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...
This ruined Abbey is in Northern Ireland. It is close to the beautiful village of Grey Abbey. That village alone is well worth visiting on any tours of Ireland. The Abbey dates back to Norman times when they held this part of County Down. It was founded by the...
This monastery is just nine miles from Drogheda. It is definitely worth visiting on any tours of Ireland. The monastery was founded by Saint Bute, who died in 521 AD. It was destroyed by fire in 1097, and its precious library was lost. The building fell into utter ruin...
This village is between Gullane and North Berwick. It is considered by many as the most beautiful village in Scotland. Therefore, it is well worth visiting on any tours of Scotland. The village is framed by mature trees, and set around a large green, with 17th and 18th...
This is one of the great gardens of Ireland in Ashford, County Wicklow. It is noted for trees and shrubs from all parts of the world. The garden is a true hidden gem, and not many tourists are aware of it. It is well worth visiting on any...