Stone Circles are common throughout Ireland and are representative of our Celtic Heritage before the growth of Christianity throughout our Island. Drombeg Standing Stones Regarded as the exemplar of the West Cork stone circles, Drombeg, alias ‘The Druid’s Ring,’ is a well preserved, clearly signposted and frequently visited monument. Its diameter of 30 feet is typical of several stone circles in the Ross Carbery district, all situated within a few miles of the coast. The circle is of the so-called recumbent type, with an axis running north-east to south-west, as …
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Ireland has a history of Kings and Queens, Lords and Earls. You can see the vivid splendour in the wonderful scattering of impressive castles located throughout the country. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Bunratty Castle was built in 1425 by the MacNamaras and then passed to the O’Briens who were Earl of Thomond. The Castle is furnished with mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings. Medieval Banquets are held in the Castle year round, subject to demand. Bunratty folk park recreates rural and urban life in 19th century Ireland. Visitors can, …
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Here are some of the most interesting archaeological sites to be found throughout Ireland. Caldragh Idol Fermanagh An early, possibly one of the oldest extant examples of Irish figure sculpture, standing forlornly in the gloom of an old burial ground near the south-west shore of Boa Island in Lower Lough Erne. It depicts two dwarfish figures gazing in opposite directions and probably represents a Celtic deity. But while the influence of the pagan Iron Age seems unmistakable, it is doubtful if the carving can be as early as the first …
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With its rich monastical and religious past from the days of early Christianity, Ireland is home to some astounding Abbeys. Scattered all over the county, these Abbeys all tell a story of the people who lived there, and the histories that they wove that is embedded into our cultural heritage. Old Mellifont Abbey In the tranquil valley of the River Mattock, a subsidiary of the Boyne, lie the noble ruins of Mellifont, the first Cistercian monastery to be established in Ireland. Founded in 1142 by St. Malachy, the monastery was …
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Ireland is home to some wonderful cathedrals and friaries that are steeped in history, echoing Ireland’s rich monastical past. Ardfert Cathedral Church and Friary Saint Brendan, the Navigator chose Ardfert to be the site of his monastery. Today you will find three medieval churches, an ogham stone and a number of early Christian grave slabs in the site. This is a fine example of an Irish medieval church. Dating back to the 12th century examine the cathedrals west doorway which is Romanesque in design. Developments to the cathedral were continuous …
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