This is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides. Worth a visit on any tours of Scotland. It is an island with a great variety of landscapes. It has rough moorlands to the North, and a hilly centre. Ben More is 3169 feet tall. There are also some beautiful lochs...
This is a quaint fishing village worth a stop on any tours of Scotland. It has a beautiful sandy beach and a magnificent coastline. There is an important lighthouse dating from 1861 standing on St Abbs head. Near the lighthouse are the last traces of an early Christian...
This is a great stop near Limerick if you are on any tours of Ireland. The Abbey was founded for Franciscans in 1402. The buildings date from 1433, when Macon Dall Macnamara settled Observatines (reformed Franciscans) at the site. The monastic church consists of a nave with a...
The Bannatyne family existed in this area from around 1220. They occupied Kames Castle for about 600 years. It’s definitely worth a stop on any tours of Scotland. The tower house was built in the 14th century. In recent times it was occupied as the Royal Navy officers married...
This is a great castle to see if you are around Limerick on any tours of Ireland. Bunratty Castle stands on the Northern shore of the Shannon River. The first castle was built here by Thomas de Clare in 1277. The present castle was built in the middle...
This castle in Perthshire and is the family seat of Stuart of Grandtully. It is worth a stop on any tours of Scotland. There has been a castle at this site since the 14th century. However, the current building is mostly 16th century. Interesting features include a square keep,...
This is indeed a true hidden gem on any tours of Ireland. It is still occupied by the Earl of Antrim. On any journey along the North coast (on the way to the Giants Causeway) this castle is worth a stop. It sits in beautifully wooded grounds, which...
This is a castle with an interesting history in Dumfries, Scotland. It is an ancient stronghold and was besieged and captured by King Edward the First in 1300. Now it sits in ruins, but you can literally feel the history as you walk through it. It’s a great...
This is the Church of Ireland Cathedral in Limerick. The Cathedral was founded in 1179 but has been repeatedly altered and added to. However, it is worth a look on any tours of Ireland. The West tower is particularly fine, with corner turrets and stepped battlements. It is...
This is an impressive building in Cork. You should look at it if you find yourself there on any tours of Ireland. Saint Finbarr is said to have founded the city of Cork, and the cathedral is on the site of his original church. The cathedral was consecrated...