Tourist Attractions & Monuments Ireland

Mellifont Abbey's old-fashioned austerity is not particularly palpable when entering the first Cistercian abbey founded in Ireland: we are so far away from the Cistercian morals of Saint Bernard and Saint Malachy - founders of the abbey - in the heart of this vallon surrounded by birds' songs, miles away from the rumors of the world.

In 1142 Saint Malachy founded Mellifont Abbey with the help of French monks sent by Saint Bernard, abbot of the Cistercian Monastery of Clairvaux. Several other Cistercian abbeys were then established in Ireland. It is difficult today to imagine the grandeur and splendor of Mellifont Abbey whose architecture inspired the continent's abbeys. There are four parts of the "washbasin" (tower of the thirteenth century where monks can toiled) and most of the capitular room whose arcades, invaded by vegetation, spread a beautiful and mysterious light green glow. In front of the washbasin, five arches of the cloistered courtyard recall the monacal demoralization. But these architectural remains cannot transcribe the influence of the monastery until the fifteenth century. The abbey was abandoned when monasteries were dissolved by Henry VIII. It was closed in 1539.

Today, the Abbey has transformed some of its rooms into guest rooms, and operates through its farm and garden (Mellifont Abbey Gardens), both of which are visited.

They offer visitors information on booking accommodation, places to eat, routes to take, local maps, guides and books, places to visit, activities to do and information on national and local events. Their telephone number is +353 1800 230 330. However, please note that timetables are subject to change.

Knowth is the site of a tomb in corridor dating from Neolithic, belonging to the spectacular archeological complex of Brú na Bóinne. Although less famous than its neighbor Newgrange, with a few scraps, the Knowth site is to be discovered absolutely. His visit promises a journey in the past, through the ancestral culture of Ireland.

The main corridor dolmen houses two burial chambers located back and after two corridors of 34 and 40 m. The main tumulus is surrounded by another 18 dolmens in the corridor, with a smaller size… Which is the most fascinating in this site, it is the continuous succession "dwellings" of the neat period olithic (from 3,000 to 2,000 BC) to the occupation of Normandy (twelfth century). Thus, from the Christian period, from the I to XII centuries, the summit of the main tumulus served as a base of habitation: houses were built there. This passage, this geologic layer giving a vertical reading of history (first burial chamber, then Christian dwelling and Norman) is not without behaving, all the more so because the graveled stones surrounding this main tumulus bear the fingerprints of these different periods: spirals, hollows, neolithic circles to the figurative attempts of fish of the Christian era… While the site of Newgrange pays tribute to the Sun, Knowth, he, with his lunar cards engraved in stone, is dedicated to the Moon.

In the Boyne Valley, Dowth is a Neolithic (5,000-year-old) Neolithic (5,000-year-old) Neolithic slope, part of the Brú na Bóinne archeological complex, which comprises three major graves: Dowth, Newgrange and Knowth. Smaller and narrower than its neighbors, Dowth's tomb reaches 90 meters in diameter. In the state of searches, public access is prohibited.

Monastic ensemble built in the th century, including the impressive stone of Riasc (Riasc Stone). There is little left, but the detour are not long.

A small exhibition that houses photos of William Butler Yeats and his family detailing his life and genealogy. On the upstairs, the Sligo Art Gallery hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists. Outside, Yeats' statue does not lack originality; long, shaken, put a tantinet affected, the artist's wick, the jacket opening as the wings of a giant line on which the words of the famous Irish poet gravel.

Parliament website.

Museum on rural life in Ireland from 1850 to 1950.

It's the main Waterford Museum and the one that's not to be missed. A rich place loaded with history. If we find interesting parts of the Viking period, the most remarkable collection of objects remains medieval times, at a time when the city, having grown markedly commercially, became the second largest trading port in Ireland, after Dublin. There are many domestic objects showing this activity, and their diverse geographical origin indicates the multiple connections of this port with other countries.

Very beautiful collection of objects related to the history of the county, particularly the drama in this city during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Audiovisual presentation.

On two floors, there are models of old cars of the largest brands: Jaguar, Renault, Mercedes, etc. For fans.

Behind the abbey, a recent museum is dedicated to Michael Davitt, a national hero. Photographic documents, letters, etc.

Next to St John's Castle, this small museum presents a collection of objects related to the history of the city and the region. There is a beautiful collection of silverware dating from the eighteenth century, lithographs representing the city and an interesting section dedicated to lace. Limerick had a famous lace school. This includes preparatory outlines of reasons and lace samples. Some archeological pieces are also visible, dating from the bronze age.

Museum that deals with archaeology, geology and history of the Dingle Peninsula.

To the west of Dublin, a true small-scale children's amusement park: …, toboggans, mini-golf, golf course… 

Two hours of walking along the bay, following Pier Road, allow you to reach this sandy cove, west of the Castlepark peninsula and witness of many shipwrecks. At high tide, Sandycove becomes an island, very popular with swimmers.

Ruins of a th century castle built by Desmond Fitzgerald.

A wooden building built in 1855 in Tudor style by Sir Denham Orlando Jephson after, say, his return from a stay in the Alps.

Replenishment of a typical seventeenth and nineteenth centuries village with its cottages with thatched roofs. Peat house house, stable, chicken, old forge… an informative visit for small and large.

Following Arthur Young's Nature Trail (4km), you will walk along the shared shoreline of Lough Leane and Muckross Lake. You then pass the Brickeen Bridge, then the Old Weir Bridge, at the place called Meeting of the Waters. These bridges are located at the confluence of the two lakes and offer exceptional views. The Old Boat House Nature Trail (40 mins) is also very attractive and leads to Dundag Point.Continuing south from Muckross Lakeis Torc Waterfall (2km from Muckross House), a 20m waterfall embedded in the vegetation.

This natural reserve, which houses one of Ireland's oldest oak forests, offers several hiking routes ranging from 1 to 3,5 km.