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This complex of churches is linked to the cult of St Brendan the Navigator, who was born nearby in 484 and founded a monastery here. The ruined cathedral dates back to the 12th century and retains a delicate Romanesque doorway and blind arcading. Inside, an effigy of a 14th century bishop occupies a niche in […]
Clare Island, set in Clew Bay, is dominated by two hills, and a square 15th century castle commands the headland and harbour. In the 16th century the island was the stronghold of Grace O’Malley, pirate queen and patriot, who held sway over the western coast. Although, according to Tudor stat papers, she was received at […]
The turbulent Tory Sound separates this windswept island from the north-western corner of mainland Donegal. Given that rough weather can cut off the tiny island for days, it is not surprising that Tory’s inhabitants have developed a strong sense of independence. Most islanders speak Gaelic and they have even have their own monarch; the powers […]
A popular holiday destination for Victorian middle-class families, the resort still emits a sedate, old-fashioned air. Its long, crescent-shaped seafront promenade is sheltered by rocky headlands. Just west of town, and accessible by road or by a Cliffside walk, stretches Portstewart Strand, a magnificent, long, sandy beach, protected by the National Trust. On Ramore […]
Founded in 1169 by the Benedictines, Holy Cross was supposedly endowed with a splinter from the True Cross, hence its name. Now it has been completely restored, and the church has become once again a popular place of worship and pilgrimage. Most of the present structure dates from the 15th century. It was built […]
Baltimore’s most bizarre claim to fame dates to 1631 when more than 100 citizens were carried off as slaves by Algerian pirates. Now that the threat of being kidnapped has gone, this village appeals to the yachting fraternity and island-hoppers. Like neighbouring Schull and Castletownshend, the town bustles with summer festivals. Overlooking the harbour […]
People go to Lough Arrow to sail and fish for the local trout, and also simply to enjoy the glorious countryside. You can explore the lake by boat, but the views from the shore are the real joy of Lough Arrow. A full circuit of the lake is highly recommended, but for the most breath-taking […]
This monastic settlement is in a remote location on the borders of Counties Clare and Galway, roughly 5km southwest of Gort. The sense of isolation is accentuated by the stony moonscape of the Burren to the west. Reputedly founded by St Colman MacDuagh in the early 7th century, Kilmacduagh owes more to the monastic revival […]
The 13th century Anglo-Norman Roscrea Castle consists of a gate tower, curtain walls and two corner towers. In the courtyard stands Damer House, a Queen Anne-style residence with a magnificent staircase and Georgian garden. Just over the river lies St Cronan’s Monastery which has a High Cross, Romanesque church gable and a truncated round tower. […]
Bantry Bay encompasses the resorts of Bantry and Glengarriff. It is also a springboard for trips to Mizen Head and the Beara Peninsula. Bantry nestles beneath the hills which run down to the bay. Just offshore you can see Whiddy Island, the original home of the White family, who moved to Bantry House in […]
