Kinsale City/Region: Cork Kinsale is an old fishing village just 18 miles (29km) south of Cork. Best known for the world renowned Old Head Golf Links, with its spectacular setting on a narrow head leading out into the Celtic Sea, Kinsale has a number of sights of interest including The Courthouse and Desmond Castle. Built as a custom house by the Earl of Desmond in the 16th century, Desmond Castle has a colorful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601, during the Battle of Kinsale, to its use as a prison for captured
American sailors during the American War of Independence. Known locally as 'The French Prison' after a tragic fire in which 54 prisoners, mainly French seamen, died in 1747. The castle was also used as a borough jail from 1791 to the onset of the Great Famine when it was used as an auxiliary workhouse tending to the starving populace. Two miles (3km) outside Kinsale is Charles Fort, constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification, it is a classic example of a star-shaped fort. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with its design. As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history, the most significant of which include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War in 1922-1923. Across the estuary is James Fort, an earlier structure, which was designed by Paul Ive in 1602. Kinsale has also earned itself the reputation as the gourmet center for Ireland with numerous award-winning pubs and restaurants, and the annual Gourmet Festival in October. Website: www.kinsale.ie
Trinity College City/Region: Dublin Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and counts Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde, along with many other great thinkers and writers, amongst it past-students. This 16th century complex is home to many glorious buildings, beautifully manicured lawns, cobbled squares and the campus of the University of Ireland. The celebrated Book of Kells, which dates from the 8th century and is considered to be one of the oldest books in the world, is housed in the College's Collonades Gallery. Other illuminated manuscripts taken from ancient monasteries are also on display. Phone Number: (0)1 896 1000 Website: www.tcd.ie
Temple Bar district City/Region: Dublin The hub of Dublin's nightlife is to be found in this quaint, cobbled district, which is full of shops, traditional pubs, theaters, cinemas and trendy clubs laid out on pedestrianized streets. Busking fiddlers, an overwhelming choice of restaurants and beautifully restored buildings add to the feel of the place and make it worth a visit. The area is bordered by the Liffey on one side and Dame Street on the other. The main street running through the area also is called Temple Bar. Email Address: info@templebar.ie Website: www.templebar.ie
Phoenix Park City/Region: Dublin Just two miles (3km) west of the city center, Phoenix Park offers peace and quiet from the buzz of the city. It is considered the largest urban park in Europe boasting splendid landscaped gardens, ornamental lakes and large grasslands. It is the perfect environment for runners, walkers and sports enthusiasts who flock here to enjoy the park's facilities. Fallow deer can be seen browsing in the leafy woodland and it's a great place for watching the world go by. Within the park is the residence of the president of Ireland, Aras an Uachtarain, and Dublin Zoo. Address: Parkgate Street Phone Number: (0)1 677 0095 (Visitor Center) Email Address: phoenixparkvisitorcenter@opw.ie Hours: Main gate is open 24 hours Admission: Free
Dublin Castle City/Region: Dublin Dublin Castle was founded in 1204 by order of King John, who wanted a fortress constructed for the administration of the city. It has been added to and rebuilt many times so that all that remains of the original structure is the Norman Tower. By the early 17th century the castle was fully developed with Law Courts, meetings of Parliament, the residence of the viceroy and a council chamber. The magnificent, gilded State Apartments were added in the 18th century and are still used for state occasions today. Address: Dame Street Phone Number: (0)1 645 8813 (tour services) Email Address: info@dublincastle.ie Website: www.dublincastle.ie Hours: Tours: Monday to Friday 10am to 4.45pm, Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 4.45pm Admission: Entry by guided tour only, Every 20 minutes. EUR4.50 (adults), concessions available
National Museum of Ireland City/Region: Dublin The National Museum is the place to see the treasures of ancient Ireland - it is a policy to gather all important artifacts in this one museum. Included in this selection is jewelry dating back to the 8th century BC and medieval antiquities such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice. Also housed here is the 12th-century Cross of Cong, an ornate reliquary of wood, bronze and silver, said to contain a fragment of the True Cross. The museum showcases important exhibitions on Irish history including Prehistoric Ireland, Viking Ireland and The Road to Independence (1900-1921). Address: Kildare Street Phone Number: (0)1 677 7444 Website: www.museum.ie Transport: Bus 7, 7A, 10, 11 or 13 Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 2pm to 5pm Admission: Free
Guinness Storehouse City/Region: Dublin Guinness is now brewed all over the world but St James's Gate, in the heart of Dublin, was where Arthur Guinness set up the business in 1759. The Guinness Storehouse celebrates Ireland's favorite brew by taking visitors on a journey, floor by floor, through the past, present and future of the world-famous beer. The glass atrium is shaped like a pint glass and each floor explores a different aspect of 'everything anyone ever wanted to know about Guinness', from the brewing process to who drank the first pint. The tour finishes with a complementary pint of the famous stout in the top floor Gravity Bar, which is also the ideal place to watch the sunset over Dublin and admire the 360° views. During the July and August summer program there are also tasting sessions available, exhibitions and delicious Irish meals from a table d'hôte menu in the Brewery Bar or Source Bar. Address: St James's Gate Phone Number: (0)1 408 4800 Email Address: guinness-storehouse@guinness.com Website: www.guinness-storehouse.com Transport: Bus 51B and 78A from Aston Quay, bus 123 from O'Connell Street or Dame Street Hours: Daily 9.30am to 5pm (until 8pm in July and August) Admission: EUR14 (adults); concessions available
National Library City/Region: Dublin The highlight of this historic library is the great domed reading room, which has been home to many Irish students, including James Joyce. The library also contains a heraldic museum, which exhibits coats of arms and banners, but of most interest to tourists may be the genealogical office, where staff can help trace any Irish roots. Its consultation service on ancestry is available Monday to Friday 10am to 12.30 pm and 2pm to 4.30pm. Address: 2 Kildare Street Phone Number: (0)1 603 0200 Email Address: info@nli.ie Website: www.nli.ie Hours: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 9pm, Thursday and Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm Admission: Free
St. Patrick's Cathedral City/Region: Dublin Ireland's largest church, St Patrick's Cathedral is erected on the site where St. Patrick is believed to have baptized his converts to the Christian faith. The current building dates back to the 12th century, although it's been restored and altered over the years. Jonathan Swift was dean of St. Patrick's from 1713-1745, during which time he penned Gulliver's Travels. Visitors can still see his tomb and pulpit. Address: St Patrick's Close Phone Number: (0)1 475 4817 Email Address: admin@stpatrickscathedral.ie Website: www.stpatrickscathedral.ie Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm (until 5pm on Saturdays from November to February); Sunday 9am to 11am, 12.45pm to 3pm, 4.15pm to 6pm (March to October), 10am to 11am and 12.45pm to 3pm (November to February). Services take place on Sunday at 8.30am, 11.15am and 3.15pm Admission: EUR5 (adults), concessions available
Glendalough City/Region: Dublin Glendalough is only 18 miles (30km) south of Dublin and is a popular destination for day-trippers. Despite this the site has a very tangible spirituality that can be experienced whilst standing amidst the remains of the monastic settlement. The Gaelic name translates to 'valley of the two lakes' and there are some breathtaking walks around the ruined monastery and along the clear-as-glass lakes. St Kevin founded the monastery in the 6th century and it became a great European center for learning. His body lies in the 9th century cathedral and the site is adorned with St Kevin's Cross, carved in about 1150. Other buildings here have survived from the 8th and 12th centuries, the most famous of which is the round tower, standing 112ft (34m) high with a base measuring 52ft (16m) in circumference. Phone Number: (404) 45325 Hours: Daily 9.30am to 6pm (until 5pm from October to March) Admission: EUR5.30; concessions available
James Joyce Museum City/Region: Dublin Nine miles (14km) south of Dublin, the Martello Tower is one of 34 towers built in 1804 to protect Ireland against a possible Napoleonic naval invasion. The tower was demilitarised in the 1860s and is now home to the James Joyce Museum. In 1962 Sylvia Beach, the Paris-based publisher of Ulysses, founded the museum here. It was the place where Joyce stayed in 1904 and where he was inspired to set the opening chapter of his book. The exhibition hall contains first editions of most of Joyce's works as well as other memorabilia. Address: Sandycove Phone Number: (0)1 280 9265 Email Address: joycetower@dublintourism.ie Transport: DART to Sandycove, or bus 59 from Dun Laoghaire Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, and Sunday and public holidays 2pm to 6pm (April to October). Open by prior arrangement at other times of year Admission: EUR6.00 (adults), EUR3.50 (children aged 3 - 11). Other concessions available
Clonmacnoise City/Region: Dublin Situated in Shannonbridge in County Offaly, 120 miles (200km) west of Dublin, Clonmacnoise is Ireland's most important monastic site. Founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon it includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th-13th century), two round towers and three high crosses. It provides the visitor with a real sense of what monasteries must have been like in their day. The Visitor Center displays a large collection of grave slabs, hosts numerous exhibitions and provides further interest with an audio-visual show. As this is a very popular attraction, visitors may experience queues during the summer months. Address: Shannonbridge, County Offaly Phone Number: (905) 74195 Hours: Daily 10am to 5.30pm (November to mid-March), 10am to 6pm (mid-March to mid-May, and September to October), 9am to 7pm (mid-May to September) Admission: EUR5.30, concessions available
Blarney Castle City/Region: Cork Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles, built around 1446. An ancient stronghold of the MacCarthys, Lords of Muskerry and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster, its walls are 18ft (5m) thick in places. Located on the parapet of the castle is the famous 'Blarney Stone'. According to local legend, after kissing this stone, one will have the gift of eternal eloquence, or 'the gift of the gab'. To do this, visitors must first position themselves on their back, then lean their head back and downwards over the edge of the battlements, with the help of an attendant, in order to kiss the underside of the stone. The last admission to the castle and grounds is 30 minutes before closing. Address: Five miles (8km) from Cork Phone Number: (0)21 438 5252 Email Address: info@blarneycastle.ie Website: www.blarneycastle.ie Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 6.30pm (May and September), 9am to 7pm (June to August), 9am to sunset(October to April). Sundays 9.30am to 5.30pm (until sunset in winter) Admission: EUR8 (adults), EUR2.50 (children 8-14)
Connemara City/Region: Galway Wild and barren, Connemara is a stunning patchwork of bogs, green valleys, mountains and lakes. On the coast are beautiful fishing villages and some superb white beaches washed by turquoise water - if by chance the weather is good, one could mistake it for Paradise. The Connemara National Park encompasses the remarkable granite peaks of the Twelve Bens and is wonderful walking country. Phone Number: Connemara Tourism: (0)95 22622 Email Address: info@connemara-tourism.org Website: www.connemara-tourism.org
Aran Islands City/Region: Galway Aran Islands, with their magnificent wild terrain, display evidence of the years of battering by wind and water. The islands - Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer - lie about 30 miles (48km) out across the mouth of Galway Bay and are criss-crossed by miles of stone walls and dotted with some fine iron age archaeological sites. The islands' isolation allowed Irish culture to survive when it had all but disappeared elsewhere. Irish is still the native tongue, and until recently people still wore traditional Aran dress. The women still knit the famous Aran sweaters; historically each family used a different pattern in order to recognize fishermen drowned at sea. The islands are a haven for botanists and nature lovers with their abundance of flora, fauna and nesting birds. Phone Number: (099) 61355 Email Address: info@visitaranislands.com Website: www.visitaranislands.com Transport: Ferry from Galway City Dockside
County Kerry City/Region: Cork Kerry County is widely considered to be the most beautiful region in Ireland, and is the country's most popular tourist destination with its rugged scenery, picturesque villages, coastal resorts and wealth of attractions. The panoramic Ring of Kerry drive on the Iveragh Peninsula affords breathtaking views of Ireland's highest mountain, the Lakes of Killarney, and the stunning coastal scenery made up of rocky headlands, beautiful sandy beaches and windswept cliffs. There are also many ancient archaeological sites, castles and monasteries along the way. The Killarney National Park is also renowned for its scenic beauty and variety of outdoor activities. The Dingle Peninsula has magnificent coastal scenery and is the westernmost point of Europe, while villages like Kenmare and Dingle offer a wonderful glimpse of traditional Irish life where fresh seafood and authentic music make any visit a delight. County Kerry is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, ideal for boating, fishing, walking, golfing and cycling. Website: www.kerry-tourism.com
Cliffs of Moher City/Region: Galway The majestic Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top visitor sights overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in County Clare. The majestic cliffs rise from the ocean to a height of 702ft (214m) and extend for a distance of five miles (8km). Formed by layers of sandstone, shale and siltstone, the cliffs have stood unchanged for millions of years, and they welcome visitors who come to marvel at their splendor, and to enjoy views towards the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. The award-winning visitor center offers an ultra-modern interpretive center, Atlantic Edge, which includes interactive exhibits and displays, images, an audio visual show, and a virtual reality cliff face adventure. Phone Number: (0)65 708 6141 Email Address: info@cliffsofmoher.ie Website: www.cliffsofmoher.ie Hours: New Visitor Experience opens 9am to 5.30pm (January, February), 9am to 6pm (March, April and October), 8.30am to 9pm (May to September), 9.30am to 5pm (November, December) Admission: Facilities charge per vehicle: EUR8 (cars). Atlantic Edge: EUR4 (adults), EUR2.50 (children 4-16)
Old City Gaol City/Region: Cork The old gaol looks the same as it did in Victorian times with its barred windows, cells, bare corridors and iron stairways behind the unwelcoming gateway. Life-size figures, sounds and exhibitions tell the story and social history of 19th century Cork and the reasons people turned to crime. Phone Number: (0)21 430 5022 Email Address: corkgaol@indigo.ie Website: www.corkcitygaol.com Hours: Daily 9.30am to 6pm (March to October), 10am to 5pm (November to February) Admission: EUR5 (adults), EUR3 (children). Other concessions available
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