…the land of the mystic past. The land of the “Celtic Twilight.” – Conrad Arensberg (1910-1997)
What to eat & drink when in Ireland
There is a lot more to Ireland's food scene besides the corned beef and cabbage that we know of here in the United States. Whether your choice is meat or seafood, traditional or not, you will never walk away hungry. Check the link to find some of the delicious foods we ate while traveling in Ireland.
Drombeg Stone Circle
Cities, Towns & Villages (Republic of Ireland)
The earliest evidence of human existence in Ireland is dated at 10,500 BC with the Celts leaving a long-lasting mark on Ireland's rich culture. The Anglo-Norman conquest left a long-term mark on Ireland's history as well. Evidence of these can be found all over the country.
The island of Ireland is separated into two countries, the independent Republic of Ireland to the south, and Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom. The whole country is predominantly rural, but the main cities such as Dublin in the east and Cork in the south are bustling with life.
Hiking in National Parks
Hiking, or walking, in Ireland is not just about immersing yourself with nature, but also finding ancient and historic sites as well. Check the links to find out about some of the best short hikes we did while traveling in Ireland.
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Trim, County Meath
Trim is located on the banks of the River Boyne. The town was developed around an Anglo-Norman Castle built around 1174-1206. It is said that Trim contains more medieval buildings than any town in Ireland.
Glendalough, County Wicklow
Glendalough, meaning "Valley of Two Lakes", is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, 32 miles from Dublin. The monastery founded here by St. Kevin in 6th century became one of the great centers of learning in Europe. The monastery was a place of pilgrimage. Today, it is a popular destination not only to visit the ruins of the old settlement but for walking, or hiking the trails in the park.
Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
Kilkenny is located in the Nore Valley, on both banks of the River Nore in the province of Leinster. The city, which is about 90 minutes drive from Dublin, is the medieval capital of Ireland. Here, you will find one of Ireland's most visited heritage sites, the 12th century Kilkenny Castle. You will also see St. Canice's Cathedral, Kells Priory, Jerpoint Abbey and other historic buildings and attractions in this town or nearby.
Cobh, County Cork
The charming coastal town of Cobh, known for a short time as Queenstown, is located on the south coast of County Cork. This town was the last port of call of RMS Titanic and is dominated by Cobh Cathedral, or St. Colman's Cathedral, located on the hillside.
Cork, County Cork
The city of Cork is located on the River Lee, in the province of Munster. It is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland. Here, you will find the famous English Market, St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork City Gaol and Elizabeth Fort.
Kinsale, County Cork
Kinsale, a medieval fishing port located on the south west coast in the province of Munster, is one of the most popular historic towns in Ireland. Here, you will find the ruins of Charles Fort, a fine example of a 17th century star-shaped fort.
Baltimore, County Cork
The name Baltimore means "Fort of the Jewels"; it is located on the southwest coast, near the very southern tip of Ireland in County Cork. Baltimore's history can be traced back to prehistoric times. Here, you will find the restored castle of Dún na Séad.
Annascaul, County Kerry
The small village of Annascaul is located on the southwest tip of Ireland, at the heart of Dingle Peninsula. Annascaul is home to Tom Crean, an Antarctic explorer and Irish-American sculptor, Jerome Connor. Situated close to the Slieve Mish Mountains, the area is popular for walkers.
Killarney, County Kerry
The picturesque town of Killarney is located on the northeastern shore of Lough Leane, part of Killarney National Park in County Kerry. It can be reached by train from Cork or Dublin. Killarney is a starting point for the Ring of Kerry drive and Killarney National Park, Ireland's oldest national park. Here, you will find Muckross House & Gardens, Muckross Abbey, Torch waterfall, Ross Castle, Inisfallen Island and The Meeting of the Waters.
Dingle, County Kerry
The fishing port village of Dingle is located on the westernmost peninsula of Ireland-about four hours away from Dublin. Fishing once dominated the town. The village has dozens of pubs, more than many other towns in Ireland. Dingle is known for its rugged scenery offering some of the most spectacular views in Ireland. The popular Slea Head Loop scenic drive starts and ends at this town.
Ennystimon, County Clare
The market town of Ennystimon or Ennistimon is located on the southern edge of the Burren, near the west coast of Ireland. The oldest part of town is the narrow street near the old bridge - the town developed around this bridge. It is just a short drive from the Cliffs of Moher. The River Inagh, also called Cullenagh rushes under the old bridge creating cascades of waterfalls over the ridge of rocks.
Bunratty, County Clare
Bunratty is located on the shore of the River Shannon, between Shannon Airport and the city of Limerick. The village is famous for its Bunratty Castle and Folk Park with its collection of 19th century Irish structures.
Burren Region, County Clare
The Burren, which means "a rocky place", is located in the southwest of Ireland. It has one of the most spectacular karst landscapes on the planet, as well as some of the best preserved early medieval structures in Ireland. The Burren National Park, one of Ireland's six national parks, occupies a vast area. On the atlantic coast are the famous Cliffs Of Moher, Irelnd's most visited natural attraction.
Kilfenora, County Clare
Kilfenora is a village located south of the Burren. It is steeped with antiquity and ecclesiastical importance. In this village, the focal point is the Kilfenora Cathedral, located across from the Burren Center, dating from the late 12th century. In the cathedral are the famous three High Crosses including the Doorty Cross which was moved from its original site for conservation.
Adare, County Limerick
The village of Adare is located southwest of the city of Limerick. Designated as a heritage town and known as one of Ireland's prettiest towns, it has a rich and varied history. Here, you will find historic sites such as the Desmond Castle, Franciscan Friary, Trinitarian Abbey, Augustinian Priory and the charming thatched cottages.
Kinvara, County Galway
To the northeast of Kinvara, on a small peninsula on Galway Bay, sits one of the most photographed castles in Ireland, the Dunguaire Castle, a 16th century tower house.
Dublin
Dublin is the largest city of Ireland located on the east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey in the province of Leinster. It is the capital of Ireland and the center for education, arts, administration and industry. In Dublin, you will find historic cathedrals and churches, castles, museums and exhibitions such as the Guinness Storehouse, and Ireland's cultural treasures including the world-famous medieval manuscript, The Book of Kells, at Trinity College.
Wicklow Mountains National Park
Burren National Park
Killarney National Park
Other Attractions in Ireland
Cliffs of Moher
Dunguaire Castle
Famine Museum
Ancient Sites
Ireland is dotted with fascinating ancient sites, from the earliest settlers, the Stone Age Mesolithic tribes who arrived around 8000 BC, to Neolithic peoples and Celts. Later came the arrival of Christianity in the 5th century AD. Many remnants of Ireland's past can be found in coastal areas. There are burial chambers, ceremonial mounds, tombs, standing stones, ring forts, Celtic crosses, settlements and early Christian ruins. These were all once important sites and are an integral part of Ireland's history and culture.
Poulnabrone Dolmen, Burren Region
Poulnabrone is an ancient portal tomb located in the Burren, County Clare. It was believed to be built between 4200 BC and 2900 BC by neolithic farmers.
Caherconnel Stone Fort, Burren Region
Caherconnel Stone Fort is less than a mile from Poulnabrone Dolmen. It is a well preserved medieval stone ring fort in the Burren. According to studies, the ring fort mostly dates from the early 10th to mid 12th century.
Drombeg Stone Circle, County Cork
The Drombeg Stone Circle, also called "The Druid's Altar" among locals, is located in Glandore, County Cork. It is one of the finest stone circles in Ireland, dating to about the middle and later period of the Bronze Age, about 3,000 years ago.
Caher Conor Clochán (Beehive Hut), Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
Caher Conor Beehive Hut, also known as Fahan Beehive hut, is located on the southern slope of Mount Eagle in Dingle Peninsula. The enclosed area contains several beehive huts, some are connected by doorways. It was suggested that these structures were built in the 12th century.
Gallarus Oratory, County Kerry
The Gallarus Oratory, overlooking the harbor of Ard na Caithne in Dingle Peninsula, is the best preserved early christian church in Ireland. It was built between the 7th and 8th centuries.
Kilmalkedar Sundial, County Kerry
This ancient sundial located in Kilmalkedar northwest of Dingle is found on the south side of the 12th century Kilmalkedar Church, in the old cemetery. The sundial is dated to the 8th century. Also, at the same site is an ancient Ogham Stone and Stone Cross.
Castles
Castles are relics of the past. They evolved from wooden Motte and Bailey-built earthen mounds topped by a wooden tower, to stone fortresses that lasted for centuries. In Ireland, the construction of stone castles started a century after the Norman invasion; previous sites were re-used, which were originally chosen strategically for military purposes. The Gaelic tribes adopted the process of building stone castles. Apparently, there are about over 30,000 castles dotting the island, some in ruins and others remodeled.
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