Bunratty Castle & Folk Park provides a glimpse of Ireland’s past. Bunratty Castle itself is an authentic 15th century medieval fortress: it was built in 1425 and restored in the mid-20th century to its former glory. It now contains many 15th and 16th century tapestries, furnishings and other artefacts. Banquets are held year round. Bunratty Folk Park explores typical 19th Read more…

Established in 1830, this is the third-oldest zoo in the world (after London and Paris), nestled in the midst of the city’s largest playground, the Phoenix Park, about 3km (2M) west of the city centre. This 12-hectare (30 acre) zoo provides a naturally landscaped habitat for more than 235 species of wild animals and tropical birds. Highlights for youngsters include Read more…

This geological phenomenon renowned for its columns of layered basalt is a world heritage site and a fabulous day visit from Belfast (1 and a half hours drive). Owned by the conservation charity The National Trust, it sits in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the North Antrim Coast. Facilities include a tea room, gift shop and an interpretive Read more…

“The Glen of the Two Lakes” – A must in any visitor’s itinerary. This early Christian settlement, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, in this beautiful valley is one of the most important of such sites in Ireland. In spite of raids by the Vikings and centuries of neglect, the monastery, with its simple and austere buildings (notably Read more…

Ireland’s No 1 Visitor Attraction – The Home, Heart and Soul of Guinness® A visit to the magical home of Guinness is a must on any tour of Dublin. Guinness Storehouse is Ireland’s top visitor attraction located in the heart of the Guinness Brewery at St James’s Gate. Housed in an old fermentation plant, now the seven-storey visitor experience tells Read more…