Dunguaire , on the shores of Galway Bay , bridges thirteen centuries of Irish history from the early Christian period through generations of alternating war and peace and the literary revival of the early 20th century to modern times when its use reflects its historic...
A monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century flourished around the valley’s two lakes for over 600 years. It survived many attacks before being burned and abandoned in 1398. The area became a place of pilgrimage until it was suppressed by Cardinal...
A bustling market town set in the picturesque Sullane River valley and is a must see on your tours of Ireland. A gateway is all that remains of Macroom Castle , built by the MacCarthys. In 1654 the castle and town were granted by Cromwell...
Situated on the River Maigue , Adare is regarded as one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. The picturesque thatched cottages , which were built in the 19th century as tenant dwellings by the 3rd Earl of Dunraven , have a distinct English character. The 12th century Augustinian...
From the Middle Ages to the 17th century the town was the seat of the O’Donnells , Princes of Tir Chonaill. Following the Flight of the Earls in 1607 the town was ‘planted’ by Sir Basil Brooke. The ruins of Donegal Castle , near The...
This bustling market town was laid out by the Vandeleur family , whose nearby mansion was burned down in the 1920s. there are some pleasant walks East of the town in Kilrush Woods. The Kilrush Heritage Centre focuses on local history , paying particular attention...
This most Westerly point of the Cork peninsulas is also called Bear Haven peninsula. It stretches for over 30 miles , separating Bantry Bay from the Kenmare River estuary , and is dominated by the Caha and Slieve Miskish mountains. The peninsula is linked to...
Founded by the Vikings at the beginning of the 10th century. After being conquered by the Anglo-Normans the town grew into a thriving port and became famous for its loyalty to the English Crown. Its world famous crystal industry was founded in the 18th century...
This small country town has boomed since the 19th century , when tourists magnificent environs. Its most distinguished building is the 19th century Cathedral of St. Mary , built to a design by Alexander Pugin. The National Museum of Irish Transport is a must see...
The 17th century Palladian mansion designed by Richard Castle for the Powerscourts was gutted by fire in 1974 and only the shell remains. The grounds in which it stands , however , are outstanding. The formal gardens were begun in 1731 but a century later...