In 1756 Arthur Guinness established a brewery in Leixlip , County Kildare , which he moved to Dublin in 1759. The business grew under his son Arthur and grandson Benjamin , who developed export markets in the United States and Europe. Sir Benjamin’s sons , Arthur...
The Dingle Peninsula is a place of intense , shifting beauty. Spectacular mountains , long sandy beaches and the staggering splinter-slatted mass of rocks that defines the extraordinary coast at Slea Head all conspire to ensure that , remote though it is , the Dingle...
My wife and I decided to take her mother to Ireland in October 2013. We contacted Ireland Luxury Tours , who were recommended by a friend in Toronto , and we were impressed from the first email. The planning , the hotels , the sights we saw...
Sited on a rock Island in the River Suir , this predominantly 15th century defensive castle is the largest of its period in Ireland. It is built on the site of a 3rd century fort , and King Brian Boru had a residence here during...
Arklow has a long and prosperous history based on fishing , shipbuilding and the export of copper ore , pyrites and even gold , mined further up the valley. While no longer a major port , shipbuilding continues to be important – Gypsy Moth IV...
This little town stands at the foot of Baltinglass Hill. On its summit , which affords lovely views of the Wicklow mountains , there are substantial remains of a cairn and passage cave. On the banks of the River Slaney are the ruins of the...
The 16th century Dunluce Castle is perched on a fine headline , high above a cave , it looks as if it only needs a roof to be perfectly habitable once again. Its history is inextricably linked to that of its original owner , Sorley...
We would like to thank Catherine Lees at "www.worldgettingsmaller.com " for this superb blog...
Portumna is a market town and cruiser base at the head of Lough Derg. Portumna Castle , built in 1609 and destroyed by fire in 1826 , is under restoration. Near the castle demesne is Portumna Priory. Originally a Cistercian Church stood here but the present...
This lovely village has the remains of a 7th century monastic settlement founded by St. Declan. The 97ft round tower which dominates the area was one of the last to be built in Ireland. Inside , ugly carved stone heads protrude from the walls. Ardmore is...