Sited on a rock Island in the River Suir , this predominantly 15th century defensive castle is the largest of its period in Ireland. It is built on the site of a 3rd century fort , and King Brian Boru had a residence here during...
Arklow has a long and prosperous history based on fishing , shipbuilding and the export of copper ore , pyrites and even gold , mined further up the valley. While no longer a major port , shipbuilding continues to be important – Gypsy Moth IV...
This little town stands at the foot of Baltinglass Hill. On its summit , which affords lovely views of the Wicklow mountains , there are substantial remains of a cairn and passage cave. On the banks of the River Slaney are the ruins of the...
The 16th century Dunluce Castle is perched on a fine headline , high above a cave , it looks as if it only needs a roof to be perfectly habitable once again. Its history is inextricably linked to that of its original owner , Sorley...
Portumna is a market town and cruiser base at the head of Lough Derg. Portumna Castle , built in 1609 and destroyed by fire in 1826 , is under restoration. Near the castle demesne is Portumna Priory. Originally a Cistercian Church stood here but the present...
This lovely village has the remains of a 7th century monastic settlement founded by St. Declan. The 97ft round tower which dominates the area was one of the last to be built in Ireland. Inside , ugly carved stone heads protrude from the walls. Ardmore is...
One of Ireland's most attractive towns , where medieval lanes and buildings blend with Georgian elegance. The town initially grew round a monastery founded by St. Canice in the 6th century. The tower built on the same site four hundred years laer can be climbed...
Castle Green dominated the town. Built by John de Courcy , it remained in continuous use until 1928 , serving mainly as the seat of English power in the North. Carrickfergus also has many literary connections: Jonathan Swift was a Church of England incumbent based...
A road passes between the remains of an Augustinian monastery , built in 1100. On one side is a round tower , capless since 1135 and missing 20ft since 1798 when a cannon mounted there backfired. On the far side of the road are the remains...
The town was founded in 1670 on land given to Sir William Petty by the English government. The colonists fought off local attacks while they established a foundry and set up a fishery but were finally forced to flee when the town was besieged by...