Travel through time visiting Irelands Treasures!
Here is a recommended selection of sights spanning Irelands main historical periods. Visiting the listed places is the nearest thing to travelling in a time machine in Ireland!
A Luxury Private tour of Ireland with your own chauffeur guide is a great way to see the best of Ireland in comfort.
Prehistoric Age - Newgrange, Co. Meath
Newgrange is the largest intact prehistoric building in the world, the worlds oldest solar observatory and a UNESCO world heritage site. Get there early to avoid the crowds in peak season. For more information read our blog article on Newgrange and the Boyne Valley Tombs.
Bronze Age - Craggaunowen, Co.Clare
This recreation of a Crannog fort and ringfort is a realistic look at how the ancient Irish lived. See a ‘fulacht fia’ an ancient way of cooking .The defensive crannog is an artificial island settlement which had a hidden pathway in the water. The ring fort or ‘fairy fort’ features an underground passage way which could be used as means of escape against attack. See also a replica of the skin hide boat in which St .Brendan reputedly discovered America, long before Columbus! Still not impressed? There is also a genuine 15th century castle next to the Crannog!
Iron Age - Dun Aongasa, Aran Islands, Galway
This iron age fort still defies understanding, its semi circular ruins sit ponderously at the edge of a cliff! See its ' Cheavaux de frise ' defences and enjoy expansive views of the wild Atlantic. Dun Aongas is one of the many bronze age, early christian and iron age forts monuments waiting to be explored on this windswept Gaeilc speaking island at the edge of Europe.
Early Christian Ireland - Rock of Cashel, Co.Tipperary
This impressive 'rock' overlooking the fertile Tipperary plains features examples of Irish building prowess right through Irelands turbulent history. It was a major seat of royal and religious power until a siege in 1647 which resulted in all its 3,000 inhabitants being slaughtered. Check out 'Cormacs chapel ' a great example of Romanesque architecture. Also see the intact round tower and the splendid gothic cathedral.
Viking Age – 'Dublinia' exhibition and Christ Church Cathedral. Dublin
See what life was like in Viking age Dublin when it was a slave port for these intrepid marauders! The interactive exhibition has recreated part of Dublin and depicts the story of the Vikings and Norse settlers who established the adjacent Christ Church Cathedral under the magical name of King Sitric Silkenbeard!
Norman period - Trim Castle , Co. Meath
This is the finest Norman castle in Ireland and one of the largest in Europe, situated strategically by the sweeping River Boyne. It is remarkably well preserved even after attacks from local chieftain Rory O ' Connor and later by the infamous Oliver Cromwell. For movie buffs ‘Braveheart’ with Mel Gibson was filmed here.
Medieval Period - Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Co.Clare
This is a serious castle! It was originally built by the MacNamaras in the 15th century. Be sure to check out the dungeon which was a one way trip back in the day! See where the Lords would entertain with classic Irish hospitality and grand banquets. The mighty O' Brien clan who resided here later relocated to the plush Dromoland Castle. (Due to Bunratty Castle being too draughty, allegedly!) Also check out the recreated rural Folk Park showing Irish village life as it was complete with old school pub, shops and farm cottages.
British Rule - Charles Fort , Kinsale , Co.Cork.
A conquering empire needed defending and Charles fort is the finest example of a star shaped fort in Europe. This impressive military fortification was built after the famous 'Battle of Kinsale' . This imposing edifice even has its own ghost, the “White lady" who haunts the battlements which overlook the beautiful harbour town of Kinsale.
Anglo-Irish Mansions - Powerscourt house, Co.Wicklow
A combination of Irish and British skills and labour built these pallatial houses of the elite. Grand houses such as Russborough, Castletown and Powerscourt were symbols of domination and grandeur. One of the finest examples is Powerscourt . It nestles at the foot of the scenic Sugarloaf mountain and is complete with manicured gardens and fountains ; a beautiful blend of nature and architecture. If time allows visit the monastery of St. Kevin in the valley of Glendalough nearby.
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