species of native bats and an outstanding array of rare lichens. The 2,000-acre demesne contains ancient woodland, tranquil islands, estate cottages and Old Crom Castle, all linked by the breathtakingly beautiful landscape that was designed by W.S. Gilpin in the 19th century. Crom Castle West Wing offers luxurious accommodation in beautiful surroundings. The remaining areas of the castle are still occupied by Lord and Lady Erne and remain closed to the public. For more information on Crom Castle West Wing visit www.cromcastle.com.

HISTORICAL SITE This historic site houses two museums: Fermanagh county museum and the Inniskillings museum. Built almost 600 years ago, the castle’s history is traced from its beginnings as a Maguire castle until its use as a barracks in the 1700s and 1800s. Hugh ‘The Hospitable’ Maguire, the man responsible for building the castle, was the younger brother of the leading chieftain at the time, King Thomas Maguire (Thomas the Great). Neighbouring clans – including the O’Rourkes and O’Donnells – posed particular threats to the Maguires. In its original form, the castle was a small, square tower-house that guarded one of the few passes into Ulster and defended Fermanagh from attack. In the 17th century it became an English garrison fort and later served as part of a military barracks.

Location: Upper Lough Erne, Newtownbutler, Co Fermanagh BT92 8AP Tel: +44 (0) 28 6773 8118

Location: Castle Barracks, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh BT74 7HL Tel: +44 (0) 28 6632 5000

White Island Figures, Lough Erne

Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh

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Northern Ireland

SNAPSHOTS: Ulster American Folk Park HISTORICAL ATTRACTION Immerse

Stone circle, Beaghmore, Co Tyrone

COUNTY

TYRONE

Renowned as the homeland of the O’Neill clan, the rural county of Tyrone is dominated by the heather-clad slopes of the Sperrin Mountains and a slower pace of life.

ntil the beginning of the 17th century, Tyrone was the ancient homeland and power-base of the powerful Gaelic dynasty of O’Neill. The Plantation of Ulster, which brought their power to an end, also marked the demise of Gaelic Ireland. The unspoiled Tyrone countryside is the ideal place to get away from it all and there’s plenty to see, from the lonely Sperrin Mountains, with their moorlands and wooded valleys, to forest parks and heritage centres, including the famous Ulster American Folk Park to the south of Omagh. While in Northern Ireland’s largest county, Tyrone visitors will also enjoy the Gortin Glen Forest Park and the Beaghmore stone circles.

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yourself in the story of Irish emigration at the museum that brings it to life. Experience an adventure that takes you from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full-scale emigrant sailing ship, to the log cabins of the American frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters on your way with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share. A full programme of special events is organised throughout the year including the award-winning annual Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival and the ever-popular Halloween Festival. For more information log on to www.nmni.com/ uafp. Location: 2 Mellon Road, Castletown, Omagh, Co Tyrone BT78 5QU Tel: +44 (0) 28 8224 3292

Sperrin Mountains OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES An area of outstanding natural beauty, the Sperrins are the perfect destination for a wide range of outdoor activities. Add a little adventure to your day and choose from activities ranging from off-road driving and skydiving to paintballing and horse-riding.You can explore the mountains and wilderness, or just enjoy a walk. They are also an ideal location to undertake a driving tour if you wish to explore them at your leisure. The Sperrins Walking Festival is taking place over one weekend in July each year. Located in the picturesque village of Plumbridge, County Tyrone, activities and events will take place throughout the weekend. Location: Along the border of counties Tyrone and Derry.

Ulster American Folk Park

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One Destination

A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE

Book online today Experience a unique landscape and culture by staying in County Clare Co. Clare, Ireland. T: +353 65 7086141 E: info@cliffsofmoher.ie United Nations Educational, ScientiďŹ c and Cultural Organization

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Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

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See Exquisite Pieces of Crystal manufactured before your eyes

Guided Factory Tours Daily Waterford Brand & Visitor Experience

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www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com Email: houseofwaterfordcrystal@fiskars.com Phone: +353 (0) 51 317000

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