Ireland Things to Do Tips by mvtouring

Clonmacnoise Clonmacnoise Review

I saw a programme on Clonmacnoise and knew that it had to be included in our trip. I was not dissappointed even though it was one of our few rainy days in Ireland. This early Christian site was founded by Saint Ciaran in the mid 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The site included the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches, two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs in Ireland. The original high crosses are on display in the visitor centre on site.

The site is 21km from Athlone signposted from the N62 or 20km from Ballisnaloe signposted from the R357

Address: Shannonbridge, in County Offaly

Directions: Located about midway between Galway and Dublin, just south of the main road N6 between those two cities. Just south of the town called Athlone.

Other Contact: clonmacnoise@opw.ie

Phone: +353 90 967 4195

Glendalough Glendalough Review

This early Christian monastic site was founded by St Kevin during the 6th century. It is set in a glaciated valley with two lakes. At the visitor centre you can watch the interesting exhibition as well as an audio-visual show. The site remains inlcude a round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses.

Address: County Wicklow

Heritage Card

If you are touring through Ireland and have a number of heritage sites on your programme then it would be worth your while to purchase a heritage card which gives you unlimited access for one year to sites that are managed by the Office of Public Works or by The department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The only exception is Muckross Traditional Farms. You can buy your card at most sites or before arriving in Ireland:
Prices:
Adult Euro 21.00
Senior Citizen Euro 16.00
Children & students Euro 8.00
Family Euro 55.00

Dublin Heritage sites that you can visit:
Aras an Uachtarain (official residence of President of Ireland), Arbour Hill, dublin Castle, Farmleigh, Garden of Rememberance, Government buildings, Kilmainham Goal, Lusk Heritage Centre, National Botanical Garden, Pearse Museum, Royal Hospital Kilmainham

Heritage sites outside of Dublin include:
Desmond Castle (french prison) in Cork, Donegal Castle, Portumna Castle and Gardens, Gallarus Oratory in Kerry, Maynooth Castle in Kildare, Dunmore Caves near Kilkenny, Kilkenny Castle, Adare Castle, Bru na Boinne visitor centre, Clonmacnoise, Sligo Abbey to name a few

Directions: Callsave number is 1850 600 601

Phone: +353 (01) 6476592

Website: http://www.heritageireland.ie