Hidden Gems

This historic city, in the county of Londonderry, is now officially known by its original name of Derry, although its Loyalist population still refers to it as Londonderry (an allusion to James I's gift of the city to the livery companies of London).  Derry's notorious...

Clonmel is Tipperary's county town, a prosperous and pretty place with plenty of life and, if home-grown novelist Laurence Sterne's writings are anything to go by, some whimsically rum goings-on.  Sterne lied during the 18th century and is best known for his picaresque novel, Tristram...

We at Ireland Luxury Tours pride ourselves in highlighting the hidden gems that are all around Ireland , and allowing our clients the choice to visit them of course. Parkes Castle is just such a hidden gem. A fortified manor house with an interestingly chequered history...

The dark, battlemented tower of Jerpoint Abbey rises above a bend on the road south from Thomastown. This is one of the most atmospheric religious ruins in the country, revealing an intimate picture of monastic life. The basic structure of Jerpoint is an excellent example of...

These wild hills on Dublin's doorstep are a great boon to city dwellers.  From the southern suburbs you can gaze on them on clear days; by public transport or car they take just half an hour to reach.  If you have time enough you can...

The Easter Rising of 1916 was a curious event, tiny in comparison with the rebellion of 1798, for instance, with only about 2,000 people actively taking part in it. It was disastrously badly organised and commanded very little public support, but its martyred heroes glow...

North of Dundalk, a few minutes' drive takes you into the lovely scenery of the hilly, granite Cooley peninsula, attractive in its own right, but also overlooking tempting views of the Mountains of Mourne across the lough which divides the Republic from Northern Ireland. Cooley is...