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Emerald Isle Itineraries, Clare (2024)

18/05/2021

Glamping on The Aran Islands, Co. Galway.

Aran Islands Camping and Glamping is situated on Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands in the mouth of Galway Bay, on the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland.

The Aran Islands are renowned for their stunning beauty and slower pace of life. For anyone looking for a place to get away from it all, it’s hard to think of somewhere better! Wild, untamed cliffs, jaw dropping landscapes, sweeping views, and local traditions and heritage that go back thousands of years are just some of the attractions.

06/05/2021

Visit one of Ireland’s premier visitor attractions, the 15th Century Bunratty Castle with evening Medieval banquets and entertainment, folk park and village street.

Bunratty castle built in 1425, was restored in 1954 to its former Medieval splendour and houses the Bunratty Collection, 450 pieces of Medieval furniture and artifacts. At nighttime, the castle is the impressive setting for its popular Medieval banquets, held year round.

The site on which Bunratty Castle stands was in origin a Viking trading camp in 970. The present structure is the last of four castles to be built on the site. Robert De Muscegros, a Norman, built the first defensive fortress (an earthen mound with a strong wooden tower on top) in 1250. At this time Bunratty became a large town and had a populations of about 1,000.
Today, the castle stands peacefully in delightful grounds.
Within the grounds is the folk park, where 19th Century life is vividly recreated. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings, including a schoolhouse, post office and doctor's house in a living village setting. Bunratty Folk Park also includes Ardcroney Church, a former Church of Ireland building which was painstakingly moved, stone by stone, from County Tipperary, to Bunratty.
Another reconstructed feature is Hazelbrook House, (rebuilt in the folk park in 2001) which was the family home of the Hughes Brothers. They produced HB ice cream, which became an Irish household name and visitors to Hazelbrook House will learn about ice cream making, from farm dairy to the modern day production plant.
During the summer months, meet folk park characters such as the 'Bean An Tí' (woman of the house), schoolteacher and policeman as they go about their daily lives. As the Bean An Tí is often found baking brown bread, porter cake, apple tart and griddle bread, you may be able to sample some delicious home baking.
Bunratty Castle is famous for its wonderful Castle Banquet. Why not book your seat at this wonderful banquet and enjoy a delightful evening of food , music song and dance.

05/05/2021

Discover fun family activities at Birr Castle Demesne and Gardens. Explore the glorious gardens, and stop off at the Historic Science Centre to see the incredible Great Telescope.
Explore Birr Castle Demesne, it's the home of the Parsons family descended from the Earl of Rosse. See the stunning gardens with roses, wisteria, magnolias and towering box hedges. Bask in spectacular views of the castle from the outdoor terraces and check out the water features with a lake, waterfall and rivers dotted throughout the grounds.
Visit the Historic Science Centre and view the Great Telescope, built by the Third Earl of Rosse and still functioning today. When completed in 1845, the Birr Castle Great Telescope was the largest telescope on earth, capable of seeing further into space than any telescope had done before.
The Castle tour includes a one hour guided tour of the reception rooms of Birr Castle with access to the Science Centre, the Great Telescope and the gardens.

04/05/2021

Explore historic Westport House one of County Mayo's best-loved attractions with beautiful parklands, lakes and the family favourite Pirate Adventure Park.
The fascinating history of Westport House goes back to the 1500s when the famous Pirate Queen of Connaught, Grace O'Malley, built one of her castles here. Just outside of the pretty heritage town of Westport, the current house – built in 1730 has lots of artefacts, artwork and treasures.
Learn all about the history of the house through 30 stunning rooms and six permanent exhibitions and don't forget to visit the dark dungeons where Grace O'Malley once kept her prisoners. After soaking up the beautiful interiors, stroll around the impressive gardens and enjoy the riverside walk, Spanish Armada Cannons or the Famine pots.
The Pirate Adventure Park has lots of rides, slides, and boats. Go for a paddle on the giant swan pedal boats on the lake or take a turn on the bouncy castle or go-karting.

01/05/2021

Delphi Adventure Centre is a 300 – acre adventure resort with a stunning four star hotel, award-winning Spa with a conference centre. Set in the breathtaking Delphi Valley, Leenane, Co Galway on the Wild Atlantic Way, Green Way and Blue Way. Delphi Resort provides indoor and outdoor adventure activities for corporate organisations, elite sports teams and individuals seeking adventure, relaxation in the most awe inspiring scenery in the world.
Delphi Adventure Centre is a truly unique place where you can completely escape, unwind, contemplate, be inspired, rebalanced and be challenged all while enjoying the great outdoors. From adrenaline fueled thrills and wild adventure to creative activities with a relaxing spa treatments Delphi Adventure resort has something to suit all ages, interests, abilities and skill levels whatever the weather.

30/04/2021

Ideally located midway between Dublin and Belfast, Carlingford Adventure Centre is only a short drive from Dundalk.
There are over 20 great activities here in three different zones - on the ground, on the water and in the air. Try your hand at canoeing, kayaking, water trampolines, rock climbing, abseiling, archery, laser quest, the Crystal Maze challenge, the high ropes course and much more.
Come as a family and create some amazing memories canoeing on Carlingford Lough at the base of stunning mountains or flying through Skypark.

29/04/2021

Lough Key Forest and Activity Park is located in Boyle, County Roscommon with its spectacular views, abundant wildlife, historic buildings and evocative islands. Choose from gentle leisurely activities or more energetic pursuits.
Discover one of Ireland's most extensive and picturesque forest parks. Enjoy the scenic nature walks, beautiful bog garden, enchanting wishing chair, magical underground tunnels, ice house and epic views from the observation tower.
Wander along the tree canopy trail or get a team together for the Boda Borg Challenge. Bring the kids to the adventure play kingdom and explore the grounds with glorious woodland, a pretty lake and several islands. Go on a guided history tour, try the thrilling zipline, and drop by the Visitor Centre, the gateway to the parklands and forest.
Hire a boat and experience Lough Key, one of the most beautiful lakes in Ireland. It's navigable from the Shannon via the Boyle River and the Lough Key jetty harbours many pleasure cruisers.

28/04/2021

Clara Lara Fun Park is Ireland’s most outstanding fun park. It is situated in Rathdrum, County Wicklow.

In spectacular surroundings of oak trees and water of Clara Lara Fun Park, are assault courses, water slides, boating lakes, kiddie-karts, tree houses and woodland playgrounds. Have a go on the breathtaking aqua shuttle, the biggest water slide in Ireland. Children can sail away to wherever they fancy on the pirate galleon.
For the less energetic there are riverside picnic areas and barbecues, mini golf and miles of hill walking through the spectacular countryside. There is also a junior playground.

27/04/2021

Just 30 minutes from Dublin City, Tayto Park is Ireland’s only theme park. Young and old can enjoy this popular attraction which has a zoo, zipline and Europe’s largest wooden rollercoaster. See Amur tigers, meerkats, and buffalos up close or hop on the coaster for a thrilling day out with the kids. Between the zoo and the rides, Tayto Park is fun for all ages.

21/04/2021

Midway between Irelands capital city of Dublin and the traditionally Irish Galway City, stands the oldest licensed distillery in the country. In a warehouse of wooden casks, the golden spirits ages and transforms, just as it has for over two and half centuries.

However, the Kilbeggan Distillery was nearly lost. After a period of financial hardship it stopped production in 1954 and closed in 1957. Slowly, the building began to fall apart. It wasn’t until 1982 that the local community galvanized around the distillery, repaired the buildings and reopened it as a distillery museum. In 2007 the distillery began making whiskey again.

Much of the old building and equipment has been transformed into a museum, although a small copper pot still, manufactured in the early 1800s, is still continuously used and maintained. It is the oldest working pot still in the world. Other items seen on the tour are large mash tuns, grain mill stones, and a functional, although not in use steam engine. A small section of the museum contains maps and tools illustrating the old way of life.
Snaking through the verdant landscape, the River Brosna supplies the water used in the whiskey making process. The iconic waterwheel, laden with moss, churns tirelessly (and without purpose) though it once powered the whole operation.
According to local legend, alcohol isn’t only spirit dwelling within the distillery’s cool stone walls. A spiritual medium was brought in and reported that the original founder, former proprietor, and final owner were all still hanging around and were pleased that the distillery had once again begun making whiskey.

20/04/2021

Fota Wildlife Park, part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, is located on 100 acres at Fota Island 10km east of Cork City and has an annual attendance of 440,000 visitors. It is currently the second largest visitor attraction in Ireland outside of Leinster.

Fota Wildlife Park’s vision is to inspire people to understand and conserve the biodiversity of our natural world. The Park’s core values of conservation, education, research and entertainment have ensured that they are uniquely placed to foster greater public understanding of the threats to plant and animal habitats and decreasing global biodiversity.

Fota Wildlife Park has made considerable investment in the past 5 years upgrading its infrastructure and is currently near completion of an additional 27 acres development that focuses on Asian animals and plants.

19/04/2021

This legendary ship was built in Belfast, and the city is home to the world’s most substantial Titanic visitor experience!
Since opening its doors in 2012, the museum has won awards of excellence as one of the world’s top tourist attractions.
Self-guided tours offer you the opportunity to learn all about the famous ship, the people who built it, and the people who were on board its maiden voyage.
After you visit the building, be sure to pop in next door to the Titanic Hotel for a drink and bite to eat in the room where the ship was designed!

15/04/2021

The Irish National Stud’s Japanese Gardens, renowned throughout the world and the finest of their kind in Europe, are far more than simply a treat for the eye. They also provide comfort to the soul, achieving exactly the objective that was set out when the gardens were created between 1906 and 1910.
Devised by Colonel William Hall Walker, a wealthy Scotsman from a famous brewing family, the gardens were laid out by Japanese master horticulturist Tassa Eida and his son Minoru. Their aim was, through trees, plants, flowers, lawns, rocks and water, to symbolise the ‘Life of Man’. That plan was executed to perfection and Eida’s legacy is now admired by the 120,000 visitors who soak up the peace of the gardens every year.

14/04/2021

Temple Bar is a busy riverside neighbourhood, spread over cobbled pedestrian lanes. Crowded pubs host live folk music and DJ sets, and diners can enjoy restaurants serving Asian, American and Irish cuisine. Quirky boutiques stock clothes and crafts by local designers. The National Photographic Archive highlights Ireland’s past, while the Project Arts Centre and Temple Bar Gallery & Studios shows contemporary art.

The Temple Bar Pub is home to the largest whiskey collection in Ireland and offers traditional Irish music sessions daily.

13/04/2021

Established in 900 AD, Sean’s Bar is a quintessential Irish public house, which dates back to the Dark Ages.
Over one thousand years old, it has been certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the ‘Oldest Pub in Ireland.’
The bar also pushes the long-held claim of being the oldest in the world – something the owners, respected historians, and many Athlone locals believe to be true.

This recognised watering hole was constructed in the tenth-century by local innkeeper Luain Mac Luighdeach to capitalise on passing trade across the River Shannon (the longest river in Ireland). The settlement later built here was named in his honour: ‘Atha Luain’ or ‘Athlone.’

Despite multiple rebuilds, its popularity never wavered, and to this day Sean’s Bar continues to host visitors from across the globe – from those fascinated by its thousand-year-old history to those wishing to sink a pint in Ireland’s oldest bar.
The bar’s original features remain notable selling points: like the sloped floor designed to combat flood damage from River Shannon’s burst banks. The method of covering the floor with sawdust to soak up water remnants continues today.

Further favoured features include the old bar, open turf fireplace, and ancient artefacts, which adorn walls since been analysed by the National Museum of Ireland and found to consist of wattle and daub (interwoven branches and horsehair covered in mud and clay).
Other archaeological evidence unearthed to suggest its age include antique coins (dubbed ‘tavern tokens’), some of which have been transferred to the museum whilst others remain on display within the pub.

With a worldwide reputation, its clientele consists of many famous faces including U2, John C. Reilly, Martin Sheen, Freddie Mercury, Mia Farrow, and Boy George.

11/04/2021

Croagh Patrick, which overlooks Clew Bay in County Mayo, is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland.

The tradition of pilgrimage to this holy mountain stretches back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day without interruption. Its religious significance dates back to the time of the pagans, when people are thought to have gathered here to celebrate the beginning of harvest season.

Each year, The Reek, as it is colloquially known, attracts about 1 million pilgrims. On 'Reek Sunday', the last Sunday in July, over 25,000 pilgrims visit the Reek. At the top, there is a modern chapel where mass is celebrated and confessions are heard. Individuals and groups come from all over the world and include pilgrims, hill climbers, historians, archaeologists and nature lovers.

Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from the picturesque town of Westport and its conical shape soars majestically above the surrounding countryside.

Magnificent views of Clew Bay and the surrounding south Mayo countryside are spectacular from all stages of the ascent of the mountain. It is one of the highest peaks in the West of Ireland. It rises 750 metres (2,500 feet) into the sky above County Mayo.

10/04/2021

For an unforgettable culinary experience, there is no better way to spend an afternoon in Galway than with Galway Food Tours.

Cycle and eat your way around the City.

As you explore the streets and waterways of Galway, you’ll discover some interesting facts and fables from your informative tour guide. This popular tour will delight and entertain you.

Following a breathtaking cycle, you will be stopping in the city centre to explore and discover some of Galway's hidden food gems. Galway Food Tours is a two hour culinary walking tour of Galway. It gives a great overview of Galway's passionate people and beautiful produce which combine to make Galway one of Ireland’s gourmet jewels. During the tour you will meet artisan producers and sample their products with an experienced guide, giving you insights to local favourites and treasured ingredients.

09/04/2021

📍 𝐺𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑎𝑔ℎ 𝑁𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑘, 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑦 𝐷𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑙

Glenveagh National Park is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enchanted native oak woodland in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north west of County Donegal.

At the centre of the Park on the edge of Lough Veagh is Glenveagh Castle, a late 19th century castellated mansion, built as a hunting lodge.

08/04/2021

The monastery of Clonmacnoise (Cluain Mhic Nóis in Irish, meaning Meadow of the Sons of Nós) is situated in County Offaly, Ireland on the River Shannon south of Athlone. It was visited by the Pope in 1979. The site can be visited for a fee, via an Interpretative Centre.

Clonmacnoise was founded in 545 by Saint Ciarán in the territory of Ui Maine at the point where the major east-west land route through the bogs of central Ireland along the Eiscir Riada, an esker or moraine left by the receding glaciers of the last ice age crossed the River Shannon. Saint Ciarán had been educated by St. Finnian of Clonard and also by Abbot St. Enda of Aran.

Shortly after his arrival with eight companions, Ciarán met Diarmait mac Cerbaill who helped him build the first church — a small wooden structure and the first of many small churches to be clustered on the site. Diarmuid was to claim the title of the first Christian High King of Ireland. Ciaran died about one year later of the yellow plague and was buried reputedly in the building now known as Temple Ciaran; he was in his early thirties.

The strategic location of the monastery helped it become a major centre of religion, learning, craftsmanship and trade by the 9th century and together with Clonard it was the most famous in Ireland, being visited by scholars from all over Europe. Until the 9th century it had close associations with the kings of Connacht and then until the 11th century it was alliance with the kings of Mide. Many of the high kings of Tara and Connacht were buried here. It was attacked frequently, by the Vikings, Anglo-Normans and other Irish forces.

07/04/2021

Visit the Boyne Valley Visitor Centre to learn about the burial tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, both of which are over 5,000 years old. Newgrange was constructed over 5,000 years ago (about 3,200 B.C.), making it older than Stonehenge in England and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Newgrange was built during the Neolithic Age by a farming community that prospered on the rich lands of the Boyne Valley. Knowth and Dowth are similar mounds that together with Newgrange have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Archaeologists classified Newgrange as a passage tomb, however, Newgrange is now recognised to be much more than a passage tomb. Ancient Temple is a more fitting classification, a place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance, much as present day cathedrals are places of prestige and worship where dignitaries may be laid to rest.

The Great Mound at Knowth is similar in size to Newgrange and is surrounded by 18 smaller satellite mounds.

06/04/2021

Sway with the wind as you cross and take in the stunning views along the Causeway Coastal Route, best known as an outstanding area of natural beauty in Northern Ireland.

Carrick-a-Rede one of Northern Ireland’s most loved attractions in Northern Ireland, cared for by the National Trust, a registered conservation charity founded to protect beautiful and special places for ever, for everyone.

Connected to the cliffs by a rope bridge across the Atlantic Ocean, Carrick-a-Rede Island (home to a single building - a fisherman's cottage) is the final destination. Suspended almost 100ft (30m) above sea level, the rope bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen 350 years ago.

Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is an exhilarating experience, high above the water and open to the elements. Thousands of people come every year to blow out the cobwebs, see beautiful coastal scenery, and spot rare wildlife.

05/04/2021

In the early dawn, set out to track the Wild Red Deer in its natural habitat of scenic mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands of Connemara on a Wild Red Deer Viewing Safari.

You will attempt to catch sighting of this majestic wild animal in its natural habitat. A spectacular way to capture the Connemara landscape on camera too!

Without a doubt, the most exciting time of year for deer watching is early to mid-October when the red deer start their courting actions, during the short period of time known as the ‘rut’. Hormonally charged males put on an impressive show as they fight to build their harem of females, and if you’re lucky you might see two red stags locked in an antler to antler battle! But if you are deer watching at this special time of year, you will almost certainly hear them barking or clashing antlers amongst the trees.

04/04/2021

For thousands of years people have been drawn to ‘the valley of the two lakes‘ for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.

Glendalough is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the 'Monastic City'.

03/04/2021

Kilmainham Gaol opened in 1796 as the new County Gaol for Dublin. It closed its doors in 1924.

Today the building symbolises the tradition of militant and constitutional nationalism from the rebellion of 1798 to the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848,1867 and 1916 were detained and in some cases executed here. Many members of the Irish Republican movement during the Anglo-Irish War (1919-21) were also detained in Kilmainham Gaol, guarded by British troops. Names such as Henry Joy McCracken, Robert Emmet, Anne Devlin, Charles Stewart Parnell and the leaders of 1916 will always be associated with the building. It should not be forgotten however that, as a county gaol, Kilmainham held thousands of ordinary men, women and children. Their crimes ranged from petty offences such as stealing food to more serious crimes such as murder or r**e. Convicts from many parts of Ireland were held here for long periods waiting to be transported to Australia.

Entrance to Kilmainham Gaol is by guided tour and is managed through timed tickets. Online booking is required.

02/04/2021

The English Market

Located in the heart of Cork City and with an eye-catching fountain at its center, this quirky roofed food market has been trading since 1788. Under the possession of the Cork City Council, it's one of the world's oldest municipal markets. Artisan breads, fruit, and freshly caught seafood are just some of the specialities on offer.

In recent years, the market gained worldwide fame when Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain dropped by on her first ever state visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011. In addition to a wide range of produce, visitors can grab a coffee here or sample local fare at Farmgate Restaurant, or at any one of the many stalls selling freshly prepared meals and snacks.

01/04/2021

Located just one hour from Galway, Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions. Kylemore Castle was built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman, and liberal politician. Inspired by his love for his wife Margaret, and his hopes for his beloved Ireland, Henry created an estate boasting all the innovations of the modern age. An enlightened landlord and vocal advocate of the Irish people, Henry poured his life’s energy into creating an estate that would showcase what could be achieved in the remote wilds of Connemara. Today Kylemore Abbey is owned and run by the Benedictine community who have been in residence since 1920.

History talks take place three times a day in the Abbey and tours of the Walled Garden take place throughout the summer. Browse the Craft and Design for unique gifts including Kylemore Abbey Pottery and award-winning chocolates handmade by the Benedictine nuns. Discover the beauty, history and romance of Ireland’s most intriguing estate in the heart of the Connemara countryside.

31/03/2021

Located at the heart of Limerick’s medieval quarter, step inside the walls of Limerick’s most iconic landmark. Discover the stories of ruthless King John, the noble knights, and rebellious natives.

King John's Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history. Explore the spacious outdoor courtyard where you’ll get a sense of the bustling activity that took place many years ago. On your journey, expect to see some lively characters.

Venture into the visitor centre with state of the art interpretive activities and exhibitions. 21st century touch screen technology, 3D models and discovery drawer are among the exciting techniques that will connect you to tales of siege and warfare. Visitors love the dazzling array of computer generated animations and ghostly projections as they travel back through time.

30/03/2021

Rock of Cashel

Set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel, iconic in its historic significance, possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found there is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.

Originally the seat of the kings of Munster, according to legend St. Patrick himself came here to convert King Aenghus to Christianity. Brian Boru was crowned High King at Cashel in 978 and made it his capital.

In 1101 the site was granted to the church and Cashel swiftly rose to prominence as one of the most significant centres of ecclesiastical power in the country.

The surviving buildings are remarkable. Cormac’s Chapel, for example, contains the only surviving Romanesque frescoes in Ireland.

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most spectacular and – deservedly – most visited tourist attractions.