Scenic islands off the west coast
Galway, Co. Galway
+353 99 6 1263 (Tourist Information)
Review © 2007, Wcities
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Scenic islands off the west coast |
Foster Street Galway, Co. Galway +353 99 6 1263 (Tourist Information) |
These three islands lie across the mouth of Galway Bay, about 30 miles out to sea. The Aran Islands consist of Inishmaan, Inisheer and the largest, Inishmore. These are Irish-speaking islands where old traditions still exist. Some modernizations have taken root, although many practices remain including Currach racing, fishing and the knitting of distinctive hand-made sweaters or "ganseys". You can take a ferry or light aircraft. Inquiries can be made at the tourist office in Galway's city center, and you can leave your vehicle at the Foster Street carpark when visiting the Islands. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Craig Muckle |
 Photo: James Oleson |
 Photo: Heather Ryerson |
 Photo: Ronda Marten |
 Photo: JURGEN VERFAILLIE |
Great views of the city |
St. James Gate Dublin, Leinster +353 1 453 8364 |
While Dublin is hardly blessed with the most spectacular of skylines, panoramic views are definitely the in-thing with the city's drinkers these days. The Smithfield Chimney may be slightly taller, but this stylish bar on the sixth floor of the newly-opened Guinness Storehouse offers breath-taking 360 degree views of Dublin, where you'll be able to view all the rampant construction across the city for yourself. The booze may be expensive but the indulgence is worth it. Average cost: Eur8 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Josef Richter  |
 Photo: Allan Beaufour |
 Photo: Sheelah Brennan |
 Photo: ebbsgrove |
 Photo: Kyle Cwynar |
A history of the black stuff |
St James's Gate Dublin +353 1 408 4800 http://www.guinnessstorehouse.... guinness-storehouse@guinness.com |
To many, Guinness is one of the most important features of Ireland. Completed at the cost of IR£30 million, the Guinness Storehouse is a fine addition to Dublin's ever-growing list of purpose-built attractions. Set inside a converted 18th century fermentation building, it comprises of six floors linked by a giant atrium in the shape of a pint glass. Although the actual brewery is not open to the public, the storehouse's new exhibition space outlines the 200-year history of the company and reveals many brewing secrets. The models and displays of the exhibition are followed by a short film and a glass of the famous brew! The storehouse is also home to the stylish Gravity Bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Boyofmetal |
 Photo: Anne Gillies |
 Photo: Giovanni Ciampaglia |
 Photo: morny82 |
 Photo: Kristina Babbitt |
 Photo: eisenzahn |
 Photo: Davide Baú |
 Photo: Matteo Ferrari |
 Photo: Jenn May |
 Photo: Howard Lake |
 Photo: Sarah Smith |
 Photo: Naxalite |
 Photo: Sue Yates |
 Photo: PInky and the Brain |
 Photo: Jennifer Titus |
 Photo: Taryn Hodison |
 Photo: Victor Cerutti |
 Photo: Clifford Tucker |
 Photo: LouiseStrange&Murdo |
 Photo: Annika Vauth |
Centre of Celtic Ireland |
20 miles from Dublin Kilmessan Village, Leinster |
The Hill of Tara is a site of great mythical importance and is said to have been the spiritual and political centre of Celtic Ireland until the 11th century. The spread of Christianity diminished the importance of Tara as a religious centre, although Daniel O'Connell (the "Liberator") chose this location as the site for a famous political rally in 1843 which was attended by over a million people! There is not much to look at today, but the grassy slopes leave you to imagine what it used to be. Tara is located north-west of Dublin, about 15-20 miles from the city centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: demetria |
 Photo: Linda Manaugh |
 Photo: Erika |
 Photo: Helen Sonner |
Stunning views of the bay |
Howth Head Dublin, Leinster |
Take the DART to Howth and head east for about ten minutes and you will find yourself at the top of dramatic cliffs rarely found so close to a capital city. The cliff walk takes you right around Howth Head and your effort will be rewarded with fantastic panoramic views over Dublin Bay. Following the path will eventually take you to Sutton Station where there are regular trains back to the city. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jared Ebelhar |
Views, cliffs and legends |
Howth Village Dublin, Leinster |
Howth is a popular day trip destination for Dubliners, and has the bracing air of a seaside resort, even off-season. The harbour is charming but it's well worth taking the short walk to the Head for the panoramic views across Dublin Bay to the Wicklow Mountains. Howth Head has been a strategic military lookout for millennia and crops up in Irish legends involving the ancient people-the Parthalons and Fir Bolg. If your legs are sturdy enough to take you to the top, look out for a burial cairn where Croimhthain, an ancient Gaelic chief, is reputedly buried. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alan Rice |
 Photo: Simon May |
 Photo: Jonathan Morgan |
 Photo: Mary Goss |
 Photo: Preludes, Moments, P |
 Photo: nemonoid |
 Photo: Rachel Martin |
 Photo: Scobie Mooney |
 Photo: sim.michel |
Stunning gardens with mountain backdrop |
Kenmare Place Killarney, Co. Kerry +353 64 3 1633 |
Recently willed to the town, these lovely gardens are a peaceful oasis in the centre of Killarney. Pleasant paths skirt along expanses of manicured lawns, shaped trees, and flowerbeds. Cherry Lane, spectacular in spring when the trees lining the road are in full bloom, leads to Knockreer Estate and Ross Castle. The gardens' centrepiece is Killarney House. Once an immense stable, it was converted into a stylish home in the early 1900s. The house is currently undergoing extensive restoration and is closed to the public. The interesting exterior provides a charming foil for the surrounding gardens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bruce Niedt |
Follow Daniel Day-Lewis |
Killiney Hill Road Dublin, Dublin |
Take the DART (Dublin's mini-metro) to Killiney and relive a little bit of film history. Killiney Hill, with its stunning panoramic views over the city, stole the final scenes of the Oscar- winning 'My Left Foot' starring Daniel Day-Lewis. The hill is a public park in one of Dublin's more exclusive areas (Bono from U2 lives here) and a stroll up to the summit is one of Dublin's more romantic diversions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Meade |
 Photo: Jason Rogers |
 Photo: Lolita Leistromaite |
 Photo: rupertbowen |
 Photo: Danielle R. Rheaume |
 Photo: Ronan Waide |
 Photo: ianwhooper |
Spectacular view of the Killarney's Long Range |
N71 Killarney-Kenmare Road (12 miles southwest of Killarney) Killarney, Co. Kerry |
Once part of the enormous Herbert estate at Muckross, the road to this scenic vista was improved in honor of Queen Victoria's visit in 1861. The panorama inspired such awe and gasps of admiration from the Queen's ladies in waiting that it was dubbed "Ladies' View." From this point, the Upper Lake, Middle Lake, Black Valley, MacGillycuddy Reeks, and Gap of Dunloe are clearly visible. On a fine day, there are few sights in the world more impressive than this. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mat_vedder |
 Photo: ajlee1961 |
 Photo: Lukasz Drobinski |
 Photo: Balgair |
 Photo: Karen Mulchinock |
 Photo: Ramon Litjens |
 Photo: Lori J. Miller, USA |
 Photo: Tony |
 Photo: Timothy Lilliehook |
 Photo: fiona butler |
 Photo: © Eugene F. Vogt |
 Photo: Peter Sweeney |
 Photo: Paul Haemers |
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 |
 Photo: Brad Patterson |
 Photo: Molly Foresman |
 Photo: Kim Briggs |
 Photo: Kevin McGrath Sr. |
 Photo: Duloup |
 Photo: nee_Morpheus |
 Photo: Mary Stricker |
 Photo: Katja_M |
 Photo: Evelina Saduikyte |
 Photo: Jeffrey Huang |
 Photo: Rosie Andre |
 Photo: Steffen Röcker |
 Photo: wackerdattacker |
 Photo: Ramón L. García |
 Photo: Teresa Murphy |
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 Photo: Forrest Rhoads |
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 Photo: Filippo Zaraga |
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A walk through mountain meadows |
Muckross Killarney, Co. Kerry +353 64 3 1633 |
Immensely popular, this moderate walk follows the original road to Kenmare. Most locals opt for a short version, stopping at the river and returning by the same path. The total length of the old road is ten miles (16 kilometres), while the shorter route is eight miles (13 kilometres). The one-way walk to Kenmare will take about five hours, while the shorter option will take four hours or less. This delightful walk takes you along mountain meadows where herds of Red Deer frequently graze. In Esknamuky Glen, the furrows and stone walls of a pre-Famine village are still visible, providing a stark reminder of harsher times. There are spectacular views of the surrounding mountains throughout with plenty of pleasant spots to picnic. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marcus Counihan |
 Photo: Diana Sekhon |
Breathtaking views of the city |
Smithfield Village Dublin +353 1 817 3800 |
A curious landmark in the city, this former industrial chimney in the newly revamped Smithfield area now functions as an observation point from which visitors can view the whole of Dublin city, the surrounding countryside and Dublin Bay. A purpose-built glass elevator ascends the chimney to two viewing galleries and while Dublin's skyline is hardly the most spectacular, this is certainly a worthwhile excursion. The chimney is also available for private hire: so if you're considering hosting the reception of all receptions, why not give them a call? Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Dolan |
 Photo: Bob B. Crosbie |
Easy mountain walk through oak forests |
Fossa Killarney, Co. Kerry |
This casual six mile (nine kilometre) walk follows an old looped road and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It takes approximately three hours to complete. The path skirts along the foot of Tomies Mountain, home to Fionn MacCumhal, legendary Chieftain of the Fianna. As you travel through oak woods, you are afforded views of Lough Leane below. One stream crossing is made over stepping stones, but a footbridge carries you over the top of O'Sullivan's Cascade. Just outside of Fossa, take the left turn for the Gap of Dunloe. Follow this road for one and a half miles (two and a half kilometres) and take a left. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Padraig Coakley |
Mountain walk with incredible vistas |
Kenmare Road Killarney, Co. Kerry +353 64 3 1633 |
This easy four mile (six and a half kilometre) walk to the top of Torc Mountain (1,764ft/525m) is suitable for almost everyone. The trail winds around coniferous woods, heather, and mountain streams. In forested areas, wildlife abounds with birds, rabbits, hares, and even the occasional deer may pass by. Open panoramic vistas provide a top of the world feeling and a breathtaking view of the Lakes, Muckross House Estate, and Ross Castle. The walk begins at the Torc Waterfall car park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Simon Lowe |
 Photo: Anthony Galvin |
 Photo: Errit |
 Photo: HighTower3 |
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