This stronghold in Rathkeale, County Limerick was erected in 1440. It was built by James Fitzgerald, Earl of Desmond. Fitzgerald held control over Cork, Limerick, Kerry, and Waterford for over 50 years. It guards the passage of the River Deel with its eighty-foot-high tower. The castle is very impressive...
These gardens surround a grand residence in County Down, Northern Ireland. They are a must see if you are that direction on any tours of Ireland. Mount Stewart was bought in 1744 by Alexander Stewart. The house has been in continuous family ownership. The gardens were designed by Lady...
This is a village on the edge of the Highlands. It is worth visiting to see the castle alone , on any tours of Scotland. But there are a few hidden gems around the village. The first Aboyne Castle dates from the 13th Century. That was replaced by a...
This gem in County Kildare is recognised as the finest Palladian house in Ireland. Well worth visiting on any tours of Ireland, as it is only 13 miles from Dublin. It was built in 1722 for William Conolly. The architect was the Italian “Allessandro Galilei” There are two styles...
This is situated in County Galway and worth a stop if you are passing through on tours of Ireland. It is believed to have been continuously inhabited since the reign of King John. The history was as violent as many other castles in Ireland throughout the 15th,...
This is a small narrow, and romantic, pass to the Central Highlands. It is stunning and gives you a feeling of the past and how folk travelled. The River Leny flows through this pass, and there are the picturesque Falls of Leny to see. It’s well worth visiting...
This is a late Georgian mansion built between 1830 to 1836. It is in County Sligo and worth visiting on any tours of Ireland. It is made with Ballisodare limestone and in a perfect setting. The house was occupied by Sir Robert Gore-Booth, and his descendants lived there...
This is a village in Perthsire, Scotland. The attraction for anyone on tours of Scotland include a church and a castle. Only a fragment of the church from 1433. But from a carved stone it is possible to assume that the church was added by Margaret, the widow...
This castle stands above the Cam-cor River and dominates the town of Birr, County Offaly. If you are in the vicinity on any tours of Ireland take a look. The castle is actually 82 miles West of Dublin. The castle was rebuilt around a ruined medieval keep in...
This is one of the most notable historic family homes and well worth visiting on any tours of Scotland. It is the seat of the Marquess of Linlithgow and sits on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The house was built between 1699 and 1703, with an extension in...