culture ireland

Newgrange Slane, Co. Meath.	Dating from the Stone Age, this 5,000 year old passage tomb is regarded as the world's first solar observatory. The carved stones have attracted attention since the monument was rediscovered 300 years ago. It is almost 300 feet in diameter and 36 feet in height. Access is by guided tour only.
Croagh Patrick Near Westport, Co. Mayo.	Croagh Patrick (or the Reek). Ireland's Holy Mountain, is a magnificent natural pyramidal monument which dominates the skyline on Mayo's west coast, rising to a height of 765 m. It holds a unique place in Irish history being the location St. Patrick chose for his forty day fast on the summit, following the example of Christ and Moses. While St. Patrick commenced his missionary work in Ireland in 432 he did not reach Croagh Patrick until nine years later in 441. Tradition maintains that while on the mountain he banished the snakes to a hollow referred to as Lug na Demon (Log na nDeamhan). To this day, snakes do not exist in Ireland. Long before the arrival of Christianity to Ireland we know that the summit of Croagh Patrick was occupied by a hillfort, complete with stone ramparts and dwellings. Excavations have been carried out on the summit and among the earliest dateable finds are beads which date to the 3rd century B.C. Pilgrimage has been carried out here for over 1500 years from the early Christian times to the present day without interruption and upwards of 100,000 visitors come to Croagh Patrick every year. Individuals and groups come from all parts of the world and include pilgrims, hill climbers, historians, archaeologist's and nature lovers. You may even see some penitents climbing in their bare feet.
War Memorial Gardens Islandbridge, Dublin 8.	These gardens are not only a place of remembrance but are also of architectural interest and of great beauty in all seasons. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the gardens are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1914 - 1918 war.
Glendalough Co. Wicklow.	This early Christian monastic site was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crossed. The Visitor centre has an interesting exhibition and an audiovisual show entitled 'Ireland of the Monasteries'. French and German versions of the show must be booked in advance. Guided tours of the monastic site are also available. French, German, Spanish and Swedish guided tours are available all year by advance booking. Access for visitors with disabilities to the Visitor Centre.
Derrynane House National Historic Park, Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry.	The ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell situated in 122 hectares of parklands on the scenic Kerry coast. Attractions include a 25-minute audiovisual show titled "Be you Perfectly Peaceable", and tea rooms which are open during the summer months. Access for visitors with disabilities to ground floor.
Rock of Cashel Cashel, Co. Tipperary.	A spectacular group of Medieval buildings set in an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including a round tower, Romanesque chapel, cathedral and the restored hall of the Vicar's Choral. Attractions include an audiovisual show titled "Strongholds of the Faith" (English/French/German) and exhibitions.
Hill of Tara Navan, Co. Meath.	Though best known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Tara has been an important site since the late Stone Age, when a passage tomb was constructed there. Tara was at the height of its power as a political and religious centre in the early centuries after Christ. Attractions include an audiovisual show called "Tara, Meeting Place of Heroes" and guided tours of the site.
Knowth Slane, Co. Meath.	Within the great mound of Knowth there are two passage-tombs and around it seventeen satellite tombs. The site remained a focal point for over 4,000 years. In the early Christian era, Knowth was the seat of the Kings of the local Kingdom for Northern Brega. Knowth has the greatest collection of passage tomb art ever uncovered in Western Europe. Access by guided tour only. No access to interior.
Dublin Castle State Apartments, Dame Street, Dublin 2.	Originally built in the 13th century on a site previously settled by the Vikings it functioned as a military fortress, a prison, treasury, courts of law and the seat of English Administration in Ireland for 700 years. Rebuilt in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, Dublin Castle is now used for important State receptions and Presidential Inaugurations. Access for visitors with disabilities to State Apartments, Chapel Royal and restaurant. Access to State Apartments by guided tour only.
Garden of Remembrance Parnell Square East, Dublin 1.	Designed by Daithe Hanly and dedicated to the memory of all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish Freedom. The large sculpture by Oisin Kelly is based on the theme of the "Children of Lir". The garden is intended as a place of quiet remembrance and reflection.
Dunmore Cave Ballyfoyle, Co. Kilkenny.	History and geology blend at Dunmore Cave to give an interesting and unique situation. Consisting of a series of chambers formed over millions of years, the cave contains some of the finest calcite formations found in any Irish cave. The cave has been known to man for many centuries and is first mentioned in the 9th century Irish Triads. The most interesting reference however, comes from the Annals which tells of a Viking massacre at the cave in the year 928 AD. Exhibitions and displays in the visitor centre. Access by guided tour only.