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An ancient royal site on the plains of County Roscommon in Ireland. Many prehistoric and early medieval earthen monuments (mounds and raths) were found here. According to legend , Rathcroghan was the seat of King Ailill and Queen Maeve of Connacht , whose pillow talk led to...

26 May, 2010 /

Our tour with Ireland Luxury Tours exceeded our highest expectations.  We were treated to private visits to unique and authentic historic locales, and the price was exceedingly reasonable.  Best of all, we now consider Maurice a transatlantic friend.    We intend to return to Ireland, and look...

25 May, 2010 /

The absolute best way to see Ireland is to call Maurice at Ireland Luxury Tours.  He will ask you questions about your interests, make suggestions and plan a trip to see Ireland that you will never forget.  You will be picked up and driven in...

25 May, 2010 /

These are political wall paintings and Belfast is famous for them. Belfast has a long tradition of Loyalist murals (loyalists are the group that want to remain part of the United Kingdom). The first one , painted in around 1908 , depicted the Battle of the Boyne...

24 May, 2010 /

The  center of British authority in Ireland until 1922. It was built by King John of England in 1204. The original castle corresponded in extent with the present Upper Castle Yard , flanked on each corner by a great circular tower , beneath one of which ,...

23 May, 2010 /

The worlds largest enclosed urban park. It covers 1752 acres on the Northwest of Dublin. Phoenix Park was originally  a royal deerpark. Aras an Uachtarain , the presidents residence (formerly the Viceregal Lodge) is in the park , as well as the official residence of the US ambassador. The...

21 May, 2010 /

A Cistercian abbey , founded by Donal Mor O Brien in 1611. It is located in County Tipperary , and the abbey gets its name from a relic of the True Cross still housed there. It was rebuilt in the fifteenth century with patronage from the Butler...

21 May, 2010 /

During the Williamite War, on April 18, 1690, Derry (Londonderry) locked out James 2 with cries of " No surrender!" thus beginning the siege. Major Baker (replaced after his death by John Mitchelbourne) and Reverend Walker took over the command of the thirty thousand civilians, mostly...

20 May, 2010 /

North Western Europes most famous manuscript , containing illuminated copies of the Gospels , from circa 800. The Book of Kells was preserved in the Columban monastery at Kells , in County Meath , until 1653. Set up in the ninth century by monks from Iona ,...

20 May, 2010 /