Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre

The Battle of the Boyne between King William III and his father-in-law, King James II, was fought in 1690. Both kings commanded their armies in person at stake were the British throne, French dominance in Europe and religious power in Ireland. The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre is located in the recently restored 18th century Oldbridge House, which is on the battle site.

• Web:

  www.battleoftheboyne.ie

• Address:

  Oldbridge House, Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Drogheda, County Meath

• Phone:

  +353 41 980 9950

Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (Newgrange & Knowth)

Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre interprets the Neolithic monuments of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. The extensive exhibition includes a full scale replica of the chamber at Newgrange as well as a full model of one of the smaller tombs at Knowth. All admission to Newgrange and Knowth is through the Visitor Centre, there is no direct access to these monuments. Visitors are brought from the Visitor Centre to the monuments by shuttle bus.

• Web:

  heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/bru-na-boinne-visitor-centre-newgrange-and-knowth

• E-mail:

  brunaboinne@opw.ie

• Address:

  Brú na Bóinne, Glebe, Donore, County Meath

• Phone:

  +353 41 988 0300

• Opening hours:

  Openning hours change every month. See the official website.

• More info:

  Pre-booking tickets is essential, including for children and infants

Carlingford Heritage Centre

The Heritage Centre has on permanent display the documented history of the town with the first references to the Vikings in the area circa 850 AD, through the Norman & Medieval eras and into modern times. This historical exhibit is embellished with maps, drawings, illustrations, a beautiful wall mural, photographs and a video presentation for all to enjoy.

• Web:

  carlingfordheritagecentre.com

• Address:

  Church Road, Carlingford, County Louth

• Phone:

  +353 42 937 3454

• Opening hours:

  Town tours: Mon–Wed at 11am. Castle tours: daily at 3pm

• More info:

  Guided tours depart from the Tourist Office from March to October and last about one hour

• Tickets:

  Free admission

Castletown House & Parklands

Set amongst beautiful 18th century parklands, Castletown is the largest and most significant Palladian style country house in Ireland. The house was built c.1722 for the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, William Connolly (1622- 1729). The designs of a number of important architects were used, Alessandro Gailiei, Sir Edward Lovett Pearce and Sir William Chambers. The estate was sold in 1965 and was transferred to State Care in 1994.

• Web:

  www.castletown.ie

• Address:

  Celbridge, County Kildare

• Phone:

  +353 1 628 8252

Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum

Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum is a unique attraction that tells the story of the families who lived and died within the famine workhouse walls before, during and after the Great Famine of 1845-1849. The museum uses guided and self-guided tours combined with various exhibits to explain the socio-economic conditions which led to the establishment of this and other workhouses. Visitors to the museum can view an agricultural collection made up of a wide range of artefacts donated by local people, ranging from farm implements, household items and hand tools.

• Web:

  www.discoverireland.ie/laois/donaghmore-famine-workhouse-museum

• Address:

  Donaghmore, Rathdowney, County Laois

• Phone:

  +353 86 829 6685

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 11am–5pm

Glendalough Monastic Site & Visitor Centre

This early Christian ecclesiastical settlement 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 crosses. The Visitor Centre has an interesting exhibition, also French, Italian and Spanish guided tours are available all year by advance booking. The Glendalough Cathedral, also known at St Peter and St Pauls' Cathedral, is a major attraction in the county. Find it next to the famed Round Tower and Our Lady's Church.

• Web:

  glendalough.ie/heritage/glendalough-visitor-centre

• Address:

  Derrybawn, Glendalough, County Wicklow

• Phone:

  +353 404 45325

• Opening hours:

  Monastic Site and the Walking trails are always open. The Visitor Centre is open seasonally

• More info:

  Audio guides costing €1.99 can be downloaded from www.abartaaudioguides.com

An Electric Festival

Electric Picnic is a boutique festival held every September at the 18th-century Stradbally Hall, it’s as famous for its eclectic music line-up as its food and hot tubs, teepees, gourmet grub and family campsites.

• Web:

  www.electricpicnic.ie

• Address:

  Stradbally, County Laois

• Opening hours:

  First week of September

Glendalough Monastic Site — A City in the Hills

St Kevin’s monastic settlement in Glendalough was a veritable city in its time, with a 30-metre round tower, a gateway building, several churches, a cathedral, a farm, houses and a sizeable lay population contributing to 500 years spent as one of Ireland’s great ecclesiastical centres. The cave isn’t safe to access, but you can catch a good photo opportunity above the Upper Lake from the Miner’s Road.

• Web:

  visitwicklow.ie/listing/glendalough-monastic-city

• Address:

  Wicklow, County Wicklow

Heritage & Honking Horns

County Kildare is home to the windswept Bog of Allen, and to a leisurely section of the restored Royal Canal. There’s a masterpiece of an 8th-century High Cross in Moone. Maynooth Castle anchors the leafy university town of the same name. Kildare is also home to one of Ireland’s great driving routes. Following the course of the Gordon Bennett Cup, which saw racing daredevils whizz through Kildare, Carlow and Laois in 1903, the 104-mile circuit recalls a time when Ireland’s speed limit was just 12mph. The county is a marvellous mix of old and new, of natural landscapes and precisely manicured gardens, of horseracing competitions and stylish fashion events.

• Web:

  www.discoverireland.ie/kildare

Water, Water Everywhere

County Louth's coastline is truly impressive, spanning over 90 kilometres from Carlingford Lough to the picturesque beaches of Baltray. Embark on a fascinating journey along the Clogherhead Peninsula, where you'll feel as if you're walking on water. This scenic loop takes you along rocks believed to have been the source of the standing stones at Newgrange, eventually leading you to the charming Port Oriel. Immerse yourself in history as you wander through the winding of Drogheda. This town is brimming with historical remnants, including traces of Cromwell's influence. Don't miss the impressive St Laurence's Gate, and the macabre display of St Oliver's severed head at St Peter's Church. As you venture along Louth's coastline, be sure to explore the charming fishing villages of Termonfeckin and Clogherhead. Make a stop at Monasterboice to admire the majestic High Cross. Continue your journey to Dundalk, the gateway to Carlingford, where you can indulge in the cafe scene, experience exceptional music venues and admire vibrant murals.

• Web:

  www.discoverireland.ie/louth

• Address:

  County Louth, Ireland

When Two Tribes Go to War

The River Boyne may look peaceful today, but things were rather different on 1 July 1690. On that day, two rivals to the British throne — William III and James II — clashed with their armies in the largest gathering of troops ever on Irish soil. This bloody conflict is vividly evoked at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, where audio-visual displays, original weaponry and free battlefield walkways are on display. In summer, watch costumed actors come to life in historical re-enactments.

• Web:

  www.battleoftheboyne.ie

• E-mail:

  battleoftheboyne@opw.ie

• Address:

  Oldbridge House, Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Drogheda, County Meath

• Phone:

  +353 41 980 9950