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The lady in white |
Ballbriggan Dublin, Leinster +353 1 849 2212 http://www.gardensireland.com/... |
This 18th-century castle and garden was built by the Dean of Clonfert in 1738 and boasts superb views of the Dublin coastline and countryside. Now furnished and restored in Victorian style, Ardgillan houses a permanent exhibition of 17th-century Down Survey maps of Ireland. The garden features a conservatory and rose garden, including sections for herbs, vegetables and Irish plants. Rumours abound that there's also a ghost on the premises! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Not a gambling den! |
Malahide Road Marino Dublin, Leinster +353 1 833 1618 http://www.heritageireland.ie/... |
This unusual building is located at Marino, about three miles north of the city centre. Designed by Sir William Chambers, it is considered one of the finest 18th-century neo-classical buildings in Europe. Its history doesn't concern gambling, however: casino means a "small house". This building looks small from the outside but is in fact a work of spatial ingenuity: sixteen finely decorated rooms elegantly open out of each other and every inch of the interior is utilized. The Casino has been sensitively maintained (although some unsympathetic Victorian additions compromise the serenity of the whole) and while it is a little off the beaten track, it is well worth a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine Palladian mansion |
Main Street Celbridge, Leinster +353 1 628 8252 http://62.73.177.39/en/Histori... |
Built in 1722, Castletown is the largest and most significant Palladian-style country house in Ireland. Some twenty kilometres from Dublin, the mansion sits in grounds designed according to the 18th-century English style, with follies dotted over the landscape and great sweeping vistas across the parkland. The process of restoration is ongoing, so it is advisable to ring in advance to confirm that tours are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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![]() Photo: Cormac Phelan |
Impressive by night |
George's Quay Cork +353 21 496 6222 |
Overlooking the river Lee, Cork City Hall was opened in 1936, replacing the previous structure which was burned down in 1920. The six limestone Tuscan pillars and copper-domed clock tower are a particularly impressive sight after dark. The limestone used comes from nearby Little Island. City Hall houses Cork city's administration; the county administration offices are elsewhere. It is also used for concerts and, during office hours, the public can enter to see the fine Connemara marble staircase. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Seat of the Cork judiciary |
Washington Street Cork |
This imposing building, which was designed by George Richard Pain, was erected in 1935. It was partially burned down in 1891; luckily the portico survived the flames. The ten columns of the portico support a weighty triangular pediment and a graceful dome rises from the roof. Although sadly in need of a face lift the marble inside, red from Little Island and green from Connemara, is a reminder of the building's former glory. Being a public building, it's possible for visitors to have a look around inside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Key to the past! |
Castle Street Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, Dalkey Dublin, Leinster +353 1 285 8366 http://www.dalkeycastle.com/to... diht@indigo.ie |
Dalkey has been a source of inspiration to many writers over the centuries, the most well-known of which include James Joyce, Shaw, Leonard and Flann O'Brien. Tours of this historic town, which abounds in natural beauty, include treading along the island with the six thousand year old legends and folklore reverberating in the salty breeze. The castles and ancient structures take you back in time to the historic era, when life at Dalkey was just coming into being. So go ahead and rediscover Irish culture and traditions! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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![]() Photo: Liaame Flossberg |
Classic feudal stronghold |
Long Mile Road Drimnagh Dublin +353 1 450 2530 http://www.iol.ie/~drimnagh/ |
This spectacular feudal stronghold is the only remaining castle in Ireland to be surrounded by a flooded moat, which is now teeming with fish. The castle consists of a restored Great Hall, a battlement tower commanding impressive views of the area, look-out posts, a stable, a coach house and folly tower. Visitors may also find the castle's 17th-century formal gardens of interest: they feature mop-head laurels, box hedges and yew trees. Admission about EUR2. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Former seat of British power |
Dublin Castle Dublin +353 1 677 7129 http://www.dublincastle.ie/ info@dublincastle.ie |
Dublin Castle symbolised English rule for 700 years, ever since the Anglo-Normans built their fortress on this site. Later, the castle was to serve as the headquarters of the English-appointed Viceroy of Ireland. It was not until 1922 that it was finally handed over to the Irish Free State. Guided tours include the palatial State Apartments of the castle. Historical items of interest include a throne donated by King William of Orange and a variety of banners of the now-disbanded Knights of St Patrick. The Castle is very much a working series of buildings: it is used for State functions, and many government agencies are based here. There is a great deal for the visitor to see, including the Chapel Royal, the formal gardens, the Crypt Theatre and the splendid Chester Beatty Museum. In all ways, an essential visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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19th-century friary with Belgian and Irish decoration |
Fair Hill Killarney, Co. Kerry +353 64 31 334 http://www.franciscans.ie/37.0... friary@eircom.net |
Built in 1867, the Friary Church is a fascinating combination of both Irish and Belgian styles. The interior walls are painted with intricate, Celtic designs, while a stunning Flemish high altar dominates the back gable. This altar has elaborately carved niches featuring beautiful wooden statues of angels and saints. The two most prominent niches feature statues of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and St Joseph, the patron saint of Belgium. Within the sacristy of the altar is the skull of Fr. Francis O'Sullivan, Provincial of the 62 Irish Franciscan houses when he was brutally murdered in 1653. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Walking through history |
Malahide Dublin, Leinster +353 1 846 2184 / +353 1 846 3027 (Restaurant) http://www.malahidecastle.com/... |
This private house and one-time fortress is located on 250 acres of lush park area, in the town by the sea. The interiors are done up beautifully, with portrait paintings of the Talbot family generations. Standing strong for about 800 years and almost oozing history, this old home has seen it all – wars, good times, and memories of the family it sheltered. Now, a major attraction, the main hall plays host to private celebrations and banquets, while guided tours in French, Spanish, Dutch, et al escort sight-seers around its premises. The admission is EUR6.50 for adults, EUR4 for children and EUR18 for a family. The restaurant is quite popular with the locals, who drop in for a hot breakfast of Baked Scones, with Homemade Jam and Cream. Tea rooms offer you self-service, while the five resident ghosts prowl around, looking to scare a vulnerable soul! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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15th-century abbey with ancient graveyard |
Muckross Estate Killarney, Co. Kerry +353 64 3 1633 |
Built in 1448, this Franciscan friary is one of the best preserved in Ireland. The ruins are partly Norman, partly Gothic, with impressive cloisters surrounding a massive yew tree; this yew is said to be as old as the abbey itself. When the abbey was attacked in 1589, the friars hid sacred vessels and church valuables on one of the 30 lake islands. Although tortured, the friars would not reveal their secret and the riches were never found. The abbey is surrounded by a graveyard, which holds the remains of ancient O'Sullivan, MacGillycuddy, and O'Donoghue chieftains, as well as the last King of Desmond. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Magnificent Victorian mansion in panoramic grounds |
Muckross House Kenmare Rd Killarney, Co. Kerry +353 64 3 1440 http://www.muckross-house.ie/ |
Designed by Scottish architect William Burns for Henry Arthur Herbert and completed in 1843, Muckross House is a Victorian splendour. The house changed hands several times before its final owner, Senator Arthur Rose Vincent, generously gave the estate to Ireland in his wife's memory. Few buildings are as perfectly situated. The view from every window is breathtaking and it is easy to become dazed before finishing the tour. The rooms are furnished with period furniture - many unique to the house. The basement gives a view of servant life including the enormous kitchen and impressive wine cellar. In other basement rooms, there are weaving and pottery demonstrations. You can tour the house on your own with a comprehensive guidebook or wait until sufficient numbers make up a guided tour. Check website for further info including admission prices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fine manor house |
Newbridge Demesne Donabate +353 1 843 6534 newbridgehouse@fingalcoco.ie |
This 18th-century manor house was built in 1736 for Archbishop Charles Cobbe and boasts an elegant Georgian interior with its own antique and original furniture. The house's unique museum of curiosities dating back to 1790 is full of weird and wonderful objects brought back by the widely-travelled Cobbe family. The grounds also contain a 29-acre farm, a walled apple orchard, a craft shop and a children's playground and picnic area. Admission: EUR4; children EUR2. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Former Catholic university |
85-86 Stephen's Green Dublin +353 1 706 7422 |
Newman House was founded in 1854 as a Catholic alternative to the Protestant Trinity College and it nurtured the minds of many famous students, including James Joyce and Eamon de Valera. The university (now University College Dublin) has since moved to the southern suburbs of the city. Visits to Newman House are only conducted on guided tours. Newman House comprises two townhouses at 85 and 86 St Stephen's Green. The former was built by Cassels in 1738 and features the Apollo Room, complete with suggestive frescoes which were covered by appalled Jesuits in 1883. The adjacent residence, built in 1765, reveals treasures such as Joyce's classroom and the bedroom of Gerard Manley Hopkins who was an unhappy teacher here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of Ireland's best-preserved ancient buildings |
Headford Co. Galway |
On the westerly side of Headford town lies the ecclesiastical ruins of Ross Abbey. This friary was founded in 1357 and is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Ireland, most of the original structure is still intact. The cloister and refectory kitchen are still in excellent condition, and the kitchen features a fish tank and bakery. Climb the Church tower to view the breathtaking landscape, shaped by the Corrib River. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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15th-century restored castle overlooking the lake |
Ross Road Killarney, Co. Kerry +353 64 3 5851 |
Picturesquely sited on the edge of Lough Leane, 15th-century Ross Castle was an O'Donoghue chieftain stronghold. According to legend, the castle would never be conquered by land. In the 17th century, Cromwellian forces successfully attacked the castle by crossing the lake, fulfilling the prophecy. Modern tour guides offer substantial and interesting historical facts, and provide tours of the restored tower and 17th century dwelling house. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gothic Revival cathedral designed by A.W. Pugin |
Cathedral Place Killarney, Co. Kerry +353 64 3 1014 |
Designed by Augutus W. Pugin in English Gothic style, St Mary's Cathedral is regarded as his finest Irish work. It was completed in 1855, strictly adhering to Pugin's exterior and interior designs. During the Famine, construction work stopped for five years while the covered area of the cathedral was used as a fever hospital. In the 1970s the then Bishop of Kerry, Dr. Eamon Casey, spearheaded a refurbishment of the cathedral. While the exterior was restored to its original glory, the interior was modernised with concrete altars and pews replacing the carved wood originals. The Augutus W. Pugin designed furnishings are now on display in the Muckross House Folk Museum. All of the original stained glass windows are intact and are quite beautiful. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bustling and vibrant |
12 East Essex Street Dublin, Leinster +353 1 677 2255 http://www.temple-bar.ie/ info@templebar.ie |
Temple Bar is often used to symbolize the extraordinary changes which Dublin has undergone in recent years. In the 1980s, this district of the city was earmarked as the site for a vast bus station. Galleries and small shops colonized the cheap properties, however, the bus-depot plans were abandoned, and the area now boasts a warren of bustling shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants. Some of the country's best cultural institutions have found a home in Temple Bar, including the Irish Film Centre and the Gallery of Photography. Two new civic spaces - Temple Bar Square and the striking Meeting House Square - have been created and utilized by artist and traders. In short, this district is one of the city's most colourful and vibrant; make a point of seeing it for yourself. Temple Bar boasts a warren of bustling shops, cafes, galleries and restaurants. Some of the country's best cultural institutions have found a home in Temple Bar, including the Irish Film Centre and the Gallery of Photography. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ireland's premier university |
College Green Dublin +353 1 608 1000 http://www.tcd.ie/ |
Founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I, Trinity is Ireland's most prestigious university, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The college consists of a series of fine open squares and College Park. The major attraction at Trinity is the exquisitely decorated illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, which dates from 800 A.D. and contains 340 folios which illustrate the four New Testament gospels. The Old Library is also a worth a visit for its antiquarian books. The College Chapel and Berkeley Library should not be missed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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