Deep in the green woods near Ballina, County Mayo, where the River Moy flows quietly to the Atlantic, you'll find Belleek Castle. Now, it's not your typical stern old medieval castle; it's an interesting neo-Gothic building from the 1800s where its history feels close in surprising ways. It's a place where the romantic dream of its builder mixes with the mad collecting passion of a later owner,…

Right, so you're in Dublin. You've maybe seen the Spire, had a pint or two. But have you ever stood somewhere that just feels ancient, like the very stones are humming with tales from centuries gone by? If you're nodding, or even if you're just curious, you have to make a beeline for St. Audoen's Church. It's tucked away, a bit like a well-kept secret, near what's left of Dublin's old city walls…

Visiting Dalkey Castle is a great idea for a day tour from Dublin. The experience is often combined with a guided walk, boat tour, or a stop at other local attractions. Dalkey Castle and its stunning scenic surroundings are a top-rated and family-friendly location. It is an essential destination for anyone interested in Ireland’s culture, literature and Viking & Medieval History. Once you’ve…

The unusual combination of clever and charming collies with the mysterious and fascinating fort makes for a fantastic day out. But don’t take our word for it – visit and check it out yourself. Plan on spending a few hours at the place that features Clare’s only sheepdog demonstration and an impressive fort dating back to the 10th century.Ancient fort with a modern twistLocated in the heart of the…

Sticking dramatically out of the wild Atlantic Ocean, about eight miles off the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Skellig Michael's pointy rocks shoot up into the sky. It has a real feeling of mystery, magic and wild, natural beauty. This isn't just any old island; it's like a lasting signal of human belief, toughness, and wonder. It's home to an old monastery balancing on top of rough cliffs…

The fortress of Dun Aonghasa is one of the main attractions for people visiting Inis Mor. Located on the edge of a cliff, Dun Aonghasa is a semi-circular stone fort overlooking the daunting views of the Atlantic. It was given the official status of a world heritage site and is currently protected and managed by the Office of Public Works. A first-class visitor centre is nearby at Cill Mhuirbhigh …

Westport House has a story that matches its beauty. It is one of the few privately owned historic houses in Ireland. Take a guided tour of Westport House, check out the new adventure park and Interactive Gaming Zone, or explore the beautiful 400-acre Estate.Fairy tale settingIn 1960, Jeremy Browne, 11th Marquess of Sligo, opened the estate to the public after being inspired by similar houses in…

Few places in Ireland are more exotic than the reopened Derreenavoggy Mine in the Arigna Valley. Weaving your way through the beautiful scenery of the Leitrim and Roscommon countryside, you’ll see the building that reminds you of the slag heap, a hill made from the waste material from a mine. The Arigna Mining Experience Centre offers visitors insight into coal mining in the Arigna Valley from…

Ireland's oldest University, Trinity College, is in the centre of Dublin. It is a world-famous institution that has carried on the tradition of scholarship on the Emerald Isle for 400 years. Trinity College has some incredible buildings inside and out. It was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. The aim was to build an institution in Ireland modelled after Cambridge and Oxford. It feels like a…