This village in Strathearn, Perthshire was once the capital of the Pictish kingdom of Fortrenn. It’s worth a stop on any tours of Scotland. There was a religious foundation of the Celtic Church at Forteviot established around the 8th century. Two Celtic crosses testify to its existence. The Dupplin...
Stenhousemuir is a small-town Scotland. It sits in the Central Lowlands and is a nice stop on any tours of Scotland. It is without doubt a true hidden gem. It used to be a major cattle trading town, right up until the 19th century. In the area is Stenhouse,...
This abbey sits near Killarney, on the east of Muckross Lake. It stands in the middle of Bourne-Vincent Memorial Park. Muckross Abbey is well worth a visit on any tours of Ireland. The abbey was built some 570 years ago, and is well preserved. Muckross was founded in 1448...
If you are on any tours of Ireland you may pass through some, or all, of the provinces. As a quick guide note that there are four provinces as follows. “Ulster” is the Northern province and is part of the United Kingdom using Sterling as a currency. There...
This is a village close to Inveraray in Scotland. It was once deserted but now has a brilliant open-air museum. This shows buildings and machinery in their original settings. There are 18th and 19th century tenants longhouses, or byre dwellings. They have period furniture. You can also see barns, cottar-houses,...
If you find yourself in this area on any tours of Ireland here are a few highlights to see. The first recommendation is the ruins of Nenagh Castle. The castle served as the main seat of the Butler family until 1391. After that they moved to Gowran ,...
This little village is a true hidden gem on any tours of Scotland. It sits above the River Stinchar about four miles from the estuary at Ballantrae. Check out the two kirks (churches) , and the ruined castles. One of them , Kirkhill , bears a date of...
This is a general guide to some sights if you find yourself in County Mayo on any tours of Ireland. Firstly take a look at Achill Island which is now connected by a bridge to the mainland. Rosserk Abbey is an Franciscan abbey which is worth visiting...
This is a very quiet hamlet on the south west side of Arran Island. It is worth considering a visit on any tours of Scotland. Blackwaterfoot is a true hidden gem. On Drumadoon Bay , it is on the more Lowland half , there is golf and fishing...
This is a town in Lanarkshire, Scotland. It is a good stopping point if passing through that area. A nice town with a few hidden gems to see. Strathaven was once a major weaving town and still retains some manufacture of knitwear. Strathaven Castle is believed to have been...