Ireland's Premier Attractions and Heritage Towns
2018 / 2019 Ireland’s Premier Attractions and Heritage Towns Travel Organisers Reference Manual
INSPIRATION INSIDE: Profiles, insights and contacts for over 80 of Ireland’s premier visitor attractions OPW_edited.pdf 1 07/05/2015 09:13
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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 soaring heritage that has shaped not only the Ireland of today but success during 2018/2019 and we look forward to also influenced Europe and the wider world. welcoming more of your groups 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 tell knowledge, correct at January 2018. 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 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 Dublinia 42 l House of Waterford Crystal 64 l Newry and Tel: +353 (0)65 707 7036 Tel: +353 (0)1 679 4611 Tel: +353 (0)51 317 000 Mourne Museum l2 Airfield Estate 24 l Dunbrody Famine Ship 43 l Irish National Stud & Tel: +44 (0)28 3031 3178 Tel: +353 (0)1 969 6666 Experience Gardens 65 l Pearse Lyons Distillery l3 Armagh City Tel: +353 (0)51 425 239 Tel: +353 (0)45 521 617 Tel: +353 (0)1 691 6000 Tel: +44 (0)28 3752 1800 25 l Eagles Flying 44 l Irish Whiskey Museum 66 l Powerscourt House
l4 Athlone Castle Tel: +353 (0)71 918 9310 Tel: +353 (0)1 525 0970 & Gardens Visitor Centre 26 l Enniskillen Castle and 45 l The Jameson Distillery, Tel: +353 (0)1 204 6000 Tel: +353 (0)90 644 2130 Heritage Town Midleton l Richmond Barracks l5 Aviva Stadium Tours Tel: +44 (0)28 6632 5000 Tel: +353 (0)21 461 3594 Tel: +353 (0)1 222 8400 Tel: +353 (0)1 232 0878 27 l EPIC The Irish 46 l Johnnie Fox’s Pub 67 l Russborough House
l6 Belleek Pottery Emigration Museum Tel: +353 (0)1 295 5647 & Parklands Visitor Centre Tel: +353 (0)1 906 0861 47 l The Kennedy Homestead Tel: +353 (0)45 865 239 Tel: +44 (0)28 6865 9300 28 l F.E. McWilliam & Emigrant Trail 68 l Saint Mary’s Cathedral
l7 Belvedere House, Gallery & Studio Tel: +353 (0)51 388 264 Tel: +353 (0)61 310 293 Gardens & Park Tel: +44 (0)28 4062 3322 48 l Kilbeggan Distillery 69 l Seamus Heaney Homeplace Tel: +353 (0)44 934 9060 29 l Fethard Horse Country Experience Tel: +44 (0)28 7938 7444
l8 Birr Castle Gardens Experience and Tel: +353 (0)57 933 2134 70 l Shannon Ferries
and Science Centre Heritage Town 49 l Kilmallock Heritage Town Tel: +353 (0)65 905 3124 Tel: +353 (0)52 613 0439 Tel: +353 (0)57 912 0336 Tel: +353 (0)63 91300 71 l Skibbereen Heritage Centre l l9 Blarney Castle & Gardens 30 Fota House, Arboretum 50 l King House Tel: +353 (0)28 40900 & Gardens Tel: +353 (0)21 438 5252 Tel: +353 (0)71 966 3242 l Tel: +353 (0)21 481 5543 72 Smithwick’s Experience 10 l Boyne Valley 51 l Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Kilkenny l Tel: +353 (0)46 909 7060 31 Foynes Flying Boat & Walled Garden Tel: +353 (0)56 778 6377 Maritime Museum l Tel: +353 (0)95 52001 l 11 The Burren Centre & The Tel: +353 (0)69 65416 73 Spike Island Kilfenora Céilí Band Parlour 52 l Lismore Heritage Town and Tel: +353 (0)85 851 8818 32 l Foynes Heritage Town Tel: +353 (0)65 708 8030 Heritage Centre l Tel: +353 (0)69 65416 74 Titanic Belfast 12 l Casino Marino Tel: +353 (0)58 54975 Tel: +44 (0)28 9076 6399 l Tel: +353 (0)1 833 1618 33 GAA Museum & Croke Park 53 l Lough Gur Heritage Centre Stadium and Skyline Tours 75 l Trinity College Dublin l Tel: +353 (0)61 385 186 13 Castletown House & Tel: +353 (0)1 819 2323 Tel: +353 (0)1 896 2320 Parklands 54 l Lough Key Forest & l 76 l Tullamore D.E.W. Tel: +353 (0)1 628 8252 34 Galway City Museum — Activity Park Old Bonded Warehouse Músaem Cathrach na Tel: +353 (0)71 967 3122 14 l Castle Ward Gaillimhe Tel: +353 (0)57 932 5015 l Tel: +44 (0)28 4488 1204 Tel: +353 (0)91 532 460 55 Marble Arch Caves 77 l Ulster American Folk Park Tel: +44 (0)28 6634 8855 15 l Christ Church Cathedral 35 l Giant’s Causeway Tel: +44 (0)28 8224 3292 l Tel: +353 (0)1 677 8099 Visitor Experience 56 Mizen Head Signal Station 78 l Ulster Folk & 16 l Clare Museum Tel: +44 (0)28 2073 1855 Tel: +353 (0)28 35000/ 35225 Transport Museum Tel: +353 (0)65 682 3382 36 l Glasnevin Cemetery 57 l Mount Congreve Gardens Tel: +44 (0)28 9042 8428 17 l The Cliffs of Moher Museum Tel: +353 (0)51 384 115/ 384511 79 l Ulster Museum Visitor Experience Tel: +353 (0)1 882 6550 58 l Mount Stewart Tel: +44 (0)28 9044 0000 Tel: +353 (0)65 708 6141 37 l The Gobbins Tel: +44 (0)28 4278 8387 80 l Walsh Whiskey 18 l Cobh Heritage Centre Tel: +44 (0)28 9337 2318 59 l Muckross House, Gardens & Distillery Tel: +353 (0)21 481 3591 38 l Great Lighthouses Traditional Farms at Royal Oak 19 l Doolin Cave of Ireland Tel: +353 (0)64 663 1440 Tel: +353 (0)59 918 6653 Tel: +353 (0)65 707 5761 Tel: +353 (0)27 15461 60 l National Library of Ireland 81 l Wicklow’s
20 l Down County Museum 39 l Guinness Storehouse Tel: +353 (0)1 603 0200 Historic Gaol Tel: +44 (0) 28 4461 5218 Tel: +353 (0)1 408 4800 61 l National Sea Life Centre Tel: +353 (0)404 61599 l 21 l Downpatrick 40 l Hill of the O’Neill & Tel: +353 (0)1 286 6939 82 Youghal Clock
Heritage Town Ranfurly House Arts & 62 l Navan Centre & Fort— Gate Tower Tel: +44 (0)300 013 2233 Visitor Centre Emain Macha Tel: +353 (0)24 20769 22 l Dublin City Hall Tel: +44 (0) 28 8772 8600 Tel: +44 (0)28 3752 9644 Tel: +353 (0)1 222 2204 41 l Hook Lighthouse 63 l New Ross Heritage Town Tel: +353 (0)51 397 054/397 055 Tel: +353 (0)51 421 284 38 38 Carndonagh 35 Portrush Ballycastle Moville Portstewart Bushmills Creeslough a n A44 Buncrana Cushendall Gweedore N56 A37 Ballymoney Limavady A2 N13 A2 A43 Carnlough nn DERRY A26 Dungloe Dungiven Kilrea A42 A29 M2 N14 A5 A54 a n A42 a na Lifford A6 A36 Glenties Ballybofey a an 69 A2 37 Magherafelt Ballyclare Newtownstewart Antrim A8 a Ardara N56 N15 M2 na n A2 an Killybegs n a 77 A505 78 Pomeroy BELFAST na d A35 a A32 A29 74 79 58 Dungannon A26 a ann n Dromore M1 n A20 Belleek A5 A4 M1 an A2 Bundoran 40 A49 A7 A22 N15 6 A46 a a n A4 Portaferry A28 3 A3 ad n Ballynahinch 14 Downpatrick nn n a A27 Banbridge A24 A25 N2 62 28 A50 20 21 Belmullet SLIGO N16 26 na an A28 N59 55 A1 A25 A2 A509 A34 N54 Keady Collooney Newcastle Bangor Erris Newtownbutler Clones 64 Castleblayney Warrenpoint a na N87 Arigna Belturbet A29 A2 N17 Ballymote Cootehill Kilkeel N4 N2 N53 Keel N26 25 nda Boyle 50 Carrickmacross Swinford a an N59 Charlestown 54 Carrick-on-Shannon Bailieborough N5 N52 Ballaghaderreen M1 a a N33 N3 n N5 N61 N55 Ardee N60 Tulak N52 Ballyhaunis Granard Castlerea Kells Claremorris N60 n d N51 da N63 10 N59 N4 a an M1 Ballinrobe n N51 Balbriggan Leenane N52 51 Cong Skerries N55 n a Trim Rush Clifden N84 M3 a N63 N61 M2Swords Malahide Oughterard 7 M4 N83 n N59 M4 Maynooth Moate 48 M50 M17 4 M6 Celbridge DUBLIN a na Clara Edenderry Athenry 13 Rós A’Mhil GALWAY N62 N80 Clondalkin n a a 34 Oranmore M6 a N52 76 aa N7 46 M11 M18 a Banagher Kilcormac Newbridge a N66 66 61 Ballyvaughan N67 Kinvara N65 a n n da 67 Mountmellick 19 1 Portumna 43 Doolin Gort Terryglass M11 Lisdoonvarna 8 Mountrath a 17 11 Borrisokane Athy 81 N52 N80 N81 Lahinch Ennistymon M18 a M7 M9 Rathdrum N85 Abbeyleix nn na N78 Milltown Malbay M7 N62 a Quin Ballina N77 16 Killaloe Castlecomer Templemore Tullow Arklow N68 Bunratty M8 80 M11 Kilkee Castleconnell Thurles N80 Gorey N67 LIMERICK nn Bagenalstown Askeaton 72 Borris 70 Foynes N69 M20 68 N10 N11 Adare Graiguenamanagh 38 Ballybunion 31 32 N24 Cashel Callan Rathkeale 53 N74 nn a M9 Thomastown a 29 N76 N30 Abbeyfeale Kilmallock N7 N69 N20 Cahir 49 N24 n 24 63 d Charleville 47 N25 N21 Carrick-on-Suir a n WATERFORD Rosslare Castleisland N73 57 42 N25 N86 Farranfore Dingle N70 Kanturk a M8 Tramore Killorglin N22 N72 Fermoy Lismore 38 N72 N72 N72 52 n a an a n Millstreet N20 41 59 N25 38 Cahersiveen 9 a DUBLIN N71 Macroom Blarney d n N70 n a CORK 30 45 82 Sneem N22 M2 M50 N28 Ballycotton N32 Waterville 73 18 M1 Carrigaline 38 Glengarriff Bandon Dunmanway N27 N2 Bere an N71 Kinsale Clonakilty N71 Goleen Skibbereen 36 N1 71 N3 12 56 27 33
54 N4 75 5 N7 65 39 23 15 22 4453 60
N81 n a a 59 M50 2 N11 1 2 AILLWEE CAVE AIRFIELD ESTATE And Birds of Prey Centre
This is a very special place in the heart of the Burren. Let the knowledgeable Airfield Estate is Dublin’s only 38-acre working farm & visitor attraction. guides at Aillwee welcome you to the dramatic underworld of this unique Established in 1974 as a charitable organisation by Letitia & Naomi Overend for landscape. Your tour consists of a 35 minute guided walk through beautiful recreational and education purposes –the mission at Airfield Estate is to connect caverns, over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the people with food and the land that it comes from. thunderous waterfall, which sometimes gently sprays the unsuspecting visitor. Located in the village of Dundrum, it offers many experiences including: An Marvel at the frozen waterfall and explore the hibernation chambers of the long interactive exhibition & tours of the Overend family home; Ornamental Gardens extinct brown bears. - whereby the Walled Garden & Greenhouse reflect the Overend’s family passion Visit the Birds of Prey Centre, home to one of the largest and most varied for plants; The interactive display garage provides you with access to the Overend’s collection of Birds of Prey in Ireland – Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, Owls, and Vultures. family cars include Letitia’s 1927 Rolls Royce; The Farmyard - where the famous Jersey The expert bird handlers are always available to help you understand these cows are milked and the eggs are collected daily; The Kitchen Gardens - where much amazing Raptors and let you know about all the conservation programmes that of the fresh food is produced that goes directly into the field to fork restaurant; are ongoing both nationally and internationally. Audio guides and information Woodland Walks with over 2,000 native trees, providing important wildlife corridors boards also give detailed information on all the residents. Daily flying displays and improving the habitats of Airfield’s bird & insect populations; The Grey Barn provide a rare opportunity to see many of these wonderful species in dramatic special indoor/outdoor play space for 0-4 year old children; Overends Restaurant - free flight set against the Burren landscape. The Burren is also the birthplace of the perfect place to enjoy the taste of Airfield on a plate. the Farmhouse Cheese `Burren Gold@ Aillwee’, winner of numerous Gold and Airfield offers a place where you can reflect, be replenished & celebrate the Silver Medals at various national and international cheese fairs, and available in connection between people & nature through the farm, gardens and natural The Farmshop at Aillwee Cave. You may even be lucky enough to see the cheese environment. Tours can be organised with specialised guides or all experiences maker at work. can be self-guided. Also offering option for bespoke tours & private dining. Address Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare Address Overend Way, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)65 707 7036 Phone +353 (0)1 969 6666 Website www.aillweecave.ie Website www.airfield.ie Sat Nav 53.0918, -9.1503 Sat Nav 53.2879, -6.2351 Location 35 km from Ennis; 47 km from Galway Location 10 km from Dublin City Open Open year round: Daily: Mar-Jun, Sept, Oct 10.00-17.30; Jul Open Open year round. Closed Dec 24-26. Sept-Jun: 09.30-17.00; & Aug 10.00-18.30. Check website for other dates. Closed Jul-Aug 09.30-18.00; Last admission: 1 hour before closing. Dec 24-26, Jan 1. Average Visit Length 1 hour to 3 hours Average Visit Length 3 hours Entrance Fees Adult €10; Senior/Student €8; Child €5; Child (U3) Free Entrance Fees Joint Tickets: Adult €18; Senior/Student €15; Child €10; (standard) (standard) Family (2A+2C) €44; ‘Cave Only’ tickets available. Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 15+ Special Opening for Yes. Subject to time of year. Special Opening for Yes Groups? Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 50. Guided Group Tours All tours are guided. Min 10, Max 35 for cave tour. Larger Self-Guided Groups Yes. English brochures. numbers for Birds of Prey flying display. Tours are in Conference/ Multifunctional meeting rooms (14-80 capacity). Various English. Meetings private event spaces including a rustic barn. Incentive Programme Yes. Hawk Walks, Bushcraft Life Survival Skills courses. Incentive Programme Yes. Tailor-made food/field/farm/garden events Performance Venue Small theatre in cave, maximum capacity 50. School/Education Yes School/Education Yes. A Discover Primary Science Resource Centre Programme Programme Dining Restaurant and Coffee Shop. Estate sourced farm to fork Dining Café and tea rooms serving hot and cold lunches and an dining experiences. Restaurant seats 120, coffee shop 30. extensive range of snacks. Wine licence. Shopping Garden Centre selling gifts, garden items and plants. Shopping Two gift shops with extensive range of gifts and crafts. Farmshop selling homemade cheese, fudge and local and Airfield market, selling estate products. national foods. Car Parking Free on-site. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. 4 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. Coach Parking Free on-site. 15 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee and scone. Special Facilities for Refreshment voucher. Coach-washing and clean-out area Coaches/Drivers Coaches/Drivers with refuse point. Disability Access Yes. Fully wheelchair accessible. Disability Access Cave is partially wheelchair accessible, booking in advance Group Booking [email protected] necessary. Birds of Prey Centre and all shops and toilets are Contact fully accessible. Group Booking Tracy Lynch, E: [email protected] Contact 3 4 ARMAGH CITY ATHLONE CASTLE VISITOR CENTRE
Armagh – a city that has a unique sense of place in Ireland with a significance Situated on the banks of the mythical River Shannon, Athlone Castle was first and influence felt across the island for 6,500 years. built to defend a coveted crossing point and evolved into a bold defensive Armagh is at the heart of celebrating the life of Saint Patrick and a major structure over the centuries. Visitors to Athlone Castle Visitor Centre will discover destination on the Saint Patrick’s Trail. a story of settlement, defence and survival from as early as the Neolithic period, to the Viking, Medieval and Norman ages, right up to modern life in Athlone. There are many special things to experience in Armagh ranging from the historically unique Navan Fort, two Saint Patrick’s Cathedrals, Ireland’s only During your visit you will uncover the vivid history of the bitter battles fought, Planetarium, Irish Fusiliers Museum, Armagh County Museum, No 5 Vicars’ Hill, territories won and lost, and hear stories of incredible bravery. Prepare to walk in the Cardinal O’Fiaich Memorial Library and Archive, the Milford House Collection, the steps of soldiers, Generals and Kings. Armagh Robinson Library, unmatched Georgian architecture, the amazing Inside the Castle delve through the mists of time as the Castle’s tumultuous past green space of the Mall and the chance to indulge in all manner of activities in a is revealed with a series of modern exhibitions, authentic artefacts, interactive beautiful natural environment. games, life-size sculptures, medieval dress up area and an intense 360º cinematic Key events in Armagh throughout the year include the St Patrick’s Festival, 7 Hills experience of the Great Siege of Athlone. Blues Festival, Food and Cider Festival, Georgian Day. Enthusiastic guides and volunteers will be on hand to assist you with any queries you may have. Last admission is one hour prior to closing.
Location 40 miles from Belfast, 85 miles from Dublin. Address St. Peter’s Square, Athlone, Co. Westmeath Sat Nav 54.3493, -6.6545 Email [email protected] Visitor Centre Armagh Visitor Information Centre, 40 English Street, Phone +353 (0)90 644 2130 Armagh, BT61 7BA. Website www.athlonecastle.ie Tel +44 (0)28 3752 1800 Sat Nav 53.4231, -7.9427 Email [email protected] Location Situated in Athlone Town Website www.visitarmagh.com Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Armagh Ancestry @ Navan Centre; Open Open year round. Nov-Feb Wed-Sat 11.00-17.00, Sun Armagh County Museum; Armagh Observatory; Armagh 12.00-17.00; Mar-Oct Tue-Sat 10.30-17.30, Sun 11.30-17.30; Planetarium; Armagh Robinson Library; Cardinal Tomas Jun-Aug Daily 10.00-18.00 (Sun from 11.00) O’Fiaich Library & Archive; Navan Centre & Fort; No 5 Check website for details. Vicar’s Hill; Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum; Saint Patrick’s Last admissions 1 hour prior to closing. Cathedral (Catholic); Saint Patrick’s Cathedral (Church of Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes Ireland); The Mall; The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre Entrance Fees Adult €8; Senior/Student €6; Child (U15) €4; Family and The Palace Demesne. (standard) (2A+2C) €20. Family (2A+4C) €25. Guided Tours Tours of Armagh City during summer months in the city Group Rates For 10+ centre. Contact the Armagh Visitor Information Centre for Special Opening for Yes, depending on the time of year. Scheduled guided tours tours at other times. Groups? during summer months. Activities Cultural activities including museums, exhibitions. City Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 15, Max 30. Centre walks focusing on culture, heritage and architecture. The Pilgrim’s Trail - connecting sites of importance relating Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio-guides available in English, French, German, to Saint Patrick, the celebration of his life and heritage. Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese (Mandarin). Family-friendly activities at attractions. Audio Visual 360° cinema of the Great Siege of Athlone, 7 minute Top Festivals/Events Festivals include: St Patrick’s Festival (March); 7 Hills Blues duration in English, seats 50. Festival (August), Food & Cider Festival and Georgian Day Performance Venue Castle Courtyard can be used for fairs, small events, music (end of November). and recitals. Capacity (weather dependent) could be 200 pax Dining There is a wide range of eating venues dotted across Armagh approx. – from cafés to restaurants and with a focus on serving the School/Education Yes. Based based on Castle themes. best of local foods. For more information please visit www. Programme armagh.co.uk Dining Small café serving tea/coffee and light refreshments. Seats Shopping Armagh has a strong presence of independent retailers and 16 inside and 16 outside. the visitor will find many quirky and unusual gifts in the Shopping Gift shop selling Athlone Castle merchandise, handmade stores. Market traders also visit, including to the Shambles pottery, postcards and books. Yard. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Car Parking Free and pay parking throughout the town. Coach Parking Available at the Palace Demesne. A coach driver’s scheme Coach Parking Free parking nearby. 3 spaces. Drop off at entrance. provides food vouchers, parking and coach washing Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee/snack. Drivers welcome to explore visitor facilities. Contact the Visitor Centre for information. Coaches/Drivers centre. Heritage /Visitor Armagh Visitor Information Centre, 40 English Street, Disability Access Partially accessible. The visitor centre itself is wheelchair Centre Armagh, BT61 7BA. Open year round; Monday - Saturday. accessible. Accessible toilet. Tourist Information Armagh Visitor Information Centre. As above. Group Booking Fiona Naughton, E: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)28 3752 1800 Contact 5 6 AVIVA STADIUM TOURS BELLEEK POTTERY VISITOR CENTRE
Aviva Stadium is an architectural icon of Dublin and also a historical place. The Visit Ireland’s oldest working Pottery, over 160 years in business. A visit to Belleek stories of the past 150 years rightfully proved that Ireland played an important Pottery Visitor Centre is the perfect way to spend a day out and a must on any part amongst the founding nations of the contemporary sport. If you love itinerary. Famously known for being the oldest working pottery in Ireland, stadiums or completely have no interest in them, you are offered a unique this 4 star attraction offers a fascinating insight into the world of Belleek and glimpse into the world of professional sport. The views will take your breath the process that delivers this world-class product. Offering a series of delicate away and the presence of such a sacred battleground will move you. The tour is delights to make your visit so much more memorable. educational but also an uplifting and inspiring experience. Begin your visit with an interactive guided tour. Guides will take you on a Why not try something unique today? 30-minute pottery tour where you will see the 16 steps of how this world famous The Aviva Stadium Tour has become an obligatory experience for the visitors product is created. Amongst some of skills demonstrated, you will see moulding, to Dublin. The tour gives you the chance to walk through the most emblematic flowering, painting and basket weaving. As the oldest working pottery in Ireland, areas of the stadium, such as the Irish Dressing Rooms, Media Centre, Dugouts the heritage of Belleek is hard to ignore. In addition to the displays of exquisite and a view from the top stand. craftsmanship, an audio visual presentation will inform you of the rich history of the pottery from its beginnings in the mid 1800s to present day. The Belleek Aviva Stadium is a temple of the fighting Irish Spirit. Visit and feel what makes Museum houses some of the finest examples of product ever produced by the the Irish who they are as a nation. The passion for winning and never giving up is pottery including the International Centre Piece, a replica of the winning piece strongly embedded in the Irish DNA. from the World Fair ‘Exposition Universelle’ in the late 1800s. Once you have It promises to be an hour well spent with very Irish and very entertaining tour completed your tour, enjoy a little retail therapy in the Belleek Showroom and guides. complete your visit with some time-out at the Belleek Tea Room. Address Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 D04 K5F9 Address 3 Main St., Belleek, Co. Fermanagh, BT93 3FY Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 232 0878 Phone +44 (0)28 6865 9300 Website www.avivastadium.ie Website www.belleekpottery.ie Sat Nav 53.3352, -6.2285 Sat Nav 54.4790, -8.0932 Location Dublin 4, Dublin City Location 39 km from Enniskillen Open Open year round: Daily Feb-Oct 10.00-16.00; Nov-Jan Open Open year round, including bank holidays: Jan-Feb: Mon- 10.00-15.00. Closed on event days. Fri. Mar-Dec: Daily. Please contact the centre for specific Average Visit Length 1 hour opening hours and tour times. Entrance Fees Adult €10; Senior/Student €7; Child (4-12) €5; Child (U4) Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes (standard) Free; Family (2A+3C) €25 Entrance Fees Adult £5; Senior/Student £3; Child Free; Family £10 Group Rates For 20+ (standard) Special Opening for Yes Group Rates For 10+ Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 1, Max 25. Guided Group Tours All tours are guided in English or French. Min 1, Max 250. Audio Visual 20 minute AV, for 50, in English, French, German, Italian Audio Visual 12-minute film in English, seats 200. and Japanese. Conference/ Conferencing space for small groups of 10 and more, to School/Education Yes. Guided guided tours. Meetings major events catering for 10,000. Programme Performance Venue Yes, spaces vary. Dining Self-service restaurant. Shopping Souvenir shop and sports shop. Shopping Showroom selling a complete range of Belleek Pottery, Galway Crystal and Aynsley China. Car Parking Pay parking on-site. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off at tours office. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Disability Access Fully accessible, no limitations. Special Facilities for Coach wash and refuse area. Group Booking Bernadette Burke, E: [email protected]; Coaches/Drivers Contact [email protected] Disability Access Fully accessible. Group Booking Patricia McCauley, 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 gardens at Birr Castle are home to unending botanical marvels maintained estate, punctuated with numerous follies, the largest being The with an abundance of exotic flora to be found throughout along with feats of Jealous Wall built to obscure his brother’s larger house at Tudenham. Belvedere scientific and engineering wonder for all to view and enjoy. House is fully restored and is noted for its exquisite rococo ceilings and bow Explore the gardens, which are home to the Great Telescope, once the largest in the end design. The Victorian Walled Garden exercises all the senses with a fragrant world created by the third Earl of Rosse in the 1840s along with Ireland’s largest herb garden, old rose beds, tumbling herbaceous borders, alpines, climbers and tree house and adventure area. The award-winning millennium formal gardens, vegetable potager. Belvedere plays host to a range of different outdoor events, surrounded by the romantic hornbeam cloister walk, proudly houses the world’s including Garden Theatre, Bird Walks, Bat Walks, Music Concerts and Dog Shows. tallest box hedges and includes plants exclusive to the gardens. The 120 acres Belvedere has a licensed restaurant, shop, fairy garden, apiaries (beehives), four of gardens house an impressive plant collection of rare species from around the childrens’ play areas and several picnic areas. Belvedere has a full calendar of world, including over 40 trees published as champion trees of Britain and Ireland. events including Halloween, Easter and Christmas events. Please check website The historic science centre transports visitors back to a time when Birr Castle was for latest details. a hub of scientific discovery and innovation. The interactive galleries reveal the wonders of early photography, engineering and astronomy. The castle, a family home since the 17th century, opens its doors during the summer months for guided tours offering visitors the chance to visit this private residence. Complete your visit with a trip to the Discovery Gift Shop and the Castle Courtyard Café.
Address Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Address Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 VO27 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)44 934 9060 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. Jan – mid- Please check website for details. Last admission 1 hour Mar 10.00-16.00; mid-Mar – Oct 09.00-18.00; Nov & Dec before closing. Closed Dec 24-26 10.00-16.00 Average Visit Length 2 hours Average Visit Length 1.5 to 3 hours Entrance Fees Adult €8; Senior/Student €6; Child €4; Child (U3) Free; Entrance Fees Adult €9; Senior/Student €7.50; Child (5-12) €5; Child (U5) (standard) Family (2A+2C) €23 (standard) Free; Family (2A+2C) €25. Rates do not include access to the Group Rates For 20+ castle. Special Opening for In certain circumstances. Group Rates For 10+ Groups? Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 50. Groups? Self-Guided Groups Yes in English Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 30. Audio Visual 8 minute AV, in English, for 30. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Maps in English, French, German, Spanish and Mandarin Conference/ Meeting/conference rooms, all upstairs (no lift). Lakeview 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. Audio-video facilities. Suited to product School/Education Yes launches, seminars and diverse entertainment and events. Programme Lunches/parties catered 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 each day, open mid-March to November. other events. Seats 200. Shopping Gift shop. School/Education Yes. Worksheets available. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Programme Coach Parking Free parking nearby. Drop off and pick up at entrance gate. Dining Café serving wide range of fresh local foods and snacks. Special Facilities for Free access to attraction and refreshments. Lunch/dinners available for pre-booked groups. Seats 150. 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] 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 stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. from Dublin. Virtually every important event in Irish history took place in the The word ‘Blarney’ was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth Boyne Valley, making it the best place to start your holiday in Ireland. Some of I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. its best-known attractions include the 5,000 year-old burial chambers at the The stone is set in the wall below the battlements. To kiss it, one has to lean Newgrange World Heritage Site, and the interpretive centre at the Battle of the backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk. Boyne site. Right in the heart of Drogheda Heritage town, visit the Gothic Revival In the grounds of the castle, the Rock Close is a curious place of ancient trees St. Peter’s Catholic Church, with the preserved head of St. Oliver Plunkett. Visit and far more ancient stones, by legend a garden of druidic origin and a centre of Highlanes Gallery in a 19th century Franciscan Church to see the fine Municipal worship in pre-Christian days. Art Collection, and the sword and mace presented by William of Orange after the Battle of the Boyne. Tour Millmount Museum and the Martello Tower to The place has an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witch’s experience the wonderful views over Drogheda and St. Laurence’s Gate, a Kitchen, Druid’s Cave and many other delights, telling a story of centuries past. 13th century barbican which is widely regarded as one of the finest of its kind Blarney Castle Estate offers visitors the chance to stroll through one of the in Europe. No visit would be complete without seeing Trim Castle, the best country’s most spectacular gardens. preserved and most impressive Anglo Norman castle in Ireland. It is situated in Blarney Castle & House are set in acres of parkland filled with rare and unusual the heritage town of Trim where you can also enjoy guided tours and a leisurely trees & plants. There is a fern garden with the atmosphere of a tropical jungle, walk down the River Boyne. 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, Co. Cork Address Drogheda Heritage Town, Drogheda, Co. Louth Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)21 438 5252 Phone +353 (0)46 909 7060 Website www.blarneycastle.ie Website www.discoverboynevalley.ie Sat Nav 51.9292, -8.5686 Sat Nav 53.7179, -6.3561 Location 9 km from Cork City Location A wonderful tour of attractions throughout counties Meath Open Open year round: Daily from 09.00; Closing times vary and Louth. through the season. Please check website for details. Open Open year round: Please check website for details. Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours Average Visit Length Varies Entrance Fees Adult €15; Senior/Student €12; Child (8-16) €6; Child (U8) Entrance Fees Fees apply to some visitor attractions. Please check website (standard) Free; Family (2A+2C) €37 (standard) for details. Special Opening for Yes Group Rates Yes, varies by attraction Groups? Special Opening for Varies, by attraction. Self-Guided Groups Yes. English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. Groups? Audio Visual 1 hour audio guides in English. Guided Group Tours Varies by attraction; see www.discoverboynevalley.ie Performance Venue Outdoor spaces available for groups to use for performances. Self-Guided Groups Yes, at most attractions Dining Café serving Irish foods and snacks. Seats 70. Audio Visual Yes, some sites have AV including Newgrange and the Battle Shopping 3 gift shops selling Blarney Castle souvenirs. of the Boyne Visitor Centre. Car Parking Free on-site. Conference/ Yes. Please see our listing, www.discoverboynevalley.ie Meetings Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off point. Performance Venue See www.discoverboynevalley.ie Disability Access The castle is not accessible, but a large portion of the gardens is accessible. School/Education Yes, at some attractions, see www.discoverboynevalley.ie Programme Group Booking Noreen Murphy, E: [email protected] 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 & CASINO MARINO THE KILFENORA CÉILÍ BAND PARLOUR
To begin to discover the secrets of the Burren a visit through the Burren The Casino is Ireland’s miniature garden temple masterpiece cared for by the Centre is essential. Here the story of the Burren is impressively presented in ‘A Office of Public Works (OPW). Designed as a pleasure house for James Caulfeild, Walk Through Time’ multidimensional exhibition. Subliminal ambient aural 1st Earl of Charlemont, in 1759, it is also one of the finest 18th century neo- effects suggest the geological formation of the landscape, its flora and fauna. classical buildings in Europe. The Casino, meaning ‘small house’, surprisingly Beautifully displayed artefacts, original works of art, enthralling audio-visual and contains 16 finely decorated rooms, endlessly rich in subtlety and design. The interactive experiences together with dramatic life-like reproductions of human interior is decorated with ornate plasterwork and richly patterned marquetry activity all combine to provide an insight into the rich history and heritage of the floors. A visit to the Casino will reveal the many clever architectural illusions Burren. created by its architect and builder. Take a walk down memory lane and enjoy the new exhibition entitled ‘The The Casino is located at Marino, just off the Malahide Road, only 4.8km/3miles Kilfenora Ceili Band Parlour’, which explores the music and history of this north of the centre of Dublin. Booking is essential for all primary and secondary renowned band. Projections showcasing a musical journey, archival photographs, schools in Ireland who have free admission into all OPW properties. Free historical artefacts and interactive displays provide a fascinating insight into admission on the first Wednesday of each month! their musical journey for over 100 years. The unique interiors of the building are chosen to showcase the work of artists and designers, both national and international as well as from the local community. There is enjoyment for all the family at this wonderful attraction. Homely Tea Also hosting accompanying lecture series and annual cultural events. Free Rooms await you after your visit where you sample some excellent traditional admission to exhibitions. Charges apply for guided tours. Pre-booking essential cuisine. Crafts are displayed in the creatively designed and spacious craft shop. for groups. The Casino is now approved and available for Civil Ceremonies. Email Visit the famed Kilfenora Cathedral, adjacent to The Burren Centre, dedicated to for further information. Casino is accessed by flights of stone steps. Caution: Steep St. Fachnan and built in about 1189 on the site of an early monastery. drop at Lions and perimeter of building. Children must be supervised by Adults.
Address Kilfenora, Co. Clare Address Cherrymount Crescent, Malahide Road, Marino, Dublin 3 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)65 708 8030 Phone +353 (0)1 833 1618 Website www.theburrencentre.ie Website www.casinomarino.ie Sat Nav 52.9902, -9.2165 Sat Nav 53.3713, -6.2269 Location 8 km from Ennistymon Location 3 km north of Dublin City Open Open mid-Mar to end of Oct. Mid Mar-May and Sept-Oct: Open Open daily, mid-Mar to Nov 4: 10.00-17.00; Jun-Sept: Daily 10.00-17.00. Jun-Aug: Daily 09.30-17.30. 10.00-18.00. Last Admission: 45 minutes before closing. Average Visit Length 40 minutes Average Visit Length 1 hour Entrance Fees Adult €6; Senior/Student €5; Child (6-15) €4; Child (U6) Admission Charges Adult €7; Senior €5; Student /Child €3; Family €12; OPW (standard) Free; Family (2A+3C) €20 (standard) Heritage Cards accepted and Dublin Pass. Group Rates For 12+ Group Rates For 10+ Special Opening for Yes Special Opening for Yes Groups? Groups? Self-Guided Groups Yes, see below for languages. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 20. Other languages dependent Audio Visual AV in French, Dutch, German and English. on guide recruitment. School/Education Yes. School packs available online. Self-Guided Groups On occasion with very large groups. English, French, Programme German, Italian. Dining Restaurant serving a wide variety of home-cooked foods and Performance Venue Yes snacks. Seats 65. School/Education Yes Shopping Craft shop selling local and traditional Irish crafts, crystal, Programme knitwear and souvenirs. Shopping Books available to purchase. 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 Fully accessible, with accessible toilets. Disability Access Not wheelchair accessible. Group Booking Frances Connole, E: [email protected] Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact Contact 13 14 CASTLETOWN HOUSE & PARKLANDS CASTLE WARD
Castletown House is the most celebrated and magnificent Palladian style A unique 18th-century mansion, famed for its mixture of architectural styles. mansion in Ireland. The House was built in the 1720s by William Conolly who See the gothic and classical collide at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th-century was later to become an important political figure in early 18th century Ireland. mansion resting on a rolling hillside and looking out over the tranquil waters of His architectural legacy, Castletown was re-invigorated in the mid to late Strangford Lough in County Down. 18th century by his grand nephew Tom and his wife Lady Louisa Lennox. The Walk or cycle along the Lough trail or through the sheltered woodlands and extraordinary scale, decoration, plasterwork and collections at Castletown as spot butterflies, rabbits, Irish hares, buzzards, pine martins and swans. Step into presented today, continue to bring to life this unique period in Ireland’s history. a fantasy world of castles and dragons as you explore the Georgian Farmyard Castletown has entered a new era in recent years. The Office of Public Works on the shores of Strangford Lough, boasting ten film locations for the global (OPW) who manage the property and parklands, are collaborating with a number television series HBO Game of Thrones. of organisations to ensure that a wide public audience can share in the future of Stroll through the sunken garden and see vivid reds, yellows, greens and pinks Castletown. This list is not exhaustive and includes the Castletown Foundation, from flowers and subtropical plants in the four tier Victorian garden. Watch the OPW/ Maynooth Archive and Research Centre and the UCD Architecture and resident makers create hand-made pottery and jewellery before your eyes, while Landscape Research Unit. children draw and drive toy tractors in the barn. Experience Strangford Lough Vehicle access: Exit 6 from the M4 at Celbridge West. in a canoe, climb and abseil the cliffs, and build a raft with the on-site outdoor OPW Heritage Cards accepted. pursuits company Clearsky Adventure. Also offering tearoom, gift shop and second-hand bookshop.
Address Celbridge, Co. Kildare Address Strangford, Downpatrick, Co. Down, Northern Ireland, Email [email protected] BT30 7BA Phone 353 (0)1 628 8252 Email [email protected] Website www.castletown.ie Phone +44 (0)28 4488 1204 Sat Nav 53.3491, -6.5304 Website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castleward Location 20 km from Dublin City Sat Nav 54.3691, -5.5854 Open Parklands: Open year round. House: Mar 16- Nov 4; Daily Location 7 miles north east of Downpatrick. 1 mile from Strangford. 10.00-18.00 (Last entry: 17.00). Open Mansion House: Open Mar 17-Oct 31. Open Daily Average Visit Length 2 hours and 30 minutes 12.00–16.00. Stableyard and Farm Buildings: Open Mar 17– Entrance Fees Entrance fees: Parklands Free. House, Self-guided/Guided: Oct 31 10.00-17.00. Landscaped Parkland, Trails & Garden: (standard) Adult €8/€10; Senior €5/€8; Student/Child €3.50/€5; Child Open year round. (U12) Free; Family (2A+3C) €15/€25; OPW Heritage Cards Average Visit Length House Guided Tour 50 minutes. A visit to the grounds takes accepted. from 2 hours up to 5 hours. Group Rates For 12+ Entrance Fees Adult £9.50; Child £4.75; Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+3C) Special Opening for Yes. Open earlier/later, private dining post tour available £23.75 Groups? etc. Group Rates Yes Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 12, Max 54. Special Opening for Yes Self-Guided Groups See website. French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Polish Groups? and Irish leaflets. Guided Group Tours Yes Conference/ Events & Conference Centre in restored 18th century Stable Self-Guided Groups Main House is guided tour. Grounds are self-guided. Meetings Wing. Hunting Room (90 people); Billiard Room (30), Green Room (12). School/Education Yes. A number of different education programmes operating Incentive Programme Yes. Archery, Whiskey Tasting etc. Programme throughout the year. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ castleward Performance Venue Yes, see conference and meetings above. Dining Tea Room. Seats 60; overflow barn/theatre for additional School/Education Yes. Free admission to primary/secondary schools. This 100. Serving soup/sandwich, cake, treats for children; tea, Programme scheme is not available to tour operators, summer schools, coffee. Specifically designed menus for large groups may be or organisations teaching English to foreign students etc. agreed in advance. Dining Café serves hot foods and wide range of snacks. Groups Shopping Offering a wide range of National Trust locally sourced welcome, with advanced booking. Can seat 70, using 3 and unique gifts such as gardening and outdoor ranges, rooms. fragrances and soaps, kitchen items, jams, chutneys, a range Shopping Gift shop selling books, postcards, prints and souvenirs. of books and toys for children. Car Parking Free on-site. Take Exit 6 off M4. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. 20 spaces. Drop off and pick up at Visitor Coach Parking Free on-site. Reception or Courtyard Café with prior notice. Disability Access Partially accessible Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee/scone and free attraction admission. Coaches/Drivers Group Booking E: [email protected] Disability Access Partially accessible with accessible toilets. Contact Group Booking Claire Hickey, E: [email protected] Contact 15 16 CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CLARE MUSEUM
Located at the heart of Dublin city, Christ Church Cathedral has been a place of The Riches of Clare exhibition at Clare Museum, located in a beautifully restored worship for 1,000 years. The history of Christ Church reflects the history, both former convent built by the Sisters of Mercy in 1861, tells the history of the religious and political, of Ireland. The Crypt is the largest in Ireland, and dates county over a period of 6,000 years using authentic artefacts, colourful text back to the late 11th century. The Cathedral’s own copy of Magna Carta is on panels and audio-visual presentations. display there, alongside priceless silverware and the costumes from the hit TV The exhibition is divided into the themes of Earth, Power, Faith, Water and Energy show – the Tudors and a mummified cat and rat. and includes a large collection of objects on loan from the National Museum of Music forms a very important part of cathedral life and the Choir traces its Ireland - making a visit to Clare Museum an essential introduction to the whole origins to 1493 with the founding of the choir school. The cathedral choir county. performed the first performance of Handel’s Messiah in Dublin in 1742. Visiting Admission is free with ample car parking and free coach parking beside the Musicians often perform lunchtime Recitals at 13.15 in the nave. museum. The cathedral’s deployment of 19 bells, ranging in weight from a quarter of a ton to two and a quarter tons, represents a world record of numbers of bells available for full-circle ringing.
Address Christ Church Place, Dublin 8 Address Arthur’s Row, Ennis, Co. Clare Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 677 8099 Phone +353 (0)65 682 3382 Website www.christchurch.ie Sat Nav 53.3435, -6.2710 Website www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/claremuseum/ Location Dublin City Centre. Sat Nav 52.8474, -8.9887 Open Open Mar-Oct: Mon-Sat 09.30-18.00, Sun 12.30-18.00 Location Ennis Town Centre (closed 14.30-16.30). Open to 19.00 Apr-Sep; Nov-Feb Mon-Sat 09.30-17.00, Sun 12.30-15.00. Open Oct-May: Tues-Sat 09.30-13.00, 14.00-17.30; Jun-Sept: Closed Dec 26. Last admission 45 min before closing. Mon-Sat 09.30-13.00, 14.00-17.30. Last admissions at 17.00. Average Visit Length 40 – 60 minutes Closed bank holiday weekends, Sun & Mon. Opening hours subject to change. Entrance Fees Adult €7; Senior/Student €5.50; Child (4-16) €2.50; Child (standard) (U4) Free; Family (2A+2C) €17 Average Visit Length 40 minutes to 1 hour Group Rates For 10+ Entrance Fees Free Admission Special Opening for Yes (standard) Groups? Group Rates Admission is free Guided Group Tours Yes. 15 + Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 1, Max 40. Self-Guided Groups Yes Audio Visual Built-in screen and projection in Music Room, PA in nave Self-Guided Groups Yes. Guidebooks are available in Irish, French, German, and Crypt. Italian and Polish. Conference/ Music Room available on Mondays and Fridays and outside Incentive Programme Walking tours of the town can be arranged. Meetings of choir terms. School/Education Schools programme in place. Incentive Programme Corporate dinners, receptions, choral recitals and early / Programme after hours visits. Dining None on-site. Several restaurants and café within 250 Performance Venue Yes. Performing musicians from all over the world are metres. welcomed for lunch-time recitals and evening concerts Dining For groups of 25+. Tea/coffee in Crypt Café, accompanied Car Parking Pay parking nearby. by soup, sandwiches and scones. Opening times same as Coach Parking Free parking nearby. 14 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. visiting hours. Drinks, Canapés and Dinner can be arranged Special Facilities for Coach washing area and waste disposal facility. Drivers in Crypt for groups. Coaches/Drivers lounge in adjacent hotel with CCTV and free Wi-Fi. Shopping Gift Shop sells postcards, brooches, hand-made jewellery from Irish designers, magnets, rosary beads, home-made Disability Access Fully accessible, with accessible toilets. fudge, hand crafted cups, silk scarfs, pop up cards and Group Booking John Rattigan, E: [email protected] magnets. Contact Car Parking No on-site parking. Pay parking nearby. Coach Parking Coach drop off points located at Dublinia on Winetavern Street, at Jury’s Hotel on Christ Church Place and on Castle Street. Disability Access Partially accessible. A ramp can be provided at main welcome desk area for wheelchair users. To access the crypt, guests have to go outside onto John’s Lane, located at back of Cathedral. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 17 18 THE CLIFFS OF MOHER COBH HERITAGE CENTRE VISITOR EXPERIENCE
Looming over County Clare’s west coast, the cliffs stretch for 8kms/5miles and The Queenstown Story, a self-guided tour, relaying the tales of Emigration to 214metres/700feet over the Atlantic Ocean. Unchanged for millennia, the North America, transportation of Convicts to Australia, “The Forgotten Irish” the landscape of the cliffs has for centuries welcomed visitors who come to marvel story of the Irish indentured servants in the West Indies, and of course the Titanic at their splendour and be at one with nature. The cliffs are home to over 60,000 and the Lusitania disasters. These subjects are dealt with as you walk through nesting seabirds and the popular Puffins can be seen from April to July. There the exhibition. are over 750metres/2,460feet of safe pathways to walk with raised viewing It is a very moving, educational, interesting and emotive way to spend an hour platforms for the best views. O’Brien’s Tower, built in 1835, stands at the highest –“walking in the footsteps of our ancestors” who left these shores and whose last point where one can view 5 surrounding counties and the Aran Islands on a clear sight of Ireland was the town of Cobh. day. The award-winning eco-friendly visitor centre is set into the hillside and The exhibition is full of stories and history and gives visitors the opportunity to offers an all-weather experience, including gift shop, restaurant, café, first aid explore this rich historic past and engage with the stories told. facilities and visitor information. The Cliffs Exhibition must be seen and brings to life the story of the Cliffs of Moher, presenting the geology, wildlife and human aspects of the cliffs in an entertaining and educational way. Rangers are on-site for conservation and safety, and offer cliff edge guiding, information on wildlife and geology. Information guides in 13 languages. Free Audio Guide App for Android and Apple devices.
Address Liscannor, Co. Clare Address Deepwater Quay, Cobh, Co Cork Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)65 708 6141 Phone +353 (0)21 481 3591 Website www.cliffsofmoher.ie Website www.cobhheritage.com Sat Nav 52.9714, -9.4235 Sat Nav 51.8490, -8.2986 Location 5 km from Liscannor; 10 km Lahinch and Doolin; 14 km Location Cobh, Co. Cork, 20 km from Cork City Ennistymon Open Open year round. Closed Dec 24-27, Dec 30-Jan 10. May- Open Open year round: From 09.00. Closing times vary with Oct: 09.30-18.00 (Last entry: 17.00); Oct-Apr: 09.30-17.00 daylight hours. Check website for details. Closed Dec 24-26. (Last entry: 16.00). Sun & Bank Holidays: From 11.00. Average Visit Length 1 hour and 15 minutes Average Visit Length 1 hour Entrance Fees Adult €6; Senior/Student €4.50; Child (U16) Free. Includes: Entrance Fees Adult €10; Senior/Student €8; Child (6-15) €5; Child (U6) (standard) Cliffs, Visitor Centre & Parking. Book online and save time (standard) Free; Family (2A+4C) €25 on entry. Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 10+ Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Max 20 per guide and 40 in total. Groups? Self-Guided Groups Yes. Free Cliffs of Moher audio-guide (download from Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 20, Max 40. itunes). Information leaflet and site map in 14 languages. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio guides in French, German, Italian, Spanish and Audio Visual 4 minute AV, for 180, with music and sound effects. Dutch available for free use. Incentive Programme Tailored Guided Tours. Audio Visual Various AVs in English - the longest is 8 minutes. Audio School/Education Yes guides available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Programme Polish, Chinese (Mandarin) and Hebrew. Dining 2 cafés offering a wide range of meal and snack options. Dining Café offering tea/coffee, snacks and light lunches. Wine Cliffs View Café seats 150 and Puffins Nest Café seats 40. licence. Seats 80. Outdoor picnic tables and seating areas. Shopping 2 gift shops selling souvenirs, clothing, glassware and Shopping Gift shop selling souvenirs, gifts, books, clothing and jewellery. jewellery. Car Parking Free parking nearby. Car Parking On-site (included in admission). Coach Parking Free on-site. 4 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. Coach Parking On-site (included in admission). Drop off and pick up point Special Facilities for Free coffee/snack. Refuse disposal facilities. 50m from Visitor Centre. Coaches/Drivers Special Facilities for Free snack/meal voucher with a party of 10+, driver lounge Disability Access The building is fully accessible with level surface and Coaches/Drivers and guiding booklet. disabled toilets. Disability Access Fully accessible visitor centre with accessible toilets. Group Booking Gillian Murtagh / Jack Walsh, E: [email protected] Wheeled access to main cliff areas, restricted cliff viewing. Contact Group Booking E: [email protected]. For Specialist Services, Contact contact Maura Fay, E: [email protected] 19 20 DOOLIN CAVE DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM Journey to the Great Stalactite
Visit the award winning Doolin Cave and visitor centre located 4 kilometres Located in the eighteenth century county Gaol of Down, the museum’s outside the village of Doolin and only 15 minutes from Cliffs of Moher in the collections interpret the diverse history of the County. The museum’s permanent heart of the Burren in County Clare. Doolin Cave is one of the best-kept secrets exhibition, ‘Down Through Time’, tells the story of 9000 years of human history of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Follow in the footsteps of the great explorers Brian in the County with over 1,100 objects and documents exhibited in fascinating Varley and JM Dickenson and re-live their 1952 adventure to discover the Great displays. The early Christian heritage of the area is showcased in a new gallery, Stalactite in the cave’s main chamber. Estimated to weigh over ten tonnes and ‘Raising the Cross in Down’, which has as its centrepiece the Downpatrick High measure 23feet in length, the Great Stalactite is a true wonder of nature. Don’t Cross, while the restored cells capture the atmosphere of the old gaol. miss your chance to view this spectacular heritage attraction.” “Afterwards, enjoy a stroll on the nature trail or try some delicious home baked cake in the on-site cafe. You will also have the opportunity to browse the pottery gifts made from glacial clay at Doolin Cave.”
Address Craggycoradon East, Doolin, Co. Clare Address The Mall, English St, Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 6AH Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)65 707 5761 Phone +44 (0)28 4461 5218 Website www.doolincave.ie Website www.downcountymuseum.com Sat Nav 53.0419, -9.3450 Sat Nav 54.3286, -5.7194 Location 2 km from Doolin. 12 km from Cliffs of Moher (15 minutes Location Downpatrick Town drive) Open Open year round. Mon – Sat 10.00-16.30; Sun 13.30-17.00; Open Open Daily Mar-Oct 10.00-17.00; Open Weekends Nov-Dec St. Patrick’s Day 10.00-18.00; Closed Dec 24 – Jan 1. & Feb-Mar 17 11.00-16.00 Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours Average Visit Length 1 hour to 2 hours Entrance Fees Free Admission Entrance Fees Adult €15; Senior/Student €13; Child €7; Family (2A+3C) (standard) (standard) €50 Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 10+ Special Opening for Yes Special Opening for Yes. Exclusive private guided tour with cave owner John Groups? Groups? Browne. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 25 per guide, or 50 in total. Guided Group Tours All group tours are guided in English. Min 2, Max 20. Tour Self-Guided Groups Yes. See above for audio guides. translated into French and German on leaflet. Conference/ Large function room seating 100 lecture style, 40 classroom School/Education Yes. Specialised tours available. Meetings style. Audio-visual support facilities. Programme Incentive Programme Yes. ‘Jail Breaks’, Team Building etc. Dining Café serving light lunches, salads and snacks. Performance Venue Yes, with or without some staging, 100 capacity theatre/ Shopping Gift shop selling bespoke items, local arts and crafts, books, lecture style. jewellery and children’s novelty items. School/Education Yes Car Parking Free on-site. Programme Coach Parking Free on-site. 2 spaces. Drop off at visitor centre. Dining Café serving hot lunches, salads and snacks. Gluten free Disability Access Visitor centre is fully accessible including toilets. There are options. Seats 80. lots of steps leading to the cave and the nature trail. Shopping Gift shop selling books, jewellery, cards, local crafts and Group Booking Jennie Browne, E: [email protected] children’s items. Contact Car Parking Free Parking on Mall. Pay parking nearby. Coach Parking Free on-street parking nearby. Drop off at front gate. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee. Coaches/Drivers Disability Access Accessible with accessible toilets. Some restriction on some sized wheelchairs in restored cells. Group Booking Anne Kelly or Laura Sage. Contact E: [email protected] or [email protected]. For schools, Linda McKenna. E: [email protected] 21 22 DOWNPATRICK DUBLIN CITY HALL HERITAGE TOWN
Downpatrick is one of Ireland’s most ancient and historic towns. It takes its name The spectacular Dublin City Hall was designed by Thomas Cooley and built as The from a dún (fort), which once stood on the hill that dominates the town and on Royal Exchange for a then-prosperous Dublin’s merchant population between which Down Cathedral stands. Ptolemy includes it in his list of towns about the 1769-1779. Dublin City Council has owned the building since 1851 and has year AD 130, as Dunum. restored it to its original beauty. Talks on the history of the building are available There are many attractions to visit including The Saint Patrick Visitor Centre, by prior arrangement and the atmospheric vaults house The Story of the Capital purpose-built to tell the story of St. Patrick whilst Down County Museum, exhibition, an exciting exhibition tracing the history of Dublin City. It tells of situated in the former Down Gaol, tells the story of the area. the city’s founding, through Viking times and into the unique and vibrant city of today. The story is told through multimedia displays, which offer a fascinating Down Cathedral, a place of pilgrimage and prayer is open for all visitors and the insight into the city’s evolution, and the city’s treasures can also be viewed. A remains of St. Patrick are reputedly buried on Cathedral Hill beside the Cathedral. new section dedicated to 1916 was included in 2016. The grave is still a place of pilgrimage each St. Patricks Day. Downpatrick & County Down Railway is Ireland’s only full sized heritage railway built on the town’s former rail link to Belfast and links the town with Inch Abbey, a large ruined Cistercian monastic site on the outskirts of the town.
Location Downpatrick, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. One of Ireland’s Address Dame Street, Dublin 2 most ancient and historic towns. Email [email protected] Sat Nav 54.3288, -5.7157 Phone +353 (0)1 222 2204 Visitor Centre The Saint Patrick Centre Website www.dublincityhall.ie Tel +44 (0)300 013 2233 Sat Nav 53.3439, -6.2672 Email [email protected] Location Dublin 2, Dublin City Website www.saintpatrickscountry.com Open Open year round: Mon-Sat 10.00-17.15. Closed Sun & Bank Visitor Attractions Top attractions include: The Saint Patrick Centre, telling Holidays. Check website for updates. the story of Saint Patrick. Down County Museum; Down Average Visit Length 45 minutes to 1 hour Cathedral, a place of pilgrimage; Downpatrick and County Entrance Fees Free Admission Down Railway; Inch Abbey; Saul Church; Slieve Patrick, (standard) Ballynoe Stone Circle; Struell Wells and St Patrick’s Holy Wells. See www.saintpatrickscountry.com Group Rates Admission is free Guided Tours Self-guided tours are available. Download the app at www. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 25. walkdownpatrick.com. For guided walking and coach tours Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets available in English, Irish, French, German, contact Downpatrick Visitor Information Centre. Spanish, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Mandarin and Japanese. Activities Activities include Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh; Conference/ Rotunda available for hire for private functions, civil Downpatrick Golf Centre; Tyrella Blue-Flag Beach, Meetings ceremonies, gala dinners and cocktail receptions. Dundrum Bay; Quoile Countryside Centre; Downpatrick Performance Venue The Rotunda can accommodate 200-250 seated conference and County Down Railway and Rowallane Garden, style, 150-180 seated banquet style, 300-400 drinks Saintfield. reception/cocktail party style Top Festivals/Events Major St Patrick’s Festival (March). Thousands converge on School/Education Yes. Worksheets available. the town, steeped in the ancestral roots of St Patrick. For Programme more events, see www.saintpatrickscountry.com/Whats-On Dining Café serving light snacks. Seats 30. Dining Numerous cafés and restaurants with a range of dining options. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Shopping Lots of options from boutique shopping to high street Coach Parking Pay parking nearby. Drop off and pick-up at West Door on names. Castle Street. Car Parking Pay and free parking available throughout the town both Disability Access Fully accessible. on-street and designated car parks. Main car park is Group Booking Denise Buckley or Anne-Marie Carter E: cityhall@ adjacent to The Saint Patrick Centre. Contact dublincity.ie Coach Parking Available throughout the town. Coach parking/drop off is available at The Saint Patrick Centre. Heritage /Visitor The Saint Patrick Centre, 53A Market Street, Downpatrick, Centre Northern Ireland BT30 6LZ. Open year-round. Tourist Information Downpatrick Visitor Information Centre in The Saint Patrick Centre, see above. Tel: +44 (0)28 4461 2233 23 24 DUBLINIA DUNBRODY FAMINE SHIP EXPERIENCE
Dublinia, is located at the crossroads of Dublin’s medieval city, with four exciting Visitors to New Ross, County Wexford, located in Ireland’s Ancient East, will exhibitions. In the Viking Dublin exhibition, take a trip back to Viking times immediately be drawn to the magnificent sight of the historic ‘Dunbrody Famine and learn of the myths and the mysteries surrounding the Vikings and their Ship’ towering over the quayside. Alongside this full scale replica of the original legacy. Also, find out what really happened during the Battle for Clontarf and the ship is the state-of-the-art Irish Emigration History Centre. eventual decline of Viking power in Dublin. Experience New Ross in 1849 and board the Dunbrody as a Famine Emigrant Visit the Medieval Dublin exhibition and witness the sights, sounds and smells bound for New York. Experience the sights, smells and sounds of a Tall Ship of this busy city. Learn about crime and punishment, death and disease and even crossing the ocean, as well as encountering passengers and crew telling their toothache remedies of 700 years ago. stories, live interpreters bringing history to life. See how archaeologists dig deep to uncover Dublin’s past in the History Hunters Arrive in the New World and learn of the hardships immigrants endured in New exhibition. How does archaeology work with history and other sciences to piece York and Grosse Isle. Hear the stories of real people triumphing over adversity. together the jigsaws of our ancestors’ lives? See Viking and Medieval artefacts Trace the progression of the Irish in America and visit the Irish America Hall of including a medieval skeleton (courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland). Fame. The newly renovated St Michael’s Tower, an original medieval tower, is a 96 step climb to the top, where you can see spectacular views of the city. Learn all about the history of the tower and the surrounding parish in the new exhibition at the Tower base. At Dublinia, see Dublin from a new perspective and come away knowing more about its citizens throughout the ages
Address St. Michael’s Hill, Christchurch, Dublin 8 Address South Quay, New Ross, Co. Wexford Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 679 4611 Phone +353 (0)51 425 239 Website www.dublinia.ie Website www.dunbrody.com Sat Nav 53.3432, -6.2719 Sat Nav 52.3936, -6.9476 Location Dublin 8, Dublin City Location South Quay, New Ross Town Open Open year round, except Dec 24/25/26. Mar-Sept: 10.00- Open Open year round. Daily 09.00-18.00 (Mar-Oct last tour: 18.30 (Last entry: 17.30); Oct-Feb 10.00-17.30 (Last entry: 17.00); (Nov-Feb last tour: 16.00) 16.30). Average Visit Length 1 hour Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes Entrance Fees Adult €10; Senior €8; Student/Child (U12) €6; Family Entrance Fees Adult €9.50; Senior/Student €8.50; Child €6; Family (standard) (2A+1C) €22, (2A+2C) €25, (2A+3C) €30 (standard) (2A+2C) €25 Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 10+ Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours Yes, for Irish primary and secondary schools only. Min 10, Groups? no maximum. Guided Group Tours All tours are guided in English. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio speakers giving short description in each room Audio Visual Tour, for up to 45, starts with 5 minute AV in English. Can in French, German, Italian and Spanish. Also translation be subtitled in either French or German. sheets of all wall panels. Incentive Programme Open to explore programmes. School/Education Yes Performance Venue Restaurant can be used/hired in the evening as a Programme performance venue. Dining Café serving light snacks. Dining Restaurant serving breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Shopping Gift shop selling books, Viking and Medieval memorabilia Extensive menu. Seats 100. and Irish gifts. Shopping Gift shop selling souvenirs, Dunbrody branded products, Car Parking Pay car park on Werburgh Street, behind Jury’s Hotel. Ask books and genealogy. at Dublinia for discount parking tickets, before returning to Car Parking Pay parking nearby. car park. Coach Parking Free parking nearby. 10 spaces. Drop off at visitor centre Coach Parking Parking nearby. Drop off and pick-up at entrance. entrance. Disability Access Fully accessible except St Michael’s Tower. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee/scone. Group Booking Carolyn Kelly, E: [email protected] Coaches/Drivers Contact Disability Access Visitor centre, toilets and ship are all fully wheelchair accessible. Group Booking Maura Murphy, E: [email protected] Contact 25 26 EAGLES FLYING ENNISKILLEN CASTLE AND HERITAGE TOWN
The multi award-winning attraction for all the family: excitement, fun, photo Enniskillen is the county town of Fermanagh. It is Ireland’s only island town, opportunities and much more at affordable prices. Experience Eagles, Hawks, uniquely situated in the centre of the county between Upper and Lower Lough Owls and Vultures flying right over your head or landing next to you or on your Erne. hand. You have never been that close to a raptor. Ireland’s largest Bird of Prey In its most romantic interpretation, it derives its name from a translation of Centre offers incomparable experiences. the Irish `Inis Ceithlean’ meaning `Island of Kathleen’. Enniskillen Castle was 350 birds and animals out of 76 different species - 100 of them being Birds of built 600 years ago by the Gaelic Maguires and it was strategically important Prey, some of them with a wingspan of 3 metres/10 feet are waiting for you. The throughout its history. interactive and highly entertaining bird shows start at 11.00 and 15.00 every day. The historic site now houses Fermanagh Visitor Information Centre, Fermanagh Before and after the shows you can enjoy guided tours or walk the 27-hectare County Museum and The Inniskillings Museum (promoted jointly as Enniskillen parklands and see birds in aviaries. You can also cuddle the animals in the Castle). The town was subsequently established beside the castle. During early petting zoo. In case of rain the shows can be presented indoors. expansion, bridges were constructed across east and west fords onto the island. The church was set on the highest point. Enniskillen Castle recently underwent a major redevelopment. It now boasts major new galleries interpreting the county’s rich history as the Kingdom of Lough Erne.
Address Ballymote, Co. Sligo Location Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Ireland’s Email [email protected] only island town. Phone +353 (0)71 918 9310 Sat Nav 54.3438, -7.6315 Visitor Centre Enniskillen Castle Website www.eaglesflying.com Tel +44 (0)28 6632 5000 Sat Nav 54.1040, -8.5680 Email [email protected] Location 3.5 km from Ballymote / N17 Website www.enniskillencastle.co.uk Open Open Mar 24-Nov 7: 10.30-12.30 & 14.30-16.30 Shows start (daily) at 11.00 & 15.00 Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Enniskillen Castle, Buttermarket Craft and Design Centre, Castlecoole National Trust property, Average Visit Length 2 hours Ardhowen Theatre, and Headhunters Railway Museum. Entrance Fees Adult €11.90; Student €10.90; Child (3-16): €6.90; Family Guided Tours Can be organised via Enniskillen Castle. Town Walking Tour (standard) (2A+2C) €35.90 app can be downloaded from www.ekn.guide Group Rates For 16+ Activities Town walks with wonderful vistas along Lough Erne. Special Opening for No Shore angling at Broadmeadow and Queen Elizabeth Road. Groups? Enniskillen Golf Club. Waterbus trips to Devenish Island. Guided Group Tours Guided tours are part of the programme. No min or max. New water taxi service launched in 2016. Available in English, German, French (occasionally Spanish Top Festivals/Events Festivals include: the Classic Fishing Festival (May), Festival and Italian). Lough Erne - Food Festival (end June), and Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival (end July). Incentive Programme Bird-of-prey experience, pet experience (with wildlife, reptiles and more). Dining Wide range of dining options, from bistros and cafés to fine dining. Local specialties and European fare. School/Education Yes Programme Shopping Excellent shopping with independent shops, high street brands and shopping centre facility. Dining Kiosk with tea/coffee, soft drinks and snacks. Car Parking Free and pay car parks close to the town. Free car parks Shopping Souvenirs. beside Enniskillen Castle and adjacent to Broadmeadow and Car Parking Free on-site. entrance to Lakeland Forum. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Coach Parking Coach parking at Enniskillen Castle, at car park adjacent to Disability Access Fully accessible. Bus Station, at Round O Jetty. Drop off and pick up points at Townhall Street, Market Street and Paget Lane entrance. Group Booking Lothar Muschketat, E: [email protected] Contact Heritage /Visitor Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. BT74 7HL. Centre Contact Sarah McHugh. See website for updates on opening times and rates. Group Bookings Booking necessary for 10+ people Heritage Centre Yes Guided Tours? Heritage Centre Restaurant open. Extended exhibition facilities. Free car and Facilities & Services coach parking nearby. Coach drop off outside castle. Tourist Information Tel: +44 (0)28 6632 5000 Useful website www.fermanaghlakelands.com 27 28 EPIC F.E. MCWILLIAM GALLERY & STUDIO THE IRISH EMIGRATION MUSEUM
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is a state-of-the-art interactive experience An award winning museum and art gallery, the F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio located in the beautiful vaults of the 1820 Custom House Quarter building celebrates the work of the sculptor, Frederick Edward McWilliam, who was born in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s in Banbridge on 30 April 1909. A contemporary and friend of Henry Moore, emigrants. It will inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of McWilliam made his name in London and established a reputation as one of the Irish emigration around the world, from early times to the modern day. most important sculptors of his generation. Over the centuries, some 10 million people have left the island of Ireland. At EPIC After McWilliam’s death in 1992, his estate gifted the contents of his studio, you can step through 20 themed galleries to find out why people left, see how originally situated in Holland Park, London, and a number of sculptures to they influenced the world they found, and experience the connection between Banbridge District Council. In 2008 a purpose built gallery, sculpture garden and their descendants and Ireland today. Immerse yourself in the stories of some of replica of McWilliam’s studio was opened on a site conveniently situated on the the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance, adventure, and discovery the outskirts of Banbridge, just off the main Belfast to Dublin road. world has ever known. EPIC brings these amazing stories to life in a unique and Featuring a display of McWilliam’s work, temporary exhibitions of Irish and spectacular way. international art, a craft shop, Quails Café and Banbridge Visitor Information Point, the F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio has established a reputation for excellent visitor experiences and attracts a wide range of local, national and international visitors. Now run by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the F.E. McWilliam Gallery is the gateway to the stunning countryside and cultural attractions of the area.
Address The chq Building, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1 Address 200 Newry Road, Banbridge, Co. Down BT63 5NN Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 906 0861 Phone +44 (0)28 4062 3322 Website www.epicchq.com Website www.femcwilliam.com Sat Nav 53.3488, -6.2460 Sat Nav 54.3309, -6.2856 Location Dublin’s Docklands, 10 minute walk from O’Connell Street Location Located 2km from Banbridge, off main Belfast to Dublin Open Open year round. 10.00–17.00 (last entry). Closed Dec road. 24-26 Open Open year round. Sep-May Mon- Sat: 10.00-17.00; Jun-Aug: Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes Mon- Sat 10.00-17.00, Sun 13.00-17.00. Closed Dec 25, 26 & Jan 1. Entrance Fees Adult €14; Senior/Student €12; Child (6-15) €7; Child (0-6) (standard) Free; Family (2A+2C) €35 Average Visit Length 60 minutes Group Rates For groups of 10+ Entrance Fees Free admission. (standard) Special Opening for Yes, by special request Groups? Group Rates Free admission. Guided Group Tours Yes. Minimum 10. Can cater for large group sizes. Special Opening for Yes. Maximum of 15 per group for ease of access to studio. Groups? Larger groups can be split if pre-booked. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio guides are €1 and are available in English, French, German, Spanish and Italian. Guided Group Tours Only on request in English. Audio Visual Yes. A high-tech fully digital self-guided exhibition. Self-Guided Groups Visit is self-guided as matter of course. Conference/ Yes. More details available on request. Performance Venue Occasional. Meetings School/Education Yes Incentive Yes. Contact for more details. Programme Programme: Dining Award winning restaurant. Tea/Coffee and extensive range School/Education Yes of speciality dishes for breakfast and lunch. Seats 40. Can Programme cater for groups. Pre-booking required. Dining The chq Building boasts a range of great cafes and Shopping Handcrafted high quality items, locally produced, books and restaurants including coffee shops, Irish home bakes, exhibition catalogues. Japanese food, a Thai noodle house, and a 300-seater Car Parking Free on-site. restaurant and wine bar. Coach Parking Free on-site. Shopping EPIC Gift Store selling gifts, jewellery, clothing, cosmetics, Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. crystal and confectionery. Bespoke in-store engraving Group Booking E: [email protected] available. Contact Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Coach Parking Free parking nearby. Drop off and pick up point near entrance. Disability Access Fully accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 29 30 FETHARD HORSE COUNTRY EXPERIENCE FOTA HOUSE, AND HERITAGE TOWN ARBORETUM & GARDENS
Fethard, Co. Tipperary is a charming medieval walled town situated in the heart Fota House is an Irish Heritage Trust property and is Ireland’s finest example of the Golden Vale along Ireland’s Ancient East. This medieval walled town has of Regency period architecture with superb neoclassical interiors. Discover the lots to offer visitors – a riverside & medieval wall walkway, quaint cafés, an grand decor of the principal rooms and charming nursery, or the service wing award-winning community playground, traditional pubs, eclectic shops, and with the beautifully preserved kitchens, where you can experience what life was welcoming B&Bs and country houses that will make you want to extend your like for the cooks, butlers, footmen and maids who supported the lavish lifestyle stay in Fethard! of the gentry. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Fota’s gardens and stroll in the historic Home to the world famous Coolmore Stud, Mouse Morris Racing and many more ‘pleasure grounds’ or the award winning Victorian Working Garden. stables you will see a beautiful town set against a backdrop of horse-filled fields Fota House hosts a variety of lively cultural events, which include seasonal with the mountain of Slievenamon keeping watch in the distance. It’s a place for offerings at Christmas and Easter. When exploring the property, a visit or guided all ages to enjoy! tour of the award winning glasshouses is highly recommended. In addition to The Fethard Horse Country Experience, is a new attraction, and offers visitors enjoying the regular events, you can be a part of Fota by becoming a member of the opportunity to discover the rich culture, heritage and history of the region. the dynamic Fota Volunteer team. This interactive experience examines the relationship between the people, the land and the horse, revealing how they are all inextricably linked. The interactive nature of the exhibition makes it an enjoyable and informative experience for all ages.
Location Only a 15 minute drive from Exit 8, Cashel / Fethard, on the Address Fota Island, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork T45 Y642 M8 Motorway. Email [email protected] Sat Nav 52.4661, -7.6951 Phone +353 (0)21 481 5543 Visitor Centre Fethard Horse Country Experience, The Tholsel, Main St., Website www.fotahouse.com Fethard, Co. Tipperary Sat Nav 51.8898, -8.3037 Tel +353 (0)52 613 0439 Location 8 km from Cork City; 3 km from Cobh Email [email protected] Open Open Mar 21 – Sept: Daily 10.00-17.00. Last tour at 15.30. Website www.fhcexperience.ie Average Visit Length House tour 45 minutes Visitor Attractions Fethard Horse Country Experience, Holy Trinity Church Entrance Fees Entrance fees for House Tour: Adult €8; Senior/Student €6; of Ireland C13th, Augustinian Abbey C14th, Abymill (standard) Child (U13) €3; Family (2A+2C) €19. Check website for Theatre, Fethard Medieval Town Walls, Fethard Community details. Playground, Fethard Folk Farm and Transport Museum Group Rates For 10+ Guided Tours ‘Backs to the Walls’ tours Special Opening for Yes Activities Self-guided walk around the medieval town of Fethard – map Groups? available from FHC Experience. Cycling trails nearby. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 6, no Max. Groups of 25 or more will Hiking paths to nearby Slievenamon. have a 5 minute stagger. Guided walking tour of Fethard with ‘Backs to the Wall’ Tour Conference/ 5 Rooms with different capacities from 25 to 100. Guides. Meetings Top Festivals/ Fethard Summer Festival Incentive Programme Participative activities and outdoor challenges. Events Fethard Medieval Festival Performance Venue Internal room capacity of 100. External serviced open venue Dining Numerous cafés and restaurants with a range of dining 4500 options. School/Education Yes. Fota Learning Zone. Shopping Town and County - eclectic gifts and furnishings. Programme Doirin Saurus – pottery studio based in Crampscastle. Dining Café serving salads, sandwiches, lunches and dinners (pre- Fethard Country Market – Friday mornings from 08.00 booked). Seats 100. Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers: visitors are welcome Mon Shopping Gift shop selling heritage goods and books. & Tues 10.00-16.00, pre-booking essential. Car Parking Pay parking on-site. Car Parking Free on street parking. Coach Parking Pay parking on-site. 20 spaces. Pick up point 175m from Coach Parking Coaches arriving to Fethard must inform FHC Experience house. of approximate arrival time. Directions to allocated coach Special Facilities for Free light refreshments. parking will be given. Coaches/Drivers Heritage /Visitor Fethard Horse Country Experience, The Tholsel, Main St., Disability Access Full access to toilets and café. 70% tour of House accessible, Centre Fethard, Co. Tipperary Group Booking Vincent Bartley, E: [email protected] Tourist Information Fethard Horse Country Experience. As above. Contact Tel: +353 (0)52 613 0439 E: [email protected] Useful websites www.fhcexperience.ie www.fethard.com 31 32 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 where the first transatlantic passenger flights from the United States arrived in and operated right through the 2nd World War. The famous flying boats were 1939, and it was in Foynes in 1943 that Chef Joe Sheridan invented the world’s frequent visitors carrying a diverse range of passengers including military most famous drink ‘Irish Coffee’. personnel, celebrities and refugees. The Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, situated in the original airport Foynes and the flying boats will be forever connected with the invention of terminal building, recalls all this past with wonderful displays, original film and Irish Coffee as they combined to give us this uniquely Irish treat. In 1943, Chef lots of rare memorabilia. It also features the world’s only full-size replica of a Sheridan spent months perfecting one of the world’s most famous tipples to Boeing B314 Flying Boat. some weary and cold passengers all those years ago. A wonderful 3D hologram A recent addition, the Maritime Museum depicts the history and personality of re-enacts this historic event in the very building of its creation, and you can enjoy the River Shannon from Limerick City to Loop Head. Other nearby attractions an Irish Coffee in a beautiful 1940s setting. include a recently upgraded forest park amenity area near Foynes with Explore the wide-ranging maritime exhibits and interactive displays depicting pedestrian trails to the Estuary shore, view points to watch ships passing, the life on the River Shannon and enjoy the panoramic view of Foynes from the top prize winning Boyce Gardens, and award winning Knockpatrick Gardens, and of the Control Tower. Combat Zone Paintballing Adventure.
Address Main Street, Foynes, Co. Limerick Location Foynes, Co. Limerick, Ireland. On the Wild Atlantic Way. Email [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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. Last Museum; Foynes Island Viewpoint (a Discovery Point on admission 1 hour before closing. the Wild Atlantic Way); Foynes the Home of Irish Coffee; Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes Yacht Club and Boyce Gardens. Entrance Fees Adult €11; Senior/Student €9; Child (5-16) €6; Child (U5) Activities Amenities include a forest park, walking trails, Estuary (standard) Free; Family (2A+4C) €28 viewpoints, the prize-winning Boyce Gardens, award- Group Rates For 10+ winning Knockpatrick Gardens, and Combat Zone Special Opening for Yes Paintballing Adventure. Groups? Top Festivals/Events Foynes Air Show in the skies over Foynes (July). Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 38. Larger groups are Dining Numerous cafés and restaurants with a range of dining 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. Conference/ Boardroom for up to 12. Museum lobby for large or medium Coach Parking Free coach parking adjacent Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Meetings size conferences/meetings, with capacity for 200. Museum. Incentive Programme Guided tours available. Fun Irish Coffee Master Classes. Heritage /Visitor Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Foynes, Co. Limerick. 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: [email protected] Contact 33 34 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 headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Ireland’s largest sporting Galway City, this museum explores the rich archaeology, history and sea science organisation. The GAA Museum celebrates Ireland’s unique national games of of Galway, the City of the Tribes. Hosting an eclectic mix of permanent and hurling and Gaelic football. The museum’s collections and exhibits illustrate the touring exhibitions spanning a range of interests, with something to suit all rich history of these national games, highlighting the significant contribution ages. Visitors can engage with Galway, past and present, enjoying the space as a the GAA has made - and continues to make - to Ireland’s cultural, social and centre of learning, inspiration and cultural enrichment. sporting heritage. The ground floor houses the exhibitions: Routes to the Past (Prehistoric Galway); Explore the home of Gaelic sport on the Croke Park Stadium Tour as you take a Galway Within the Walls (Medieval Galway) and Pádraic Ó Conaire: the Man and behind-the-scenes journey through this 82,300 capacity stadium. The guided the Statue. Galway’s wartime story is told on the first floor in the exhibitions, Stadium Tour offers an access-all-areas trip through the home of Ireland’s Revolution in Galway, 1913-1923 and Galway & the Great War. The Galway national games. Hooker exhibition looks at Galway’s unique maritime history while Galway’s The Ericsson Skyline Rooftop Tour at Croke Park offers visitors unmatched greatest sporting moments are remembered in GAA: The Three-in-a-Row 1964- panoramic city views and insights into Dublin’s celebrated landmarks, combined 66. The SeaScience exhibition on the second floor reveals marine life along with the thrill of walking on top of Europe’s third largest stadium. Learn more Galway’s coastline through fun and informative displays for all the family to about Dublin’s history on this unique experience. enjoy. Test your Gaelic football and hurling skills in the interactive games zone – see how fast you can react, check out your passing skills, practice a fingertip save or discover the art of the high catch! All tours include admission to the GAA Museum.
Address St. Joseph’s Avenue, Cusack Stand, Croke Park, Dublin 3 Address Spanish Parade, Galway City Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 819 2323 Phone +353 (0)91 532 460 Website www.crokepark.ie/gaa-museum Website www.galwaycitymuseum.ie Sat Nav 53.3605, -6.2499 Sat Nav 53.2697, -9.0537 Location Dublin 3, Dublin City. 15 minutes walk from O’Connell Location Galway City Street Open Open year round. Tue-Sat 10.00-17.00; Sundays (Easter to Open Open year round, except Christmas; Jan-May & Sept-Dec: Sept) 12.00-17.00. Closed Mondays & Dec 23-29, Jan 1 Mon-Sat 09.30-17.00; Sun & bank hol from 10.30; June- Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes Aug: Mon-Sat 09.30-18.00; Sun & bank hol 09.30-17.00; See Entrance Fees Free Admission website for details ref. event days. (standard) Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours Group Rates Admission is free Entrance Fees Stadium tour: Adult €14; Senior/Student €11; Child €9; Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 15, Max 20. (standard) Family €38; Check website for Skyline & other details. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Information provided in English, Irish, Spanish, French Group Rates For 15+ and German. Special Opening for Yes Audio Visual Various AV elements in English throughout. Groups? Conference/ Education Room available for hire (accommodates 30). Guided Group Tours Yes in English or Irish. Min 15, Max 50. Meetings Audio Visual 13 minute AV, in English, for 100. Subtitles available. School/Education Yes Conference/ Top events venue. Multiple rooms for up to 600 people. Programme Meetings Dining Café serving tasty breakfasts, brunches and lunches Performance Venue Yes. Accommodates up to 600 people. Multiple rooms. including vegan and vegetarian options. School/Education Yes Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Programme Coach Parking Drop off and pick up outside Jury’s Hotel. Dining Café serving hot food, gourmet sandwiches, salads and Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible with special car parking area. snacks. Seats 120. Group Booking [email protected] Shopping Gift shop selling stationery, books and giftware. Contact 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 35 36 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 1.5 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, turning a learning experience the Causeway Coast Way. into a period of magic with a careful balance of passion, sensitivity and even fun. The interactive exhibition and innovative audio-guides, in a range of languages, Enter Daniel O’Connell’s crypt; search online genealogy burial records; Tower café; unlock the secrets of the landscape and regale visitors with legends of giants. shop - the best of Irish craft and design; Museum and exhibition centre. Gift Shop featuring local crafts. Highlights: Ireland’s largest cemetery - fascinating & fun guided walking tours/ A short distance from the Giant’s Causeway (11km/7ml) and further along dramatic re-enactments visiting the graves of the renowned figures that shaped the stunning Causeway Coastal Route is Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge - a truly modern Ireland; Ireland tallest round tower; Walkway to Botanic Gardens; exhilarating rope bridge experience offering unrivalled cliff and coastal scenery Gravediggers pub. and fantastic bird watching. Tea Room. Gift Shop. Guided tours available. Choose from General History or ‘Dead Interesting’ tour, exploring the quirky, fun stories of Glasnevin. 1st Prize Winner Best Cultural Experience in Ireland at the Irish Tourism Industry Awards. Address 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, Antrim, BT57 8SU Address Glasnevin Cemetery, Finglas Road, Dublin 11 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; Jun-Sept: Open Open year round. Daily 10.00-17.00 in Winter 09.00-19.00; Oct: 09.00-18.00; Nov-Dec 09.00-17.00 (10.00-18.00 in Summer). 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, 2018: Adult/Senior £11.50; Child (5-16) Entrance Fees Adult €13; Senior/Student/Child €10; Child (U5) Free; (standard) £5.75, Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) £28.75. (standard) Family (2A+4C) €35. Self-guide App available in French, Group Rates For 15+ German, Spanish and English €4.99. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 2, Max 50. Group Rates For 15+ Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio Guides included in the admission charge. Special Opening for Yes Languages are English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Groups? Dutch, European Portugese, Polish, Russian, Mandarin and Guided Group Tours Yes, in English and Irish. Japanese. Audio Visual 12 minute AV, in English, for 50. Audio Visual Free flowing interactive exhibition including a Big Screen Conference/ Boardroom accommodates 25 people. 2 large galleries can video. Audio Guides available in English, French, German, Meetings accommodate 150 - 250 people. Spanish, Italian, Dutch, European Portuguese, Polish, Incentive Programme Yes Russian, Mandarin and Japanese. Performance Venue The old chapel seats 150 - fantastic acoustics. All areas of School/Education Yes museum are available for rent. Programme School/Education Yes Dining Grab n Go style café serving sandwiches, salads, soup, Irish Programme stew, selection of cakes. Seats 90. Bar and Restaurant menus available in Causeway Hotel. Dining Café serves breakfast, light lunches and snacks throughout the day. Seats 75. An outdoor terrace seats 40+. Picnic area. Shopping Gift shop selling local products and crafts. Shopping Gift shop selling Irish craft and design, jewellery, clothing Car Parking On-site (included in admission). and books. Coach Parking On-site. 7 spaces. Pre-booking required. Drop off and pick Car Parking Pay parking on-site. up point in Carpark 2. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point available. Disability Access Visitor Centre is fully accessible. Changing Places facility. Shuttle bus is wheelchair friendly. Disability Access Wheelchair accessible, including lifts and toilets. (A 10 step descent into the O’Connell Tower which forms a small part Group Booking Susan Smith, E: [email protected] of the guided tour). Contact Group Booking Cathy Martin, E: [email protected] ; Contact [email protected] 37 38 THE GOBBINS GREAT LIGHTHOUSES OF IRELAND
Explore The Gobbins, a spectacular location on the Causeway Coastal Route, Great Lighthouses of Ireland feature 12 lighthouses around Ireland’s stunning where you can truly escape everyday life and experience nature at its most coast. Experience maritime and seafaring stories, or just take time out and elemental. During your amazing 2.5 hour walking tour you taste the sea salt on stay – Where land meets Sea. You can have the best stay and take a tour with your lips, feel the Irish Sea wind, marvel at tales of local smugglers, witness the Storykeepers and Guides at Fanad, Co. Donegal, Loop Head Co. Clare and native sea birds and keep your eyes open for some dolphins swimming off the Blackhead, Co. Antrim. rugged coastline. Step back in time and hear the great tales at Ireland’s oldest medieval lighthouse Your adventure is led by one of the fully trained local guides who will take you at Hook Co. Wexford. Take the boat tour to Ballycotton island and lighthouse along a narrow path hugging the dramatic cliff face; across spectacular bridges and see nature at its best at Rathlin West Light. You can also stay and have a amid the crashing waves of the North Channel; traversing hidden tunnels under wonderful escape at St Johns Point, Co. Donegal, Galley Head, Co. Cork or St Johns, the Irish Sea; up and down rugged staircases carved into the cliff face and into Co. Down and share your island experiences around the dinner table at Clare caves that were once home to smugglers and privateers. Island Lighthouse, Co. Mayo. The Gobbins Path is an arduous trek that is often narrow and uneven, accessed Meet the Hosts and Guides who are passionate about these unique places. Hear by a very steep pathway. Due to the nature of the rugged coastal location, their maritime stories and let them advise you on the best adventures each suitable outdoor clothing and walking boots or shoes are essential. To enjoy The location offers. Gobbins a good level of fitness is needed.
Address The Gobbins Visitor Centre, 68 Middle Road, Islandmagee, Address Various locations throughout the island of Ireland Co Antrim, BT40 3SL Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)27 15461 Phone +44 (0)28 93372318 Website www.greatlighthouses.com Website www.thegobbinscliffpath.com Sat Nav Various Sat Nav 54.7808, -5.7076 Location 12 breath-taking locations around Ireland’s stunning Location Between Carrickfergus and Larne. 29 km from Belfast City. coastline Open Visitor centre and café open daily, year round. Gobbins Path Open Opening times and days may vary. open from Spring 2018. Check website for path opening Check website www.greatlighthouses.com times. Entrance Fees Varies at each lighthouse. Family, group and senior Average Visit Length 3 hours for tour; additional time for café, exhibition and discounts available. shop. Group Rates Yes. Varies at each lighthouse. Entrance Fees Adult £15; Senior/Student (with valid ID)/Child (7+) £12; Guided Group Tours Group tours are available but are limited by size of site and (standard) Family (2A & 3C) £38. area, must be pre-booked. Group Rates For 10+ Dining Dining options available at Hook, Valentia and Rathlin; Guided Group Tours Guided tours in English as matter of course. limited at others. Self-Guided Groups No Shopping Gift shops at Hook and Fanad. Small shop at Rathlin Dining Café serving a range of breakfasts and light lunches, ie. Car Parking Available at most locations. No parking at Ballycotton. soup, sandwiches, stew, burgers, etc. Coach Parking Very limited. Shopping The gift shop stocks a range of locally crafted goods as well Disability Access Limited and some not suitable. as merchandised items and exclusive gifts. The Gobbins Group Booking [email protected] Gallery features artwork from local artists. Contact Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Disability Access Visitor Centre is fully accessible but the coastal walk has limited accessibility. Please see terms and conditions on website. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 39 40 GUINNESS STOREHOUSE HILL OF THE O’NEILL & RANFURLY HOUSE ARTS & VISITOR CENTRE
Visit and explore Ireland’s top visitor attraction, providing an unforgettable Step inside the old Belfast Bank in Dungannon, now transformed into Ranfurly welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world famous Arts & Visitor Centre, and you stand not just in a beautifully renovated Victorian GUINNESS® brand and company. Guinness Storehouse® is located in the heart of centrepiece at the heart of the town, but also at the threshold of one of the most the Guinness Brewery at St. James’s Gate, Dublin. ancient sites in Ulster. Housed in an old fermentation plant, now the seven-storey visitor experience Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre is gateway to the Hill of The O’Neill - once tells the story of Ireland’s iconic drink and brings to life the heritage of Guinness® the Power base of the O’Neills and Gaelic Ulster and Chichester’s planned from early days to growth as a global brand, known all around the world. The Plantation Capital. The highland rampart above the town of Dungannon has experience starts standing at the bottom of the world’s largest pint glass, which been one of the most strategically important sites in the history of Ireland. rises through the building. Stronghold of the famous O’Neill dynasty its view of all nine counties of Ulster It’s a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in Gravity® bar enabled its occupants to command the surrounding area. where visitors will receive a complimentary pint of Guinness® while relaxing and A multi-media exhibition narrates the Hill’s importance in Irish and European enjoying spectacular views over Dublin. history, its links to the O’Neill clan and the subsequent Flight of the Earls and Plantation of Ulster.
Address Market Street, Dublin 8 Address 26 Market Square, Dungannon, BT70 1AB Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 408 4800 Phone +44 (0) 28 8772 8600 Website www.guinness-storehouse.com Website www.dungannon.info Sat Nav 53.3419, -6.2867 Sat Nav 54.5051, -6.7683 Location 1 km from Dublin City Centre Location Dungannon town centre Open Open year round. Daily: Sept-Jun 09.30-19.00 (Last Open Open year round Mon–Sat 09.00-17.00. admission at 17.00); Jul-Aug 09.00-20.00 (Last Admission is Open Sun, Apr-Sept: 13.00-17.00; at 18.00). Closed Dec 24-26. Bank Hols; 10.00-16.00. Average Visit Length 2 hours and 30 minutes Closed Dec 25 & 26; Jan 1. Entrance Fees Adult €25; Senior/Student (18+) €20; Student (U18) €16; (standard) Child (U12) Free. Average Visit Length 60 minutes Group Rates For 15+ Entrance Fees Free Admission. (standard) Guided Group Tours Yes, in English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, All tours must be booked in advance and there is a charge Italian and Chinese. Min 15, Max 40. for guided tours only. Adult £3.50; Concession £2.50; Child (U16) Free Self-Guided Groups Yes. Free paper information guides available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin. Audio Group Rates Group bookings 10+ guides available at a charge of €1. All audio guides also have Guided Group Tours Yes ISL (International Sign Language) function and are free of Self-Guided Groups No charge for anyone that requires them. Conference/ Yes Conference/ Arrol Suite accommodates 200; Arrol Restaurant 100 and Meetings Meetings Arrol Bar 60. Performance Venue Yes. The Square Box seats 90. The Conference room seats 70 Dining Cooperage Café, Brewers Dining Hall, Arthur’s Bar and theatre-style or 50, boardroom-style. 1837 Bar and Brasserie offer a variety of dining options to suit everyone. School/Education Yes for schools and community groups. Programme Shopping Guinness flagship store with extensive range of exclusive Guinness clothing gifts and memorabilia. Dining Coffee house serving light lunches, teas, speciality coffees, scones and tray bakes. Seats 40. Car Parking Free visitors car park off-site on Crane Street (3 minutes walk) on a first come first served basis. Limited availability. Shopping Gift shop sells handmade crystal, jewellery, branded merchandise, history books of the local area and Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. confectionery. Disability Access Fully accessible. Car Parking Free on-site. Group Booking Fiona Herald, E: Fiona.Herald@diageo.com Coach Parking On-site. Contact Disability Access Fully accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 41 42 HOOK LIGHTHOUSE HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL
The visitor centre at Hook Lighthouse offers guided tours of the Medieval Located in the heart of Waterford City, the House of Waterford Crystal allows Lighthouse tower, sharing with visitors one of the greatest stories on Ireland’s visitors to witness the creation of crystal stemware, giftware and masterpieces Ancient East. right before their very eyes. William Marshal, the Earl of Pembroke, known as ‘The Greatest Knight’ and the The factory tour is a unique and captivating experience that is sure to enthral most famous knight of his time, built the tower as part of the development of visitors of all ages, both national and international. Go behind the scenes for over his Lordship of Leinster, to protect and develop the important shipping trade an hour and see exactly how Waterford Crystal pieces are made - witness every in the 13th century. Purpose built as a lighthouse 800 years ago, and still fully stage of production, from the initial design stage right up to the final engraving operational today, Hook Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world, of the piece. Each year, the House of Waterford Crystal melts down over 750 and truly is one of a kind. tonnes of crystal! Guided tours take you through the lighthouse with fascinating insights, stories Since the House of Waterford Crystal manufacturing facility and brand and facts of this unique building. Enjoy the spectacular view from the balcony experience opened in June 2010, it has welcomed over 1 million visitors into its then visit the Watchtower, where Lighthouse keepers kept watch up to 1996 haven of crystal creativity and innovation. when Hook Lighthouse became automatic. Relax by the sea at the lighthouse café & gift shop; watch the seals, dolphins & even whales! In clear weather see for miles and in the storms the spray often reaches the top of the tower. Hook Lighthouse also offers bespoke Sunrise and Sunset Tour Experiences; watch the colourful skies as you enjoy locally sourced foods and drinks. Pre-booking is essential. Address Hook Head, Fethard-on-Sea, New Ross, Co. Wexford Address The Mall, Waterford City Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)51 397 054/397 055 Phone +353 (0)51 317 000 Website www.hookheritage.ie Website www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com Sat Nav 52.1237, -6.9294 Sat Nav 52.2593, -7.1073 Location 22 km from New Ross; 47 km from Wexford Location Waterford City Centre Open Open daily 09.30-17.00; Tours every 30min. Extended hours Open Open year round. Mar-Oct: Daily: Factory tour & store; in Summer. Check website; Dec 26-Jan 2: 10.00-17.00, tours Nov-Feb: Factory tour Mon-Fri, Store open daily. (check 11.00-16.00. Last admission is half hour before closing time. website for details) Average Visit Length Allow half hour for tour. To fully enjoy site, allow up to 2 Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes hours. Entrance Fees Adult €14; Senior €12; Student €11; Child (5-17) €6; Child Entrance Fees Adult €9; Senior/Student €8; Child (U5) Free; Family (standard) (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) €35 (standard) (2A+1C) €20, (2A+2C) €22; (2A+3C) €24; (1A+1C) €12; Group Rates For 10+ (1A+2C) €15; Sunrise & Sunset Tour: €45pp Special Opening for Yes Group Rates For 10+ Groups? Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours All factory tours are guided in English. Maximum 50. Groups? Audio Visual 4 minute AV, in English, for 50. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 30 each 30 minutes. Conference/ Retail Store is available to hire for functions. Dining Café serving homemade seafood chowder, soups, fish and Meetings chips, mussels, seafood specialties, snacks and treats. Seats Incentive Programme Yes 50. Performance Venue Retail Store can be hired for functions, up to a max seating Shopping Gift shop selling nautical themed books and gifts, local capacity of 150. cards and crafts. School/Education Guided factory tours adapted for schools of all ages. Car Parking Free on-site. Programme Coach Parking Free on-site. 1-2 spaces. Dining Café serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Seats 50. Special Facilities for Free refreshments in café. Shopping Retail store with the world’s largest display of Waterford Coaches/Drivers Crystal. Disability Access Visitor centre, café, gift shop and ground floor fully Car Parking Pay parking nearby. accessible. Lighthouse tower is not. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Group Booking Cathy or Elaine, E: [email protected] Contact Special Facilities for Coach washing available in Bolton Street Coach Park. Coaches/Drivers Disability Access Fully accessible. Group Booking Sharon Murphy, E: [email protected] Contact 43 44 IRISH NATIONAL STUD & GARDENS IRISH WHISKEY MUSEUM
From horses to horticulture the Irish National Stud & Gardens is one of Ireland’s Welcome to the Irish Whiskey Museum, the first Irish whiskey museum in the true treasures. world! This wonderful new Dublin museum is located across from the main The Stud Farm is the home of equine royalty, immaculately bred stallions who entrance of Trinity College, in the heart of Dublin city. Take a journey through can be seen and admired alongside protective mares, frolicking foals and athletic time, in an historic setting, where the intriguing tale of Irish whiskey is unveiled yearlings. via an interactive ultra-modern experience. In the world-famous Japanese Gardens, you can follow the path called the ‘Life of Independent from the drinks industry, it tells the story of Irish Whiskey through Man’ which traces the passage of a soul from birth to death and beyond, at the the ages. The guides are engaging and knowledgeable about all aspects of Irish same time providing a meeting place for the cultures of East and West. Whiskey and its history, plus they know a few interesting anecdotes to keep you entertained on this one hour tour. St Fiachra’s Garden symbolises the power of the Irish landscape while the Horse Museum includes the skeleton of the legendary Arkle. Before your whiskey tasting experience, which is offered to each guest, learn the interesting history of whiskey, from its humble beginning, inevitable downfall, See retired equine stars like Hardy Eustace, Kicking King, Rite of Passage, Beef or and current revival. Salmon and Hurricane Fly on the stud’s ‘Living Legends’ team. Upgrade to a Premium ticket to sample matured aged whiskey and receive Enjoy this unique experience as part of a guided tour or at your own leisure. a unique souvenir to take away as a fond memory of your visit. Relax in the Restaurant onsite with home baking. contemporary café bar, while taking in the beautiful grounds of Trinity College from above.
Address Tully, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare Address 119 Grafton Street, Dublin 2 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)45 521 617 Phone +353 (0)1 525 0970 Website www.irishnationalstud.ie Website www.irishwhiskeymuseum.ie Sat Nav 53.1442, -6.9029 Sat Nav 53.3442, -6.2596 Location 2 km from Kildare; 60 km from Dublin City Location Dublin City Centre, opposite Trinity College Open Open: Daily Jan 29 - early Nov: 09.00-18.00 (Last admission Open Open year round. May-Sept: 10.30-19.00; Oct-Apr: 10.30- 17.0 0) 18.00; Closed Dec 25. Available for private hire in the Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours evenings. Entrance Fees Adult €12.50; Senior/Student €9.50; Child (5-16) €7; Child Average Visit Length 1 hour (standard) (U5) Free; Family (2A+4C) €29.50 Entrance Fees Adult €17; Senior/Student €15; Child €8.50; Child (U7) Group Rates For 20+ (standard) Free; Family (2A+2C) €42; Blending Experience Tour €28pp Special Opening for Yes Group Rates For 10+ Groups? Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours Yes Groups? Self-Guided Groups A self-guide leaflet, in 15 languages, available for the Self-Guided Groups Audio guides available in French, German, Spanish, Italian Japanese Gardens, Saint Fiachra’s Garden and The Horse and Mandarin. Museum. Translations available for French and German groups and Audio Visual AV presentation in Museum. Mandarin Tour Guides. School/Education Yes. School tours and nature trails. Audio Visual Various AV elements, in English, for 25. Programme Conference/ Museum available for private hire (evenings only). 150 Dining Restaurant serving hot lunches, sandwiches, salads, snacks Meetings people can be accommodated over 3 floors or a maximum of and desserts. Seats 100. 70 on one floor. Car Parking Free on-site. Performance Venue We have three floors for hire for groups from 20 to 150. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Dining Café serving tea/coffee, snacks and Irish Coffee. Special Facilities for Coach washing area. Shopping Gift shop selling crafts made from whiskey barrels and Coaches/Drivers Whiskey Museum Branded Merchandise. Off-licence selling wide range of Irish whiskeys and poitín. Disability Access The Visitor Centre, Stud and St Fiachra’s Garden are fully accessible. The Japanese Gardens are partially accessible. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Group Booking Reservations, E: [email protected] Coach Parking Free parking nearby. Contact Disability Access Fully accessible with accessible toilets. Group Booking Nicola McDonnell, E: [email protected] Contact 45 46 THE JAMESON DISTILLERY, MIDLETON JOHNNIE FOX’S PUB famed as the Highest Pub in Ireland
Jameson was born and raised in Dublin, but eventually it outgrew its city home Established in 1798, Johnnie Fox’s is one of Ireland’s oldest and most famous on Bow St. In 1975, Jameson moved it’s entire whiskey making operation to traditional pubs. Situated approximately 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre, the green surroundings of Midleton, Co. Cork. The original buildings at the it is nestled in the peaceful township of Glencullen and is surrounded by the impressive 15-acre Midleton Distillery site date back as far as 1794 and have beautiful scenery and serenity of the Dublin Mountains. It is known as ‘the been used to distil and mature whiskeys since 1825. highest pub in Ireland’. To this day, every drop of Jameson enjoyed around the world originates from the Johnnie Fox’s world-famous Hooley Show is the longest running all year round Jameson Distillery, Midleton. show in Ireland. Guests can avail of a special four-course menu with a full night For those just acquainting themselves with the world of Irish whiskey, the of entertainment. This allows every customer to savour the highlights of Johnnie Jameson Experience guided tour is the perfect place to start. If you want to dive Fox’s culinary offerings before enjoying a night of traditional musicians and deeper into the production process — the Behind the Scenes Tour, Premium talented Irish dancers. Whiskey Tasting or Irish Whiskey Academy will certainly quench that thirst. There Royalty, presidents, prime ministers to sporting icons and movie stars are all is something for everyone. regular customers and the pub has become famous for its guests as much as its unique Irish atmosphere. The rough floor flagstones strewn with sawdust, the open fires burning turf always kept alight, the antique woods of the hand crafted dressers and the site of the muted, mountain Seanchai, make this pub inimitable to the pretender - often copied never equalled.
Address Distillery Walk, Midleton, Co. Cork. Address Glencullen, Co. Dublin Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)21 461 3594 Phone +353 (0) 1 295 5647 Website www.jamesonwhiskey.com Website www.johnniefoxs.com Sat Nav 51.9137, -8.1682 Sat Nav 53.2217, -6.2191 Location Midleton, Co. Cork. 25 km from Cork City Location 18km from Dublin Open Open year round. Daily. Mar-Oct: 09.00-18.00. Open Open all year round. Closed Dec 24 & 25. See website for Tours 10.00-16.45; Nov-Feb 10.00-18.00. Tours 11.00, 13.00, details. 14.30, 15.30, 16.15. Closed Christmas Dec 24-26. Entrance Fees Hooley Night is €55 per person, includes a four-course meal Average Visit Length 75 minutes – 2 hours (standard) and live entertainment show, or simply dine at Johnnie Fox’s Entrance Fees Jameson Experience Tour: Adult €20; Senior/Student €16; and choose from the award-winning A La Carte Menu. (standard) Child (8-17) €10; Child (U8) Free; Family (2A+3C) €50; Group Rates For 20+ Behind the Scenes Tour €60; Premium Whiskey Tasting €30 Special Opening for Yes Group Rates Yes. Min. 15+people @ €16 per person. Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes. English guided tours as standard. French & German Conference/ Available Mon-Thurs only, up to 350 people. guided tours available on request for groups of 20 – 30, Meetings subject to guide availability. Incentive Programme Yes. Traditional Hooley Night - Dinner and Show Self-Guided Groups Guided Tours offered as standard. Performance Venue Available Mon-Thurs only, up to 350 people. Incentive Groups Yes Dining Á la carte restaurant serving lunch, dinner. Seats 150. Dining The Malthouse Restaurant offers a modern interpretation Hooley Night Dinner & Show. Seats 150. of traditional Irish cuisine with fresh seafood, local meats Shopping Gift Shop selling branded merchandise. and vegetables. Reservations not necessary. Opening hours: Car Parking Free on-site and nearby overflow parking. 10.00–16.00 daily; Lunch 12.00–15.00 Coach Parking Free on-site plus overflow parking nearby. 10 spaces. Drop Shopping A great selection of world leading Whiskey brands and off and pick up point. associated Whiskey items available. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee, dinner. Car Parking Free on-site. Coaches/Drivers Coach Parking Free on-site. Disability Access Partially accessible with accessible toilets. Disability Access Fully wheelchair accessible. Group Booking Suzanne Lincoln, E: [email protected] Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact Contact 47 48 THE KENNEDY HOMESTEAD & KILBEGGAN DISTILLERY EXPERIENCE EMIGRANT TRAIL
Located in Ireland’s Ancient East, experience the journey from Irish Famine Kilbeggan Distillery is the oldest distillery in Ireland. Dating back to 1757, a visit Emigrant to President of the United States! This rags to riches story begins at the today lets you discover real artisanal Irish whiskey distilling at its finest. See for Kennedy Homestead, birthplace of President John F Kennedy’s great-grandfather, yourself the traditional method of mashing in oak mash tuns, fermenting in who was forced to leave during the famine. A state of the art exhibition brings Oregon pine vats and the new Kilbeggan malt spirit flowing from the 180 year the story to life using video footage, personal family memorabilia and a self- old pot still. guided tour. The Kennedy family legacy is a striking example of the strength and A tour of Kilbeggan Distillery will take you back in time to discover how Irish courage of the Irish in the toughest situations. whiskey was made during John Lockes ownership of the distillery during the 19th Follow the Emigrant Trail further with a visit to the Dunbrody Famine Ship century before bringing you into the present where you can hear, smell and taste Experience to live and breathe the smells and sounds of an 1840’s emigrant Kilbeggan Irish whiskey as it is distilled today. vessel. Costumed performers and themed exhibitions bring history to life. The perfect marriage of the past and present makes Kilbeggan Distillery an Stroll along the New Ross Quayside and shake hands with a life-size statue of authentic Irish experience not to be missed. President Kennedy himself. Stop off at the podium marking the spot from which President Kennedy spoke to the people of New Ross during his visit in 1963. Feel the warmth of The Emigrant Flame, a symbol of hope burning permanently in recognition of all Irish emigrants and diaspora. Complete the trail with a visit to the JFK Memorial Arboretum, a park of 623 acres dedicated to President Kennedy featuring rare flora & fauna and an exhibition.
Address Dunganstown, New Ross, Co. Wexford Address Main Street, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)51 388 264 Phone +353 (0)57 933 2134 Website www.kennedyhomestead.ie Website www.kilbegganwhiskey.com Sat Nav 52.3451, -6.9850 Sat Nav 53.3685, -7.4995 Location 7 km from New Ross Town Location Kilbeggan Town Open Open year round: Apr-Sep: 09.30-17.30; Oct-Mar: 10.00- Open Open year round. Daily. See website for tour times. Closed 17.00. Closed Dec 25 & 26. Dec 23 - Jan 1. Average Visit Length 1 hour Average Visit Length 1 hour Entrance Fees Adult €7.50; Senior €6.50; Student/Child €6; Entrance Fees Adult €14; Senior/Student €13; Child (U18) Free (standard) Family (2A + 3C) €22 (standard) Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 10+ Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 45. Occasionally French and Groups? German (not guaranteed). Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Max 50. Self-Guided Groups Audio Visual Various AV elements, in English, throughout. Dining Not available at present. Dining Coffee dock serving light refreshments. Shopping Gift shop selling Kilbeggan whiskeys and non-alcoholic Shopping Gift shop selling souvenirs. merchandise. Car Parking Free on-site. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Drop off point. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point in rear car park. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee and light snack available. Special Facilities for Lounge for drivers & guides. Coaches/Drivers Coaches/Drivers Disability Access Fully accessible. Disability Access Accessible toilets. The top floor of the museum is not accessible. Group Booking The Kennedy Homestead, E: [email protected] Contact Group Booking Ruth Wyer, E: [email protected] Contact 49 50 KILMALLOCK HERITAGE TOWN KING HOUSE
The town of Kilmallock has scarcely altered since medieval times. It still lies within King House is a magnificently restored Georgian mansion located in Boyle, Co. the narrow oblong area once enclosed by the town walls; and its medieval streets Roscommon. Built in 1730 as the seat of the King family, the house later became are also the streets of today. All this wonderful heritage of stone was sufficient to a military barracks and recruiting depot for the famous Irish regiment of the prompt one traveller to describe the town as “the Baalbek of Ireland”. British army, the Connaught Rangers. There are a number of places to visit in Kilmallock Town. John’s Castle was built in Following many years as a merchant’s store, King House was saved from the 15th Century. This is located near the Town Wall, and the best stretch of this demolition in the late 1980s and restored to its former Georgian style by extends for about 400 metres, from the rear of Catholic Church to Blossom Gate. Roscommon County Council. Kilmallock is a walled town of ecclesiastical origin, a monastery having been The house is now open to the public as a museum bringing its history to life. The founded here by St. Maloch in the 6th century, of which the original round tower house also plays host to musical, dramatic and cultural events and is a central still remains. Other tourist attractions of note include the Church of Saint Peter locale for the ever-popular Boyle Arts Festival. A multi-disciplinary programme and Paul, Dominican Friary, Fenian Monument, Market Cross, Collegiate Church, of arts events takes place in King House between April and September, including and the Famine Memorial Park. elements of the Boyle Arts Festival. Located in the town is Friars’ Gate, this former cinema is now one of the most Former President McAleese kindly donated State gifts from her time as President intimate theatres in Ireland. It stages a variety of theatrical, musical and of Ireland through the Office of Public Works for the enjoyment of the people dramatic events. of Ireland. Roscommon County Council is delighted to present the exhibition of An important attraction is the Cottage Museum and Information Centre housing these State gifts in King House. It contains exciting pieces of art and artefacts a collection of local artefacts, mostly from the 19th and 20th century. from all over the world.
Location Situated in the heart of the Golden Vale, Co. Limerick. Address Main Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon F52 WR26 Sat Nav 52.3996, -8.5750 Email [email protected] Tel +353 (0)63 91300 Phone +353 (0)71 966 3242 Email [email protected] Website www.kinghouse.ie Website www.visitballyhoura.com Sat Nav 53.9730, -8.3013 Visitor Attractions Attractions include: John’s Castle, Blossom Gate, the Town Location Boyle, Co. Roscommon Walls, Collegiate Church and Dominican Priory. Friars Gate Open Apr-Sep: Tue-Sat 11.00-17.00; Jun-Aug: Tue-Sat 11.00-17.00, Theatre hosting musical and dramatic events year-round. Part of the Ballyhoura Heritage Hub - Neolithic Lough Gur, Sun 11.00-16.00 (last tour 15.00). Open Bank Holidays. Medieval Kilmallock, Bruff JFK Story, Bruree De Valera Closed Christmas. Story. Average Visit Length 1 hour – 1.5 hours. Guided Tours Guided tours of the Medieval Walled Town of Kilmallock. Entrance Fees Entrance fees: Adult €5; Senior/Student/Child (4-17) €3; Audioguide on Medieval Kilmallock available for free (standard) Child (U4) Free; Family (2A+2C) €15 download. Group Rates For 10+ Activities Historic Town walks. The Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail Guided Group Tours Yes in English. Centre. Mountain Biking. On and off road cycle trails. Self-Guided Groups Guided tours offered as matter of course. Top Festivals/Events Festivals include: Ballyhoura Food Fair, Kilmallock Walled Incentive Programme Yes. Enquire for details. Towns Day and Lough Gur Summer Solstice Festival. Dining Tea Rooms offer breakfast and lunch. All cakes and desserts Dining Deebert House Hotel: Lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Seats are made on premises. Coffee roasted by a local company 80 people; Fitzgeralds: Serves bar food 7 days a week 11.30 Art of Coffee. Seats 45 inside and further 20 outside with to 21.30. Seats 45 people; Nats Cafe: Mon-Sat 09.00-18.30. table service. Cater for group and coach tours with prior Seats 35 people; Poachers Restaurant: Open 7 days. Seats 45 booking. Full menus available. people. Shopping Una Bhan Gift Shop on the grounds. Shopping Shopping includes quirky antique shops & old hardware shops. Crescent Shopping Centre Limerick is 30 minutes Car Parking Free on-site and off-site parking. Adjacent to King House on drive. side of road. Limited on-site parking. Car Parking Main car park adjacent to John’s Castle. Free on-street Coach Parking Free off-site parking. Adjacent to King House on side of road. parking. Special Facilities for Canteen facilities available Coach Parking Free, adjacent to John’s Castle Coaches/Drivers Tourist Information Tourism Office, Kilfinane Visitor Information Point. Disability Access Fully Wheelchair Accessible. Tel +353 (0)63 91300 Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 51 52 KYLEMORE ABBEY & LISMORE HERITAGE TOWN AND VICTORIAN WALLED GARDEN HERITAGE CENTRE
Kylemore, in the heart of Connemara, is an ideal day-trip destination. The Located in Lismore, Co. Waterford, by the River Blackwater and at the foot of lakeside Abbey is set against a dramatic backdrop. Originally a Castle, built in Knockmealdown Mountains – The Lismore Experience. Audio Visual recounts 1867 as a romantic gift, Kylemore is steeped in history and tales of romance, the story of this charming heritage town from it’s monastic and medieval past, tragedy and spirituality. Home to Ireland’s only community of Benedictine nuns right through to the present day. It is housed in the Courthouse Building, which since 1920, this 1,000 acre estate has much to offer visitors. Experience the dates from the late 1700s. Visitors will learn how Robert Boyle, Father of modern Victorian atmosphere of the restored rooms of the Abbey, Neo Gothic Church and Chemistry, who was born in Lismore Castle in 1627, and Sir Walter Raleigh who Head Gardener’s House. was given Lismore Castle and lands by Queen Elizabeth 1, shaped Lismore. There are woodland and lakeshore walks. For the more adventurous, guided Visitors will also learn about American connections with Fred Astaire and JF mountain hikes are available. Explore the magical 6 acre Victorian Walled Garden Kennedy, who both had sisters married into the Cavendish Family, Dukes of where only Victorian varieties of flowers and vegetables are grown. ‘Mitchells Devonshire, owners of Lismore Castle. Cafe offers traditional home cooked food made to the recipes of the Benedictine The Lismore Experience is followed by a tour of the exhibition rooms where visitors nuns. The Tea House by the Walled Garden is the perfect place to relax and enjoy can uncover highlights such as a replica of the Crozier (bishops staff) made for the Bishops of Lismore over 800 years ago to the story of the archaeological site The the breath-taking views over Connemara National Park. The craft shop offers the Round Hill, and the impact that the Boyle family and Lismore have had on Science. best of Irish products including Kylemore pottery from the on-site pottery studio The Lismore Heritage Centre Adventure Pack allows the entire family to explore and handmade chocolates and soaps made by the Benedictine nuns. Lismore in a fun, interactive way. Browse for gifts and souvenirs in The Craft Shop at The Heritage Centre and see the work of local craftspeople on display. Take a town tour and visit St. Carthage’s Cathedral, which dates back to the early 600s, and learn of the Ancient University City of Lismore. Address Kylemore, Connemara, Co. Galway Location Lismore, Co. Waterford, Ireland. A town with a special and Email [email protected] formidable history. Phone +353 (0)95 52001 Sat Nav 52.1358, -7.9377 Website www.kylemoreabbey.com Visitor Centre Lismore Heritage Centre Sat Nav 53.5618, -9.8880 Tel +353 (0)58 54975 Location 18.7 km Clifden town; 76.9 km from Galway City Email [email protected] Open Open year round. Daily. Jan-Mar 6 from 10.00; Mar 7-Nov Website www.discoverlismore.com 2 from 09.00; Nov 3-Jan 17 from 09.30. Closing times vary. Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Lismore Heritage Centre, Lismore Please check website. Closed Dec 24-26. Castle Gardens and Art Gallery, St. Carthage’s Cathedral, Average Visit Length 1 hour and 20 minutes Abha na Sead River Walk, Lismore Millenium Park, St. Entrance Fees Adult €13; Senior €10; Student (18+)/Child (11-17) €9; Carthage’s Church Towers and Lady Louisa’s Walk. (standard) Child (U11) Free; Family (2A+1-6C) (U10) €26; Guided Tours Daily Tours. Weekends by appointment. Family (2A+1-6C) (U17) €36 Activities Activities: Blackwater Adventure, gardens, hillwalking, Group Rates For 15+ cycling, historical buildings, golf course, tennis courts, Guided Group Tours Yes, in English, French and Dutch depending on availability children’s playground, picnic area. of guide. No Min, Max 30. Top Festivals/Events Events include: Immrama Travel Writing Festival (June), Self-Guided Groups Yes. Guide brochures in English, French, Spanish, German, Lismore Opera Festival (June) and Robert Boyle Summer Italian, Dutch, Mandarin and Portuguese. School (June). Audio Visual 15 minute AV, in English, French, German. Seats 60. Dining Hotel and restaurant dining. Incentive Programme Yes. Shopping Craft shops and boutiques. Farmers’ Market on Sundays. Performance Venue Neo-Gothic Church can be used for performances. Car Parking Free parking Dining Mitchell’s Café is self-service and offers hot and cold meals, Coach Parking Free coach parking salads, snacks and home baking. Seats 250. Garden Tea House is self-service offering light lunches and snacks. Heritage / Lismore Heritage Centre. Open year-round, Mon - Fri, 09.30 Seats 120. Henry’s Express Café is a take-out café (June to Visitor Centre to 17.30. Also open weekends March-November: Saturday Sept). The Express Café serves a wide range of foods and 10.00 - 17.00; Sunday 12.00 - 17.00. snacks. Outdoor seating areas too. Heritage Centre Alice O Donoghue E: [email protected] Shopping Shop selling crafts, gifts, jewellery and items made on-site Contact including pottery, chocolates and beauty products. Heritage Centre See website above. Car Parking Free on-site. Admission Rates Coach Parking Free on-site. Heritage Centre Yes, for groups 10+ people Special Facilities for Free lunch or tea/coffee and scone for driver and guide. Guided Tours? Coaches/Drivers Heritage Centre Tourist office, Audio Visual, shopping, coffee dock, museum. Disability Access Partially accessible by wheelchair. Restaurant and craft Facilities & Services shop are fully accessible with accessible toilet. Extensive Car Parking at Free parking close to Heritage Centre. avenues are suitable, but some gravel paths are challenging. Heritage Centre Abbey is partially accessible. Shuttle buses accessible. Full Coach Parking at Coach parking close to Heritage Centre information on request. Heritage Centre Group Booking Christina Aspell, E: [email protected] Tourist Information Tourist office is in the Heritage Centre. See above. Contact 53 54 LOUGH GUR HERITAGE CENTRE LOUGH KEY FOREST & 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. It is home to Ireland’s largest and oldest stone circle. like! The Lough Gur experience begins outdoors at Ireland’s largest and oldest stone The great attraction about Lough Key is that there are activities to suit all ages. circle. A local tour guide will invite you to explore ancient Ireland in person. You can enjoy the numerous walking & historical trails or take yourself up Follow your guide to the prehistoric authentic sites in Lough Gur where the through the trees on Irelands Only Tree Canopy Walk and down underground earliest settlers once worshiped and lived. The visit ends with a lake front through the old Servant Tunnels and midway taking in the views from the excursion ending in the newly restored Lough Gur Heritage Centre that offers an Moylurg Tower. engaging overview Lough Gur’s importance on a global scale. Test your mental and physical agility in the Boda Borg challenge, which is weather independent and is all about teamwork! Let the children run free and safely in the Adventure play Kingdom. All of this will certainly work up an appetite, so enjoy the stunning scenery from the Lakeside café while munching on homemade delights. 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 Safari.
Address Lakefront, Lough Gur, Co. Limerick. Address Boyle, Co. Roscommon 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 10 km from Carrick-on-Shannon; 5 km from Boyle Location 21 km from Limerick City on Lough Gur lake. Open Open year round. See website for opening times. Open Apr-Oct: Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00, Sat & Sun 12.00-18.00; Nov- Average Visit Length 2 hours to 5 hours Mar: Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat & Sun 12.00-16.00. Bank Hol 12.00-18.00. Closed Dec 24, 25. Entrance Fees Please check website, or telephone for details. (standard) Average Visit Length 60 minutes average duration for the Lough Gur Heritage Centre. Group Rates For 10+ Special Opening for Yes 2.5 hours for a full outdoor tour that also includes a visit to Groups? the Lough Gur Heritage Centre. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English, French and German. Min 10, Max 25. Entrance Fees Adult €5; Senior/Student €4; Child (6-13) €3; Self-Guided Groups Yes. Free audio handsets in English, Irish, French, German (standard) Child (U6) Free; Family (2A+3C) €15 and Spanish. Group Rates For 10+ Audio Visual Lough Key Experience is a 40-minute self-guided audio tour Guided Group Tours Yes. in English, Irish, French, German and Spanish. Self-Guided Groups Guided Tours offered as matter of course. Conference/ Moylurg Room seats 20, classroom style. Dining Tea & coffee and light refreshments on-site. Meetings Performance Venue Sunken Garden, an open space, can be hired. No Group Dining facilities. Accommodates 1,000. Shopping Gift shop on-site selling books of special interest relating School/Education Yes. Educational Orienteering Trails and the historical to history, archaeology and the environment. Lough Gur Programme Lough Key Experience. souvenirs, keepsakes, postcards, bookmarks and pens. Dining Café overlooking the Lake with outdoor deck, serves soup, Car Parking Free on-site. sandwiches, snacks, Seats 85. Moylurg Room for private Coach Parking Free on-site. dining seats 50. Wider dining options by arrangement for Disability Access Fully Wheelchair Accessible in Lough Gur Heritage 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 Floriane Frazer, E: [email protected]. For Conference/ Contact Incentives: Louise Fitzpatrick, E: [email protected] 55 56 MARBLE ARCH CAVES MIZEN HEAD SIGNAL STATION
Marble Arch Caves are one of Europe’s finest show caves allowing visitors to Mizen Head Signal Station, at Ireland’s most southwesterly point in West Cork, explore a fascinating, natural under ground world. Lively and informative guides and a discovery point on the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, is a dramatic place to visit. conduct tours in this spectacular underground world of rivers, winding passages The visitor centre, with café, gift shop and toilets, is located at the car park. and lofty chambers, past a bewildering array of cave formations. Here there are displays about the Fastnet Lighthouse, the Geology of Mizen, a Tours last 75 minutes and are suitable for people of any age and average fitness. Navigational Simulator showing Mizen Head from the Sea and other exhibits. Comfortable walking shoes and a warm sweater are recommended. It is advisable Then the outdoor experience starts! to telephone prior to your visit to ensure that you can be accommodated and to The path to the Signal Station goes down the cliffs and the 99 Steps to check availability of guided tours as the caves can be affected by heavy rain. the Bridge, and out to the point and the former Keepers Quarters with its After the guided tour why not take time to explore the exhibition area in the interpretive displays. Visitor Centre, watch our audio-visual presentation, brose the many items in our Along the way there are several paths up to wonderful views - north along the shop or take a leisurely stroll through the Marble Arch National Nature Reserve. coast to Sheep’s Head and the Beara Peninsula, and south to the Sea Arch. There The Marble Arch Caves are one of the key sites within the UNESCO Global is plenty to do and see. This is also a world-renowned whale and dolphin watch Geopark located in the rugged mountainous uplands and the gentle rolling location, and often there are seals under the bridge. Mizen Head Signal Station is lowlands of counties Fermanagh and Cavan. The Geopark boasts some of the suitable for all ages, in any weather. finest natural landscapes in Ireland. There are over 40 sites to visit in the Global Geopark area which cater for a variety of interests including geology, archaeology, history, folklore and activities such as caving, walking, cycling, canoeing and fishing to name but a few. Address 43 Marlbank Road, Legnabrocky, Co. Fermanagh, BT92 1EW Address Harbour Road, Goleen, West Cork, Co. Cork Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +44 (0)28 6634 8855 Phone +353 (0)28 35000/ 35225 Website www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com Website www.mizenhead.ie Sat Nav 54.2582, -7.8132 Sat Nav 51.4505, -9.8188 Location 20 km from Enniskillen Location 10 km from Goleen, West Cork Open Open Mar-Oct; Mar-Jun: Daily 10.00-16.30; Jul & Aug: Open Feb (School mid-term) Daily 11.00-16.00. Mar 1-16 Daily Daily 10.00-17.00; Sept & Oct: Daily 10.00-16.30 11.00-16.00. Mar 17 - May 31 Daily 10.30-17.00. Jun Daily Check website for up-to-date opening hours 10.00-18.00. Jul, Aug Daily 10.00-19.00. Sept, Oct Daily 10.30-17.00. Nov - Mar Weekends 11.00-16.00. Average Visit Length 3 hours to 4 hours Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours Entrance Fees Adult £9.50; Senior £6.75; Student £5.95; Child (5-18) £6.50; (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family £26. *Prices subject to change Entrance Fees Adult €7.50; Senior/Student €6; Child (U15) €4.50; Child (standard) (U5) Free; Family (2A+4C) €25 Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 10+ Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Paper scripts in variety of languages can be provided on request. Max 20 per tour. Cave tours run every Special Opening for Yes 15 mins. Groups? Audio Visual 20 minute AV in English, seats 45. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Information in English. School/Education Yes Audio Visual Several AV components in English. Programme Conference/ No dedicated room, but a room can be made available by Dining Restaurant offering a wide range of refreshments, hot and Meetings arrangement. cold dishes, cakes and scones. Picnic area on-site. Incentive Programme Open to work with incentive group organisers. Shopping Gift shop selling souvenirs. School/Education A schools programme is in preparation. Car Parking Free on-site. Programme Coach Parking Free on-site. Dining Café serving light lunches, sandwiches, fish and chips and snacks. Seats 60. Disability Access Visitor centre, Audio Visual presentation, restaurant and toilets are accessible. The cave tour isn’t accessible. Shopping Gift shop selling souvenirs, postcards, toys, local crafts, jewellery and books. Group Booking [email protected] Contact Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Pre-booking advisable. Drop off and pick up point. Disability Access Accessible toilet, café and gift shop. There is a level path out to see the bridge. Much of the site is accessible, but the paths are very steep. Group Booking Stephen O’Sullivan, E: [email protected] Contact 57 58 MOUNT CONGREVE GARDENS MOUNT STEWART
Mount Congreve Gardens, just 10 minutes from Waterford city, is a great garden Mount Stewart, located only 40 minutes from Belfast, is one of the finest houses of the world – a 70 acre woodland garden with stunning views and 16 kilometres and gardens to visit in Ireland. of paths to explore the gardens. Words can only convey a small impression of This family home showcases collections of international and national what Mount Congreve has to offer. To get a full appreciation of what has been significance including the famous painting Hambletonian – Rubbing Down by achieved here in such a short time by Mr Ambrose Congreve, one has to visit the George Stubbs, the Congress of Vienna desk and books by W.B. Yeats and George garden as the seasons unfold. Bernard Shaw. The gardens at Mount Congreve, Waterford, consist of around seventy acres of Mount Stewart is an exceptional example of an Irish demesne, a beautiful and intensively planted woodland garden and a 4 acre walled garden. The owner, the productive estate, with farmland, woodland, orchards and a walled garden late Mr Ambrose Congreve, was inspired by Mr Lionel de Rothschild’s exceptional providing for the ‘big house’. Bought by the Stewarts in 1744, the woodlands garden at Exbury in Hampshire, England. It was here that his interest in they planted, the estate rides, follies and farmland remain largely unchanged. gardening was nurtured and he became infected with a passion and enthusiasm Discover a rich landscape of farmland, woodland, monuments and buildings, for plants such as Rhododendrons, Magnolias, Camellias and indeed many other and a breath-taking hidden glen as you explore the historic demesne on Mount floras from every continent in the world. Stewart’s newly opened walking trails. The entire collection consists of over three thousand different trees and shrubs, Mount Stewart also offers a tearoom, shop, dedicated coach parking, specialist more than two thousand Rhododendrons, six hundred Camellias, three hundred guided tours, wedding venue and filming location. Acer cultivars, six hundred conifers, two hundred and fifty climbers and fifteen hundred herbaceous plants.
Address Mount Congreve Estate, Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford Address Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT22 2AD Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)51 384 115/ 384 511 Phone +44 (0)28 4278 8387 Website www.mountcongreve.com Website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart Sat Nav 52.2376, -7.2124 Sat Nav 54.5517, -5.6021 Location 9 km from Waterford City Centre Location 7 km from Newtownards Open Open Mar-Oct: Thur-Sun (and Bank Holiday Mondays) Open Open year round. Check website for details 11.00-17.30; Last Entry 16.00. Average Visit Length 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes Entrance Fees Adult £10.50; Child (5-16) £5.25; Child (U5) Free; Family Entrance Fees Adult €6; Senior/Student €5; Child (U12) Free, but must be (standard) (2A+3C) £26.25 (standard) accompanied by an adult. Group Rates For 15+ Special Opening for Yes Special Opening for In certain circumstances. Groups? Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 60. Larger groups can be Guided Group Tours House is free flow. Guided garden tour can be booked for 15 staggered. upwards. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Information in English, French, German and Spanish. Self-Guided Groups Yes. English speaking guides in each room. Incentive Programme Guided tours. Nature walks. Incentive Programme Yes Dining Tearoom seating 22, and a further 32 outside on fine days. School/Education Yes Shopping Garden shop selling plants and vegetables. Programme Car Parking Free on-site. Dining Tearoom serving hot foods, soups, sandwiches, tray bakes Coach Parking Free on-site. 6 spaces. and desserts. Seats 70. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee. Shopping Gift shop selling local bespoke items. Coaches/Drivers Car Parking Free on-site. Disability Access Although the main pathway has been improved, due to the Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point in the car park, nature of the garden, visitors with limited mobility may find 100m walk from reception. it difficult outside of the walled garden. There are disability Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee and scone. toilets in the café and walled garden. Coaches/Drivers Group Booking Anthony Power, E: [email protected] Disability Access Fully accessible with accessible toilets. There is a lift in the Contact main house. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 59 60 MUCKROSS HOUSE, GARDENS & NATIONAL LIBRARY OF IRELAND TRADITIONAL FARMS
Discover for yourself the magic of Muckross, with something to appeal to all The National Library of Ireland (NLI) is a free must-visit cultural institution for ages. The world renowned Muckross House is situated amidst the spectacular visitors to Dublin interested in the story of Ireland. Visitors can enjoy lively events scenery of Killarney National Park. Visit the elegantly furnished rooms, which and exhibitions, use the beautiful Victorian reading room, get free advice on portray the lifestyles of the Gentry and downstairs experience the working their family history, and drop by Café Joly for a quick coffee or relaxing lunch. conditions of the servants employed in the house. Both Muckross House and Particular highlights at the main library buildings on Kildare Street are the Traditional Farms are fully accredited Museums. award-winning Yeats exhibition, and moving World War Ireland exhibition. The Relive the past at Muckross Traditional Farms complete with three working farms NLI’s National Photographic Archive, where the exhibition “Photo Detectives” from Kerry of the 1930s. Meet the Bean an Tí’s and watch the farmers as they explores a century of Irish life through remarkable photographs, is situated in work in the fields. Children will love the various farm animals and play area. Temple Bar. In summer 2018, the NLI will be opening “Listen Now Again”, a very Visitors can also enjoy a free trip on the Muckross Coach. special exhibition honouring the work of one of Ireland’s finest poets, Seamus Heaney, at the Bank of Ireland Cultural and Heritage Centre, College Green. All At the magnificent Garden Restaurant you can enjoy a main course or just a light locations are FREE to visit and within a short walking distance of the Grafton snack from the self-service counter. All home cooked food is reasonably priced Street shopping area and St. Stephen’s Green. and children’s meals are offered also. Visit the Craft Centre and see the Potters, Weavers and Bookbinders at work, free of charge. In the Craft Shop there is a huge selection of reasonably priced gifts for all ages. Don’t forget to have a ramble in Muckross gardens and enjoy the freedom of the many Nature Trails in Killarney National Park.
Address Killarney National Park, Killarney, Co. Kerry Address 7-8 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, D02 P638 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)64 663 1440 Phone +353 (0)1 603 0200 Website www.muckross-house.ie Website www.nli.ie Sat Nav 52.0181, -9.5041 Sat Nav 53.3406, -6.2545 Location 6 km from Killarney Town Centre Location On Kildare Street, well serviced by public transport Open House: Tours only, Daily Sep-Jun: 09.00-17.30; Jul & Aug Average Visit Length 30 minutes to 1 hour -19.00. Farms: Daily, May & Sep: 13.00-18.00; Jun-Aug: 10.00-18.00; Mar & Apr Sat, Sun & Bank Hol; Oct: Sun & Open Open year round. Check website for opening times/ Bank Hol 13.00-18.00. Last Admission 1 hour before closing closure dates. on Traditional Farms. Entrance Fees (standard) Free admission Average Visit Length 1 hour for tour of Muckross House. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English and Irish. 90 minutes at Muckross Traditional Farms. Self-Guided Groups Yes, paper guides available in English and Irish. Entrance Fees House/House & Farm: Adult €9/€15; Senior /Student Conference/Meetings No (standard) €7.50/€13; Child (6-18) €6/€10.50; Child (3-5) Free/€6; Family (2A+2C) €28/€40, (2A+3C) €32/€45 Incentive Programme No Group Rates For 20+. Max 50 per tour in Muckross House. Performance Venue No Guided Group Tours Yes. Muckross House tour in English, German, French, School/Education Yes, For all enquiries contact [email protected] Italian and Spanish. Programme Self-Guided Groups Guided Tours at Muckross House. Self-guided tours at Dining Café Joly, named after the National Library’s Muckross Farm and Muckross Gardens. first donor, is situated in a bright spacious room Conference/ Yes at Muckross Traditional Farms. complimented by crisp modern design and Meetings contemporary artwork. Incentive Programme Yes at Muckross Traditional Farms. Shopping No Performance Venue Yes at Muckross Schoolhouse. 250 people for a concert. Car Parking Pay parking nearby School/Education Feile Chulitúir Chiarrai on Muckross Traditional Farms Coach Parking Time limited parking nearby Programme in May. Specialised Educational visits can be organised on Disability Access Most of the National Library is accessible to request. wheelchair users, in some cases via the lift. To assist Dining Garden Restaurant. Seats 170. Casual dining; conservatory readers with hearing difficulties, hearing loops are and garden terrace. Corporate catering available at House available. & Farm. Group Booking Contact E: [email protected] Shopping Extensive selection of Gifts and Clothing at Muckross Craft Centre. Range of locally made gifts of Mucros Pottery, Weaving and Bookbinding. Giftware, Glassware, Knitwear and Clothing. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Disability Access Wheelchair Partially Accessible. Group Booking Muckross House. E: [email protected] Contact Muckross Farms: E: [email protected] 61 62 NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE NAVAN CENTRE & FORT— EMAIN MACHA
The National SEA LIFE Centre on Bray’s seafront is swimming with fascinating One of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites, the legendary marine and freshwater creatures including Piranhas, Seahorses, and Ireland’s Navan Fort is where myth and reality meets. largest collection of Sharks. Home of the famous Red Branch Knights and Ulster Cycle, the Centre offers 2018 sees the Easter launch of “STARS OF THE SEAS” where you will be introduced visitors a unique appreciation of the history of the area. to the fascinating world of Sea Stars! Join the 20th Anniversary celebrations Learn of the mystical characters and mythical characters of Navan like Cu and be wowed by the collection of 1000+ underwater animals, displayed in 25 Chulainn, King Conor McNessa, Queen Mebh and Deirdre of the Sorrows. amazing themed Displays (Lair of the Octopus, Caribbean Cove and Tropical In a fun and interactive way families and individuals can walk and talk with Shark Lagoon…to name but a few!) heroes of these tales through a living history interpretation. With regular talks and feeds throughout the day (your ticket is valid all See the remaining mounds, ditches and banks of Emain Macha (Navan Fort) and day!), a visit to National SEA LIFE Bray gives an entertaining and informative learn about the massive circular ritual temple built by this majestic warrior clan. introduction to life beneath the waves, as well as an awareness of ecological and conservational threats to our Oceans. Highlights include: Meeting with the Celts in an Iron Age Dwelling; Walking the footsteps of history on a guided tour to Navan Fort; The interactive Archaeology Discovery Room; Environmental aspects of the site, which you will learn about on the Ecology Trail.
Address Strand Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow Address 81 Killylea Road, Armagh BT60 4LD Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 286 6939 Phone +44 (0)28 3752 9644 Website www.sealife.ie Website www.navan.com Sat Nav 53.2033, -6.0984 Sat Nav 54.3445, -6.7017 Location On seafront in Bray, 21 km from Dublin Location 3 km from Armagh Open Open year round. Apr-Oct: 10.00-18.00 Daily; Nov-Mar: Open Open year round. For opening times see www.navan.com Mon-Fri 11.00-17.00, Sat-Sun 10.00-18.00. Last admission 1 Average Visit Length 2 hours hour before closing. Closed Dec 25 & 26. Entrance Fees See www.navan.com for Admissions details. Average Visit Length 1 hour (standard) Entrance Fees Adult €12.75; Student (15+) €11.75; Child (3-14) €9.75; Group Rates For 10+ (standard) Child (U3) Free Special Opening for Yes Group Rates For 10+ Groups? Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 55. Groups? Self-Guided Groups Yes. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 30. Irish and French too, Audio Visual Short and long AV (16 mins and 26 mins), for 125, in limited availability. English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Interpretation panels (English only). Conference/ 125 seater stepped auditorium. Conference/ One room seats 30, Classroom style. Meetings Meetings Performance Venue Stepped auditorium, seating 125, can be hired. School/Education Yes, for Primary, Secondary and Third level. School/Education Yes Programme Programme Dining Restaurants and café adjacent to attraction Dining Coffee Shop on-site offering scones, tray bakes, sandwiches Shopping Shop selling gifts, drinks and ice cream. and light lunches. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Shopping Gift shop selling crafts, books and Christian Heritage items. Coach Parking Parking nearby. 2 spaces. Car Parking Free on-site. Disability Access Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilets. Coach Parking Free on-site. 8 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. Group Booking Pauline Martin, E: [email protected] Special Facilities for Free refreshments. Contact Coaches/Drivers Disability Access Fully accessible. Group Booking Ghilian Campbell, E: ghilian.campbell@ Contact armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk. Education: Paul Derby, E: [email protected]. Conferences: Damien Houlahan, E: damien.houlahan@ armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk 63 64 NEW ROSS NEWRY AND MOURNE MUSEUM HERITAGE TOWN
On the banks of the majestic River Barrow, New Ross is full of cultural and Newry and Mourne Museum is located in a restored 16th century fortified house, historic surprises, beautiful shop fronts and quaint laneways, and also home to Bagenal’s Castle and the adjoining 19th century warehouse. the remains of the 13th century town walls. The museum galleries, which interpret the history of the castle and the The town is home to the most famous Irish American, President John Fitzgerald development of the area from earliest times, provide a leisure and learning Kennedy. Visitors to New Ross can see the spectacular Dunbrody Famine Ship service to the local community throughout the area, and act as a dynamic focus sit proudly on the quayside - take a tour and discover its fascinating history. The for helping visitors connect with their past, their present and their future. magnificent Ros Tapestry, depicting the Norman conquests of Ireland, rivals the The museum’s diverse collections currently include material relating to Bayeaux Tapestry for the beauty and skill of the stitch work. prehistory; Newry’s Cistercian foundations; Ulster’s Gaelic Order and its New Ross is the gateway to the Hook Peninsula and the Hook Lighthouse, the relationship with the English Crown; the building of a merchant town and the oldest working lighthouse in the world, stands sentinel over one of nature’s first summit level canal in the British Isles; the working life and folk traditions most beautiful estuaries. Visit the beautiful St Mary’s Church, built by William of rural and mountain areas; fishing, trade and migration by sea; renowned Marshall & his wife Isabel in the 13th century, a highlight of the Norman Way, local personalities and businesses; folklore, storytelling and music; and modern which is spectacularly lit at night and within a few minutes walk of its close experiences of a border area. All these aspects of local heritage are explored at neighbour, the award winning Library Park. through a varied programme of exhibitions, educational events and activities. New Ross is also a lively town with fantastic festivals including the New Ross Piano Festival, AIMS Choral Festival, Irish America 4th July/Fit Fest and Kennedy Summer School. It is part of the Ireland’s Ancient East Touring Region and an integral part of the Norman Trail.
Location New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland. On the banks of the Address Bagenal’s Castle, 36 Castle Street, Newry, Co. Down majestic River Barrow. BT34 2BY Sat Nav 52.3962, -6.9472 Email [email protected] Visitor Centre Tourist Office at the Dunbrody Visitor Centre. Phone Tel: +44 (0)28 3031 3178 Tel +353 (0)51 421 284 (Council Offices) Website www.bagenalscastle.com Email [email protected] Sat Nav 54.1730, -6.3359 Website www.wexfordcoco.ie Location 110km/68miles from Dublin. 45km/28miles from Belfast. Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Dunbrody Famine Ship and Visitor Centre, Ros Tapestry, St. Mary’s Church, Norman Trail, New Average Visit Length 60-80 minutes Ross Town Wall, Quayfront & JFK Public Art, Irish America Open Year round. Daily. Mon-Sat 10.00-16.30, Sun 13.30- Hall of Fame at Dunbrody Visitor Centre. 17.00. Closed Dec 25, 26, Jan 1 and Easter Sunday. Guided Tours St. Mary’s Church and Norman Trail tours on request in Entrance Fees (standard) Free Admission July and August. Guided Group Tours Yes Activities Town Park including Running Track, 60-berth Blue Flag Conference/Meetings Two rooms Marina, 18 hole Parklands Golf Course, Oaklands Lake Performance Venue Yes, 60 capacity Angling, Lacken Hill Walking Trail, Library Park Outdoor Amphitheatre and Clog Mór. School/Education The Museum provides workshops that utilise Programme artefacts from the Collection, which are based on the Top Festivals/Events Festivals include: AIMS Choral Festival (May), Irish America history of Newry and Mourne. 4th July/Fit Fest, New Ross Piano Festival and Kennedy Summer School (September). Dining No Dining From restaurants and casual café/bistro dining to Shopping Shop at main reception traditional fish and chips takeaway. Car Parking Free car parking Shopping From boutiques to quirky gift shops. Coach Parking Free coach parking Car Parking 4 pay car parks on the Quay with other pay car parks at Disability Access Fully accessible Barrack Lane, John St and throughout the town, plus on- Group Booking Contact E: [email protected] street parking. Coach Parking Free off-street coach parking adjacent to the Quay and major attractions. Set down areas along the Quay. Heritage / Tourist Office at the Dunbrody Visitor Centre, South Quay, Visitor Centre New Ross, Co. Wexford. Open all year. See details on Entry 24. www.dunbrody.com 65 66 PEARSE LYONS DISTILLERY POWERSCOURT HOUSE & GARDENS
Whether you are an intrepid whiskey enthusiast, culturally curious or just an No visit to Ireland is complete without the opportunity to marvel at the majestic inquisitive Dubliner intent on learning more about your hometown, you are sure Powerscourt Gardens, voted no. 3 in the World’s Top Ten Gardens by National to enjoy a journey through 800 years of history. Geographic. From past to present, a local storyteller will regale the history and culture of Set in the wild Wicklow countryside, overlooking the Sugarloaf Mountain, the Liberties Dublin. Each tour will take in St. James’ Cemetery, which is over Powerscourt is situated just 20km south of Dublin City Centre. The Gardens 800 years old. Here you will learn more about the characters who once graced stretch over 47 acres and offer visitors a sublime blend of formal gardens, the streets of Dublin. Your local storyteller will regale the history and heritage sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling of the former St. James’ Church (once the starting point for many Irish pilgrims walks. on The Camino De Santiago) as it stood proudly through times of reformation, Enjoy a film and audio guides about Powerscourt Gardens, narrated personally retribution and finally restoration. by its owners over the past 400 years. Audio guides are available in English, Once inside the church, now distillery, visitors will meet the distiller who will French, German, Spanish and Chinese. guide them through the Irish whiskey distilling process from start to finish. The Palladian Mansion at Powerscourt is home to the best in Irish design, and Smell, touch and taste the different stages of whiskey distilling. Learn more features craft and interior shops. The Terrace Café offers the finest in Irish artisan about the traditional methods of pot still whiskey and finally enjoy a tasting of home-cooked cuisine. three signature Pearse Irish Whiskeys at the tasting bar, Pearse’s Place.
Address 121-122 James’s Street, Dublin 8 Address Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 691 6000 Phone +353 (0)1 204 6000 Website www.pearselyonsdistillery.com Website www.powerscourt.com Sat Nav 53.3437, -6.2896 Sat Nav 53.1842, -6.1866 Location Dublin City Centre, on James’s Street, a 15-minute walk Location 20 km from Dublin City from Grafton Street. Open Open year round. Closed Dec 25 & 26. Gardens: Daily Open Open year round. Mon-Sat: 09.30–18.00 Sun: 11.30–18.00 09.30-17.30 (Dusk in Winter) (19.00 Summer) Closed Dec 24, 25 & 26, Jan 1 and Average Visit Length 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours Good Friday. Entrance Fees Adult €10; Senior/Student €8.50; Child (U16) €5; Child Average Visit Length 1 hour (standard) (U5) Free; Family (2A+3C) €25 Entrance Fees Adult €20; Senior/Student (with valid ID) €18; Child (11- Group Rates For 20+ (standard) 17) €10; Child (U10) Free Audio Tours Adult and family tours available in English, German, Group Rates 10+ French, Chinese and Spanish. Special Opening for Yes Audio Visual 9 minute AV, in above-mentioned languages. Groups? Incentive Programme Yes. In conjunction with incentive groups organisers. Guided Group Tours Yes in English or French Dining Terrace Café overlooking the gardens serves hot and cold Self-Guided Groups Guided tours offered as standard dishes, scones, cakes, and refreshments. Seats 160. Conference/ No Shopping Avoca Store selling Irish crafts and homeware; and speciality Meetings shops on the mezzanine level and Tara’s Palace. Incentive Programme No Car Parking Free on-site. Performance Venue No Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up at Powerscourt House. Dining No Special Facilities for Free light lunch and refreshments. Coach washing area. Shopping Whiskey, books, clothing and small gift items are Coaches/Drivers sold on-site. Disability Access The Gardens are partially accessible with accessible toilets. Car Parking Street parking on James’s Street Group Booking Amie Cleary, E: [email protected] Coach Parking Drop off and collection point outside the distillery Contact Disability Access Fully accessible Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 67 RICHMOND BARRACKS RUSSBOROUGH Cherishing All Our Histories HOUSE & PARKLANDS
A new exhibition centre developed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Russborough houses one of the most impressive private art collections in the 1916 Easter Rising. Set in the historic Richmond Barracks – within whose Ireland, which may be viewed by taking a guided tour of this stunning Palladian walls over 3,000 Irish rebels were held – the interactive multimedia attraction Mansion. The exhibition centre downstairs tells the story of Russborough from will trace the story of the site from military barracks to housing estate and from 1741 to the present day and is free to visit for anyone purchasing a ticket for the school, to exhibition centre. Here, discover this lost chapter of Kilmainham’s and guided house tour. Inchicore’s history in the heart of Dublin. The RHSI 18th century walled garden is available for pre-booked groups and Guided tours include a trip to Goldenbridge Cemetery (weather permitting). individuals and will be open at various times throughout the season. For family fun there is a 2,000m2/20,000sq ft head high Maze, a fairy trail, a playground and tree trail. A 2km audio walking trail is available in 5 languages. Gift shop also on-site. The National Bird of Prey Centre is located within Russborough’s Parklands. Sheepdog Demonstrations may be arranged for pre-booked groups also. School Tour Groups very welcome at reduced rates.
Address Richmond Barracks, Patriots Path, Off Bulfin Road, Address Blessington, Co. Wicklow Inchicore, Dublin 8 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)45 865 239 Website www.russborough.ie Phone +353 (0)1 222 8400 Sat Nav 53.1413, -6.5691 Website www.richmondbarracks.ie Location 25 km from Dublin City off the N81; 4.5 km from Sat Nav 53.3385, -6.3162 Blessington Location Inchicore, Dublin, behind St Michael’s Church, 20 minute Open Open Mar 1–Dec 19: 10.00-18.00 Daily; Tour Times May- walk from Heuston Station; 5 minute from Goldenbridge/ Sept: 10.00-17.00; Oct-Apr: Less frequent. Call to confirm. Drimnagh Luas Average Visit Length Up to 4 hours Entrance Fees Adult €12; Senior/Student €9; Child (6-16) €6; Child (U5) Open Open year round. Mon-Fri 10.00-16.00; Daily guided (standard) Free; Family €30 tours 11.00 and 14.00, (closed for lunch 12.45-13.45) last admission 15.00. Saturdays and Bank Holidays pre-booked Group Rates For 20+ tours only, Closed on Sundays. Special Opening for Yes Groups? Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes Guided Group Tours Yes, of House in English, French and German. Min 20, Max Entrance Fees Guided: Adult €8; Senior/Student/Child €5; 45. (standard) Family (2A+3C) €17 Self-Guided Groups The house is guided only. Leaflets available in French, Self Guided: Adult €6; Senior/Student/Child €3; Italian, Spanish, German and Mandarin. Family (2A+3C) €15 Audio Visual AV in English for 30. Group Rates For groups of 6+ Conference/ Theatre seats 30. Exhibition centre seats 70. Outside, the Meetings Hippodrome is partially covered and has a seating capacity Special Opening for Yes, by special request of 450 people. Popular for Civil Ceremonies & Concerts. Groups? Incentive Programme Yes. The National Bird of Prey Centre is located within the Guided Group Tours Yes. Minimum 10. Can cater for large group sizes. Parklands. Sheepdog Demonstrations may be pre booked for Self-Guided Groups Yes. Latest admission for self-guided tours prior to lunch is groups. 12noon. Performance Venue Concerts seating for 70 up to 450 people. Outdoors in the Hippodrome available for hire. Audio Visual Yes. A high-tech fully digital self-guided exhibition. Dining Tearooms serving hot lunches, soups, sandwiches, desserts, Conference/ Yes. More details available on request. morning coffee and afternoon teas. Seats 90. Separate room Meetings (Lady Beit’s Pantry) for pre-booked coach tours requiring School/Education Yes Afternoon Tea. Programme Shopping Gift shop selling jewellery, handbags, scarves, books, Dining “The Mess” Café operated by The Green Kitchen provides ceramics and crystal. fresh and tasty meals for visitors and the local community. Car Parking Pay parking on-site. 250 spaces. €2 charge. Opening Hours: 10.00 – 16.00, Monday to Friday. Coach Parking Free on-site. 20 spaces. Drop off and pick up at the Coach Entrance to front of house. Shopping Variety of literature available to purchase. Special Facilities for Coach washing facilities and clean-out area. Car Parking Free parking. Coaches/Drivers Coach Parking Free parking. Disability Access Partially accessible with accessible toilets. Lift to upstairs for Disability Access Fully accessible. the guided house tours, top floor restricted. Group Booking Marian Kelly & Audrey McCreery. E: [email protected] Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact Contact 68 69 SAINT MARY’S CATHEDRAL SEAMUS HEANEY HOMEPLACE
Saint Mary’s Cathedral, founded in 1168 AD on the site of a palace donated by Seamus Heaney HomePlace echoes the life, literature and legacy of one of Donal Mor O’Brien, King of Munster, is the oldest building in Limerick. No trip to Ireland’s greatest writers. Developed by Mid Ulster District Council, Seamus the city is complete without visiting this historic building on the King’s Island, Heaney HomePlace is a purpose-built arts and literary centre, which celebrates overlooking the River Shannon. The cathedral is open daily and is still used today the life and work of the late poet and Nobel Laureate, Seamus Heaney, and for its original purpose, as a place of worship and prayer. The cathedral offers contributes to his legacy with an interactive exhibition, arranged over two a rich experience of treasures and Light of Life signs will guide you round and floors. Children and adults alike can quite literally ‘put their thinking caps on’ to offer information about what you see. Take time to look at the Misericords – experiment with words. carved oak seats depicting monsters and other creatures (symbols of good and Seamus Heaney HomePlace is filled with personal stories and artefacts, dozens evil). See the original altar – a large limestone slab 4m/13feet long dating from of family photographs, video recordings from friends, neighbours, world leaders, before the Reformation. Cromwellian soldiers used horses to remove the altar cultural figures, and the voice of the poet himself. It also includes a recreation of during their siege of the city in 1651. Although Cromwell’s troops removed it, it the poet’s Dublin study. was reinstated in the 1960s. Also to be seen are the stained glass windows, the Experience the place in which he was rooted and from which he drew his Monk’s Walk and the Great West Door to name a few. Check website for musical inspiration, whether as a child on the road to Anahorish School – his school bag events and concerts throughout the year. and school desk are here – or as an adult when he recognised that writing, not the farming of his father and grandfather, would be his vocation.
Address Bridge Street, King’s Island, Limerick, V94 E068 Address 45 Main Street, Bellaghy, BT45 8HT Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)61 310 293 Phone +44 (0)28 7938 7444 Website www.SaintMarysCathedral.ie Website www.seamusheaneyhome.com Sat Nav 52.6683, -8.6235 Sat Nav 54.8077, - 6.5213 Location Located in Limerick City. 27 km/17 miles from Location Situated in the village of Bellaghy. Shannon Airport Open Open year round. Daily Mon- Sat 10.00-17.00, Sun Open Daily, all year round 13.00–17.00. Average Visit Length 1 hour Last admission 16.00. Entrance Fees (standard) Adult €5; Student (with valid ID) €3.50; Child (0–10) Closed Dec 25 & 26; Jan 1 and Easter Sunday. Free Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. Self-Guided Groups Souvenir walk-around guides are available for €1 – in Entrance Fees Adult £7; Senior/Child (8-16) £4.50; Child (U8) Free; English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Dutch. (standard) Family (2A+3C) £19 Performance Venue Yes Group Rates 10+ (excludes school groups) Dining Not on-site. Choice of coffee shops and restaurants nearby. Guided Group Tours No Car Parking Yes Self-Guided Groups No Coach Parking Yes Conference/ Large room with capacity for 191 people. 3 breakout rooms Meetings available. Annex building has another 2 rooms. Group Booking Contact E: [email protected] Performance Venue Yes. 191 seater stepped auditorium. School/Education Catering for a range of levels including Key Stage 5, 4 and 2. Programme For details or to book, contact Sheila Fullerton, Education Officer T: +44 (0)28 7938 7444, E: sheila.fullerton@ midulstercouncil.org Dining Café on-site seats 64 customers. Additional seating in an adjacent room is available for larger groups. Shopping On-site shop selling Books, local crafts, jewellery, Seamus Heaney HomePlace branded stationary, postcards. All items reflect Seamus Heaney and the local landscape. Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. Disability Access Fully accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact 70 71 SHANNON FERRIES SKIBBEREEN ‘Bridging the best of Ireland’s West’ HERITAGE CENTRE
Choose rest and refreshment with Shannon Ferries! Shannon Ferries link the Skibbereen – The Famine Story Exhibition gives a compelling insight into this picturesque Tralee and Dingle regions of the Kingdom of Kerry to the untamed important event in Irish history. Skibbereen was one of the worst affected beauty of the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. The ferry offers areas in all of Ireland, a fact testified by the mass graves in Abbeystrowry near an unrivalled service to tourists and locals alike, allowing them to take in more Skibbereen, where almost 10,000 victims are buried. of Ireland’s beautiful scenery and tourist hotspots with ease. The ferry service This era is brought to life in a series of exhibits, dramatisations and interactive across the majestic Shannon Estuary saves travellers a huge 137km/85miles of stations. Follow the Skibbereen Famine Story Walking Trail app to hear stories at driving! sites in the town that have direct links to the Great Famine. Established in 1969 in response to the demand for a route across the Shannon The Lough Hyne Visitor Centre reveals the unique nature of this marine lake, Estuary from Kerry to Clare, the Shannon Ferries service now operates two ferries, Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve. Find out about the history, folklore and the Shannon Breeze and the Shannon Dolphin, which depart from Tarbert in Co. formation of this renowned natural phenomenon. Visit the lough and follow the Kerry to Killimer in Co. Clare. Knockomagh Wood Nature Trail. Ideally located on the Wild Atlantic Way, Shannon Ferries offers travellers a We offer a Genealogy Service for the greater West Cork area. break from the road with just a 20-minute passage across the Shannon. Sit back, relax and keep an eye out for dolphins swimming, while indulging in some delicious refreshments! Aiming to promote tourism in Kerry and Clare, as well as surrounding regions, Shannon Ferries facilitate laid back, enjoyable travel. The service accommodates pedestrian passengers, cyclists, cars, coaches, mini- buses, and commercial vehicles.
Address Burrane Lower, Killimer, Kilrush, Co. Clare Address Old Gasworks Building, Upper Bridge Street, Skibbereen, Email [email protected] Co. Cork 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 Open year round. Daily. Jun-Aug 07.00-21.30; Apr, May, Location 1.2 km from Skibbereen, West Cork Sept 07.00-20.30; Oct-Mar 07.00-19.30. Closed Dec 25. Open Open year round. Jun-Sept: Mon-Sat 10.00-18.00; Mid Mar- Average Visit Length 20 minutes crossing May & Oct: Tue-Sat 10.00-18.00. Entrance Fees Rates start from €5 per foot passenger; Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes (standard) Car (incl. passengers) €19 single, €29 return. Entrance Fees Adult €6; Senior/Student €4.50; Child (2-13) €3; Child (U2) Coaches and mini-buses from €26 single, €42 return. (standard) Free; Family (2A+3/4C) €14 School/Education Educational fares available. Group Rates For 10+, Winter opening for groups by appointment. Programme Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 25, Max 50. Dining Tearooms/café onboard and on-site at Killimer. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets in Spanish, German, French and Italian. Shopping Shop at Killimer selling books, souvenirs, music CDs and Audio Visual 15 minute AV, in English, French and German, for 35. light refreshments. Dining Hot and cold drinks available. Car Parking Free on-site. Shopping Gift shop selling souvenirs and books. Coach Parking Free on-site. Car Parking Free on-site. Disability Access Wheelchair accessible, except for on-board toilets. Coach Parking Free on-site. Group Booking E: [email protected] Disability Access Fully accessible Contact Group Booking Terri Kearney, E: [email protected] Contact 72 73
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 Address Kennedy Pier, Cobh, Co. Cork Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)56 778 6377 Phone +353 (0)85 851 8818 Website www.spikeislandcork.ie Website www.smithwicksexperience.com Sat Nav 51.8345, -8.2862 Sat Nav 52.6556, -7.2541 Location Ferries depart from Cobh. 20 km from Cork City Centre. Location Kilkenny City, 5 minutes walk from Kilkenny Castle Open Open Mar-Nov 5. Sailing times: Mar & Apr: Sat & Sun Open Open year round. Daily. Mar-Oct 10.00-18.00 (last tour 12.00, 14.00; May & Sep: Daily. 12.00, 14.00; Jun-Aug: at 17.00); Nov-Feb 11.00-17.00 (last tour at 16.00). Closed Daily. 10.15, hourly from 11.00-15.00; Oct & Nov 12.00, Good Friday & Dec 24-26. 14.00. See website for live updates. Average Visit Length 1 hour Average Visit Length 3.5 hours minimum. Entrance Fees Entrance fees: Adult €15; Senior/Student (18+) €13; Student Entrance Fees Adult €18; Senior/Student €16; Child (2-12) €10; Child (U2) (standard) (U18) €9; Child (U6) Free; Family (2A+3C) €38 (standard) Free; Family (4 pax, any mix) €45 Group Rates For 15+ Group Rates For 15+ Special Opening for Yes, all year round. Email [email protected] to Special Opening for In certain circumstances. Groups? arrange flexible group tours. Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes guided tours offered as matter of course. Guided Group Tours All visits are guided in English. All group sizes can be Self-Guided Groups Yes, visitors may explore the island and attractions at accommodated. leisure. Self-Guided Groups Complimentary audio guides are available in French, Audio Visual Yes, several video and audio installations. German, Spanish and Italian. Conference/ Yes, contact [email protected] Audio Visual 5 minute AV, in English, for 25. Audio guides available Meetings in French, German, Spanish and Italian. Offered Incentive Programme Coming in 2018 Complimentary. Performance Venue Yes, see www.spikeislandcork.ie for upcoming events. Performance Venue Yes, offering an evening experience. School/Education Yes, dedicated school tours with activities, Dining Not on-site. Choice of coffee shops and restaurants nearby. Programme see www.spikeislandcork.ie/tours/school-tours Dining Café . Seats 98. Serving soups, sandwiches, hot rolls, Shopping Retail store selling Smithwick’s branded merchandise. paninis, confectionery, teas, coffees, cakes, desserts, soft Car Parking Pay parking nearby. drinks. Coach Parking Contact for information. Shopping Yes, offering branded stationery, clothing, books, video, toys Disability Access Fully accessible. Advise when booking. & gifts. Group Booking Mark McGovern, E: [email protected] Car Parking Free car parking on North side of Cobh Cathedral, 10 Contact 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 Coaches/Drivers Cathedral, 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 74 75
TITANIC BELFAST TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN
Titanic Belfast, recently crowned as The World’s Leading Tourist Attraction is a Trinity College Dublin is the oldest university in Ireland. It was founded in 1592 ‘must see’ visit on any tour of Belfast and Northern Ireland. It is located in the heart by Queen Elizabeth I and is famous for its graduates such as Swift, Goldsmith, of Belfast, right beside the historic site of this world-famous ship’s construction. Wilde, and Beckett. The Old Library and the Book of Kells Exhibition is a ‘must Titanic Belfast in an iconic six-floor building, featuring nine interpretive and see’ on the itinerary of all visitors to Dublin. Located in the heart of Dublin City, a interactive galleries exploring the sights, sounds, and stories of Titanic, as well as walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College Dublin will bring visitors back the City and people which made her. It is the world’s largest Titanic exhibition. to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library building was constructed. Inside is housed the Book of Kells - a 9th-century gospel manuscript famous The adventure begins the moment you walk into the building’s giant atrium, throughout the world. surrounded by the four ‘hull’ shaped sections, which house the experience. As you wander through Titanic Belfast, you’ll learn about Belfast at the turn of Visitors enter through the Library Shop and proceed to the Book of Kells the century and experience a thrilling ride through the reconstruction of the ‘Turning Darkness into Light’ exhibition; then to the Treasury where the Book of shipyard and Titanic under construction. Be brought deep into the stories of the Kells and other related manuscripts are on view; then proceed upstairs to the passengers, the crew and the heroes of the day; relive the drama of the tragic end magnificent Long Room, the longest single-chamber library in the world, which to Titanic’s maiden voyage, and visit the wreck at her resting place on the floor of houses 200,000 of the library’s oldest books in its oak bookcases. the Atlantic. Finally, walk the decks of SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Also worth visiting are the Gift Shop, Science Gallery, Zoological Museum and Line vessel and the biggest Titanic artefact in the world, and see what life was cafés. See www.tcd.ie/visitors/ for more details. like for 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 Address College Street, Dublin 2 9EP Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)1 896 2320 Phone +44 (0)28 9076 6399 Website www.bookofkells.ie Website www.titanicbelfast.com Sat Nav 54.6080, -5.9102 Sat Nav 53.3439, -6.2568 Location The Titanic Quarter, a short walk from Belfast City Centre Location Dublin City Centre Open Open year round, except Dec 24-26. Opening times: Jun- Open Open Oct-Apr: Mon-Sat 09.30-17.00, Sun, Bank Hol 12.00- Aug: 09.00-19.00; Apr, May & Sept: 09.00-18.00; Oct-Mar: 16.30; May-Sept: Mon-Sat 08.30-17.00, Sun, Bank Hol 10.00-17.00 09.30-17.00. Closed Christmas & New Year. Average Visit Length 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours Average Visit Length 40 minutes to 1 hour Entrance Fees Adult £18; Senior/Student £14.50; Child (5- 16) £8; Child Entrance Fees Adult €13; Senior/Student €10.50; Child (U12) Free; Family (standard) (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) £44; Rates subject to change (standard) (2A+2C(U16)) €26 from Apr. Check website for updates. Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 15+ Special Opening for Yes Special Opening for Yes, subject to availability. Groups? Groups? Guided Group Tours All tours are guided in English. Min 15, Max 50. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 1, Max 30. 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, Dutch, Russian, Japanese and Chinese. impaired. Guides include British Sign Language visuals. 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 Conference/ 15 theatres seating up to 400; 40 classrooms seating up (40) and Andrews Gallery (100). Meetings to 150. Available end of May to mid September each year. Incentive Programme Yes Contact [email protected] Performance Venue Yes - on request Incentive Programme Yes. Contact [email protected] School/Education Yes Performance Venue Yes. Contact [email protected] Programme School/Education Yes Dining Bistro 401 offers menu choices and the best of Northern Programme Irish produce. Galley Café offers a full Barista range, specialty teas, sandwiches, delicacies. Dining The Buttery Restaurant offers breakfast, hot lunches/ Shopping Titanic Store selling an exclusive range of clothing, gifts and carvery, salads and snacks. Seats 400. Arts Café seats 40 unique memorabilia. inside and 40 outside, offers sandwiches and snacks. Car Parking Pay parking on-site. Shopping Library Shop selling books related to the Book of Kells and Coach Parking Free parking nearby. Drop off and pick up at West Door. Trinity, souvenirs, jewellery, clothing and gifts. Special Facilities for Hospitality voucher. Car Parking Pay parking nearby. Coaches/Drivers Coach Parking Limited parking nearby. Drop off and pick up at Nassau Disability Access Wheelchair access throughout and accessible toilets. The Street Gate. Shipyard Ride has some wheelchair dimensional restrictions. Disability Access Fully accessible. Accessible toilets are in the Arts Building. Group Booking Groups Department, E: [email protected] Group Booking Anne-Marie Diffley, E: [email protected]. Also, events@ Contact Contact tcd.ie; [email protected]; and [email protected] 76 77
TULLAMORE D.E.W. ULSTER AMERICAN FOLK PARK OLD BONDED WAREHOUSE
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., a visit to the Tullamore D.E.W. Old Bonded Warehouse 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 century of Ulster, on board a full-scale emigrant sailing ship, to the log cabins of the bonded warehouse on the banks of the Grand Canal in the town of Tullamore, Co. American Frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters with traditional crafts Offaly. The Old Bonded Warehouse was the last place the whiskey would rest; the to show, tales to tell and food to share. final leg on its journey before being shipped up the canal for distribution around the The indoor exhibition examines life in Ulster in the 18th and 19th centuries. It world. But where the casks moved on, the history remained. Once inside, you can enjoy a true Irish welcome and a guided tour which blends both audio-visual and reveals the reasons behind the emigration and shows how the settlers adapted traditional storytelling to help you see, smell, taste and understand the craft, time to and impacted on, a new and unfamiliar environment. The ultimate in living and passion dedicated to each glass of Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey. Experience history, the outdoor museum brings to life people’s daily routines and activities both the history and future of this legendary whiskey on one of three unique in both the Old and New Worlds. whiskey journeys. Whichever journey you choose, will be a journey worth taking. A full programme of special events is organised throughout the year including Book Journeys/Tickets - which path will you choose? the award winning annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival and the ever • Curious Taster’s Journey: Discover Tullamore D.E.W. with this triple tasting. €14 popular Halloween Festival. • Whiskey Wise Masterclass: Explore the hidden depths of the finest whiskey collection in the D.E. Williams Branch House. Tours run daily at 14.30. €28 (Contact the museum for Christmas & New Year opening times) • Ultimate Distillery Experience: Uncover the secrets behind the walls at Distillery House. €150 (includes lunch). Relax and enjoy the unique take on Irish Cuisine in authentic 19th Century surroundings at The Bond Restaurant.
Address Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly 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; July Last admission 1 hour before closing. Closed Dec 24-Jan 1. & Aug Mon-Sun 10.00-17.00; Oct-Feb: Tue-Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat-Sun 11.00-16.00. Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays Average Visit Length 1 hour and in July & August. Entrance Fees Curious Taster’s Journey: Adult €14; Senior/Student €10; Average Visit Length 3 hours to 4 hours (standard) Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+3C) €30; Check website for other packages. Entrance Fees Adult £9; Senior/Student £7; Child £5.50; Child (U5) Free; (standard) Family (2A+3C) £25; (1A+3C) £19 Group Rates For 15+ Guided Group Tours Yes. Enquire for details. Special Opening for Yes, in special circumstances. Groups? Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Russian, Slovak, Hungarian. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English, French and German. Min 1, Max 55. Conference/ Yes. Enquire for details. Audio Visual 6 minutes, in English, German, French. Seats 55. Meetings Conference/ Meeting room seating up to 20. Incentive Programme Yes. Enquire for details. Meetings Performance Venue Yes. Enquire for details. Incentive Programme Yes, including Whiskey Tasting. School/Education Yes School/Education Yes Programme Programme Dining Strule Café offers homemade hot and cold meals, tea/coffee, Dining “The Bond” fully licenced whiskey bar and restaurant, scones, sandwiches offering lunches and snacks. Shopping Craft and gift shop. Shopping Gift shop selling branded merchandise, whiskey, local 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. Accessible toilets. Disability Access Wheelchair accessible with accessible toilet. Group Booking E: [email protected] or [email protected] Group Booking Mary or Emma, E: [email protected] Contact Contact 78 79 ULSTER FOLK & ULSTER MUSEUM TRANSPORT MUSEUM
Overlooking Belfast Lough, visitors can wander through the past to discover how Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see people lived and travelled over the centuries. The Folk Museum tells the story of modern masterpieces! Ulster Museum tells the story of the people of the north life in early 20th century Ulster. A bygone era is recreated in a rural landscape of Ireland from earliest times to the present day. As Northern Ireland’s treasure of farms, cottages, traditional crops and local breeds of livestock. A typical house of the past and present, it is home to a rich collection of art, history and Ulster town of the early 1900s is brought to life with homes, shops, workplaces, natural sciences. churches and schools. Costumed visitor guides, working buildings and exhibits, Impressive galleries and interactive discovery zones bring the collections to life as well as the chance to touch, hear and do, brings history to life for visitors of with hands on activities. Gaze upon fabulous treasures from the Spanish galleon, all ages. Wander through the beautiful parkland of the Folk Museum chatting to Girona, uncover the story of life on earth from earliest times and explore one of costumed visitor guides demonstrating traditional crafts. the world’s finest collections of Irish Art. The Transport Museum creatively displays one of Europe’s largest and most From Ireland to the South Pacific and from ancient relics to hands on activities, comprehensive transport collections, from horse-drawn carriages to Irish built the Ulster Museum offers something for everyone, from the simply curious to the motor cars, from the mighty steam locomotives that graced our railways to the enthusiast. history of ship and aircraft building. At the Museum’s Titanic exhibition visitors (Contact the museum for Christmas & New Year opening times). can discover over 500 original artefacts including the 6m long original ship plans and 35 loan objects from RMS Titanic. Climb on and off majestic steam locomotives or experience the sensation of flight in the Transport Museum bursting with horse drawn carriages, electric trams, motorbikes, fire engines and vintage cars. (Contact the museum 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/uftm Website www.nmni.com/um Sat Nav 54.6492, -5.7989 Sat Nav 54.5822, -5.9357 Location 14km east of Belfast City Location Belfast City Centre, next to Botanic Gardens Open Open year round. Mar-Sep: Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00; Oct-Feb: Open Open year round. Tue-Sun: 10.00-17.00. Closed Mondays Tue-Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat-Sun 11.00-16.00. Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays except Bank Holidays. Average Visit Length 1 hour to 2 hours Average Visit Length 3 hours Entrance Fees Free admission Entrance Fees Adult £11; Senior/ Student £8.50; Child £6; Child (U5) Free; (standard) (standard) Family (2A+3C) £29; (1A+3C) £22 Group Rates Admission is free. Guided Group Tours Yes. Enquire for details. Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets in English, Irish, German, French, Italian, Self-Guided Groups Yes. Leaflets available in English, Irish, Ulster Scots, Spanish, Dutch, Polish, Ulster Scots. Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish, German, Polish.(Folk Conference/ Yes. Enquire for details. Museum only) Meetings Conference/ Yes. Enquire for details. Incentive Programme Yes. Enquire for details. Meetings Performance Venue Yes. Enquire for details. Incentive Programme Yes. Enquire for details. School/Education Yes Performance Venue Yes. Enquire for details. Programme School/Education Yes Dining On ground floor overlooking Botanic Garden, serving hot Programme and cold meals, snacks, tea/coffee. Dining Ballycultra Tearooms in Folk Museum and Midland Kiosk in Shopping Gift shop. Transport Museum Car Parking On-street pay parking nearby. Shopping Two craft and gift shops. Coach Parking Parking nearby. Drop off and pick up point. Car Parking Free on-site. Disability Access Fully accessible. Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Group Booking E: [email protected] or [email protected] Disability Access Fully accessible. Contact Group Booking E: [email protected] or [email protected] Contact 80 81 WALSH WHISKEY DISTILLERY WICKLOW’S HISTORIC GAOL
Walsh Whiskey Distillery at Royal Oak is a world-class distillery producing Irish Wicklow’s Historic Gaol is an interactive experience that visitors will never forget. whiskeys by hand on an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East region. The renowned Wicklow’s Historic Gaol stands majestic on Killmantin Hill, in the Visitors can experience the ancient craft of distilling in a fully guided, multi- charming seaside town of Wicklow. sensory tour of one of Ireland’s largest operational whiskey distilleries. See first- ‘Experience’ is at the heart of the programme of historic, interactive and hand how all three styles of Irish whiskey – pot still, malt and grain – are created entertaining visitor activities at Wicklow’s Historic Gaol. under one roof. Set deep in the heart of barley-growing country, directly over the Pass through the ‘Gates of hell’ to re-live the 1798 United lrishman Rebellion, Barrow Valley Aquifer and framed by two-hundred-year-old mighty oaks on the period dining with the notorious inmates, a journey through the famine era banks of the River Barrow, Royal Oak is the perfect place for creating exceptional to the 1916 Easter Rising and dramatic re-enactments of the lrish struggle for quality whiskeys. Home also to the stunning Holloden House (1755), Royal Oak lndependence. Visit the reconstructed ship that transported some of the 50,000 estate is a 40-acre gem well worth discovering. lrish people as convicts to Australia. Discover the inmates true stories from children to murderers. For the paranormally inclined there is a haunted night tour where the prisoners will walk the corridors with you and if you are brave enough there is also a ‘Sleep Over in the Gaol’ option. “See and remember it, but live it and you’ll never forget it”. The extensive menu of original adventures ensures a visit to Wicklow’s Historic Gaol will be a major highlight of any visit to lreland. Facilities include: Gaol Café restaurant, Craft Shop, Picnic Area, Meeting Room and car parking. Can also host Childrens’ Parties and Corporate / Private functions.
Address Royal Oak, Carlow, Co. Carlow, R21 EO86 Address Kilmantin Hill, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Phone 353 (0) 59 918 6653 Phone +353 (0)404 61599 Website www.walshwhiskey.com Website www.wicklowshistoricgaol.com Sat Nav 52.7032, -6.9787 Sat Nav 52.9789, -6.0373 Location Exit 6 and/or 7 from the M9; 22 km from Kilkenny City. Location Wicklow Town 107 km from Dublin. Open Open year round. Daily. 10.30-16.30; see website for Winter Open Open year round. Mar 12-Oct 21: Daily 09.00-17.00; Jan opening times. Closed over Christmas & Good Friday. 1-Mar 11 & Oct 22-end Dec: Tues-Sat 09.00-17.00, Sun Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes 11.00-16.00, closed Mondays. See website for further details. Entrance Fees Adult €8; Student/Senior €6.70; Child €5; Family €22. Average Visit Length 1.5 hours (standard) Special tours incl. night and paranormal tours also Entrance Fees Tours and Tastings, Adult/Senior/Student: From €15. Child available. See website. (standard) (U18) free with paying adult. No tastings for U18s. Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates 10+ Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours Yes Groups? Self-Guided Groups No Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 40. Audio guides available. Conference/ Yes Audio Visual Holographic projections, sound effects throughout. Audio Meetings guides available in English, German, French, Spanish and Performance Venue Yes Italian. School/Education No Conference/ One room available to hire for 80 guests. Programme Meetings Dining Tea, coffee and soft drinks. Incentive Programme Yes. Jail Break and Murder mystery events. Shopping Whiskey – full range of bottles and gift boxes, Chocolates, School/Education Yes Magnets, Bar Runners and Glasses. Programme Car Parking Yes Dining Café/restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and snacks. Coach Parking Yes Shopping Gift shop selling Gaol memorabilia and Celtic gifts. Disability Access Fully accessible Car Parking Free on-site. Group Booking E: [email protected] Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point. Contact Disability Access Ground floor access and accessible toilet. Gaol is on 4 floors, restricting access. Group Booking Tara Canavan / Tracey Doyle, E: info@wicklowshistoricgaol. Contact com 82
YOUGHAL CLOCK GATE TOWER W E r 8 N fo 1 0 2
Youghal Clock Gate Tower in Ireland’s Ancient East holds many stories. Stories of pain, tragedy and rebellion, but also stories of love, friendship and generosity GARDENS are shared here. Built in 1777 as a Gaol, this iconic building has opened its doors again, not as a grim prison, but as a place to explore tales from its fascinating past. Our storytellers will bring you through the surprising life and times of this of IRELAND distinctive site and the many varied characters associated with it throughout the years. Visit is by way of a guided tour with one of our engaging storytellers. Told over four floors, hear the sounds, feel the atmosphere of the life in this most unusual A specially dedicated website to building over 700 years. A visit to Youghal Clock Gate Tower is a truly memorable experience. the best gardens in Ireland Youghal Clock Gate Tower is set in Youghal, a stunning coastal resort in East Cork, rich in natural and built heritage. Tours of the Tower can be combined with a visit to 13th Century Town Walls, St. Mary’s Collegiate Church & Gardens (both Medieval), or even a walking tour of the historic town with Youghal’s very own Town Crier! Wonderful lunch options also available in the town centre, catering for tour groups.
Address North Main Street, Youghal, Co. Cork Email [email protected] Phone +353 (0)24 20769 Website www.youghalclockgate.ie Sat Nav 51.9527, -7.8467 Location 50 km from Cork City. 80 km from Waterford City Open Open year round. Daily. Apr-Sep: 09.00-18.00. Oct-Mar: Thu-Sun 10.00-17.00. Last admission one hour before closing. Closed Dec 25 & 26. Average Visit Length 50 minutes. Allow 1 hour for entire visit. Entrance Fees Adult €9.50; Senior/Student €7.50; Child (4+) €5; Child (standard) (U4) Free; Family (2A+2C) €24 Group Rates Min 10; Max 20 per group. Special Opening for Yes. For 10+ Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes, guided tours offered as matter of course. Audio Visual Incorporate into the tour. Performance Venue Not this particular site, but the owners manage events in 2 stunning venues nearby; The Mall Arts Centre with capacity for 200 people for concerts, etc. Also St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, a medieval Church and one of the oldest in the country is capable of hosting 250 people for concerts. www.mallartscentre.com Dining No, but in close proximity to fine cafés, restaurants and bars. Shopping Not on-site. Close to shopping facilities. Car Parking Free off-site parking in 4 free car parks in the town. Street parking is metered. Coach Parking Free off-site parking on Market Square, adjacent to Booking Office, 100 metres from Youghal Clock Gate Tower. Special Facilities for Tea or coffee for drivers and guides while tour is taking Coaches/Drivers place. Disability Access Not accessible. Group Booking E: [email protected] Contact www.GardensofIreland.com Special Offers Inside
2018
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1 AILLWEE CAVE Suggested Ballyvaughan, And Birds of Prey Centre Co. Clare TWO FOR Sat Nav: 53.0918, -9.1503 ONE
This is a very special place in the heart of the Burren. Let the knowledgeable Touring Routes guides at Aillwee welcome you to the dramatic underworld of this unique landscape. Your tour consists of a 35 minute guided walk through beautiful Ireland is a compact country that packs a big punch with so much to do, explore and caverns, over bridged chasms, under experience, making it ideal for touring. On the following pages, we present a sample of weird formations and alongside the thunderous waterfall which sometimes possible touring routes around Ireland, and if you don’t get to do it all this year—sure, gently sprays the unsuspecting visitor. you can always come back! Marvel at the frozen waterfall and Farmhouse Cheese ‘Burren Gold@ explore the hibernation chambers of Aillwee’. This wonderful cheese has nationally and internationally. Audio the long extinct brown bears. won numerous Gold and Silver Medals These will hopefully provide you with ideas and guides and information boards also at various national and international inspiration. We always advise that you never try to give detailed information on all the All locations listed in these touring routes are to Visit the Birds of Prey Centre, home cheese fairs, and comes in a variety of pack too much into an itinerary - leave the time to residents. Daily flying displays provide be found within the touring guide. Remember to to one of the largest and most varied flavours. So pop into the Farmshop at relax and to absorb it all and to pick the stop-off a rare opportunity to see many of these present the discount pass found at the back of collection of Birds of Prey in Ireland Aillwee Cave and taste some delicious places you feel will be of real interest to you. wonderful species in dramatic free this guide to benefi t from special offers at many – Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, Owls, and Burren Gold Cheese! You may even be flight set against the Burren landscape. attractions along the way. Vultures. The expert bird handlers lucky enough to see the cheese maker a c Gauge your time, as you can be certain there will are always available to help you at work. be some attractions and heritage towns along your The Burren in North Clare is also the We also encourage you to divert sometimes from understand these amazing Raptors and route that will take an hour or two to experience. your tour to explore the hidden Ireland. You just birthplace of the Award Winning Entrance fees: Joint Tickets: d e let you know about all the conservation never know what you will fi nd. Adult €18; Senior/Student €15; programmes that are ongoing both Open year round: Daily: Mar-Jun, f g Child €10; Family (2A+2C) €44. Sept, Oct 10.00-17.30; Jul & Aug Tel: +353 (0)65 707 7036 ‘Cave Only’ tickets available. enjoy your touring 10.00-18.30. Check website for other Email: [email protected] dates. Closed Dec 24-26, Jan 1. www.aillweecave.ie 2 For great deals to Ireland’s AIRFIELD ESTATE very best attractions, buy your Overend Way, tickets instantly online at Dundrum, Dublin 14 20% OFF Best Sat Nav: 53.2879, -6.2351 ADMISSION TopAttractionsIreland.com
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