This abbey is in Killarney National Park, which is generally worth seeing on any tours of Ireland. Muckross Abbey is more correctly described as the Friary of Irrelagh. It is said to occupy the site of a church destroyed by fire in 1172. The site is absolutely beautiful. It...
This is an old Scottish town worth looking at on any tours of Scotland. On the high ground overlooking the town is Castle Law. This is a timber laced fort of the Iron Age. It was excavated at the beginning of this century and yielded a bronze brooch. The...
This is 8 miles south of New Ross and worth a look on any tours of Ireland. The abbey was founded in 1182 by Hervey de Monte Marisco, Marshal to King Henry the Second. He donated the abbey to the monks of Buildwas, in Salop, Shropshire. In turn...
A great spot to visit on any tours of Scotland. Its near Caithness. This castle was the holiday home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, since 1952. It was previously known as Barrogill Castle. The castle stands near the most northerly sea by the mainland of Britain, and overlooks...
This is a castle overlooking the city of Belfast, with panoramic views. It sits on the site of a much older Viking fort. If your tours of Ireland take you North the castle is worth looking at. The current castle was built in 1867 by the third Marquis...
This is a village in West Lothian. It sits on the estuary of the Forth and was once an important seaport. Definitely a good stop on any tours of Scotland. It is dominated by a castle, which has a strong oblong tower, and a circular staircase that was...
Most of you will recognise Waterford as the home of famous Irish Crystal. That factory is worth visiting if you are passing on any tours of Ireland. But there is much more to Waterford! It is an ancient city of Danish origin, well placed on the River Suir. It...
This fantastic castle is situated in Killarney. This is a place that should be included on any tours of Ireland. Ross Castle is a noble and picturesque ruin in a lovely setting. It is still fairly well preserved. The keep is almost perfect and consists of a massive square...
This is a castle situated near Perth, in Perthshire. The village of Huntingtower is nearby. It is a hidden gem on any tours of Scotland. The castle is a very fine castellated house of the 15th and 16th centuries. It has very fine painted wooden ceilings. There are also old...
This castle is Aberdeenshire. It is a “fairy-tale” castle and should be seen on any tours of Scotland. It is a simple L-plan tower-house, rising straight out of the ground, and seven stories high. There are delicately corbelled turrets crowned with simple conical roofs. The castle was built in...