CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK

Places worth visiting in Ireland

CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK

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The Connemara National Park covers some 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres), consisting of entirely natural and unspoilt terrain. It is an environment which offers the visitor endless sights, experiences, adventure and activity.

The people are friendly, welcoming and only too delighted to see new faces in the area. There is much to see in Connemara with the scenic Twelve Bens mountain range in the north, the picturesque, golden beaches reaching out into the vast Atlantic Ocean and the Roundstone Bog. Any time of the year it is ideal to take a break here. In spring, the beautiful, spring flowers, the new-born lambs dancing on the hills and the call of the cuckoo make it a unique and magical place.

During the warm summer days, one can take in the awesome Connemara countryside with its gentle hills and golden, sandy beaches which are ideal for safe swimming. On cool autumn days, the Connemara countryside boasts different colours every day. If desired, one can spend the day walking, cycling, golfing, painting, horse riding, shooting or fishing. In any weather, the Connemara countryside and atmosphere is magical. If in the area, a trip to Connemara is not to be missed.

The Connemara visitor centre is situated near Letterfrack and attractions include exhibitions, nature trails, audio-visual show. In addition there is a summer programme of walks, talks and special events for younger visitors. Access for visitors with disabilities in the Visitor Centre.

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KILKENNY

KILKENNY  www.taylormadeireland.com

 

Kilkenny is a county of fertile farmland formed in a central plain surrounded by rolling uplands. The River Nore flows through this plain and out to the sea at the River Suir and on the banks of the Nore in the centre of the county is the town of Kilkenny.

The town of Kilkenny was founded by St Canice, who established a monastery here in the 6th Century. When the Normans arrived in the 12th Century, they established one of their main power bases at the stunning castle in Kilkenny, making it the medieval capital of Ireland. Kilkenny is a lively town, which hosts a number of international festivals giving rise to Kilkenny's contemporary nickname as the Festival Capital of Ireland.

Around the county are remnants of Kilkenny's prestigious past such as the 13th Century Kells Priory and Jerpoint Abbey, where it is said St Nicholas (Santa Claus) is buried. Dotted around are numerous rural towns and the world famous golf course at Mount Juliet can be found in the south of the county.

Kilkenny's inhabitants are known as the cats a nickname which also refers to Kilkenny's very successful hurling teams. Famous Kilkenny Cats include James Hoban, the architect of the White House in the U.S.

Cork

CORK www.taylormadeireland.com

 

Corcaigh (in Irish) The largest county of Ireland, Cork is tucked away in the south western corner of Ireland along with county Kerry . It is bordered by Co. Waterford to it's east and by counties Tipperary and Limerick to the north.

North Cork is a mix of rolling green hills and mountains but also has some of Ireland's richest pastures in the Golden Vale East Cork is a region with gentle hills and beautiful beaches To the south and west of the county the region know as West Cork , boasts a wild and rugged coastline of rocky headlands, great bays and secret coves warmed by the Gulf Stream.

Like many counties in Ireland Cork's main industries are farming, fishing and tourism. The remote westerly region of West Cork has become a popular destination for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a slower pace of life around small, rural fishing villages and towns, amid some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Ireland. West Cork is popular with the yachting crowd who gather each summer in the tiny harbours of Baltimore, Schull and Kinsale, the historic port renowned as the culinary capital of Ireland. In this region of the country, you'll also find Ireland's most southerly point; Mizen Head.

Galway

Places worth visiting in Ireland

Galway www.taylormadeireland.com

Ireland's second largest county, Galway is located in the rugged west of Ireland and encompasses the magical scenery of Connemara, the rugged Aran Islands and the city of Galway , from which the county takes its name.

The Irish translation Gaillimh relates to the word gaill meaning foreigners and indeed the maritime city of Galway was established by outsiders from 14 merchant families of Norman heritage in the 13th Century. Known as the City of the Tribes, referring to these families, the walled city of Galway was under constant attack from the Irish natives. These days the city is a vibrant cosmopolitan hub, regarded as the Dublin of the West and hosts a number of festivals, including The Galway Races in the last week of july and most famously the Galway Oyster Festival in September.

County Galway, particularly the western region known as Connemara, is where the Irish language and many of the traditions of Gaelic Ireland are strongest. Connemara is one of Ireland's most iconic locations, a landscape of rusty boglands and jagged coastline overlooked by the brooding ranges of the Maumturk Mountains and the Twelve Bens.

On the eastern borders of Connemara is Lough Corrib one of Ireland's premier salmon and trout fisheries, attracting Fly Fishers in droves from May to September. Lough Corrib is the largest lake of the Republic of Ireland and splits the county between the rugged west of Connemara and the fertile farmland of the east of the county.

Off the coast out in Galway Bay are the three Aran Islands of Inishmor, Inishsheer and Inishmaan. These rugged islands represent to many visitors the timeless character of auld Ireland. The largest Inishmor is home to one of Ireland's most important and stunning prehistoric stone forts, Dun Aonghusa, perched on the cliff face over looking the Atlantic Ocean.

Famous Galwegians include actor Peter O'Toole, Irish novelist Liam O'Flaherty, Nora Barnacle, the wife of James Joyce and contemporary novelist Walter Macken.

Aran Islands

Aran Islands www.taylormadeireland.com

No holiday to Ireland would be complete without a trip to the mystical Aran Islands that are situated in the middle of Galway Bay.

The Aran Islands are located off the west coast of County Galway.

No holiday to Ireland would be complete without a trip to the mystical Aran Islands that are situated in the middle of Galway Bay. The rugged, natural beauty along with thatch roofed stone cottages that dot the islands provide a splendid example of Celtic and early Christian heritage and gives one the impression that they have just travelled back in time..

The islands are Inishmore, the largest, Inishmaan and Inisheer being the smallest. With Gaelic still being the first language of the islanders, a true feel for older Ireland is to be found. Throughout the islands, you will find the ruins of early Christian monasteries and fortifications, the best known being Dun Aengus which dates back over 2000 years, and many churches. The ruins of the House of Saint Edna, the most important Medieval religious settlement on Inishmore, can still be seen. Fishing is still the main industry on the islands and in many cases, the methods of the fishermen's ancestors are still used. The lives of these fishermen were the subject of the John M Synge 1904 play Riders to the Sea.

There are a number of options open in travelling to the islands. You may either travel by ferry from Galway City or Rossaveal, or take the very short flight on Aer Arann from Connemara airport. When planning your trip to the Aran Islands, one should take into account that accommodation on the island is limited as well as seasonal. During the peak season, over 1000 visitors make the crossing to the Islands each and every day.

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NEWGRANGE & HILL OF TARA

Places worth visiting in Ireland

NEWGRANGE & HILL OF TARA

Newgrange is the best known Irish passage tomb and dates to c.3, 200BC.

The large mound is approximately 80m in diameter and is surrounded at its base by a kerb of 97 stones. The most impressive of these stones is the highly decorated Entrance Stone.

The Hill of Tara, located near the River Boyne, is an archaeological complex.

Runs between Navan and Dunshaughlin in County Meath, Leinster, Ireland. It contains a number of ancient monuments, and, according to tradition, was the seat of Árd Rí na hÉireann, or the High King of Ireland. Recent scholarship claims that despite the rich narratives derived from mythologies, Tara was not so much a true seat of kingship, but a sacral site associated with kingship rituals.

KILLARNEY

Places worth visiting in Ireland

KILLARNEY www.taylormadeireland.com

The town of Killarney hardly needs any introduction.

Nationally and internationally renowned as the undisputed centre of tourism in the While its wild beauty and glorious scenery have, for centuries, established it firmly in the affections of all who have visited, Killarney is also a thriving commercial town offering an abundance of attractions and entertainment. Exciting all summer long, Killarney has been able to hold its premier position amongst other tourist destinations with a variety of festivals and an unequalled nightlife. Over seventy pubs line the streets of this County Kerry town while a vast array of restaurants and accommodation ensure that every imaginable taste can be catered for.

The popularity of the town is not a modern day phenomenon though. It has welcomed visitors for over 200 years. Famously, one particular lake view was dedicated to the Ladies in Waiting of Queen Victoria, who visited the area in 1861. Their visit has been commemorated by the naming of "Ladies' View", reminding present day pilgrims of the longevity of Killarney's popularity. The tourists of yesteryear also consisted of poets, artists, writers and composers who unsurprisingly found much to absorb them here. There is still much here to enrapture the visitor. Whether you are keen to sample the much lauded night life of the town or interested in the amazing sites of natural beauty in the area, Killarney will not disappoint you. Check out our recommended Killarney hotels to immerse yourself in Ireland's premier tourist destination.

Natural Beauty of Killarney

Killarney National Park is a must for those with an enthusiasm for nature, history, culture or simply a fun afternoon. The area is rich in opportunities to experience life at a gentle pace, whether taking in the spectacular scenery of the Upper Lake region or visiting the ancient seat of learning on Innisfallen. The deep blue lakes contrast with the lush emerald subtropical vegetation and ancient woodland to form a spectacular stage just waiting to be explored.

There is so much to do here that you may not find time to see everything. The sights of Killarney will stay with you forever. However, you may well become one of the many visitors who keep coming back to Killarney time and again.

Within a few miles of Killarney, another world awaits. It is difficult to believe that the jostle of the lively town is only a five minute drive away when you reach the magnificent park. Established when the Muckross Estate was donated to the nation in 1932, the park covers 10,000 hectares of mountain, moorland, parkland and waterway. This is an area of unusual and diverse geology due to a variety of reasons. The major geological boundary which divides the park, the different altitudes of the area and the climatic influence of the Gulf Stream in the region are all contributory factors.


Muckross House is a beautifully situated house within the national park. Built in 1843 and presented to the nation in 1932, the house is now a folk museum which portrays the lifestyles of the gentry and the serving classes of the 19th century. The gardens of Muckross are also of great interest to the visitor. Rich in Rhododendron and Azaleas during the season, the garden is also famed for its extensive watergarden.

The Lakes of Killarney

The Lakes of Killarney are definitely one of the major features of the Park. These three famous lakes reflect the ever changing skies above the surrounding mountain ranges. Myth proclaims that a young lady, distracted by her warrior lover, forgot to replace the capstone in the family well so that, by morning, water had filled the valley creating the Lakes of Killarney. Whatever their origin, these lakes are the point from which everything else in the valley radiates. Although the smallest, the Upper Lake is set in the most spectacular location - the heart of the ruggedly mountainous scenery of the . The Lower lake (Lough Leane) is known as The Lake of Learning or The Lake of Youth. Legend reveals that it got its name from the mythical meetings between the Fianna (the prehistoric warriors) and the beautiful woman riding the white horse from under the water telling of Tir na nOg - the land of eternal youth. Whether you believe the myth or not, it certainly adds to the mystical nature of the region. In fact curious stories and reputations seem to have sprung up around most aspects of the National Park.

Torc waterfall has been acclaimed as one of the finest waterfalls in Ireland. Here the Owengarrif River cascades through the wooded Friar's Lake into Muckross Lake. The footpath which winds its way up beside the waterfall affords spectacular views of the Lakes. Torc Mountain stands at the southern edge of the Middle Lake.

Wicklow mountains

WICKLOW www.taylormadeireland.com

County Wicklow has several world famous sites and attractions from Glendalough to Powerscourt, but there is also an abundance of smaller, less well known, but equally interesting places to visit and things to see. From golden sandy beaches to rolling hills and valleys, Wicklow’s unique topography means that yet another stunning scene awaits just minutes away no matter where you are in the county. True to it’s name the Garden County also boasts some of the most beautiful gardens and homes in Ireland.
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The Wicklow Mountains day tour from Dublin:

Join one of the top rated day trips from Dublin by Trip Advisor’s, the Wicklow Mountains tour, and fall in love with Ireland (if you haven’t already!) Wicklow’s green mountainous landscape and glacial lakes, heather fields and boglands (which have featured in movies like P.S. I Love You and Braveheart) will become some of your most treasured photos of Ireland, guaranteed! With 2 stops along the Wicklow mountains tour route (stopping at Glendalough and Avoca village) and passing by Glencree Valley and the Guinness lakes, you’ll be spoiled with photo opportunities and things to do. At Glendalough, the 10th century monastic settlement nestled in the heart of the river valley, keen walkers get to flex their legs with a choice of walkways to the lower and upper lakes.

Belfast

Places worth visiting in Ireland

BELFAST

Belfast may be a small city but don't let the size fool you - because we're big on excitement.

Once the home of the Irish linen industry, tobacco production, rope making and the world famous Harland and Wolff shipbuilders, Belfast lays claim to a unique history. And there's something for everyone to love. Shopping, tours, world-class dining, block rockin' beats, you name it - we've got it. So dig a little deeper and start planning your Belfast adventure!

Giants Causeway

For centuries countless visitors have marvelled at the majesty and mystery of the Giants Causeway. At the heart of one of Europe's most magnificent coastlines its unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns never fails to intrigue and inspire our visitors. To stroll on the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time.
Your imagination will travel along stepping stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the mists and legends of the past. In 1986 the Giants Causeway Visitors centre opened, coinciding with the World Heritage Conventions addition of the Causeway to its coveted list of sites, which are of exceptional interest and universal value.

The facilities at the Causeway Centre now include Tourist Information offices, Bureau De Change, Accommodation Booking Service, an Interpretive Audio-Visual Presentation and a Souvenir Shop. The National Trust are the custodians of the Causeway and provide the National Trust Shop and Tea Rooms (for opening times please contact directly). The Causeway Coaster bus service from the centre to the Causeway is now running in conjunction with the opening hours of the centre. The range of amenities on offer is geared to accommodate your individual needs and ensure that all our guests can benefit from and enjoy their visit.

The centre caters for the interest and enjoyment of the half a million tourists that visit the Giants Causeway each year. The management, the staff and our facilities are at your disposal during a visit that we hope will be the first of many.