Affordable Ireland
Affordability tips for Garden Lovers
It’s not just because of the green fields that Ireland gets its Emerald Isle nickname. In the summer, the gardens are overflowing with lush greenery and beautiful blooms and throughout every region there are plenty of gardens waiting to be discovered. A useful website to log onto is www.castlesgardensireland.com which lists houses, castles and gardens throughout Ireland. The average admission is about €5- €7 per person and while many have cafes where one can get a good simple lunch or a pot of tea, with some advance planning you could bring your own picnic and find a great spot within the grounds to sit down and enjoy your surroundings.
 In Mullingar (County Westmeath), Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, www.belvedere-house.ie is suitable for the whole family. The old stable houses a restaurant, interpretive centre and children’s playground. Once you leave the stable, walk up to the Victorian walled garden, past the famous Jealous Wall folly. The garden is undergoing restoration but is in a wonderful state and its borders are overflowing with colourful flowers.
High on the walls, foxgloves are growing out of the crevices and the statues of two lovely ladies are practically enveloped in tall grasses. The only sound you’ll here is the buzzing of happy bees and the hushed voices of visitors exclaiming over a beautiful find. Leave the garden and walk up to the house itself which sits on an elevated spot overlooking the vast Lough Ennell. You enter the house at the lower level where there is an interactive tour featuring the “Upstairs Downstairs” aspect of the house. The upper rooms are full of colour and have breathtaking plasterwork on the ceilings which are not to be missed.
Walk out of the house onto the terraces which look down onto Lough Ennell. The view is absolutely spectacular and one can walk down to the lakeshore where there are picnic tables and incredible views across the water. You can opt for a longer walk along the woodland trails, as the property has some 164 acres of parkland to enjoy, or meander back up the hill to the stable.
 Another useful website is www.garden.ie. This is affiliated with Ireland’s only garden magazine, The Irish Garden. Click on Gardens to See and you’ll be able to access a listing throughout the country. It’s also a great website for general garden enthusiasts who want to join forums on gardening in Ireland. Members can post photos of their own gardens or gardens they’ve visited. It’s well designed and organized.
In Clonmel, Country Tipperary, Killurney Garden was begun in the mid-80’s by Mildred Stokes. Open until September by appointment, the best time to visit is July. (Admission €5). Surrounding an 1880’s farmhouse, the garden has a stream running along the side of the property. Over 80 roses grow throughout the grounds along with many unusual trees and shrubs including a Judas tree and a giant fir cone. There’s a large collection of grasses, hellebores and clematis as well. The overall garden has been planted in groupings of colour. At the front of the farmhouse, there is a border devoted to blue plants including Salvia and Agapanthus. A gold border includes golden lilies and Anthemis tinctoria ‘Sauce Hollandaise’ Killurney Garden is located in Ballypatrick, Clonmel, County Tipperary. Ph: 353 (0) 52 33155.
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Ireland at Value: Can You Afford Not to Go?
 How do you put a value on the experience of a lifetime? You have not lived until you have walked the stones at the Giant’s Causeway, or ridden a horse along the stunning beaches of the Kerry coastline, or settled down to an evening of fine food and dancing at the Bunratty medieval banquet. These are just some of the highlights that make Ireland a unique vacation destination and a must for 2008.
Ireland offers a wide range of attractions. There are accommodations to suit every taste and pocket, from ancient castles and luxury five-star hotels to golf and spa resorts, from modestly priced hotels to cozy guesthouses and family-run farmhouses. You might even rent your very own cottage!
 Leading tour operators have developed an exciting array of tour packages, ranging from deluxe to value-priced, and offering choices of escorted coach tours, chauffeur-driven tours, independent self-drive vacations and rail trips that make it easy to enjoy Ireland by train.
Ireland is rightly famed for its natural beauty. It is indeed a land of verdant hills and fields, rumpled mountains laced with peaty streams, and stunning beaches. But it is equally renowned for its warm welcome and for the value for money it offers its guests. Discover our hot offers at www.discoverireland.com/us/ireland-travel-offers/2008.
This is the time to make that trip to Ireland, the time to make your dreams come true and to ask yourself a question. Ireland—can you afford not to go?
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Discover Ireland for Under $100 a Day
 The ideal way to enjoy yourself in Ireland on $100 a day is to stay in one of Ireland’s many bed-and-breakfasts dotted throughout the country. Rooms can start at as little as €30 depending on the season and almost always include breakfast. A great place to look is www.discoverireland.com/bb. It provides a full listing of B&Bs, and you can shop around. You will find hundreds with rates of €30 to €35 per person. With breakfast included, skip the lighter fare and opt for the full Irish breakfast, which usually includes two eggs, rashers (good meaty bacon), sausages, black and white pudding and sometimes even beans and toast—it will definitely keep you going all morning. Then set out to explore the local attractions. Whenever possible, embark on foot—you’ll get a vivid, up-close view of the sights, and may have an opportunity to chat with some of the locals.
 Since all national museums in Ireland have free admission, stop by any in your area to glean some local history; a handy website, www.goireland.com, provides a listing of 144 museums in Ireland so you’ll be sure to find one close by. Alternatively, visit the local tourism office (or www.discoverireland.com) to find out if there are walking or hiking tours nearby. For lunch, most towns now have at least one if not several cafés offering fantastic homemade soup and fresh brown bread, both filling and economical (about €5); finish it off with a cappuccino or tea (about €2.50), and you’ll be set until dinner. In the afternoon, you might explore some of the local shops while checking out a good pub for dinner. While you’ll find an abundance of pubs wherever you are, not all of them serve food, so ask around for recommendations. Dinner at a local pub should top off your busy day perfectly—many serve a variety of cuisine, but when in Ireland it is great to enjoy some of the traditional favorites such as fish and chips or shepherd’s pie. For less than €20 you’ll have a fine meal, and will go back to your B&B full and happy for your night’s rest.
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Discover Ireland for Under $200 a Day
 To keep costs below $200 a day, it’s still advisable to stay in a bed-and-breakfast, but now your budget will cover more local tours and higher-priced attractions.
If you stay in Dublin’s city center, B&B rooms start around €35 per person sharing. You’ll still want to do a lot of walking to see the sights, but starting at €15, you can get a 24 hour bus ticket to jump on and off at the various stops; visit www.dublinbus.ie for information. Attractions such as the Guinness Brewery are certainly worth a visit (€12.60 per adult; €30 for a family of up to six). You’ll get a complete history of the famous black stuff, a look at the brewery’s famous advertising campaigns and retail store—and, of course, some samples at tastings.
If you are staying in Cork, which boasts the second-largest natural harbor in the world, a great way to see the sights and catch up on your history is via a harbor tour (€30 per person for groups of up to 5 people; €25 per person for larger groups). Tours last 1½ to 2 hours and encompass history, a look at current commercial traffic and, with some luck, a little dolphin watching (visit www.whaleofatime.ie).
 In Northern Ireland, the natural attractions are world-renowned, including the Giant’s Causeway, often described as the “eighth wonder of the world.” If you’re staying nearby, borrow a bicycle from your B&B or rent one in town and cycle to see this amazing grouping of hexagonal columns made from cooling lava millions of years ago (www.giantscausewayofficialguide.com).
Those interested in learning about what thrives in the waters around Ireland should stop in at the Atlantaquaria or National Aquarium in Galway. Adults and children alike will find it easy to lose a couple of hours wandering through such exhibits as the Wreck, the Estuary, the Ocean Tank and the Touch Pool. (Adults pay €9, children €5.50; www.nationalaquarium.ie).
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Soothe Your Soul with Great Value in Luxury Ireland
 Luxury means different things to different people—sometimes it can just be a quiet, comfortable place to gather with family or friends, cooking delicious meals and sleeping in comfort. For this kind of luxury, why not consider renting a house or cottage for a week instead of staying in a hotel? Coolcronan House and Cottages in Foxford, County Mayo, has three delightful properties: the Coach House, Oak Cottage and Elm Cottage. Each sleeps up to eight people, and you can arrange for a private chef or have home-cooked meals delivered to your door. Right on your doorstep is the River Moy, with some of the best salmon fishing in Ireland. Enniscrone beaches and seaside attractions are also nearby, and walking enthusiasts will find Foxford Way close at hand. The Coach House is €950 per week (or €150 per night); each cottage costs €1,500 per week (€250 per night). Visit www.coolcronan.com.
 For an entirely different approach, rent a boat! Nothing is quite as luxurious as viewing Ireland from its inland waterways, either from a cruiser or slowly moving along in a barge. On www.shannon-river.com you can look through a selection of about 70 boats, select the size and dates you need, and you are on your way. A cruiser starts at €685 per week, (which breaks down to about €56 per night for two people). Barges cost about €1,475 per week but comfortably hold at least three or four, so it’s only (about €65 per night for four people).
You really couldn’t come to Ireland without considering staying in a castle—or maybe even a lighthouse. At www.irishlandmark.com your dreams can come true! Clomantagh Castle in County Kilkenny has a tower built in the 1430s and a farmhouse built in the 1800s. The two have been connected, so one can literally walk through history. The castle sleeps ten; prices range from €612 for a 3-night midweek stay to €1,256 for a 3-night weekend stay. That’s not bad for ten people (as little as €41 a night). You could also opt to stay in the Wicklow Lighthouse, built in 1781. It sleeps four and costs €495 midweek and €972 for the weekend.
Discover our hot offers at www.discoverireland.com/us/ireland-travel-offers.
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Free Things to do Around Ireland
| Galway City Museum |
Includes an exhibition which showcases a rare 17th century altar-piece, the newly located statue of Pádraig î'Conaire, and the Galway City Hooker named 'Máirt’n Oliver' by the public.
The museum houses three floors of exhibits and information panels relating the story of Galway from medieval times to the modern day. |
| National Museum of Country Life, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. |
Home to the national folk life collection, the National Museum of Ireland, Country Life, is a branch of the National Museum of Ireland. Experience the story of Irish country life between 1850 and 1950 through the innovative combination of artifacts and displays, archival video footage and interactive screens.
The National Museum of Ireland, Country Life, is located in the spectacular grounds of Turlough Park amid magnificent gardens and an artificial lake, and located alongside the restored Turlough Park House and its adjoining courtyards. |
| Westport Music Festival 6 - 10th August |
Westport Music Festival is a family-orientated festival with free nightly entertainment. Some of the acts taking place are Sharon Shannon, Mundy, Dessie O Halloran, Philomena Begley and many more. Full details on www.westportmusicfestival.com |
| Climb Croagh Patrick in Co. Mayo |
Croagh Patrick is one of Mayo's most famous landmarks. The mountain overlooks Clew Bay and the entire Western coastline. In 441AD, Saint Patrick is said to have spent 40 days and nights praying and fasting on its slopes.
Throughout the year people of all ages and of all degrees of devotion, climb up the rock path to the summit. |
| Visit Connemara National Park |
Connemara National Park is situated in the heart of the West of Ireland near Letterfrack, and covers some 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths and grasslands. Some of the Park's mountains are part of the famous Twelve Bens range. Attractions include exhibitions, nature trails, red deer, Connemara ponies, and an audio visual show. |
Derroura Mountain Bike Trail near Oughterard |
The Derroura Mountain Bike Trail offers you some incredible mountain biking in some of the most spectacular scenery in Connemara. You will face long climbs and thrilling descents with great views overlooking the entire of Lough Corrib from the half-way point of the trails. |
Walking & Cycling Loops |
In Achill, Westport & Clifden. Details on the www.discoverireland.ie or from your local tourist office. |
Visit Ballintubber Abbey in Co. Mayo |
Ballintubber Abbey was founded in 1216 by Cathal Crovdearg O'Conor, King of Connacht, near the site of the church built by St Patrick in 441. Despite the Abbey's turbulent history, which included repression and burning, the Abbey 'refused to die' and now has the unique status of being Ireland's only royal Abbey which has been incontinuous use for over 780 years.
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| Mountain Biking along the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails. |
The Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails are the largest trail network of its kind in Ireland. Forest road climbs lead you into tight twisty single-tracks with loads of ups and downs, tight turns and technical rocky bits. |
| Bike riding in Shannon |
Own your own bike? A mulitude of roads a minimum of traffic, this is Shannon Region's offering to the visitor with a bike. The variety of scenery is almost endless: lowlands with rural villages and towns, castles, historic sites and parks to visit; highlands with fantastic scenary; and the Atlantic coastline of Clare. |
| Make your own tour of the Shannon region. |
Take in the spectacular views and scenery. Ireland's Shannon Region is dotted with lakes and criss-crossed with rivers, and it has over 400 kms of Atlantic coastline. Well worth a mention:
• The incredible Burren National Park in Co. Clare;
• The Golden Vale of Limerick;
• Slieve Bloom Mountain range;
• Lough Derg - Ireland's pleasure lake
• Sweeping sandy beaches such as Kilkee, Spanish Point and Lahinch. |
| Walking - one of the best ways to experience the Shannon Region |
Walking is truly the best way to experience the beauty of the Shannon Region. For serious walkers, there are many well organised routes in the loveliest areas, which are clearly signposted at all junctions with standard way-markers. Eleven national, long-distance walking trails traverse the Region's most interesting scenery. Explore the world renowned Burren National Park and take in the spectacular views as from the world renowned Cliffs of Moher. |
| Free Admission to Limerick's Hunt Museum every Sunday (1400hrs - 1700hrs). |
The Museum runs a children's treasure trails programme, making it the ideal family day out. |
| The Milk Market in Limerick City every Saturday morning |
Well worth a visit and Sunday market in the City Centre. |
| Askeaton, Limerick |
Free guided walking tours of Askeaton, one of Irelands oldest towns. Discover the towns medieval heritage Tel: 0860 0850174 |
| Shannon Dolphin Wildlife centre in Kilrush, Co. Clare |
Admission is free. |
| Burren Perfumery in Co. Clare |
Admission is free. Irelands first perfumery, founded over 40 years ago. |
| Nenagh Heritage Centre |
Admission to is free: Tel. 067-33850
Set in unique mid 19th century gaol and prison buildings. Many exhibitions relating to the past and present. |
| Holycross Abbey, Holycross, Thurles |
Admission is Free. Founded in 1180 by King Donal Mor O'Brien. The Abbey was restored and re-opened in 1975 and is a great example of a restored abbey and now operating as a church, The Abbey is home to a relic of the true cross. Many pilgrimages take place throughout the year. Admission to the Abbey is free, guided tours can be arranged during the season. |
| Knitwear and Porcelain area of Farney Castle , Holycross, Thurles |
Admission is free. Home to Irish designer, Cyril Cullem the Knitwear and Procelain area of Farney Castle is open to the public. Tel. 0504-43281 Open Mon-Sat
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| Dun an Oir, Dingle Peninsula |
Fort del Oro, The Golden Fort - North of Ballyferriter is the broad inlet of Smerwick Harbour. Here on a rock promontory is the old fortress of Dun an Oir (Fort of Gold). The infamous massacre of Smerwick Harbour took place here in 1580, when over 600 Spanish and Irish soldiers, after three days siege, surrendered, only to be butchered by Lord Grey's troops.
Contact: Address:Ballyferriter, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Tel: +353 (0)66 9151188 |
| Puck Fair 10th to 12th August |
Killorglin, in the geographical heart of Kerry, is the venue for one of Ireland's most unusual street festivals - Puck Fair. The fair is one of Ireland's oldest and longest celebrated and is held without fail on 10th, 11th and 12th August every year with 12 hours of free family street entertainment |
| Torc Waterfall, Killarney |
Torc Waterfall is 4 Miles from Killarney Town and be accessed from the main road of through the Killarney National Park. |
| Killarney National Park, Killarney |
South and west of the town of Killarney in Co. Kerry is an expanse of rugged mountainous country. This includes the McGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland which rise to a height of over 1000 metres. Here where the mountains sweep down to the lake shores, their lower slopes covered in woodlands, lies the 10,236 hectare (26,000 acres), Killarney National Park . The distinctive combination of mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls under ever changing skies gives the area a special scenic beauty. |
| City Hall, Cork |
Free admission
The City Hall Anglesea Street Cork City is the headquarters of Cork Corporation and city administration. The fine concert hall in the building is the venue for concerts, festivals and functions. |
| Cork Public Museum, Fitzgeralds Park, Cork |
Free admission. Cork Public Museum is housed in a two storey Verdanan house commanding a central position in Fitzgerald Park, Cork. Flanked by U.C.C. on one side and the riverside gardens of Sunday's Well on the other, the park bestows a sense of history that complements the ambience of the museum perfectly. The Riverview CafŽ, recently opened in the museum's extension, fully exploits the commanding views of the river Lee and provides the visitor with a tranquil haven to enjoy a coffee and a snack. |
| Cork Vision Centre, Cork |
Free Admission
The Cork Vision Centre offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate a fine example of conservation in action, and to explore Cork's evolution from past, through present, and onwards to future development. |
| Crawford Municipal Gallery, Cork |
Free admission
Crawford Art Gallery, the city art museum for Cork, is dedicated to informing a wide audience about the significant role that the visual arts play in contemporary life and culture. Located in the heart of the city, beside the Opera House, the Gallery is a critical part of Cork's cultural and tourism infrastructure, welcoming over 200,000 visitors a year. |
| Red Abbey |
Red Abbey Tower, the only medieval building left in Cork, is all that remains of a 14th-century Augustinian priory. |
| Glucksman Gallery and the Honan Chapel, Cork |
Go and visit the Univesity of Cork City and walk around the grounds. Visit the Honan Chapel and the Glucksman Gallery as part of your visit to UCC. |
| Killarney Cathedral/ Knockreer Estate, Killarney National Park Killarney |
A few minutes walk from the town centre lies the Knockreer section of the National Park. Access is via Deenagh Lodge gate which is opposite the Cathedral, and this leads to a pleasant pastoral landscape with fine views of the Lakes and mountains especially from the gardens of Knockreer House. The house, which was the home of the Grosvenor family, is now the field study centre for the National Park.
The cathedral in Killarney was designed by Augustus Welby Pugin (1812-52) and is considered to be one of the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Europe. |
| Gallarus Oratory, Dingle Peninsula |
Gallarus Oratory was built between the seventh and eight century and is the best preserved early Christian church in Ireland. It represents the apogee of dry-stone corbelling, using techniques first developed by Neolithic tomb-makers. The stones were layed at a slight angle, lower on the outside then the inside to allow water to run off. |
| Kilmalkeader Church, Dingle Peninsula |
This is a fine 12th century Hiberno-Romanesque church with an Alphabet Stone (close to the Chancel door), Ogham stone, Sundial stone, and 7th or 8th century stone cross. Nearby is Saint Brendan's house dating from the 14th or 15th century.
Address: Ballydavid, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Tel: +353 (0)66 9151188 |
| James Fort, West Cork |
James Fort holds a commanding position directly across the harbour mouth from Charles Fort. Together, these forts guarded the narrow harbour entrance. Work began on the construction of James Fort in 1602. It was completed in 1607 and was captured in 1690 by Williamite forces. It has undergone much alteration in the intervening centuries. |
| Cobh Regatta 15th to 17th August |
Every August the harbour becomes a focal point for a regatta where small local sailing and rowing craft gather for races and not to say the least some craic agus ceol. During the 3 day festival you'll find live music in the island's many pubs and clubs and maybe spot the odd fire-eater. |
| Caheragh Race Committee, Drimoleague, 23rd to the 24th Aug |
Ten races each day including sulky and saddle races and donkey derby. Children's entertainment provided. |
| Rosscarbery Family Festival 8th to 18th August. |
Among the many highlights of our community run festival is the "Rag" on the official opening evening, in which participants good humourdly re-enact recent events or new's stories, or indeed the 'local news'!! The Sandcastle Competition at the Warren Strand, with sandcastles as far as the eye can see. There are Donkeys, Ducks and Dog Races which are always highly entertaining and new to the line up this year we have the "Fastest Dog in Ross" Race!! There will be openair music in the square, beats on the street and a traditional Irish evening of music and dancing.
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| Kilkenny Arts Festival |
8th - 17th August 2008
Kilkenny City and County
Annual international multi-arts festival in the medieval city of Kilkenny. Includes an extensive programme for young people
Tel: + 353 (0) 56 775 2175
Email: info@kilkennyarts.ie
Web: www.kilkennyarts.ie |
| Kilkenny Castle Gardens |
The home and headquarters of the powerful Butler Family since 1391 has long established rose garden, together with 50 acres of charming and extensive pleasure grounds. The grounds overlooking the Nore river features mature trees and shrubs with an ornamental lake numbered among the many items of interest. Very well maintained and presented. There is also a children's playground located on the grounds. All areas of the castle gardens are free of charge. |
The 14th Guinness International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival
Free |
21st - 24th August 2008
Dunmore East, Co. Waterford
Ireland's largest free music festival with a line up of International and Irish Bluegrass acts.
Tel: + 353 (0) 51 850748
Email: bluegrass@eircom.net
Web: www.waterford-dunmore.com |
| Market fever in the South East |
Why not visit some of the South East's markets? There's plenty to see and do at each and every one.
Carlow farmer market Potato Market
Carlow town
Sat 9am - 2pm
Kilkenny farmers Market
Kilkenny
Thursdays 9.30am - 2pm
Cahir farmers Market
Beside the Craft Granary
Saturday 9.00am - 1pm
Dungarvan Famers Market
Thursday 9.30am - 2pm
www.dungarvanfarmersmarket.com
Waterford Food and Craft Fair
Saturday 10am - 4pm
George Street, Waterford
Wexford Town Farmers Market
Friday 9am - 2pm |
| Explore the South East on foot |
Get to know some of the pristine landscape that the South East is known for. A few suggested walks in the region include:
CARLOW
• The South Leinster Way
TIPPERARY
• THE COACH ROAD WALK
• The East Munster Way
• Tipperary Heritage Way
• Carey's Castle
WATRFORD
• Ardmore Cliff Walk
• Helvick Head Walk
• Tramore Strand Walk
• The River Brickey Walk
• Famine Walk
• Faithlegg Forest Walk
WEXFORD
• The Blackstairs Walks
• COURTOWN WOODS
• Raven Point Loop |
| Sample some trad music in the South East |
T. H. DOOLANS
Trad Music Every night
32 George Street
Waterford
051 - 841504
THE COSY THATCH PUB
Trad Music (Wed, Sat & SUN)
Kilmeaden
Waterford
051 - 384895
DOOLEY'S HOTEL
Trad Music (Wed, Fri & Sat)
The Quay
Waterford
051 873531
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| Climb Knocknarea, Strandhill, Co Sligo |
Knocknarea Mountain (Cnoc na R’) is situated 4 miles west of Sligo Town, in the area of the Strandhill Peninsula, this breathtaking mountain dominates the skyline of Sligo town. It is 1078 feet high.
Take the neatly paved path from the car park. Once you reach the top there lies the cairn, of Queen Maeve of Connacht. There are spectacular views around County Sligo. |
| Experience the breathtaking views from Sliabh Liag Cliffs, Teelin, Co Donegal |
Freedom to exploreÉÉThe Sliabh Liag (Mountain of the flagstones) cliffs, situated on the West coast of Donegal, are said to be the highest and one of the finest marine cliffs in Europe with a 600m drop straight down into the wild, Atlantic waves below. This creates a breathtaking and unique view. There is much more to see besides the cliffs. Leave the car behind and walk the few miles to the cliffs so as not to miss the exciting scenery of the area. A short walk will take you to the right of the amazing cliff face of Bunglas which rises over 600m above the raging ocean. |
| Sliabh Beagh Cycle Trails, Knockatallon, Co Monaghan |
There are 5 signed cycle routes in the Sliabh Beagh region, varying in length from 18-37 miles. The Sliabh Beagh Tourism Centre, located in Knockatallon, provides information and maps on all the above trails in addition to accommodation, bar and restaurant. |
| Drive Inishowen 100 & visit Malin Head - Ireland's most northerly point! |
It may sounds like a Formula 1 race, but it gets its name from the approximate distance in miles of the signposted drive, which officially starts in Bridgend on the Inishowen Peninsula. You will certainly not wish to break any speed records as you linger and savour the many scenic and historical gems which Inishowen, the biggest of the Donegal peninsulas, has to offer. |
| Visit Glencar Waterfall, Glencar, Co Leitrim |
Glencar Waterfall is 50ft high and is situated in Glencar Lough. It is very impressive after rain. There are more waterfalls visible from the road although none is quite as romantic as this one. Situated just outside Manorhamilton W.B. Yeats made this enchanting waterfall famous in his poem, "The Stolen Child". |
| The Burren Loops, Burren Forest, Blacklion, Co Cavan |
In the midst of the archaeological treasures of the Burren Forest just outside Blacklion, walkers can enjoy looped walks of the forest and visit one of the many megalithic tombs en route. |
| Swim & stroll a choice of 13 Blue Flag Beaches |
Sligo Blue Flag Beaches
Mullaghmore
Donegal Blue Flag Beaches
Bundoran
Rossnowlagh
Murvagh, Laghy
Fintra, Killybegs
Narin-Portnoo, Narin
Carrickfinn, Anagary
Marble Hill, Dunfanaghy
Killahoey, Dunfanaghy
Portsalon, Fanad
Lisfannon, Fahan
Culdaff, Culdaff
Stroove, Stroove |
| Drumcliff Round Tower and High Cross, Drumcliff, Co Sligo |
This site is a monastic settlement, and also the burial place of the famous Irish poet W.B.Yeats. Its importance dates from 574 AD when St. Colmcille founded a monastery here. Teahouse and Craft shops on site. |
| Meander along the Tower Loop walk in Glencolmcille, Co Donegal |
From St. Columba's Church, the route meanders towards a beach along a quiet lane, before heading north onto a steep mountain track. A short detour takes you to Glen Head, where the cliffs drop 200m into the Atlantic. The track continues over the southern shoulder of Beefan and Gaveross Mountain and then descends into a lane. |
| Pedal along some or all of the 326km of the North West Cycle Trail |
The North West Trail is a 326km circular cycle route through counties Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Sligo. Travelling through a wide variety of scenic landscapes, utilising quiet country roads with some traffic free sections, mostly in urban areas. The route enjoys dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean, with scenic cycling in remote uplands and through rural towns and villages passing through the main towns of Enniskillen, Sligo, Donegal, Lifford, Strabane and Omagh.
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| >> EAST COAST AND MIDLANDS |
Fleadh Cheoil na hƒireann 17th - 24th August 2008
Location: Tullamore, Co. Offaly |
The 57th Fleadh Cheoil na hƒireann, the biggest festival of traditional Irish musicians, singers and dancers, will take place from 17th till 24th August 2008 in Tullamore County Offaly. Over 100,000 peole are expected to attend the worlds largest session and it's all free !
www.fleadh2008.com |
| Take the Michael Collins Drive
Location: Co. Wicklow |
The Michael Collins drive covers 45 miles through lush valleys and picturesque villages. The drive will take you to some of the locations where the film was shot. |
Wicklow Mountains National Park
Location: Upper Lake, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow |
The National Park, which covers much of upland Wicklow, contains an area of approximately 20,000 hectares (49,421 acres). This includes large areas of mountain blanket bogs, including the Lugnaquilla and Liffey Head Bog complexes and Glendalough Wood Nature Reserve. The National Park provides protection for the landscape and wildlife, from rare orchids to the wild and beautiful Pergrine Falcon. The information Point and Education Centre for the park are located nearby in Glendalough Valley.
Guided Tours Available : Scheduled guided walks
For times telephone 0404-45425
Leaflet/Guide Booklet: English
www.wicklownationalpark.ie |
Loughcrew Cairns
Location: Corlstown. Oldcastle, Co. Meath |
The Loughcrew Cairns, also known as the Hills of the Witch, are a group of Neolithic passage tombs dating to 3000 BC. The tombs are located on three different hills and Cairn T, one of the largest tombs in the complex, is situated on Cairnbane East. Inside this tomb lies a cruciform chamber, a corbelled roof and some of the most beautiful examples of Neolithic art in Ireland.
www.loughcrew.com/key.html |
Free Guided Tour of Maynooth Castle
Location: Maynooth, Co. Kildare |
This great stone castle was founded in the early 13th century and became the principle residence of the Kildare branch of the Geraldines. The Kildare FitzGeralds emerged as one of the most power families in Ireland with Maynooth Castle being one of the largest and richest Earl's houses. The original Keep, constructed c.1203, was one of the largest of its kind in Ireland. There is an exhibition on the history of the castle and the family in the Keep.
www.heritageireland.ie/en/MidlandsEastCoast/MaynoothCastle/ |
Discover the Seven Wonders of Fore
Location: Fore, Co. Westmeath |
Seven Wonders of Fore : *
• The monastery in the bog
• The mill without a race
• The water that flows uphill
• The Tree that has three branches/ the tree that won't burn
• The water that won't boil
• The anchorite in a stone
• The stone/ lintel raised by St. Fechin's prayers
The village of Fore is in a valley between two hills. Here you will see the ancient ruins of a Christian monastery. Fore is Òthe town of the springsÓ and was named after St. Fechin's spring, which is beside the old church. It was St. Fechin who founded the ancient Fore Abbey around 630 A.D. By 665 A.D. (the time of the yellow plague) there were 300 monks living in the community |
Experience Carlingford Medieval Village
Location: Co. Louth |
An utterly delightful small harbour village on the slopes of beautiful rugged mountains, Carlingford has everything: a medieval layout of narrow streets with ancient buildings, all that is best in food and lodging, antiques and craft shops as well as adventure sports. Carlingford is more than a town - it's an experience. |
Get a Garden Inspiration at Kilmacurragh
Location: Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow |
Kilmacurragh Arboretum is now managed by the National Botanic Gardens. It is the remnants of a large estate planted during the 19th century by Thomas Acton in conjunction with David Moore and his son Sir Frederick Moore, curators of the National Botanic Gardens at that time. Kilmacurragh is particularly famous for its conifers and rhododendron collections.
www.botanicgardens.ie/kilmac/kilmhome.htm |
Sculpture in the Lough Boora Parklands
Location: Lough Boora, Ferbane, CO. Offaly |
Sculpture in the Parklands at Lough Boora, County Offaly. Artists to Celebrate the Industrial Heritage of Ferbane at Sculpture in the Parklands.
Artists Caroline Madden (USA) and David Kinane (Ireland) will work on site for three weeks creating artwork inspired by the rich industrial heritage of the peatlands.
www.sculptureintheparklands.com |
Walk in the footsteps of giants - The Capard Loop Walk
Location: Co. Laois |
Capard Loop
Start and Finish Glenbarrow car park.
Terrain riverside paths, bog tracks and woodland trails
Steeped in history and folklore, the Slieve Blooms dominate the landscape as it straddles the border of counties Offaly and Laois. Its highest peak, 529m Arderin, translates from Irish as the height of Ireland. Connections with the past are everywhere as the area is littered with monuments dating back as far as 4,500 years.
www.walkinginireland.ie |
Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre
Location: 'Newbridge, Co. Kildare |
For 70 years, 'Newbridge Silverware has been designing and producing quality giftware and tableware.
On offer and display is the complete and extensive 'Newbridge Silverware product range including cutlery, glassware, giftware, kitchenware, earthenware, homeware and jewellery. In addition, luxury collections of jewellery, gift and home products are stocked exclusively in the Newbridge based showrooms, and cannot be found anywhere else in Ireland.
A new addition to the Visitor Centre is the splendid Museum of Style Icons. The Museum features signature pieces from Irelands most notable designers and showcases artefacts associated with some of the most legendary Stars of the Silver screen including Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Gloria Swanson, Barbara Streisand, Julie Andrews, Vivien Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor, Gloria Swanson, Jean Simmons, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jimmy Stewart, Ingrid Bergman and Barbara Stanwyck.
www.newbridgesilverware.com
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| Dublin Tourism's iWalks |
Bring the history of the capital to life with Dublin Tourism's iWalks series! These FREE podcast audio guides tell the many stories of Dublin as spoken by their author, historian and artist, Pat Liddy
There are twelve themes covering many fascinating aspects of the region. Each iWalk comes with a FREE full colour brochure featuring maps and illustrations by historian and author Pat Liddy. Download the FREE guides and use them as walking tour guides to the city, or just listen to them to discover the fascinating story of Dublin.
NEW: Follow in the footsteps of Gaelic Greats with the NEW Croke Park iWalk
The Croke Park iWalk, narrated by legendary Irish Gaelic games commentator M’cheál î Muircheartaigh, leads from the Dublin Tourism Centre through the historic central northside of the city, to the magnificent Croke Park Stadium, the home of Gaelic Games and one of the largest stadiums in Europe. Explore the history of Dublin and the connection between the city, Croke Park Stadium and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Dublin Tourism's iWalk podcast audio guides are available free to download at www.visitdublin.com |
| Pick up a copy of What's On' - a Free Events Listing for Dublin |
Pick up a copy of 'What's On', an events listing for the Dublin region. The majority of the events listed are free and the guide is available free of charge from all of Dublin Tourism's Tourist Information Offices; Dublin Tourism Visitor Attractions, Temple Bar Information Centre and the Docklands Information Centre. |
| Dublin by the Sea |
Dublin Bay is one of the most scenic in the world. Take a walk out on Poolbeg pier and blow the cobwebs away. When you get to the end, you will see Dublin as you've never seen it before, mountains on one side, Howth head on the other and straight ahead: Dublin's fair city!
Other seaside towns such as Skerries, Howth and Malahide on the North side and Dun Loaghaire, Sandycove and Dalkey on the Southside are worth the day trip with great walks and views - and easily accessible with the DART! |
| Movies on the Square |
Every Saturday from July 5th until August 30th Dubliners and visitors to the city can watch movies under the stars in the best open air venue in the City - Meeting House Square, Temple Bar. Tickets for all movies are free but require collection. www.templebar.ie |
| Step back in time in Dublin's only Medieval church |
Sited in the heart of the walled city, St. Audoen's is the only remaining medieval parish church in Dublin. It is dedicated to St. Ouen, the 7th century bishop of Rouen and patron saint of Normandy. The guild chapel of St. Anne houses an exhibition on the importance of St. Audoen's in the life of the medieval city. Visitors can also view the 17th century memorials to the Sparke and Duff families and the 15th century effigial tomb to Baron Portlester and his wife. |
| Deeply Relaxing Parks and Gardens |
St. Stephen's Green: an oasis in the heart of the City
Following a busy day taking in Dublin's many sights, treat yourself to an ice cream or a healthy smoothie and have a stroll in the shade in St.
Stephen's Green, a sanctuary from the bustle of the city streets in the heart of the city.
Garden of Remembrance
Dedicated to the memory of all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish Freedom, the Garden of Remembrance is a lace of quiet remembrance and reflection in the heart of the city.
War Memorial Gardens
The War Memorial Gardens cover an area of c8ha on the southern slopes of the Liffey opposite the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park. The War Memorial was designed by famous architect Sir Edward Lutyens as a garden of simple dignity commemorating the 49,000 Irish soliders who died in the First World War. |
| Uncover Spooky Dublin: The Hell Fire Club |
Overlooking Dublin city from the south west, at an altitude of 383m (1264ft), is a foreboding ruined hunting lodge, marked on Ordnance Survey maps as the 'Hell-Fire Club'. Urban lore insists that this was a site commonly used for the practice of 'Satanism' and other occult activities, and that the Devil himself made a brief appearance there at some unspecified time in the past. See for yourself if you dare! |
| Tempt yourself with some Dublin 'Window' Shopping! |
World Class Shopping Centres
Dublin is the unrivalled shopping capital of Ireland and home to world class shopping centres such as Dundrum Town Centre - great for rainy days - you will find all you need under one roof!
Trendy Markets
Temple Bar transforms into a colourful market place every Saturday with three great outdoor markets. The Temple Bar Food Market takes place in Meeting House Square; Designer Mart happens on Cow's Lane and the Book Market is . Browse away to your heart's content! www.templebar.ie
Wholesome Farmers' Markets
Dublin's farmers markets are well worth a visit - even if you just want to feel the buzz of the crowds and see the wonderfully colourful and fresh produce on offer.
Farmers' Markets take place throughout the Dublin region at various times during the week. Howth Fishermans and Farmers Market every Sunday has a huge array of produce and the seaside location makes it a great place to be on a Sunday!
www.irishfarmersmarkets.ie
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