A historical treasure haven where magnificent monuments dating back a millennium take your breath away; a gem of a landscape studded with medieval castles and sacred monasteries; such and more is the promise of Ireland that lures tourists to this fascinating island in Europe.
Ireland’s history stretches back to around 6000 BC form pre-history to early Christianity to the Viking and Norman days up to the present modern day history. Archaeological and historical sites stand today as windows into Ireland’s past. Extensive historical spots and castles, all of them with particular stories to tell abound in Ireland.
Older than the pyramids, the passage tomb at Newgrange in County Meath is a World Heritage site. Built around 3200BC, this large mound encompasses an acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones. The cremated remains of the dead were buried on large stone basins inside the tomb. At dawn of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year (December 21st), a ray of light enters the tomb of Newgrange through an opening over the doorway.
The Hill of Tara also in County Meath was one of the most important religious sites in Ireland and the traditional seat of the high kings. The hill stands 500 feet and offers panoramic views across the central plains of County Meath. The Hill of Tara contains many monuments, the oldest of which is the Mound of Hostages dating back to 2500 BC.
Trim Castle in County Meath is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland built in 1176. Anglo-Normans secured the castle from intruders by raining down boiling water, arrows and other weapons of destruction. Trim Castle has undergone extensive renovation in the year 2000.
Ceide Fields In County Mayo dates back to 5000 BC. Its Neolithic landscape is world famous. Ceide Fields is the oldest known field systems in the world.
One of the most famous attractions in County Galway is the ancient stone fort of Dun Aungus. It is perched atop 300 foot cliffs that drop straight down to the Atlantic. Half of the fort has fallen into the sea but the remaining structure is truly a sight to behold.
The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary sits atop a limestone. This medieval structure contains four edifices – the Connac’s Chapel, the round tower, the cathedral and the Hall of the Vicars Choral. The Rock of Cashel was used as a fortress in the 4th century.
The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare is a must-see site. It rises to a height of 230 meters. On a clear day, the view from the Cliffs of Moher is breath-taking with Aran Islands stamped on the waters of Galway Bay. The sounds of waves crashing and gnawing at the sandstone resonate, truly an amazing experience.
Perfectly situated overlooking the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise in County Offaly was once Ireland’s most important monastery. It is enclosed in a walled field and houses many early churches, high crosses, round towers and graves. The adjacent swampy area is known as the Shannon Callows, sanctuary to many wild plants and animals.
Jerpoint Abbey in County Kilkenny is a well-known Cisterian abbey founded in the mid-12th century. Its main attraction is the sculptured cloister arcade etched with one-of-a-kind carvings.
The town of Blarney, six miles northwest of County Cork is home to the popular Blarney Stone and Blarney Castle. The Blarney Stone is said to bestow to those who kiss it the gift of gab, the ability to be articulate. To kiss the stone, one has to ascend to the top of the ruined Blarney Castle and be suspended over a hole.
On a lovely bend in County Killkenny is the Kilkenny Castle. It is one of Ireland’s most impressive fortresses. Three towers of the castle are from the original 1192 stone building while some of the antique collection is not original.
The Leap Castle in County Offaly is regarded as one of the most haunted castles in Europe. it originally belonged to the O’Carroll family. The castle was the scene of many appalling acts. According to tales, eerie apparitions haunt the palace, the most notorious of which was the “smelly ghost”, a spirit that leaves a smell behind after every appearance.