Ancient East
famous of its megalithic tombs, but go off the beaten track and discover the tombs at Knowth and Dowth which are equally as impressive. JOURNEY: From Dublin - 45 minutes NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND, Co Dublin The Treasury exhibition space has been reopened after a major refurbishment and you can see iconic artefacts such as the Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch and the Derrynaflan Hoard. Make sure to visit the Kingship and Sacrifice exhibition which includes recently found bog bodies. Ór, Ireland’s gold exhibition, is one of the largest and most important gold collections in Europe. Featured in the fascinating Ancient Egypt exhibition is the gilt and painted cartonnage case of the mummy Tentdinebu, as well as tomb furniture, offering tables, jewellery and household objects. Not to be missed is the Viking Ireland exhibition, which features finds from the Museum’s Dublin excavations, carried out between 1962 and 1981. GLENDALOUGH VISITOR CENTRE, Co.Wicklow Glendalough Visitor Centre is dedicated to showcasing the Glendalough monastic site, one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions. Positioned in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the Glendalough monastic site is a fascinating early Christian settlement in a spectacular natural location, founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century. The extensive ruins of Glendalough include several early churches, and an impressive 30-metre high round tower. The valley stretches for approximately 3km and contains several areas of great historical interest and beauty. JOURNEY: 1 hour 15 minutes from Dublin. IRISH NATIONAL STUD AND JAPANESE GARDENS, Co Kildare In the nearby Co Kildare you can see some of the stars of the horse breeding world at the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens. JOURNEY: 53 minutes from Dublin. HUNTINGTON CASTLE, Co Carlow Visit Huntington Castle to step into another world. The 17th century house is a treasure trove of historical architecture and objects, while the Yew Tree Walk, Lime Tree Avenue and water features are just some of the elements of Huntington’s delightful gardens and pleasure grounds. Located in Clonegal, County Carlow, Huntington Castle was originally built as a defensive garrison. After its soldiers relocated, it was developed into a family estate by the Baron of Esmonde. Many generations of the family added various extensions and details, resulting in the creation of a truly unique and interesting building. JOURNEY: 1 hour 30 minutes from Dublin. WELLS HOUSE, Co Wexford The estate of Wells House and Gardens is located in County Wexford and comprises 450 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds. The gardens were designed by renowned architect Daniel Robertson in the 1830s who introduced features such as the Terrace Gardens, Radiating Parterre, Arboretum and Main Avenue. Two woodland walks - the Lady Frances Woodland Walk and the Mogue’s Walk contain hidden treasures in a verdant landscape of mature plants and trees. Families will enjoy the Wishing Well, Lady Frances’ Daffodils and the Craft Courtyard on the site of the old stables. JOURNEY: 1 hour 30 minutes from Dublin. MEDIEVAL MILE , Kilkenny city, Co Kilkenny Once the medieval capital of Ireland, the city has a rich medieval heritage visible through its narrow streetscapes, its historical buildings and landmarks. Saint Canice, who gives Kilkenny its name, founded a
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monastic settlement here in the 6th century. Built in the 13th century and a great example of ornate stonemasonry skills, St Canice’s is the second longest cathedral in Ireland. Strongbow, the legendary Norman invader, built a fort in the 12th century on the site where Kilkenny Castle stands today. William Marshall, Strongbow’s son-inlaw, the 4th Earl of Pembroke, fortified the city walls, built a stone castle on the site, and consolidated the Norman’s position of power in the city. JOURNEY: 1 hour 30 minutes from Dublin. HOLYCROSS ABBEY, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Just outside Thurles, Holycross Abbey was founded in 1168 for the Benedictines by the King of Munster, Donal O Brien. A particle of the True Cross was enshrined (and still remains) in the abbey, and subsequently Holycross became one of the most frequented places of pilgrimage in Ireland. JOURNEY: Loughcrew to Holycross: 1 hour 46mins. WATERFORD VIKING TRIANGLE, Waterford Three museums tell the story of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city founded by the Vikings in 914. The story of the city starts at Reginald’s Tower, a 12th century mural tower where the Viking museum is located. The exhibits include a set of Viking warrior armour dating from the 9th century. JOURNEY: 1 hour 55mins from Dublin. TITANIC EXPERIENCE, Cobh, Co Cork Titanic Experience Cobh is a visitor centre located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office in the centre of Cobh town, formerly known as Queenstown, the departure point for the final 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic. The visitor experience is presented in two parts. The first is an exciting immersive audio visual tour retracing the steps of the 123 passengers who boarded Titanic from Queenstown on April 11th 1912. With Officer Boxall as your virtual guide, innovative audio visual technology and the replica interior ship set, experience the anticipation of the long journey ahead and the new life waiting for Queenstown’s passengers in America. Share the excitement of boarding the most luxurious liner of her time and feel the horror of the tragedy on that fateful night. JOURNEY: 2 hours 40 minutes from Dublin
IRELAND AT YOUR LEISURE 2017/2018
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