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2019 / 2020 ’s Premier Attractions and Heritage Towns Travel Organisers Reference Manual

INSPIRATION INSIDE: Profiles, insights and contacts for over 80 of Ireland’s premier visitor attractions OPW_edited.pdf 1 07/05/2015 09:13

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235831_1C_OPW1_ICA.indd 1 07/05/2015 09:14 Introduction

Heritage Island is dedicated to the Important Tip: Heritage Island works closely with group organisers worldwide to help ensure their groups really promotion of Ireland’s Premier enjoy Ireland. Do visit our website at HeritageIsland.com for information and updates, and check our Travel Trade section Attractions and Heritage Towns. (top right of the homepage). You will find the latest news, Heritage Island represents wonderful attractions and towns information on events, tour suggestions and the many ways that are as diverse as Ireland itself. They tell the story of in which we can support you. kings and invaders, famine and emigration, priests and poets, encompassing the social, political and industrial Finally, on behalf of all our members, we wish you heritage that has shaped not only the Ireland of today but soaring success during 2019/2020 and we look forward also influenced Europe and the wider world. to welcoming more of your groups & Free Independent Travellers (FITs) to Ireland. Each of our featured member attractions and towns, throughout the Island of Ireland, can offer a very special experience for visiting groups. The choice of which to visit is yours. Whether you are a tour operator, an event planner, a teacher organising a school trip, or a special interest group, we hope this definitive reference manual helps to guide you to the places to best meet your group needs and to ensure they have an amazing Ireland experience.

Each attraction and town profile in our guide is presented in an easy-to-read format and includes critical information such as location, opening times, facilities, average length of visit, key contacts and normal admission prices, where they apply.

All attractions and heritage towns welcome group enquiries. Most can accommodate groups within their normal day. Many welcome and can accommodate conferences, meetings, educational tours and incentive groups. Some are prepared to open exclusively or specifically for groups outside of their normal hours. Use this manual as your guide and then make contact with the attractions Advice and Disclaimer: The information contained in this guide has been supplied by the individual properties or compiled from information provided by them. All information is, to the best of our of interest. They will be pleased to hear from you, and knowledge, correct in January 2019. However, changes to dates, opening hours, admission rates, facilities and services can occur. It is therefore always recommended that you check details directly with the tell them Heritage Island sent you! attraction or location. Opening times and dates may be significantly altered during the Christmas and New Year holiday seasons. Many attractions operate a Last Admission time in advance of their official closing time—often up to one hour in advance. If this may affect your travel plans, please check with the Please note that all attractions offer group admission attraction directly. prices. As rates can vary, depending on such things as While every care has been taken in the collation of this guide, Heritage Island cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or incorrect information, but when brought to our attention we will make group size, and the time of year you are visiting, we feature changes in future editions. their standard admission rates. Use them as a guide. We welcome your feedback on this publication. Please email us at [email protected] to let us know what you think. Thank You. We recommend that you contact the attraction or town Published by Heritage Island Limited directly when you wish to make your group booking. www.HeritageIsland.com Ireland’s Premier Attractions and Heritage Towns l1 23 l 43 l The Jameson Distillery, 64 l The Newbridge Silverware Tel: +353 (0)65 707 7036 Tel: +353 (0)1 679 4611 Visitor Centre l2 Airfield Estate 24 l Dunbrody Famine Ship Tel: +353 (0)21 461 3594 Tel: +353 (0)45 431 301 Tel: +353 (0)1 969 6666 Experience 44 l The Kennedy Homestead 65 l Newry and Mourne

l3 Armagh City Tel: +353 (0)51 425 239 & Emigrant Trail Museum Tel: +44 (0)28 3752 1800 25 l Eagles Flying Tel: +353 (0)51 388 264 Tel: +44 (0)28 3031 3178 l l l4 Tel: +353 (0)71 918 9310 45 Kilmallock Heritage Town 66 Pearse Lyons Distillery Visitor Centre 26 l Enniskillen Castle And Tel: +353 (0)63 91300 Tel: +353 (0)1 691 6000 Tel: +353 (0)90 644 2130 Heritage Town 46 l King House 67 l Powerscourt Distillery l5 Belleek Pottery Tel: +44 (0)28 6632 5000 Tel: +353 (0)71 966 3242 Tel: +353 (0)1 506 5656 Visitor Centre 27 l EPIC The Irish 47 l Kylemore Abbey & 68 l Powerscourt House Tel: +44 (0)28 6865 9300 Emigration Museum Victorian Walled Garden & Gardens l6 Belvedere House, Tel: +353 (0)1 906 0861 Tel: +353 (0)95 52001 Tel: +353 (0)1 204 6000 Gardens & Park 28 l Fethard Horse Country 48 l Legend of 69 l Tel: +353 (0)44 934 9060 Experience and The Claddagh Ring Tel: +353 (0)1 222 8400

l7 Gardens Heritage Town Tel: +353 (0)91 562 554 70 l and Science Centre Tel: +353 (0)52 613 0439 49 l Lismore Heritage Town & Parklands Tel: +353 (0)57 912 0336 29 l Fota House, Arboretum and Heritage Centre Tel: +353 (0)45 865 239

l8 & Gardens & Gardens Tel: +353 (0)58 54975 71 l Shannon Ferries Tel: +353 (0)21 438 5252 Tel: +353 (0)21 481 5543 50 l Lough Gur Heritage Centre Tel: +353 (0)65 905 3124 l l9 Boyne Valley 30 Foynes Flying Boat & Tel: +353 (0)61 385 186 72 l Skibbereen:

Tel: +353 (0)46 909 7060 Maritime Museum 51 l Lough Key Forest The Famine Story Tel: +353 (0)69 65416 10 l Centre & The & Activity Park Tel: +353 (0)28 40900 l Céilí Band Parlour 31 Foynes Heritage Town Tel: +353 (0)71 967 3122 73 l Slieve League Tel: +353 (0)65 708 8030 Tel: +353 (0)69 65416 52 l Marble Arch Caves Cliffs Centre l 11 l Burren Nature Sanctuary 32 GAA Museum & Croke Park Tel: +44 (0)28 6634 8855 Tel: +353 (0)74 973 9077

Tel: +353 (0)91 637 444 Stadium and Skyline Tours 53 l Medieval Mile Museum 74 l Smithwick’s Experience Tel: +353 (0)1 819 2323 12 l Tel: +353 (0)56 781 7022 l & Parklands 33 — 54 l Medieval Quarter Tel: +353 (0)56 778 6377

Tel: +353 (0)1 628 8252 Músaem Cathrach na Limerick City 75 l Spike Island Gaillimhe l Tel: +353 (0)61 317 522 Tel: +353 (0)21 237 3455 13 Castle Ward Tel: +353 (0)91 532 460 Tel: +44 (0)28 4488 1204 55 l Mid & East Antrim 76 l Titanic Belfast l 34 Giant’s Causeway Shaped by Sea & Stone Tel: +44 (0)28 9076 6399 14 l Chester Beatty Visitor Experience Tel: +44 (0)28 2563 5010 l Tel: +353 (0)1 407 0750 Tel: +44 (0)28 2073 1855 77 Trinity College 56 l Signal Station Tel: +353 (0)1 896 2320 15 l Christ Church Cathedral l 35 Cemetery Tel: +353 (0)28 35000/35225 Tel: +353 (0)1 677 8099 Museum 78 l Tullamore D.E.W. l 16 l Tel: +353 (0)1 882 6550 57 Gardens Visitor Centre Tel: +353 (0)51 384 115/384 511 Tel: +353 (0)57 932 5015 Tel: +353 (0)65 682 3382 36 l Great l l 17 l Heritage Centre of Ireland 58 79 American

Tel: +353 (0)21 481 3591 Tel: +353 (0)86 838 5269 Tel: +44 (0)28 4278 8387 Folk Park l Tel: +44 (0)28 8224 3292 18 l House 37 l 59 National Gallery of Ireland l & Gardens Tel: +353 (0)1 408 4800 Tel: + 353 (0)1 661 5133 80 Ulster Folk & Transport Museum Tel: +353 (0)86 821 1917 l 60 l National Library of Ireland 38 Hook Tel: +44 (0)28 9042 8428 19 l Tel: +353 (0)51 397 054/397 055 Tel: +353 (0)1 603 0200 81 l Ulster Museum Tel: +353 (0)65 707 5761 l 61 l National Sea Life Centre 39 House of Waterford Crystal Tel: +44 (0)28 9044 0000 20 l Down County Museum Tel: +353 (0)51 317 000 Tel: +353 (0)1 286 6939 82 l Vaults Live Tel: +44 (0)28 4461 5218 40 l The 62 l Navan Centre & Fort— Tel: +353 (0)1 541 1485 21 l Tel: +353 (0)61 312 833 Emain Macha Tel: +44 (0)28 3752 9644 83 l Wicklow’s Heritage Town l 41 Irish National Stud Historic Gaol Tel: +44 (0)28 4461 2233 63 l Heritage Town & Gardens Tel: +353 (0)404 61599 22 l Dublin City Hall Tel: +353 (0)45 521 617 Tel: +353 (0)51 421 284 Tel: +353 (0)1 222 2204 42 l Irish Whiskey Museum Tel: +353 (0)1 525 0970 36 36 Carndonagh 34 Portrush Ballycastle Moville Portstewart Bushmills Creeslough Coleraine A44 Cushendall Gweedore N56 A37 Ballymoney When enquiring, Limavady A2 N13 A2 A43 Carnlough or booking, Letterkenny DERRY A26 Dungloe Dungiven Kilrea A42 A29 M2 remember N14 A5 A54 Larne A42 Ballymena Lifford A6 A36 to reference Glenties Ballybofey Strabane A2 55 Magherafelt Ballyclare Newtownstewart Antrim A8 Carrickfergus Heritage Island Ardara N56 N15 M2 Newtownabbey Cookstown A2 Bangor Killybegs Donegal 79 A505 80 73 Pomeroy BELFAST Newtownards A35 Omagh A32 A29 76 81 58 Dungannon A26 Ballyshannon Dromore M1 Lisburn A20 Belleek A5 A4 M1 Lurgan A2 Bundoran A49 A7 A22 N15 5 A46 Craigavon A4 Portaferry A28 3 A3 Portadown Ballynahinch 13 Downpatrick Enniskillen Armagh A27 Banbridge A24 A25 N2 62 A50 20 21 Belmullet SLIGO N16 26 Monaghan A28 N59 52 A1 A25 A2 A509 A34 N54 Keady Newry Collooney Newcastle Bangor Erris Newtownbutler Clones 65 Castleblayney Warrenpoint Ballina N87 Arigna Belturbet A29 A2 N17 Ballymote Cootehill Kilkeel N4 N2 N53 Keel N26 25 Boyle 46 Carrickmacross Swinford Cavan N59 Charlestown 51 Carrick-on-Shannon Bailieborough N5 N52 Ballaghaderreen M1 Castlebar N33 N3 Knock N5 N61 N55 Ardee Westport N60 Tulak N52 Ballyhaunis Granard Castlerea Kells Claremorris N60 Longford N51 Drogheda N63 9 N59 N4 Navan M1 Ballinrobe Roscommon N51 Balbriggan Leenane N52 47 Cong Skerries N55 Mullingar Trim Rush Clifden N84 M3 Tuam N63 N61 M2Swords Malahide Oughterard 6 M4 N83 Athlone N59 M4 Maynooth Moate M50 M17 4 M6 DUBLIN Ballinasloe Clara Edenderry Athenry GALWAY N80 12 Clondalkin Rós A’Mhil M6 N62 Dun Laoghaire 33 48 Oranmore Tullamore N52 78 Naas N7 M11 M18 Loughrea Banagher Kilcormac Newbridge Bray N66 67 68 61 Ballyvaughan N67 Kinvara N65 Portarlington Kildare 64 70 Mountmellick 19 1 11 Portumna Birr 41 Doolin Gort Terryglass M11 Lisdoonvarna 7 Mountrath Portlaoise 10 Borrisokane Athy 83 Wicklow N52 N80 N81 Lahinch Ennistymon M18 Roscrea M7 M9 Rathdrum N85 Abbeyleix Nenagh N78 Milltown Malbay M7 N62 Carlow Quin Ballina N77 16 Killaloe Castlecomer Templemore Tullow Arklow N68 Bunratty M8 M11 Castleconnell Thurles N80 Gorey N67 Kilrush LIMERICK Kilkenny Bagenalstown Askeaton 53 74 71 Foynes N69 M20 40 54 N10 Borris N11 36 30 31 Adare Graiguenamanagh Ballybunion N24 Cashel Rathkeale N74 Callan Enniscorthy 50 M9 Thomastown Listowel Tipperary M11 Newcastle West 28 N76 N30 Abbeyfeale Kilmallock New Ross N11 N69 N20 Cahir 45 N24 Clonmel 24 63 Wexford Charleville 44 N25 N21 Carrick-on-Suir Tralee Mitchelstown 18 WATERFORD Rosslare Castleisland N73 57 39 N25 N86 Farranfore Dingle N70 Kanturk Mallow M8 Tramore Killorglin N22 N72 Fermoy Lismore 36 N72 N72 N72 49 Dungarvan Killarney Millstreet N20 38 N25 36 Cahersiveen 8 N71 Macroom Blarney Midleton N70 Kenmare 29 43 DUBLIN Sneem N22 M2 M50 N28 Cobh N32 Waterville 75 17 M1 36 Glengarriff Bandon Dunmanway N27 N2 Bere Bantry N71 Kinsale Clonakilty N71 Goleen Skibbereen 35 N1 72 N3 56 27 32

N4 77 69 N7 66 37 82 23 15 14 22 42 59 60

N81

Dun Laoghair e M50 2 N11 1 2 AILLWEE CAVE AIRFIELD ESTATE And Birds of Prey Centre

This is a very special place in the heart of the Burren. Let the knowledgeable Airfield Estate is Dublin’s only 38-acre working farm & visitor attraction. guides at Aillwee welcome you to the dramatic underworld of this unique Established in 1974 as a charitable organisation by Letitia & Naomi Overend for landscape. Your tour consists of a 35 minute guided walk through beautiful recreational and education purposes –the mission at Airfield Estate is to connect caverns, over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the people with food and the land that it comes from. thunderous waterfall, which sometimes gently sprays the unsuspecting visitor. Located in the village of Dundrum, it offers many experiences including: An Marvel at the frozen waterfall and explore the hibernation chambers of the long interactive exhibition & tours of the Overend family home; Ornamental Gardens extinct brown bears. - whereby the Walled Garden & Greenhouse reflect the Overend’s family passion Visit the Birds of Prey Centre, home to one of the largest and most varied for plants; The interactive display garage provides you with access to the Overend’s collection of Birds of Prey in Ireland – Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, Owls, and Vultures. family cars include Letitia’s 1927 Rolls Royce; The Farmyard - where the famous Jersey The expert bird handlers are always available to help you understand these cows are milked and the eggs are collected daily; The Kitchen Gardens - where much amazing Raptors and let you know about all the conservation programmes that of the fresh food is produced that goes directly into the field to fork restaurant; are ongoing both nationally and internationally. Audio guides and information Woodland Walks with over 2,000 native trees, providing important wildlife corridors boards also give detailed information on all the residents. Daily flying displays and improving the habitats of Airfield’s bird & insect populations; The Grey Barn provide a rare opportunity to see many of these wonderful species in dramatic special indoor/outdoor play space for 0-4 year old children; Overends Restaurant - free flight set against the Burren landscape. The Burren is also the birthplace of the perfect place to enjoy the taste of Airfield on a plate. the Farmhouse Cheese `Burren Gold@ Aillwee’, winner of numerous Gold and Airfield offers a place where you can reflect, be replenished & celebrate the Silver Medals at various national and international cheese fairs, and available in connection between people & nature through the farm, gardens and natural The Farmshop at Aillwee Cave. You may even be lucky enough to see the cheese environment. Tours can be organised with specialised guides or all experiences maker at work. can be self-guided. Also offering option for bespoke tours & private dining. Address Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, H91 AX26 Address Overend Way, Dundrum, Dublin 14, D14 EE77 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)65 707 7036 Phone +353 (0)1 969 6666 Website www.aillweecave.ie Website www.airfield.ie Sat Nav 53.0918, -9.1503 Sat Nav 53.2879, -6.2351 Location 35 km from Ennis; 47 km from Galway Location 10 km from Dublin City Open Open year round: Daily: Mar-Jun, Sept, Oct 10.00-17.30; Open Open year round. Visit website for seasonal opening hours. Jul & Aug 10.00-18.30. Check website for other dates. Last admission: 1 hour before closing. Closed Dec 24-26, Jan 1. Average Visit Length 1 hour to 3 hours Average Visit Length 3 hours Entrance Fees Adult €10; Senior/Student €8; Child €5; Child (U3) Free Entrance Fees Joint Tickets: Adult €18; Senior/Student €15; Child €10; (standard) (standard) Family (2A+2C) €44; ‘Cave Only’ tickets available. Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 15+ Special Opening for Yes. Subject to time of year. Special Opening for Yes Groups? Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 50. Guided Group Tours All tours are guided. Min 10, Max 35 for cave tour. Larger numbers for Birds of Prey flying display. Tours are in Self-Guided Groups Yes. English brochures. English. Conference/ Multifunctional meeting rooms (50-3,000 capacity). Incentive Programme Yes. Hawk Walks. Meetings Various private event spaces including a rustic barn. Performance Venue Small theatre in cave, maximum capacity 50. Incentive Programme Yes. Tailor-made food/field/farm/garden events School/Education Yes. A Discover Primary Science Resource Centre School/Education Yes Programme Programme Dining Café and tea rooms serving hot and cold lunches and an Dining Restaurant and Coffee Shop. Estate sourced farm to fork extensive range of snacks. Wine licence. dining experiences. Restaurant seats 120, coffee shop 30. Shopping Two gift shops with extensive range of gifts and crafts. Shopping Garden Centre selling gifts, garden items and plants. Farmshop selling homemade cheese, fudge and local and Airfield market, selling estate products. national foods. Car Parking Free on-site. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. 4 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. Coach Parking Free on-site. 15 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee and scone. Special Facilities for Refreshment voucher. Coach-washing and clean-out area Coaches/Drivers Coaches/Drivers with refuse point. Disability Access Yes. Fully wheelchair accessible. Disability Access Cave is partially wheelchair accessible, booking in advance Group Booking [email protected] necessary. Birds of Prey Centre and all shops and toilets are Contact fully accessible. Group Booking Tracy Lynch, E: [email protected] Contact 3 4 ARMAGH CITY VISITOR CENTRE

Armagh – a city that has a unique sense of place in Ireland with a significance Situated on the banks of the majestic River Shannon in the heart of Ireland, and influence felt across the island for 6,500 years. Athlone Castle was first built to defend a coveted crossing point and evolved into Armagh is at the heart of celebrating the life of Saint Patrick and on the new a bold defensive structure over the centuries. Visitors to Athlone Castle Visitor Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim’ s Walk, a journey of some 82 miles connecting Centre will discover a story of settlement, defence and survival from as early locations of spiritual significance to the saint. as the Neolithic period, to the Viking, Medieval and Norman ages, right up to modern life in Athlone. There are many special things to experience in Armagh ranging from the historically unique Navan Fort, two Saint Patrick’s Cathedrals, Ireland’s only During your visit you will uncover the vivid history of the bitter battles fought, Planetarium, Irish Fusiliers Museum, Armagh County Museum, No.5 Vicar’s Hill, territories won and lost, and hear stories of incredible bravery. Prepare to walk in the Cardinal O’Fiaich Memorial Library and Archive, the Milford House Collection, the steps of soldiers, Generals and Kings. Armagh Robinson Library, unmatched Georgian architecture, the green space of Inside the Castle delve through the mists of time as the Castle’s tumultuous past the Mall. is revealed with a series of modern exhibitions, authentic artefacts, interactive Key events in Armagh throughout the year include; Home of Saint Patrick’s games, life-size sculptures, medieval dress up area and an intense 360º cinematic Festival (March), Armagh Food and Cider Festival (September) and Armagh experience of the Great Siege of Athlone. Georgian Festival (November). Enthusiastic guides and volunteers will be on hand to assist you with any queries you may have. Last admission is one hour prior to closing.

Location 40 miles from Belfast, 85 miles from Dublin. Address St. Peter’s Square, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 A6D7 Sat Nav 54.3493, -6.6545 Email [email protected] Visitor Centre Armagh Visitor Information Centre, 40 English Street, Phone +353 (0)90 644 2130 Armagh, BT61 7BA. Website www.athlonecastle.ie Tel +44 (0)28 3752 1800 Sat Nav 53.4231, -7.9427 Email [email protected] Location Situated in Athlone Town Website www.visitarmagh.com Open Open year round. Jan-Feb & Nov-Dec Wed-Sat 10.30-17.00, Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Armagh County Museum; Armagh Sun 11.30-17.00; Mar-May & Sept-Oct Tues-Sat 10.00-17.30, Observatory & Planetarium; Armagh Robinson Library; Sun 11.00-17.30; Jun-Aug Mon-Sat 09.30-18.00, Cardinal Tomas O’Fiaich Library & Archive; Navan Centre Sun 10.30-18.00 & Fort; No 5 Vicar’s Hill; Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum; Check website for details. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral (Catholic); Saint Patrick’s Last admissions 1 hour prior to closing. Cathedral (); The Mall; The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre and The Palace Demesne, Milford Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes House Collection. Entrance Fees Adult €8; Senior/Student €6; Child (U15) €4; Guided Tours Tours of Armagh City take place during the summer (standard) Family (2A+2C) €20. Family (2A+4C) €25. months. Contact the Armagh Visitor Information Centre for Group Rates For 10+ details outside of this time. Special Opening for Yes, depending on the time of year. Scheduled guided tours Activities Cultural activities including museums, exhibitions. City Groups? during summer months. Centre walks focusing on culture, heritage, architecture and Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 15, Max 30. food. Saint Patrick’s Way: the Pilgrim’s Walk: Connecting Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio-guides available in English, French, German, sites of importance relating to the celebration of his life and Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese (Mandarin). heritage. Family friendly activites at attractions. Audio Visual 360° cinema of the Great Siege of Athlone, 7 minute Top Festivals/Events Festivals include: Home of Saint Patrick’s Festival (March); duration in English, seats 50. 7 Hills Blues Festival (August), Armagh Food & Cider Festival (September) and Armagh Georgian Festival Performance Venue Castle Courtyard can be used for fairs, small events, music (November). and recitals. Capacity (weather dependent) could be 200 pax approx. Dining There is a wide range of opportunities for eating local and artisan produce across Armagh. From cafés to restaurants School/Education Yes. Based based on Castle themes. and with a focus on serving the best of local food. Programme Visit www.visitarmagh.com for more ideas. Dining Small café serving tea/coffee and light refreshments. Seats Shopping Armagh has a strong presence of independent retailers and 16 inside and 16 outside. the visitor will find many quirky and unusual gifts. A weekly Shopping Small retail area selling Athlone Castle merchandise market takes place in Shambles Yard. including handmade pottery, postcards and guidebooks. Car Parking Free and pay parking throughout the town. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Coach Parking Available at the Palace Demesne. A coach driver’s scheme Coach Parking Free parking nearby. 3 spaces. Drop off at entrance. provides food vouchers, parking and coach washing Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee/snack. Drivers welcome to explore visitor facilities. Contact the Visitor Centre for information. Coaches/Drivers centre. Heritage /Visitor Armagh Visitor Information Centre, 40 English Street, Disability Access Partially accessible via a ramp. The visitor centre itself is Centre Armagh, BT61 7BA. Open year round; Monday - Saturday. wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilet. Tourist Information Armagh Visitor Information Centre. As above. Group Booking Fiona Naughton, E: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)28 3752 1800 Contact 5 6 BELLEEK POTTERY BELVEDERE HOUSE, VISITOR CENTRE GARDENS & PARK

Visit Ireland’s oldest working Pottery, over 160 years in business. A visit to Belleek Lord Belvedere’s Hunting Lodge at Lough Ennell stands on 160 acres of Pottery Visitor Centre is the perfect way to spend a day out and a must on any maintained estate, punctuated with numerous , the largest being The itinerary. Famously known for being the oldest working pottery in Ireland, this Jealous Wall built to obscure his brother’s larger house at Tudenham. Belvedere 4 star attraction offers a fascinating insight into the world of Belleek and the House is fully restored and is noted for its exquisite rococo ceilings and bow process that delivers this world-class product. Offering a series of delicate end design. The Victorian Walled Garden exercises all the senses with a fragrant delights to make your visit so much more memorable. herb garden, old rose beds, tumbling herbaceous borders, alpines, climbers and Begin your visit with an interactive guided tour. Guides will take you on a vegetable potager. Belvedere plays host to a range of different outdoor events, 30-minute pottery tour where you will see the 16 steps of how this world famous including Garden Theatre, Bird Walks, Bat Walks, Music Concerts and Dog Shows. product is created. Amongst some of skills demonstrated, you will see moulding, Belvedere has a licensed restaurant, shop, fairy garden, apiaries (beehives), four flowering, painting and basket weaving. As the oldest working pottery in Ireland, childrens’ play areas and several picnic areas. Belvedere has a full calendar of the heritage of Belleek is hard to ignore. In addition to the displays of exquisite events including Halloween, Easter and Christmas events. Please check website craftsmanship, an audio visual presentation will inform you of the rich history for latest details. of the pottery from its beginnings in the mid 1800s to present day. The Belleek Museum houses some of the finest examples of product ever produced by the pottery including the International Centre Piece, a replica of the winning piece from the World Fair ‘Exposition Universelle’ in the late 1800s. Once you have completed your tour, enjoy a little retail therapy in the Belleek Showroom and complete your visit with some time-out at the Belleek Tea Room.

Address 3 Main St., Belleek, Co. Fermanagh, BT93 3FY Address Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 EF80 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +44 (0)28 6865 9300 Phone +353 (0)44 934 9060 Website www.belleekpottery.ie Website www.belvedere-house.ie Sat Nav 54.4790, -8.0932 Sat Nav 53.4772, -7.3692 Location 39 km from Enniskillen Location 7 km from Mullingar Open Open year round, including bank holidays: Open Open year round: Daily from 09.30. May-Aug until 20.00. Jan-Feb: Mon-Fri. Mar-Dec: Daily. Please contact the centre Please check website for details. Last admission 1 hour for specific opening hours and tour times. before closing. Closed Dec 24-26 Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes Average Visit Length 2 hours Entrance Fees Adult £6; Senior/Student £4; Child Free; Family £10 Entrance Fees Adult €8; Senior/Student €6; Child €4; Child (U3) Free; (standard) (standard) Family (2A+2C) €23 Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 20+ Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 1, Max 25. Special Opening for In certain circumstances. Audio Visual 20 minute AV, for 50, in English, French, German, Italian, Groups? Japanese, Chinese and Dutch. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 50. School/Education Yes. Guided guided tours. Self-Guided Groups Yes in English Programme Audio Visual 8 minute AV, in English, for 30. Dining Self-service restaurant. Conference/ Meeting/conference rooms, all upstairs (no lift). Lakeview Shopping Showroom selling a complete range of Belleek Pottery, Meetings room seats 16 Classroom style and The Bury room seats 30 Galway Crystal and Aynsley China. theatre-style. ‘The Courtyard’ in the visitor centre seats Car Parking Free on-site. 200 theatre style. Audio-video facilities. Suited to product launches, seminars and diverse entertainment and events. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Lunches/parties catered for. Special Facilities for Coach wash and refuse area. Performance Venue The Courtyard in the Visitor Centre is suited to musical and Coaches/Drivers other events. Seats 200. Disability Access Fully accessible. School/Education Yes. Worksheets available. Group Booking Patricia McCauley, E: [email protected] Programme Contact Dining Café serving wide range of fresh local foods and snacks. Lunch/dinners available for pre-booked groups. Seats 150. Shopping Gift shop selling clothing, jewellery and gifts. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up at Visitor Centre. Disability Access Visitor Centre, café, shop and toilets are accessible. Elsewhere in house and gardens limited access - steps & steep inclines; gravel surfaces in grounds and gardens. Group Booking Belvedere Reception, E: [email protected] Contact 7 8 BIRR CASTLE GARDENS BLARNEY CASTLE & GARDENS AND SCIENCE CENTRE

The stunning gardens at Birr Castle are home to unending botanical marvels Situated 8km/5miles from Cork City, this historic castle is most famous for its with an abundance of exotic flora to be found throughout along with feats of stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. scientific and engineering wonder for all to view and enjoy. The word ‘Blarney’ was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth Explore the gardens, which are home to the Great Telescope, once the largest I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. in the world created by the third Earl of Rosse in the 1840s along with Ireland’s The stone is set in the wall below the battlements. To kiss it, one has to lean largest tree house and adventure area. The award-winning millennium formal backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk. gardens, surrounded by the romantic hornbeam cloister walk, proudly houses In the grounds of the castle, the Rock Close is a curious place of ancient trees the world’s tallest box hedges and includes plants exclusive to the gardens. The and far more ancient stones, by legend a garden of druidic origin and a centre of 120 acres of gardens house an impressive plant collection of rare species from worship in pre-Christian days. around the world, including over 40 trees published as champion trees of Britain The place has an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witch’s and Ireland. Kitchen, Druid’s Cave and many other delights, telling a story of centuries past. The historic science centre transports visitors back to a time when Birr Castle was Blarney Castle Estate offers visitors the chance to stroll through one of the a hub of scientific discovery and innovation. The interactive galleries reveal the country’s most spectacular gardens. wonders of early photography, engineering and astronomy. Blarney Castle & House are set in acres of parkland filled with rare and unusual The castle, a family home since the 17th century, opens its doors during the trees & plants. There is a fern garden with the atmosphere of a tropical jungle, summer months for guided tours offering visitors the chance to visit this private a poison garden full of deadly but fascinating plants, an 80metre/262feet long residence. Complete your visit with a trip to the Discovery Gift Shop and the double herbaceous border and rose pergola, extensive rhododendron beds and Castle Courtyard Café. spring bulbs.

Address Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 VO27 Address Blarney, Co. Cork, T23 Y598 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)57 912 0336 Phone +353 (0)21 438 5252 Website www.birrcastle.com Website www.blarneycastle.ie Sat Nav 53.0967, -7.9143 Sat Nav 51.9292, -8.5686 Location Birr Town Location 9 km from Cork City Open Open year round. Closed Dec 25, 26 & Jan 1. Open Open year round: Daily from 09.00; Closing times vary Jan – mid-Mar 10.00-16.00; mid-Mar – Oct 09.00-18.00; through the season. Please check website for details. Nov & Dec 10.00-16.00 Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours Average Visit Length 1.5 to 3 hours Entrance Fees See www.blarneycastle.ie for admission details. Entrance Fees Adult €9.50; Senior/Student €8; Child (5-12) €5; (standard) (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) €26. Special Opening for Yes Rates do not include access to the castle. Groups? Group Rates For 10+ Self-Guided Groups Yes. English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. Special Opening for Yes Audio Visual 1 hour audio guides in English. Groups? Performance Venue Outdoor spaces available for groups to use for performances. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 30. Dining Café serving Irish foods and snacks. Seats 70. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Maps in English, French, German, Spanish and Shopping 3 gift shops selling Blarney Castle souvenirs. Mandarin Car Parking Free on-site. Conference/ No Meetings Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off point. School/Education Yes Disability Access The castle is not accessible, but a large portion of the Programme gardens is accessible. Dining Award-winning Café serving a selection of sweet and Group Booking Noreen Murphy, E: [email protected] savoury dishes each day, open mid-March to November. Contact Shopping Gift shop. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Coach Parking Free parking nearby. Drop off and pick up at entrance gate. Special Facilities for Free access to attraction and refreshments. Coaches/Drivers Disability Access All areas accessible except castle. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 9 10 BOYNE VALLEY THE BURREN CENTRE & THE KILFENORA CÉILÍ BAND PARLOUR

The Boyne Valley, situated on the east coast of Ireland, is only 30 minutes from To begin to discover the secrets of the Burren a visit through the Burren Centre Dublin. Virtually every important event in Irish history took place in the Boyne is essential. Here the story of the Burren is impressively presented in ‘A Walk Valley, making it the best place to start your holiday in Ireland. Some of its best- Through Time’ multidimensional exhibition. Subliminal ambient aural effects known attractions include the 5,000-year old burial chambers at the Newgrange suggest the geological formation of the landscape, its flora and fauna. Beautifully and Knowth part of the Brù na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site and the displayed artefacts, original works of art, enthralling audio-visual and interactive interpretive centre at the Battle of the Boyne site. Right in the heart of Drogheda experiences together with dramatic life-like reproductions of human activity all Heritage town, visit the Gothic Revival St. Peter’s , with the combine to provide an insight into the rich history and heritage of the Burren. preserved head of St. Oliver Plunkett. Tour Millmount Museum and the Martello Take a walk down memory lane and enjoy the new exhibition entitled ‘The Tower to experience the wonderful views over Drogheda and it’s medieval St. Kilfenora Ceili Band Parlour’, which explores the music and history of this Laurence’s Gate. Marvel at the early Christian High Crosses at Monasterboice and renowned band. Projections showcasing a musical journey, archival photographs, Kells. No visit would be complete without seeing , the best preserved historical artefacts and interactive displays provide a fascinating insight into and most impressive Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. It is situated in the their musical journey for over 100 years. heritage town of Trim where you can also enjoy guided tours and a leisurely walk There is enjoyment for all the family at this wonderful attraction. Homely Tea down the . Rooms await you after your visit where you sample some excellent traditional cuisine. Crafts are displayed in the creatively designed and spacious craft shop. Visit the famed Kilfenora Cathedral, adjacent to The Burren Centre, dedicated to St. Fachnan and built in about 1189 on the site of an early monastery.

Address Drogheda Tourist Information Point, The Tholsel, West St. Address Kilfenora, Co. Clare, V95 W523 Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 CF29 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)65 708 8030 Phone +353 (0)46 909 7060 Website www.theburrencentre.ie Website www.discoverboynevalley.ie Sat Nav 53.3579, -6.5276 Sat Nav 53.7179, -6.3561 Location 8 km from Ennistymon Location A wonderful tour of attractions throughout counties Meath Open Open mid-Mar to end of Oct. and Louth. Mid Mar-May and Sept-Oct: Daily 10.00-17.00. Open Open year round: Please check website for details. Jun-Aug: Daily 09.30-17.30. Average Visit Length Varies Average Visit Length 40 minutes Entrance Fees Fees apply to some visitor attractions. Entrance Fees Adult €6; Senior/Student €5; Child (6-15) €4; (standard) Please check website for details. (standard) Child (U6) Free; Family (2A+3C) €20 Group Rates Yes, varies by attraction Group Rates For 12+ Special Opening for Varies, by attraction. Special Opening for Yes Groups? Groups? Guided Group Tours Varies by attraction; see www.discoverboynevalley.ie Self-Guided Groups Yes, see below for languages. Self-Guided Groups Yes, at most attractions Audio Visual AV in French, Dutch, German and English. Audio Visual Yes, some sites have AV including Newgrange and the Battle School/Education Yes. School packs available online. of the Boyne Visitor Centre. Programme Conference/ Yes. Please see our listing, www.discoverboynevalley.ie Dining Restaurant serving a wide variety of home-cooked foods and Meetings snacks. Seats 65. Performance Venue See www.discoverboynevalley.ie Shopping Craft shop selling local and traditional Irish crafts, crystal, School/Education Yes, at some attractions, see www.discoverboynevalley.ie knitwear and souvenirs. Programme Car Parking Free on-site. Dining Many Boyne Valley attractions have restaurants or tea Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. rooms, or there are facilities close by in each town or village. Disability Access Fully accessible, with accessible toilets. Shopping Some attractions have gift shops. Group Booking Frances Connole, E: [email protected] Car Parking Available at most heritage sites. Contact Coach Parking Available at some some heritage sites. Disability Access Available in most locations Group Booking See attractions at www.discoverboynevalley.ie or Contact E: [email protected] 11 12 BURREN NATURE SANCTUARY CASTLETOWN HOUSE & PARKLANDS

Explore the Burren Nature Sanctuary Interpretive Trail, which showcases features Castletown is the most celebrated and magnificent Palladian-style mansion in of Burren geology and biodiversity through interpretive panels and audio tour. Ireland. When it was built in the 1720s, Castletown set a radical precedent and Discover fossils from ancient tropical seas in the limestone rocks formed over is now a fascinating part of Ireland’s cultural and architectural inheritance. The millions of years. Identify seasonal wildflowers growing in the spaces between extraordinary scale of plasterwork, paintings, furniture and decorative arts as the rocks. Look out for butterflies and orchids in the organic meadow, migratory presented to the public today, brings to life this unique Italianate palace with its birds at the Turlough, a freshwater tidal lake that empties every 11 hours and is restored 120 acres of landscape, historic walks and restored 18th century garden a rare phenomenon. Stroll through the hedgerow of native Irish trees lining the buildings. Situated in the restored 18th century Kitchen Wing, the Courtyard ancient green road or boreen. Café is run by ‘The Caterers’. Pop in for a coffee before your tour or relax over Connect with nature, yourself and each other in the peace and tranquillity lunch after exploring the parklands or attending an event. of this ancient landscape. Visit the Botany Bubble, home to the National With guided tours, self-guiding access, Craft Fairs and Country Markets, Botanical Collection of unique and diverse Burren flora, where seasonal exhibitions, theatre, concerts and workshops and so much more, there is Alpine, Mediterranean, Arctic, and tropical plants grow alongside native Irish something for everyone at Castletown. wildflowers. Meet the farm animals: donkeys, pigs, and sheep. Say hello to Frisky Vehicle access: Exit 6 from the M4 at Celbridge West. the feral Burren goat. Find the fairy houses in the native Hazel Woodland. Relax OPW Heritage Cards accepted. in the Sanctuary Café and enjoy fresh local produce.

Address Cloonasee, Kinvara, Co. Galway, H91 PTK7 Address Celbridge, Co. Kildare, W23 V9H3 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)91 637 444 Phone 353 (0)1 628 8252 Website www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie Website www.castletown.ie Sat Nav 53.1298, -8.9280 Sat Nav 53.3579, -6.5276 Location Located in the picturesque village of Kinvara, ideally Location 20 km from Dublin City situated en-route from Galway or Dublin to the Burren and Open Parklands: Open year round. House: Mid-Mar – Mid-Nov 4; Geopark. 60 km from Shannon Airport Daily 10.00-18.00 (Last entry: 16.45). Open Feb to Jun & Sep to Dec: Wed-Sun 10.00-18.00. Average Visit Length 2 hours and 30 minutes Jul & Aug: Daily 10.00-18.00. Jan: Closed Entrance Fees Entrance fees: Parklands Free. House, Self-guided/Guided: Average Visit 90 Minutes. (standard) Adult €8/€10; Senior €5/€8; Student/Child €3.50/€5; Length Child (U12) Free; Family (2A+3C) €15/€25; Entrance Fees Adult €5; Senior Free; Child (4yrs+) €10 OPW Heritage Cards accepted. (standard) Child (U4) €5; Family (2A+3C) €35 Group Rates For 12+ Group Rates Yes for 10+ Special Opening for Yes. Open earlier/later, private dining post tour available Groups? etc. Special Opening for No Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 12, Max 54. Guided Group Yes, on request pre-booking is required. Self-Guided Groups See website. French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Polish Tours and Irish leaflets. Self-Guided Groups Yes Conference/ Events & Conference Centre in restored 18th century Stable Meetings Wing. Hunting Room (90 people); Billiard Room (30), Audio Visual Burren Nature Sanctuary App available to download, it Green Room (12). provides an audio tour of the Burren Walk at the Nature Incentive Programme Yes. Archery, Whiskey Tasting etc. Sanctuary. The app is free to download on IOS and Android. Performance Venue Yes, see conference and meetings above. Conference/ Yes Meetings School/Education Yes, free guided tours of Castletown’s Collection are availble Programme to primary and secondary schools. To book a tour or to find School/Education Yes, specialised tours available. out further information contact +353 (0)1 6288252 or visit Programme [email protected]. Dining The Sanctuary Café Lunch 12noon to 16.45 serving soups, Dining Café serves hot foods and wide range of snacks. Groups salad, quiche plus a healthy Children’s Menu. Cakes and welcome, with advanced booking. Can seat 70, using 3 rooms. coffee served 10.00 to 17.30 Shopping Gift shop selling books, postcards, prints and souvenirs. Shopping Avoca Gift Shop, craft products, pottery, candles, blankets, Car Parking Free on-site. Take Exit 6 off M4. children’s toys Coach Parking Free on-site. 20 spaces. Drop off and pick up at Visitor Car Parking Free on-site. Reception or Courtyard Café with prior notice. Coach Parking Free on-site. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee/scone and free attraction admission. Disability Access Partially accessible Coaches/Drivers Group Booking E: [email protected] Disability Access Partially accessible with accessible toilets. Contact Group Booking Pauline Kennedy, E: [email protected] Contact 13 14 CASTLE WARD CHESTER BEATTY

A unique 18th-century mansion, famed for its mixture of architectural styles. With free admission and described by the Lonely Planet as not just the best See the gothic and classical collide at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th-century museum in Dublin, but one of the best in Europe, the Chester Beatty is a mansion resting on a rolling hillside and looking out over the tranquil waters of must-see on any Dublin visitor’s itinerary. As the only museum in Ireland to win Strangford Lough in . ‘European Museum of the Year,’ the collection includes manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books, and decorative arts - all the result of the Walk or cycle along the Lough trail or through the sheltered woodlands and collecting activities of one man - Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). Egyptian spot butterflies, rabbits, Irish hares, buzzards, pine martins and swans. Step into papyrus texts, beautifully illuminated copies of the Qur’an, the Bible, and a fantasy world of and dragons as you explore the Georgian Farmyard European medieval and renaissance manuscripts are among the highlights on on the shores of Strangford Lough, boasting ten film locations for the global display. In its diversity, the collection captures much of the richness of human television series HBO Game of Thrones. creative expression from about 2700 BC to the present day. Stroll through the sunken garden and see vivid reds, yellows, greens and pinks from flowers and subtropical plants in the four tier Victorian garden. Create your own adventure as you explore the Secret Shore Trail or experience life in a Victorian Nursery. Experience Strangford Lough in a canoe, climb and abseil the cliffs, and build a raft with the on-site outdoor pursuits company Clearsky Adventure. Also offering tearoom, gift shop and second-hand bookshop.

Address Strangford, Downpatrick, Co. Down, , Address , Dublin 2, D02 AD92 BT30 7BA Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 407 0750 Phone +44 (0)28 4488 1204 Website www.chesterbeatty.ie Website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castleward Sat Nav 53.3420, -6.2674 Sat Nav 54.3691, -5.5854 Location The Chester Beatty is situated in the gardens of Dublin Location 7 miles north east of Downpatrick. 1 mile from Strangford. Castle in the heart of the city centre. Open Mansion House: Open Mar 17-Oct 31. Open Open Year Round. Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00; Sat 11.00-17.00; Open Daily 12.00–16.00. Stableyard and Farm Buildings: Sun 13.00-17.00. Closed Public/Bank Holidays. Closed Open Mar 17– Oct 31 10.00-17.00. Mondays: Nov-Feb. Closed Jan 1, Good Friday & Dec 24-26. Landscaped Parkland, Trails & Garden: Open year round. Average Visit Length 1 to 2 hours Average Visit Length House Guided Tour 50 minutes. A visit to the grounds takes Entrance Fees Free Admission from 2 hours up to 5 hours. (standard) Entrance Fees Adult £10.50; Child £5.25; Child (U5) Free; Group Rates Admission is free. Family (2A+3C) £26.25 Special Opening for Yes Group Rates Yes Groups? Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours Yes. Must be pre-booked 3 weeks in advance. Max number Groups? 15 per group, larger groups will be staggered. Guided Group Tours Yes Self-Guided Groups Yes. Must be pre-booked 3 weeks in advance. Max number 15 per group, larger groups will be staggered. Self-Guided Groups Main House is guided tour. Grounds are self-guided. Audio Visual No School/Education Yes. A number of different education programmes operating Conference/ Various options: The Lecture Theatre accommodates up to Programme throughout the year. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Meetings 100 people, The Board Room up to 12, The Atrium up to 300 castleward and The Roof Garden up to 80. Dining Tea Room. Seats 60; overflow barn/theatre for additional School/Education Yes, activity packs available for children. Other programmes 100. Serving soup/sandwich, cake, treats for children; tea, Programme include workshops, creative labs, lunchtime talks and drop- coffee. Specifically designed menus for large groups may be in drawing. agreed in advance. Dining Silk Road Café on-site. The café’s menu is based on Middle Shopping Offering a wide range of National Trust locally sourced Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Also caters for and unique gifts such as gardening and outdoor ranges, conference delegates and all evening receptions. fragrances and soaps, kitchen items, jams, chutneys, a range Shopping Handpicked from around the world and from Ireland, the on- of books and toys for children. site gift shop stocks an eclectic mix of art prints and books, Car Parking Free on-site. exhibition catalogues, jewellery, home ware and Irish crafts. Coach Parking Free on-site. Car Parking Some pay street parking on Ship St, nearest car park is Disability Access Partially accessible Christchurch car park on Werburgh St. Group Booking E: [email protected] Coach Parking Contact for information. Contact Disability Access Fully accessible. Wheelchairs also available on-site free of charge Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 15 16 CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CLARE MUSEUM

Located at the heart of Dublin city, Christ Church Cathedral has been a place of The Riches of Clare exhibition at Clare Museum, located in a beautifully restored worship for 1,000 years. The history of Christ Church reflects the history, both former convent built by the Sisters of Mercy in 1861, tells the history of the religious and political, of Ireland. The Crypt is the largest in Ireland, and dates county over a period of 6,000 years using authentic artefacts, colourful text back to the late 11th century. The Cathedral’s own copy of Magna Carta is on panels and audio-visual presentations. display there, alongside priceless silverware and the costumes from the hit TV The exhibition is divided into the themes of Earth, Power, Faith, Water and Energy show – the Tudors and a mummified cat and rat. and includes a large collection of objects on loan from the National Museum of Music forms a very important part of cathedral life and the Choir traces its Ireland - making a visit to Clare Museum an essential introduction to the whole origins to 1493 with the founding of the choir school. The cathedral choir county. performed the first performance of Handel’s Messiah in Dublin in 1742. Visiting Admission is free with ample car parking and free coach parking beside the Musicians often perform lunchtime Recitals at 13.15 in the nave. museum. The cathedral’s deployment of 19 bells, ranging in weight from a quarter of a ton to two and a quarter tons, represents a world record of numbers of bells available for full-circle ringing.

Address Christ Church Place, Dublin 8, D08 TF98 Address Arthur’s Row, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 EC92 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 677 8099 Phone +353 (0)65 682 3382 Website www.christchurch.ie Website www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/claremuseum/ Sat Nav 53.3435, -6.2710 Sat Nav 52.8474, -8.9887 Location Dublin City Centre. Location Ennis Town Centre Open Open Mar-Oct: Mon-Sat 09.30-18.00, Sun 12.30-18.00 (closed 14.30-16.30). Open to 19.00 Apr-Sep; Open Oct-May: Tues-Sat 09.30-13.00, 14.00-17.30; Nov-Feb Mon-Sat 09.30-17.00, Sun 12.30-15.00. Jun-Sept: Mon-Sat 09.30-13.00, 14.00-17.30. Closed Dec 26. Last admission 45 min before closing. Last admissions at 17.00. Average Visit Length 40 – 60 minutes Closed bank holiday weekends, Sun & Mon. Opening hours subject to change. Entrance Fees Adult €7; Senior/Student €5.50; Child (4-16) €2.50; (standard) Child (U4) Free; Family (2A+2C) €17 Average Visit Length 40 minutes to 1 hour Group Rates For 10+ Entrance Fees Free Admission Special Opening for Yes (standard) Groups? Group Rates Admission is free Guided Group Tours Yes. 15 + Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 1, Max 40. Self-Guided Groups Yes Self-Guided Groups Yes. Guidebooks are available in Irish, French, German, Audio Visual Built-in screen and projection in Music Room, PA in nave Italian and Polish. and Crypt. Incentive Programme Walking tours of the town can be arranged. Conference/ Music Room available on Mondays and Fridays and outside School/Education Schools programme in place. Meetings of choir terms. Programme Incentive Programme Corporate dinners, receptions, choral recitals and early / Dining None on-site. Several restaurants and café within 250 after hours visits. metres. Performance Venue Yes. Performing musicians from all over the world are welcomed for lunch-time recitals and evening concerts Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Dining For groups of 25+. Tea/coffee in Crypt Café, accompanied Coach Parking Free parking nearby. 14 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. by soup, sandwiches and scones. Opening times same as Special Facilities for Coach washing area and waste disposal facility. Drivers visiting hours. Drinks, Canapés and Dinner can be arranged Coaches/Drivers lounge in adjacent hotel with CCTV and free Wi-Fi. in Crypt for groups. Disability Access Fully accessible, with accessible toilets. Shopping Gift Shop sells postcards, brooches, hand-made jewellery from Irish designers, magnets, rosary beads, home-made fudge, Group Booking John Rattigan, E: [email protected] hand crafted cups, silk scarfs, pop up cards and magnets. Contact Car Parking No on-site parking. Pay parking nearby. Coach Parking Coach drop off points located at Dublinia on Winetavern Street, at Jury’s Hotel on Christ Church Place and on Castle Street. Disability Access Partially accessible. A ramp can be provided at main welcome desk area for wheelchair users. To access the crypt, guests have to go outside onto John’s Lane, located at back of Cathedral. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 17 18 CURRAGHMORE HOUSE

The Queenstown Story, a self-guided tour, relaying the tales of Emigration to Curraghmore House–the Historic home of the 9th Marquis of Waterford, is one North America, transportation of Convicts to Australia, “The Forgotten Irish” the of the most historic properties in Ireland. Built over 800 years ago in Portlaw by story of the Irish indentured servants in the West Indies, and of course the Titanic the La Poer family, descendants of whom still live there today. and the Lusitania disasters. These subjects are dealt with as you walk through Now inhabited by Lord and Lady Waterford, the house remains in private hands the exhibition. but being as special as it is, the family have opened it up to the public for tours. It is a very moving, educational, interesting and emotive way to spend an hour The castle tower, first built by the La Poers in the 12th century, has since been –“walking in the footsteps of our ancestors” who left these shores and whose last encased by a Victorian mansion, a building you will not see the like of anywhere sight of Ireland was the town of Cobh. else. The exhibition is full of stories and history and gives visitors the opportunity to Hidden in the shrubbery not far from the main house is the unique shell house. explore this rich historic past and engage with the stories told. Catherine Countess of Tyrone made this marvel with her own hands in 1754. The walls are adorned with lucent seashells from all around the world. This shell house is one of a kind and should be on top of everybody’s list of places to visit in Ireland.

Address Deepwater Quay, Cobh, Co Cork, P24 CY67 Address Curraghmore Estate, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, X91 CH28 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)21 481 3591 Phone +353 (0)86 821 1917 Website www.cobhheritage.com Website www.curraghmorehouse.ie Sat Nav 51.8490, -8.2986 Sat Nav 52.2913, -7.3279 Location Cobh, Co. Cork, 20 km from Cork City Location Curraghmore is 20km from Waterford city. 55km from Open Open year round. Closed Dec 24-27, Dec 30-Jan 10. Kilkenny. 120km from Cork city. 170km from Dublin. May-Oct: 09.30-18.00 (Last entry: 17.00); Open Open May 4 – Sept 29; Wed-Sun 10.00-17.00. Oct-Apr: 09.30-17.00 (Last entry: 16.00). Guided-tours; Wed-Sat 11.00 & 14.00; Sun 11.00 & 16.00. Sun & Bank Holidays: From 11.00. Pre-booking recommended. Average Visit Length 1 hour Average Visit Length 2 hours and 30 minutes Entrance Fees Adult €10; Senior/Student €8.50; Child (6-15) €5; Entrance Fees Gardens €6, Main house €12 (Guided only) (standard) Child (U6) Free; Family (2A+4C) €25 (standard) Shell house and Gardens €10 (Guided only) Group Rates For 10+ Main house , Shell house and Gardens €18 (Guided only) Special Opening for Yes Group Rates No Groups? Special Opening for Curraghmore opens from May until the end of September. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 20, Max 40. Groups? Tours can be arranged outside these hours by appointment. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio guides in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Guided Group Tours Yes Dutch, Polish and Chinese available for free use. Self-Guided Groups Garden Walks only. Audio Visual Various AVs in English - the longest is 8 minutes. Audio guides available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Audio Visual No Polish, Chinese (Mandarin) and Hebrew. Conference/ Yes Dining Café offering tea/coffee, snacks and light lunches. Wine Meetings licence. Seats 80. Incentive No Shopping 2 gift shops selling souvenirs, clothing, glassware and Programme: jewellery. School/Education Yes Car Parking Free parking nearby. Programme Coach Parking Free on-site. 4 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. Dining Tearooms on site and can be opened for groups outside public opening hours. Seating for up to 40/50 persons Special Facilities for Free coffee/snack. Refuse disposal facilities. Coaches/Drivers Shopping There is a selection of locally made produce for sale in the tearooms. Disability Access The building is fully accessible with level surface and disabled toilets. Car Parking Free on-site. Group Booking Gillian Murtagh / Jack Walsh, E: [email protected] Coach Parking Free on-site. Contact Disability Access Partially accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 19 20 DOOLIN CAVE DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM Journey to the Great Stalactite

Visit the award winning Doolin Cave and visitor centre located 3 kilometres Located in the eighteenth century county Gaol of Down, the museum’s outside the village of Doolin and only 12 minutes from Cliffs of Moher in the collections interpret the diverse history of the County. The museum’s permanent deepest part of the Burren in . Doolin Cave is one of the best exhibition, ‘Down Through Time’, tells the story of 9,000 years of human history kept secrets of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Follow in the footsteps of the great in the County with over 1,100 objects and documents exhibited in fascinating explorers Brian Varley and JM Dickenson and re-live their 1952 adventure to displays. The early Christian heritage of the area is showcased in a new gallery, discover the Great Stalactite, the longest free hanging in Europe. Estimated to ‘Raising the Cross in Down’, which has as its centrepiece the Downpatrick High weigh over ten tonnes and measure 23feet in length, the Great Stalactite is a Cross, while the restored cells capture the atmosphere of the old gaol. true wonder of nature. Don’t miss your chance to view this spectacular heritage attraction. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll on the nature trail or try some delicious home baked cake in the on-site café. You will also have the opportunity to browse the pottery gifts made from glacial clay at Doolin Cave.

Address Craggycoradon East, Doolin, Co. Clare, V95 R299 Address The Mall, English St, Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 6AH Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)65 707 5761 Phone +44 (0)28 4461 5218 Website www.doolincave.ie Website www.downcountymuseum.com Sat Nav 53.0419, -9.3450 Sat Nav 54.3286, -5.7194 Location 3 km from Doolin. 12 km from Cliffs of Moher (15 minutes Location Downpatrick Town drive) Open Open year round. Mon – Sat 10.00-16.30; Sun 13.30-17.00; Open Open Daily, Year Round. Excluding 23rd – 26th December. St. Patrick’s Day 10.00-18.00; Closed Dec 24 – Jan 1. Average Visit Length 1 hour to 2 hours Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours Entrance Fees Adult €15; Senior/Student €13; Child €8; Family (2A+3C) Entrance Fees Free Admission (standard) €45; Family (2A+5C) €50 (standard) Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 10+ Special Opening for Yes. Exclusive private guided tour with experienced tour Special Opening for Yes Groups? guide. Groups? Guided Group Tours All group tours are guided in English. Min 2, Max 20. Tour Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 25 per guide, or 50 in total. translated into French and German on leaflet. Self-Guided Groups Yes. See above for audio guides. School/Education Yes. Specialised tours available. Conference/ Large function room seating 100 lecture style, 40 classroom Programme Meetings style. Audio-visual support facilities. Dining Café serving light lunches, salads and snacks. Incentive Programme Yes. ‘Jail Breaks’, Team Building etc. Shopping Gift shop selling bespoke items, local arts and crafts, books, Performance Venue Yes, with or without some staging, 100 capacity theatre/ jewellery and children’s novelty items and Doolin Cave lecture style. Pottery, made from clay from the Cave. School/Education Yes Car Parking Free on-site. Programme Coach Parking Free on-site. 2 spaces. Drop off at visitor centre. Dining Café serving hot lunches, salads and snacks. Gluten free Disability Access Visitor centre is fully accessible including toilets. There are options. Seats 80. lots of steps leading to the cave and the nature trail. Shopping Gift shop selling books, jewellery, cards, local crafts and Group Booking Jennie Browne, E: [email protected] children’s items. Contact Car Parking Free Parking on Mall. Pay parking nearby. Coach Parking Free on-street parking nearby. Drop off at front gate. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee. Coaches/Drivers Disability Access Accessible with accessible toilets. Some restriction on some sized wheelchairs in restored cells. Group Booking Anne Kelly or Laura Sage. Contact E: [email protected] or [email protected]. For schools, Linda McKenna. E: [email protected] 21 22 DOWNPATRICK DUBLIN CITY HALL HERITAGE TOWN

Downpatrick is one of Ireland’s most ancient and historic towns. It takes its name The spectacular Dublin City Hall was designed by Thomas Cooley and built as The from a dún (fort), which once stood on the hill that dominates the town and on Royal Exchange for a then-prosperous Dublin’s merchant population between which Down Cathedral stands. The astronomer/geographer Ptolemy includes it 1769-1779. Dublin City Council has owned the building since 1851 and has in his list of towns about the year AD 130, as Dunum. restored it to its original beauty. Talks on the history of the building are available There are many attractions to visit including The Saint Patrick Visitor Centre, by prior arrangement and the atmospheric vaults house The Story of the Capital purpose-built to tell the story of Saint Patrick whilst Down County Museum, exhibition, an exciting exhibition tracing the history of Dublin City. It tells of the situated in the former Down Gaol, tells the story of the area. city’s founding, through Viking times and into the unique and vibrant city of today. The story is told through multimedia displays, which offer a fascinating Down Cathedral, a place of pilgrimage and prayer is open for all visitors and the insight into the city’s evolution, and the city’s treasures can also be viewed. A remains of St. Patrick are reputedly buried on Cathedral Hill beside the Cathedral. new section dedicated to 1916 was included in 2016 and temporary exhibitions The grave is still a place of pilgrimage each St. Patricks Day. are on display throughout the year. Downpatrick & County Down Railway is Ireland’s only full sized heritage railway built on the town’s former rail link to Belfast and links the town with Inch Abbey, a large ruined Cistercian monastic site on the outskirts of the town.

Location Downpatrick Visitor Information Centre, 53a Market Street, Address Dame Street, Dublin 2, D02 NP93 Downpatrick,Co. Down, BT30 6LZ, Northern Ireland. Email [email protected] One of Ireland’s most ancient and historic towns. Phone +353 (0)1 222 2204 Sat Nav 54.3276, -5.7193 Website www.dublincityhall.ie Visitor Centre The Saint Patrick Centre Sat Nav 53.3439, -6.2672 Tel +44 (0)28 4461 2233 Location Dublin 2, Dublin City Email [email protected] Open Open year round: Mon-Sat 10.00-17.15. Website www.saintpatrickscountry.com Closed Sun & Bank Holidays. Check website for updates. Visitor Attractions Top attractions include: The Saint Patrick Centre, telling Average Visit Length 45 minutes to 1 hour the story of Saint Patrick. Down County Museum; Down Entrance Fees Free Admission Cathedral, a place of pilgrimage; Downpatrick and County (standard) Down Railway; Inch Abbey; Saul Church; Slieve Patrick, Ballynoe Stone Circle; Struell Wells and St Patrick’s Holy Group Rates Admission is free Wells. See www.saintpatrickscountry.com Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 25. Guided Tours Self-guided tours are available. Download the app at www. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets available in English, Irish, French, German, walkdownpatrick.com. For guided walking and coach tours Spanish, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Mandarin and Japanese. contact Downpatrick Visitor Information Centre. Conference/ Rotunda available for hire for private functions, civil Activities Activities include Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh; Meetings ceremonies, gala dinners and cocktail receptions. St. Patrick’s Golf Club; Downpatrick Golf Centre; Tyrella Performance Venue The Rotunda can accommodate 200-250 seated conference Blue-Flag Beach, Dundrum Bay; Quoile Countryside Centre; style, 150-180 seated banquet style, 300-400 drinks Downpatrick and County Down Railway and Rowallane reception/cocktail party style Garden, Saintfield. School/Education Yes. Worksheets available. Top Festivals/Events Major St Patrick’s Festival (March). Thousands converge on Programme the town, steeped in the ancestral roots of St Patrick. For more events, see www.saintpatrickscountry.com/Whats-On Dining Café serving light snacks. Seats 30. Dining Numerous cafés and restaurants with a range of dining Car Parking Pay parking nearby. options. Coach Parking Pay parking nearby. Drop off and pick-up at West Door on Shopping Lots of options from boutique shopping to high street Castle Street. names. Disability Access Fully accessible. Car Parking Pay and free parking available throughout the town both Group Booking Denise Buckley or Anne-Marie Carter on-street and designated car parks. Main pay car park is Contact E: [email protected] adjacent to The Saint Patrick Centre. Coach Parking Available throughout the town. Coach parking/drop off is available at The Saint Patrick Centre. Heritage /Visitor The Saint Patrick Centre, 53A Market Street, Downpatrick, Centre Northern Ireland BT30 6LZ. Open year-round. Tourist Information Downpatrick Visitor Information Centre in The Saint Patrick Centre, see above. Tel: +44 (0)28 4461 2233 23 24 DUBLINIA DUNBRODY FAMINE SHIP EXPERIENCE

Dublinia, is located at the crossroads of Dublin’s medieval city, with four exciting Visitors to New Ross, , located in Ireland’s Ancient East, will exhibitions. In the Viking Dublin exhibition, take a trip back to Viking times immediately be drawn to the magnificent sight of the historic ‘Dunbrody Famine and learn of the myths and the mysteries surrounding the Vikings and their Ship’ towering over the quayside. Alongside this full scale replica of the original legacy. Also, find out what really happened during the Battle for Clontarf and the ship is a state-of-the-art Irish Emigration History Centre. eventual decline of Viking power in Dublin. Experience New Ross in 1849 and board the Dunbrody as a Famine Emigrant Visit the Medieval Dublin exhibition and witness the sights, sounds and smells bound for New York. Experience the sights, smells and sounds of a Tall Ship of this busy city. Learn about crime and punishment, death and disease and even crossing the ocean, as well as encountering passengers and crew telling their toothache remedies of 700 years ago. stories, live interpreters bringing history to life. See how archaeologists dig deep to uncover Dublin’s past in the History Hunters Arrive in the New World and learn of the hardships immigrants endured in New exhibition. How does archaeology work with history and other sciences to piece York and Grosse Isle. Hear the stories of real people triumphing over adversity. together the jigsaws of our ancestors’ lives? See Viking and Medieval artefacts Trace the progression of the Irish in America and visit the Irish America Hall of including a medieval skeleton (courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland). Fame. The newly renovated St Michael’s Tower, an original medieval tower, is a 96 step climb to the top, where you can see spectacular views of the city. Learn all about the history of the tower and the surrounding parish in the new exhibition at the Tower base. At Dublinia, see Dublin from a new perspective and come away knowing more about its citizens throughout the ages.

Address St. Michael’s Hill, Christchurch, Dublin 8, D08 V529 Address South Quay, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Y34 A786 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 679 4611 Phone +353 (0)51 425 239 Website www.dublinia.ie Website www.dunbrody.com Sat Nav 53.3432, -6.2719 Sat Nav 52.3936, -6.9476 Location Dublin 8, Dublin City Location South Quay, New Ross Town Open Open year round, except Dec 24/25/26. Open Open year round. Daily 09.00-18.00 Mar-Sept: 10.00-18.30 (Last entry: 17.30); (Mar-Oct last tour: 17.00); (Nov-Feb last tour: 16.00) Oct-Feb 10.00-17.30 (Last entry: 16.30). Average Visit Length 1 hour Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes Entrance Fees Adult €10; Senior €8; Student/Child (U12) €6; Entrance Fees Adult €10; Senior/Student €9; Child €6.50; (standard) Family (2A+1C) €22, (2A+2C) €25, (2A+3C) €30 (standard) Family (2A+2C) €26 Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 10+ Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours Yes, for Irish primary and secondary schools only. Min 10, Groups? no maximum. Guided Group Tours All tours are guided in English. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio speakers giving short description in each room Audio Visual Tour, for up to 45, starts with 5 minute AV in English. in French, German, Italian and Spanish. Also translation Can be subtitled in either French or German. sheets of all wall panels. Incentive Programme Open to explore programmes. School/Education Yes Performance Venue Restaurant can be used/hired in the evening as a Programme performance venue. Dining Café serving light snacks. Dining Restaurant serving breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Shopping Gift shop selling books, Viking and Medieval memorabilia Extensive menu. Seats 100. and Irish gifts. Shopping Gift shop selling souvenirs, Dunbrody branded products, Car Parking Pay car park on Werburgh Street, behind Jury’s Hotel. Ask books and genealogy. at Dublinia for discount parking tickets, before returning to Car Parking Pay parking nearby. car park. Coach Parking Free parking nearby. 10 spaces. Drop off at visitor centre Coach Parking Parking nearby. Drop off and pick-up at entrance. entrance. Disability Access Fully accessible except St Michael’s Tower. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee/scone. Group Booking Carolyn Kelly, E: [email protected] Coaches/Drivers Contact Disability Access Visitor centre, toilets and ship are all fully wheelchair accessible. Group Booking Maura Murphy, E: [email protected] Contact 25 26 EAGLES FLYING ENNISKILLEN CASTLE AND HERITAGE TOWN

The multi award-winning attraction for all the family: excitement, fun, photo Enniskillen is the county town of Fermanagh. It is Ireland’s only island town, opportunities and much more at affordable prices. Experience Eagles, Hawks, uniquely situated in the centre of the county between Upper and Lower Lough Owls and Vultures flying right over your head or landing next to you or on your Erne. hand. You have never been that close to a raptor. Ireland’s largest Bird of Prey In its most romantic interpretation, it derives its name from a translation of Centre offers incomparable experiences. the Irish `Inis Ceithlean’ meaning `Island of Kathleen’. Enniskillen Castle was 350 birds and animals out of 76 different species - 100 of them being Birds of built 600 years ago by the Gaelic Maguires and it was strategically important Prey, some of them with a wingspan of 3 metres/10 feet are waiting for you. The throughout its history. interactive and highly entertaining bird shows start at 11.00 and 15.00 every day. The historic site now houses Fermanagh Visitor Information Centre, Fermanagh Before and after the shows you can enjoy guided tours or walk the 27-hectare County Museum and The Inniskillings Museum (promoted jointly as Enniskillen parklands and see birds in aviaries. You can also cuddle the animals in the Castle). The town was subsequently established beside the castle. During early petting zoo. In case of rain the shows can be presented indoors. expansion, bridges were constructed across east and west fords onto the island. The church was set on the highest point. Enniskillen Castle recently underwent a major redevelopment. It now boasts major new galleries interpreting the county’s rich history as the Kingdom of Lough Erne.

Address Ballymote, Co. Sligo, F56 P089 Location Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland BT74 7HL. Email [email protected] Ireland’s only island town. Phone +353 (0)71 918 9310 Sat Nav 54.3438, -7.6315 Website www.eaglesflying.com Visitor Centre Enniskillen Castle Sat Nav 54.1040, -8.5680 Tel +44 (0)28 6632 5000 Location 3.5 km from Ballymote / N17 Email [email protected] Open Open Mar 24-Nov 7: 10.30-12.30 & 14.30-16.30 Shows Website www.enniskillencastle.co.uk start (daily) at 11.00 & 15.00 Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Enniskillen Castle, Buttermarket Craft Average Visit Length 2 hours and Design Centre, Castlecoole National Trust property, Ardhowen Theatre, and Headhunters Railway Museum. Entrance Fees Adult €13.90; Student €12.90; Child (3-16): €7.90; Guided Tours Can be organised via Enniskillen Castle. Town Walking Tour (standard) Child (U3) free; Family (2A+2C) €41.90; app can be downloaded from www.ekn.guide Adult Group €11.90; Child Group €6.90 Activities Town walks with wonderful vistas along Lough Erne. Group Rates For 16+ Shore angling at Broadmeadow and Queen Elizabeth Road. Special Opening for No Enniskillen Golf Club. Waterbus trips to Devenish Island Groups? and water taxi service. Guided Group Tours Guided tours are part of the programme. No min or max. Top Festivals/Events Festivals include: the Classic Fishing Festival (May), Happy Available in English, German, French (occasionally Spanish Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival (August), and Italian). and Festival Lough Erne - Food Festival (end September). Incentive Programme Bird-of-prey experience, pet experience (with wildlife, Dining Wide range of dining options, from bistros and cafés to fine reptiles and more). dining. Local specialties and European fare. School/Education Yes Shopping Excellent shopping with independent shops, high street Programme brands and shopping centre facility. Dining Kiosk with tea/coffee, soft drinks and snacks. Car Parking Free and pay car parks close to the town. Free car parks beside Enniskillen Castle and adjacent to Broadmeadow and Shopping Souvenirs. entrance to Lakeland Forum. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Coach parking at Enniskillen Castle, at car park adjacent Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. to Bus Station, and at Round O Jetty. Drop off and pick up Disability Access Fully accessible. points at Townhall Street, Market Street and Paget Lane entrance. Group Booking Lothar Muschketat, E: [email protected] Contact Heritage /Visitor Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. BT74 7HL. Centre Contact Sarah McHugh. See website for updates on opening times and rates. Group Bookings Booking necessary for 10+ people Heritage Centre Yes, by pre-arrangement. Guided Tours? Heritage Centre Café open. Extended exhibition facilities. Free car and coach Facilities & Services parking nearby. Coach drop off outside castle. Tourist Information Tel: +44 (0)28 6632 5000 Useful website www.fermanaghlakelands.com 27 28 EPIC FETHARD HORSE COUNTRY EXPERIENCE THE IRISH EMIGRATION MUSEUM AND HERITAGE TOWN

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is a state-of-the-art interactive experience Fethard, Co. Tipperary is a charming medieval walled town situated in the heart located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building of the Golden Vale along Ireland’s Ancient East. This medieval walled town has in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s lots to offer visitors – a riverside & medieval wall walkway, quaint cafés, an emigrants. It will inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of award-winning community playground, traditional pubs, eclectic shops, and Irish emigration around the world, from early times to the modern day. welcoming B&Bs and country houses that will make you want to extend your Over the centuries, some 10 million people have left the island of Ireland. At EPIC stay in Fethard! you can step through 20 themed galleries to find out why people left, see how Home to the world famous Coolmore Stud, Mouse Morris Racing and many more they influenced the world they found, and experience the connection between stables you will see a beautiful town set against a backdrop of horse-filled fields their descendants and Ireland today. Immerse yourself in the stories of some of with the mountain of Slievenamon keeping watch in the distance. It’s a place for the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance, adventure, and discovery the all ages to enjoy! world has ever known. EPIC brings these amazing stories to life in a unique and The Fethard Horse Country Experience, is a new attraction, and offers visitors spectacular way. the opportunity to discover the rich culture, heritage and history of the region. This interactive experience examines the relationship between the people, the land and the horse, revealing how they are all inextricably linked. The interactive nature of the exhibition makes it an enjoyable and informative experience for all ages.

Address The chq Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, D01 R9Y0 Location Only a 15 minute drive from Exit 8, Cashel / Fethard, Email [email protected] on the M8 Motorway. Phone +353 (0)1 906 0861 Sat Nav 52.4661, -7.6951 Website www.epicchq.com Visitor Centre Fethard Horse Country Experience, The Tholsel, Main St., Fethard, Co. Tipperary, E91 R652 Sat Nav 53.3488, -6.2460 Tel +353 (0)52 613 0439 Location Dublin’s Docklands, 10 minute walk from O’Connell Street Email [email protected] Open Open year round. 10.00–17.00 (last entry). Closed Dec 24-26 Website www.fhcexperience.ie Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes Visitor Attractions Fethard Horse Country Experience, Holy Trinity Church of Ireland C13th, Augustinian Abbey C14th, Abymill Entrance Fees Adult €15; Senior/Student €13; Child (6-15) €7.50; Theatre, Fethard Medieval Town Walls, Fethard Community (standard) Child (0-6) Free; Family (2A+2C) €37 Playground, Fethard Folk Farm and Transport Museum Group Rates For groups of 10+ Guided Tours ‘Backs to the Walls’ tours Special Opening for Yes, by special request Activities Self-guided walk around the medieval town of Fethard – map Groups? available from FHC Experience. Cycling trails nearby. Guided Group Tours Yes. Minimum 10. Can cater for large group sizes. Hiking paths to nearby Slievenamon. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio guides are €1 and are available in English, Guided walking tour of Fethard with ‘Backs to the Wall’ Tour French, German, Spanish and Italian. Guides. Audio Visual Yes. A high-tech fully digital self-guided exhibition. Top Festivals/ Fethard Summer Festival Conference/ Yes. More details available on request. Events Fethard Medieval Festival Meetings Dining Numerous cafés and restaurants with a range of dining Incentive Yes. Contact for more details. options. Programme: Shopping Town and County - eclectic gifts and furnishings. School/Education Yes Programme Doirin Saurus – pottery studio based in Crampscastle. Dining The chq Building boasts a range of great cafes and Fethard Country Market – Friday mornings from 08.00 restaurants including coffee shops, Irish home bakes, Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers: visitors are welcome Mon Japanese food, a Thai noodle house, and a 300-seater & Tues 10.00-16.00, pre-booking essential. restaurant and wine bar. Car Parking Free on street parking. Shopping EPIC Gift Store selling gifts, jewellery, clothing, cosmetics, Coach Parking Coaches arriving to Fethard must inform FHC Experience crystal and confectionery. Bespoke in-store engraving of approximate arrival time. Directions to allocated coach available. parking will be given. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Heritage /Visitor Fethard Horse Country Experience, The Tholsel, Main St., Coach Parking Free parking nearby. Drop off and pick up point near Centre Fethard, Co. Tipperary entrance. Tourist Information Fethard Horse Country Experience. As above. Disability Access Fully accessible. Tel: +353 (0)52 613 0439 E: [email protected] Group Booking E: [email protected] Useful websites www.fhcexperience.ie Contact www.fethard.com 29 30 FOTA HOUSE, FOYNES FLYING BOAT ARBORETUM & GARDENS & MARITIME MUSEUM

Fota House is an Irish Heritage Trust property and is Ireland’s finest example The role played by Foynes in the establishment of passenger flights across the of Regency period architecture with superb neoclassical interiors. Discover the Atlantic is excitingly captured in the Museum, which is located in the original grand decor of the principal rooms and charming nursery, or the service wing Airport Terminal Building. Foynes was the first International Airport in Ireland with the beautifully preserved kitchens, where you can experience what life was and operated right through the 2nd World War. The famous flying boats were like for the cooks, butlers, footmen and maids who supported the lavish lifestyle frequent visitors carrying a diverse range of passengers including military of the gentry. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the award winning Victorian Walled personnel, celebrities and refugees. Foynes and the flying boats will be forever Garden. Fota Arboretum and formal gardens are cared for by the Office of Public connected with the invention of Irish Coffee as they combined to give us this Works. uniquely Irish treat. In 1943, Chef Sheridan spent months perfecting one of the Fota House hosts a variety of lively cultural events, which include seasonal world’s most famous tipples to some weary and cold passengers all those years offerings at Christmas and Easter. When exploring the property, a visit or guided ago. A wonderful 3D hologram re-enacts this historic event in the very building tour of the award winning glasshouses is highly recommended. In addition to of its creation, and you can enjoy an Irish Coffee in a beautiful 1940s setting. enjoying the regular events, you can be a part of Fota by becoming a member of When Hollywood movie star Maureen O’Hara stepped off a flying boat in Foynes the dynamic Fota Volunteer team. with her husband Captain Charles Blair in 1976, it would be the beginning of a special relationship. This new exhibition is dedicated to preserving the memory of Ireland’s most famous actress and showcases her personal memorabilia including the iconic grey tweed jacket from the movie, The Quiet Man, and honorary Oscar. Explore the wide-ranging maritime exhibits and interactive displays depicting life on the River Shannon and enjoy the panoramic view of Foynes from the top of the Control Tower.

Address , , Co. Cork, T45 Y642 Address Main Street, Foynes, Co. Limerick, V94 T6C1 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)21 481 5543 Phone +353 (0)69 65416 Website www.fotahouse.com Website www.flyingboatmuseum.com Sat Nav 51.8898, -8.3037 Sat Nav 52.6111, -9.1084 Location 8 km from Cork City; 3 km from Cobh Location 38 km from Limerick City, in Foynes Open Open Mar–Oct: Daily 10.00-17.00. Last tour at 15.30. Open Open mid-Mar – mid-Nov. Daily Mar-May: 09.30-17.00; Average Visit Length House tour 45 minutes Jun-Aug: 09.30-18.00; Sept-Nov: 09.30-17.00. Last admission 1 hour before closing. Entrance Fees Entrance fees for House Tour: Adult €8; Senior/Student €6; (standard) Child (U13) €3; Family (2A+2C) €19. Check website for Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes details. Entrance Fees Adult €12; Senior/Student €10; Child (5-16) €6; (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+4C) €30 Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 10+ Special Opening for Yes, all year round. Groups? Special Opening for Yes Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 2, no max. Large groups will be divided. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 38. Larger groups are staggered. Conference/ 5 Rooms with different capacities from 25 to 100. Meetings Self-Guided Groups Yes. Visitor guide with map available in English. Incentive Programme Participative activities and outdoor challenges. Audio Visual 1940s style cinema screening the award-winning ‘Atlantic Conquest’ (17 min). Seats 55. Available in English, German, Performance Venue Internal room capacity of 100. External serviced open venue French, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Polish and Irish. 4500 Conference/ Boardroom for up to 12. Museum lobby for large or medium School/Education Yes. Fota Learning Zone. Meetings size conferences/meetings, with capacity for 200. Programme Incentive Programme Guided tours available. Fun Irish Coffee Master Classes. Dining Café serving salads, sandwiches, lunches and dinners Performance Venue The Museum can cater for 200. Bar on-site. (pre-booked). Seats 100. School/Education Yes. Focuses on the development of early flight and Ireland’s Shopping Gift shop selling heritage goods and books. Programme role. Car Parking Pay parking on-site. Dining “Airport Restaurant” in a beautiful 1940s style setting, Coach Parking Pay parking on-site. 20 spaces. Pick up point 3-5 minutes serving home-baked cuisine. Groups catered for with value from house. menus, with advance booking. Seats 150. Special Facilities for Free light refreshments. Shopping Gift shop selling Irish and aviation themed souvenirs, gifts Coaches/Drivers and jewellery. Disability Access Full access to toilets and café. 70% tour of House accessible, Car Parking Free on-site. Group Booking Bryan Conlon, E: [email protected] Coach Parking Free on-site. 8 spaces. Drop off and pick up at reception or Contact restaurant. Special Facilities for Free lunch for drivers and guides. Windscreen washing and Coaches/Drivers water facilities on-site. Disability Access Fully accessible including toilets. Group Booking Barry O’Kelly, E: [email protected] Contact 31 32 FOYNES GAA MUSEUM & CROKE PARK STADIUM HERITAGE TOWN AND SKYLINE TOURS

The busy seaport of Foynes , on the N69 Scenic Route, is part of the Wild Atlantic Croke Park has been at the heart of Irish sporting life for over 100 years and is the Way, and was Ireland’s first transatlantic airport from 1939 to 1947. Foynes was headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Ireland’s largest sporting where the first transatlantic passenger flights from the United States arrived in organisation. The GAA Museum celebrates Ireland’s unique national games of 1939, and it was in Foynes in 1943 that Chef Joe Sheridan invented the world’s hurling and Gaelic football. The museum’s collections and exhibits illustrate the most famous drink ‘Irish Coffee’. rich history of these national games, highlighting the significant contribution The Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, situated in the original airport the GAA has made - and continues to make - to Ireland’s cultural, social and terminal building, recalls all this past with wonderful displays, original film and sporting heritage. lots of rare memorabilia. It also features the world’s only full-size replica of a Explore the home of Gaelic sport on the Croke Park Stadium Tour as you take a Boeing B314 Flying Boat. behind-the-scenes journey through this 82,300 capacity stadium. The guided A recent addition, the Maritime Museum depicts the history and personality of Stadium Tour offers an access-all-areas trip through the home of Ireland’s the River Shannon from Limerick City to . Other nearby attractions national games. include a recently upgraded forest park amenity area near Foynes with The Ericsson Skyline Rooftop Tour at Croke Park offers visitors unmatched pedestrian trails to the Estuary shore, view points to watch ships passing, the panoramic city views and insights into Dublin’s celebrated landmarks, combined prize winning Boyce Gardens, and award winning Knockpatrick Gardens, and with the thrill of walking on top of Europe’s third largest stadium. Learn more Combat Zone Paintballing Adventure. about Dublin’s history on this unique experience. Test your Gaelic football and hurling skills in the interactive games zone – see how fast you can react, check out your passing skills, practice a fingertip save or discover the art of the high catch! All tours include admission to the GAA Museum.

Location Foynes, Co. Limerick. On the Wild Atlantic Way. Address St. Joseph’s Avenue, Cusack Stand, Croke Park, Dublin 3, Sat Nav 52.6105, -9.1051 D03 P6K7 Visitor Centre Foynes Flying Boat Museum Email [email protected] Tel +353 (0)69 65416 Phone +353 (0)1 819 2323 Email [email protected] Website www.crokepark.ie/gaa-museum Website www.flyingboatmuseum.com Sat Nav 53.3605, -6.2499 Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Location Dublin 3, Dublin City. 15 minutes walk from O’Connell Museum; Foynes Island Viewpoint (a Discovery Point on the Street Wild Atlantic Way); Foynes the Home of Irish Coffee; Yacht Open Open year round, except Christmas; Club and Boyce Gardens. Jan-May & Sept-Dec: Mon-Sat 09.30-17.00; Activities Amenities include a forest park, walking trails, Estuary Sun & bank hol from 10.30; viewpoints, the prize-winning Boyce Gardens, award- June-Aug: Mon-Sat 09.30-18.00; winning Knockpatrick Gardens, and Combat Zone Sun & bank hol 09.30-17.00; Paintballing Adventure. See website for details ref. event days. Top Festivals/Events Foynes Air Show in the skies over Foynes (July). Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours Dining Numerous cafés and restaurants with a range of dining Entrance Fees Stadium tour: Adult €14; Senior/Student €11; Child €9; options. (standard) Family €38; Check website for Skyline & other details. Shopping There are several shopping options in Foynes including the Group Rates For 15+ Museum Gift Shop. Special Opening for Yes Car Parking Free public parking. Groups? Coach Parking Free coach parking adjacent Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Guided Group Tours Yes in English or Irish. Min 15, Max 50. Museum. Audio Visual 13 minute AV, in English, for 100. Subtitles available. Heritage /Visitor Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Foynes, Co. Limerick. Centre See details on Entry 31. Conference/ Top events venue. Multiple rooms for up to 600 people. Meetings Performance Venue Yes. Accommodates up to 600 people. Multiple rooms. School/Education Yes Programme Dining Café serving hot food, gourmet sandwiches, salads and snacks. Seats 120. Shopping Gift shop selling stationery, books and giftware. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee. Coaches/Drivers Disability Access Accessible with accessible toilets. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 33 34 GALWAY CITY MUSEUM — GIANT’S CAUSEWAY MÚSAEM CATHRACH NA GAILLIMHE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Standing on the banks of the River Corrib and adjacent to the Spanish Arch in Follow in the legendary footsteps of giants at Northern Ireland’s iconic World Galway City, this museum explores the rich archaeology, history and sea science Heritage Site. The famous basalt columns of the Causeway landscape, left by of Galway, the City of the Tribes. Hosting an eclectic mix of permanent and volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, are home to more than Finn McCool. Its touring exhibitions spanning a range of interests, with something to suit all nooks and crannies are dotted with dainty sea campion, and defensive fulmars ages. Visitors can engage with Galway, past and present, enjoying the space as a protect their cliff nests. centre of learning, inspiration and cultural enrichment. Windswept walking trails wind through this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The ground floor houses the exhibitions: Routes to the Past (Prehistoric Galway); with an all-accessible walk at Runkerry Head and more challenging terrain along Galway Within the Walls (Medieval Galway) and Pádraic Ó Conaire: the Man and the Causeway Coast Way. the Statue. Galway’s wartime story is told on the first floor in the exhibitions, The interactive exhibition and innovative audio-guides, in a range of languages, Revolution in Galway, 1913-1923 and Galway & the Great War. The Galway unlock the secrets of the landscape and regale visitors with legends of giants. Hooker exhibition looks at Galway’s unique maritime history while Galway’s Gift Shop featuring local crafts. greatest sporting moments are remembered in GAA: The Three-in-a-Row 1964- A short distance from the Giant’s Causeway (11km/7ml) and further along 66. The SeaScience exhibition on the second floor reveals marine life along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route is Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge - a truly Galway’s coastline through fun and informative displays for all the family to exhilarating rope bridge experience offering unrivalled cliff and coastal scenery enjoy. and fantastic bird watching. Tea Room. Gift Shop. Guided tours available. New exhibition for 2019 include: ‘Galway Markets’ and ‘Gaelic Ireland 1200-1600 AD: Keepers of the Gael.’

Address Spanish Parade, Galway City, H91 CX5P Address 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, Antrim, BT57 8SU Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)91 532 460 Phone +44 (0)28 2073 1855 Website www.galwaycitymuseum.ie Website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway Sat Nav 53.2697, -9.0537 Sat Nav 55.2408, -6.5116 Location Galway City Location 3 km from Bushmills Village Open Open year round. Tue-Sat 10.00-17.00; Open Daily Jan-Feb 09.00-17.00; Mar-May: 09.00-18.00; Sundays (Easter to Sept) 12.00-17.00. Jun-Sept: 09.00-19.00; Oct: 09.00-18.00; Closed Mondays & Dec 23-29, Jan 1 Nov-Dec 09.00-17.00 Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours Entrance Fees Free Admission Entrance Fees Prices from Mar 1, 2019: Adult/Senior £12.50; (standard) (standard) Child (5-16) £6.25, Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) £31.25. Group Rates Admission is free Group Rates For 15+ Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 15, Max 20. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 2, Max 50. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Information provided in English, Irish, Spanish, French Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio Guides included in the admission charge. and German. Languages are English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Audio Visual Various AV elements in English throughout. Dutch, European Portugese, Polish, Russian, Mandarin and Japanese. Conference/ Education Room available for hire (accommodates 30). Meetings Audio Visual Free flowing interactive exhibition including a Big Screen video. Audio Guides available in English, French, German, School/Education Yes Spanish, Italian, Dutch, European Portuguese, Polish, Programme Russian, Mandarin and Japanese. Dining Café serving tasty breakfasts, brunches and lunches School/Education Yes including vegan and vegetarian options. Programme Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Dining Grab n Go style café serving sandwiches, salads, soup, Irish Coach Parking Drop off and pick up outside Jury’s Hotel. stew, selection of cakes. Seats 90. Bar and Restaurant menus Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible with special car parking area. available in Causeway Hotel. Group Booking [email protected] Shopping Gift shop selling local products and crafts. Contact Car Parking On-site (included in admission). Coach Parking On-site. 7 spaces. Pre-booking required. Drop off and pick up point in Carpark 2. Disability Access Visitor Centre is fully accessible. Changing Places facility. Shuttle bus is wheelchair friendly. Group Booking Susan Smith, E: [email protected] Contact 35 36 MUSEUM GREAT LIGHTHOUSES OF IRELAND

Since 1832, more than 1.6 million people have been interred in Ireland’s Great Lighthouses of Ireland features 13 breath-taking lighthouse experiences Necropolis. Located just 2.7km from Dublin’s city centre, Glasnevin Cemetery around Ireland’s stunning coast. Experience maritime and seafaring stories, or covers 124 acres of glorious parkland with plenty to appreciate – perfect for just take time out and stay – Where land meets Sea. You can have the best stay those interested in exploring the legacies of Ireland’s heroes. and take a tour for the best tower views at , Co. Donegal and Loop Head Co. A hauntingly gorgeous Victorian Garden cemetery each guide is passionate Clare. about sharing their love of heritage and history, telling the stories of Ireland’s Step back in time and hear the great tales at Ireland’s oldest medieval lighthouse fascinating history through daily walking tours. Hear the stories of rogues & the at Hook Co. Wexford. Take the boat tour to Ballycotton island and lighthouse and rebels, the famous & the infamous, the gravediggers & grave robbers or climb see nature at its best at Rathlin West Light and explore the site of a 17th century the 198 steps in the O’Connell Tower to the stunning views of Dublin. fort at Valentia Lighthouse, Co.Kerry. Walk the Maritime Mile and take your photo Enter Daniel O’Connell’s crypt; search online genealogy burial records; café; shop at the Great Light in Belfast’s amazing Titanic Quarter. - the best of Irish craft and design; Museum and exhibitions. You can also stay and have a wonderful escape at St Johns Point, Co. Donegal, Highlights: Ireland’s largest cemetery - fascinating & fun guided walking tours/ Blackhead, Co. Antrim, Galley Head, Co. Cork or St Johns, Co. Down and at Wicklow dramatic re-enactments visiting the graves of the renowned figures that Head, share your island experiences around the dinner table at Clare Island shaped modern Ireland; Ireland tallest round tower; access to Botanic Gardens; Lighthouse, Co. Mayo. Gravediggers pub. Choose from General History or ‘Dead Interesting’ tour, Meet the Hosts and Guides who are passionate about these unique places. Hear exploring the quirky, fun stories of Glasnevin or climb the O’Connell Tower. 1st their maritime stories and let them advise you on the best adventures each Prize Winner Best Cultural Experience in Ireland at the Irish Tourism Industry location offers. Awards and Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Award 2018.

Address Glasnevin Cemetery, Finglas Road, Dublin 11, D11 H2TH Address Various locations throughout the island of Ireland Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 882 6550 Phone +353 (0)86 8385269 Website www.glasnevinmuseum.ie Website www.greatlighthouses.com Sat Nav 53.3706, -6.277 Sat Nav Various Location 2.7 km from Dublin City Centre Location 13 breath-taking locations around Ireland’s stunning Open Open year round. Daily 10.00-17.00 in Winter coastline (09.00-18.00 in Summer). Open Opening times and days may vary. Closed: Dec 25, 26, Jan 1. Check website www.greatlighthouses.com Average Visit Length 2 hours Entrance Fees Varies at each lighthouse. Family, group and senior Entrance Fees Adult €13.50; Senior/Student/Child €10.20; Child (U5) Free; discounts available. (standard) Family (2A+2C) €28.60; Family (2A+4C) €36. Group Rates Yes. Varies at each lighthouse. Self-guide App available in French, German, Spanish and Guided Group Tours Group tours are available but are limited by size of site and English €4.99. area, must be pre-booked. Group Rates For 15+ Dining Dining options available at Hook, Valentia and Rathlin; Special Opening for Yes limited at others. Groups? Shopping Gift shops at Hook and Fanad. Small shops at Rathlin and Guided Group Tours Yes, in English and Irish. Valentia. Audio Visual 12 minute AV, in English, for 50. Car Parking Available at most locations. No parking at Ballycotton. Conference/ Boardroom accommodates 25 people. Coach Parking Very limited. Meetings 2 large galleries can accommodate 150 - 250 people. Disability Access Limited and some not suitable. Incentive Programme Yes Group Booking [email protected] Performance Venue The old chapel seats 150 - fantastic acoustics. Contact All areas of museum are available for rent. School/Education Yes Programme Dining Café serves breakfast, light lunches and snacks throughout the day. Seats 75. An outdoor terrace seats 40+. Picnic area. Shopping Gift shop selling Irish craft and design, jewellery, clothing and books. Car Parking Pay parking on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point available. Disability Access Wheelchair accessible, including lifts and toilets. (A 10 step descent into the O’Connell Tower which forms a small part of the guided tour). Group Booking Aine Ryan, E: [email protected] Contact 37 38 GUINNESS STOREHOUSE HOOK LIGHTHOUSE

Visit and explore Ireland’s top visitor attraction, providing an unforgettable The award-winning Hook Lighthouse Visitor Centre offers experiential guided welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world famous tours of the Medieval Hook Lighthouse tower, sharing with visitors one of the GUINNESS® brand and company. Guinness Storehouse® is located in the heart of greatest stories on Ireland’s Ancient East. Hook Lighthouse truly is one of a kind. the Guinness Brewery at St. James’s Gate, Dublin. Purpose built as a lighthouse 800 years ago, and still fully operational today, it is Housed in an old fermentation plant, now the seven-storey visitor experience the oldest intact operational Lighthouse in the world. tells the story of Ireland’s iconic drink and brings to life the heritage of Guinness® The Hook Lighthouse tour has been voted as one of the best experiences in from early days to growth as a global brand, known all around the world. The Ireland, it’s no surprise that the local tour guides are renowned for their friendly, experience starts standing at the bottom of the world’s largest pint glass, which knowledgeable and entertaining style, making each tour experience unique. A rises through the building. tour guide will take you through time as you walk the same steps as generations It’s a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in Gravity® bar of lighthouse keepers, with fascinating insights, stories and facts of this unique where visitors will receive a complimentary pint of Guinness® while relaxing and building. The tour culminates on the lighthouse balcony where visitors are enjoying spectacular views over Dublin. greeted with spectacular views over the Celtic Sea and Waterford Estuary. The Visitor Centre has much to offer including free indoor and outdoor exhibits, Art and Crafts, a gift shop ad café with and extensive menu showcasing local and seafood specialties. Premium group tour experiences include exclusive evening events showcasing local food and drink with full exclusive access for your group, and enjoy experiences such as ‘Traditional Fish and Chip supper’ or a spectacular ‘Sunset’ or ‘Sunrise’ tour experience, these are suitable for adult groups over 12 persons. Address Market Street, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H Address Hook Head, Fethard-on-Sea, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Y34 Email [email protected] YC60 Phone +353 (0)1 408 4800 Email [email protected] Website www.guinness-storehouse.com Phone +353 (0)51 397 054/5 Sat Nav 53.3419, -6.2867 Website www.hookheritage.ie Location 1 km from Dublin City Centre Sat Nav 52.1237, -6.9294 Open Open year round. Daily: Location 22 km from New Ross; 47 km from Wexford Sept-Jun 09.30-19.00 (Last admission at 17.00); Open Open daily 09.30-17.00 year round; Last tour 17.00. Open to Jul-Aug 09.00-20.00 (Last admission at 18.00). 19.00 July and August; Last tour 19.00. Open 26th December Closed Dec 24-26. and all through holiday period. Closed Christmas Eve and Average Visit Length 2 hours and 30 minutes Christmas Day. Entrance Fees Adult €25; Senior/Student (18+) €20; Student (U18) €16; Average Visit Length Allow 50 minutes for tour. To fully enjoy site allow 2.5 (standard) Child (U12) Free. hours. Group Rates For 15+ Entrance Fees Adult €10; Senior/Student €9; Child €6 (U5) Free; Family (standard) (2A+1C) €24, (2A+2C) €28; (2A+3C/4C) €30; (1A+1C) €14; Guided Group Tours Yes, in English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, (1A+2C) €18; Fish and Chip Supper from €35; Sunrise & Italian and Chinese. Min 15, Max 40. Sunset Tour: €45pp. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Free paper information guides available in English, Group Rates For 12+ French, German, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin. Audio guides available at a charge of €1. All audio guides also have Special Opening for Yes ISL (International Sign Language) function and are free of Groups? charge for anyone that requires them. Guided Group Tours Yes, by English speaking guide, audio guides and Conference/ Arrol Suite accommodates 200; Arrol Restaurant 100 and information sheets available in Irish, Italian, Spanish, Meetings Arrol Bar 60. French, German and Chinese. Dining Cooperage Café, Brewers Dining Hall, Arthur’s Bar and Dining Café with extensive menu including, homebaking and 1837 Bar and Brasserie offer a variety of dining options to soups, showcasing local food producers and seafood. suit everyone. Shopping Gift shop selling books, local food and crafts along with Shopping Guinness flagship store with extensive range of exclusive ethically sourced products. Guinness clothing gifts and memorabilia. Car Parking Free on-site. 72 spaces. Car Parking Free visitors car park off-site on Crane Street (3 minutes Coach Parking Free on-site. 2 spaces. walk) on a first come first served basis. Limited availability. Special Facilities for Free refreshments in café and free guided tour. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Coaches/Drivers Disability Access Fully accessible. Disability Access Visitor centre, café, gift shop and ground floor fully Group Booking Fiona Herald, E: [email protected] accessible. Exhibition accessible. Lighthouse tower is not Contact accessible for those with mobility problems. Group Booking Cathy during office hours T:+353 (0)51 397 056; E: info@ Contact hookheritage.ie 39 40 HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL THE HUNT MUSEUM

Located in the heart of Waterford City, the House of Waterford Crystal allows The Hunt Museum exhibits one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and visitors to witness the creation of crystal stemware, giftware and masterpieces antiquities, dating from the Neolithic to the 20th century. Reflecting the diverse right before their very eyes. tastes and interests of the two people who formed it, John and Gertrude Hunt. The factory tour is a unique and captivating experience that is sure to enthral One of the strengths of the collection is the medieval material, and 18th and visitors of all ages, both national and international. Go behind the scenes for over 19th century decorative arts. Artists’ works in the collection include Pablo Picasso, an hour and see exactly how Waterford Crystal pieces are made - witness every Pierre Auguste Renoir, Roderic O’Connor, Jack B. Yeats, Robert Fagan, and Henry stage of production, from the initial design stage right up to the final engraving Moore. of the piece. Each year, the House of Waterford Crystal melts down over 750 The Hunt Museum’s purpose-built Exhibition gallery exhibits a diverse range tonnes of crystal! of important temporary exhibitions of Local, National and International Since the House of Waterford Crystal manufacturing facility and brand significance with the overall aim of maximising their cultural and educational experience opened in June 2010, it has welcomed over 1 million visitors into its potential. haven of crystal creativity and innovation. The Hunt Museum is also home to the Hunt Café, which offers a wide choice of dishes, both for those who want a leisurely lunch or just a quick snack. The Hunt Museum Gift Shop offers a gorgeous range of high-quality gifts.

Address The Mall, Waterford City, X91 R652 Address Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick City, V94 EV8A Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)51 317 000 Phone +353 (0)61 312 833 Website www.huntmuseum.com Website www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com Sat Nav 52.6663, -8.6244 Sat Nav 52.2593, -7.1073 Location The Museum is located less than 20km from Shannon Location Waterford City Centre Airport, 10 minutes walk from Limerick’s Colbert train Open Open year round. Mar-Oct: Daily: Factory tour & store; station and round the corner from the intercity bus stops. Nov-Feb: Factory tour Mon-Fri, Store open Mon-Sat Open Open year round. Daily Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00. (check website for details) Sun & Bank Hols 14.00-17.00. Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes Closed Good Friday, Dec 25 & 26 and Jan 1. Entrance Fees Adult €14; Senior €12; Student €11; Child (5-17) €6; During summer months the museum is open on Thursdays, (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) €35 from 10:00 – 20:00. In addition also hosting a range of events during Thursdays evenings, called #HuntThursdays. Group Rates For 10+ Average Visit Length 1 hour Special Opening for Yes Entrance Fees Entrance fees: Adult €7.50; Groups? (standard) Senior/Student/Child (4-12) €5.50; Guided Group Tours All factory tours are guided in English. Maximum 50. Child (U4) Free; Family (2A+2C) €22; Family (1A+2C) €16.50 Audio Visual 4 minute AV, in English, for 50. First Sunday of each month is free Group Rates Yes Conference/ Retail store is available to hire for functions. Special Opening for Large groups (more than 10) pre-booking is required Meetings Groups? Incentive Programme Yes Guided Group Tours Yes Performance Venue Retail store can be hired for functions, up to a max seating Self-Guided Groups Yes, free paper guides are available. capacity of 150. Conference/ Yes. Team building and coaching exercises, using the School/Education Guided factory tours adapted for schools of all ages. Meetings Hunt Collection and their partner Nevsail for water based Programme activities (kayaking, water walking, boating). Breakfasts, lunches, dinners and launches for corporates, weddings and Dining Café serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Seats 50. similar events in the Captain’s Room (70-80 max). Shopping Retail store with the world’s largest display of Waterford School/Education Yes. School Tours & Workshops for all ages includes 800 years Crystal. Programme of Fashion, Eric the Viking, Archaeology Trail. Transition year Car Parking Pay parking nearby. programmes on art and creativity. Stop Motion workshops. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Dining Hunt Museum Cafe offers lunches, dinners and teas as well as cakes and coffee. The café caters for up to 150 people in Special Facilities for Coach washing available in Bolton Street Coach Park. the Summer, 120 in the winter. Coaches/Drivers Shopping The shop stocks art, prints, cards, jewellery, books & gifts Disability Access Fully accessible. from a wide range of suppliers. Group Booking Sharon Murphy, E: [email protected] Car Parking Off-site. Public car parks nearby. Contact Coach Parking Free coach parking in nearby Potato Market coach park. 2 minutes walk to Museum. Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 41 42 IRISH NATIONAL STUD & GARDENS IRISH WHISKEY MUSEUM

From horses to horticulture the Irish National Stud & Gardens is one of Ireland’s Welcome to the Irish Whiskey Museum, the first Irish whiskey museum in the true treasures. world! This wonderful new Dublin museum is located across from the main The Stud Farm is the home of equine royalty, immaculately bred stallions who entrance of Trinity College, in the heart of Dublin city. Take a journey through can be seen and admired alongside protective mares, frolicking foals and athletic time, in an historic setting, where the intriguing tale of Irish whiskey is unveiled yearlings. via an interactive ultra-modern experience. In the world-famous Japanese Gardens, you can follow the path called the ‘Life of Independent from the drinks industry, it tells the story of Irish Whiskey through Man’ which traces the passage of a soul from birth to death and beyond, at the the ages. The guides are engaging and knowledgeable about all aspects of Irish same time providing a meeting place for the cultures of East and West. Whiskey and its history, plus they know a few interesting anecdotes to keep you entertained on this one hour tour. St Fiachra’s Garden symbolises the power of the Irish landscape while the Horse Museum includes the skeleton of the legendary Arkle. Before your whiskey tasting experience, which is offered to each guest, learn the interesting history of whiskey, from its humble beginning, inevitable downfall, See retired equine stars like Hardy Eustace, Kicking King, Rite of Passage, Beef or and current revival. Salmon and Hurricane Fly on the stud’s ‘Living Legends’ team. Upgrade to a Premium ticket to sample matured aged whiskey and receive Enjoy this unique experience as part of a guided tour or at your own leisure. a unique souvenir to take away as a fond memory of your visit. Relax in the Restaurant onsite with home baking. contemporary café bar, while taking in the beautiful grounds of Trinity College from above.

Address Tully, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare, R51 DD56 Address 119 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, R51 DD56 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)45 521 617 Phone +353 (0)1 525 0970 Website www.irishnationalstud.ie Website www.irishwhiskeymuseum.ie Sat Nav 53.1442, -6.9029 Sat Nav 53.3442, -6.2596 Location 2 km from Kildare; 60 km from Dublin City Location Dublin City Centre, opposite Trinity College Open Open: Daily early Feb - early Nov: 09.00-18.00 Open Open year round. Daily 10.00-18.00; Last tour starts at (Last admission 17.00) 18.00; Closed Dec 25. Available for private hire in the Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours evenings. Entrance Fees Adult €12.50; Senior/Student €9.50; Child (5-16) €7; Average Visit Length 1 hour (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+4C) €29.50 Entrance Fees Adult €18; Senior/Student €16; Child €9; Child (U7) Free; Group Rates For 20+ (standard) Family (2A+2C) €45; Blending Experience Tour €28pp Special Opening for Yes Group Rates For 10+ Groups? Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours Yes Groups? Self-Guided Groups A self-guide leaflet, in 15 languages, available for the Self-Guided Groups Audio guides available in French, German, Spanish, Italian Japanese Gardens, Saint Fiachra’s Garden and The Horse and Mandarin. Museum. Translations available for French and German groups and Audio Visual AV presentation in Museum. Mandarin Tour Guides. School/Education Yes. School tours and nature trails. Audio Visual Various AV elements, in English, for 25. Programme Conference/ Museum available for private hire (evenings only). 150 Dining Restaurant serving hot lunches, sandwiches, salads, snacks Meetings people can be accommodated over 3 floors or a maximum of and desserts. Seats 100. 70 on one floor. Car Parking Free on-site. Performance Venue Three floors for hire for groups from 20 to 150. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Dining Café serving tea/coffee, snacks and Irish Coffee. Special Facilities for Coach washing area. Shopping Gift shop selling crafts made from whiskey barrels and Coaches/Drivers Whiskey Museum Branded Merchandise. Off-licence selling wide range of Irish whiskeys and poitín. Disability Access The Visitor Centre, Stud and St Fiachra’s Garden are fully accessible. The Japanese Gardens are partially accessible. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Group Booking Reservations, E: [email protected] Coach Parking Free parking nearby. Contact Disability Access Fully accessible with accessible toilets. Group Booking Nicola McDonnell, E: [email protected] Contact 43 44 THE JAMESON DISTILLERY, MIDLETON THE KENNEDY HOMESTEAD & EMIGRANT TRAIL

Jameson was born and raised in Dublin, but eventually it outgrew its city home Located in Ireland’s Ancient East, experience the journey from on Bow St. In 1975, Jameson moved it’s entire whiskey making operation to Emigrant to President of the United States! This rags to riches story begins at the the green surroundings of Midleton, Co. Cork. The original buildings at the Kennedy Homestead, birthplace of President John F Kennedy’s great-grandfather, impressive 15-acre Midleton Distillery site date back as far as 1794 and have who was forced to leave during the famine. A state of the art exhibition brings been used to distil and mature whiskeys since 1825. the story to life using video footage, personal family memorabilia and a self- To this day, every drop of Jameson enjoyed around the world originates from the guided tour. The Kennedy family legacy is a striking example of the strength and Jameson Distillery, Midleton. courage of the Irish in the toughest situations. For those just acquainting themselves with the world of Irish whiskey, the Follow the Emigrant Trail further with a visit to the Dunbrody Famine Ship Jameson Experience guided tour is the perfect place to start. If you want to dive Experience to live and breathe the smells and sounds of an 1840’s emigrant deeper into the production process — the Behind the Scenes Tour, Premium vessel. Costumed performers and themed exhibitions bring history to life. Whiskey Tasting or Irish Whiskey Academy will certainly quench that thirst. There Stroll along the New Ross Quayside and shake hands with a life-size statue of is something for everyone. President Kennedy himself. Stop off at the podium marking the spot from which President Kennedy spoke to the people of New Ross during his visit in 1963. Feel the warmth of The Emigrant Flame, a symbol of hope burning permanently in recognition of all Irish emigrants and diaspora. Complete the trail with a visit to the JFK Memorial Arboretum, a park of 623 acres dedicated to President Kennedy featuring rare flora & fauna and an exhibition.

Address Distillery Walk, Midleton, Co. Cork, P25 XD57 Address Dunganstown, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Y34 KW31 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)21 461 3594 Phone +353 (0)51 388 264 Website www.jamesonwhiskey.com Website www.kennedyhomestead.ie Sat Nav 51.9137, -8.1682 Sat Nav 52.3451, -6.9850 Location Midleton, Co. Cork. 25 km from Cork City Location 7 km from New Ross Town Open Open year round. Daily. Open Open year round: Apr-Sep: 09.30-17.30; Mar-Oct: 09.00-18.00. Tours 10.00-16.45; Oct-Mar: 10.00-17.00. Closed for 1 week over Christmas. Nov-Feb 10.00-18.00. Tours 11.00, 13.00, 14.30, 15.30, 16.15. Average Visit Length 1 hour Closed Christmas Dec 24-26. Entrance Fees Adult €7.50; Senior €6.50; Student/Child €6; Average Visit Length 75 minutes – 2 hours (standard) Family (2A + 3C) €22 Entrance Fees Jameson Experience Tour: Adult €20; Senior/Student €16; Group Rates For 10+ (standard) Child (8-17) €10; Child (U8) Free; Family (2A+3C) €50; Special Opening for Yes Behind the Scenes Tour €60; Premium Whiskey Tasting €30 Groups? Group Rates Yes. Min. 15+people @ €16 per person. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Max 50. Guided Group Tours Yes. English guided tours as standard. French & German Audio Visual Various AV elements, in English, throughout. guided tours available on request for groups of 20 – 30, subject to guide availability. Dining Coffee dock serving light refreshments. Self-Guided Groups Guided Tours offered as standard. Shopping Gift shop selling souvenirs. Incentive Groups Yes Car Parking Free on-site. Dining The Malthouse Restaurant offers a modern interpretation of Coach Parking Drop off point. traditional Irish cuisine with fresh seafood, local meats and Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee and light snack available. vegetables. Reservations not necessary. Coaches/Drivers Opening hours: 10.00–16.00 daily; Lunch 12.00–15.00 Disability Access Fully accessible. Shopping A great selection of world leading Whiskey brands and Group Booking The Kennedy Homestead, E: [email protected] associated Whiskey items available. Contact Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 45 46 KILMALLOCK KING HOUSE HERITAGE TOWN

The town of Kilmallock has scarcely altered since medieval times. It still lies within King House is a magnificently restored Georgian mansion located in Boyle, Co. the narrow oblong area once enclosed by the town walls; and its medieval streets Roscommon. Built in 1730 as the seat of the King family, the house later became are also the streets of today. All this wonderful heritage of stone was sufficient to a military barracks and recruiting depot for the famous Irish regiment of the prompt one traveller to describe the town as “the Baalbek of Ireland”. British army, the Connaught Rangers. There are a number of places to visit in Kilmallock Town. John’s Castle was built in Following many years as a merchant’s store, King House was saved from the 15th Century. This is located near the Town Wall, and the best stretch of this demolition in the late 1980s and restored to its former Georgian style by extends for about 400 metres, from the rear of Catholic Church to Blossom Gate. Roscommon County Council. Kilmallock is a walled town of ecclesiastical origin, a monastery having been The house is now open to the public as a museum bringing its history to life. The founded here by St. Maloch in the 6th century, of which the original round tower house also plays host to musical, dramatic and cultural events and is a central still remains. Other tourist attractions of note include the Church of Saint Peter locale for the ever-popular Boyle Arts Festival. A multi-disciplinary programme and Paul, Dominican Friary, Fenian Monument, Market Cross, Collegiate Church, of arts events takes place in King House between April and September, including and the Famine Memorial Park. elements of the Boyle Arts Festival. Located in the town is Friars’ Gate, this former cinema is now one of the most Former President McAleese kindly donated State gifts from her time as President intimate theatres in Ireland. It stages a variety of theatrical, musical and of Ireland through the Office of Public Works for the enjoyment of the people dramatic events. of Ireland. Roscommon County Council is delighted to present the exhibition of An important attraction is the Cottage Museum and Information Centre housing these State gifts in King House. It contains exciting pieces of art and artefacts a collection of local artefacts, mostly from the 19th and 20th century. from all over the world.

Location Situated in the heart of the Golden Vale, Co. Limerick. Address Main Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, F52 WR26 Sat Nav 52.3996, -8.5750 Email [email protected] Tel +353 (0)63 91300 Phone +353 (0)71 966 3242 Email [email protected] Website www.kinghouse.ie Website www.visitballyhoura.com Sat Nav 53.9730, -8.3013 Visitor Attractions Attractions include: John’s Castle, Blossom Gate, the Town Location Boyle, Co. Roscommon Walls, Collegiate Church and Dominican Priory. Friars Gate Open Apr-Sep: Tue-Sat 11.00-17.00; Jun-Aug: Tue-Sat 11.00-17.00, Theatre hosting musical and dramatic events year-round. Part of the Ballyhoura Heritage Hub - Neolithic Lough Gur, Sun 11.00-16.00 (last tour 15.00). Open Bank Holidays. Medieval Kilmallock, Bruff JFK Story, Bruree De Valera Closed Christmas. Story. Average Visit Length 1 hour – 1.5 hours. Guided Tours Guided tours of the Medieval Walled Town of Kilmallock. Entrance Fees Entrance fees: Adult €5; Senior/Student/Child (4-17) €3; Audioguide on Medieval Kilmallock available for free (standard) Child (U4) Free; Family (2A+2C) €15 download. Group Rates For 10+ Activities Historic Town walks. The Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail Guided Group Tours Yes in English. Centre. Mountain Biking. On and off road cycle trails. Self-Guided Groups Guided tours offered as matter of course. Top Festivals/Events Festivals include: Ballyhoura Food Fair, Kilmallock Walled Incentive Programme Yes. Enquire for details. Towns Day and Lough Gur Summer Solstice Festival. Dining Tea Rooms offer breakfast and lunch. All cakes and desserts Dining Deebert House Hotel: Lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Seats are made on premises. Coffee roasted by a local company 80 people; Fitzgeralds: Serves bar food 7 days a week 11.30 Art of Coffee. Seats 45 inside and further 20 outside with to 21.30. Seats 45 people; Nats Cafe: Mon-Sat 09.00-18.30. table service. Cater for group and coach tours with prior Seats 35 people; Poachers Restaurant: Open 7 days. Seats 45 booking. Full menus available. people. Shopping Una Bhan Gift Shop on the grounds. Shopping Shopping includes quirky antique shops & old hardware shops. Crescent Shopping Centre Limerick is 30 minutes Car Parking Free on-site and off-site parking. Adjacent to King House on drive. side of road. Limited on-site parking. Car Parking Main car park adjacent to John’s Castle. Free on-street Coach Parking Free off-site parking. Adjacent to King House on side of road. parking. Special Facilities for Canteen facilities available Coach Parking Free, adjacent to John’s Castle Coaches/Drivers Tourist Information Tourism Office, Kilfinane Visitor Information Point. Disability Access Fully Wheelchair Accessible. Tel +353 (0)63 91300 Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 47 48 KYLEMORE ABBEY & LEGEND OF THE CLADDAGH RING VICTORIAN WALLED GARDEN

Originally a Castle, built as a romantic gift for the beautiful Margaret Henry in Legend Of The Claddagh Ring visitor centre is a family-friendly tourist attraction 1867, Kylemore Abbey is steeped in tales of romance, tragedy, spirituality, and located in the heart of Galway city. This beautiful visitor centre is a must for innovation. Home to the Benedictine nuns since 1920, this 1,000 acre estate anyone who wants to find out more about the story of the Claddagh ring. makes an unforgettable day out. Turn the pages on ‘The Story of Kylemore’ a Visit and watch The Authentic Claddagh Ring being made in the cottage wonderful new visitor experience for 2019. Learn about the fascinating lives workshop. Learn about the origins of Galway’s Iconic Claddagh ring dating of the people who have made their home here over the years including the back over 300 years and find out how it is worn. Watch a short movie about the fabulously wealthy Henry family, the Duke and Duchess of Manchester and the adventurous voyage of Richard Joyce – legendary creator of the Claddagh ring. Benedictine nuns who ran an international boarding school here until 2010. Play with Interactive touchscreen tablets with puzzles and fun facts for the Explore beautiful Victorian buildings which include the Abbey, neo-Gothic kids and grown-ups alike. Browse the extensive collection of fine Irish, Celtic & Church and Mausoleum and of course the 6½ acre Victorian Walled Garden. Claddagh Jewellery. The Garden is stunningly located overlooking Connemara National Park and is Ireland’s premier Heritage Garden where only Victorian varieties of plants and flowers are grown. Enjoy extensive woodland and lakeshore walks in the heart of the beautiful Connemara countryside. Home cooking and baking in the Café and Tea House along with a unique shopping experience in the Craft and Design Shop help to complete your perfect day out!

Address Kylemore, Connemara, Co. Galway, H91 VR90 Address 26 Shop Street, Galway, H91 E653 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)95 52001 Phone +353 (0)91 562 554 Website www.kylemoreabbey.com Website www.claddaghlegend.com Sat Nav 53.5618, -9.8880 Sat Nav 53.2725, -9.0534 Location 18.7 km Clifden town; 76.9 km from Galway City Location At the end of Shop Street in the heart of Galway. You will Open Open year round. Daily. Jan-Mar 16 from 10.00; see Claddagh Jewellers store with the Claddagh Beanstalk Mar 17-Nov 2 from 09.00; Nov 3-Jan from 09.30. mural over the blue building, please look to the right of the Closing times vary. Please check website. Closed Dec 24-26. shop, where Legend Of The Claddagh Ring is located. Average Visit Length 1 hour and 20 minutes Open Open Year Round. Daily Mon-Sat 09.00-18.00; Sun & Bank Hols 11.00-18.00. Entrance Fees Adult €14; Senior €10; Student (18+)/Child (11-17) €9; (standard) Child (U11) Free; Family (2A+1-6C) (U11) €28; Average Visit Length 10-20 minutes. Family (2A+1-6C) (U17) €37 Entrance Fees Free Admission Group Rates For 15+ (standard) Guided Group Tours Yes, in English, French and Dutch depending on availability Group Rates Admission is free. of guide. No Min, Max 30. Special Opening for Yes, 30 people max. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Guide brochures in English, French, Spanish, German, Groups? Italian, Dutch, Mandarin and Portuguese. Conference/ Yes, 30 people max, please email [email protected] Audio Visual Please enquire on booking. Meetings with requests. Incentive Programme Yes. School/Education No Performance Venue Neo-Gothic Church can be used for performances. Programme Dining Mitchell’s Café is self-service and offers hot and cold meals, Dining Numerous cafés and restaurants nearby with a range of salads, snacks and home baking. Seats 250. Garden Tea dining options available. House is self-service offering light lunches and snacks. Shopping On-site shop with an extensive collection of Claddagh & Seats 120. Henry’s Express Café is a take-out café (June to Celtic Jewellery. Sept). The Express Café serves a wide range of foods and snacks. Outdoor seating areas too. Car Parking Paid on-street parking within 5 minutes walk of Shop Street. Shopping Shop selling crafts, gifts, jewellery and items made on-site Coach Parking No including pottery, chocolates and beauty products. Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. Car Parking Free on-site. Group Booking E: [email protected] Coach Parking Free on-site. Contact Special Facilities for Free lunch or tea/coffee and scone for driver and guide. Coaches/Drivers Disability Access Partially accessible by wheelchair. Restaurant and craft shop are fully accessible with accessible toilet. Extensive avenues are suitable, but some gravel paths are challenging. Abbey is partially accessible. Shuttle buses accessible. Full information on request. Group Booking Christina Aspell, E: [email protected] Contact 49 50 LISMORE HERITAGE TOWN LOUGH GUR AND HERITAGE CENTRE HERITAGE CENTRE

Lismore Heritage Centre was established in 1991 to tell the History of Lismore Lough Gur is an area of extreme beauty encompassing over 6,000 years of living and its iconic Castle overlooking the Blackwater River. New for 2019 at Lismore history. The Lough Gur experience begins outside at Ireland’s largest and oldest Heritage Centre: immerse yourself in a 360 degree audio-visual of images of the stone circle. rooms inside , where you will hear about the historical figures who A local tour guide will invite you to explore ancient Ireland in person. Follow your shaped Lismore Town through the ages. guide to the authentic prehistoric sites in Lough Gur where the earliest settlers Robert Boyle, Father of modern chemistry, was born here in Lismore. Try out once worshiped and lived. The visit ends with a lake front excursion ending in the Robert Boyle Escape Room. Puzzle over conundrums set for you in the the newly restored Lough Gur Heritage Centre that offers an engaging overview surroundings of Boyles Laboratory, discover the code and escape the room. Lough Gur’s importance on a global scale. Lismore, historic seat of learning, rich in natural beauty and architectural Children will be enthralled by the Lough Gur Fairy Trail and will also be amazed splendor. Lismore, the jewel of the stately Blackwater River, where the past is by the Tricky Tree Trail that educates people of all ages. As one of the very few always present. places in Ireland that is home to every native Irish tree species, Lough Gur offers Browse for gifts and souvenirs in The Craft Shop and see the work of local an opportunity to learn and explore the natural environment in an unspoiled craftspeople on display. tranquil setting that is fun for all the family. There is much to discover in Lismore: angling, golf, walks, scenic drives, the historic houses and gardens, restaurants and cafés, fantastic children’s playground and town-park and free parking.

Location Lismore, Co. Waterford, Ireland. A town with a special and Address Lakefront, Lough Gur, Co. Limerick, V35 ED96 formidable history. Email [email protected] Sat Nav 52.1358, -7.9377 Phone +353 (0)61 385 186 Visitor Centre Lismore Heritage Centre Website www.loughgur.com Tel +353 (0)58 54975 Sat Nav 52.5231, -8.5203 Email [email protected] Location 21 km from Limerick City on Lough Gur lake. Website www.discoverlismore.com Open Apr-Oct: Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00, Sat & Sun 12.00-18.00; Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Lismore Heritage Centre, Lismore Nov-Mar: Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat & Sun 12.00-16.00. Castle Gardens and Art Gallery, St. Carthage’s Cathedral, Bank Hol 12.00-18.00. Closed Dec 24, 25. Abha na Sead River Walk, Lismore Millenium Park, St. Average Visit Length 60 minutes average duration for the Lough Gur Heritage Carthage’s Church Towers and Lady Louisa’s Walk. Centre. Guided Tours Daily Tours. Weekends by appointment. 2.5 hours for a full outdoor tour that also includes a visit to Activities Activities: Blackwater Adventure, gardens, hillwalking, the Lough Gur Heritage Centre. cycling, historical buildings, golf course, tennis courts, Entrance Fees Adult €5; Senior/Student €4; Child (6-13) €3; children’s playground, picnic area. (standard) Child (U6) Free; Family (2A+3C) €15 Top Festivals/Events Events include: Immrama Travel Writing Festival (June), Group Rates For 10+ Lismore Opera Festival (June) and Robert Boyle Summer School (June). Guided Group Tours Yes. Dining Hotel and restaurant dining. Self-Guided Groups Guided Tours offered as matter of course. Shopping Craft shops and boutiques. Farmers’ Market on Sundays. Dining Tea & coffee and light refreshments on-site. Car Parking Free parking No Group Dining facilities. Coach Parking Free coach parking Shopping Gift shop on-site selling books of special interest relating to history, archaeology and the environment. Lough Gur Heritage / Lismore Heritage Centre. Open year-round, souvenirs, keepsakes, postcards, bookmarks and pens. Visitor Centre Mon–Fri, 09.00–17.30. Also open weekends March- November: Saturday 10.00–17.00; Sunday 12.00–17.00. Car Parking Free on-site. Heritage Centre Alice O Donoghue E: [email protected] Coach Parking Free on-site. Contact Disability Access Fully Wheelchair Accessible in Lough Gur Heritage Heritage Centre See website above. Centre. Admission Rates Group Booking Gemma O’Mahony. E: [email protected] Heritage Centre Yes, for groups 10+ people Contact Guided Tours? Heritage Centre Tourist office, Audio Visual, shopping, coffee dock, museum. Facilities & Services Car Parking at Free parking close to Heritage Centre. Heritage Centre Coach Parking at Coach parking close to Heritage Centre Heritage Centre Tourist Information Tourist office is in the Heritage Centre. See above. 51 52 LOUGH KEY FOREST & MARBLE ARCH CAVES ACTIVITY PARK

Whatever you choose it is the perfect location to do as much or as little as you Marble Arch Caves are one of Europe’s finest show caves allowing visitors to like! explore a fascinating, natural under ground world. Lively and informative The great attraction about Lough Key is that there are activities to suit all ages. guides conduct tours in this spectacular underground world of rivers, winding You can enjoy the numerous walking & historical trails or take yourself up passages and lofty chambers, past a bewildering array of cave formations. through the trees on Only Tree Canopy Walk and down underground Guided tours last 75 minutes and are suitable for people of any age and average through the old Servant Tunnels and midway taking in the views from the fitness. Comfortable walking shoes and a warm sweater are recommended. Moylurg Tower. It is advisable to telephone prior to your visit to ensure that you can be accommodated and to check availability of guided tours as the caves can be Test your mental and physical agility in the Boda Borg challenge, which is affected by heavy rain. weather independent and is all about teamwork! Let the children run free After the guided tour why not take time to explore the exhibition area in the and safely in the Adventure play Kingdom. All of this will certainly work up an Visitor Centre, watch the audio-visual presentation, browse the many items appetite, so enjoy the stunning scenery from the Lakeside café while munching in the shop or take a leisurely stroll through the Marble Arch National Nature on homemade delights. Reserve. The Marble Arch Caves are one of the key sites within the UNESCO There is a lot more to do outside in the Forest from Zip lining, Bike Hire, a Boat Global Geopark located in the rugged mountainous uplands and the gentle trip on the Lake, a Segway Glide around the 350 hectare historical estate and for rolling lowlands of counties Fermanagh and Cavan. The Geopark boasts some the younger kids - a woodland mini jeep safari. of the finest natural landscapes in Ireland. There are over 40 sites to visit in the Global Geopark area which cater for a variety of interests including geology, archaeology, history, folklore and activities such as caving, walking, cycling, canoeing and fishing to name but a few.

Address Boyle, Co. Roscommon, F52 PY66 Address 43 Marlbank Road, Legnabrocky, Co. Fermanagh, BT92 1EW Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)71 967 3122 Phone +44 (0)28 6634 8855 Website www.loughkey.ie Website www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com Sat Nav 53.9814, -8.2388 Sat Nav 54.2582, -7.8132 Location 10 km from Carrick-on-Shannon; 5 km from Boyle Location 20 km from Enniskillen Open Open year round. See website for opening times. Open Open Mar-Oct; Mar-Jun: Daily 10.00-16.00; Average Visit Length 2 hours to 5 hours Jul & Aug: Daily 10.00-17.00; Entrance Fees Please check website, or telephone for details. Sept & Oct: Daily 10.00-16.30 (standard) Check website for up-to-date opening hours Group Rates For 10+ Average Visit Length 3 hours to 4 hours Special Opening for Yes Groups? Entrance Fees Adult £10.75; Senior £7.50; Student £7.50; Child (5-18) £7; (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family £29.50. *Prices subject to change Guided Group Tours Yes, in English, French and German. Min 10, Max 25. Group Rates For 10+ Self-Guided Groups Yes. Free audio handsets in English, Irish, French, German and Spanish. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Paper scripts in variety of languages can be Audio Visual Lough Key Experience is a 40-minute self-guided audio tour provided on request. Max 20 per tour. Cave tours run every in English, Irish, French, German and Spanish. 15 mins. Conference/ Moylurg Room seats 20, classroom style. Audio Visual 20 minute AV in English, seats 45. Meetings School/Education Yes Performance Venue Sunken Garden, an open space, can be hired. Programme Accommodates 1,000. Dining Restaurant offering a wide range of refreshments, hot and School/Education Yes. Educational Orienteering Trails and the historical cold dishes, cakes and scones. Picnic area on-site. Programme Lough Key Experience. Shopping Gift shop selling souvenirs. Dining Café overlooking the Lake with outdoor deck, serves soup, Car Parking Free on-site. sandwiches, snacks, Seats 85. Moylurg Room for private dining seats 50. Wider dining options by arrangement for groups. Coach Parking Free on-site. Shopping Gift shop selling Lough Key branded merchandise, jewellery, Disability Access Visitor centre, Audio Visual presentation, restaurant and gifts, souvenirs and confectionery. toilets are accessible. The cave tour isn’t accessible. Car Parking Pay car park on-site. 500 spaces. Free if you spend up to €20 Group Booking [email protected] on attractions or in Visitor Centre cafe. Contact Coach Parking Free on-site. Driver must pick up token from Visitor Centre. Drop off point at the Path Entrance to Centre. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee and soup/sandwich. Refuse disposal areas Coaches/Drivers on-site. Disability Access Visitor Centre is fully accessible as is the Lough Key Experience, which includes Ireland’s Only Tree Canopy Trail. Lift access to viewing tower. Group Booking Andrew Farrell, E: [email protected]. For Conference/ Contact Incentives: Louise Fitzpatrick, E: [email protected] 53 54 MEDIEVAL MILE MUSEUM MEDIEVAL QUARTER LIMERICK CITY

Ireland’s finest example of a medieval church, this building has been lovingly Limerick City is almost 1,100 years old. It has been a Viking settlement, restored in recent years. Archaeological excavations unearthed artefacts hidden a medieval walled town, a Georgian city and is now a modern, vibrant for centuries that are now on display in world-class exhibitions. Visitors to the metropolitan area with a rich hinterland and stunning historic buildings and museum will marvel at a treasure trove of objects encompassing the stories of castles. Limerick’s Medieval Quarter contains a wealth of built heritage. Nicholas Ireland and its people across centuries. The museum contains some of Ireland’s Street, the city’s old main street links most of the sights. finest examples of medieval sculpture. Saint Mary’s Cathedral one of the oldest buildings in Limerick, originally the Royal Since the 1200s, the site has been a place of burial for rich and poor. Many of Palace for the Kings of Thomond, it was gifted to the Church in 1168. Kilkenny’s past generations are still at rest here in tombs that can be glimpsed Bishop’s Palace built in the 1740s is currently the headquarters of Limerick Civic through glass floors. Trust. An exclusive LEGO® Minifigure Hunt has recently been added to the museum, The Hunt Museum, which exhibits one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of which sees a number of Kilkenny’s key historic characters represented in LEGO® art and antiquities. Minifigure form and hiding around the museum. The hunt is available to The City Exchange was built in 1673 to house the city’s covered market and children of all ages at no additional charge. Whether by means of an entertaining council chamber. In 1702 it was demolished and replaced by a new larger guided tour or an engaging audio tour (available in 6 languages with child- building. 5 Alms Houses, restored limestone buildings from 1691, which housed friendly options), the Medieval Mile Museum offers visitors an unforgettable widows of royal soldiers. The 13th century King John’s Castle built on the orders experience. of King John in 1200. The Treaty Stone, the stone upon which folklore says the 1691 Treaty of Limerick was signed.

Address St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Lane, Kilkenny, R95 K276 Address Limerick Tourist Information Office, 20/21 O’Connell St, Email [email protected] Limerick, V94 H9Y2 Phone +353 (0)56 781 7022 Email [email protected] Website www.medievalmilemuseum.ie Phone +353 (0)61 317 522 Sat Nav 52.6518, -7.2522 Website www.limerick.ie Location The Medieval Mile Museum is located right in the centre Sat Nav 52.6631, -8.6274 of Kilkenny City, within walking distance of hotels, Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Bishops Palace, restaurants, shopping and other attractions. The Hunt Museum, The City Exchange, The Alms Houses, 1.5 hour drive/140km from Dublin. King John’s Castle , The Treaty Stone. Open Open Year Round. Apr-Oct, Daily 10.00-18.00; Tourist Office Limerick Tourist Information Office. Open year round. Nov-Mar, Tues-Sun 11.00-16.30 Mon - Sat 9.00 to 17.00. Average Visit Length 45 to 90 minutes. Attraction Varies by attraction see website above. Entrance Fees Entrance fees: Guided/Self Guided: Admission (standard) Adult €12/€8 Senior/Student €10/€6.50; Child (5-12) €5/€4; Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) €25/€16 Groups Limerick welcomes groups and group tours, pre-booking is required please email [email protected] for further Group Rates Yes, a minimum of 10 in order to secure group rate. information. Special Opening for Yes Groups? Attraction Varies by attraction see website above. Admission Guided Group Tours Yes, a minimum of 10 and pre-booking is required. Shopping Whether you are indulging in some retail therapy, searching Self-Guided Groups Yes for the perfect souvenir or simply window-shopping, you’ll Audio Visual Paper guides available in English, German, French, Italian be spoiled for choice in Limerick. Limerick city centre is and Spanish. Audio guides available in English, German, compact, easy to navigate and boasts a range of big brands French, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin. and independent stores. For further information see website Conference/ Yes. Max 250 for reception. Max 120 for seated dining. above. Meetings Dining Limerick has a vast array of unique and independent coffee School/Education Yes. Schools packages available on request, activity sheets shops and restaurants. Their café scene has a constant Programme provided for various age groups, specialist tours in subjects supply of places that offer an experience to suit all tastes. such as History, Archaeology, Art, Tourism, Architecture, For more info see website above. and Building Conservation. Dining City centre cafés and restaurants within 100m of attraction. Car Parking Various car parks and on-street parking is available Sister property Butler House & Garden, a 3-minute walk throughout the city. from the museum, serves morning coffee, lunch and Coach Parking Coach parking is available on Merchants Quay and afternoon tea. Bishops Quay. Shopping Yes. Souvenirs, crafts, clothing and books all available at Group booking E: [email protected] the gift shop. contact Car Parking Off-site. City centre car parking within 100m of attraction. Coach Parking Free, off-site. Castle Road coach park within 500m of attraction. Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 55 56 MID & EAST ANTRIM MIZEN HEAD Shaped by Sea & Stone SIGNAL STATION

Mid & East Antrim is indeed a land that has been shaped by Sea & Stone, from Mizen Head Signal Station, at Ireland’s most southwesterly point in West Cork, the awe inspiring Gobbins Cliff Path, to the magnificent Carrickfergus Castle and a discovery point on the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, is a dramatic place to visit. and Slemish Mountain, this is a region which provides visitors with the magic The visitor centre, with café, gift shop and toilets, is located at the car park. ingredient – authenticity. The region offers great attractions and a range of Here there are displays about the , the Geology of Mizen, a experiences from Whiskey Tasting in Ireland’s oldest thatched pub to bow Navigational Simulator showing Mizen Head from the Sea and other exhibits. making or blacksmithing. Why not climb up a waterfall or just sit back and take Then the outdoor experience starts! in the view across to Scotland from the famous Glens of Antrim? For food lovers The path to the Signal Station goes down the cliffs and the 99 Steps to try the award-winning Beef and Salmon at Castle, locally produced craft the Bridge, and out to the point and the former Keepers Quarters with its beer at Hillstown Brewery or for the adventurous why not try the local delicacy, interpretive displays. Lough Neagh Eels. Along the way there are several paths up to wonderful views - north along the One thing you cannot miss in this region is the Game of Thrones locations. See coast to Sheep’s Head and the Beara Peninsula, and south to the Sea Arch. There the location where Ned Stark struck of the head of a Black Watch deserter, or see is plenty to do and see. This is also a world-renowned whale and dolphin watch the steps where Arya Stark ascended after being stabbed in Braavos. You can then location, and often there are seals under the bridge. Mizen Head Signal Station is visit the bar where she relaxed between shoots. Or why not visit the Silversmiths suitable for all ages, in any weather. where they made some of the jewellery for the show including Joffrey’s Crown.

Address Tourist Information Point, The Gobbins, 68 Middle Road, Address Harbour Road, Goleen, West Cork, Co. Cork, P81 NY52 Islandmagee, Co. Antrim, BT40 3SL Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)28 35000/ 35225 Phone +44 (0)28 2563 5010 Website www.mizenhead.ie Website www.shapedbyseaandstone.com Sat Nav 51.4505, -9.8188 Visitor Attractions Attractions include: The Gobbins Cliff Path, Carrickfergus Location 10 km from Goleen, West Cork Castle, Slemish Mountains, , Hillstown Open Feb (School mid-term) Daily 11.00-16.00. Mar 1-16 Daily Brewery, The Glens of Antrim. 11.00-16.00. Mar 17 - May 31 Daily 10.30-17.00. Location Situated on the east coast of Northern Ireland, just 20 Jun Daily 10.00-18.00. Jul, Aug Daily 10.00-19.00. minutes from Belfast and just over 1 hour from the Giant’s Sept, Oct Daily 10.30-17.00. Causeway. Ideal location to use as a base to explore the Nov - Mar Weekends 11.00-16.00. whole of Northern Ireland. Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours Open Opening times vary by attraction. For further information Entrance Fees Adult €7.50; Senior/Student €6; Child (U15) €4.50; see www.shapedbyseaandstone.com (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+4C) €25 Guided Tours Guided tours available email tourism@midandeastantrim. Group Rates For 10+ gov.uk for further information. Pre-booking is required. Special Opening for Yes Activities Cultural activities including museums and exhibitions, Groups? the breathtaking Causeway Coastal Route, churches and historical monuments. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Information in English. Dining Mid & East Antrim has a vast array of coffee shops and Audio Visual Several AV components in English. restaurants serving up more than your average cuppa. For Conference/ No dedicated room, but a room can be made available by food lovers try the award-winning Beef and Salmon at Meetings arrangement. Glenarm Castle, locally produced craft beer at Hillstown Incentive Programme Open to work with incentive group organisers. Brewery or for the adventurous why not try the local delicacy, Lough Neagh Eels. School/Education A schools programme is in preparation. Programme Shopping Whether you are indulging in some retail therapy, searching for the perfect souvenir or simply window-shopping, you’ll Dining Café serving light lunches, sandwiches, fish and chips and be spoiled for choice in Belfast City. The attractions in the snacks. Seats 60. surrounding towns and villages also offer a wide range of Shopping Gift shop selling souvenirs, postcards, toys, local crafts, local crafts and gift ideas. jewellery and books. Car Parking Various car parks throughout the region along with Car Parking Free on-site. on-street parking Coach Parking Free on-site. Pre-booking advisable. Drop off and pick up Coach Parking Various coach parking available throughout the region. point. See individual attractions or visit Disability Access Accessible toilet, café and gift shop. There is a level path out www.shapedbyseaandstone.com for further information. to see the bridge. Much of the site is accessible, but the paths Disability Access This will vary by attraction, please see individual are very steep. attractions. Group Booking Stephen O’Sullivan, E: [email protected] Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact Contact 57 58 MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS MOUNT STEWART

Mount Congreve Gardens, just 10 minutes from Waterford city, is a great garden Mount Stewart, located only 40 minutes from Belfast, is one of the finest houses of the world – a 70 acre woodland garden with stunning views and 16 kilometres and gardens to visit in Ireland. of paths to explore the gardens. Words can only convey a small impression of This family home showcases collections of international and national what Mount Congreve has to offer. To get a full appreciation of what has been significance including the famous painting Hambletonian – Rubbing Down by achieved here in such a short time by Mr Ambrose Congreve, one has to visit the George Stubbs, the Congress of Vienna desk and books by W.B. Yeats and George garden as the seasons unfold. Bernard Shaw. The gardens at Mount Congreve, Waterford, consist of around seventy acres of Mount Stewart is an exceptional example of an Irish demesne, a beautiful and intensively planted woodland garden and a 4 acre walled garden. The owner, the productive estate, with farmland, woodland, orchards and a walled garden late Mr Ambrose Congreve, was inspired by Mr Lionel de Rothschild’s exceptional providing for the ‘big house’. Bought by the Stewarts in 1744, the woodlands garden at Exbury in Hampshire, England. It was here that his interest in they planted, the estate rides, follies and farmland remain largely unchanged. gardening was nurtured and he became infected with a passion and enthusiasm Discover a rich landscape of farmland, woodland, monuments and buildings, for plants such as Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Camellias and indeed many other and a breath-taking hidden glen as you explore the historic demesne on Mount floras from every continent in the world. Stewart’s newly opened walking trails. The entire collection consists of over three thousand different trees and shrubs, Mount Stewart also offers a tearoom, shop, dedicated coach parking, specialist more than two thousand Rhododendrons, six hundred Camellias, three hundred guided tours, wedding venue and filming location. Acer cultivars, six hundred conifers, two hundred and fifty climbers and fifteen hundred herbaceous plants.

Address Mount Congreve Estate, Kilmeaden, Address Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT22 2AD Co. Waterford, X91 PX05 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +44 (0)28 4278 8387 Phone +353 (0)51 384 115/ 384 511 Website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart Website www.mountcongreve.com Sat Nav 54.5517, -5.6021 Sat Nav 52.2376, -7.2124 Location 7 km from Newtownards Location 9 km from Waterford City Centre Open Open year round. Check website for details Open Open Year Round. Mar & Apr: Thur-Sun 10.00-16.30; Average Visit Length 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes May-Aug: Daily 10.00-17.30; Sept: Thur-Sun 10.00-16.30; Entrance Fees Adult £10.45; Child (5-16) £5.22; Child (U5) Free; Oct-Feb: Sat & Sun 10.00-16.30 (standard) Family (2A+3C) £26.13 Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes Group Rates For 15+ Entrance Fees Adult €6; Senior/Student €5; Child (U12) Free, but must be Special Opening for In certain circumstances. (standard) accompanied by an adult. Groups? Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours House is free flow. Guided garden tour can be booked for Groups? 15 upwards. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 60. Larger groups can be Self-Guided Groups Yes. English speaking guides in each room. staggered. Incentive Programme Yes Self-Guided Groups Yes. Information in English, French, German and Spanish. School/Education Yes Incentive Programme Guided tours. Nature walks. Programme Dining Tearoom seating 22, and a further 32 outside on fine days. Dining Tearoom serving hot foods, soups, sandwiches, tray bakes Shopping Garden shop selling plants and vegetables. and desserts. Seats 70. Car Parking Free on-site. Shopping Gift shop selling local bespoke items. Coach Parking Free on-site. 6 spaces. Car Parking Free on-site. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point in the car park, Coaches/Drivers 100m walk from reception. Disability Access Although the main pathway has been improved, due to the Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee and scone. nature of the garden, visitors with limited mobility may find Coaches/Drivers it difficult outside of the walled garden. There are disability Disability Access Fully accessible with accessible toilets. toilets in the café and walled garden. There is a lift in the main house. Group Booking Anthony Power, E: [email protected] Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact Contact 59 60 NATIONAL GALLERY OF IRELAND NATIONAL LIBRARY OF IRELAND

Nominated for European Museum of the Year 2018, National Gallery of Ireland The National Library of Ireland (NLI) is a free must-visit cultural institution for holds a world-class collection of European and Irish Art and attracts over visitors to Dublin interested in the story of Ireland. Visitors can enjoy lively events 1,000,000 visitors per year. Located in the heart of Georgian Dublin, admission to and exhibitions, use the beautiful Victorian reading room, get free advice on the gallery is free, and many talks, tours, and events, as well as the audio guide, their family history, and drop by Café Joly for a quick coffee or relaxing lunch. are also free of charge. Particular highlights at the main library buildings on Kildare Street are the The Gallery runs a busy exhibition programme in addition to its permanent award-winning Yeats exhibition, and moving World War Ireland exhibition. The collection with highlights to date including Vermeer and the Masters of Genre NLI’s National Photographic Archive, where the exhibition “Photo Detectives” Painting and Beyond Caravaggio. explores a century of Irish life through remarkable photographs, is situated in After your visit, enjoy lunch in the on-site café and bring home some souvenirs Temple Bar. “Listen Now Again”, a very special exhibition honouring the work of from the Gallery Shop. one of Ireland’s finest poets, Seamus Heaney, is at the Bank of Ireland Cultural and Heritage Centre, Westmoreland Street. All locations are FREE to visit and within a short walking distance of the Grafton Street shopping area and St. Stephens Green.

Address Merrion Square West, Dublin 2, D02 K303 Address 7-8 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, D02 P638 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 661 5133 Phone +353 (0)1 603 0200 Website www.nationalgallery.ie Website www.nli.ie Sat Nav 53.3410, -6.2525 Sat Nav 53.3406, -6.2545 Location Located in Merrion Square, just a few hundred metres from Location On Kildare Street, well serviced by public transport Grafton Street. Average Visit Length 30 minutes to 1 hour Open Open year round. Mon-Sat: 09.15–17.30, Open Open year round. Check website for opening times/ Thurs: 09.15–20.30, Sun: 11.00–17.30. closure dates. Closed Good Friday and Dec 24–26. Entrance Fees (standard) Free admission Average Visit Length 60–80 minutes Guided Group Tours Yes, in English and Irish. Entrance Fees Free Admission Self-Guided Groups Yes, paper guides available in English and Irish. (standard) Conference/Meetings No Group Rates Admission is free. Incentive Programme No Special Opening for Yes, by special request Performance Venue No Groups? School/Education Yes, For all enquiries contact [email protected] Guided Group Tours Yes. Minimum 10. Can cater for large group sizes. Programme Self-Guided Groups Yes. Dining Café Joly, named after the National Library’s Audio Visual Audio guides available in English. first donor, is situated in a bright spacious room Conference/ Yes. Unique facilities available that can cater for small complimented by crisp modern design and Meetings groups up to groups of 300 people. contemporary artwork. Incentive No Shopping No Programme: Car Parking Pay parking nearby School/Education Yes Coach Parking Time limited parking nearby Programme Disability Access Most of the National Library is accessible to Dining The Gallery Café serves breakfast, light lunch options and wheelchair users, in some cases via the lift. To assist tea, coffee & cakes throughout normal gallery opening hours. readers with hearing difficulties, hearing loops are It is located in the Millennium Wing, at the Clare Street available. entrance. Group Booking Contact E: [email protected] Shopping The Gallery shop is open during normal gallery opening hours and sells a wide range of art-related gifts, books and children’s toys. Car Parking Off-site. Merrion Square pay parking. Coach Parking No coach parking, set down only. Disability Access Fully accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 61 62 NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE NAVAN CENTRE & FORT— EMAIN MACHA

The National SEA LIFE Centre on Bray’s seafront is swimming with fascinating The Navan Centre & Fort is a place where myth and reality meet. As the ancient marine and freshwater creatures including Piranhas, Seahorses, and Ireland’s seat of Kings and the earliest capital of Ulster, there is plenty to explore! largest collection of Sharks. Step back in time by 2,000 years with a visit to the Iron Age dwelling (April- New for 2019 – Octopus University. Enter the amazing world of the octopus. September), where you will meet the Celts going about their daily lives and Discover how intelligent these wonders of the deep actually are. Learn about bringing history to life! their phenomenal skills and abilities as you earn your certificate in Octopus- After meeting real-life warriors, learn more about the stories of the bravest of ology. Be wowed by the collection of 100+ underwater animals, displayed in 25 them all - Cú Chulainn and the Red Branch Knights. On-site AV show incorporates amazing themed displays (Lair of the Octopus, Caribbean Cove and Tropical Shark many of the tales of the Ulster Cycle associated with the great site of the Navan Lagoon… to name but a few!). Fort. With archaeological evidence of the site dating back to 95BC, experienced With regular talks and feeds throughout the day (your ticket is valid all tour guides will accompany you to what is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most day!), a visit to National SEA LIFE Bray gives an entertaining and informative famous sites. For younger visitors, the indoor and outdoor Archaeology Discovery introduction to life beneath the waves, as well as an awareness of ecological and space is a must-see, along with an Ecology trail to truly appreciate the diversity conservational threats to our Oceans. of wildlife the grounds have to offer.

Address Strand Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 N8N3 Address 81 Killylea Road, Armagh, BT60 4LD Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 286 6939 Phone +44 (0)28 3752 9644 Website www.sealife.ie Website www.navan.com Sat Nav 53.2033, -6.0984 Sat Nav 54.3445, -6.7017 Location On seafront in Bray, 21 km from Dublin Location 3 km from Armagh Open Open year round. Apr-Oct: 10.00-18.00 Daily; Open Open year round. For opening times see www.navan.com Nov-Mar: Mon-Fri 11.00-17.00, Sat-Sun 10.00-18.00. Average Visit Length 2 hours Last admission 1 hour before closing. Entrance Fees See www.navan.com for Admissions details. Closed Dec 25 & 26. (standard) Average Visit Length 1 hour Group Rates For 10+ Entrance Fees Adult €13.50; Student (15+) €11.75; Special Opening for Yes (standard) Child (3-14) €10.50; Child (U3) Free Groups? Group Rates For 10+ Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 55. Special Opening for Yes Self-Guided Groups Yes. Groups? Audio Visual Short and long AV (16 mins and 26 mins), for 125, in Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 30. Irish and French too, English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. limited availability. Conference/ 125 seater stepped auditorium. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Interpretation panels (English only). Meetings Conference/ One room seats 30, Classroom style. Performance Venue Stepped auditorium, seating 125, can be hired. Meetings School/Education Yes School/Education Yes, for Primary, Secondary and Third level. Programme Programme Dining Coffee Shop on-site offering scones, tray bakes, sandwiches Dining Restaurants and café adjacent to attraction and light lunches. Shopping Shop selling gifts, drinks and ice cream. Shopping Gift shop selling crafts, books and Christian Heritage items. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Parking nearby. 2 spaces. Coach Parking Free on-site. 8 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. Disability Access Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets. Special Facilities for Free refreshments. Group Booking Pauline Martin, E: [email protected] Coaches/Drivers Contact Disability Access Fully accessible. Group Booking Ghilian Campbell, Contact E: [email protected]. Education: Paul Derby, E: [email protected]. Conferences: Damien Houlahan, E: [email protected] 63 64 NEW ROSS NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE HERITAGE TOWN VISITOR CENTRE

On the banks of the majestic River Barrow, New Ross is full of cultural and The Newbridge Silverware factory is open for you to see first-hand the intricate historic surprises, beautiful shop fronts and quaint laneways, and also home to craft of creating quality sterling silver and silver plated tableware as well as the remains of the 13th century town walls. the many jewellery and gift items. The Newbridge Silverware Factory tour is The town is home to the most famous Irish American, President John Fitzgerald an experience unlike any other. Explore behind the scenes and revel at the Kennedy. Visitors to New Ross can see the spectacular Dunbrody Famine Ship craftsmen creating cutlery, jewellery and more. See the craft, immerse in the sit proudly on the quayside - take a tour and discover its fascinating history. The history, meet the characters. This is an opportunity to experience the craft of magnificent Ros Tapestry, depicting the Norman conquests of Ireland, rivals the manufacturing tableware and jewellery, which is virtually unchanged since the Bayeaux Tapestry for the beauty and skill of the stitch work. company was founded in 1934. New Ross is the gateway to the and the Hook Lighthouse, the The Newbridge Silverware Lifestyle Store is Newbridge Silverware’s flagship store oldest working lighthouse in the world, stands sentinel over one of nature’s encompassing the complete range of products plus much more. Browse through most beautiful estuaries. Visit the beautiful St Mary’s Church, built by William all of the collections from Jewellery and Giftware, to Homeware, Stainless Steel Marshall & his wife Isabel in the 13th century, a highlight of the Norman Way, and premium EPNS Tableware. which is spectacularly lit at night and within a few minutes walk of its close The Museum of Style Icons houses fashion collections and artefacts which once neighbour, the award winning Library Park and Pearse Park. belonged to some of the greatest style icons of modern times such as Audrey New Ross is also a lively town with fantastic festivals including the New Ross Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, the Piano Festival, AIMS Choral Festival, Irish America 4th July/Fit Fest, Kennedy Beatles and many more. The award-winning Café Carleton is open seven days a Summer School and Eugene O’Neill Drama Festival. It is part of the Ireland’s week. Enjoy delicious food in a bright, friendly and relaxed atmosphere enhanced Ancient East Touring Region and an integral part of the Norman Trail. by the ambience of live piano music each Monday to Friday morning. Location New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland. Address Athgarvan Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, W12 XY03 On the banks of the majestic River Barrow. Email [email protected] Sat Nav 52.3962, -6.9472 Phone Tel: +353 (0)45 431 301 Visitor Centre Tourist Office at the Dunbrody Visitor Centre. Website www.newbridgesilverwarevisitorcentre.com Tel +353 (0)51 421 284 (Council Offices) Sat Nav 53.1762, -6.7969 Location Just outside Newbridge, Co. Kildare. It is easily accessible. Email [email protected] Only 30 mins by car from Dublin and 45 minutes from Website www.wexfordcoco.ie Dublin airport. Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Dunbrody Famine Ship and Visitor Open Visitor Centre: Mon-Sat 09.00-18.00; Sun 10.00-18.00; Centre, Ros Tapestry, St. Mary’s Church, Norman Trail, Factory Tours: Mon-Sun 10.30, 11.30 & 14.00; New Ross Town Wall, Quayfront & JFK Public Art, Museum: Mon-Sat 09.00-16.30; Sun & B/Hols 10.00-16.30 Irish America Hall of Fame at Dunbrody Visitor Centre. Average Visit Length 80 minutes to 2 hours. Guided Tours St. Mary’s Church and Norman Trail tours on request in Entrance Fees Factory Tour : Adult €12, Senior/Student €10, July and August. (standard) Child (U12) Free with full paying adult. Museum of Style Icons: Admission is Free. Activities Town Park including Running Track, 60-berth Blue Flag Group Rates Yes Marina, 18 hole Parklands Golf Course, Oaklands Lake Special Opening for Yes Angling, Lacken Hill Walking Trail, Library Park Outdoor Groups? Amphitheatre–an Clog Mór and the great River walk. Guided Group Tours For group bookings and guided tours (min. 10 people; max. Top Festivals/Events Festivals include: AIMS Choral Festival (May), Irish America 20 people). For groups of 21+, additional tour guides can be 4th July/Fit Fest, New Ross Piano Festival,Kennedy Summer made available for the factory tour, subject to availability and School (September) and Eugene O’Neill Drama Festival booking, please contact [email protected] (October). or call +353 (0)45 431 301 and dial 0. Dining From restaurants and casual café/bistro dining to Self-Guided Groups Yes. Must be pre-booked 3 weeks in advance. Max number traditional fish and chips takeaway. 15 per group, larger groups will be staggered. Shopping From boutiques to quirky gift shops. Audio Visual No Conference/ Private hire of Museum of Style Icons and Café Carleton are Car Parking 4 pay car parks on the Quay with other pay car parks at Meetings available outside of opening hours for corporate bookings. Barrack Lane, John St and throughout the town, plus on- School/Education Yes street parking. Programme Coach Parking Free off-street coach parking adjacent to the Quay and Dining The award-winning Café Carleton opens seven days a week major attractions. Set down areas along the Quay. serving breakfast, lunch and an array of delicious light Heritage / Tourist Office at the Dunbrody Visitor Centre, South Quay, meals and desserts. Visitor Centre New Ross, Co. Wexford. Open all year. Shopping The Newbridge Silverware Lifestyle Store, is Newbridge See details on Entry 24. www.dunbrody.com Silverware’s flagship store encompassing the complete range of products. Car Parking Free, on-site. Coach Parking Free, on-site. Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 65 66 NEWRY AND MOURNE MUSEUM PEARSE LYONS DISTILLERY

Newry and Mourne Museum is located in a restored 16th century fortified house, Pearse Lyons Distillery, Dublin’s only boutique distillery, located in Dublin’s Bagenal’s Castle and the adjoining 19th century warehouse. historic Liberties, is a five-minute walk from Guinness Storehouse. Nestled in The museum galleries, which interpret the history of the castle and the the former Church of St. James, this distillery has a colourful history dating back development of the area from earliest times, provide a leisure and learning to the 12th century. During a one-hour tour of the distillery and surrounding service to the local community throughout the area, and act as a dynamic focus graveyard, guests are introduced to the compelling characters from Dublin’s for helping visitors connect with their past, their present and their future. historic Liberties. This district, rich in culture and traditions, was once a place of booming industry known as The Golden Triangle. The area has undergone a The museum’s diverse collections currently include material relating to remarkable phase of renewal and is now part of Dublin’s new distilling district. prehistory; Newry’s Cistercian foundations; Ulster’s Gaelic Order and its The Pearse Lyons Distillery produces some of Ireland’s finest small batch Irish relationship with the English Crown; the building of a merchant town and the Whiskies and celebrates the Irish traditions of storytelling on each guided tour. first summit level canal in the British Isles; the working life and folk traditions Guests enjoy a sensory experience as they are brought through the distilling of rural and mountain areas; fishing, trade and migration by sea; renowned process, before enjoying whiskey and gin tastings at the bar. Guests can choose local personalities and businesses; folklore, storytelling and music; and modern from a private tour and tasting experience to a blending experience with the experiences of a border area. All these aspects of local heritage are explored at head distiller or a whiskey and food pairing experience, with local and seasonal through a varied programme of exhibitions, educational events and activities. produce, in the private tasting room.

Address Bagenal’s Castle, 36 Castle Street, Newry, Co. Down Address 121-122 James’s Street, Dublin 8, D08 ET27 BT34 2BY Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 691 6000 Phone Tel: +44 (0)28 3031 3178 Website www.pearselyonsdistillery.com Website www.bagenalscastle.com Sat Nav 53.3437, -6.2896 Sat Nav 54.1730, -6.3359 Location Dublin City Centre, on James’s Street, a 15-minute walk Location 110km/68miles from Dublin. 45km/28miles from from Grafton Street. Belfast. Open Open year round. Mon-Sat: 09.30–18.00 Average Visit Length 60-80 minutes Sun: 11.30–18.00 (19.00 Summer) Open Year round. Daily. Mon-Sat 10.00-16.30, Closed Dec 24, 25 & 26 and Jan 1. Sun 13.30-17.00. Average Visit Length 1 hour Closed Dec 24, 25, 26, Jan 1 and Easter Sunday. Entrance Fees Adult €20; Senior/Student (with valid ID) €18; Entrance Fees (standard) Free Admission (standard) Child (11-17) €10; Child (U10) Free Guided Group Tours Yes Group Rates 10+ Conference/Meetings Two rooms Special Opening for Yes Performance Venue Yes, 60 capacity Groups? School/Education The Museum provides workshops that utilise Guided Group Tours Yes in English or French Programme artefacts from the Collection, which are based on the Self-Guided Groups Guided tours offered as standard history of Newry and Mourne. Conference/ No Dining No Meetings Shopping Shop at main reception Incentive Programme No Car Parking Free car parking Performance Venue No Coach Parking Free coach parking Dining No Disability Access Fully accessible Shopping Whiskey, books, clothing and small gift items are Group Booking Contact E: [email protected] sold on-site. Car Parking Street parking on James’s Street Coach Parking Drop off and collection point outside the distillery Disability Access Fully accessible Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 67 68 THE POWERSCOURT POWERSCOURT HOUSE DISTILLERY & GARDENS

Located in an 18th century Mill House on the , the No visit to Ireland is complete without the opportunity to marvel at the majestic Powerscourt Distillery is set against a backdrop of the breathtakingly beautiful Powerscourt Gardens, voted no. 3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National Wicklow hills and Great Sugarloaf Mountain. Geographic. With a history that traces back to 9th century, the estate formed part of the Set in the wild Wicklow countryside, overlooking the Sugarloaf Mountain, strategically important and ancient lands once known as Fercullen. Powerscourt is situated just 20km south of Dublin City Centre. The Gardens The Powerscourt Distillery draws from an underground lake of the purest stretch over 47 acres and offer visitors a sublime blend of formal gardens, Wicklow water. It enjoys proximity to rich local farming lands and a temperate sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling coastline climate that sets the perfect stage for distilling and maturing Irish walks. whiskey. In 2017 Noel Sweeney, Master Distiller at the Powerscourt Distillery was Enjoy a film and audio guides about Powerscourt Gardens, narrated personally inducted into Whisky Magazine’s ‘Hall of Fame’. by its owners over the past 400 years. Audio guides are available in English, Opening in Spring 2019, with six tasting rooms, a gift shop, café/bar, and on-site French, German, Spanish and Chinese. maturation warehouse–Powerscourt Distillery offers extraordinary Irish Whiskey. The Palladian Mansion at Powerscourt is home to the best in Irish design, and features craft and interior shops. The Terrace Café offers the finest in Irish artisan home-cooked cuisine.

Address The Powerscourt Estate, , Co. Wicklow, A98 A9T7 Address Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, A98 WOD0 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 506 5656 Phone +353 (0)1 204 6000 Website www.powerscourtdistillery.com Website www.powerscourt.com Sat Nav 53.18397, -6.19079 Sat Nav 53.1842, -6.1866 Location 20 km from Dublin City on the Powerscourt Estate, Location 20 km from Dublin City Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow Open Open year round. Closed Dec 25 & 26. Gardens: Open Opening in SPRING 2019 Daily 09.30-17.30 (Dusk in Winter) Average Visit Length 75minutes to 2 hours. Average Visit Length 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours Entrance Fees For information on admission rates and to purchase tickets Entrance Fees Adult €10.50; Senior/Student (with valid I.D card) €8.50; (standard) visit www.powerscourtdistillery.com. (standard) Child (U16) €5; Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+3C) €25 Group Rates Yes Group Rates For 20+ Special Opening for Yes, private deep interest tours are available. Audio Tours Adult and family tours available in English, German, Groups? French, Chinese and Spanish. Guided Group Tours Yes, Tours are in English, literature is available in French, Audio Visual 9 minute AV, in above-mentioned languages. German, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin. If you would like Incentive Programme Yes. In conjunction with incentive groups organisers. to arrange a private group tour with your guide/translator, Dining Terrace Café overlooking the gardens serves hot and cold please e-mail [email protected] dishes, scones, cakes, and refreshments. Seats 160. Self-Guided Groups Guided Tours offered as standard. Shopping Avoca Store selling Irish crafts and homeware; and speciality Audio Visual Yes shops on the mezzanine level. Conference/ Yes Car Parking Free on-site. Meetings Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up at Powerscourt House. Incentive Groups Yes Special Facilities for Free light lunch and refreshments. Coach washing area. Dining Café/bar at the Powerscourt Distillery where you can enjoy Coaches/Drivers a Hot Whiskey, Irish Coffee, snack or sandwich after your Disability Access The Gardens are partially accessible with accessible toilets. tour. Group Booking Amie Cleary, E: [email protected] Catering list and private rooms available for corporate/ Contact private hire. Shopping Whiskey and bespoke Powerscourt Distillery souvenirs on sale in the gift shop. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Disability Access Fully accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 69 70 RICHMOND BARRACKS RUSSBOROUGH Cherishing All Our Histories HOUSE & PARKLANDS

Built in 1814, it was one of Dublin’s largest British Army barracks. It was here Russborough houses one of the most impressive private art collections in that over 3,000 of the men and women involved in the 1916 Easter Rising were Ireland, which may be viewed by taking a guided tour of this stunning Palladian held following the surrender. Mansion. The Beit Museum opened in 2014 offers a fascinating insight into the In addition to six of the seven signatories of the Proclamation and seven others history lives and stories of Russborough and its owners from the 18th century to later executed at , other notable held in the the present day. gymnasium include Eamon De Valera, Countess Markievicz, Michael Collins, The RHSI 18th century walled garden is available for pre-booked groups and Arthur Griffith, William T. Cosgrave, Eoin MacNeill, Thomas Ashe, Noel Lemass individuals and will be open at various times throughout the season. and Sean T. O’Kelly. For family fun there is a 2,000m2 /20,000sq ft head high Maze, a fairy trail, a At the barracks, an early 20th century classroom has been restored, with playground and tree trail. A 2km walking trail is available in 5 languages. Gift authentic features and original school registers dating from 1895. shop also on-site. Audiovisuals and interactive screens give access to the history of Richmond The National Bird of Prey Centre is located within Russborough’s Parklands. Barracks, the social history of St. Michael’s Estate and St. Michael’s CBS. Sheepdog Demonstrations may be arranged for pre-booked groups also. School Tour Groups very welcome at reduced rates.

Address Richmond Barracks, Patriots Path, Off Bulfin Road, Address , Co. Wicklow, W91 W284 Inchicore, Dublin 8, D08 YY05 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)45 865 239 Phone +353 (0)1 222 8400 Website www.russborough.ie Website www.richmondbarracks.ie Sat Nav 53.1413, -6.5691 Sat Nav 53.3385, -6.3162 Location 25 km from Dublin City off the N81; 4.5 km from Blessington Location Inchicore, Dublin, behind St Michael’s Church, 20 minute Open Open Mar 1–Dec 19: 10.00-18.00 Daily; Tour Times May- walk from Heuston Station; 5 minute from Goldenbridge/ Sept: 10.00-17.00; Oct-Apr: Less frequent. Call to confirm. Drimnagh Luas Average Visit Length Up to 4 hours Open Open year round. Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00; Entrance Fees Adult €12; Senior/Student €9; Child (6-16) €6; Daily guided tours 11.00 and 14.00, (closed for lunch 12.45- (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family €30 13.45) last admission 15.00. Saturdays and Bank Holidays Group Rates For 20+ pre-booked tours only, Closed on Sundays. Special Opening for Yes Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes Groups? Entrance Fees Guided: Adult €8; Senior/Student/Child €5; Guided Group Tours Yes, of House in English, French and German. Min 20, Max 45. (standard) Family (2A+3C) €17 Self-Guided Groups The house is guided only. Leaflets available in French, Self Guided: Adult €6; Senior/Student/Child €3; Italian, Spanish, German and Mandarin. Family (2A+3C) €15 Audio Visual AV in English for 30. Group Rates For groups of 6+ Conference/ Theatre seats 30. Exhibition centre seats 70. Outside, the Special Opening for Yes, by special request Meetings Hippodrome is partially covered and has a seating capacity Groups? of 450 people. Popular for Civil Ceremonies & Concerts. Guided Group Tours Yes. Minimum 10. Can cater for large group sizes. Incentive Programme Yes. The National Bird of Prey Centre is located within the Parklands. Sheepdog Demonstrations may be pre booked for Self-Guided Groups Yes. Latest admission for self-guided tours prior to lunch is groups. 12noon. Performance Venue Concerts seating for 70 up to 450 people. Outdoors in the Audio Visual Yes. A high-tech fully digital self-guided exhibition. Hippodrome available for hire. Conference/ Yes. More details available on request. Dining Tearooms serving hot lunches, soups, sandwiches, desserts, Meetings morning coffee and afternoon teas. Seats 90. Separate room School/Education Yes (Lady Beit’s Pantry) for pre-booked coach tours requiring Programme Afternoon Tea. Dining “The Mess” Café operated by The Green Kitchen provides Shopping Gift shop selling jewellery, handbags, scarves, books, fresh and tasty meals for visitors and the local community. ceramics and crystal. Opening Hours: 10.00 – 16.00, Monday to Friday. Car Parking Pay parking on-site. 250 spaces. €2 charge. Shopping Variety of literature available to purchase. Coach Parking Free on-site. 20 spaces. Drop off and pick up at the Coach Entrance to front of house. Car Parking Free parking. Special Facilities for Coach washing facilities and clean-out area. Coach Parking Free parking. Coaches/Drivers Disability Access Fully accessible. Disability Access Partially accessible with accessible toilets. Lift to upstairs for Group Booking E: [email protected] the guided house tours, top floor restricted. Contact Group Booking Marian Kelly & Audrey McCreery. E: [email protected] Contact 71 72 SHANNON FERRIES SKIBBEREEN ‘Bridging the best of Ireland’s West’ THE FAMINE STORY

Choose rest and refreshment with Shannon Ferries! Shannon Ferries link the The Skibbereen Famine Story exhibition reveals the impact of this appalling picturesque Tralee and Dingle regions of the Kingdom of Kerry to the untamed national tragedy through the sites and stories of one of the worst affected areas beauty of the Burren, Loop Head and the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. The in Ireland. Skibbereen became synonymous with the Great Hunger as horrific ferry offers an unrivalled service to tourists and locals alike, allowing them reports from the town featured in the media of the time. The Skibbereen Famine to take in more of Ireland’s beautiful scenery and tourist hotspots with ease. Story exhibition uses these shocking accounts to follow the crisis as it developed. The ferry service across the majestic Shannon Estuary saves travellers a huge The three mass burial grounds in Skibbereen are among the many poignant 137km/85miles of driving! Famine heritage sites that still exist in the town today. The Skibbereen Famine Established in 1969 in response to the demand for a route across the Shannon Story uses these places, and the voices of the era, to tell stories of relief efforts, Estuary from Kerry to Clare, the Shannon Ferries service now operates two ferries, suffering, disease and death. Follow the Skibbereen Famine Story Walking Trail the Shannon Breeze and the Shannon Dolphin, which depart from Killimer in Co. app to hear stories at sites in the town that have direct links to the . Clare to Tarbert in Co. Kerry. Or follow the trail with a leaflet, both available on-site. Ideally located on the Wild Atlantic Way, Shannon Ferries offers travellers a Genealogy Service for the greater West Cork area also available (by appointment). break from the road with just a 20-minute passage across the Shannon. Sit back, relax and keep an eye out for dolphins swimming, while indulging in some delicious refreshments! Aiming to promote tourism in Kerry and Clare, as well as surrounding regions, Shannon Ferries facilitate laid back, enjoyable travel. The service accommodates pedestrian passengers, cyclists, cars, coaches, mini- buses, and commercial vehicles. Address Burrane Lower, Killimer, Kilrush, Co. Clare, V15 FK09 Address Skibbereen Heritage Centre, Upper Bridge Street, Skibbereen, Email [email protected] Co. Cork, P81 WK06 Phone +353 (0)65 905 3124 Email [email protected] Website www.shannonferries.com Phone +353 (0)28 40900 Sat Nav 52.6150, -9.3808 Website www.skibbheritage.com Location Operates between Killimer, Co. Clare and Tarbert, Co. Kerry Sat Nav 51.5502, -9.2717 Open Please see timetable on www.shannonferries.com Location 1.2 km from Skibbereen, West Cork Average Visit Length 20 minutes crossing Open Jun-Sept: Mon-Sat 10.00-18.00; Mid Mar-May & Oct: Tue-Sat 10.00-18.00; Entrance Fees Rates start from €5 per foot passenger; Nov-Mar by appointment. (standard) Car (incl. passengers) €20 single, €30 return. Coaches and mini-buses from €26 single, €42 return. Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes School/Education Educational fares available. Entrance Fees Adult €6; Senior/Student €4.50; Child (2-13) €3; Programme (standard) Child (U2) Free; Family (2A+3/4C) €14 Dining Tearooms/café onboard and on-site at Killimer. Group Rates For 10+, Winter opening for groups by appointment. Shopping Shop at Killimer selling books, souvenirs, music CDs and Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 25, Max 50. light refreshments. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets in Spanish, German, French and Italian. Car Parking Free on-site. Audio Visual 15 minute AV, in English, French and German, for 35. Coach Parking Free on-site. Dining Hot and cold drinks available. Disability Access Wheelchair accessible, except for on-board toilets. Shopping Gift shop selling souvenirs and books. Group Booking E: [email protected] Car Parking Free on-site. Contact Coach Parking Free on-site. Disability Access Fully accessible Group Booking Terri Kearney, E: [email protected] Contact 73 74 SLIEVE LEAGUE CLIFFS CENTRE SMITHWICK’S EXPERIENCE KILKENNY

Slieve League Cliffs are truly Mother Nature’s finest canvas where tales of myth Located in the heart of Kilkenny, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, Ireland’s most and legend, local history and Irish tradition seem to be painted into this wild and popular ale, is a multi-sensory and interactive experience that will take visitors rugged landscape. on a journey through the medieval origins of brewing on the site of the St. To fully enjoy the spectacle of Slieve League Cliffs, it’s recommended that you Francis Abbey Brewery to the arrival of John Smithwick in the 1700s, and right up walk the few miles to the cliff viewing point, so as not to miss the exciting to the present day. scenery of the area. Slieve League is a walker’s paradise and offers various trails Visitors will be immersed in the history of Smithwick’s and will find out how this for different skill and fitness levels. The famous One Man’s Path loops around famous ale is made. All tours are fully guided and visitors over the age of 18 will onto the Pilgrim’s Path and is not for the faint-hearted. Prepare to be dazzled by receive a complimentary pint of Smithwick’s at the end of the tour. Visitors under the panoramic view across Donegal Bay, which is simply breathtaking. the age of 18 will receive a complimentary soft drink. Complimentary audio The award-winning, family-run Slieve League Cliffs centre is the last stop before guides available in French, German, Spanish and Italian. the Cliffs. Here you will find ‘Tí Linn Café’, serving artisan cuisine, which marries Irish traditional and modern tastes. The on-site craft shop has a large selection of local and national crafts, knitwear and gifts, with something for everyone.

Address Slieve League Cliffs Centre, Slieve League, Teelin, Carrick, Address Parliament Street, Kilkenny City, R95 VK54 Co. Donegal, F94 DH92 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)56 778 6377 Phone +353 (0)74 9739077 Website www.smithwicksexperience.com Website www.slieveleaguecliffs.ie Sat Nav 52.6556, -7.2541 Sat Nav 54.6401, -8.6822 Location Kilkenny City, 5 minutes walk from Location 12 miles/19 km from Killybegs; 1.5 hours drive from Donegal town; 3 hours drive from Belfast and Galway. Open Open year round. Daily. Mar-Oct 10.00-18.00 (last tour at Open Cliffs are open year round. Cliffs Centre open 17.00); Nov-Feb 11.00-17.00 (last tour at 16.00). 7 days mid-Feb to mid-Nov: 09.00-17.00. Closed Dec 24-26. Average Visit Length Please allow a minimum of three hours to experience Slieve Average Visit Length 1 hour League Cliffs Centre and the incredible Slieve League Cliffs. Entrance Fees Entrance fees: Adult €15; Senior/Student (18+) €13; Entrance Fees Free Admission (standard) Student (U18) €9; Child (U6) Free; Family (2A+3C) €38 (standard) Group Rates For 15+ Group Rates Yes Special Opening for In certain circumstances. Special Opening for Yes Groups? Groups? Guided Group Tours All visits are guided in English. Guided Group Tours Offers guided tours for both individuals and groups, All group sizes can be accommodated. pre-booking is required please email [email protected] for further information. Self-Guided Groups Complimentary audio guides are available in French, German, Spanish and Italian. Self-Guided Groups Yes Audio Visual 5 minute AV, in English, for 25. Audio guides available Dining Tí Linn is a unique Café, serving artisan cuisine, which marries Irish traditional and modern tastes, and is in French, German, Spanish and Italian. Offered renowned for its home baking and coffee. Complimentary. Shopping The Tí Linn Craft Shop has a large selection of local and Performance Venue Yes, offering an evening experience. national crafts, knitwear and gifts, with something for Dining Not on-site. Choice of coffee shops and restaurants nearby. everyone from the discerning shopper to the passing Shopping Retail store selling Smithwick’s branded merchandise. tourists. Car Parking Yes, on-site. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Coach Parking Yes, on-site. Coach Parking Contact for information. Disability Access The Slieve League Cliffs Centre is partially wheelchair Disability Access Fully accessible. Advise when booking. accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact Contact 75 76 SPIKE ISLAND TITANIC BELFAST

In the last 1,300 years Spike Island has been home to rioters and redcoats, Titanic Belfast is a world leading tourist attraction, and the world’s largest captains and convicts, monks and monasteries and sinners and saints. Its Titanic Visitor experience, a ‘must-see’ visit on any tour of Belfast and Northern beautiful 104 acres have housed an Island Monastery, Fortress, Prison and Ireland. It is located in the heart of Belfast, right beside the historic site of this Homes and today the island can be reached by a short and scenic ferry from the world-famous ship’s construction. Titanic Belfast in an iconic six-floor building, heritage town of Cobh. Once on the island visitors join Irelands best storytellers featuring nine interpretive and interactive galleries exploring the sights, sounds, for a mesmerising insight into the personal stories of this unique corner of the and stories of Titanic, as well as the City and people which made her. It is the Ancient East. world’s largest Titanic exhibition. Enter the 200 year old Fort Mitchel, the 24 acre star shaped Fortress built to The adventure begins the moment you walk into the building’s giant atrium, defend an empire that became the largest prison in the world in the 1850s surrounded by the four ‘hull’ shaped sections, which house the experience. You’ll during the famine years. Tens of thousands of Irish men and women were learn about Belfast at the turn of the century and experience a thrilling ride transported to America and Australia from Spikes prison. The island would be through the reconstruction of the shipyard and Titanic under construction. Be used by both the British and Irish army and navy, before becoming a prison again brought deep into the stories of the passengers, the crew and the heroes of the in the 1980s. day; relive the drama of the tragic end to Titanic’s maiden voyage, and visit the Today’s visitors can explore the vast Fortress, enter the infamous Punishment wreck at her resting place on the floor of the Atlantic. Finally, walk the decks of block and modern prison cells, see Ireland’s largest military gun park, journey SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line vessel and the biggest Titanic through the tunnels to the harbour defence guns, enter the former childrens artefact in the world, and see what life was like for passengers and crew on prison and explore the 104 acres of villages, beaches and grasslands. Europe’s board. Enjoy breath-taking views of the slipways where Titanic was launched and Leading Tourist Attraction 2017. relax in one of the superb catering outlets. And if you’d like a souvenir there’s plenty to choose from in The Titanic store. Address Kennedy Pier, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 E446 Address Titanic Quarter, 1 Olympic Way, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT3 9EP Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)21 237 3455 Phone +44 (0)28 9076 6399 Website www.spikeislandcork.ie Website www.titanicbelfast.com Sat Nav 51.8345, -8.2862 Sat Nav 54.6080, -5.9102 Location Ferries depart from Cobh. 20 km from Cork City Centre. Location The Titanic Quarter, a short walk from Belfast City Centre Open Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov: Open weekends, sailing times Open Open year round, except Dec 24-26. 12.00 and 14.00; May-Sept: Open daily, sailing times 12.00 Opening times: Jun-Jul: 09.00-19.00; Aug: 09.00-20.00; and 14.00; Jun, Jul, Aug: sailings hourly 10.00 to 15.00. Apr, May & Sept: 09.00-18.00; Oct-Mar: 10.00-17.00 See website for live updates. Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours Average Visit Length 3.5 hours minimum. Entrance Fees Adult £18.50; Senior/Student £15; Child (5-16) £8; (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) £45; Entrance Fees Adult €20; Senior/Student €17; Child (2-12) €10; Rates subject to change from Apr. Check website for updates. (standard) Child (U2) Free; Family (4 pax, any mix) €49 Group Rates For 15+ Group Rates For 15+ Special Opening for Yes Special Opening for Yes, all year round. Email [email protected] to Groups? Groups? arrange flexible group tours. Guided Group Tours All tours are guided in English. Min 15, Max 50. Guided Group Tours Yes guided tours offered as matter of course. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio guides in English, French, Spanish, German, Self-Guided Groups Yes, visitors may explore the island and attractions at leisure. Italian, Mandarin, Polish, plus one tailored to the visually Audio Visual Yes, several video and audio installations. impaired. Guides include British Sign Language visuals. Conference/ Yes, contact [email protected] Conference/ Extensive facilities with catering options. Titanic Suite Meetings Meetings (300); Olympic Suite (84); Britannic Suite (50); The Bridge (40) and Andrews Gallery (100) and Hickson’s Point (80). Incentive Programme Yes Incentive Programme Yes Performance Venue Yes, see www.spikeislandcork.ie for upcoming events. Performance Venue Yes - on request School/Education Yes, dedicated school tours with activities, Programme see www.spikeislandcork.ie/tours/school-tours School/Education Yes Programme Dining Café . Seats 98. Serving soups, sandwiches, hot rolls, paninis, Dining Bistro 401 offers menu choices and the best of Northern confectionery, teas, coffees, cakes, desserts, soft drinks. Irish produce. Galley Café offers a full Barista range, Shopping Yes, offering branded stationery, clothing, books, video, specialty teas, sandwiches, delicacies. Hickson’s Point toys & gifts. offers offers an authentic 1900’s public house setting, Car Parking Free car parking on North side of Cobh Cathedral, serving up the spirit of the shipyard with traditional music, 10 minutes walk from Kennedy Pier. entertainment, heritage décor and locally produced food. Coach Parking Coach parking off-site, 1 mile from Cobh Centre. Shopping Titanic Store selling an exclusive range of clothing, gifts and unique memorabilia. Drop off area at Kennedy Pier. Car Parking Pay parking on-site. Special Facilities for Free ferry journey for coach driver, free parking at Coaches/Drivers Cathedral, past Heritage Centre. Free refreshments for Coach Parking Free parking nearby. Drop off and pick up at West Door. driver. Special Facilities for Hospitality voucher. Disability Access Not wheelchair accessible due to current departure pier, Coaches/Drivers which has flight of stairs. Solution being investigated. Disability Access Wheelchair access throughout and accessible toilets. The Shipyard Ride has some wheelchair dimensional restrictions. Group Booking Contact Claudine, E: [email protected] Contact Group Booking Groups Department, E: [email protected] Contact 77 78 TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN TULLAMORE D.E.W. VISITOR CENTRE

Trinity College Dublin is the oldest university in Ireland. It was founded in 1592 For whiskey explorers eager to learn about the history and craft of the world- by Queen Elizabeth I and is famous for its graduates such as Swift, Goldsmith, renowned Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey, a visit to the home of the brand is a Wilde, and Beckett. The Old Library and the Book of Kells Exhibition is a ‘must must. This unique visitor experience is set in Tullamore D.E.W.’s original 19th see’ on the itinerary of all visitors to Dublin. Located in the heart of Dublin City, a century bonded warehouse on the banks of the Grand Canal in the town of walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College Dublin will bring visitors back Tullamore, Co. Offaly. to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library building was constructed. Join one of three unique whiskey journeys and get up close and personal with Inside is housed the Book of Kells - a 9th century gospel manuscript famous their history and their whiskey. You’ll be personally welcomed and guided by one throughout the world. of the whiskey experts from beginning to end; starting with the birth of a blend Visitors enter through the Library Shop and proceed to the Book of Kells and finishing with your very own triple tasting. ‘Turning Darkness into Light’ exhibition; then to the Treasury where the Book of • Curious Taster’s Journey: Discover Tullamore D.E.W. with this triple tasting Kells and other related manuscripts are on view; then proceed upstairs to the • Whiskey Wise Masterclass: Explore the depths of this fine whiskey collection in magnificent Long Room, the longest single-chamber library in the world, which the comfort and privacy of the D.E. Williams Branch House houses 200,000 of the library’s oldest books in its oak bookcases. • Ultimate Distillery Experience (By appointment only. Lunch included) Also worth visiting are the Gift Shop, , Zoological Museum and cafés. See www.tcd.ie/visitors/ for more details. The Bond Restaurant: Relax and enjoy the unique take on Irish Cuisine in authentic 19th century surroundings at The Bond.

Address College Street, Dublin 2, D02 K752 Address Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 Y5V0 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 896 2320 Phone +353 (0)57 932 5015 Website www.bookofkells.ie Website www.tullamoredew.com Sat Nav 53.3439, -6.2568 Sat Nav 53.2777, -7.4932 Location Dublin City Centre Location Tullamore Town Open Open Oct-Apr: Mon-Sat 09.30-17.00, Sun, Bank Hol Open Mon-Sat; 09.30-18.00; Sun & Bank Holidays 11.30-17.00. 12.00-16.30; May-Sept: Mon-Sat 08.30-17.00, Last admission 1 hour before closing. Closed Dec 24-Jan 1. Sun, Bank Hol 09.30-17.00. Closed Christmas & New Year. Average Visit Length 1 hour Average Visit Length 40 minutes to 1 hour Entrance Fees From €15. For further information on admission rates please Entrance Fees Adult €15; Senior/Student €12; Child (U12) Free; (standard) visit www.tullamoredew.com (standard) Family (2A+2C(U16)) €30 Group Rates For 15+ Group Rates For 10+ Special Opening for Yes, in special circumstances. Special Opening for Yes, subject to availability. Groups? Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes, in English, French and German. Min 1, Max 55. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 1, Max 30. Audio Visual 6 minutes, in English, German, French. Seats 55. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets available in English, Irish, German, French, Conference/ Meeting room seating up to 20. Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Russian, Japanese and Chinese. Meetings Audio Guides purchasable in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. Incentive Programme Yes, including Whiskey Tasting. Conference/ 15 theatres seating up to 400; 40 classrooms seating up School/Education Yes Meetings to 150. Available end of May to mid September each year. Programme Contact [email protected] Dining “The Bond” fully licenced whiskey bar and restaurant, Incentive Programme Yes. Contact [email protected] offering lunches and snacks. Performance Venue Yes. Contact [email protected] Shopping Gift shop selling branded merchandise, whiskey, local handcrafted foods and gifts. School/Education Yes Programme Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Dining The Buttery Restaurant offers breakfast, hot lunches/ Coach Parking Free parking nearby. 3 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. carvery, salads and snacks. Seats 400. Arts Café seats 40 Disability Access Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilet. inside and 40 outside, offers sandwiches and snacks. Group Booking Emma, E: [email protected] Shopping Library Shop selling books related to the Book of Kells and Contact Trinity, souvenirs, jewellery, clothing and gifts. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Coach Parking Limited parking nearby. Drop off and pick up at Nassau Street Gate. Disability Access Fully accessible. Accessible toilets are in the Arts Building. Group Booking Anne-Marie Diffley, E: [email protected]. Contact Also, [email protected] 79 80 ULSTER AMERICAN FOLK PARK ULSTER FOLK & TRANSPORT MUSEUM

Immerse yourself in the story of Irish emigration at the museum that brings Overlooking Belfast Lough, visitors can wander through the past to discover how it to life. Experience the adventure that takes you from the thatched cottages people lived and travelled over the centuries. The Folk Museum tells the story of of Ulster, on board a full-scale emigrant sailing ship, to the log cabins of the life in early 20th century Ulster. A bygone era is recreated in a rural landscape American Frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters with traditional crafts of farms, cottages, traditional crops and local breeds of livestock. A typical to show, tales to tell and food to share. Ulster town of the early 1900s is brought to life with homes, shops, workplaces, The indoor exhibition examines life in Ulster in the 18th and 19th centuries. It churches and schools. Costumed visitor guides, working buildings and exhibits, reveals the reasons behind the emigration and shows how the settlers adapted as well as the chance to touch, hear and do, brings history to life for visitors of to and impacted on, a new and unfamiliar environment. The ultimate in living all ages. Wander through the beautiful parkland of the Folk Museum chatting to history, the outdoor museum brings to life people’s daily routines and activities costumed visitor guides demonstrating traditional crafts. in both the Old and New Worlds. Museum Highlights include: A Step in time: the The Transport Museum creatively displays one of Europe’s largest and most story of Irish Dance at home and away. comprehensive transport collections, from horse-drawn carriages to Irish built A full programme of special events is organised throughout the year including motor cars, from the mighty steam locomotives that graced our railways to the the award winning annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival and the ever history of ship and aircraft building. At the Museum’s Titanic exhibition visitors popular Halloween Festival. can discover over 500 original artefacts including the 6m long original ship plans and 35 loan objects from RMS Titanic. Climb on and off majestic steam locomotives (Contact the museum for Christmas & New Year opening times) or experience the sensation of flight in the Transport Museum bursting with horse drawn carriages, electric trams, motorbikes, fire engines and vintage cars. Tom Peake Soyuz Exhibition comes to the Transport Museum early 2019. (Contact the museum for Christmas & New Year opening times) Address 2 Mellon Road, Castletown, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, BT78 5QU Address 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, Co. Down, BT18 0EU Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +44 (0)28 8224 3292 Phone +44 (0)28 9042 8428 Website www.nmni.com/uafp Website www.nmni.com/uftm Sat Nav 54.6589, -7.3355 Sat Nav 54.6492, -5.7989 Location 7.5km from Omagh Location 14km east of Belfast City Open Open year round. Mar-Jun & Sep: Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00; Open Open year round. Mar-Sep: Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00; July & Aug Mon-Sun 10.00-17.00; Oct-Feb: Tue-Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat-Sun 11.00-16.00. Oct-Feb: Tue-Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat-Sun 11.00-16.00. Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays. Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays and in July & August. Average Visit Length 3 hours Average Visit Length 3 hours to 4 hours Entrance Fees Adult £11; Senior/ Student £8.50; Child £6; Child (U5) Free; Entrance Fees Adult £9; Senior/Student £7; Child £5.50; Child (U5) Free; (standard) Family (2A+3C) £29; (1A+3C) £22 (standard) Family (2A+3C) £25; (1A+3C) £19 Guided Group Tours Yes. Enquire for details. Guided Group Tours Yes. Enquire for details. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets available in English, Irish, Ulster Scots, Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets available in English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish, German, Polish. Italian, Polish, Dutch, Russian, Slovak, Hungarian. (Folk Museum only) Conference/ Yes. Enquire for details. Conference/ Yes. Enquire for details. Meetings Meetings Incentive Programme Yes. Enquire for details. Incentive Programme Yes. Enquire for details. Performance Venue Yes. Enquire for details. Performance Venue Yes. Enquire for details. School/Education Yes School/Education Yes Programme Programme Dining Strule Café offers homemade hot and cold meals, tea/coffee, Dining Ballycultra Tearooms in Folk Museum and Midland Kiosk in scones, sandwiches Transport Museum Shopping Craft and gift shop. Shopping Two craft and gift shops. Car Parking Free on-site. 350 spaces. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Disability Access Accessible, other than upper floors of some buildings. Disability Access Fully accessible. Accessible toilets. Group Booking E: [email protected] or [email protected] Group Booking E: [email protected] or [email protected] Contact Contact 81 82 ULSTER MUSEUM VAULTS LIVE

Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see Vaults Live is a fun, immersive, theatrical attraction inspired by characters from modern masterpieces! Ulster Museum tells the story of the people of the north Irish history. Six great stories where you’ll find yourself right in the middle of of Ireland from earliest times to the present day. As Northern Ireland’s treasure the action beside actors who will thrill, excite, amuse and raise the hairs on the house of the past and present, it is home to a rich collection of art, history and back of necks of all ages! On your journey, you will experience stunning 360° sets, natural sciences. state of the art lighting, lavish costumes and special effects designed for you to Impressive galleries and interactive discovery zones bring the collections to life lose yourself in the life and times of the characters. with hands on activities. Gaze upon fabulous treasures from the Spanish galleon, The world of Vaults Live is set over 4 floors in a stunning Victorian schoolhouse Girona, uncover the story of life on earth from earliest times and explore one of where the largest team of professional actors in Ireland who know a thing or the world’s finest collections of Irish Art. two about great entertainment have been gathered together! Every word of the From Ireland to the South Pacific and from ancient relics to hands on activities, experience has been written by award-winning playwright Peter Sheridan who the Ulster Museum offers something for everyone, from the simply curious to wants to “make every guest laugh and scream and send them away with an the enthusiast. Museum Highlights include: Leonardo 500 Exhibition, Game unforgettable insight into why we, the Irish, are the way we are”. of Thrones Tapestry, Fashion & Feminism, Women in Print, Artist as a Traveller among others. (Contact the museum for Christmas & New Year opening times).

Address Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB Address John’s Lane West, Dublin 8, D08H998 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +44 (0)28 9044 0000 Phone +353 (0)1 541 1485 Website www.nmni.com/um Website www.vaults.live Sat Nav 54.5822, -5.9357 Sat Nav 53.3436, -6.2770 Location Belfast City Centre, next to Botanic Gardens Location Dublin City Centre, 400m from Christ Church Cathedral in Open Open year round. Tue-Sun: 10.00-17.00. the direction of Guinness Storehouse, which is 500m away Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays Open Wed-Sun: 11.00-17.00. Shows every 15 minutes. Average Visit Length 1 hour to 2 hours Average Visit Length 60 minutes for the show, plus allow 15 minutes for Entrance Fees Free admission entrance/exit (standard) Entrance Fees Entrance fees: Adult €25; Student €20; Group Rates Admission is free. (standard) Child (U16) €17; Family (2A+2C or 1A+3C) €65 Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets in English, Irish, German, French, Italian, Group Rates Yes, minimum of 10 and pre-booking is required. Spanish, Dutch, Polish, Ulster Scots. Special Opening for Yes, special opening available for private groups from Conference/ Yes. Enquire for details. Groups? 17.30 daily. Welcome drinks, 60-minute Vaults show, Meetings finishing in Molly’s Parlour for food, drinks and fun. Incentive Programme Yes. Enquire for details. Guided Group Tours No, the live theatre experience is Self-Guided. Groups larger than 15 will be staggered. Performance Venue Yes. Enquire for details. Self-Guided Groups Yes School/Education Yes Programme Conference/ Yes. Max 120 people by prior arrangement from 17.30 daily. Meetings Dining On ground floor overlooking Botanic Garden, serving hot and cold meals, snacks, tea/coffee. School/Education Yes, school groups accompanied by their teachers are Programme welcome. Shopping Gift shop. Dining Molly’s Parlour on-site café is fully licenced and seats 50. Car Parking On-street pay parking nearby. Shopping Gift Shop on-site offering a range of premium show Coach Parking Parking nearby. Drop off and pick up point. related merchandise. Disability Access Fully accessible. Car Parking There are two public car parks on Oliver Bond St, Group Booking E: [email protected] or [email protected] 100m and 200m from The Vaults. Contact Coach Parking Coach parking is available on Cook St. Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 83

WICKLOW’S HISTORIC GAOL

Wicklow’s Historic Gaol is an interactive experience that visitors will never forget. The renowned Wicklow’s Historic Gaol stands majestic on Killmantin Hill, in the GARDENS charming seaside town of Wicklow. ‘Experience’ is at the heart of the programme of historic, interactive and of IRELAND entertaining visitor activities at Wicklow’s Historic Gaol. Pass through the ‘Gates of hell’ to re-live the 1798 United lrishman Rebellion, period dining with the notorious inmates, a journey through the famine era to the 1916 Easter Rising and dramatic re-enactments of the lrish struggle for lndependence. Visit the reconstructed ship that transported some of the 50,000 A specially dedicated website to lrish people as convicts to Australia. Discover the inmates true stories from children to murderers. For the paranormally inclined there is a haunted night the best gardens in Ireland tour where the prisoners will walk the corridors with you and if you are brave enough there is also a ‘Sleep Over in the Gaol’ option. “See and remember it, but live it and you’ll never forget it”. The extensive menu of original adventures ensures a visit to Wicklow’s Historic Gaol will be a major highlight of any visit to lreland. Facilities include: Gaol Café restaurant, Craft Shop, Picnic Area, Meeting Room and car parking. Can also host Childrens’ Parties and Corporate / Private functions.

Address Kilmantin Hill, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow, A67 FA49 Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)404 61599 Website www.wicklowshistoricgaol.com Sat Nav 52.9789, -6.0373 Location Wicklow Town Open Open year round. Daily. 10.30-16.30; see website for Winter opening times. Closed over Christmas & Good Friday. Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes Entrance Fees Adult €8.50; Student/Senior €7; Child €5.50; (standard) Family €25. Special tours incl. night and paranormal tours also available. See website. Group Rates For 10+ Special Opening for Yes Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 40. Audio guides available. Audio Visual Holographic projections, sound effects throughout. Audio guides available in English, German, French, Spanish and Italian. Conference/ One room available to hire for 80 guests. Meetings Incentive Programme Yes. Jail Break and Murder mystery events. School/Education Yes Programme Dining Café/restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and snacks. Shopping Gift shop selling Gaol memorabilia and Celtic gifts. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Disability Access Ground floor access and accessible toilet. Gaol is on 4 floors, restricting access. Group Booking Tara Canavan / Tracey Doyle, Contact E: [email protected]

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PRIORITY NEWS UP-DATES FREE PHOTO LIBRARY You will be the first to hear the You will have free access to Photos latest news from Ireland’s Premier of Ireland’s Top Attractions. Attractions, through Heritage Island, These are ideal for print and online as a trusted and authoritative single promotional use. source. This will keep you up-to-date, without over-burdening you. WE PROMOTE YOU! We will highlight YOU as a priority partner to our FREE ATTRACTION PASSES members and on our consumer and travel trade You can avail of a special pass to give YOU FREE website at HeritageIsland.com access to over 90 of Ireland’s Premier Attractions, when used in conjunction with your Travel Trade FREE ADVICE We are Ireland Experts and will be available to Business Card. offer free advice on attractions and programming FREE TRAVEL ORGANISERS possibilities, responding to your needs. REFERENCE MANUAL 2019/20 We can also introduce you to Irish-based inbound You will receive our Ireland Premier Attractions tour operators. Planning Manual. This printed A4 manual (available in soft copy too) has FULL details of over 90 IRELAND TOURING GUIDE premier Ireland attractions, including contacts, and & DISCOUNT PASS We produce A5 Ireland touring guides (includes is the perfect planning tool. discount pass) which you can purchase at generous CUSTOMER DISCOUNT PASS ‘priority partner’ discounts. These can be for You can request our FREE A4 summary planner and inclusion in your travel packs, or you can purchase Discount Pass (pdf), with YOUR brand, for issue to and sell them to your customers. your FIT customers. It provides them with discounts off admissions.

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There are no costs involved and no requirements. You are Just email ONLY opting in to allow us to keep in touch, occasionally [email protected] emailing you ‘first to know’ updates; offering you a range of supports, and to identify your company in our own marketing to advise of your interest as a Heritage Island ‘Priority Partner’ and we will sign you up. Tel: +353 (0)1 9022 119 [email protected] www.HeritageIsland.com www.TopAttractionsIreland.com www.GardensofIreland.ie