Ireland, it is often said, is shaped like a saucer, with hills round the rim and a flat plain in the centre. As a generalisation this is true, but there are enough hills to make it worth while for the walker to visit the Central Plain.
Right in the middle are the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The wooded valleys are the most interesting parts of the Slieve Blooms, and you can visit them all by following the waymarked Slieve Bloom Way (70 Kilometres ). There are other hills to break up the plain. Towards Limerick are Keeper Hill, the Slieve Felim, and Silvermines Mountain (no silver there now!) which offer pleasant walking among unfrequented hills and valleys. (The area is served by the Slieve Felim Way).
Overlooking the lakes and fields of Counties Leitrim and Roscommon are the Curlew and Bricklieve Mountains, and further north between County Cavan and Northern Ireland is the great mass of Cuilcagh. These counties are well served by Waymarked Ways - the Cavan Way, the Leitrim Way and the Minters' Way and Heritage Train.
There are plenty more Waymarked Ways in the Centre - the towpaths of the Grand and Royal Canals joining the Irish Sea to the Shannon; The Suck Valley Way spanning this tributary of the Shannon; and the Lough Derg Way on the eastern shore of this large lake of the lower Shannon.
Belturbet, one of Cavan's most attractive and historic towns on the River Erne, is the scene of an exciting new heritage tourism project. The old GNR cutstone railway station, built in 1885 has been fully restored and now houses an interesting exhibition telling the story of the railway age here, and a fascinating collection of railway memorabilia. Old rolling stock is currently being restored and will be on view to visitors. An audio visual show has also been added. Other facilities include conference facilities and self-catering accommodation.
Cavan County Museum
Ballyjamesduff
Cavan County Museum, a magnificent 19th Century building, which is beautifully situated amid extensive grounds nestling among the east Cavan lakes and drumlins, is an ideal starting point for a relaxing family day out. A tour of the Museum through its elegant exhibition galleries provides an insight into the heritage of Cavan from antiquity to recent times. Thoughtfully designed exhibition galleries trace the history and heritage of Cavan from prehistoric and pre-Christian times, right down to rural life as it was in the 1950's. Rare and precious artifacts on display include the 4000 year old Killycluggin stone and three-faced Corleck Head. Also on display are the 1000 year old Lough Errol Log Boat, medieval Sheela-na-gigs, the 18th Century Cavan Mace, implements and machinery used by our ancestors, as well as interesting costume and sports galleries.
Cavan Crystal
Cavan Town
An awareness and understanding of Heritage is the main focus of Cavan Crystal. It provides a window to the world of the contemporary craftsmen of Cavan Crystal and their predecessors. A two year development programme, which began in April 1999, has given this center an unprecedented opportunity to offer the modern-day visitor the best of Ireland. We offer comfy sofas to relax, open fires to comfort and the delights of new and innovative Crystal designs. Our Master Engraver is on hand to personalize any piece and we offer a worldwide shipping service. Our Craft and Design Center hosts an array of products from both new and well established artists. Many pieces are one-offs and exclusive to Cavan Crystal Design Center. After browsing you can linger by the open fire in our restaurant where your senses can succumb to any array of the finest, fresh home-made food. The ambiance, the service, the food, in short - the experience cannot be revelled.
Castletown is the largest and most significant Palladian style country house in Ireland. Built c. 1722 for the speaker of the Irish House of Commons, William Conolly (1662-1729) the designs of a number of important architects were used, notably Alessandro Galilei, Sir Edward Lovett Pearce and later Sir William Chambers. The entire estate was sold by the Conolly-Carew family 1965 to a property developer and in 1967 the house and some parkland were purchased by the Hon. Desmond Guinness. Both Mr. Guinness and subsequently the Castletown Foundation, who acquired the house in 1979, devoted considerable effort and resources to maintaining the house and restoring the principal rooms to a high standard. Castletown was transferred to State car on January 1st 1994. Ask the guide on site about discounts to other non-Duchas sites in the area. Restricted access for visitors with disabilities.
Grange Castle & Gardens
Grange
Grange Castle, close to the source of the Boyne, is a fine example of a small, late 15th century tower house, which has been restored by Duchas. The Heritage Service. The Castle was embellished in the first half of the 17th century with ornamental battlements and Jacobean chimneys. It is adjoined by a Georgian Cottage and it is the focal point of a complex of walled enclosures, including an historic Walled Garden (the restoration of which was also financed by Duchas) and a Labyrinth. The entire site is comprised of seven acres, with parklands, walkways, stately oak trees and old-fashioned shrubs and wild flowers. Grange is situated in the Barony of Carbury in North West Kildare, about 4 miles from Edenderry, Co. Offaly.
Irish National Stud, Japanese Gardens & St. Fiachra's Garden
Kildare Town
One visit - three different worlds - situated 1 hour from Dublin off the N7. The 1000 acre Farm at Tully has been in use as a Stud Farm since 1900 when it was owned by Col. William Hall-Walker. It is home to some of Ireland's finest thoroughbreds. There's a Horse Museum tracing the history of the horse in Ireland using artifacts, illustrations and text, and the Skeleton of the legendary steeplechaser 'Arkle'.
The Japanese Gardens are situated in the grounds of the Stud Farm and were created between 1906-1910. They are planned to symbolize the "Life of Man" from the cradle to the grave.
St. Fiachra's Garden was designed as a Millennium Project and seeks to capture the power of the Irish landscape in its rawest state, that of rock and water. It has almost 4 acres of woodland and lakeside walks.
Kildare Town Heritage Center
Kildare Town
Kildare Town Heritage Center is an exciting new visitor attraction located in the center of Kildare Town. Situated in the restored 17th century market house is a multi-media exhibition telling the story of Kildare past and present. You host Cogitosus, a 7th century monk, will take you on a fascinating journey through time - an audio visual presentation of the town from when St. Brigid established her church in 480 AD, to later centuries when Kildare was raided by Vikings and ruled by Normans. In medieval times it had abbeys of Franciscans and Carmelites. Its citizens experienced the 1798 rebellion. Kildare gradually developed into a market town and modern town while still preserving the outline of its street patterns, Round Town and Cathedral, which entices the visitor to explore the various sites of interest throughout Kildare.
Maynooth Castle
Maynooth
This great stone castle was founded in the early 13th century and became the principal residence of the Kildare branch of the Geraldines. The Kildare FitzGeralds extended their land holdings and influence, emerging as one of the most powerful families in Ireland with Maynooth Castle being one of the largest and richest Earl's houses. Garret Mor, known as the Great Earl of Kildare, governed Ireland in the name of the King of England from 1487-1513 and under his son, Garret Og the 9th Earl, the Castle became the center of political power and culture. The original Keep, constructed c. 1203, was one of the largest of its kind in Ireland. Early in the 17th century the castle was remodeled and the main focus of the Castle shifted from the original Keep to the buildings in the east of the grounds. It was vested in the State in 1991 and a programme of restoration commenced in 2000.
The Steam Museum
Straffan
The Steam Museum Building revives to use the magnificent Gothic pitch pine roof, stone window tracery and architectural features of the GS & WR Medieval Revival Church of ST. Jude, moved from Inchicore, Dublin. The power Hall exhibits unique, stationary Steam Engines from the 1830's. Now saved from destruction and fully restored to working order, they turn under steam and once powered the Industrial Revolution. The Model Hall displays the Richard Guinness Collection of Inventors and early large size Prototype Railway Models. Transatlantic Cable Memorabilia. Interactive area. Shop and Teahouse.
Emo Court was designed by the architect James Gandon in 1790 for the Earls of Portarlington and is a magnificent example of the neo-classical style. During the middle of this century it was owned by the jesuits, it was then acquired and extensively restored by Mr. Cholmeley-Harrison in the 1960's. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland which were first laid out in the 18th century and contain formal lawns, a lake and woodland walks with many very fine trees and shrubs. The house and garden were taken into state ownership in 1994. Restricted access for visitors with disabilities.
Heywood Gardens
Ballinakill
Completed in 1912, the property consists of gardens, lakes, woodland and architectural features. It was transferred to State ownership in November 993 from the Salesian fathers who had taken care of it since 1941. The formal garde4ns form the center-piece of the property and were designed by the famous architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) and probably landscaped by Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932). It is one of four gardens in this country designed by him, the others being at the War Memorial Gardens, Lambay Island and Howth Castle. The gardens are composed of four elements linked by a terrace that ran along the front of the house which now no longer exists. Limited access for visitors with disabilities.
An old schoolhouse built in 1898 is the location of the Ardagh Heritage Center. It houses an exciting exhibition which outlines the history of this exquisite village. The story of Ardagh is one of history, literature and storytelling. This exhibition draws on the rich fabric of Ardagh life down through the ages, from the roots of the village in Irish mythology, to its development as an important early church and its emergence as a model estate village. Over the years, Ardagh has played host to writers and musicians such as Oliver Goldsmith, Sir Walter Scott, Turlough Carolan and Maria Edgeworth. Now, as one of Ireland's tidiest villages, Ardagh presents its history and bids welcome to an ever larger public.
Carrigglas Manor
Carrigglas
This romantic Gothic Revival house was built by Daniel Robertson in 1837 for Thomas Lefroy, youthful inamorato of Jane Austen and later Lord Chief Justice of Ireland and is still occupied by the family. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour, often given by a family member showing the beautifully restored interiors. The magnificent Palladian stableyard designed by James Gandon houses a fascinating costume and lace museum, gift shop and tea room. There is a charming William Robinson inspired woodland garden, best before the end of July.
Corlea Trackway Visitor Center
Kenagh
The center interprets an Iron Age bog road which was built in the year 148 BC across the boglands close to the River Shannon. The oak road is the largest of its kind to have been uncovered in Europe and was excavated over the years by Professor Barry Raftery of University College Dublin. Inside the building, an 18 meter stretch of preserved road is on permanent display in a specially designed hall with humidifiers to prevent the ancient wood from cracking in the heat. Bord na Mona and the Heritage Service have carried out conservation work on the surrounding bog to ensure that it remains wet and that the buried road is preserved. Ask the guide on site about discounts to other non-Duchas sites in the area. The center is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities.
Monaghan County Museum was established by Monaghan County Council in 1974 to collect, preserve and display the heritage of the County. Archaeology, Local History, Folk life, Crafts, Transport, Coinage and Industry are among the principal areas of interest. The unique 14th Century Cross of Clogher and the fine collection of early medieval crannog (lake dwelling) artifacts are among the best items in the Museum. Acquisition of paintings and drawings forms part of a permanent art collection. IN 1980, Monaghan County Museum received a major international distinction, winning the Council of Europe Museum Prize. In 1993, it also won the Gulbenkian/Norwich Union Best Collections Care Award
Clones Round Tower, High Cross and Church
Clones
St. Tighernach founded the old monastery in the 6th century. The high cross probably stood near the Round Tower originally and was later moved to its present position in the Diamond. The cross (9th century?) is in two parts, which did not belong together originally. Further down the town is the graveyard with the Round Tower. The Round Tower is retained to a height of about 75 feet, and has a square headed door and windows. Nearby is a shrine in the shape of a house, with interesting finials, called St. Tighernach's Shrine. It is carved out of one stone. In a churchyard not far away is 'The Abbey' which is the 12th century nave of a nave and chancel church. It has a chancel arch and a round-headed window. In both of these graveyards there are a number of most individual 17th and 18th century gravestones, some giving an indication of the profession of the person buried beneath, others having skulls, crossbones, hour-glasses etc. On the northwestern side of the town is a motte and bailey reached by a tarred pathway.
St. Louis Convent Heritage Center
Sister Mona, Co. Monaghan
The St. Louis story is told in the framework of Irish, European and world history, but is particularly linked with Monaghan itself from post famine times.
Hilton Park
Hilton Park is a magnificent Italian mansion, situated in superb parklands. The house is famous for it's cooking, using the best of home grown produce. Managed by the madden family since 1734.The extensive gardens have been newly restored.
Iniskeen - Home Of Poet Patrick Kavanagh
Iniskeen
Although the village of Inniskeen is situated in County Monaghan Much of the surrounding countryside, of what has become known as Kavanagh Country, in honor of Patrick Kavanagh, celebrated Irish poet and native of Inniskeen, is located in County Louth. The village itself is on the county bounds south of the Dundalk to Castleblaney road and has Dundalk as its postal center. Inniskeen was part of the ancient Magh Muirthemtne and is the site of an early Celtic church foundation founded by St. Daig mac Carell in the 6th-7th century, the remains of which includes a round tower.
This museum houses an excellent exhibition of vintage post war and classic cars all in exceptional condition, also included in the display are vintage trucks, bikes, tractors and a unique collection of restored farm machinery, household and industrial utensils. Fascinating model rail and cable car display based on European cities. Coffee and souvenir shop, groups catered for.
Birr Castle Demesne
Birr
A magnificent setting for an abundance of rare and beautiful trees and shrubs. There is a landscaped park with sweeps of daffodils descending to the lake, waterfalls and riverside walks, formal gardens with urns and statues, hornbeam allees and a great box hedge, the tallest in the world. There is a superb specimen of Cupressus lusitanica grown from seed in 1837. Over 1000 different species of plants and shrubs are catalogued. At Birr Castle the visitor can also voyage with the inventors, thinkers and dreamers who went beyond the possible to push back the boundaries of discovery. Ireland's Historic Science Center, consists of a series of Galleries featuring the many pioneering achievements of the Parsons family and of other great Irish scientists in the fields of astronomy, photography, engineering and horticulture. The whole exhibit is explained in English, French and German and for those of other nationalities, any scientific principal is displayed in cartoon form with numerous illustrations so anyone can leave having learnt something new.
Clonmacnoise
Shannonbridge
Saint Ciaran founded an early Christian site, one of Ireland’s most famous monastic sites, in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th - 13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs. The original high crosses and grave slabs are on display the Visitor Center. There is an audio-visual show as well as a number of exhibitions. The center is accessible for visitors with disabilities .Groups must be pre-booked.
Clonmacnoise & West Offaly Bog Rail Tour
Shannonbridge
The Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway gives you a unique opportunity to enjoy a guided five and a half mile circular tour in a train coach which will give you an insight into the internationally important raised bog - The Blackwater Bog, Co. Offaly. 12,000 years ago the area of cutaway bog you will cross lay beneath a glacier; 3,000 years later there was a lake there and this developed slowly into a fen, and finally a bog. A few hundred years from now it will all be field and woodland. The landscape never stands still. Your journey across this desert of modern cutaway is like a journey through time, and will be a memorable exploration of its long and fascinating history. Embarking at the Bord Na Mona Blackwater Works near Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly, visitors are guided through a section of the Bog of Allen, which stretches across 6,500 acres of Ireland's Central Plain. Every comfort is provided while touring on the Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway's 50 seater, totally enclosed carriage, purpose built in 1990 to incorporate optimal viewing areas and an elaborate public address system, air-conditioning and toilet facilities on - board. Traveling at a leisurely pace along the bog's extensive three-foot narrow gauge railway network, normally used for the transportation of peat, passengers are afforded the exciting opportunity to discover many aspects of the unexplored world of Ireland's peatlands en route.
Tullamore Dew Heritage Center
Tullamore
The Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre, housed in the 1897 Bonded Warehouse, relates the story of Tullamore Dew Whiskey/Irish Mist liqueur and the development of the town. Visitors can wander through the various recreated working stations that were at the distillery such as malting, bottling or cooperage areas and learn how the whiskey was made. Throughout the tour visitors can interact with the artefacts, admire bees collecting honey for the production of Irish Mist, try out outfits worn on canal barges in the 1850's and learn about the history of Tullamore Town. Audio Visual presentation. Guided and self-guided tours. Complimentary tasting of Tullamore Dew Whiskey or Irish Mist liqueur. Facilities: Coffee shop/Bar/Tourist office for the county/Gift shop.
A fertile land that has held sway in the imagination for thousands of years. A place of mystery and legend. Home of Medb, Earth Goddess and Warrior Queen. Burial Ground of Kings. Entrance to the Otherworld. A landscape rediscovered through science. In the heartland of Connacht, a forgotten landscape is being brought to light in the award-winning Cruachan Ai Visitor Center. Cruachan is one of the most important and best preserved Celtic Royal Sites in Europe, and the medieval village of Tulsk, Co. Roscommon is the setting for the new center. An amazing array of archaeological remains are located within a four mile radius of the center, dating from the Stone Age to the historic period, and these are interpreted in our bright, modern exhibition rooms, using the latest DVD technology. The central focus is Rathcroghan Mound, now established as a ceremonial mound associated with pre-Christian ritual. Most of the important sites date from the Late Bronze Age and the Iron Age. The legendary Cruachan was a Royal Palace, home of Medb (Maeve) 'the drunken one', Warrior Queen and Earth Goddess. Fierce and proud, she was responsible for launching the famed cattle raid of Cooley, as recounted in one of the greatest works of early Irish literature, the 'Tain Bo Cuailnge'.
King House
Boyle
King House is a magnificently restored Georgian Mansion built around 1730 by Sir Henry King. From the outside the House has an austere appearance. Inside, the grand scale of the reception gallery, its original stone floor, tripartite windows and high vaulted ceiling portray the impression that the house was built as a symbol of the status, wealth and power of the King family. After its first life as a home, King House became a military barracks to the famous Connaught Rangers Regiment from 1788 until 1922. In more recent years King House has been a barracks for the Irish Army. Today visitors can explore the house and enjoy a range of exhibitions that offer an enchanting view of Ireland's heritage and culture. The exhibitions portray the world of Gaelic Ireland, the dramatic episodes in the lives of the King family, the architecture, construction and restoration of the House and the military history associated with the building. However you like you history, come to King House and you will definitely be looking forward to looking back.
Lough Key Forest Park
Boyle
Located in a scenic and historical area of Roscommon, Lough Key consists of approximately 350 hectares. It comprises of forested areas and open parkland. Some of the features include tunnels, a viewing tower, ice-house, Bog Garden and gazebo. There are approximately 10 kms of forest walks which take you through magnificent lake shore, canal banks and trees. The forest park offers a haven of tranquility in peaceful surroundings in an area of great natural beauty.
Strokestown Park
Strokestown
Strokestown House is an eighteenth century palladian mansion, home of the Packenham Mahon family from 1653 until 1979. The House is unique in that it retains all of its original furnishings and can be seen by guided tour. The Famine Museum is located in the stable yards of Strokestown Park. When what remained of the original property was purchased, an archive of papers relating to the management of the estate during the 1840's came to light. This collection is now regarded as the single best, private archive on the Great Irish Famine in the world. By the early 1840's, a majority of the 12,000 tenants lived in poverty. When faced with bankruptcy, the landlord, Major Denis Mahon, employed a land agent to manage his affairs. The agent recommended that two thirds of the population be cleared through eviction and assisted-emigration to Canada. By late 1847, Major Mahon was the subject of much criticism because of his policies and on 2nd November 1847 he was assassinated. The six-acre Walled Gardens have been faithfully restored to their original splendor. One is given an insight into horticultural practices and garden architecture from the 1740's to the present day. The Georgian peach house and vinery date back to the 1780's and exceptional views of the estate and gardens are obtained through two splendid tripartite Venetian windows in the Georgian Gazebo house. The herbaceous border has been entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the longest herbaceous border in Ireland and Britain.
This Norman Castle dominates the town center and commands the traditional gateway to the West of Ireland. Feature exhibitions and audio visual presentations on the siege of Athlone, Count John McCormack, River Shannon wildlife and history with folk and military museums. Tearooms and a Tourist Information Office on location.
Belvedere House, Gardens and Park
Mullingar
Belvedere is a superb 160-acre estate on the shores of Lough Ennell. This 18th Century Hunting Lodge, walled garden and landscaped park have been restored to its former glory through a multi-million euro investment by Westmeath County Council and Bord Failte. The restored Stables now has exhibits that tell the story of how Belvedere was developed, the evocative 18th century story of the Wicked Earl and the Mary Molesworth scandal, the history of the estate and its restoration. The House itself, restored and refurbished, tells the history of Richard Castles the architect and also provides an insight into the "upstairs-downstairs" life in this house. There are 6km of trails and a walled garden with a selection of rare flora. The elegance of a formal garden with carefully selected plants, contrasts the visitor's enjoyment. The gardens and demesne have been restored with the assistance of an ERDF grant through the Great Gardens of Ireland Restoration Program administered by Bord Failte.
Tullynally Castle & Gardens
Castlepollard
Tullynally has been owned by the Pakenhams, later Earls of Longford, since the 17th century. The original house was remodeled by the 2nd Earl as a huge rambling Gothic revival castle in the early 1800's, now one of the largest in Ireland to survive as a family home. Terraced lawns around the castle overlook superb 18th century parkland. The adjoining woodland gardens and walled gardens date largely from the same period and encompass a grotto of eroded limestone from nearby Lough Derravaragh and two ornamental lakes. The present owners have added a Chinese garden, complete with pagoda and a Tibetan garden of waterfalls and streams; and a local sculptor has made fantastic woodcarvings in existing roots and trees. The walled gardens have extensive flower borders and magnificent avenue of 200 year old Irish yews. A woodland walk leads to the lower lake past plantings of giant lilies, camellias and rhododendrons, many of them collected as seed by the owner, Thomas Pakenham.
National Photographic Archive
Temple Bar
The National Photographic Archive was opened in October 1998 and houses the National Library of Ireland's photographic collection, which comprises approximately 300,000 photographs. While most of the collections are historical there are some contemporary collections. Subject matter ranges from topographical views to studio portraits. There are also substantial numbers of loose prints and various smaller collections, which include particularly good coverage of events during 1916, the War of Independence and the Civil War. The new building incorporates a substantial storage area, which is controlled by an air plant system, together with a Reading Room, an Exhibition area and a small shop. The National Photographic Archive runs a regular series of exhibitions based on the collections. Access for visitors with disabilities.
