The Top 5 Historical Places in Ireland
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]From the invasion of the Vikings to the present day, the history of Ireland is an endless tribute to the stoic, unbreakable spirit of its citizens. Our little island’s past is rich, diverse and interesting, with a huge treasure trove of historical sites to visit and learn from. Below, we have listed the top 5 historical places in Ireland. These towns are steeped in centuries of history and culture, which makes them a major focal point for tourists to come and learn about Ireland’s diverse past. Read on and educate yourself on some of the key locations of Irish antiquity.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text el_class=”this-class-blogs”]Kinsale, Co. Cork Kinsale is a coastal town in the west of Ireland, in County Cork. The town has a significant past spanning hundreds of years, and has seen some of the bloodiest battles in Irish history. Parts of the Nine Years War (1594-1603) were fought here, between the ruling Irish Chieftains of the time (Hugh O’Neill being the most famous) and the Kingdom of England. The ultimate battle of this war was the infamous battle of Kinsale in 1601. The Spanish allies of Ireland accidentally landed in Kinsale instead of Ulster, and a bloody fight ensued, ending in victory for England. Another important historical event linked to Kinsale is the sinking of the Lusitania. On May 7th 1915 during the First World War, the RMS Lusitania was sank off the coast of Kinsale by German submarines. This event is the reason that the US decided to enter the war. Like the majority of interesting historical places in Ireland, Kinsale’s colourful past is preserved and displayed in the form of tours, museums and attractions throughout the town, such as Charles Fort, Don & Barry’s Historic Stroll Through Old Kinsale, James’s Fort and Kinsale Regional Museum. More info on Kinsale is available here. If you fancy having these historical destinations as part of your vacation in Ireland, please visit our homepage for details. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]Derry/Londonderry City, Co. Derry The city of Derry/Londonderry has seen more than its fair share of conflict, making it one of the more interesting historical places in Ireland. Derry was a backdrop for many important historical events spanning from the 14th century Plantation of Ulster all the way up to the more recent Troubles, and anyone interested in Irish history will know something of Derry. Up until recent decades, Derry’s most well-known attribute was that of a conflict-zone. The 1689 Siege of Derry, the 1920s Irish War of Independence, World War II and the 1969 Battle of the Bogside all had their day in Derry. You can rest assured that this city will not be left out of the history books for many decades to come! Today, the atmosphere in the city is the polar opposite of what it once was known for; in 2013, Derry was named the UK’s 2013 City of Culture. Due to the extensiveness of its back-story, Derry has many historical monuments and attractions to admire. The City Walls, The Peace Bridge, The Museum of Free Derry and many other activities and sights dedicated to telling Derry’s tale. For more info on Derry/Londonderry, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]Wexford, Co. Wexford Wexford was founded by Viking settlers in 800 AD, with the first recorded raid on the town being documented in 819 AD. Since then the town has borne witness to many significant historical events. Besieged by the King of Leinster Dermot MacMurrough in 1169, the town was invaded by the Normans and its Viking-Irish inhabitants were forced to accept defeat. It was sacked and burned by Oliver Cromwell’s men in 1649, and eventually provided the backdrop for the 1798 Irish Rebellion. It’s not hard to see that Wexford’s past is steeped in bloodshed. But it wasn’t all guts and glory – Wexford enjoyed the status of a successful port town, up until the 20th century. It was also the motherland of John F. Kennedy’s paternal grandfather, putting it on a long list of historical places in Ireland that feature the ancestral home of a US President. Naturally, it comes as no surprise that Wexford town today has many historical attractions on offer to visitors, including the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, The 1798 Rebellion Centre, The John F. Kennedy Arboretum and Vinegar Hill. For more info on Wexford town, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]Trim, Co. Meath Trim is a town in County Meath. A town known for its historical connections to both St. Patrick and the Normans, there is no shortage of stories to tell about Trim. At an early date, a monastery was founded in the town by St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. This was left in the hands of St. Loman. The monastery suffered many arson attacks and subsequent rebuildings throughout the 12th and 13th centuries, before it was eventually dissolved by King Henry VIII during the Reformation. Trim went on to become one of the most important Hiberno-Norman settlements of the Middle Ages, and to this day the largest example of a Norman castle in Ireland stands there, making it a very important destination in terms of historical places in Ireland. King John’s Castle was built by Hugh de Lacy in the 12th century. Today, the Castle is open to the public for tours and in recent decades was used as a filming location for the film Braveheart. The Yellow Steeple of the monastery is one of the town’s biggest historical attractions and can be seen for miles around. The Trim Town Walls, a small section of the town’s original walls, also stands today. For more info on Trim, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]Soloheadbeg, Co. Tipperary Soloheadbeg is a townland in County Tipperary. Though it may be the smallest town on our list of the top historical places in Ireland, the historical importance and relevance of Soloheadbeg is indisputable, as it was here that the first act of the Irish War of Independence took place. On January 21st 1919, the Soloheadbeg Ambush occurred. A shipment of explosives being
The Nine Best Castle Tours In Ireland
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Ireland is famed for its ancient and mystical scattering of castles and ruins. The large, hulking figures of centuries-old battlements dot the landscape from Donegal to Cork. Much of our myth, legend and history is centred around crumbling castles and their grounds, spawning stories that have been passed from generation to generation. Whether you’re looking for a spooky tour of some haunted castles in Ireland, want to take a closer look at artefacts and furniture, or are on the hunt for a historical experience, one of these 9 top Irish castles should definitely be on your vacation itinerary. Here are the 9 best castles to visit in Ireland.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] King John’s Castle At the heart of Limerick City lies King John’s Castle. The monument was built around the 1200s by its namesake, and is currently one of the most painstakingly preserved Anglo-Norman castles in Europe. The castle has been the site of Viking settlements and bloody battles alike; it was an especially important part of the 1642 Siege of Limerick. Today the stronghold is home to a visitor’s centre, a charming café and many interactive exhibits. The castle overlooks the stunning River Shannon – if you visit, be sure to enjoy a coffee whilst taking in the view. To learn more about King John’s Castle, click here. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] Trim Castle Based in Trim, Co. Meath, Trim Castle is the largest remaining Anglo-Norman construction in Ireland. It took thirty years to construct and was built in the 12th century. The stronghold was the headquarters of the Lordship of Meath for years. It is also famed for its use as a backdrop in the film Braveheart. Trim is considered to be the oldest castle in Ireland. Today, the castle has an excellent tour, detailing its bloody history expertly. The castle is open to the public during the period between Easter Saturday and Halloween, and guided Trim castle tours are available from Monday to Friday. To learn more about Trim Castle, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] Donegal Castle Dominating the centre of Donegal town, Donegal Castle is rumoured to have been a Viking stronghold in the 12th century. The part of the castle that stands today was built in 1474, with walls and other extensions being added on over the centuries. Today Donegal Castle has been restored wonderfully and is available to tour. As you explore the castle, its history is explained through a series of informative panels. It is home to unique and interesting events all year round, including Gaelic evenings. To learn more about Donegal Castle, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] Bunratty Castle This castle resides in Bunratty Co. Clare, and has been named an official National Monument of Ireland. The fortress has a bloodied past and was the battleground for The Bruce Wars. It has been demolished and re-erected four times total, with the current version dating back to 1425. The castle is the most complete example of medieval architecture in the country and is home to The Bunratty Collection, a vast selection of important artefacts. The surrounding grounds are also home to the charming Bunratty Folk Park, a recreation of 19th-century Irish life. To learn more about Bunratty Castle, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] Kilkenny Castle Named for the county in which it resides, Kilkenny Castle dates back as far as 1172 when it was a wooden stronghold built by Strongbow. The castle has a rich history spanning centuries and was the backdrop for the Norman occupation of Ireland as well as the Civil War. In modern day, the castle is home to stunning art collections and important pieces of history. The castle and surrounding grounds are available to visit, and the gardens are home to exhibitions and a playground for children. It is one of the most culturally immersive castle tours in Ireland. To learn more about Kilkenny Castle, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] Birr Castle Birr Castle is situated in Co. Offaly, in the center of the country and is definitely one of the must-see castles in Ireland. The castle has been in existence since the 12th century and was a lively hub of astronomical pursuits for many decades. The largest telescope in the world (at the time) was constructed here in the 1600s, and could see further into space than any other instrument. Today, Birr is home to many fun and interesting sights, making it one of the best Irish castle tours. They have a Science Centre as well as some beautiful gardens to explore – Birr is home to the World’s Tallest Hedges, which are over 300 years old! To learn more about Birr Castle, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Blarney Castle is without a doubt the most famous entry on our list of the best castles of Ireland. Dating back to the 11th century, it’s one of the oldest structures in the country and is situated in Cork. The stronghold is best-known for its mythical Blarney Stone, a slab of rock believed to give the Gift of The Gab to anyone who plants a kiss on it. The castle itself has lots of other intriguing features – it isn’t the most famous castle in Ireland for no reason! Take a tour of the insides before exploring the vast, sprawling grounds. The castle gardens are home to the Witches’ Kitchen, some wish-granting waterfalls as well as a cornucopia of native flora and fauna. To learn more about Blarney Castle, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] Dublin Castle Dublin castle, situated off Dame Street in Dublin City, was a major stronghold and the epicentre of the city for decades. The castle began construction in the 1200s and has a bloody but brilliant history. It’s most infamous for being the British seat of Administration before Ireland gained its independence in 1921. Today, the castle houses two museums devoted to telling the story of Irish history. The halls are full of sumptuous art, architecture and artefacts that help illustrate the Ireland of old. Specialized tours of the castle are available and there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
