Regione dell'Ovest
Se quello che stai cercando sono struggenti paesaggi ancora indomiti e lo spettacolo spumeggiante dell’oceano che colpisce e scolpisce la costa, allora la tua bussola punta a Ovest.
Attività
Cavalli in corsa, giochi gaelici, golf, discipline acquatiche… l’Ovest d’Irlanda ha un’anima sportiva.
Sport d’avventura e di tradizione
Un paesaggio assai vario e intrigante rende l’Ovest d’Irlanda perfetto per gli sport più avventurosi, come per esempio l’arrampicata e l’orienteering, ma anche per quelli della tradizione: tiro con l’arco, tiro al piattello ecc. La regione ospita numerosi anche i campus estivi per ragazzi.
Bicicletta
In sella alla bicicletta potrai esplorare gli angoli più belli e reconditi della regione, nell’entroterra o lungo i panoramici percorsi costieri.
Pesca
Se ne sta pacifica tra Oceano Atlantico e Mare d’Irlanda all’estremo Nord-Ovest d’Europa. L’isola di Smeraldo è un paradiso inviolato per i pescatori di tutti i credo. Che arrivano qui a frotte in cerca di gran bottini e scenari impagabili, tanto silenziosi da poter udire i pesci guizzare
Altre cose da non perdereGiochi gaelici
Non perderti lo spettacolo degli antichi giochi autoctoni d’Irlanda, dal football gaelico all’hurling. La contea di Mayo, in particolare, è famosa per il Football gaelico femminile [www.ladiesgaelic.ie].
Galway Races
Pochi appuntamenti regalano le emozioni delle Galway Races [www.galwayraces.com], applaudite da molti come la miglior manifestazione ippica d’Irlanda.
Golf
L’ovest offre una eccezionale scelta di campi da golf con terreni selvaggi e battuti dal vento. Prova Ballinasloe Golf Club nella contea di Galway; Carne Golf Links nella contea di Mayo; Galway Bay Golf Resort; Roscommon Golf Club; Westport Golf Club nella contea di Mayo; Donegal Golf Club; The Enniscrone Club nella contea di Sligo; Strandhill Golf Club nella contea di Sligo; Adare Manor nella contea di Limerick; Dromoland Castle e Kilkee Golf Club nella contea di Clare; e Nenagh Golf Club nella contea di Tipperary .
Equitazione
Il suolo occidentale è un favoloso terreno da esplorare a cavallo. In quasi tutti i principali centri della regione si trovano maneggi e scuole di equitazione per tutti i livelli.
Vela
Ammira la straordinaria costa dell’Atlantico dal mare e spingiti alla scoperta delle sue scenografiche insenature e delle infinite isolette. Ma puoi anche navigare lungo i fiumi o sulle acque placide dei laghi, con un’immutata, impagabile sensazione di libertà. E lungo Kilrush Creek, potrai fermarti per ammirare i delfini che nuotano poco lontano.
Sport acquatici
Là dove l’Atlantico si insinua nelle infinte baie del Mayo e del Galway è strepitoso praticare canottaggio, vela, surf e sci d’acqua. E naturalmente il diving, alla scoperta di fondali bellissimi
Bambini
Il più grande acquario d’Irlanda, profonde caverne, parchi incontaminati e magnifiche spiagge.
Atlantaquaria, contea di Galway
Un viaggio negli abissi, all’interno del pù grande acquario d’Irlanda, abitato da 170 specie ittiche, d’acqua dolce e salata. Ci sono anche il velenoso pesce pastinaca, il romantico cavalluccio marino, le sonnolenti stelle marine e il terrificante squalo angelo. Qui si imparano tutti i segreti della vita nei fondali e si familiarizza con Bradán il salmone, re di tutti i pesci.
Crociere sul Lough Corrib, contea di Galway
Escursioni rilassanti in barca sulle acque del Lough Corrib.
Connemara Pony Show, Clifden, contea di Galway
I bambini impazziscono per questo appuntamento che vede sfilare gli eleganti e astuti pony della razza Connemara.
Altre cose da non perdereGlengowla Mines, contea di Galway
E’ l’unica miniera d’Irlanda visitabile. I tour guidati conducono alla scoperta di anfratti, cunicoli e caverne dove riconoscere vene di argento, piombo, calcite e quarzo.
Lough Key Forest park, contea di Roscommon
Boschi, giardini, resti archeologici e quasi 10 km di sentieri in questo bel parco di 350 ettari, in riva al lago.
Westport House, contea di Mayo
Del bel complesso settecentesco, affacciato sulla Clew Bay e circondato da un bel parco ed eleganti giardini che digradano verso il mare, oggi fanno parte anche diverse attrazioni per bambini. Come uno scivolo d’acqua e una ferrovia in miniatura.
Cavan & Leitrim Narrow Gauge Railway, County Leitrim
This Victorian railway ran commercially from 1887 to 1959 and part of the line has now been restored with workshops, guided tours of engine sheds, and a railway shop. It’s every little boy’s dream.
Connemara Pony Show, Clifden, County Galway
Kids will go mad for this wonderful festival, which showcases the very cute Connemara pony.
Dolphin Watching
At the mouth of the River Shannon between Loop Head Peninsula (County Clare) and Kerry Head (County Kerry) lives a group of over 100 wild resident dolphins; while at Killary in Galway, go on a pleasure cruise to watch dolphins as they dive alongside the boat.
Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Foynes, County Limerick
During the late Thirties and early Forties, Foynes was the pivotal point for air traffic between North America and Europe. Believe it or not, Irish coffee was invented here!
Gillighan’s World, Baroncourt, Kilmacowen, Ballysadare, County Sligo
Gillighan’s World is a fun and imaginative way to enlighten and entertain children about fairy life and lore. There are botanical gardens with “enchanted” areas, miniature villages, a pet village, and a play area.
Glengowla Mines, County Galway
Ireland’s only show mine offers guided tours through marble chambers and caverns. Silver, lead, calcite and quartz are all revealed in their natural glory.
King John’s Castle, Limerick City
In the heart of Limerick’s Medieval Heritage Precinct lies the 800-year-old King John’s Castle. Built between 1200 and 1210, the castle is an impressive Anglo-Normal fortification overlooking the River Shannon
Leisureland, Salthill, County Galway
Situated on Ireland’s longest promenade, this is an ideal family venue with three pools and an outdoor amusement park promising fun for all ages.
Lough Key Forest park, County Roscommon
This 350-hectare park includes beautiful woodland, gardens, archaeological remains and almost 10km of walkways.
Sligo Folk Park, Millview House, Riverstown, County Sligo
Sligo Folk Park provides a fascinating look at life around the turn of the late 19th century. The village street, the traditional cottage, the forge and the restored Millview House are just some of the attractions.
Swan Island Open Farm, Ballinamore, County Leitrim
A delightful farm situated on the picturesque shores of Garadice Lake, Swan Island allows kids to get up close and personal with friendly farm animals. The farm features more than 50 species of traditional and rare breeds, as well as a children’s play area and marina.
Leisureland, Salthill, contea di Galway.
Un vero paradiso per le famiglie con tre piscine e un parco divertimenti adatto a tutte le età.
Tons of Fun Activity Centre, Limerick City
Bright, safe, clean and exciting, Tons of Fun is an indoor children's activity centre catering for babies and children aged up to 11.
Westport House, County Mayo
An 18th-century stately home set in beautiful parkland with a lake, terraces and gardens overlooking Clew Bay. Children will love the mini-railway, giant water slide and other attractions.
Willie Clancy Summer School, County Clare
Held annually since 1973, this set dancing school was started up in memory of legendary piper Willie Clancy. It caters for over 1,000 students from all over the world offering Irish music and dance classes.
Cultura & Festival
Una festa dei sensi: ostriche golose per il palato e musica irlandese per le orecchie!
Galway Arts Festival
La più grande kermesse d’arte di tutta l’isola porta in scena scrittori, artisti, musicisti e attori provenienti da tutto il mondo.
Galway International Oyster Festival, Clarinbridge, contea di Galway
Rassegna gastronomica annuale, ora alla 51esima edizione, sempre apprezzatissima. Il suo segreto sono l’ottima cucina a base di prelibati molluschi e gli intrattenimenti di contorno.
Cultura irlandese
Se vuoi fare un tuffo nella cultura irlandese puoi provare a imparare la lingua gaelica in una delle scuole dell’area Gaeltacht [http://www.forasnagaeilge.ie/learning/default.asp?catid=74], oppure puoi frequentare un corso estivo di musica e danza irlandese o ancora regalarti uno stage di pittura o di ceramica.
Altre cose da non perdereLinenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, contea di Mayo
Linenhall è un vivace centro culturale che ospita a ritmo serrato mostre, spettacoli, teatro, letture e cinema. Laboratori per adulti e per bambini.
National Museum of Ireland Country Life, Castlebar, contea di Mayo
Primo distaccamento del National Museum realizzato fuori Dublino. Ospitato in una bella residenza vittoriana in stile gotico, completa di grandi giardini, il museo racconta come viveva la gente comune nell’Irlanda del 1850-1950.
Ragús experience, Aran Islands
Uno straordinario spettacolo di musica, canzoni e balli popolari irlandesi che trae spunto dalle isole Aran di un tempo e che viene proposto ogni giorno d’estate a Inis Mór.
Musica tradizionale irlandese
Ne si può godere praticamente ogni sera nei pub, di cui è la colonna sonora ufficiale. Durante l’anno, poi, la musica popolare è protagonista di diversi festival, primo fra tutti il Féile Chois Chuain [ http://www.feilechoiscuain.com] di Louisburg, nella contea di Mayo.
Irish Culture at the Gaeltacht
Immerse yourself in the best that Irish culture has to offer: learn the Irish language in a Gaeltacht area; attend an Irish music or dancing summer school; or brush up on your painting or pottery skills.
Killaloe Village, County Clare
The historical village of Killaloe boasts stacks of attractions and used to be the site of Kincora, the palace of Brian Ború, famed 11th century King of Ireland. Sadly, little remains of the original fort, but you can learn all about it at the Killaloe Heritage and Brian Ború Centre.
Kilmallock Cottage Museum & History Trail, Limerick
A fascinating museum with models of Kilmallock, an intriguing 16th-century walled town, and other local historical and archeological artifacts.
Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, County Mayo
Linenhall offers an ongoing programme of exhibitions, drama, literature and film, plus workshops for adults and children.
Model Arts and Niland Gallery, County Sligo
Housed in a beautifully renovated model school, which dates back to 1862, The Model Arts and Niland Gallery is one of the premier arts centres in Ireland, with an extensive programme of visual and performing arts.
National Museum of Ireland Country Life, Castlebar, County Mayo
The first branch of the National Museum to be situated outside Dublin, the Country Life Museum portrays the life of ordinary people who lived in Ireland from 1850-1950. Housed within a beautiful High Victorian Gothic-style house, the museum also encompasses extensive gardens.
Ragús experience, Aran Islands
A spectacular showcase of traditional Irish music, song and dance inspired by the remote Aran Islands and performed daily during the summer on Inis Mór.
Shannon International Music Festival, Limerick City
Vibrant and exciting, the Shannon International Music Festival takes place over four days from 20th to 24th July, with a selection of lunchtime, evening and candlelit concerts in the heart of Limerick city.
Sligo Contemporary New Music Festival, County Sligo
Focussing on the music of a specific composer, this festival takes place over three days with a series of concerts in the Model Arts and Niland Gallery.
The Hunt Museum, Limerick
One of Ireland’s most important private collections of art and antiquities, the Hunt Museum contains pieces dating from the Neolithic period to modern times, including works from Renoir, Picasso and Jack B Yeats.
The Irish Harp Centre, Castleconnell, County Limerick
Discover the history and variety of Ireland’s most famous instrument, or pluck up the courage and learn to play. The centre hosts year-round activities including harp workshops, summer schools, music therapy and harp tuition.
The Limerick City Gallery of Art
An impressive permanent collection of Irish Art from the 18th to 20th centuries including works from Jack B Yeats and Sean Keating.
Traditional Irish music
As well as informal music sessions every night in pubs, there are many annual festivals, such as the Féile Chois Chuain in Louisburg, County Mayo; and the Corn Barn in Bunratty Folk Park, which is the perfect setting for a celebration of all the best in Irish traditions.
W B Yeats
Unearth the genius of the late, great WB Yeats, resident poet of County Sligo. Yeats had a special relationship with this beautiful county, which is celebrated by the Sligo Yeats Society. The programme of events includes a Yeats International Summer and Winter School.
Mangiare e dormire a 5 stelle
Hotel lussuosi, esclusive Spa e pub deliziosi… ospitalità a tua misura.
Ashford Castle, contea di Mayo
Soggiorni da re ad Ashford Castle, favoloso maniero del 1228 che sposa atmosfere di ieri e comfort moderni. Tra le attività disponibili, pesca, equitazione, golf, passeggiate e falconeria.
Cashel House Hotel, Connemara, contea di Galway
Famoso e richiestissimo, questo rifugio a 4 stelle nel cuore del Connemara sfoggia tra l’altro un magnifico parco, i cui arbusti fioriti e i boschi solcati di bei sentieri gli sono valsi diversi premi.
Cloona Health Centre, contea di Mayo
Aperto dal 1973 nei locali di un ex lanificio magistralmente riconvertiti, questo health centre ha aperto la strada al wellness in Irlanda.
Altre cose da non perdereDelphi Mountain Resort and Spa, contea di Galway
Lussuosa Spa entrata di diritto nella top ten mondiale. Perfetta per disintossicarsi dallo stress della vita moderna.
Galway Bay Health Farm – Spa & Relaxation Centre, contea di Galway
Piccola oasi dalle ambientazioni eleganti e le atmosfere intime, magnificamente adagiata nel cuore di una riserva di cervi, sullo scenografico litorale della Galway Bay.
Rosmoney Spa & Seaweed Baths, Westport, contea di Mayo
Non lontano da Westport e a soli 500 metri dal mare, la Spa propone trattamenti talasso, impacchi di alghe e piscine per talsso- balneo- e algoterapia.
Newport Country House & Restaurant, contea di Mayo
Ospitato in una bella residenza georgiana, il Newport è diventato l’esclusivo ritrovo dei pescatori affascinati dai grandi fiumi del Mayo. Raffinatissimo il ristorante, con una carta dei vini eccellente.
O’Dowd’s Restaurant & Bar
Piccolo pub affacciato su uno dei più importanti e trafficati porti dell’Ovest. Un punto di riferimento per la gente del posto e per i forestieri fin dal 1840.
Cromleach Lodge, County Sligo
Voted Hideaway of the Year 2004 by the Georgina Campbell Jameson Guide, Cromleach Lodge is definitely a great place to get away from it all. A modern country house, the lodge has been designed with the stunning views in mind so wherever you go you’ll enjoy a feast for the senses.
Delphi Mountain Resort and Spa, County Galway
This truly luxurious spa has been voted one of the ten best in the world. Perfect for forgetting the stresses of modern life.
Dromoland Castle, County Clare
Live like the landed gentry in this stunning castle hotel with deluxe five-star accommodation. Dromoland blends old-world luxury with modern conveniences, and its close location to the Burren, as well as Galway and Limerick cities, makes it an ideal base in the West.
Galway Bay Health Farm – Spa & Relaxation Centre, County Galway
Intimate, elegant and perfectly located on a 50-acre deer farm on the shores of Galway Bay.
Glin Castle, County Limerick
Glin Castle, home of the Knight of Glin and his wife Madam FitzGerald, stands on the banks of the River Shannon amidst a 500-acre demesne. The castle is open to visitors from March to November and is a spectacular place to stay with seriously luxurious rooms and an authentic castle atmosphere.
Kinnitty Castle Hotel, County Offaly
Kinnitty Castle offers old world elegance, luxury and comfort. On top of that, you can enjoy friendly ghosts, a dungeon bar, hot stone massage at the first-rate spa and a spot of clay pigeon shooting. What more could you ask for?
Moy House, County Clare
Moy House was originally built in the mid-18th century as home to Sir Augustine Fitzgerald. Majestic and elegant, the house presides over the breathtaking Lahinch Bay and is set on 15 acres of grounds adorned with mature woodland and a picturesque river.
Newport Country House & Restaurant, County Mayo
A beautiful Georgian house, Newport has become a famous base for those fishing the great rivers of County Mayo. The dining room and wine lists are superb.
O’Dowd’s Restaurant & Bar, Rounstone, County Galway
This cosy pub overlooks one of the most picturesque working harbours in the West of Ireland and has been serving locals and visitors since 1840.
Rathmullan House, County Donegal
This gracious Georgian house was built in the 1780s and enjoys an unrivalled location overlooking the shores of Lough Swilly. The restaurant has won critical acclaim from numerous guides, and facilities are excellent with boating, croquet, steam room, massage, and tennis.
Rosmoney Spa & Seaweed Baths, Westport, County Mayo
A haven of seawater treatments, just 20ft from the sea beside Westport town. Treatments include seaweed baths, balneotherapy, algotherapy and a thalassotherapy pool.
Saint Ernan’s Country House, County Donegal
Offering superb hotel accommodation in County Donegal, the four star St Ernan’s Country House Hotel is an oasis of peace and tranquility. Soaked in Regency period atmosphere, the house is surrounded by eight acres of woodland giving it a real feel of a hideaway despite being only two miles away from Donegal town.
Spa Wells Health Centre, Lisdoonvarna, County Clare
Located in the famous town of Lisdoonvarna, the Spa Wells Health Centre is the only spa in Ireland to feature sulphur baths. But if they don’t take your fancy, you can always enjoy a massage or therapeutic treatment in a beautiful woodland surrounding.
St John’s Country House, County Donegal
Sitting prettily in a remote location on the shores of Lough Swilly in Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, St John’s is as renowned for its spectacular views as it is for its award-winning cuisine.
Locali gay
La comunità omo dell’Ovest si ritrova a Galway
Cosmo at Quinns, Ellen Street, Limerick
Gay friendly disco bar every Friday and Saturday night.
Eden @ The Warwick Hotel, Salthill, contea di Galway
Night club tutte le domenica sera, appena fuori città.
La Boutique at Dolans, Limerick
Bi-monthly club organized by the people who do Alternative Miss Limerick.
Altre cose da non perdereStage Door, Woodquay, Galway
E’ uno dei pochi locali gay non-stop della città.
Stranos, all’angolo tra William Street West e Henry Street, Galway
Con il cambio di gestione è iniziata per questo bar una nuova stagione, animata da serate a tema e Dj.
The Rafters Bar c/o The Globe, Limerick.
Twice-weekly gay and lesbian night, Bubbilicious.
Shopping
Grandi affari nell’Ovest, in boutique o in bottega che sia.
Bogwood Ireland Sculptures, Bury Street, Ballina, contea di Mayo
Sculture uniche, realizzate con tronchi vecchissimi strappati alle torbiere.
Cobwebs, Galway città
Incantevole bottega con costumi sfavillanti e gioielli antichi.
Les Jumelles, Galway City, 11 Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway città
Elegante boutique per signore con una vasta scelta di capi moda griffati.
Altre cose da non perdereMeadows & Byrne, Lower Abbeygate Street, Galway città
Un tripudio di arredamento design, artigianato moderno nonché ceramiche e cristallerie irlandesi.
Roundstone, musica, artigianato e moda, Roundstone, contea di Galway
Ammira mani esperte assemblare il bodhran, tipico strumento musicale della tradizione irlandese, e magari prova a suonarlo. Alla fine non saprai resistere: dovrai comprarlo e portarlo a casa con te per deliziare i tuoi amici…
Mercato del sabato, tra Shop Street e Market Street, Galway
Sulle bancarelle straripanti non solo prodotti agroalimentari ma anche oggettistica e idee regalo, libri, bigiotteria e gioielli.
Westport Pottery, Westport, contea di Mayo
Bellissime stoviglie per la casa fatte a mano, nei classici colori blu scuro e verde giada.
Meadows & Byrne, Lower Abbeygate Street, Galway City
A fantastic collection of contemporary furniture, modern crafts and Irish-made pottery and glassware.
Quinns Craft Shop, Ballyvaughan, County Clare
Traditional crafts shop with a good quality selection of crafts including traditional Aran sweaters, Irish made silver jewellery, pottery, bronze and bog oak sculptures and publications on the local Burren region.
Roundstone, Music, Crafts and Fashion, Roundstone, County Galway
Watch how the experts finely craft the bodhran, a traditional Irish musical instrument, maybe try a few beats yourself, then buy that very one to wow your friends when you get back home.
Saturday Market, between Shop Street and Market Street, Galway
Lively market with gourmet food stalls, gifts, books and jewellery.
Sligo Craft Pottery, Market Yard, Sligo
Unique and original ceramics from one of Ireland’s top ceramicists Michael Kennedy
The Cat and the Moon, 4 Castle Street, Sligo
Silver and gold jewellery inspired by the Irish landscape.
The Green Room, 10 Pearse Road, Sligo
Excellent designer boutique stocking top Irish designers and hip international labels.
Westport Pottery, Westport, County Mayo
High-quality, handmade domestic stoneware in deep blue and jade green.
In giro per la contea
Sullo sfondo della campagna e del mare, l’Ovest sfoggia fortezze inespugnabili, mistiche abbazie e solenni santuari. E’ qui anche il National Famine Museum, monumento nazionale alla Grande Carestia
Boyle Abbey, contea di Roscommon
Tra le prime abbazie cistercensi fondate in Irlanda, Boyle Abbey risale al XII secolo e oggi ospita anche una mostra sulla storia dell’isola.
Ceide Fields, contea di Mayo
Databile attorno al 5.000 a.C., Ceide Fields è l’insediamento dell’età della Pietra più vasto al mondo e il più antico sito archeologico recintato d’Europa.
Dunguaire Castle, contea di Galway
Costruito nel 1500, Dunguaire Castle sorge sulla strada che collega le contee di Clare e Galway e ospita banchetti medievali tutte le sere.
Altre cose da non perdereDun Aonghasa, Aran Islands, contea di Galway
Antico forte circolare databile tra l’età del Ferro e quella del Bronzo e saldamente abbarbicato in cima a una scogliera alta quasi 100 metri. E’ un sito archeologico di straordinaria importanza,
King House, Boyle, contea di Roscommon
Splendida residenza georgiana voluta da Sir Henry King nel 1730, in magnifica posizione sul fiume Boyle.
Knock Shrine, contea di Mayo
La Vergine Maria apparve qui il 21 agosto 1879, con San Giuseppe e l’evangelista Giovanni. Da allora Knock è stato universalmente riconosciuto santuario mariano.
Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, contea di Galway
Quello che un tempo era un maestoso castello vittoriano, è oggi un’abbazia di suore benedettine. Il parco custodisce un tesoro verde di 10.000 alberi.
Strokestown Park House & Famine Museum, contea di Roscommon
La villa settecentesca di Strokestown è stata restituita all’antico splendore. Arredata con mobili d’epoca è sede del National Famine Museum, toccante finestra sul tragico periodo della Grande Carestia. (XIX secolo).
Donegal Castle, County Donegal
Located in the heart of Donegal town on the banks of the River Eske, Donegal Castle was built in 1474 by Hugh Roe O’Donnell. It has now been restored to its former glory and is well worth a visit.
Drumcliff Church and Visitor Centre, County Sligo
The esteemed Irish poet W B Yeats is buried at this beautiful spot perfectly placed beneath the Benbulben Mountains and on the site of a sixth-century Columbian monastery. The visitor centre offers information on Yeats, Columba and the county of Sligo.
Dun Aonghasa, Aran Islands, County Galway
This dramatic stone fort is perched on a clifftop almost 300ft above sea level. It’s an extremely important, and vulnerable, archaeological site.
Dunguaire Castle, County Galway
Situated on the Clare/Galway road and built in the 1500s, Dunguaire hosts medieval banquets twice a night.
Grianan Ailigh, County Donegal
This 4,000-year-old ring fort is another of Ireland’s most important ancient sites. The great stone cashel is thought to have been built by the Tuatha De Danann, God and King of Ireland, to protect the grave of his son Aedh.
Holycross Abbey, County Tipperary
Located in a magnificent setting on the banks of the River Suir, Holycross is an early 12th-century monastery. Before the close of the 12th century it was passed on to the Cistercians and became a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the Ireland.
King House, Boyle, County Roscommon
This magnificently restored Georgian mansion was built in 1730 by Sir Henry King on a stunning location overlooking the River Boyle.
Knock Shrine, County Mayo
The Virgin Mary, with St Joseph and St John the Evangelist, appeared here on the 21 August 1879, and since then Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognised Marian Shrine.
Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, County Galway
Originally a Victorian-era castle, the Abbey now serves as the home of the Benedictine nuns in Ireland. The gardens contain around 10,000 trees.
Limerick Medieval Heritage Precinct
Take a walk along this heritage trail connecting the various landmarks in this historic district with the 13th-century King John’s Castle at the River Shannon at its heart.
Lough Gur, County Limerick
Nestled among the hills of southeast Limerick, Lough Gur is one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites. The interpretative centre tells the story of pre-Celtic Ireland dating back to 3000BC, and includes a slide show, exhibition models and interpretative panel.
Parkes Castle, County Leitrim
On the shores of Lough Gill, one of Ireland’s prettiest lakes, sits the splendid manor house of Parkes Castle. Restored to its 17th-century magnificence, the castle now has a traditional blacksmith forge in 17th-century style, as well as a cosy tearoom.
Roscrea Castle, Tipperary
One of Ireland’s many heritage towns, Roscrea boasts an intriguing 13th-century stone castle with some furnished rooms and house exhibitions. Daily tours are available.
Sligo Abbey, County Sligo
Founded by Maurice Fitzgerald, Chief Justice of Ireland, in 1252, this Dominican Friary is known to locals simply as the Abbey. It has the oldest decorated high altar in an Irish monastic church, well preserved cloisters, carvings, and gothic and renaissance tomb sculptures.
Strokestown Park House & Famine Museum, County Roscommon
A restored 18th-century mansion with original furniture, Strokestown is home to the National Famine Museum. A combination of original documents and images interprets the 19th-century famine.
