2020 / 2021 Ireland’s Premier Attractions and Heritage Towns Travel Organisers Reference Manual

INSPIRATION INSIDE: Profiles, insights and contacts for 78 of Ireland’s premier visitor attractions OPW_edited.pdf 1 07/05/2015 09:13

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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 2020/2021 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 2020. 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 Aillwee Cave 23 l Dunbrody Famine Ship 42 l Kilmallock Heritage Town 63 l Powerscourt Waterfall Tel: +353 (0)65 707 7036 Experience Tel: +353 (0)63 91300 Tel: +353 (0)1 204 6000 l2 Airfield Estate Tel: +353 (0)51 425 239 43 l Kylemore Abbey & 64 l Tel: +353 (0)1 969 6666 24 l Eagles Flying Victorian Walled Garden Tel: +353 (0)1 222 8400 l3 Antrim Castle Gardens Tel: +353 (0)71 918 9310 Tel: +353 (0)95 52001 65 l Russborough House Tel: +44 (0)28 9448 1338 25 l Enniskillen Castle 44 l Legend of & Parklands

l4 Armagh City and Heritage Town The Claddagh Ring Tel: +353 (0)45 865 239 Tel: +44 (0)28 3752 1800 Tel: +44 (0)28 6632 5000 Tel: +353 (0)91 562 554 66 l Science Gallery l l l5 Athlone Castle 26 EPIC The Irish 45 Lismore Heritage Town +353 (0)1 896 4079

Visitor Centre Emigration Museum and Heritage Centre 67 l Shannon Ferries Tel: +353 (0)90 644 2130 Tel: +353 (0)1 906 0861 Tel: +353 (0)58 54975 Tel: +353 (0)65 905 3124 l l l6 Belleek Pottery 27 Foynes Flying Boat 46 Lough Derg 68 l Skibbereen:

Visitor Centre & Maritime Museum 47 l Lough Gur Heritage Centre The Famine Story Tel: +44 (0)28 6865 9300 Tel: +353 (0)69 65416 & Lakeshore Parklands Tel: +353 (0)28 40900 l l7 Belvedere House, 28 Foynes Heritage Town Tel: +353 (0)61 385 186 69 l Smithwick’s Experience Gardens & Park Tel: +353 (0)69 65416 48 l Lough Key Forest Kilkenny Tel: +353 (0)44 933 8960 29 l GAA Museum & Croke Park & Activity Park Tel: +353 (0)56 778 6377

l8 Birr Castle Gardens Stadium and Skyline Tours Tel: +353 (0)71 967 3122 70 l Spike Island and Science Centre Tel: +353 (0)1 819 2323 49 l Medieval Mile Museum Tel: +353 (0)21 237 3455 l Tel: +353 (0)57 912 0336 30 — Tel: +353 (0)56 781 7022 71 l Titanic Belfast

l9 Blarney Castle & Gardens Músaem Cathrach Na 50 l Medieval Quarter Tel: +44 (0)28 9076 63992 Gaillimhe Tel: +353 (0)21 438 5252 Limerick City l Tel: +353 (0)91 532 460 72 Trinity College 10 l Boyne Valley Tel: +353 (0)61 317 522 Tel: +353 (0)1 896 2320 l Tel: +353 (0)46 909 7060 31 Giant’s Causeway 51 l Mid & East Antrim Visitor Experience 73 l Tullamore D.E.W. l Shaped by Sea & Stone 11 The Burren Centre & The Tel: +44 (0)28 2073 1855 Visitor Centre Kilfenora Céilí Band Parlour Tel: +44 (0)28 2563 5010 Tel: +353 (0)57 932 5015 l Tel: +353 (0)65 708 8030 32 52 l Mizen Head Signal Station Museum 74 l American Folk Park l Tel: +353 (0)28 35000/35115 12 Burren Nature Sanctuary Tel: +353 (0)1 882 6550 Tel: +44 (0)28 8224 3292 Tel: +353 (0)91 637 444 53 l Mount Congreve Gardens l 75 l Ulster Folk Museum 33 Great Lighthouses Tel: +353 (0)51 384 115/384 511 13 l Carrickmacross of Ireland Tel: +44 (0)28 9042 8428 l Heritage Town Tel: +353 (0)86 838 5269 54 Mount Stewart 76 l Ulster Museum Tel: +353 (0)42 966 4176 Tel: +44 (0)28 4278 8387 34 l Tel: +44 (0)28 9044 0000 l l 14 Chester Beatty Tel: +353 (0)1 408 4800 55 National Gallery of Ireland 77 l Ulster Transport Museum Tel: +353 (0)1 407 0750 Tel: + 353 (0)1 661 5133 35 l Hillsborough Castle Tel: +44 (0)28 9042 8428 l l 15 Christ Church Cathedral and Gardens 56 National Library of Ireland 78 l Wicklow’s Historic Gaol Tel: +353 (0)1 677 8099 Tel: +44 (0) 33 3320 6000 Tel: +353 (0)1 603 0200 Tel: +353 (0)404 61599 16 l 36 l Hook Lighthouse 57 l Navan Centre & Fort—

Tel: +353 (0)65 682 3382 Tel: +353 (0)51 397 054/397 055 Emain Macha Tel: +44 (0)28 3752 9644 17 l Clonakilty Distillery Visitor 37 l House of Waterford Crystal l Experience & Gin School Tel: +353 (0)51 317 000 58 New Ross Heritage Town Tel: +353 (0)23 887 8020 Tel: +353 (0)51 421 284 38 l Irish National Stud 18 l Clones Heritage Town & Gardens 59 l The Newbridge Silverware

Tel: +353 (0)47 52125 Tel: +353 (0)45 521 617 Visitor Centre Tel: +353 (0)45 431 301 19 l 39 l Irish Whiskey Museum l Tel: +353 (0)21 481 3591 Tel: +353 (0)1 525 0970 60 Pearse Lyons Distillery Tel: +353 (0)1 691 6000 20 l Doolin Cave 40 l The Jameson Distillery, Tel: +353 (0)65 707 5761 Midleton 61 l The Powerscourt Distillery 21 l Dublin City Hall Tel: +353 (0)21 461 3594 Tel: +353 (0)1 506 5656 Tel: +353 (0)1 222 2204 41 l The Kennedy Homestead 62 l Powerscourt House 22 l & Emigrant Trail & Gardens Tel: +353 (0)1 679 4611 Tel: +353 (0)51 388 264 Tel: +353 (0)1 204 6000 33 33 Carndonagh 31 Portrush Ballycastle Moville Portstewart Bushmills Creeslough Coleraine A44 Buncrana 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 51 Magherafelt Ballyclare Newtownstewart Antrim A8 Carrickfergus Heritage Island Ardara N56 N15 3 M2 Newtownabbey Cookstown A2 Bangor Killybegs Donegal 74 A505 75 77 Pomeroy BELFAST Newtownards A35 Omagh A32 A29 71 76 54 Dungannon A26 Ballyshannon Dromore M1 Lisburn A20 Belleek A5 A4 M1 Lurgan A2 Bundoran 35 A49 A7 A22 N15 6 A46 Craigavon A4 Portaferry A28 4 A3 Portadown Ballynahinch Downpatrick Enniskillen Armagh A27 Banbridge A24 A25 N2 57 A50 Belmullet SLIGO N16 25 Monaghan A28 N59 A1 A25 A2 A509 A34 N54 Keady Newry Collooney Newcastle Bangor Erris Newtownbutler Clones 18 Castleblayney Warrenpoint Ballina N87 Arigna A29 A2 N17 Ballymote Belturbet Cootehill Kilkeel N4 N2 N53 Keel N26 24 Dundalk Boyle Cavan Carrickmacross Swinford 13 N59 Charlestown 48 Carrick-on-Shannon N5 N52 Ballaghaderreen Bailieborough M1 Castlebar N33 N3 Knock N5 N61 N55 Ardee Westport N60 Tulak N52 Ballyhaunis Granard Castlerea Kells Claremorris N60 Longford N51 Drogheda N63 10 N59 N4 Navan M1 Ballinrobe Roscommon N51 Balbriggan Leenane N52 43 Cong Skerries N55 Mullingar Trim Rush Clifden N84 M3 Tuam N63 N61 M2Swords Malahide Oughterard 7 M4 N83 Athlone N59 M4 Maynooth Moate M50 M17 5 M6 Celbridge DUBLIN Ballinasloe Clara Edenderry Athenry GALWAY N80 Clondalkin Rós A’Mhil M6 N62 Dun Laoghaire 30 44 Oranmore Tullamore N52 73 Naas N7 M11 M18 Loughrea Banagher Kilcormac Newbridge Bray N66 61 62 Ballyvaughan N67 Kinvara N65 Portarlington Kildare 59 65 Mountmellick 63 20 1 12 Portumna Birr 38 Doolin Gort Terryglass M11 Lisdoonvarna 8 Mountrath Portlaoise 11 Borrisokane Athy 78 Wicklow 46 N52 N80 N81 Lahinch Ennistymon M18 Roscrea M7 M9 Rathdrum N85 Abbeyleix Ennis Nenagh N78 Milltown Malbay M7 N62 Carlow Quin Ballina N77 16 Killaloe Castlecomer Templemore Tullow Arklow N68 Bunratty M8 M11 Kilkee Castleconnell Thurles N80 Gorey N67 Kilrush LIMERICK Kilkenny Bagenalstown Askeaton 49 69 67 Foynes N69 M20 50 N10 Borris 33 27 28 Adare Graiguenamanagh Ballybunion N24 Cashel Rathkeale N74 Callan Enniscorthy 47 M9 Thomastown Listowel Tipperary M11 Newcastle West N76 N30 Abbeyfeale Kilmallock New Ross N11 N69 N20 Cahir 42 N24 Clonmel 23 58 Wexford Charleville 41 N25 N21 Carrick-on-Suir Tralee Mitchelstown WATERFORD Rosslare Castleisland N73 53 37 N25 N86 Farranfore Dingle N70 Kanturk Mallow M8 Tramore Killorglin N22 N72 Fermoy Lismore 33 N72 N72 N72 45 Dungarvan Killarney Millstreet N20 36 N25 33 Cahersiveen 9 Youghal N71 Macroom Blarney Midleton N70 Kenmare CORK 40 DUBLIN Sneem N22 M2 M50 N28 Cobh Ballycotton N32 Waterville 70 19 M1 Carrigaline 33 Glengarriff Bandon Dunmanway N27 N2 Bere Bantry N71 Kinsale Clonakilty N71 17 Goleen Skibbereen 32 N1 68 N3 52 26 29

N4 66 64 72 N7 60 34 22 15 14 21 39 55 56

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 inspire caverns, over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the and enable people to make better food choices. 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 The expert bird handlers are always available to help you understand these Jersey cows are milked and the eggs are collected daily; The Kitchen Gardens - amazing Raptors and let you know about all the conservation programmes that where much of the fresh food is produced that goes directly into the field to fork are ongoing both nationally and internationally. Audio guides and information restaurant; Woodland Walks with over 2,000 native trees, providing important boards also give detailed information on all the residents. Daily flying displays wildlife corridors and improving the habitats of Airfield’s bird & insect populations; provide a rare opportunity to see many of these wonderful species in dramatic The Grey Barn special indoor/outdoor play space for 0-4 year old children; Overends free flight set against the Burren landscape. The Burren is also the birthplace of Kitchen - 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 hello@airfield.ie 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 €12; Senior/Student €9; Child €6.50; Child (U3) Free Entrance Fees Joint Tickets: Adult €22; Senior/Student €17; Child €12; (standard) (standard) Family (2A+2C) €52; ‘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 sales@airfield.ie necessary. Birds of Prey Centre and all shops and toilets are Contact fully accessible. Group Booking Tracy Lynch, E: [email protected] Contact 3 4 ANTRIM CASTLE GARDENS ARMAGH CITY

Antrim Castle Gardens is one of only two genuine late 17th century Anglo-Dutch Armagh – a city that has a unique sense of place in Ireland with a significance water gardens to survive in Ireland with their main original features still intact. and influence felt across the island for 6,500 years. It was laid out around Antrim Castle in the late 17th and early 18th century Armagh is at the heart of celebrating the life of Saint Patrick and on the new with further additions in the mid 19th century. The gardens also incorporated Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim’ s Walk, a journey of some 82 miles connecting an ancient Norman Motte and a number of significant buildings, including a locations of spiritual significance to the saint. Barbican Gate Lodge, an Italianate Tower standing as the only remains of the There are many special things to experience in Armagh ranging from the Castle, and Clotworthy House, a coach yard and stable block in a Dutch style built historically unique Navan Fort, two Saint Patrick’s Cathedrals, Ireland’s only in the 1840s. Planetarium, Irish Fusiliers Museum, Armagh County Museum, No.5 Vicar’s Hill, Water played a major part in the Gardens with the Long Canals, Round Pond, the Cardinal O’Fiaich Memorial Library and Archive, the Milford House Collection, and Yew Tree Pond set in a Wilderness of trees through which paths and avenues Armagh Robinson Library, unmatched Georgian architecture, the green space of were made. The Large Parterre, originally a 17th century herb garden, was the Mall. grassed over in the mid 19th century and recreated in 1991 during the first Key events in Armagh throughout the year include; Home of Saint Patrick’s phase of the garden restoration programme. In 2010 the Gardens underwent a Festival (March), Armagh Food and Cider Festival (September) and Armagh major restoration scheme which included such new visitor facilities as a Coffee Georgian Festival (November). Shop, Gift Shop, exhibition spaces, and workshop and conference rooms set within Clotworthy House visitor complex.

Address Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House, Location 40 miles from Belfast, 85 miles from Dublin. Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LH Sat Nav 54.3493, -6.6545 Email [email protected] Visitor Centre Armagh Visitor Information Centre, 40 English Street, Phone +44 (0)28 9448 1338 Armagh, BT61 7BA. Website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/visitors Tel +44 (0)28 3752 1800 Sat Nav 54.7180, -6.2263 Email [email protected] Location 4 km from M2 (main route from Belfast to Causeway Website www.visitarmagh.com Coast and Londonderry); 1.3 km from Antrim Bus and Rail Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Armagh County Museum; Armagh Centre; 8 km from Belfast International Airport; 32 km Observatory & Planetarium; Armagh Robinson Library; from Belfast city centre. Cardinal Tomas O’Fiaich Library & Archive; Navan Centre & Open Open year round. Mon-Wed & Fri: 9.00-17.00; Tues & Fort; No 5 Vicar’s Hill; Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum; Saint Thurs: 9.00– 21.30; Sat & Sun: 10.00–17.00. Closed July 12, Patrick’s Cathedral (Catholic); Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Dec 25, 26, Jan 1 (Church of Ireland); The Mall; The Market Place Theatre & Arts Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours Centre and The Palace Demesne, Milford House Collection. Entrance Fees Free admission Guided Tours Tours of Armagh City take place during the summer (standard) months. Contact the Armagh Visitor Information Centre for details outside of this time. Group Rates Admission is free Activities Cultural activities including museums, exhibitions. City Special Opening for Yes Centre walks focusing on culture, heritage, architecture and Groups? food. Saint Patrick’s Way: the Pilgrim’s Walk: Connecting Guided Group Tours Guided Group Tours available, pre-booking required. sites of importance relating to the celebration of his life and Incentive Programme No heritage. Family friendly activites at attractions. Performance Venue Yes. Indoor max 60 and outdoor max 10,000. Top Festivals/Events Festivals include: Home of Saint Patrick’s Festival (March); 7 Hills Blues Festival (August), Armagh Food & Cider Festival School/Education Yes. Biodiversity activities linked to curriculum available (September) and Armagh Georgian Festival (November). Programme through Park Rangers. Dining There is a wide range of opportunities for eating local and Dining Garden Coffee Shop. Open Mon – Sun: 9.00-17.00. Can artisan produce across Armagh. From cafés to restaurants cater for groups up to 52, pre-booking required. and with a focus on serving the best of local food. Shopping Garden Gift Shop. Open Mon – Sun: 9.00-17.00. Visit www.visitarmagh.com for more ideas. Car Parking Free on-site. Shopping Armagh has a strong presence of independent retailers and Coach Parking Free on-site. the visitor will find many quirky and unusual gifts. A weekly Special Facilities for No market takes place in Shambles Yard. Coaches/Drivers Car Parking Free and pay parking throughout the town. Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. Coach Parking Available at the Palace Demesne. A coach driver’s scheme Group Booking E: [email protected] provides food vouchers, parking and coach washing Contact facilities. Contact the Visitor Centre for information. Heritage /Visitor Armagh Visitor Information Centre, 40 English Street, Centre Armagh, BT61 7BA. Open year round; Monday - Saturday. Tourist Information Armagh Visitor Information Centre. As above. Tel: +44 (0)28 3752 1800 5 6 ATHLONE CASTLE BELLEEK POTTERY VISITOR CENTRE VISITOR CENTRE

Situated on the banks of the majestic River Shannon in the heart of Ireland, Visit Ireland’s oldest working Pottery, over 160 years in business. A visit to Belleek Athlone Castle was first built to defend a coveted crossing point and evolved into Pottery Visitor Centre is the perfect way to spend a day out and a must on any a bold defensive structure over the centuries. Visitors to Athlone Castle Visitor itinerary. Famously known for being the oldest working pottery in Ireland, this Centre will discover a story of settlement, defence and survival from as early 4 star attraction offers a fascinating insight into the world of Belleek and the as the Neolithic period, to the Viking, Medieval and Norman ages, right up to process that delivers this world-class product. Offering a series of delicate modern life in Athlone. delights to make your visit so much more memorable. During your visit you will uncover the vivid history of the bitter battles fought, Begin your visit with an interactive guided tour. Guides will take you on a territories won and lost, and hear stories of incredible bravery. Prepare to walk in 30-minute pottery tour where you will see the 16 steps of how this world famous the steps of soldiers, Generals and Kings. product is created. Amongst some of skills demonstrated, you will see moulding, Inside the Castle delve through the mists of time as the Castle’s tumultuous past flowering, painting and basket weaving. As the oldest working pottery in Ireland, is revealed with a series of modern exhibitions, authentic artefacts, interactive the heritage of Belleek is hard to ignore. In addition to the displays of exquisite games, life-size sculptures, medieval dress up area and an intense 360º cinematic craftsmanship, an audio visual presentation will inform you of the rich history experience of the Great Siege of Athlone. 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 Enthusiastic guides and volunteers will be on hand to assist you with any queries pottery including the International Centre Piece, a replica of the winning piece you may have. Last admission is one hour prior to closing. 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 St. Peter’s Square, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 A6D7 Address 3 Main St., Belleek, Co. Fermanagh, BT93 3FY Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)90 644 2130 Phone +44 (0)28 6865 9300 Website www.athlonecastle.ie Website www.belleekpottery.ie Sat Nav 53.4231, -7.9427 Sat Nav 54.4790, -8.0932 Location Situated in Athlone Town Location 39 km from Enniskillen Open Open year round. Jan-Feb & Nov-Dec Wed-Sat 10.30-17.00, Open Open year round, including bank holidays: Sun 11.30-17.00; Mar-May & Sept-Oct Tues-Sat 10.00-17.30, Jan-Feb: Mon-Fri. Mar-Dec: Daily. Please contact the centre Sun 11.00-17.30; Jun-Aug Mon-Sat 09.30-18.00, Sun 10.30-18.00 for specific opening hours and tour times. Check website for details. Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes Last admissions 1 hour prior to closing. Entrance Fees Adult £6; Senior/Student £4; Child Free; Family £10 Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes (standard) Entrance Fees Adult €9; Senior/Student €6.50; Child (U15) €4.50; Child Group Rates For 10+ (standard) (U4) Free; Family (2A+2C) €23. Family (2A+4C) €28. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 1, Max 25. Group Rates For 10+ Audio Visual 20 minute AV, for 50, in English, French, German, Italian, Special Opening for Yes, depending on the time of year. Scheduled guided tours Japanese, Chinese and Dutch. Groups? during summer months. School/Education Yes. Guided guided tours. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 15, Max 30. Programme Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio-guides available in English, French, German, Dining Self-service restaurant. Spanish, Italian and Chinese (Mandarin). Shopping Showroom selling a complete range of Belleek Pottery, Audio Visual 360° cinema of the Great Siege of Athlone, 7 minute Galway Crystal and Aynsley China. duration in English, seats 50. Car Parking Free on-site. Performance Venue Castle Courtyard can be used for fairs, small events, music Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. and recitals. Capacity (weather dependent) could be 200 pax Special Facilities for Coach wash and refuse area. approx. Coaches/Drivers School/Education Yes. Based on Castle themes. Disability Access Fully accessible. Programme Group Booking Patricia McCauley, E: [email protected] Dining Small café serving tea/coffee and light refreshments. Seats Contact 16 inside and 16 outside. Shopping Small retail area selling Athlone Castle merchandise including handmade pottery, postcards and guidebooks. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Coach Parking Free parking nearby. 3 spaces. Drop off at entrance. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee/snack. Drivers welcome to explore visitor Coaches/Drivers centre. Disability Access Partially accessible via a ramp. The visitor centre itself is wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilet. Group Booking Fiona Naughton, E: [email protected] Contact 7 8 BELVEDERE HOUSE, BIRR CASTLE GARDENS GARDENS & PARK AND SCIENCE CENTRE

Lord Belvedere’s Hunting Lodge at Lough Ennell stands on 160 acres of The stunning 120 acres of gardens and parklands at Birr Castle demesne are maintained estate, punctuated with numerous follies, the largest being The home to over 4,000 species of plants and trees, the Great Telescope dating back Jealous Wall built to obscure his brother’s larger house at Tudenham. Belvedere to 1845 and Ireland’s Tallest Treehouse with playground. The Science Centre House is fully restored and is noted for its exquisite rococo ceilings and bow takes you on a journey back in time to when Birr Castle was a hub of scientific end design. The Victorian Walled Garden exercises all the senses with a fragrant discovery and innovation with seven galleries, a welcome video, one of the herb garden, old rose beds, tumbling herbaceous borders, alpines, climbers and world’s oldest darkrooms with hologram, as well as galleries on engineering and vegetable potager. Belvedere plays host to a range of different outdoor events, astronomy. including Garden Theatre,Bat Walks, Music Concerts and Dog Shows. The Great Telescope located in front of the castle was built in 1845 by the 3rd Belvedere has a licensed restaurant, gift shop, fairy garden, four childrens’ play Earl of Rosse and was the largest in the world for over 70 years. Rivers, waterfalls areas and several picnic areas. Belvedere has a full calendar of events including and lake can be found among the 120 acres of lush parklands as well as 10km Halloween, Easter and Christmas events. Please check website for latest details. of walks. Many species of plants and trees found in the demesne were sourced through plant expeditions to the four corners of the globe. Celebrating 400 years of the Parsons family at Birr Castle Demesne 1620 – 2020. Guided castle tours take place from May to August each year. Visit www.birrcastle.com for full details and times, pre-booking is required.

Address Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 EF80 Address Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 VO27 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)44 933 8960 Phone +353 (0)57 912 0336 Website www.belvedere-house.ie Website www.birrcastle.com Sat Nav 53.4772, -7.3692 Sat Nav 53.0967, -7.9143 Location 7 km from Mullingar Location Birr Town Open Open year round: Daily from 09.30. May-Aug until 20.00. Open Open year round. Closed Dec 25, 26 & Jan 1. Please check website for details. Last admission 1 hour Please visit birrcastle.com for seasonal opening times. before closing. Closed Dec 24-26 Average Visit Length 1.5 to 3 hours Average Visit Length 2 hours Entrance Fees Adult €9.50; Senior/Student €8; Child (5-12) €5; Entrance Fees Adult €8; Senior/Student €6; Child €4; Child (U3) Free; (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) €26. (standard) Family (2A+2C) €23 Rates do not include access to the castle. Group Rates For 20+ Group Rates For 15+, group guided tours available on request. Special Opening for In certain circumstances. Special Opening for Yes on request. Groups? Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 50. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 15, Max 30. Self-Guided Groups Yes in English Self-Guided Groups Yes. Maps in English, French, German, Spanish and Conference/ Meeting/conference rooms, all upstairs (no lift). Lakeview Mandarin Meetings room seats 16 Classroom style and The Bury room seats 30 Conference/ No theatre-style. ‘The Courtyard’ in the visitor centre seats Meetings 200 theatre style. Suited to product launches, seminars and School/Education Yes diverse entertainment and events. Lunches/parties catered Programme for. Dining Award-winning Café serving a selection of sweet and Performance Venue The Courtyard in the Visitor Centre is suited to musical and savoury dishes. other events. Seats 200. Shopping Gift shop. School/Education Yes. Worksheets available. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Programme Coach Parking Dedicated coach parking close to the entrance. Dining Café serving wide range of fresh local foods and snacks. Lunch/dinners available for pre-booked groups. Seats 150. Special Facilities for Free access to attraction and refreshments. Coaches/Drivers Shopping Gift shop selling clothing, jewellery and gifts. Disability Access All areas accessible except castle. Car Parking Free on-site. Group Booking E: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)57 9120336 Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up at Visitor Centre. Contact 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 9 10 BLARNEY CASTLE & GARDENS BOYNE VALLEY

Situated 8km/5miles from Cork City, this historic castle is most famous for its The Boyne Valley, situated on the east coast of Ireland, is only 30 minutes from stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. Dublin. Virtually every important event in Irish history took place in the Boyne The word ‘Blarney’ was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth Valley, making it the best place to start your holiday in Ireland. Some of its best- I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. known attractions include the 5,000-year old burial chambers at the Newgrange The stone is set in the wall below the battlements. To kiss it, one has to lean and Knowth part of the Brù na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site and the backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk. interpretive centre at the Battle of the Boyne site. Right in the heart of Drogheda In the grounds of the castle, the Rock Close is a curious place of ancient trees Heritage town, visit the Gothic Revival St. Peter’s Catholic Church, with the and far more ancient stones, by legend a garden of druidic origin and a centre of preserved head of St. Oliver Plunkett. Tour Millmount Museum and the Martello worship in pre-Christian days. Tower to experience the wonderful views over Drogheda and it’s medieval St. Laurence’s Gate. Marvel at the early Christian High Crosses at Monasterboice and The place has an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witch’s Kells. No visit would be complete without seeing Trim Castle, the best preserved Kitchen, Druid’s Cave and many other delights, telling a story of centuries past. and most impressive Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. It is situated in the Blarney Castle Estate offers visitors the chance to stroll through one of the heritage town of Trim where you can also enjoy guided tours and a leisurely walk country’s most spectacular gardens. down the River Boyne. Blarney Castle & House are set in acres of parkland filled with rare and unusual trees & plants. There is a fern garden with the atmosphere of a tropical jungle, a poison garden full of deadly but fascinating plants, an 80metre/262feet long double herbaceous border and rose pergola, extensive rhododendron beds and spring bulbs. Address Blarney, Cork, T23 Y598 Address Drogheda Tourist Information Point, The Tholsel, West St. Email [email protected] Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 CF29 Phone +353 (0)21 438 5252 Email [email protected] Website www.blarneycastle.ie Phone +353 (0)46 909 7060 Sat Nav 51.9292, -8.5686 Website www.discoverboynevalley.ie Location 9 km from Cork City Sat Nav 53.7179, -6.3561 Open Open year round: Daily from 09.00; Closing times vary Location A wonderful tour of attractions throughout counties Meath through the season. Please check website for details. and Louth. Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours Open Open year round: Please check website for details. Entrance Fees See www.blarneycastle.ie for admission details. Average Visit Length Varies (standard) Entrance Fees Fees apply to some visitor attractions. Special Opening for Yes (standard) Please check website for details. Groups? Group Rates Yes, varies by attraction Self-Guided Groups Yes. English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. Special Opening for Varies, by attraction. Audio Visual 1 hour audio guides in English. Groups? Performance Venue Outdoor spaces available for groups to use for performances. Guided Group Tours Varies by attraction; see www.discoverboynevalley.ie Dining Café serving Irish foods and snacks. Seats 70. Self-Guided Groups Yes, at most attractions Shopping 3 gift shops selling Blarney Castle souvenirs. Audio Visual Yes, some sites have AV including Newgrange and the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre. Car Parking On-site. Conference/ Yes. Please see our listing, www.discoverboynevalley.ie Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off point. Meetings Disability Access The castle is not accessible, but a large portion of the Performance Venue See www.discoverboynevalley.ie gardens is accessible. School/Education Yes, at some attractions, see www.discoverboynevalley.ie Group Booking Noreen Murphy, E: [email protected] Programme Contact Dining Many Boyne Valley attractions have restaurants or tea rooms, or there are facilities close by in each town or village. Shopping Some attractions have gift shops. Car Parking Available at most heritage sites. 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 THE BURREN CENTRE & BURREN NATURE SANCTUARY THE KILFENORA CÉILÍ BAND PARLOUR

To begin to discover the secrets of the Burren a visit through the Burren Welcome to the magic of Burren Nature Sanctuary! Take the free 10 stop audio Centre is essential. Here the story of the Burren is impressively presented in ‘A guide. Explore the interpretive trail that showcases the natural features of the Walk Through Time’ multidimensional exhibition. Subliminal ambient aural Burren landscape: shattered limestone pavement formed over millions of years; effects suggest the geological formation of the landscape, its flora and fauna. the Disappearing Lake that fills every 12 ½ hours; ancient Irish Ash and Hazel Beautifully displayed artefacts, original works of art, enthralling audio-visual and woodland and the organic Wild Orchid Meadow. Watch the nature film that interactive experiences together with dramatic life-like reproductions of human explains how the unique biodiversity of the Burren evolved and view the native activity all combine to provide an insight into the rich history and heritage of the wildflower collection in the Botany Bubble exhibit. Learn how exotic Arctic, Burren. Alpine and tropical plants flourish side by side in the Burren–Ireland’s Eden! Take a walk down memory lane and enjoy the exhibition entitled ‘The Kilfenora Meet Frisky the feral goat and other friendly farm animals or book a walk with Ceili Band Parlour’, which explores the music and history of this renowned band. a pig through the magical fairy woodland! Enjoy local produce in the on-site Projections showcasing a musical journey, archival photographs, historical Burren Food Trail café and browse the crafts in the AVOCA gift shop. Indoor and artefacts and interactive displays provide a fascinating insight into their musical outdoor play areas. journey for over 100 years. There is enjoyment for all the family at this wonderful attraction. Homely Tea 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 Kilfenora, Co. Clare, V95 W523 Address Cloonasee, Kinvara, Co. Galway, H91 PTK7 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)65 708 8030 Phone +353 (0)91 637 444 Website www.theburrencentre.ie Website www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie Sat Nav 53.3579, -6.5276 Sat Nav 53.1298, -8.9280 Location 8 km from Ennistymon Location Located in the picturesque village of Kinvara, ideally Open Open mid-Mar to end of Oct. Mid Mar-May and Sept-Oct: situated en-route from Galway or Dublin to the Burren and Daily 10.00-17.00. Jun-Aug: Daily 09.30-17.30. Cliffs of Moher Geopark. 60 km from Shannon Airport (Tea room open year round) Open Sept to Apr: Wed-Sun 10.00-17.00. Average Visit Length 40 minutes Apr to Sept: Daily 10.00-18.00. Jan: Closed Entrance Fees Adult €6; Senior/Student €5; Child (6-15) €4; Average Visit 90 Minutes. (standard) Child (U6) Free; Family (2A+3C) €20 Length Group Rates For 12+ Entrance Fees Adult €8; Senior €6; Child (4yrs+) €11 (standard) Special Opening for Yes Child (U4) €6; Family (2A+3C) €37 Groups? Group Rates Yes for 10+ Self-Guided Groups Yes, see below for languages. Special Opening for No Audio Visual AV in French, Dutch, German and English. Groups? School/Education Yes. School packs available online. Guided Group Yes, on request pre-booking is required. Programme Tours Dining Tea Rooms serving a wide variety of home-cooked foods and Self-Guided Groups Yes snacks. Seats 65. Open year round. 10.00-17.00. Audio Visual Burren Nature Sanctuary App available to download, it Shopping Craft shop selling local and traditional Irish crafts, crystal, provides an audio tour of the Burren Walk at the Nature knitwear and souvenirs. Sanctuary. The app is free to download on IOS and Android. Introduction to the Burren film, 15mins. Car Parking Free on-site. Conference/ Yes Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Meetings Disability Access Fully accessible, with accessible toilets. School/Education Yes, specialised tours available. Group Booking Frances Connole, E: [email protected] Programme Contact Dining The Sanctuary Café Lunch 12noon to 16.45 serving soups, salad, quiche plus a healthy Children’s Menu. Cakes and coffee served 10.00 to 17.30 Shopping Avoca Gift Shop, craft products, pottery, candles, blankets, children’s toys Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Disability Access Partially accessible Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 13 14 CARRICKMACROSS HERITAGE TOWN CHESTER BEATTY

Carrickmacross is a bustling market town with a vibrant history. The Heritage With free admission and described by the Lonely Planet as not just the best Trail (Self-guided or Walking Tour option) takes visitors from the Elizabethan museum in Dublin, but one of the best in Europe, the Chester Beatty is a times, through the Famine years and onto the recent past. The trail takes in must-see on any Dublin visitor’s itinerary. As the only museum in Ireland to win the Market Square which is home to the famous Carrickmacross Lace Gallery ‘European Museum of the Year,’ the collection includes manuscripts, miniature where local lace-makers tell the story of how it all began in the 19th century. paintings, prints, drawings, rare books, and decorative arts - all the result of the At that time is was made by the poor for the rich and famous and the tradition collecting activities of one man - Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). Egyptian still carries on today with exquisite Carrickmacross lace still being hand worked papyrus texts, beautifully illuminated copies of the Qur’an, the Bible, and by these passionate craftspeople. The building also houses a craft gallery, The European medieval and renaissance manuscripts are among the highlights on Collective at Market Square, which is located in the adjoining outlet. This is display. In its diversity, the collection captures much of the richness of human an expertly curated selection of locally made artwork, crafts and furniture. A creative expression from about 2700 BC to the present day. short walk away, the Carrickmacross Workhouse was one of 130 Workhouses built between 1841 and 1843 to house the poor. The story of its inhabitants is told through a guided tour led by experienced and passionate guides. It is an evocative and emotional experience.

Address Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan Address Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, D02 AD92 Email [email protected] or Email [email protected] [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 407 0750 Phone +353 42 9664176 Website www.chesterbeatty.ie Website www.monaghantourism.com Sat Nav 53.3420, -6.2674 Sat Nav 53.9779, -6.7188 Location The Chester Beatty is situated in the gardens of Dublin Location On the N2 Primary Route. 85 km from Dublin Airport. 120 Castle in the heart of the city centre. km from Belfast Airport. Open Open Year Round. Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00; Sat 11.00-17.00; Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Sun 13.00-17.00. Closed Public/Bank Holidays. Closed Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, Collective at Market Square Mondays: Nov-Feb. Closed Jan 1, Good Friday & Dec 24-26. and Average Visit Length 1 hour to 2 hours Carrickmacross Workhouse & Guided Walking Tours Entrance Fees Free admission Guided Tours Guided Tours of Carrickmacross are available free of charge (standard) every Saturday at 11.00 from Easter Saturday to the October Group Rates Admission is free. Bank Holiday Weekend. Other times by prebooking. Special Opening for Yes Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours Groups? Group Rates Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, Collective at Market Square Guided Group Tours Yes. Must be pre-booked 3 weeks in advance. Max number and Guided Walking Tours all free of charge. 15 per group, larger groups will be staggered. Carrickmacross Workhouse charges apply email: [email protected] for further Self-Guided Groups Yes. Must be pre-booked 3 weeks in advance. Max number information. 15 per group, larger groups will be staggered. Dining There are some excellent local restaurants and coffee shops Conference/ Various options: The Lecture Theatre accommodates up to in town including the Courthouse Restaurant which has a Meetings 100 people, The Board Room up to 12, The Atrium up to 300 Michelin Bib Gourmand rating. and The Roof Garden up to 80. Shopping The Market Square has two Craft Units - The School/Education Yes, activity packs available for children. Other programmes Carrickmacross Lace Gallery sells Lace and The Collective at Programme include workshops, creative labs, lunchtime talks and drop- Market Square sells arts, crafts and gifts. in drawing. Car Parking Free parking available at Carrickmacross Workhouse. Dining Silk Road Café on-site. The café’s menu is based on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Also caters for Coach Parking Free coach parking is available outside the Market Square conference delegates and all evening receptions. and also at the Workhouse. Shopping Handpicked from around the world and from Ireland, the on- Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. site gift shop stocks an eclectic mix of art prints and books, Tourist Information E: [email protected] or exhibition catalogues, jewellery, home ware and Irish crafts. [email protected] Car Parking Some pay street parking on Ship St, nearest car park is Christchurch car park on Werburgh St. Coach Parking Contact for information. Disability Access Fully accessible. Wheelchairs also available on-site free of charge Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact Book online: http://chesterbeatty.ie/whats-on/plan-a-visit-tours 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 Open Oct-May: Tues-Sat 09.30-13.00, 14.00-17.30; (closed 14.30-16.30). Open to 19.00 Apr-Sep; Jun-Sept: Mon-Sat 09.30-13.00, 14.00-17.30. Nov-Feb Mon-Sat 09.30-17.00, Sun 12.30-15.00. Last admissions at 17.00. Closed Dec 26. Last admission 45 min before closing. Closed bank holiday weekends, Sun & Mon. Average Visit Length 40 – 60 minutes Opening hours subject to change. Entrance Fees Adult €8; Senior/Student €6.50; Child (4-12) €3.50; Average Visit Length 40 minutes to 1 hour (standard) Child (U4) Free; Family (2A+2C) €20 Entrance Fees Free admission Group Rates For 10+ (standard) Special Opening for Yes Group Rates Admission is free Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 1, Max 40. Guided Group Tours Yes. 15 + Self-Guided Groups Yes. Guidebooks are available in Irish, French, German, Self-Guided Groups Yes Italian and Polish. Audio Visual Built-in screen and projection in Music Room, PA in nave Incentive Programme Walking tours of the town can be arranged. and Crypt. School/Education Schools programme in place. Conference/ Music Room available on Mondays and Fridays and outside Programme Meetings of choir terms. Dining None on-site. Several restaurants and café within 250 Incentive Programme Corporate dinners, receptions, choral recitals and early / metres. after hours visits. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Performance Venue Yes. Performing musicians from all over the world are Coach Parking Free parking nearby. 14 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. welcomed for lunch-time recitals and evening concerts Special Facilities for Coach washing area and waste disposal facility. Drivers Dining For groups of 25+. Opening times same as visiting hours. Coaches/Drivers lounge in adjacent hotel with CCTV and free Wi-Fi. Drinks, Canapés and Dinner can be arranged in Crypt for Disability Access Fully accessible, with accessible toilets. groups. Group Booking John Rattigan, E: [email protected] Shopping Foxy Friars gift shop has a large range of bespoke Christ Contact Church merchandise inspired by the unique architecture of the building. 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 CLONAKILTY DISTILLERY VISITOR CLONES HERITAGE TOWN EXPERIENCE & GIN SCHOOL

Immerse yourself in a unique sensory experience by booking a behind the scenes This historic town was founded by St Tighernach in the 6th century. You can still tour of a real working distillery. A must-see for anyone wanting the hands-on see the round tower which belonged to his monastery and all around Clones you experience of how to make a great whiskey. Combining world-class visitor can discover signs of this ecclesiastical past - the ancient High Cross that stands facilities, the very best in multi-media presentation and expert guides, visitors in the Diamond and the 12th century St Peter and Paul’s Abbey - known to locals will experience first-hand, the smell, sound, feel and taste of a distillery creating as ‘the wee abbey’. genuine Irish spirits. Behind the scenes tours look at the detail that goes into the Cassandra Hand Folk and Famine Centre tells the story of the famine and its making of the award-winning Clonakilty spirits. You will learn all about the grain impact on the lives of the people of the area. The Ulster Canal Stores, originally to glass distillation process. a distribution centre for goods using the Ulster Canal, is now home to a unique For those wanting a more hands-on experience the Clonakilty Distillery Gin museum which tells the story of Clones Lace and how it thrived as a cottage School is a must try. This is Munster’s first Gin School, where visitors learn the industry and sustained many local families in hard times. There is also a lovely Gin making process from expert guides and create their own bespoke bottle of bistro on-site and it’s set in a peaceful site along the banks of the old Canal. Gin to take home and enjoy. The on-site gift shop features the full product range To discover more, visitors can follow the Clones Heritage Trail (Self-guided or of whiskeys and gin, special discounted offers and distillery exclusive bottlings. Walking Tour option).

Address The Waterfront, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P85 EW82 Address Clones, Co. Monaghan Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)23 887 8020 Phone Ulster Canal Stores +353 (0)47 52125 Website www.clonakiltydistillery.ie Website www.monaghantourism.com Sat Nav 51.6215, -8.8859 Sat Nav 53.9779, -6.7188 Location Located in the heart of Clonakilty and situated on the Location On the N54 route. 20 km from Monaghan Town. 25 km amazing Wild Atlantic Way route, less than an hour away from Cavan Town. 130 km from Dublin Airport. 120 km from Cork City. from Belfast International Airport. Open Open year round: Apr–Oct: Mon-Sun 10.30–18.30, Nov– Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Ulster Canal Stores, Cassandra Hand Mar Tues-Sun 11.00–18.30. Check website for other dates. Folk & Famine Centre, Round Tower, High Cross & the 12th Closed Dec 24, 25, 26 & Jan 1. century St. Peter & Paul’s Abbey known locally as ‘The Wee Average Visit Length 90 minutes Abbey’. Entrance Fees Adult €15; Senior/Student €13.50; Child (8-17) €10; Guided Tours Guided Tours of the town can be arranged by contacting (standard) Gin Masterclass €49; Gin Masterclass with dinner €79 Ulster Canal Stores (contact details above). Group Rates For 10+. Pre-booking required. Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours Special Opening for Yes Group Rates Free Admission to Clones Lace Museum in the Ulster Canal Groups Stores. Guided Group Tours All tours are guided. Min. 10 people. Pre-booking required. Incentive Programme No Incentive Programme Yes Performance Venue No Performance Venue Yes School/Education No Programme School/Education Yes Programme Dining Range of dining options including the Ulster Canal Stores Bistro & Coffee Shop or the family-run Creighton Hotel, Dining The Whale’s Tail is a family friendly restaurant, serving which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed breakfast, brunch, lunch and evening meals. Open 7 days a setting. week, catering for all diets. With a full bar they can cater for group bookings and all special occasions. Shopping There are several shopping options in Clones and the surrounds with many opportunities to purchase Clones Shopping Yes, on-site gift shop selling a range of Clonakilty Distillery Lace. Whiskey, Minke Gin and branded Clonakilty Distillery merchandise. Car Parking Free parking available throughout Clones. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free Coach Parking throughout Clones. Coach Parking Free on-site. Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. Special Facilities for Yes Tourist Information E: [email protected] Coaches/Drivers Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 19 20 COBH HERITAGE CENTRE DOOLIN CAVE Longest Stalactite in Europe

The Queenstown Story, a self-guided tour, relaying the tales of Emigration to Visit the award winning Doolin Cave and visitor centre located 3 kilometres North America, transportation of Convicts to , “The Forgotten Irish” the outside the village of Doolin just 7 miles/12 km from the Cliffs of Moher in story of the Irish indentured servants in the West Indies, and of course the Titanic the deepest part of the Burren in County Clare. Doolin Cave is one of the best and the Lusitania disasters. These subjects are dealt with as you walk through kept secrets of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Follow in the footsteps of the great the exhibition. explorers Brian Varley and JM Dickenson and re-live their 1952 adventure to It is a very moving, educational, interesting and emotive way to spend an hour discover the Great Stalactite, the longest free hanging in Europe. Estimated to –“walking in the footsteps of our ancestors” who left these shores and whose last weigh over ten tonnes and measure 23feet in length, the Great Stalactite is a sight of Ireland was the town of Cobh. true wonder of nature. Don’t miss your chance to view this spectacular heritage attraction. The exhibition is full of stories and history and gives visitors the opportunity to explore this rich historic past and engage with the stories told. 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 Deepwater Quay, Cobh, Co Cork, P24 CY67 Address Craggycoradon East, Doolin, Co. Clare, V95 R299 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)21 481 3591 Phone +353 (0)65 707 5761 Website www.cobhheritage.com Website www.doolincave.ie Sat Nav 51.8490, -8.2986 Sat Nav 53.0419, -9.3450 Location Cobh, Co. Cork, 20 km from Cork City Location 3 km from Doolin. 7 miles/12 km from Cliffs of Moher (15 Open Open year round. Closed Dec 24-27, Dec 30-Jan 10. minutes drive) May-Oct: 09.30-18.00 (Last entry: 17.00); Open Open Daily, Year Round. Excluding 23rd – 26th December. Oct-Apr: 09.30-17.00 (Last entry: 16.00). Average Visit Length 1 hour to 2 hours Sun & Bank Holidays: From 11.00. Entrance Fees Adult €15; Senior/Student €13; Child €8; Family (2A+3C) Average Visit Length 1 hour (standard) €45; Family (2A+5C) €50 Entrance Fees Adult €11; Senior/Student €9; Child (6-15) €6; Group Rates For 10+ (standard) Child (U6) Free; Family (2A+4C) €28 Special Opening for Yes. Exclusive private guided tour with experienced tour Group Rates For 10+ Groups? guide. Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours All group tours are guided in English. Min 2, Max 20. Tour Groups? translated into French and German on leaflet. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 20, Max 40. School/Education Yes. Specialised tours available. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio guides in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Programme Dutch, Polish and Chinese available for free use. Dining Café serving light lunches, salads and snacks. Audio Visual Various AVs in English - the longest is 8 minutes. Audio Shopping Gift shop selling bespoke items, local arts and crafts, books, guides available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, jewellery and children’s novelty items and Doolin Cave Polish, Chinese (Mandarin) and Hebrew. Pottery, made from clay from the Cave. Dining Café offering tea/coffee, snacks and light lunches. Wine Car Parking Free on-site. licence. Seats 80. Coach Parking Free on-site. 2 spaces. Drop off at visitor centre. Shopping 2 gift shops selling souvenirs, clothing, glassware and Disability Access Visitor centre is fully accessible including toilets. There are jewellery. lots of steps leading to the cave and the nature trail. Car Parking Free parking nearby. Group Booking Denise Petty Coach Parking Free on-site. 4 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. Contact E: [email protected] Special Facilities for Free coffee/snack. Refuse disposal facilities. Coaches/Drivers Disability Access The building is fully accessible with level surface and disabled toilets. Group Booking Gillian Murtagh / Jack Walsh, E: [email protected] Contact 21 22 DUBLIN CITY HALL DUBLINIA

The spectacular Dublin City Hall was designed by Thomas Cooley and built as The Dublinia, located at the heart of Viking and Medieval Dublin is a journey back in Royal Exchange for a then-prosperous Dublin’s merchant population between time through the city as it was. See a series of reconstructions, a Viking house, 1769-1779. Dublin City Council has owned the building since 1851 and has a Viking street, a medieval merchant’s house and the medieval fair. Learn the restored it to its original beauty. Talks on the history of the building are available history of the battle of Clontarf, death and disease in Medieval Dublin, and also by prior arrangement and the atmospheric vaults house The Story of the Capital how the reformation affected the city. See the Viking and Medieval artefacts, exhibition, an exciting exhibition tracing the history of Dublin City. It tells of the many of which were found in Wood Quay, a Viking settlement in Dublin, and city’s founding, through Viking times and into the unique and vibrant city of make a flying visit over the city in an audio-visual experience of one man’s life today. The story is told through multimedia displays, which offer a fascinating growing up in Medieval Dublin. Finally, you’ll finish your journey with a 96 step insight into the city’s evolution, and the city’s treasures can also be viewed. A climb up the original medieval tower of St. Michael. See Dublin from a new new section dedicated to 1916 was included in 2016 and temporary exhibitions perspective and come away knowing more about its citizens throughout the are on display throughout the year. ages!

Address Dame Street, Dublin 2, D02 NP93 Address St. Michael’s Hill, Christchurch, Dublin 8, D08 V529 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 222 2204 Phone +353 (0)1 679 4611 Website www.dublincityhall.ie Website www.dublinia.ie Sat Nav 53.3439, -6.2672 Sat Nav 53.3432, -6.2719 Location Dublin 2, Dublin City Location Dublin 8, Dublin City Open Open year round: Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00. Open Open year round, except Dec 24/25/26. Closed Sun & Bank Holidays. Check website for updates. Mar-Sept: 10.00-18.30 (Last entry: 17.30); Average Visit Length 45 minutes to 1 hour Oct-Feb 10.00-17.30 (Last entry: 16.30). Entrance Fees Free admission Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes (standard) Entrance Fees Adult €12; Senior/Student €11; Child €7; Group Rates Admission is free (standard) Family (2A+2C) €30 Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 25. Group Rates For 10+ Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets available in English, Irish, French, German, Guided Group Tours Yes, for Irish primary and secondary schools only. Min 10, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Mandarin and Japanese. no maximum. Conference/ Rotunda available for hire for private functions, civil Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio speakers giving short description in each room Meetings ceremonies, gala dinners and cocktail receptions. in French, German, Italian and Spanish. Also translation sheets of all wall panels. Performance Venue The Rotunda can accommodate 200-250 seated conference style, 150-180 seated banquet style, 300-400 drinks School/Education Yes reception/cocktail party style Programme School/Education Yes. Worksheets available. Dining Café serving light snacks. Programme Shopping Gift shop selling books, Viking and Medieval memorabilia Dining Café serving light snacks. Seats 30. and Irish gifts. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Car Parking Pay car park on Werburgh Street, behind Jury’s Hotel. Ask at Dublinia for discount parking tickets, before returning to Coach Parking Pay parking nearby. Drop off and pick-up at West Door on car park. Castle Street. Coach Parking Parking nearby. Drop off and pick-up at entrance. Disability Access Fully accessible. Disability Access Fully accessible except St Michael’s Tower. Group Booking Denise Buckley or Anne-Marie Carter Contact E: [email protected] Group Booking Carolyn Kelly, E: [email protected] Contact 23 24 DUNBRODY FAMINE SHIP EXPERIENCE EAGLES FLYING

Visitors to New Ross, County Wexford, located in Ireland’s Ancient East, will The multi award-winning attraction for all the family: excitement, fun, photo immediately be drawn to the magnificent sight of the historic ‘Dunbrody Famine opportunities and much more at affordable prices. Experience Eagles, Hawks, Ship’ towering over the quayside. Alongside this full scale replica of the original Owls and Vultures flying right over your head or landing next to you or on your ship is a state-of-the-art Irish Emigration History Centre. hand. You have never been that close to a raptor. Ireland’s largest Bird of Prey Experience New Ross in 1849 and board the Dunbrody as a Famine Emigrant Centre offers incomparable experiences. bound for Savannah, Quebec and New York. Experience the sights, smells and 350 birds and animals out of 76 different species - 100 of them being Birds of sounds of a Tall Ship crossing the ocean, as well as encountering passengers and Prey, some of them with a wingspan of 3 metres/10 feet are waiting for you. The crew telling their stories, live interpreters bringing history to life. interactive and highly entertaining bird shows start at 11.00 and 15.00 every day. Arrive in the New World and learn of the hardships immigrants experienced in Before and after the shows you can enjoy guided tours or walk the 27-hectare New York and Savannah, Georgia. Hear the stories of real people triumphing over parklands and see birds in aviaries. You can also cuddle the animals in the adversity. petting zoo. In case of rain the shows can be presented indoors. Trace the progression of the Irish in America and visit the Irish America Hall of Fame.

Address South Quay, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Y34 A786 Address Ballymote, Co. Sligo, F56 P089 Email [email protected] Email Eagles.fl[email protected] Phone +353 (0)51 425 239 Phone +353 (0)71 918 9310 Website www.dunbrody.com Website www.eaglesflying.com Sat Nav 52.3936, -6.9476 Sat Nav 54.1040, -8.5680 Location South Quay, New Ross Town Location 3.5 km from Ballymote / N17 Open Open year round. Daily 09.00-18.00 Open Open Mar 24-Nov 7: 10.30-12.30 & 14.30-16.30 Shows (Mar-Oct last tour: 17.00); (Nov-Feb last tour: 16.00) start (daily) at 11.00 & 15.00 Average Visit Length 1 hour Average Visit Length 2 hours Entrance Fees Adult €11; Senior €9; Student/Child (U12) €6; Entrance Fees Adult €15.90; Student €13.90; Child (3-16): €8.90; (standard) Family (2A+1C) €23, (2A+2C) €26, (2A+3C) €32 (standard) Child (U3) free; Family (2A+2C) €45.90. Group Rates For 10+ Adult Group €13.90; Child Group €7.90 Special Opening for Yes Group Rates For 16+ Groups? Guided Group Tours Guided tours are part of the programme. No min or max. Guided Group Tours All tours are guided in English. Available in English, German, French (occasionally Spanish and Italian). Audio Visual Tour, for up to 45, starts with 5 minute AV in English. Can be subtitled in either French or German. Incentive Programme Bird-of-prey experience, pet experience (with wildlife, reptiles and more). 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 Kiosk with tea/coffee, soft drinks and snacks. Dining Restaurant serving breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Extensive menu. Seats 100. Shopping Souvenirs. Shopping Gift shop selling souvenirs, Dunbrody branded products, Car Parking Free on-site. books and genealogy. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Disability Access Fully accessible. Coach Parking Free parking nearby. 10 spaces. Drop off at visitor centre Group Booking Lothar Muschketat, E: eagles.fl[email protected] entrance. Contact Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee/scone. Coaches/Drivers Disability Access Visitor centre, toilets and ship are all fully wheelchair accessible. Group Booking Maura Murphy, E: [email protected] Contact 25 26 ENNISKILLEN CASTLE AND EPIC HERITAGE TOWN THE IRISH EMIGRATION MUSEUM

Enniskillen is the county town of Fermanagh. Ireland’s only island town. EPIC is an interactive journey about how a small island made a big impact on the Enniskillen is uniquely situated in the centre of the county between Upper and world. It is located in the CHQ building at one of Dublin’s most historic locations Lower Lough Erne. In its most romantic interpretation, Enniskillen derives its by the banks of the River Liffey in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure name from a translation of the Irish ‘Inis Ceithlean’ meaning ‘Island of Kathleen.’ point for so many of Ireland’s emigrants. See Ireland from the outside in, through Enniskillen Castle was built 600 years ago by the Gaelic Maguires, and it was the stories of the men and women who left and the Irish culture they brought strategically important throughout its history. The historic site now houses with them. To truly understand what it means to be Irish, you need to discover Fermanagh Visitor Information Centre, Fermanagh County Museum, the how Ireland has influenced the world. Inniskillings Museum and a genealogy service is available three afternoons per The touchscreen technology in the museum makes the EPIC experience an week. accessible, fun and educational way for visitors to learn about Irish history, The site is the starting point for the new Enniskillen Taste Experience, sampling culture and people. Described as one of Ireland’s National Treasures, EPIC was the very best of local food and drink & the Pilgrim Pass, which brings visitors on named Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction in the 2019 World Travel Awards. It is a tour to Devenish Island. Present day amenities include Enniskillen Town walk, wheelchair accessible and buggy and child friendly. accommodations, restaurants, cafes, pubs, shops, galleries, ample car & coach parking, children’s playground, and leisure centre. Enniskillen Castle recently underwent a major redevelopment. It now boasts 7 new galleries interpreting the county’s rich history, café, discovery area, picnic area and shop.

Location Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland BT74 7HL Address CHQ, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1, D01 R9Y0 Ireland’s only island town. Email [email protected] Sat Nav 54.3438, -7.6315 Phone +353 (0)1 906 0861 Visitor Centre Enniskillen Castle Website www.epicchq.com Tel +44 (0)28 6632 5000 Sat Nav 53.3488, -6.2460 Email [email protected] Location Dublin’s Docklands, 10 minute walk Trinity College. Website www.enniskillencastle.co.uk Open Open year round. 10.00–17.00 (last entry). Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Enniskillen Castle, Buttermarket Craft Late opening on Thursday July to September. and Design Centre, Castlecoole National Trust property, Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes Ardhowen Theatre, and Headhunters Railway Museum. Entrance Fees Adult €16.50; Senior/Student €15; Child (6-15) €8; Guided Tours Can be organised via Enniskillen Castle. Town Walking Tour (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) €40 app can be downloaded from www.ekn.guide Group Rates For groups of 10+ admission €14.50. Activities Town walks with wonderful vistas along Lough Erne. Special Opening for Yes, by special request Shore angling at Broadmeadow and Queen Elizabeth Road. Groups? Enniskillen Golf Club. Waterbus trips to Devenish Island and water taxi service. Guided Group Tours Yes. Minimum 10. Can cater for large group sizes. Top Festivals/Events Festivals include: the Classic Fishing Festival (May), Happy Self-Guided Groups Yes. Download FREE audio app on App Store or Play Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival (August), by searching EPIC Museum available in English, French, and Festival Lough Erne - Food Festival (end September). German, Spanish, Polish, Italian and Mandarin Chinese. Dining Wide range of dining options, from bistros and cafés to fine Audio Visual Yes. A high-tech fully digital self-guided exhibition. dining. Local specialties and European fare. Conference/ Yes. Perfect for breakfast seminars and evening events. Shopping Excellent shopping with independent shops, high street Meetings brands and shopping centre facility. Incentive Yes. Contact for more details. Car Parking Free and pay car parks close to the town. Free car parks Programme: beside Enniskillen Castle and adjacent to Broadmeadow and School/Education Yes entrance to Lakeland Forum. Programme Coach Parking Coach parking at Enniskillen Castle, at car park adjacent to Dining The CHQ Building boasts a range of great cafés and Bus Station, and at Round O Jetty. Drop off and pick up points restaurants including coffee shops, Irish home bakes, at Townhall Street, Market Street and Paget Lane entrance. Japanese food, a Thai noodle house, a craft beer brewery Heritage /Visitor Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. BT74 7HL. with terrace seating and a 300-seater restaurant and wine Centre Contact Sarah McHugh. See website for updates on opening bar. times and rates. Shopping EPIC Gift Store features gifts, from leading producers and Group Bookings Booking necessary for 10+ people designers. Heritage Centre Yes, by pre-arrangement. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Guided Tours? Coach Parking Free parking nearby. Drop off and pick up point near Heritage Centre Café open. Extended exhibition facilities. Free car and coach entrance. Facilities & Services parking nearby. Coach drop off outside castle. Disability Access Fully accessible. Tourist Information Tel: +44 (0)28 6632 5000 Group Booking E: [email protected] Useful website www.fermanaghlakelands.com Contact 27 28 FOYNES FLYING BOAT FOYNES & MARITIME MUSEUM HERITAGE TOWN

The role played by Foynes in the establishment of passenger flights across the The busy seaport of Foynes , on the N69 Scenic Route, is part of the Wild Atlantic Atlantic is excitingly captured in the Museum, which is located in the original Way, and was Ireland’s first transatlantic airport from 1939 to 1947. Foynes was Airport Terminal Building. Foynes was the first International Airport in Ireland and where the first transatlantic passenger flights from the United States arrived in operated right through the 2nd World War. The famous flying boats were frequent 1939, and it was in Foynes in 1943 that Chef Joe Sheridan invented the world’s visitors carrying a diverse range of passengers including military personnel, most famous drink ‘Irish Coffee’. celebrities and refugees. Foynes and the flying boats will be forever connected with The Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, situated in the original airport the invention of Irish Coffee as they combined to give us this uniquely Irish treat. terminal building, recalls all this past with wonderful displays, original film and In 1943, Chef Sheridan spent months perfecting one of the world’s most famous lots of rare memorabilia. It also features the world’s only full-size replica of a tipples to some weary and cold passengers all those years ago. A wonderful 3D Boeing B314 Flying Boat. hologram re-enacts this historic event in the very building of its creation, and you A recent addition, the Maritime Museum depicts the history and personality of can enjoy an Irish Coffee in a beautiful 1940s setting. When Hollywood movie star the River Shannon from Limerick City to Loop Head. Other nearby attractions Maureen O’Hara stepped off a flying boat in Foynes with her husband Captain include a recently upgraded forest park amenity area near Foynes with Charles Blair in 1976, it would be the beginning of a special relationship. This new pedestrian trails to the Estuary shore, view points to watch ships passing, the exhibition is dedicated to preserving the memory of Ireland’s most famous actress prize winning Boyce Gardens, and award winning Knockpatrick Gardens, and and showcases her personal memorabilia including the iconic grey tweed jacket Combat Zone Paintballing Adventure. 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 Main Street, Foynes, Co. Limerick, V94 T6C1 Location Foynes, Co. Limerick. On the Wild Atlantic Way. Email info@flyingboatmuseum.com Sat Nav 52.6105, -9.1051 Phone +353 (0)69 65416 Visitor Centre Foynes Flying Boat Museum Website www.flyingboatmuseum.com Tel +353 (0)69 65416 Sat Nav 52.6111, -9.1084 Email info@flyingboatmuseum.com Location 38 km from Limerick City, in Foynes Website www.flyingboatmuseum.com Open Open mid-Mar – mid-Nov. Daily Mar-May: 09.30-17.00; Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Jun-Aug: 09.30-18.00; Sept-Nov: 09.30-17.00. Museum; Foynes Island Viewpoint (a Discovery Point on the Last admission 1 hour before closing. Wild Atlantic Way); Foynes the Home of Irish Coffee; Yacht Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes Club and Boyce Gardens. Entrance Fees Adult €12; Senior/Student €10; Child (5-16) €6; Activities Amenities include a forest park, walking trails, Estuary (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+4C) €30 viewpoints, the prize-winning Boyce Gardens, award- winning Knockpatrick Gardens, and Combat Zone Group Rates For 10+ Paintballing Adventure. Special Opening for Yes Top Festivals/Events Foynes Air Show in the skies over Foynes (July). Groups? Dining Numerous cafés and restaurants with a range of dining Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 38. Larger groups are staggered. options. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Visitor guide with map available in English. Shopping There are several shopping options in Foynes including the Audio Visual 1940s style cinema screening the award-winning ‘Atlantic Museum Gift Shop. Conquest’ (17 min). Seats 55. Available in English, German, Car Parking Free public parking. French, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, Polish and Irish. Coach Parking Free coach parking adjacent Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Conference/ Boardroom for up to 12. Museum lobby for large or medium Museum. Meetings size conferences/meetings, with capacity for 200. Heritage /Visitor Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Foynes, Co. Limerick. Incentive Programme Guided tours available. Fun Irish Coffee Master Classes. Centre See details on Entry 31. Performance Venue The Museum can cater for 200. Bar on-site. School/Education Yes. Focuses on the development of early flight and Ireland’s Programme role. Dining “Airport Restaurant” in a beautiful 1940s style setting, serving home-baked cuisine. Groups catered for with value menus, with advance booking. Seats 150. Shopping Gift shop selling Irish and aviation themed souvenirs, gifts and jewellery. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. 8 spaces. Drop off and pick up at reception or 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: info@flyingboatmuseum.com Contact 29 30 GAA MUSEUM & CROKE PARK STADIUM GALWAY CITY MUSEUM — AND SKYLINE TOURS MÚSAEM CATHRACH NA GAILLIMHE

Croke Park has been at the heart of Irish sporting life for over 100 years and is the Standing on the banks of the River Corrib and adjacent to the Spanish Arch in Galway headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Ireland’s largest sporting City, this museum explores the rich archaeology, history and sea science of Galway, organisation. The GAA Museum celebrates Ireland’s unique national games of the City of the Tribes. Hosting an eclectic mix of permanent and touring exhibitions hurling and Gaelic football. The museum’s collections and exhibits illustrate the spanning a range of interests, with something to suit all ages. Visitors can engage rich history of these national games, highlighting the significant contribution with Galway, past and present, enjoying the space as a centre of learning, inspiration the GAA has made - and continues to make - to Ireland’s cultural, social and and cultural enrichment. The ground floor houses the exhibitions: Routes to the sporting heritage. Past (Prehistoric Galway); Galway Within the Walls (Medieval Galway) and Pádraic Ó Explore the home of Gaelic sport on the Croke Park Stadium Tour as you take a Conaire: the Man and the Statue. The new ‘Keepers of the Gael’ exhibition on the first behind-the-scenes journey through this 82,300 capacity stadium. The guided floor explores culture and society in Gaelic Ireland between 1200 and 1600 AD. The Stadium Tour offers an access-all-areas trip through the home of Ireland’s ‘Revolution in Galway, 1913-1923’ exhibition documents Galway’s participation in national games. the revolutionary events that shaped the nation while the ‘Galway Hooker’ exhibition focuses on Galway’s unique maritime history. The Ericsson Skyline Rooftop Tour at Croke Park offers visitors unmatched panoramic city views and insights into Dublin’s celebrated landmarks, combined The second floor gallery houses ‘Sea Science, The Wild Atlantic’ exhibition with the thrill of walking on top of Europe’s third largest stadium. Learn more investigating maritime life along Galway’s coastline through fun and informative about Dublin’s history on this unique experience. displays for all the family to enjoy. New exhibitions for 2020 include ‘A Forgotten Polish Hero of the Great Irish Famine: Paul Strzelecki’s Struggle to Save Thousands’ Test your Gaelic football and hurling skills in the interactive games zone – see how and ‘Monument’ a partnership project with Galway2020 that celebrates the fast you can react, check out your passing skills, practice a fingertip save or discover cultural landscapes and visual language of islands in Europe with a primary focus the art of the high catch! All tours include admission to the GAA Museum. on the stone forts of Aran. Address St. Joseph’s Avenue, Cusack Stand, Croke Park, Dublin 3, Address Spanish Parade, Galway City, H91 CX5P D03 P6K7 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)91 532 460 Phone +353 (0)1 819 2323 Website www.galwaycitymuseum.ie Website www.crokepark.ie/gaa-museum Sat Nav 53.2697, -9.0537 Sat Nav 53.3605, -6.2499 Location Galway City Location Dublin 3, Dublin City. 15 minutes walk from O’Connell Open Open year round. Tue-Sat 10.00-17.00; Street Sundays (Easter to Sept) 12.00-17.00. Open Open year round, except Christmas; Closed Mondays & Dec 23-29, Jan 1 Jan-May & Sept-Dec: Mon-Sat 09.30-17.00; Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes Sun & bank hol from 10.30; Entrance Fees Free Admission June-Aug: Mon-Sat 09.30-18.00; (standard) Sun & bank hol 09.30-17.00; Group Rates Admission is free See website for details ref. event days. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 15, Max 20. Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours Self-Guided Groups Yes. Information provided in English, Irish, Spanish, French Entrance Fees Stadium tour: Adult €14; Senior/Student €11; Child €9; and German. (standard) Family €38; Check website for Skyline & other details. Audio Visual Various AV elements in English throughout. Group Rates For 15+ Conference/ Education Room available for hire (accommodates 30). Special Opening for Yes Meetings Groups? School/Education Yes Guided Group Tours Yes in English or Irish. Min 15, Max 50. Programme Audio Visual 13 minute AV, in English, for 100. Subtitles available. Dining Café serving tasty breakfasts, brunches and lunches Conference/ Top events venue. Multiple rooms for up to 600 people. including vegan and vegetarian options. Meetings Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Performance Venue Yes. Accommodates up to 600 people. Multiple rooms. Coach Parking Drop off and pick up outside Jury’s Hotel. School/Education Yes Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible with special car parking area. Programme Group Booking [email protected] Dining Café serving hot food, gourmet sandwiches, salads and Contact 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 31 32 GIANT’S CAUSEWAY GLASNEVIN CEMETERY MUSEUM VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Follow in the legendary footsteps of giants at Northern Ireland’s iconic World Since 1832, more than 1.6 million people have been interred in Ireland’s Heritage Site. The famous basalt columns of the Causeway landscape, left by Necropolis. Located just 2.7km from Dublin’s city centre, Glasnevin Cemetery volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, are home to more than Finn McCool. Its covers 124 acres of glorious parkland with plenty to appreciate – perfect for nooks and crannies are dotted with dainty sea campion, and defensive fulmars those interested in exploring the legacies of Ireland’s heroes. protect their cliff nests. A hauntingly gorgeous Victorian Garden cemetery each guide is passionate Windswept walking trails wind through this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, about sharing their love of heritage and history, telling the stories of Ireland’s with an all-accessible walk at Runkerry Head and more challenging terrain along fascinating history through daily walking tours. Hear the stories of rogues & the the Causeway Coast Way. rebels, the famous & the infamous, the gravediggers & grave robbers or climb The interactive exhibition and innovative audio-guides, in a range of languages, the 198 steps in the O’Connell Tower to the stunning views of Dublin. unlock the secrets of the landscape and regale visitors with legends of giants. Enter Daniel O’Connell’s crypt; search online genealogy burial records; café; shop Gift Shop featuring local crafts. - the best of Irish craft and design; Museum and exhibitions. A short distance from the Giant’s Causeway (11km/7ml) and further along Highlights: Ireland’s largest cemetery - fascinating & fun guided walking tours/ the stunning Causeway Coastal Route is Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge - a truly dramatic re-enactments visiting the graves of the renowned figures that exhilarating rope bridge experience offering unrivalled cliff and coastal scenery shaped modern Ireland; Ireland tallest round tower; access to Botanic Gardens; and fantastic bird watching. Tea Room. Gift Shop. Guided tours available. Gravediggers pub. Choose from General History or ‘Dead Interesting’ tour, exploring the quirky, fun stories of Glasnevin or climb the O’Connell Tower. 1st Prize Winner Best Cultural Experience in Ireland at the Irish Tourism Industry Awards and Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Award 2018.

Address 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, Antrim, BT57 8SU Address Glasnevin Cemetery, Finglas Road, Dublin 11, D11 H2TH Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +44 (0)28 2073 1855 Phone +353 (0)1 882 6550 Website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway Website www.glasnevinmuseum.ie Sat Nav 55.2408, -6.5116 Sat Nav 53.3706, -6.277 Location 3 km from Bushmills Village Location 2.7 km from Dublin City Centre Open Daily Jan-Feb 09.00-17.00; Mar-May: 09.00-18.00; Open Open year round. Daily 10.00-17.00 in Winter Jun-Sept: 09.00-19.00; Oct: 09.00-18.00; (09.00-18.00 in Summer). Nov-Dec 09.00-16.00 Closed: Dec 25, 26, Jan 1. Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours Average Visit Length 2 hours Entrance Fees Prices from Mar 1, 2020: Adult/Senior £13.50; Entrance Fees Adult €14.50; Senior/Student/Child €12; Child (U5) Free; (standard) Child (5-16) £6.75, Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) £33.75. (standard) Family (2A+4C) €40. Group Rates For 15+ Self-guide audio guide available in French, German, Spanish Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 2, Max 50. and English. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio Guides included in the admission charge. Group Rates For 15+ Languages are English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Special Opening for Yes Dutch, European Portugese, Polish, Russian, Mandarin and Groups? Japanese. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English and Irish. Audio Visual Free flowing interactive exhibition including a Big Screen Audio Visual 12 minute AV, in English, for 50. video. Audio Guides available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, European Portuguese, Polish, Conference/ Boardroom accommodates 25 people. Russian, Mandarin and Japanese. Meetings 2 large galleries can accommodate 150 - 250 people. School/Education Yes Incentive Programme Yes Programme Performance Venue The old chapel seats 150 - fantastic acoustics. Dining Grab n Go style café serving sandwiches, salads, soup, Irish All areas of museum are available for rent. stew, selection of cakes. Seats 90. Bar and Restaurant menus School/Education Yes available in Causeway Hotel. Programme Shopping Gift shop selling local products and crafts. Dining Café serves breakfast, light lunches and snacks throughout Car Parking On-site (included in admission). the day. Seats 75. An outdoor terrace seats 40+. Picnic area. Coach Parking On-site. 15 spaces. Pre-booking essential. Drop off and pick Shopping Gift shop selling Irish craft and design, jewellery, clothing up point in Carpark 2. and books. Disability Access Visitor Centre is fully accessible. Changing Places facility. Car Parking Pay parking on-site. Shuttle bus is wheelchair friendly. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point available. Group Booking Susan Smith, E: [email protected] Disability Access Wheelchair accessible, including lifts and toilets. (A 10 step Contact descent into the O’Connell Tower which forms a small part of the guided tour). Group Booking Aine Ryan, E: [email protected] Contact 33 34 GREAT LIGHTHOUSES OF IRELAND GUINNESS STOREHOUSE

Great Lighthouses of Ireland features 14 breath-taking lighthouse experiences Visit and explore Ireland’s top visitor attraction, providing an unforgettable around Ireland’s stunning coast. Experience maritime and seafaring stories, or just welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world famous take time out and stay – Where land meets Sea. You can have the best stay and GUINNESS® brand and company. Guinness Storehouse® is located in the heart of take a tour for the best tower views at Fanad, Co. Donegal and Loop Head Co. Clare. the Guinness Brewery at St. James’s Gate, Dublin. Step back in time and hear the great tales at Ireland’s oldest medieval lighthouse Housed in an old fermentation plant, now the seven-storey visitor experience at Hook Co. Wexford. Take the boat tour to Ballycotton island and lighthouse and tells the story of Ireland’s iconic drink and brings to life the heritage of Guinness® see nature at its best at Rathlin West Light and explore the site of a 17th century from early days to growth as a global brand, known all around the world. The fort at Valentia Lighthouse, Co.Kerry. Walk the Maritime Mile and take your photo experience starts standing at the bottom of the world’s largest pint glass, which at the Great Light in Belfast’s amazing Titanic Quarter. rises through the building. You can also stay and have a wonderful escape at St Johns Point, Co. Donegal, It’s a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in Gravity® bar Blackhead, Co. Antrim, Galley Head, Co. Cork or St Johns, Co. Down and at Wicklow where visitors will receive a complimentary pint of Guinness® while relaxing and Head, share your island experiences around the dinner table at Clare Island enjoying spectacular views over Dublin. Lighthouse, Co. Mayo. Take the Fastnet Rock boat tour around one of Ireland’s most iconic Lighthouses – Fastnet Lightouse Meet the Hosts and Guides who are passionate about these unique places. Hear their maritime stories and let them advise you on the best adventures each location offers.

Address Various locations throughout the island of Ireland Address Market Street, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)86 838 5269 Phone +353 (0)1 408 4800 Website www.greatlighthouses.com Website www.guinness-storehouse.com Sat Nav Various Sat Nav 53.3419, -6.2867 Location 14 breath-taking locations around Ireland’s stunning Location 1 km from Dublin City Centre coastline Open Open year round. Daily: Open Opening times and days may vary. Sept-Jun 09.30-20.00 (Last admission at 17.00); Check website www.greatlighthouses.com Jul-Aug 09.30-20.00 (Last admission at 18.00). Closed Dec 24-26. Entrance Fees Varies at each lighthouse. Family, group and senior discounts available. Average Visit Length 2 hours and 30 minutes Group Rates Yes. Varies at each lighthouse. Entrance Fees Adult €25; Senior/Student (18+) €22; Student (U18) €16; (standard) Child (U12) Free. Guided Group Tours Group tours are available but are limited by size of site and area, must be pre-booked. Group Rates For 15+ Dining Dining options available at Hook, Valentia and Rathlin; Guided Group Tours Yes, in English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, limited at others. Italian and Chinese. Min 15, Max 40. Shopping Gift shops at Hook and Fanad. Small shops at Rathlin and Self-Guided Groups Yes. Free paper information guides available in English, Valentia. French, German, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin. Audio guides available at a charge of €2. All audio guides also have Car Parking Available at most locations. No parking at Ballycotton. ISL (International Sign Language) function and are free of Coach Parking Very limited. charge for anyone that requires them. Disability Access Limited and some not suitable. Conference/ Arrol Suite accommodates 200; Arrol Restaurant 100 and Group Booking [email protected] Meetings Arrol Bar 60. Contact Dining Cooperage Café, Brewers Dining Hall, Arthur’s Bar and 1837 Bar and Brasserie offer a variety of dining options to suit everyone. Shopping Guinness flagship store with extensive range of exclusive Guinness clothing gifts and memorabilia. Car Parking Free visitors car park off-site on Crane Street (3 minutes walk) on a first come first served basis. Limited availability. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Disability Access Fully accessible. Group Booking Fiona Herald, E: [email protected] Contact 35 36 HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE & GARDENS HOOK LIGHTHOUSE

Majestic and Extraordinary. Enjoy a day out at Northern Ireland’s Royal Residence The award-winning Hook Lighthouse Visitor Centre offers experiential guided and stunning gardens. tours of the Medieval Hook Lighthouse tower, sharing with visitors one of the In some places, the past feels very close. Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is greatest stories on Ireland’s Ancient East. Hook Lighthouse truly is one of a kind. one of them. Northern Ireland has been, and continues to be, shaped by the Purpose built as a lighthouse 800 years ago, and still fully operational today, it is significant events that have happened here. There are many layers of stories. As the oldest intact operational Lighthouse in the world. a contemporary Royal Residence, Hillsborough Castle showcases beautiful State The Hook Lighthouse tour has been voted as one of the best experiences in Rooms and glorious gardens and gives an intimate glimpse behind the scenes Ireland. It’s no surprise that the local tour guides are renowned for their friendly, into the personal living quarters of a working royal household. knowledgeable and entertaining style, making each tour experience unique. A But there is more here than meets the eye, revealed on tours where expert tour guide will take you through time as you walk the same steps as generations household staff uncover fascinating stories of celebration, entertainment, of lighthouse keepers, with fascinating insights, stories and facts of this unique diplomacy and negotiation that link the castle to Northern Ireland and the building. The tour culminates on the lighthouse balcony where visitors are world. Bursting with colour and features such as the historic Walled Garden greeted with spectacular views over the Celtic Sea and Waterford Estuary. and enchanting Pinetum, 100 acres of wonder await in the castle’s gardens The Visitor Centre has much to offer including free indoor and outdoor exhibits, that delight the senses and stir the spirit, offering countless places to unwind, Art and Crafts, a gift shop and café with and extensive menu showcasing local and contemplate, socialise and seek inspiration. seafood specialties. Premium group tour experiences include exclusive evening events showcasing local food and drink with full exclusive access for your group. 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. There is also the SOS station, which is an information centre on sustainability and recycling. Address The Square, Hillsborough, BT26 6AG Address Hook Head, Fethard-on-Sea, New Ross, Email [email protected] Co. Wexford, Y34 YC60 Phone +44 (0)33 3320 6000 Email [email protected] Website www.hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle Phone +353 (0)51 397 054/5 Sat Nav 54.4630, -6.0891 Website www.hookheritage.ie Location 30 minutes from Belfast city centre via A1 which runs from Sat Nav 52.1237, -6.9294 Lisburn to Newry. 90 minutes from Dublin by car or coach. Location 22 km from New Ross; 47 km from Wexford Open Check website for opening times and days. Open Open daily 09.30-17.00 year round; Last tour 17.00. Open Average Visit Length 2 hours to 19.00 July and August; Last tour 19.00. Open 26th December and all through holiday period. Closed Christmas Entrance Fees Admission rates vary, for further information on admission Eve and Christmas Day. (standard) rates please visit www.hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle Average Visit Length Allow 50 minutes for tour. To fully enjoy site allow 2.5 Group Rates Yes, 15 people minimum. hours. Special Opening for Yes Entrance Fees Adult €10; Senior/Student €9; Child €6 (U5) Free; Family Groups (standard) (2A+1C) €24, (2A+2C) €28; (2A+3C/4C) €30; (1A+1C) €14; Guided Group Tours Guided Group Tours available, pre-booking required. (1A+2C) €18; Fish and Chip Supper from €35; Sunrise & Incentive Programme Yes. All enquiries to [email protected]. Sunset Tour: €45pp. Performance Venue Yes. Exclusions apply. All enquiries to [email protected]. Group Rates For 12+ School/Education Yes. Enquiries to [email protected]. Special Opening for Yes Programme Groups? Dining The Hillsborough Castle Café in the Western Pavillion (near Guided Group Tours Yes, by English speaking guide, audio guides and car park) can seat 120 and serves hot meals, salads, pastries and information sheets available in Irish, Italian, Spanish, traybakes. There is also the Stable Yard Tea Room, adjacent to the French, German and Chinese. Castle which offers hot drinks, cakes and snacks. Opening hours Dining Café with extensive menu including, homebaking and in line with gardens access. Pre-booking required for groups. soups, showcasing local food producers and seafood. Shopping On-site Gift Shop, offering a wide range of locally sourced Shopping Gift shop selling books, local food and crafts along with products. Opening times in line with the gardens opening time. ethically sourced products. Car Parking Free on-site. Main car park accessible from A1. Car Parking Free on-site. 72 spaces. Coach Parking Free on-site. Depending on group, coach parking may be via Coach Parking Free on-site. 2 spaces. main car park on A1 or within Hillsborough Village closer to Special Facilities for Free refreshments in café and free guided tour. the Castle entrance. Coaches/Drivers Disability Access Partially wheelchair accessible – access to the Castle for Disability Access Visitor centre, café, gift shop and ground floor fully the tour is all on the ground floor and is fully accessible. accessible. Exhibition accessible. Lighthouse tower is not Sections of the gardens and estate are less accessible. An accessible for those with mobility problems. accessibility map and leaflet is available at admissions to assist guests in choosing a suitable route. Group Booking Cathy during office hours T:+353 (0)51 397 056; Contact E: [email protected] Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 37 38 HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL IRISH NATIONAL STUD & GARDENS

Located in the heart of Waterford City, the House of Waterford Crystal allows From horses to horticulture the Irish National Stud & Gardens is one of Ireland’s visitors to witness the creation of crystal stemware, giftware and masterpieces true treasures. right before their very eyes. The Stud Farm is the home of equine royalty, immaculately bred stallions who The factory tour is a unique and captivating experience that is sure to enthral can be seen and admired alongside protective mares, frolicking foals and athletic visitors of all ages, both national and international. Go behind the scenes for over yearlings. an hour and see exactly how Waterford Crystal pieces are made - witness every In the world-famous Japanese Gardens, you can follow the path called the ‘Life of stage of production, from the initial design stage right up to the final engraving Man’ which traces the passage of a soul from birth to death and beyond, at the of the piece. Each year, the House of Waterford Crystal melts down over 750 same time providing a meeting place for the cultures of East and West. tonnes of crystal! St Fiachra’s Garden symbolises the power of the Irish landscape while the Irish Since the House of Waterford Crystal manufacturing facility and brand Racehorse Experience new for 2020, allows the visitor to play their part in experience opened in June 2010, it has welcomed over 1.6 million visitors into its developing a thoroughbreds life including an opportunity to ‘race’ in a 4D ride haven of crystal creativity and innovation. experience. See retired equine stars like Hardy Eustace, Kicking King, Rite of Passage, Beef or Salmon and Hurricane Fly on the stud’s ‘Living Legends’ team. Enjoy this unique experience as part of a guided tour or at your own leisure. Restaurant onsite with home baking.

Address The Mall, Waterford City, X91 R652 Address Tully, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare, R51 DD56 Email houseofwaterfordcrystal@fiskars.com Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)51 317 000 Phone +353 (0)45 521 617 Website www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com Website www.irishnationalstud.ie Sat Nav 52.2593, -7.1073 Sat Nav 53.1442, -6.9029 Location Waterford City Centre Location 2 km from Kildare; 60 km from Dublin City Open Open year round. Mar-Oct: Daily: Factory tour & store; Open Open: Daily early Feb - early Nov: 09.00-18.00 Nov-Feb: Factory tour Mon-Fri, Store open Mon-Sat (Last admission 17.00) (check website for details) Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes Entrance Fees Adult €14; Senior/Student €11; Child (3-10) €8; Entrance Fees Adult €15; Senior €13; Student €12; Child (5-17) €7; (standard) Child (U3) Free; Family (2A+4C) €32.50 (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) €40 Group Rates For 20+ Group Rates For 10+ Special Opening for Yes Special Opening for Yes Groups? Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes Guided Group Tours All factory tours are guided in English. Maximum 50. Self-Guided Groups A self-guide leaflet, in 15 languages, available for the Audio Visual 4 minute AV, in English, for 50. Japanese Gardens, Saint Fiachra’s Garden and The Horse Conference/ Retail store is available to hire for functions. Museum. Meetings Audio Visual AV presentation in Irish Racehorse Experience. Incentive Programme Yes School/Education Yes. School tours and nature trails. Performance Venue Retail store can be hired for functions, up to a max seating Programme capacity of 150. Dining Restaurant serving hot lunches, sandwiches, salads, snacks School/Education Guided factory tours adapted for schools of all ages. and desserts. Seats 100. Programme Car Parking Free on-site. Dining Café serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Seats 50. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Shopping Retail store with the world’s largest display of Waterford Special Facilities for Coach washing area. Crystal. Coaches/Drivers Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Disability Access The Visitor Centre, Stud and St Fiachra’s Garden are fully Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. accessible. The Japanese Gardens are partially accessible. Special Facilities for Coach washing available in Bolton Street Coach Park. Group Booking Reservations, E: [email protected] Coaches/Drivers Contact Disability Access Fully accessible. Group Booking Sharon Murphy, E: houseofwaterfordcrystal@fiskars.com Contact 39 40 IRISH WHISKEY MUSEUM THE JAMESON DISTILLERY, MIDLETON

Welcome to the Irish Whiskey Museum, the first Irish whiskey museum in the Jameson was born and raised in Dublin, but eventually it outgrew its city home world! This wonderful Dublin museum is located across from the main entrance on Bow St. In 1975, Jameson moved it’s entire whiskey making operation to of Trinity College, in the heart of Dublin city. Take a journey through time, in the green surroundings of Midleton, Co. Cork. The original buildings at the an historic setting, where the intriguing tale of Irish whiskey is unveiled via an impressive 15-acre Midleton Distillery site date back as far as 1794 and have interactive ultra-modern experience. been used to distil and mature whiskeys since 1825. Independent from the drinks industry, it tells the story of Irish Whiskey through To this day, every drop of Jameson enjoyed around the world originates from the the ages. The guides are engaging and knowledgeable about all aspects of Irish Jameson Distillery, Midleton. Whiskey and its history, plus they know a few interesting anecdotes to keep you For those just acquainting themselves with the world of Irish whiskey, the entertained on this one hour tour. Jameson Experience guided tour is the perfect place to start. If you want to dive Before your whiskey tasting experience, which is offered to each guest, learn the deeper into the production process — the Behind the Scenes Tour, Premium interesting history of whiskey, from its humble beginning, inevitable downfall, Whiskey Tasting or Irish Whiskey Academy will certainly quench that thirst. There and current revival. is something for everyone. Upgrade to a Premium ticket to sample matured aged whiskey and receive a unique souvenir to take away as a fond memory of your visit. Relax in the contemporary café bar, while taking in the beautiful grounds of Trinity College from above.

Address 119 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, R51 DD56 Address Distillery Walk, Midleton, Co. Cork, P25 XD57 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 525 0970 Phone +353 (0)21 461 3594 Website www.irishwhiskeymuseum.ie Website www.jamesonwhiskey.com Sat Nav 53.3442, -6.2596 Sat Nav 51.9137, -8.1682 Location Dublin City Centre, opposite Trinity College Location Midleton, Co. Cork. 25 km from Cork City Open Open year round. Daily 10.00-18.00; Last tour starts at Open Open year round. Daily. 18.00; Closed Dec 25. Available for private hire in the Mar-Oct: 09.00-18.00. Tours 10.00-16.45; evenings. Nov-Feb 10.00-18.00. Tours 11.00, 13.00, 14.30, 15.30, Average Visit Length 1 hour 16.15. Closed Christmas Dec 24-26. Entrance Fees Adult €20; Senior/Student €18; Child €10; Child (U7) Free; Average Visit Length 75 minutes – 2 hours (standard) Family (2A+2C) €50; Blending Experience Tour €30pp Entrance Fees Jameson Experience Tour: Adult €23; Senior/Student €19; Group Rates For 10+ (standard) Child (8-17) €12; Child (U8) Free; Family (2A+3C) €55; Behind the Scenes Tour €60; Premium Whiskey Tasting €30 Special Opening for Yes Groups? Group Rates Yes. Min. 15+people @ €19 per person. Self-Guided Groups Audio guides available in French, German, Spanish, Italian Guided Group Tours Yes. English guided tours as standard. French & German and Mandarin. guided tours available on request for groups of 20 – 35, subject to guide availability. Translations available for French and German groups and Mandarin Tour Guides. Self-Guided Groups Guided Tours offered as standard. Audio Visual Various AV elements, in English, for 25. Incentive Groups Yes Conference/ Museum available for private hire (evenings only). 120 Dining The Malthouse Restaurant offers a modern interpretation of Meetings people can be accommodated over 2 floors or a maximum of traditional Irish cuisine with fresh seafood, local meats and 70 on one floor. vegetables. Reservations not necessary. Opening hours: 10.00–16.00 daily; Lunch 12.00–15.00 Performance Venue Three floors for hire for groups from 20 to 120. Shopping A great selection of world leading Whiskey brands and Dining Café Bar serving large range of alcoholic beverages. associated Whiskey items available. Shopping Gift shop selling crafts made from whiskey barrels and Car Parking Free on-site. Whiskey Museum Branded Merchandise. Off-licence selling wide range of Irish whiskeys and poitín. Coach Parking Free on-site. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. Coach Parking Free parking nearby. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact Disability Access Fully accessible with accessible toilets. Group Booking Nicola McDonnell, E: [email protected] Contact 41 42 THE KENNEDY HOMESTEAD & KILMALLOCK EMIGRANT TRAIL HERITAGE TOWN

Located in Ireland’s Ancient East, experience the journey from Irish Famine The town of Kilmallock has scarcely altered since medieval times. It still lies within Emigrant to President of the United States! This rags to riches story begins at the the narrow oblong area once enclosed by the town walls; and its medieval streets Kennedy Homestead, birthplace of President John F Kennedy’s great-grandfather, are also the streets of today. All this wonderful heritage of stone was sufficient to who was forced to leave during the famine. A state of the art exhibition brings prompt one traveller to describe the town as “the Baalbek of Ireland”. the story to life using video footage, personal family memorabilia and a self- There are a number of places to visit in Kilmallock Town. John’s Castle was built in guided tour. The Kennedy family legacy is a striking example of the strength and the 15th Century. This is located near the Town Wall, and the best stretch of this courage of the Irish in the toughest situations. extends for about 400 metres, from the rear of Catholic Church to Blossom Gate. Follow the Emigrant Trail further with a visit to the Dunbrody Famine Ship Kilmallock is a walled town of ecclesiastical origin, a monastery having been Experience to live and breathe the smells and sounds of an 1840’s emigrant founded here by St. Maloch in the 6th century, of which the original round tower vessel. Costumed performers and themed exhibitions bring history to life. still remains. Other tourist attractions of note include the Church of Saint Peter Stroll along the New Ross Quayside and shake hands with a life-size statue of and Paul, Dominican Friary, Fenian Monument, Market Cross, Collegiate Church, President Kennedy himself. Stop off at the podium marking the spot from which and the Famine Memorial Park. President Kennedy spoke to the people of New Ross during his visit in 1963. Feel Located in the town is Friars’ Gate, this former cinema is now one of the the warmth of The Emigrant Flame, a symbol of hope burning permanently in most intimate theatres in Ireland. It stages a variety of theatrical, musical recognition of all Irish emigrants and diaspora. Complete the trail with a visit to and dramatic events. An important attraction is the Cottage Museum and the JFK Memorial Arboretum, a park of 623 acres dedicated to President Kennedy Information Centre housing a collection of local artefacts, mostly from the 19th featuring rare flora & fauna and an exhibition. and 20th century.

Address Dunganstown, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Y34 KW31 Location Situated in the heart of the Golden Vale, Co. Limerick. Email [email protected] Sat Nav 52.3996, -8.5750 Phone +353 (0)51 388 264 Tel +353 (0)63 91300 Website www.kennedyhomestead.ie Email [email protected] Sat Nav 52.3451, -6.9850 Website www.visitballyhoura.com Location 7 km from New Ross Town Visitor Attractions Attractions include: John’s Castle, Blossom Gate, the Town Open Open year round: Apr-Sep: 09.30-17.30; Walls, Collegiate Church and Dominican Priory. Friars Gate Oct-Mar: 10.00-17.00. Closed for 1 week over Christmas. Theatre hosting musical and dramatic events year-round. Part of the Ballyhoura Heritage Hub - Neolithic Lough Gur, Average Visit Length 1 hour Medieval Kilmallock, Bruff JFK Story, Bruree De Valera Entrance Fees Adult €8; Senior €7; Student/Child €6; Story. (standard) Family (2A + 3C) €25 Guided Tours Guided tours of the Medieval Walled Town of Kilmallock. Group Rates For 10+ Audioguide on Medieval Kilmallock available for free Special Opening for Yes download. Groups? Activities Historic Town walks. Garden Trail Experience. The Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Max 50. Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail Centre. Mountain Biking. On and off road cycle trails. Audio Visual Various AV elements, in English, throughout. Top Festivals/Events Festivals include: Ballyhoura Food Fair, Story Telling Dining Coffee dock serving light refreshments. Festival, Kilmallock Walled Towns Day and Lough Gur Shopping Gift shop selling souvenirs. Summer Solstice Festival. Car Parking Free on-site. Dining Deebert House Hotel: Lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Seats Coach Parking Drop off point. 80 people; Fitzgeralds: Serves bar food 7 days a week 11.30 Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee and light snack available. to 21.30. Seats 45 people; Nats Cafe: Mon-Sat 09.00-18.30. Coaches/Drivers Seats 35 people; Poachers Restaurant: Open 7 days. Seats 45 people. Disability Access Fully accessible. Shopping Shopping includes quirky antique shops & old hardware Group Booking The Kennedy Homestead, E: [email protected] shops. Crescent Shopping Centre Limerick is 30 minutes Contact drive. Car Parking Main car park adjacent to John’s Castle. Free on-street parking. Coach Parking Free, adjacent to John’s Castle Tourist Information Tourism Office, Kilfinane Visitor Information Point. Tel +353 (0)63 91300 43 44 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, from Visit and watch The Authentic Claddagh Ring being made in the cottage Generation to Generation’ a wonderful new visitor experience for 2020. Learn workshop. Learn about the origins of Galway’s Iconic Claddagh ring dating about the fascinating lives of the people who have made their home here over back over 300 years and find out how it is worn. Watch a short movie about the the years including the fabulously wealthy Henry family, the Duke and Duchess adventurous voyage of Richard Joyce – legendary creator of the Claddagh ring. of Manchester and the Benedictine nuns who ran an international boarding Play with Interactive touchscreen tablets with puzzles and fun facts for the school here until 2010. Explore beautiful Victorian buildings which include the kids and grown-ups alike. Browse the extensive collection of fine Irish, Celtic & Abbey, neo-Gothic Church and Mausoleum and of course the 6½ acre Victorian Claddagh Jewellery. Walled Garden. 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 €15; Senior €10.50; Student (18+)/Child (11-17) (standard) €10.50; Child (U11) Free; Family (2A+1-6C) (U11) €30; Average Visit Length 10-20 minutes. Family (2A+1-6C) (U17) €40. Entrance Fees Free admission Early and late walk in rate at 10% discount. (standard) Group Rates For 15+ Group Rates Admission is free. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English, French and Dutch depending on availability Special Opening for Yes, 30 people max. of guide. No Min, Max 30. Groups? Self-Guided Groups Yes. Guide brochures in English, French, Spanish, German, Conference/ Yes, 30 people max, please email [email protected] Italian, Dutch, Mandarin and Portuguese. Meetings with requests. Audio Visual Please enquire on booking. Dining Numerous cafés and restaurants nearby with a range of dining options available. Incentive Programme Yes. Shopping On-site shop with an extensive collection of Claddagh & Performance Venue Neo-Gothic Church can be used for performances. Celtic Jewellery. Dining Mitchell’s Café is self-service and offers hot and cold meals, Car Parking Paid on-street parking within 5 minutes walk of Shop Street. salads, snacks and home baking. Seats 250. Garden Tea House is self-service offering light lunches and snacks. Seats 120. Henry’s Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. Express Café is a take-out café (June to Sept). The Express Café Group Booking E: [email protected] serves a wide range of foods and snacks. Outdoor seating areas too. Contact Shopping Shop selling crafts, gifts, jewellery and items made on-site including pottery, chocolates and beauty products. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Special Facilities for Free lunch or tea/coffee and scone for driver and guide. Coaches/Drivers Disability Access 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 45 46 LISMORE HERITAGE TOWN LOUGH DERG AND HERITAGE CENTRE

Lismore Heritage Centre was established in 1991 to tell the History of Lismore Lough Derg has 179km of indented shoreline, stretching over 40km from and its iconic Castle overlooking the Blackwater River. Lismore Heritage Centre: Portumna at its northern tip to Killaloe and Ballina in the south. 12km, at its immerse yourself in A Virtual Reality Experience takes you inside the rooms of widest point, Lough Derg is an area of great charm, natural beauty and heritage. Lismore Castle a 360 degree audio-visual of images of the rooms inside Lismore Many exciting activity options are available in the area that will inspire, relax or Castle, where you will hear about the historical figures who shaped Lismore Town energise you. Spectacular countryside terrain and the wonderful waters of the through the ages. lake make an ideal setting for many pursuits. Experience the Lough Derg Blueway Robert Boyle, Father of modern chemistry, was born here in Lismore. Try out by canoe, paddleboard, bicycle, on foot, cruising or angling. The Blueway is a the Robert Boyle Escape Room. Puzzle over conundrums set for you in the 160km paddle trail that can also be enjoyed through a whole series of walking surroundings of Boyles Laboratory, discover the code and escape the room. loops, routes and trails each bringing the magnificent lake into view. Over 90 heritage sites are accessible around Lough Derg as the lake has a long history Lismore, historic seat of learning, rich in natural beauty and architectural of habitation and its shores have been settled since prehistoric times. In the splendor. Lismore, the jewel of the stately Blackwater River, where the past is early medieval times it served as an integral part of the water highway from always present. Browse for gifts and souvenirs in The Craft Shop and see the work the Atlantic Ocean to the Irish midlands and beyond. Towns and villages like of local craftspeople on display. There is much to discover in Lismore: angling, Killaloe, Ballina, Portumna, Mountshannon and beyond offer a wealth of lively golf, walks, scenic drives, the historic houses and gardens, restaurants and cafés, pubs, bistros and fine dining options as well as antiquities, fine architecture, fantastic children’s playground and town-park and free parking. traditional Irish music, local art and craft pieces and great shopping.

Location Lismore, Co. Waterford, Ireland. A town with a special and Address Counties Clare, Tipperary and Galway formidable history. Email [email protected] Sat Nav 52.1358, -7.9377 Website www.DiscoverLoughDerg.ie Visitor Centre Lismore Heritage Centre Sat Nav Various Tel +353 (0)58 54975 Location Lough Derg is central to the counties of Clare, Tipperary & Email [email protected] Galway with 179km of indented shoreline, stretching over Website www.discoverlismore.com 40 km from Portumna at its northern tip to Killaloe and Ballina in the south. Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Lismore Heritage Centre, Lismore Castle Gardens and Art Gallery, St. Carthage’s Cathedral, Open Opening times and days vary check Abha na Sead River Walk, Lismore Millenium Park, St. www.DiscoverLoughDerg.ie for more information. Carthage’s Church Towers and Lady Louisa’s Walk. Average Visit Length 4 hours Guided Tours Daily Tours. Weekends by appointment. Activities The Lough Derg region has many incredible activity options Activities Activities: Blackwater Adventure, gardens, hillwalking, including: cycling, golfing, horse riding, angling, fishing, cycling, historical buildings, golf course, tennis courts, walking and hiking. There are several scenic drives around children’s playground, picnic area. the region with over 90 accessible heritage sites throughout. Top Festivals/Events Events include: Immrama Travel Writing Festival (June), Top Festivals & Portumna Forest Marathon (May & June), Clare Walking Lismore Opera Festival (June) and Robert Boyle Summer Events Festival, Nenagh Castlefest (June), Killaloe Music Festival School (June). (June) and Killaloe Water Festival (September). Dining Hotel and restaurant dining. Dining Delight your taste buds by sampling local Irish produce available around Lough Derg with a wealth of lively pubs, Shopping Craft shops and boutiques. Farmers’ Market on Sundays. bistros and fine dining options. Car Parking Free parking Shopping You will find many quirky and unique shops located around Coach Parking Free coach parking Lough Derg selling gifts and arts and crafts. Heritage / Lismore Heritage Centre. Open year-round, Car Parking Parking available throughout the region. Parking rates may Visitor Centre Mon–Fri, 09.00–17.30. Also open weekends March- apply in some areas. November: Saturday 10.00–17.00; Sunday 12.00–17.00. Coach Parking Coach Parking available throughout the Lough Derg Region. Heritage Centre Alice O Donoghue E: [email protected] Disability Access Limited access. Some not suitable. Contact Group Booking E: [email protected] Heritage Centre See website above. Contact Admission Rates Heritage Centre Yes, for groups 10+ people 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. 47 48 LOUGH GUR HERITAGE CENTRE LOUGH KEY FOREST & & LAKESHORE PARKLANDS ACTIVITY PARK

Lough Gur is an area of extreme beauty encompassing over 6,000 years of living Whatever you choose it is the perfect location to do as much or as little as you history. The Lough Gur experience begins outside at Ireland’s largest and oldest like! stone circle. The great attraction about Lough Key is that there are activities to suit all ages. A local tour guide will invite you to explore ancient Ireland in person. Follow your You can enjoy the numerous walking & historical trails or take yourself up guide to the authentic prehistoric sites in Lough Gur where the earliest settlers through the trees on Irelands Only Tree Canopy Walk and down underground once worshiped and lived. The visit ends with a lake front excursion ending in through the old Servant Tunnels and midway taking in the views from the the newly restored Lough Gur Heritage Centre that offers an engaging overview Moylurg Tower. Lough Gur’s importance on a global scale. Test your mental and physical agility in the Boda Borg challenge, which is Children will be enthralled by the Lough Gur Fairy Trail and will also be amazed weather independent and is all about teamwork! Let the children run free by the Tricky Tree Trail that educates people of all ages. As one of the very few and safely in the Adventure play Kingdom. All of this will certainly work up an places in Ireland that is home to every native Irish tree species, Lough Gur offers appetite, so enjoy the stunning scenery from the Lakeside café while munching an opportunity to learn and explore the natural environment in an unspoiled on homemade delights. tranquil setting that is fun for all the family. There is a lot more to do outside in the Forest from Zip lining, Bike Hire, a Boat trip on the Lake, a Segway Glide around the 350 hectare historical estate and for the younger kids - a woodland mini jeep safari.

Address Lakefront, Lough Gur, Co. Limerick, V35 ED96 Address Boyle, Co. Roscommon, F52 PY66 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)61 385 186 Phone +353 (0)71 967 3122 Website www.loughgur.com Website www.loughkey.ie Sat Nav 52.5231, -8.5203 Sat Nav 53.9814, -8.2388 Location 21 km from Limerick City on Lough Gur lake. Location 10 km from Carrick-on-Shannon; 5 km from Boyle Open Apr-Oct: Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00, Sat & Sun 12.00-18.00; Open Open year round. See website for opening times. Nov-Mar: Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat & Sun 12.00-16.00. Average Visit Length 2 hours to 5 hours Bank Hol 12.00-18.00. Closed Dec 24, 25. Entrance Fees Please check website, or telephone for details. Average Visit Length 60 minutes average duration for the Lough Gur Heritage (standard) Centre. Group Rates For 10+ 2.5 hours for a full outdoor tour that also includes a visit to Special Opening for Yes the Lough Gur Heritage Centre. Groups? Entrance Fees Adult €5; Senior/Student €4; Child (6-13) €3; Guided Group Tours Yes, in English, French and German. Min 10, Max 25. (standard) Child (U6) Free; Family (2A+3C) €15 Self-Guided Groups Yes. Free audio handsets in English, Irish, French, German Group Rates For 10+ and Spanish. Guided Group Tours Yes. Audio Visual Lough Key Experience is a 40-minute self-guided audio tour Self-Guided Groups Guided Tours offered as matter of course. in English, Irish, French, German and Spanish. Dining Tea & coffee and light refreshments on-site. Conference/ Moylurg Room seats 20, classroom style. No Group Dining facilities. Meetings Shopping Gift shop on-site selling books of special interest relating Performance Venue Sunken Garden, an open space, can be hired. Accommodates 1,000. to history, archaeology and the environment. Lough Gur School/Education Yes. Educational Orienteering Trails and the historical souvenirs, keepsakes, postcards, bookmarks and pens. Programme Lough Key Experience. Car Parking Free on-site. Dining Café overlooking the Lake with outdoor deck, serves soup, Coach Parking Free on-site. sandwiches, snacks, Seats 85. Moylurg Room for private dining Disability Access Fully Wheelchair Accessible in Lough Gur Heritage seats 50. Wider dining options by arrangement for groups. Centre. Shopping Gift shop selling Lough Key branded merchandise, jewellery, Group Booking Gemma O’Mahony. E: [email protected] gifts, souvenirs and confectionery. Contact Car Parking Pay car park on-site. 500 spaces. Free if you spend up to €20 on attractions or in Visitor Centre cafe. 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] 49 50 MEDIEVAL MILE MUSEUM MEDIEVAL QUARTER LIMERICK CITY

Ireland’s finest example of a medieval church, this building has been lovingly The stunning medieval city of Limerick is almost 1,100 years old and contains a restored in recent years. Archaeological excavations unearthed artefacts hidden for wealth of built heritage. It has been a Viking settlement, a medieval walled town, centuries that are now on display in world-class exhibitions. Visitors to the museum a Georgian city and is now a modern, vibrant metropolitan area with a rich and will marvel at a treasure trove of objects encompassing the stories of Ireland and historic hinterland and stunning historic buildings and castles. its people across centuries. The museum contains some of Ireland’s finest examples Nicholas Street, the city’s old main street, links most of the sights with 800 years of medieval sculpture. Since the 1200s, the site has been a place of burial for rich of history within 800 yards. Sights include Saint Mary’s Cathedral - one of the and poor. Many of Kilkenny’s past generations are still at rest here in tombs that can oldest buildings in Limerick, originally the Royal Palace for the Kings of Thomond. be glimpsed through glass floors. A brand new cutting-edge exhibition: 3 lives, 3 At the 13th century King John’s Castle, witness over 800 years of dramatic local deaths, One life unlived, welcomes the return of three skeletons that were excavated history come to life. Visitors are welcome at the nearby Bishop’s Palace built in at the main gate of the museum in 2016. There has been a lot learned about these the 1740s, which is currently occupied by Limerick Civic Trust. individuals’ lives through scientific analysis and historical research. Visitors will come face to face with the physical remains of people who walked the streets of The exhibits one of Ireland’s greatest private collections of art and Kilkenny centuries ago and will discover how forensic analysis has revealed many antiquities, dating from the Neolithic to the 20th Century. of their secrets. An exclusive LEGO® Minifigure Hunt has recently been added to the The Treaty Stone upon which folklore says the 1691 Treaty of Limerick was signed museum, which sees a number of Kilkenny’s key historic characters represented in stands proudly on a pedestal standing across the River Shannon from King John’s LEGO® Minifigure form and hiding around the museum. The hunt is available to Castle in Limerick City. children of all ages at no additional charge. Whether by means of an entertaining Remnants of a medieval fireplace site can be viewed at 36 Nicholas Street, just a guided tour or an engaging audio tour (available in 6 languages with child-friendly stone’s throw from the new Treaty City Brewery which hosts daily guided tours. options), the Medieval Mile Museum offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

Address St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Lane, Kilkenny, R95 K276 Address Tourism Department, Limerick City & County Council, Email [email protected] Merchants Quay, Limerick, V94 EH90 Phone +353 (0)56 781 7022 Email [email protected] Website www.medievalmilemuseum.ie Phone +353 (0)61 556 000 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, Open Open Year Round. Apr-Oct, Daily 10.00-18.00; King John’s Castle, The Treaty Stone, remains of a Medieval Nov-Mar, Tues-Sun 11.00-16.30 Fireplace & Treaty City Brewery. Average Visit Length 45 to 90 minutes. Tourist Office Limerick Tourist Information Office. Open year round. Mon - Sat 09.00 to 17.00. Entrance Fees Entrance fees: Guided/Self Guided: (standard) Adult €12/€8 Senior/Student €10/€6.50; Child (5-12) Attraction Varies by attraction see website above. €5/€4; Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) €25/€16 Admission Group Rates Yes, a minimum of 10 in order to secure group rate. Groups Limerick welcomes groups and group tours, pre-booking is required please email [email protected] for further Special Opening for Yes information. Groups? Attraction Varies by attraction see website above. Guided Group Tours Yes, a minimum of 10 and pre-booking is required. Admission Self-Guided Groups Yes Shopping Whether you are indulging in some retail therapy, searching Audio Visual Paper guides available in English, German, French, Italian for the perfect souvenir or simply window-shopping, you’ll and Spanish. Audio guides available in English, German, be spoiled for choice in Limerick. Limerick city centre is French, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin. compact, easy to navigate and boasts a range of big brands Conference/ Yes. Max 250 for reception. Max 120 for seated dining. and independent stores. For further information see website Meetings above. School/Education Yes. Schools packages available on request, activity sheets Dining Limerick has a vast array of unique and independent coffee Programme provided for various age groups, specialist tours in subjects shops and restaurants. Their café scene has a constant such as History, Archaeology, Art, Tourism, Architecture, supply of places that offer an experience to suit all tastes. and Building Conservation. For more info see website above. 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 from throughout the city. the museum, serves morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. Coach Parking Coach parking is available on Merchants Quay and Shopping Yes. Souvenirs, crafts, clothing and books all available at Bishops Quay. the gift shop. Group booking E: [email protected] Car Parking Off-site. City centre car parking within 100m of attraction. contact Coach Parking Free, off-site. Castle Road coach park within 500m of attraction. Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 51 52 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 Fastnet Lighthouse, the Geology of Mizen, a experiences from whiskey tasting in Ireland’s oldest thatched pub to bow making Navigational Simulator showing Mizen Head from the Sea and other exhibits. or blacksmithing. Why not climb up a waterfall or just sit back and take in the Then the outdoor experience starts! view across to Scotland from the famous Glens of Antrim? For food lovers try the The path to the Signal Station goes down the cliffs and the 99 Steps to award-winning beef and salmon at Glenarm Castle, locally produced craft beer the Bridge, and out to the point and the former Keepers Quarters with its at Hillstown Brewery or for the adventurous why not try the local delicacy, Lough interpretive displays. 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. coast to Sheep’s Head and the Beara Peninsula, and south to the Sea Arch. There See the location where Ned Stark struck of the head of a Night’s Watch deserter, is plenty to do and see. This is also a world-renowned whale and dolphin watch or see the steps where Arya Stark ascended after being stabbed in Braavos. You location, and often there are seals under the bridge. Mizen Head Signal Station is can then visit the bar where she relaxed between shoots. Or why not visit the suitable for all ages, in any weather. Silversmiths where they made some of the jewellery for the show including Joffrey’s Crown.

Address Tourist Information Point, The Gobbins, 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/ 35115 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, Glenarm Castle, 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 53 54 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. Thurs-Sun 11.00-16.30; May-Aug: Daily Average Visit Length 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes 11.0 0 -17.30 Entrance Fees Adult £11.37; Child (5-16) £5.69; Child (U5) Free; Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes (standard) Family (2A+3C) £28.43 Entrance Fees Adult €7; Senior/Student €6; Child (U16) €3; Child (U3) Group Rates For 15+ (standard) Free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Special Opening for In certain circumstances. Special Opening for Yes. Private tours all year. Pre-booking essential. Groups? Groups? Guided Group Tours House is free flow. Guided garden tour can be booked for Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 60. Larger groups can be 15 upwards. staggered. Self-Guided Groups Yes. English speaking guides in each room. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Information in English, French, German and Spanish. Incentive Programme Yes Audio guides available in English, German and French. School/Education Yes Incentive Programme Guided tours. Nature walks. Programme Dining Tearoom seating 39, and a further 50 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 Tel: +353 (0)51 384 115 Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact E: [email protected] Contact 55 56 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. Located in the heart visitors to Dublin interested in the story of Ireland. Visitors can enjoy lively events of Georgian Dublin, admission to the gallery is free, and many talks, tours, and and exhibitions, use the beautiful Victorian reading room, get free advice on events, as well as the audio guide, are also free of charge. their family history, and drop by Café Joly for a quick coffee or relaxing lunch. The Gallery runs a busy exhibition programme in addition to its permanent Particular highlights at the main library buildings on Kildare Street are the collection with highlights to date including Vermeer and the Masters of Genre award-winning Yeats exhibition, and moving World War Ireland exhibition. The Painting and Beyond Caravaggio. NLI’s National Photographic Archive, where the exhibition “Photo Detectives” After your visit, enjoy lunch in the on-site café and bring home some souvenirs explores a century of Irish life through remarkable photographs, is situated in from the Gallery Shop. Temple Bar. “Listen Now Again”, a very special exhibition honouring the work of 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) School/Education Yes, For all enquiries contact [email protected] Group Rates Admission is free. Programme Special Opening for Yes, by special request Dining Café Joly, named after the National Library’s Groups? first donor, is situated in a bright spacious room Guided Group Tours Yes. Minimum 10. Can cater for large group sizes. complimented by crisp modern design and Self-Guided Groups Yes. contemporary artwork. Audio Visual Audio guides available in English. Car Parking Pay parking nearby Conference/ Yes. Unique facilities available that can cater for small Coach Parking Time limited parking nearby Meetings groups up to groups of 300 people. Disability Access Most of the National Library is accessible to School/Education Yes wheelchair users, in some cases via the lift. To assist Programme readers with hearing difficulties, hearing loops are available. Dining The Gallery Café serves breakfast, light lunch options and tea, coffee & cakes throughout normal gallery opening Group Booking Contact E: [email protected] hours. It is located in the Millennium Wing, at the Clare Street entrance. 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 57 58 NAVAN CENTRE & FORT— NEW ROSS EMAIN MACHA HERITAGE TOWN

The Navan Centre & Fort is a place where myth and reality meet. As the ancient On the banks of the majestic River Barrow, New Ross is full of cultural and seat of Kings and the earliest capital of Ulster, there is plenty to explore! historic surprises, beautiful shop fronts and quaint laneways and also home to Step back in time by 2,000 years with a visit to the Iron Age dwelling (April- the remains of the 13th century town walls. September), where you will meet the Celts going about their daily lives and The town is home to the most famous Irish American, President John Fitzgerald bringing history to life! Kennedy. Visitors to New Ross can see the spectacular Dunbrody Famine Ship After meeting real-life warriors, learn more about the stories of the bravest of sit proudly on the quayside - take a tour and discover its fascinating history. The them all - Cú Chulainn and the Red Branch Knights. On-site AV show incorporates magnificent Ros Tapestry, depicting the Norman conquests of Ireland, rivals the many of the tales of the Ulster Cycle associated with the great site of the Navan Bayeaux Tapestry for the beauty and skill of the stitch work. Fort. With archaeological evidence of the site dating back to 95BC, experienced New Ross is the gateway to the Hook Peninsula and The Hook Lighthouse, the tour guides will accompany you to what is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most oldest working lighthouse in the world, stands sentinel over one of nature’s famous sites. For younger visitors, the indoor and outdoor Archaeology Discovery most beautiful estuaries. Visit the beautiful St Mary’s Church, built by William space is a must-see, along with an Ecology trail to truly appreciate the diversity Marshall & his wife Isabel in the 13th century. A highlight of the Norman Way, it of wildlife the grounds have to offer. is spectacularly lit at night and within a few minute’s walk of its close neighbour, the award winning Library Park and Pearse Park. New Ross is also a lively town with fantastic festivals including the New Ross Piano Festival, AIMS Choral Festival, Kennedy Summer School and Eugene O’Neill Drama Festival. It is part of the Ireland’s Ancient East Touring Region and an integral part of the Norman Trail. Address 81 Killylea Road, Armagh, BT60 4LD Location New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland. Email [email protected] On the banks of the majestic River Barrow. Phone +44 (0)28 3752 9644 Sat Nav 52.3962, -6.9472 Website www.visitarmagh.com/navan Visitor Centre Tourist Office at the Dunbrody Visitor Centre. Sat Nav 54.3445, -6.7017 Tel +353 (0)51 421 284 (Council Offices) Location 3 km from Armagh Email [email protected] Open Open year round. For opening times see Website www.wexfordcoco.ie www.visitarmagh.com/navan Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Dunbrody Famine Ship and Visitor Average Visit Length 2 hours Centre, Ros Tapestry, St. Mary’s Church, Norman Trail, New Ross Town Wall, Quayfront & JFK Public Art, Entrance Fees See www.visitarmagh.com/navan for Admissions details. Irish America Hall of Fame at Dunbrody Visitor Centre. (standard) Guided Tours St. Mary’s Church and Norman Trail tours on request in Group Rates For 10+ July and August. Special Opening for Yes Activities Town Park including Running Track, 60-berth Blue Flag Groups? Marina, 18 hole Parklands Golf Course, Oaklands Lake Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 55. Angling, Lacken Hill Walking Trail, Library Park Outdoor Self-Guided Groups Yes. Amphitheatre–an Clog Mór and the great Riverside walk. Audio Visual Short and long AV (16 mins and 26 mins), for 125, in Top Festivals/Events Festivals include: AIMS Choral Festival (May), New Ross English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. Piano Festival, Kennedy Summer School (September) and Eugene O’Neill Drama Festival (October). Conference/ 125 seater stepped auditorium. Meetings Dining From restaurants and casual café/bistro dining to traditional fish and chips takeaway. Performance Venue Stepped auditorium, seating 125, can be hired. Shopping From boutiques to quirky gift shops. School/Education Yes Programme Car Parking 4 pay car parks on the Quay with other pay car parks at Barrack Lane, John St and throughout the town, plus on- Dining Coffee Shop on-site offering scones, tray bakes, sandwiches street parking. and light lunches. Coach Parking Free off-street coach parking adjacent to the Quay and Shopping Gift shop selling crafts, books and Christian Heritage items. major attractions. Set down areas along the Quay. Car Parking Free on-site. Heritage / Tourist Office at the Dunbrody Visitor Centre, South Quay, Coach Parking Free on-site. 8 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. Visitor Centre New Ross, Co. Wexford. Open all year. Special Facilities for Free refreshments. See details on Entry 23. www.dunbrody.com Coaches/Drivers Disability Access Fully accessible. Group Booking Matthew Avenell, Contact E: [email protected] Education: Paul Derby, E: [email protected] Conferences: Damien Houlahan, E: [email protected] 59 60 NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE PEARSE LYONS DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTRE

At the home of one of Ireland’s most beloved brands, visitors can take an Discover over 800 years of history and awaken your senses with whiskey tours absorbing Factory Tour behind the scenes at the working silverware factory. Learn and tastings at Dublin’s only boutique distillery. Winner of the Irish Tourism about the time-honoured processes and true-life stories that lie at the heart Industry Award for Dublin’s Best Visitor Experience 2019, Pearse Lyons Distillery, of Newbridge Silverware, a family owned business, set up in 1934. This is an offers visitors a unique blend of Irish history, culture and whiskey in a working opportunity to experience the precision craft of manufacturing tableware and distillery. jewellery which is virtually unchanged over the past 85 years. Located in Dublin’s historic Liberties and founded by the late Pearse Lyons, the Enjoy FREE entry to the Museum of Style Icons housing a memorable collection former Church of St James’, now distillery, has a colourful history dating back of couture design, artefacts and fashion items that once belonged to some to the 12th century. On tour of the distillery and surrounding graveyard, guests of the greatest style icons of modern time – Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana, are introduced to the compelling characters from Dublin’s famous distilling and Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace, Elvis, The Beatles and more. Immerse yourself in brewing district. Hollywood glamour and popular culture on the self-guided tour. After enjoying Discover how Pearse Lyons Distillery distils their unique small batch Irish the tour and the museum make sure to browse through the range of Irish whiskeys and celebrates the Irish tradition of storytelling on each guided tour. designed products in the stylish Lifestyle Store. Tax-free shopping in the store for Guests can choose from a wide range of tour and tasting experiences to food eligible visitors. Enjoy refreshments in the relaxed ambience of the Café Carleton pairing and blending experiences with the distillery team. featuring freshly prepared local food. Live piano music is played in the Café on Monday to Friday mornings. Treat yourself to breakfast, lunch, a light meal or for a special treat their sumptuous afternoon tea.

Address Athgarvan Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, W12 HT62 Address 121-122 James’s Street, Dublin 8, D08 ET27 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone Tel: +353 (0)45 431 301 Phone +353 (0)1 691 6000 Website www.visitnewbridgesilverware.com Website www.pearselyonsdistillery.com Sat Nav 53.1762, -6.7969 Sat Nav 53.3437, -6.2896 Location Just outside Newbridge, Co. Kildare. It is easily accessible. Only 30 Location Dublin City Centre, on James’s Street, a 15-minute walk mins by car from Dublin and 45 minutes from Dublin airport. from Grafton Street. Open Visitor Centre: Mon-Sat 09.00-18.00; Sun 10.00-18.00; Open Open year round. Mon-Sat: 09.30–18.00 Factory Tours: Mon-Sun 11.00, 14.00 & 15.00; Sun: 11.30–18.00 Museum: Mon-Sat 09.00-16.30; Sun & B/Hols 10.00-16.30 Closed Dec 24, 25 & 26 and Jan 1. Average Visit Length 80 minutes to 2 hours. Average Visit Length 1 hour Entrance Fees Factory Tour : Adult €12, Senior/Student €10, Entrance Fees Adult €20; Senior/Student (with valid ID) €18; (standard) Child (U12) Free with full paying adult. (standard) Child (11-17) €10; Child (U10) Free Museum of Style Icons: Admission is Free. Group Rates 10+ Group Rates Yes Special Opening for Yes Special Opening for Yes Groups? Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes in English. Guided Group Tours For group bookings and guided tours (min. 10 people; max. Self-Guided Groups Guided tours offered as standard 20 people). For groups of 21+, additional tour guides can be Conference/ Yes made available for the factory tour, subject to availability Meetings and booking, please contact reception@newbridgesilverware. com or call +353 (0)45 431 301 and dial 0. Incentive Programme Yes Self-Guided Groups Yes. Must be pre-booked 3 weeks in advance. Max number Performance Venue No 15 per group, larger groups will be staggered. Dining Yes, on-site. Tea Rooms serving tea, coffee, hot drinks and Conference/ Private hire of Museum of Style Icons and Café Carleton are freshly baked cakes. Authentic Irish pub on-site also. Meetings available outside of opening hours for corporate bookings. Shopping Whiskey, books, clothing and small gift items are School/Education Yes sold on-site. Programme Car Parking Street parking on James’s Street Dining The award-winning Café Carleton opens seven days a week Coach Parking Drop off and collection point outside the distillery serving breakfast, lunch and an array of delicious light Disability Access Fully accessible meals and desserts. Group Booking E: [email protected] Shopping The Newbridge Silverware Lifestyle Store, is Newbridge Silverware’s Contact 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 61 62 THE POWERSCOURT POWERSCOURT HOUSE DISTILLERY & GARDENS

The Powerscourt Distillery is the home of Fercullen Irish whiskey. Located in an No visit to Ireland is complete without the opportunity to marvel at the majestic 18th century Mill House on the Powerscourt Estate, the Powerscourt Distillery is Powerscourt Gardens, voted no. 3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National set against a backdrop of the breathtakingly beautiful Wicklow hills and Great Geographic. Sugarloaf Mountain. Set in the wild Wicklow countryside, overlooking the Sugarloaf Mountain, With a history that traces back to the 9th century, the estate formed part of Powerscourt is situated just 20km south of Dublin City Centre. The Gardens the strategically important and ancient lands once known as Fercullen. The stretch over 47 acres and offer visitors a sublime blend of formal gardens, Powerscourt Distillery draws from an underground lake of the purest Wicklow sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling water, and enjoys proximity to rich local farming lands with a temperate walks. coastline climate that sets the perfect stage for distilling and maturing Irish Enjoy a film and audio guides about Powerscourt Gardens, narrated personally whiskey. by its owners over the past 400 years. Audio guides are available in English, Globally recognised, award-winning Master Distiller Noel Sweeney oversees French, German, Spanish and Chinese. all aspects of spirit production and Irish whiskey released from Powerscourt The Palladian Mansion at Powerscourt is home to the best in Irish design, and Distillery. This is a fully immersive Irish whiskey experience as you visit an features craft and interior shops. The Terrace Café offers the finest in Irish artisan operating whiskey distillery and on-site maturation warehouse before sampling home-cooked cuisine. some of the award winning Fercullen Irish whiskeys in one of the intimate tasting rooms.

Address The Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, 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 See website for daily opening and tour times. 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 €11.50; Senior/Student (with valid I.D card) €9; Child (standard) visit www.powerscourtdistillery.com. (standard) (U16) €5; Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+3C) €26 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. Catering list and private rooms available for corporate/ private hire. Group Booking Amie Cleary, E: [email protected] Contact 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 63 64 POWERSCOURT WATERFALL RICHMOND BARRACKS

Powerscourt Waterfall is Ireland’s highest at 121m (398ft) and is 6km from the Built in 1814, it was one of Dublin’s largest British Army barracks. It was here main Powerscourt Estate. It is set in one of Ireland’s most beautiful parklands at that over 3,000 of the men and women involved in the 1916 Easter Rising were the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains. As you drive from the gate lodge towards held following the surrender. the Waterfall, you are surrounded by Beech, Oak, Larch and Pine trees some of In addition to six of the seven signatories of the Proclamation and seven others which were planted over 200 years ago. Look out also for the Giant Redwoods later executed at , other notable Irish people held in the (native to Northern California where they may grow up to 80m high and live for gymnasium include Eamon De Valera, Countess Markievicz, Michael Collins, 4,000 years) but Powerscourt’s Redwoods are still youngsters! Arthur Griffith, William T. Cosgrave, Eoin MacNeill, Thomas Ashe, Noel Lemass Take time to explore the pathways that meander through the flora and fauna, and Sean T. O’Kelly. walk along the woodland pathways and listen to the birdsong. The parklands are At the barracks, an early 20th century classroom has been restored, with a haven for wildlife and children can have fun trying to spot some of the locals authentic features and original school registers dating from 1895. – the Chaffinch, Cuckoo, Raven and the Willow Warbler. Look out for Sika Deer, Audiovisuals and interactive screens give access to the history of Richmond which were introduced to Ireland in 1858 or you might spy a red squirrel or two. Barracks, the social history of St. Michael’s Estate and St. Michael’s CBS. Ideal location for summer picnics and barbeques. On-site kiosk, open everyday from June 1 to August 31 and year round at weekends.

Address Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, A98 FA09 Address Richmond Barracks, Patriots Path, Off Bulfin Road, Email [email protected] Inchicore, Dublin 8, D08 YY05 Phone +353 (0)1 204 6000 Email [email protected] Website www.powerscourt.com Phone +353 (0)1 222 8400 Sat Nav 51.6215, -8.8859 Website www.richmondbarracks.ie Location The Waterfall is located 6km from Powerscourt Estate. Sat Nav 53.3385, -6.3162 From Dublin City and Wexford take Exit 8. After 2 km take Location Inchicore, Dublin, behind St Michael’s Church, 20 minute the first left towards Enniskerry and follow the signs for walk from Heuston Station; 5 minute from Goldenbridge/ Powerscourt Waterfall. Drimnagh Luas Open Open year round. Jan/Feb/Nov/Dec: 10.30-16.00pm; Mar/ Open Open year round. Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00; Apr/Sept/Oct: 10.30-17.30; May/Jun/July/Aug: 09.30-19.00. Daily guided tours 11.00 and 14.00, last admission 15.00. Closed two weeks before Christmas. Saturdays and Bank Holidays pre-booked tours only, Closed Average Visit Length 90 mins – 2 hours. on Sundays. Entrance Fees Entrance fees: Adults €6.50; Senior/Student €5.50; Child Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes (standard) (U12) €3.50; Child (U2) Free; Family (2A+3C) €16 Entrance Fees Guided: Adult €8; Senior/Student/Child €5; Group Rates Yes (minimum 20+ people in high season and 10+ people in (standard) Family (2A+3C) €17 low season). Pre-booking required. Self Guided: Adult €6; Senior/Student/Child €3; Guided Group Tours Email [email protected] for more information. Family (2A+3C) €15 School/Education Yes. Group Rates For groups of 6+ Programme Special Opening for Yes, by special request Dining Kiosk on site that serves everything from coffee and tea to Groups? hot-dogs and ice-cream. The kiosk is open everyday from the Guided Group Tours Yes. Minimum 10. Can cater for large group sizes. 1st June to the end of August and year round at weekends, if Self-Guided Groups Yes weather permits. Audio Visual Yes. A high-tech fully digital self-guided exhibition. Shopping There is an Avoca Store selling Irish crafts and homeware; and speciality shops on the mezzanine level of Powerscourt Conference/ Yes. More details available on request. House located on the estate. Meetings Car Parking Yes School/Education Yes Programme Coach Parking Yes Dining The Officers Mess Café operated by The Caterers provides Disability Access Partially wheelchair accessible. fresh and tasty meals for visitors and the local community. Group Booking E: [email protected] Opening Hours: 10.00–16.00, Monday to Friday. Contact Shopping Variety of literature available to purchase. Car Parking Free parking. Coach Parking Free parking. Disability Access Fully accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 65 66 RUSSBOROUGH SCIENCE GALLERY HOUSE & PARKLANDS

Russborough houses one of the most impressive private art collections in In 2008, a forgotten corner of was transformed into Ireland, which may be viewed by taking a guided tour of this stunning Palladian a living experiment called Science Gallery Dublin. Through a cutting-edge Mansion. The Beit Museum opened in 2014 offers a fascinating insight into the programme that ignites creativity and discovery where science and art collide, history lives and stories of Russborough and its owners from the 18th century to Science Gallery Dublin encourages young people to learn through their interests. the present day. Since its opening, more than three million visitors to the nonprofit gallery have The RHSI 18th century walled garden is available for pre-booked groups and experienced 43 unique exhibitions, ranging from design and violence to light individuals and will be open at various times throughout the season. and love, and from contagion and biomimicry to the futures of the human species and play. For family fun there is a 2,000m2 /20,000sq ft head high Maze, a fairy trail, a playground and tree trail. A 2km walking trail is available in 5 languages. Gift Science Gallery Dublin develops an ever-changing programme of exhibitions shop also on-site. and events fuelled by the expertise of scientists, researchers, students, artists, designers, inventors, creative thinkers and entrepreneurs. The focus is on The National Bird of Prey Centre is located within Russborough’s Parklands. providing programmes and experiences that allow visitors to participate and Sheepdog Demonstrations may be arranged for pre-booked groups also. facilitate social connections, always providing an element of surprise. Science School Tour Groups very welcome at reduced rates. Gallery Dublin is part of the Global Science Gallery Network pioneered by Trinity College Dublin.

Address Blessington, Co. Wicklow, W91 W284 Address Pearse Street, Trinity College, Dublin 2, D02 CP49 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)45 865 239 Phone +353 (01) 896 4091 Website www.russborough.ie Website www.dublin.sciencegallery.com Sat Nav 53.1413, -6.5691 Sat Nav 53.344, -6.2504 Location 25 km from Dublin City off the N81; 4.5 km from Location Located at Trinity College Dublin in the heart of the city Blessington centre. Served by all city centre buses, LUAS and the DART. Open Open Mar 1–Dec 22: 10.00-18.00 Daily; Tour Times May- Open Exhibitions: Check website for times. Shop & Café: Mon Sept: 10.00-17.00; Oct-Apr: Less frequent. Call to confirm. 08.00–17.00, Tue to Fri 08.00–20.00, Sat & Sun 12.00–18.00 Average Visit Length Up to 4 hours Outside Exhibitions: Shop & Café: Mon to Fri 08.00–17.00, Closed Sat & Sun. Entrance Fees Adult €12; Senior/Student €9; Child (6-16) €6; (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family €30 Average Visit Length 1 hour Group Rates For 20+ Entrance Fees Free admission (standard) Special Opening for Yes Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes. Pre-booking advisable email: [email protected] to discuss Guided Group Tours Yes, of House in English, French and German. Min 20, Max 45. the best options for your group. Self-Guided Groups The house is guided only. Leaflets available in French, Self-Guided Groups Yes. Information guides available in English. Italian, Spanish, German and Mandarin. Conference/ Yes. Various options available. See website for further Audio Visual AV in English for 30. Meetings information or email [email protected] Conference/ Theatre seats 30. Exhibition centre seats 70. Outside, the Incentive Programme Yes. Enquire for details. Meetings Hippodrome is partially covered and has a seating capacity of 450 people. Popular for Civil Ceremonies & Concerts. Performance Venue Yes. See website for further information or email: hire@ dublin.sciencegallery.com Incentive Programme Yes. The National Bird of Prey Centre is located within the Parklands. Sheepdog Demonstrations may be pre booked for groups. School/Education Yes. See website for more details or email projects@dublin. Programme sciencegallery.com. Performance Venue Concerts seating for 70 up to 450 people. Outdoors in the Hippodrome available for hire. Dining Science Gallery Café on-site, emphasis on locally sourced produce. Dining Tearooms serving hot lunches, soups, sandwiches, desserts, morning coffee and afternoon teas. Seats 90. Separate room (Lady Shopping Designist at Science Gallery Dublin offering unique gifts Beit’s Pantry) for pre-booked coach tours requiring Afternoon Tea. and bright ideas with a science twist. Shopping Gift shop selling jewellery, handbags, scarves, books, Car Parking Pay-parking nearby. ceramics and crystal. Coach Parking Limited parking nearby. Drop off and pickup at Nassau Car Parking Pay parking on-site. 250 spaces. €3 charge. Street Gate. Coach Parking Free on-site. 20 spaces. Drop off and pick up at the Coach Disability Access Fully accessible, however please note that exhibition layouts Entrance to front of house. and content change with each new show, and while every consideration is made for access, it cannot be guaranteed. Special Facilities for Coach washing facilities and clean-out area. Please email ahead of visit for more information. Coaches/Drivers Group Booking E: [email protected] Disability Access Partially accessible with accessible toilets. Lift to upstairs for Contact the guided house tours, top floor restricted. Group Booking Marian Kelly & Audrey McCreery. E: [email protected] Contact 67 68 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! Established in 1969 in response to the demand for Famine heritage sites that still exist in the town today. The Skibbereen Famine a route across the Shannon Estuary from Kerry to Clare, the Shannon Ferries Story uses these places, and the voices of the era, to tell stories of relief efforts, service now operates two ferries, the Shannon Breeze and the Shannon Dolphin, suffering, disease and death. Follow the Skibbereen Famine Story Walking Trail which depart from Killimer in Co. Clare to Tarbert in Co. Kerry. app to hear stories at sites in the town that have direct links to the Great Famine. Ideally located on the Wild Atlantic Way, Shannon Ferries offers travellers a Or follow the trail with a leaflet, both available on-site. break from the road with just a 20-minute passage across the Shannon. Sit Genealogy Service for the greater West Cork area also available (by appointment). 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 69 70 SMITHWICK’S EXPERIENCE KILKENNY SPIKE ISLAND

Located in the heart of Kilkenny, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, Ireland’s most In the last 1,300 years Spike Island has been home to rioters and redcoats, popular ale, is a multi-sensory and interactive experience that will take visitors captains and convicts, monks and monasteries and sinners and saints. Its on a journey through the medieval origins of brewing on the site of the St. beautiful 104 acres have housed an Island Monastery, Fortress, Prison and Francis Abbey Brewery to the arrival of John Smithwick in the 1700s, and right up Homes and today the island can be reached by a short and scenic ferry from the to the present day. heritage town of Cobh. Once on the island visitors join Irelands best storytellers Visitors will be immersed in the history of Smithwick’s and will find out how this for a mesmerising insight into the personal stories of this unique corner of the famous ale is made. All tours are fully guided and visitors over the age of 18 will Ancient East. receive a complimentary pint of Smithwick’s at the end of the tour. Visitors under Enter the 200 year old Fort Mitchel, the 24 acre star shaped Fortress built to the age of 18 will receive a complimentary soft drink. Complimentary audio defend an empire that became the largest prison in the world in the 1850s guides available in French, German, Spanish and Italian. during the famine years. Tens of thousands of Irish men and women were transported to America and Australia from Spikes prison. The island would be used by both the British and Irish army and navy, before becoming a prison again in the 1980s. Today’s visitors can explore the vast Fortress, enter the infamous Punishment block and modern prison cells, see Ireland’s largest military gun park, journey through the tunnels to the harbour defence guns, enter the former childrens prison and explore the 104 acres of villages, beaches and grasslands. Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2017. Address Parliament Street, Kilkenny City, R95 VK54 Address Kennedy Pier, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 E446 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)56 778 6377 Phone +353 (0)21 237 3455 Website www.smithwicksexperience.com Website www.spikeislandcork.ie Sat Nav 52.6556, -7.2541 Sat Nav 51.8345, -8.2862 Location Kilkenny City, 5 minutes walk from Kilkenny Castle Location Ferries depart from Cobh. 20 km from Cork City Centre. Open Open year round. Daily. Mar-Oct 10.00-19.00 (last tour at Open Open: Apr-Oct 7 days; Feb/March/Nov weekends and 17.00); Nov-Feb 11.00-18.00 (last tour at 16.00). school holidays. Closed Dec 24-26. See www.spikeislandcork.ie for todays sailing times. Average Visit Length 1 hour Pre-booked groups can visit 363 days a year. Entrance Fees Entrance fees: Adult €16; Senior/Student (18+) €14; Average Visit Length 3.5 hours minimum. (standard) Student (U18) €10; Child (U6) Free; Family (2A+3C) €40 Entrance Fees Adult €20; Senior/Student €17; Child (2-12) €10; Group Rates For 15+ (standard) Child (U2) Free; Family (4 pax, any mix) €49 Special Opening for In certain circumstances. Group Rates For 15+ Groups? Special Opening for Yes, all year round. Email [email protected] to Guided Group Tours All visits are guided in English. Groups? arrange flexible group tours. All group sizes can be accommodated. Guided Group Tours Yes guided tours offered as matter of course. Self-Guided Groups Complimentary audio guides are available in French, German, Spanish and Italian. Self-Guided Groups Yes, visitors may explore the island and attractions at leisure. Audio Visual 5 minute AV, in English, for 25. Audio guides available Audio Visual Yes, several video and audio installations. in French, German, Spanish and Italian. Offered Conference/ Yes, contact [email protected] Complimentary. Meetings Performance Venue Yes, offering an evening experience. Incentive Programme Yes Dining Not on-site. Choice of coffee shops and restaurants nearby. Performance Venue Yes, see www.spikeislandcork.ie for upcoming events. Shopping Retail store selling Smithwick’s branded merchandise. School/Education Yes, dedicated school tours with activities, Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Programme see www.spikeislandcork.ie/tours/school-tours Coach Parking Contact for information. Dining Café . Seats 98. Serving soups, sandwiches, hot rolls, paninis, confectionery, teas, coffees, cakes, desserts, soft drinks. Disability Access Fully accessible. Advise when booking. Shopping Yes, offering branded stationery, clothing, books, video, toys & gifts. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact Car Parking Free car parking on North side of Cobh Cathedral, 10 minutes walk from Kennedy Pier. Coach Parking Coach parking off-site, 1 mile from Cobh Centre. Drop off area at Kennedy Pier. Special Facilities for Free ferry journey for coach driver, free parking at Cathedral, Coaches/Drivers past Heritage Centre. Free refreshments for driver. Disability Access Not wheelchair accessible due to current departure pier, which has flight of stairs. Solution being investigated. Group Booking Contact Claudine, E: [email protected] Contact 71 72 TITANIC BELFAST TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN

Titanic Belfast is a world leading tourist attraction, and the world’s largest Trinity College Dublin is the oldest university in Ireland. It was founded in 1592 Titanic Visitor experience, a ‘must-see’ visit on any tour of Belfast and Northern by Queen Elizabeth I and is famous for its graduates such as Swift, Goldsmith, Ireland. It is located in the heart of Belfast, right beside the historic site of this Wilde, and Beckett. The Old Library and the Book of Kells Exhibition is a ‘must world-famous ship’s construction. Titanic Belfast in an iconic six-floor building, see’ on the itinerary of all visitors to Dublin. Located in the heart of Dublin City, a featuring nine interpretive and interactive galleries exploring the sights, sounds, walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College Dublin will bring visitors back and stories of Titanic, as well as the City and people which made her. It is the to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library building was constructed. world’s largest Titanic exhibition. The adventure begins the moment you walk Inside is housed the Book of Kells - a 9th century gospel manuscript famous into the building’s giant atrium, surrounded by the four ‘hull’ shaped sections, throughout the world. which house the experience. You’ll learn about Belfast at the turn of the century Visitors enter through the Library Shop and proceed to the Book of Kells and experience a thrilling ride through the reconstruction of the shipyard and ‘Turning Darkness into Light’ exhibition; then to the Treasury where the Book of Titanic under construction. Be brought deep into the stories of the passengers, Kells and other related manuscripts are on view; then proceed upstairs to the the crew and the heroes of the day; relive the drama of the tragic end to Titanic’s magnificent Long Room, the longest single-chamber library in the world, which maiden voyage, and visit the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the houses 200,000 of the library’s oldest books in its oak bookcases. Atlantic. Finally, walk the decks of SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line Also worth visiting are the Gift Shop, Science Gallery, Zoological Museum and vessel and the biggest Titanic artefact in the world, and see what life was like for cafés. See www.tcd.ie/visitors/ for more details. passengers and crew on board. Enjoy breath-taking views of the slipways where Titanic was launched and 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 Titanic Quarter, 1 Olympic Way, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT3 9EP Address College Street, Dublin 2, D02 K752 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +44 (0)28 9076 6399 Phone +353 (0)1 896 2320 Website www.titanicbelfast.com Website www.bookofkells.ie Sat Nav 54.6080, -5.9102 Location The Titanic Quarter, a short walk from Belfast City Centre Sat Nav 53.3439, -6.2568 Open Open year round, except Dec 24-26. Opening times: Jun: 08.30- Location Dublin City Centre 19.00 (Sun-Thurs); July & Aug: 08.30-19.00 (Fri-Sat); Apr-May: Open Open Oct-Apr: Mon-Sat 09.30-17.00, Sun, Bank Hol 09.00-18.00; Sept: 08.30-18.00; Oct: 10.00-17.00 (Mon-Fri) 12.00-16.30; May-Sept: Mon-Sat 08.30-17.00, 09.00-18.00 (Sat-Sun); Nov-Mar:10.00-17.00. Opening times are Sun, Bank Hol 09.30-17.00. Closed Christmas & New Year. subject to change from Jan, 2020. Check website for updates. Average Visit Length 40 minutes to 1 hour Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours Entrance Fees Adult £19; Senior/Student £15.50; Child (5-16) £8.50; Entrance Fees Adult €15; Senior/Student €13; Child (U12) Free; (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) £46.50; (standard) Family (2A+2C(U16)) €30 Rates subject to change from Apr. Check website for updates. Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 15+ Special Opening for Yes, subject to availability. Special Opening for Yes Groups? Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 1, Max 30. Guided Group Tours All tours are guided in English. Min 15, Max 50. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio guides in English, French, Spanish, German, Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets available in English, Irish, German, French, Italian, Mandarin, Polish, plus one tailored to the visually Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Japanese and impaired. Guides include British Sign Language visuals. Chinese. Audio Guides purchasable in English, German, French, Conference/ Extensive facilities with catering options. Titanic Suite Spanish, Italian and Chinese. Meetings (300); Olympic Suite (84); Britannic Suite (50); The Bridge (40) and Andrews Gallery (100) and Hickson’s Point (80). Conference/ 15 theatres seating up to 400; 40 classrooms seating up Incentive Programme Yes Meetings to 150. Available end of May to mid September each year. Performance Venue Yes - on request Contact [email protected] School/Education Yes Incentive Programme Yes. Contact [email protected] Programme Performance Venue Yes. Contact [email protected] Dining Bistro 401 offers the best of Northern Irish produce. Galley Café School/Education Yes offers a full Barista range, specialty teas, sandwiches, delicacies. Programme Hickson’s Point offers offers an authentic 1900’s public house setting, serving up the spirit of the shipyard with traditional Dining The Buttery Restaurant offers breakfast, hot lunches/ music, entertainment, heritage décor and locally produced food. carvery, salads and snacks. Seats 400. Arts Café seats 40 Shopping Titanic Store selling an exclusive range of clothing, gifts and inside and 40 outside, offers sandwiches and snacks. unique memorabilia. Shopping Library Shop selling books related to the Book of Kells and Car Parking Pay parking on-site. Trinity, souvenirs, jewellery, clothing and gifts. Coach Parking Free parking nearby. Drop off and pick up at West Door. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Special Facilities for Hospitality voucher. Coach Parking Limited parking nearby. Drop off and pick up at Coaches/Drivers Nassau Street Gate. Disability Access Wheelchair access throughout and accessible toilets. The Disability Access Fully accessible. Accessible toilets are in the Arts Building. Shipyard Ride has some wheelchair dimensional restrictions. Group Booking Groups Department, E: [email protected] Group Booking Anne-Marie Diffley, E: [email protected]. Contact Contact Also, [email protected] 73 74 TULLAMORE D.E.W. ULSTER AMERICAN FOLK PARK VISITOR CENTRE

For whiskey explorers eager to learn about the history and craft of the world- Immerse yourself in the story of Irish emigration at the museum that brings renowned Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey, a visit to the home of the brand is a it to life. Experience the adventure that takes you from the thatched cottages must. This unique visitor experience is set in Tullamore D.E.W.’s original 19th of Ulster, on board a full-scale emigrant sailing ship, to the log cabins of the century bonded warehouse on the banks of the Grand Canal in the town of American Frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters with traditional crafts Tullamore, Co. Offaly. to show, tales to tell and food to share. Join one of three unique whiskey journeys and get up close and personal with The indoor exhibition examines life in Ulster in the 18th and 19th centuries. It their history and their whiskey. You’ll be personally welcomed and guided by a reveals the reasons behind the emigration and shows how the settlers adapted whiskey expert from beginning to end; starting with the birth of a blend and to and impacted on, a new and unfamiliar environment. The ultimate in living finishing with your very own triple tasting. history, the outdoor museum brings to life people’s daily routines and activities • Curious Taster’s Journey: Discover Tullamore D.E.W. with a guided tour and a in both the Old and New Worlds. Museum Highlights include: A Step in time: the triple tasting story of Irish Dance at home and away. • Whiskey Wise Masterclass: Explore the depths of this fine whiskey collection in A full programme of special events is organised throughout the year including the comfort and privacy of the D.E. Williams Branch House the award winning annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival and the ever popular Halloween Festival. • Ultimate Distillery Experience (By appointment only) (Contact the museum for Christmas & New Year opening times) The Bond Restaurant: Relax and enjoy a unique take on Irish Cuisine in authentic 19th century surroundings at The Bond.

Address Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 Y5V0 Address 2 Mellon Road, Castletown, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, BT78 5QU Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)57 932 5015 Phone +44 (0)28 8224 3292 Website www.tullamoredew.com Website www.nmni.com/uafp Sat Nav 53.2777, -7.4932 Sat Nav 54.6589, -7.3355 Location Tullamore Town Location 7.5km from Omagh Open Mon-Sat; 09.30-18.00; Sun & Bank Holidays 11.30-17.00. Open Open year round. Mar-Jun & Sep: Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00; Last admission 1 hour before closing. Closed Dec 24-27 & July & Aug Mon-Sun 10.00-17.00; Dec 31. Oct-Feb: Tue-Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat-Sun 11.00-16.00. Average Visit Length 1 hour Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays and in July & August. Entrance Fees Admissions from €17. For further information on admission Average Visit Length 3 hours to 4 hours (standard) rates please visit www.tullamoredew.com Entrance Fees Adult £9; Senior/Student £7; Child £5.50; Child (U5) Free; Group Rates For 15+ (standard) Family (2A+3C) £25; (1A+3C) £19 Special Opening for Yes, in special circumstances. Guided Group Tours Yes. Enquire for details. Groups? Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets available in English, Spanish, French, German, Guided Group Tours Yes, in English, French and German. Min 1, Max 55. Italian, Polish, Dutch, Russian, Slovak, Hungarian. Audio Visual 6 minutes, in English, German, French. Seats 55. Conference/ Yes. Enquire for details. Meetings Conference/ Meeting room seating up to 20. Meetings Incentive Programme Yes. Enquire for details. Incentive Programme Yes, including Whiskey Tasting. Performance Venue Yes. Enquire for details. School/Education Yes School/Education Yes Programme Programme Dining “The Bond” fully licenced whiskey bar and restaurant, Dining Strule Café offers homemade hot and cold meals, tea/coffee, offering lunches and snacks. scones, sandwiches Shopping Gift shop selling branded merchandise, whiskey, local Shopping Craft and gift shop. handcrafted foods and gifts. Car Parking Free on-site. 350 spaces. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Coach Parking Free parking nearby. 3 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. Disability Access Accessible, other than upper floors of some buildings. Disability Access Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilet. Accessible toilets. Group Booking Emma, E: [email protected] Group Booking E: [email protected] or [email protected] Contact Contact 75 76 ULSTER FOLK MUSEUM ULSTER MUSEUM

Ulster Folk Museum has rolling countryside and a bustling town filled with Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see authentic, period buildings. Explore thatched cottages, farms, schools and shops modern masterpieces! Ulster Museum tells the story of the people of the north inhabited by people in period dress, as you experience life from over 100 years of Ireland from earliest times to the present day. As Northern Ireland’s treasure ago. Try your hand at basket weaving or see a blacksmith hard at work. Take a house of the past and present, it is home to a rich collection of art, history and ride on an old bus into the countryside, where white-washed farmhouses dot the natural sciences. fields. Meet some of the horses, donkeys, pigs and hens that kept the rural world Impressive galleries and interactive discovery zones bring the collections to life turning. Every day a wide variety of folk activities and demonstrations take place. with hands on activities. Gaze upon fabulous treasures from the Spanish galleon, All included in your general admission ticket. Girona, uncover the story of life on earth from earliest times and explore one of After exploring the museum, refuel and relax in the Ballycultra or Midland the world’s finest collections of Irish Art. tearooms–open during museum hours. Enjoy a hearty homemade meal or treat From Ireland to the South Pacific and from ancient relics to hands on activities, yourself to a scone, traybake or slice of cake freshly baked on-site. the Ulster Museum offers something for everyone, from the simply curious to Contact the museum for further details and for Christmas & New Year opening the enthusiast. Museum Highlights include: Troubles and Beyond Exhibition, times. Changing Views Exhibition and Elements Exhibition. Contact the museum for further details and for Christmas & New Year opening times.

Address 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, Co. Down, BT18 0EU Address Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +44 (0)28 9042 8428 Phone +44 (0)28 9044 0000 Website www.nmni.com/ufm Website www.nmni.com/um Sat Nav 54.649, -5.7989 Sat Nav 54.5822, -5.9357 Location 11 km east of Belfast City Centre on the main Belfast to Location Belfast City Centre, next to Botanic Gardens Bangor Road (A2), near Holywood. George Best Belfast City Open Open year round. Tue-Sun: 10.00-17.00. Airport is less than 10 minutes drive away. Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays Open Open year round. Mar-Sep: Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00; Oct-Feb: Average Visit Length 1 hour to 2 hours Tue-Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat-Sun 11.00-16.00. Closed Mondays Entrance Fees Free admission except Bank Holidays. (standard) Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours Group Rates Admission is free. Entrance Fees Adult £9; Child £5.50; Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+3C) £25; Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets in English, Irish, German, French, Italian, (standard) (1A+3C) £22 Spanish, Dutch, Polish, Ulster Scots. Guided Group Tours Yes. Enquire for details. Conference/ Yes. Enquire for details. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets available in English, Irish, Ulster Scots, Meetings Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish, German and Polish. Incentive Programme Yes. Enquire for details. Conference/ Yes. Enquire for details. Performance Venue Yes. Enquire for details. Meetings School/Education Yes Incentive Programme Yes. Enquire for details. Programme Performance Venue Yes. Enquire for details. Dining Destination restaurant Wynne & Pym with views of the School/Education Yes Botanic Gardens offers sustainable high quality food Programme reflecting the superb produce available in Northern Ireland. Dining Relax in the Ballycultra Tearooms, enjoy a hearty homemade Shopping Gift shop. meal or a lighter bite – open during museum hours. Outdoor Car Parking On-street pay parking nearby. picnic tables are located in the grounds of the Ulster Folk Museum, including the car parks. Indoor picnic areas are Coach Parking Parking nearby. Drop off and pick up point. located upstairs in the National School in the museum. Disability Access Fully accessible. Shopping The Gift Shop in the Ulster Folk Museum’s Visitor Information Group Booking E: [email protected] or [email protected] Centre, offers a wide range of gifts inspired by the museum’s Contact collections including books, toys and souvenirs. It also has a selection of goods made by crafts people in the museum. Every sale supports National Museums NI. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Disability Access Partially accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] or [email protected] Contact 77 78 ULSTER TRANSPORT MUSEUM WICKLOW’S HISTORIC GAOL

Ulster Transport Museum tells the story of transport and social change in Ulster Wicklow’s Historic Gaol is an interactive experience that visitors will never forget. The since the start of the modern era. Its galleries are brimming full of majestic renowned Wicklow’s Historic Gaol stands majestic on Killmantin Hill, in the charming steam locomotives, horse drawn vehicles, trams, motorbikes, fire engines and seaside town of Wicklow. ‘Experience’ is at the heart of the programme of historic, vintage cars. It is the journey of tenacious people finding more efficient ways to interactive and entertaining visitor activities at Wicklow’s Historic Gaol. Pass through travel and transport the essentials of daily life. It is a well of inspiration for the the ‘Gates of hell’ to re-live the 1798 United lrishman Rebellion, period dining with the designers, engineers and adventurers of the future. Visit and experience this notorious inmates, a journey through the famine era to the 1916 Easter Rising and incredible story for yourself. dramatic re-enactments of the lrish struggle for lndependence. Visit the reconstructed At the Museum’s Titanic exhibition visitors can discover over 500 original ship that transported some of the 50,000 lrish people as convicts to Australia. Discover artefacts including the 6m long original ship plans from RMS Titanic. Climb on the inmates true stories from children to murderers. For the paranormally inclined and off majestic steam locomotives or experience the sensation of flight in the there is a haunted night tour where the prisoners will walk the corridors with you and if Transport Museum. The Car gallery features a display of DeLorean cars alongside you are brave enough there is also a ‘Sleep Over in the Gaol’ option. NEW Virtual Reality more common makes and models including Peugeot, MG, Mercedes, Morris, Experience for Wicklow Gaol: This fully immersive experience will transport visitors Riley, Hillman and Ford. There is also a small garage showing, How it used to back in time to Wicklow Gaol in the 1700’s – a grim 3-dimensional world of corruption, be. The Transport Museum creatively displays one of Europe’s largest and most rebellion & dark dungeons. Some of the Gaol’s most notorious prisoners will feature and comprehensive transport collections. Contact the museum for further details there may even be a guest appearance from one of the haunted Gaol’s famous ghosts! and for Christmas & New Year opening times. “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 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, Co. Down, BT18 0EU Address Kilmantin Hill, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow, A67 FA49 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +44 (0)28 9042 8428 Phone +353 (0)404 61599 Website www.nmni.com/utm Website www.wicklowshistoricgaol.com Sat Nav 54.649, -5.7989 Sat Nav 52.9789, -6.0373 Location 11 km east of Belfast City Centre on the main Belfast to Location Wicklow Town Bangor Road (A2), near Holywood. George Best Belfast City Open Open year round. Daily. 10.30-16.30; see website for Winter Airport is less than 10 minutes drive away. opening times. Closed over Christmas & Good Friday. Open Open year round. Mar-Sep: Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00; Oct-Feb: Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes Tue-Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat-Sun 11.00-16.00. Closed Mondays Entrance Fees Virtual Reality Experience, Adult €15; except Bank Holidays. (standard) Student/Senior €12; Child (U12) €10; Family €50; Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours Day Tours: Adult €9.50; Student/Senior €8; Entrance Fees Adult £9; Child £5.50; Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+3C) £25; Child (U12) €6.50; Family €26. (standard) (1A+3C) £22 Group Rates For 10+ Guided Group Tours Yes. Enquire for details. Special Opening for Yes Self-Guided Groups Yes Groups? Conference/ Yes. Enquire for details. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 40. Audio guides available. Meetings Audio Visual Holographic projections, sound effects throughout. Incentive Programme Yes. Enquire for details. Audio guides available in English, German, French, Spanish Performance Venue Yes. Enquire for details. and Italian. School/Education Yes Conference/ One room available to hire for 80 guests. Programme Meetings Dining The Midland Tearoom offers tarty treats. Indoor and Incentive Programme Yes. Jail Break and Murder mystery events. outdoor picnic tables are also available. School/Education Yes Shopping There is a Gift Shop in the Ulster Transport Museum Programme offering a wide range of gifts inspired by the museum’s Dining Café/restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and snacks. collections including books, toys and souvenirs. Every sale Shopping Gift shop selling Gaol memorabilia and Celtic gifts. supports National Museums NI. Car Parking Free on-site. 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 Ground floor access and accessible toilet. Gaol is on 4 floors, Disability Access Partially accessible. restricting access. Group Booking E: [email protected] or [email protected] Group Booking Tara Canavan / Tracey Doyle, Contact Contact E: [email protected]

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