Castles, Fortresses, Gardens, Parks, Monastic & Heritage Sites and other places of interest.
1848 Warhouse
Location
Ballingarry, Co Tipperary
History
During the Great Famine, the Warhouse was the scene of the Young Irelanders’ rising of 1848. The house exhibits the story of the Rising and the political exile of the Young Irelanders, in Australia and America, in the context of the Great Famine and Europe’s year of revolutions. Here rebels under the leadership of the Protestant Nobleman, William Smith-O’Brien, besieged police who had barricaded themselves into the Widow McCormack’s farmhouse, taking five of her children hostage. The exhibition covers the trial and political exile of the leaders.
Access to the ground floor for visitors with disabilities.
Opening Times
April – September Wed – Sun 14:30-17:30 October – March Sat and Sun 14:00-16:00 By appointment contact 0879089972
Visit Length
40mins
Altamont Gardens
Location
Tullow, Co Carlow
History
Large, beautiful old world garden, Robinsonian in style with a strong emphasis on the informal tradition of combining a good plant collection within the natural landscape of its environment. Lawns and clipped yews slope down to a lake surrounded by rare trees and shrubs. A profusion of roses, old and modern, and herbaceous plants scent the air.
Restricted access for visitors with disabilities.
Opening Times
Summer Sat-Sun 10:00-18:00
All Year Mon-Thurs 09:00-17:00
All Year Fri 09:00-15:30
Visit Length
1hr 30mins
Ballyhack Castle
Location
Ballyhack, Co Wexford
History
Ballyhack Castle is located on a steep slope in a commanding position overlooking Waterford estuary. The castle, a large tower house, is thought to have been built c. 1450 by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John, one of the two great military orders founded at the beginning of the 12th century at the time of the Crusades
Details
Opening Times
June- September Daily 09:30-18:30
Last admission 45 minutes before closing
Visit Length
45mins
Cahir Castle
Location
Castle Street Cahir, Co Tipperary
History
Once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family, the castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of Ireland ‘s largest and best-preserved castles. It is situated on a rocky island on the River Suir. The castle’s attractions include an excellent audio-visual show, which informs visitors of all the main sites of the area. There are several exhibitions
Limited access for visitors with disabilities by prior arrangement.
Details
Opening Times
Mid September – Mid October Daily 09:30-17:30
Mid October – Mid March Daily 09:30-16:30
Mid June – Mid September Daily 09:00-19:30
Mid March – Mid June Daily 09:30-17:30
Last admission 45 mins. before closing. Groups must be pre-booked.
Visit Length
1hr
Dungarvan Castle
Location
Castle Street Dungarvan, Co Waterford
History
The castle consists of a shell keep with an enclosing curtain wall, a corner tower and a gate tower. The shell keep is the earliest structure, dating from the 12th century and is very unusual for Ireland. The first constable was Thomas Fitz Anthony who was appointed by King John in 1215. The last constable was Lt. Col. Laurence Byrne (1689-1690). Inside the curtain wall is a two storey military barracks, which dates from the first half of the 18th century. The barracks was restored in the year 2000 and includes exhibition and visitor facilities. Access to the castle is restricted due to ongoing conservation works.
Restricted access to castle for visitors with disablities. Exhibition centre is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Details
Opening Times
Phone for opening arrangements: 016472453.
Visit Length
40 mins
Edmund Rice International Heritage Centre
Location
Mount Sion, Barrack Street, Waterford
HISTORY
The Edmund Rice Heritage Centre at Mt Sion in Waterford is indeed holy ground. It was here that Blessed Edmund Rice founded his brotherhood: Christian Brothers and Presentation Brothers and began his great mission of “raising the poor”. For over 200 years, Brothers and lay colleagues have continued that mission in the liberating education of the young. What began in Mount Sion continues today on all 6 continents.
Live the Edmund Rice Story through an atmospheric and interactive experience
Become immersed in 18th century Waterford through audio-visual and multi-media creations
Visit the 19th Century schoolroom & compare it with yours!
The Edmund Rice International Heritage Centre Ltd aims to develop Mt Sion in Waterford in the first instance as a prime heritage centre of the Christian Brothers and Presentation Brothers Congregations. And more than this, that for all people, it will be a place of spiritual and historical significance and a place of pilgrimage, given its place in Irish history and it is the final resting place of Blessed Edmund.
Opening Hours
April – September
10 am – 6 pm, Monday to Saturday
2 pm – 6 pm, Sunday & Bank Holidays
October – March
10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday
Dunmore Cave
Location
Ballyfoyle, Co Kilkenny
History
Dunmore Cave is eleven kilometres north of Kilkenny City and, like other caves across the country, is formed by limestone which was laid down over 300 million years ago. It contains almost a quarter of a mile of passages and at its deepest point is 150 foot below the surface. Although this is smaller than many of the caves around the country, the beauty and magic of its calcite formations as well as its scientific and historical interest make it one of Ireland’s most fascinating caves. Its presence has been known for years but it is only recently that attempts have been made to unravel its history. In 928, the Dunmore Cave was the site of a Viking massacre. Mention of the cave was made in the 9th century Irish Triads.
Since 1940, when the cave became property of the State, it has been a National Monument because of its historic interest. Today, stairs and walkways and an extensive lighting system have been installed to aid access and viewing. There is restricted plant and animal life in and around the cave primarily due to the lack of sunlight. The cave did at one time support a bat colony and bat skeletons can be seen encrusted in the calcite limestone.
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. Exhibitions and displays in the Visitor Centre. The cave is inaccessible for wheelchair users.
Opening Times
Mid March – Mid June Daily 10:00-17:00 Mid June – Mid September Daily 09:30-18:30 Mid September – October Daily 10:00-17:00 Winter Sat, Sun and Bank holidays 10:00-16:30 Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
Visit Length
1hr 30mins
Ferns Castle
Location
Ferns, Co Wexford
History
The castle was built in the 13th century, possibly by William, Earl Marshall. Originally, the castle formed a square, with large corner towers. Only half of the castle now remains. The most complete tower contains a fine circular chapel, with carved ornament. The tower also has several original fireplaces and a vaulted basement. Archaeological excavations revealed a rock-cut ditch outside the castle walls
Ferns Castle is one of a number of historic sites in Ferns. Others include St. Mary’s, a 12th century Augustinian Priory; the remains of a 13th century cathedral, part of which is incorporated into the present Church of Ireland Church; St. Peter’s, a small nave and chancel church; and some High Crosses and parts of crosses, which stand in the cathedral grounds.
Restricted access to castle for visitors with disabilities. Full access to visitor building.
Details
Opening Times
Visit Length
45mins
Jerpoint Abbey
Location
Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
History
Located on the banks of the River Arrigle about 2km from Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Jerpoint Abbey was founded in 1158. In Medieval times there was a town of Jerpoint but this had fallen into ruin by the seventeenth century. Jerpoint Abbey is regarded as one of the most interesting Cistercian ruins in Ireland . It offers a unique insight into the lives of the monks because many of its domestic arrangements are still recognisable.
The abbey was self-sufficient and had its own gardens, watermills, cemetery, granary and kitchens. The oldest parts of the abbey are the Irish-Romanesque transepts and chancel, which contains faded wall paintings. The east window dates from the 14th century and the fantastic central tower was added in the 15th century.
Wooden steps still follow the run of the night stairs. By going up them, you will reach the roof and can look down on the Dublin-Waterford railway. The restored cloister piers carry carvings which are similar to the drawings found on Medieval manuscripts. The abbey was dissolved in 1540 and its 1880 acres were presented to the Earl of Ormonde.
Opening Times
November Daily 10:00-16:00
Mid September – October Daily 10:00-17:00
June – Mid September Daily 09:30-18:30
March – May Daily 10:00-17:00
Last tour 1 hour before closing time.
Visit Length
1hr 30mins
John F Kennedy Arboretum
Location
New Ross, Co Wexford
History
Dedicated to the memory of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States from 1960 – 1963, the Arboretum is a plant collection of international standing. It covers 252 hectares (623 acres) on the southern slopes and summit of Slieve Coillte. It contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world, planted in botanical sequence. There are 200 forest plots grouped by continent. A road provides access to the summit at 271m from which there are panoramic views. A Visitor Centre houses exhibitions and audio visual show. Access for people with disabilities.
Opening Times
October – March Daily 10:00-17:00 April Daily 10:00-18:30 May – August Daily 10:00-20:00 September Daily 10:00-18:30 Last admission 45 mins. before closing.
Visit Length
1hr 30mins
Kilfane Glen
Location
Thomastown County Kilkenny
History
Dating back to the 1790s, Kilfane Glen and Waterfall in County Kilkenny is a perfect example of a romantic garden. Following the trend of the time for wilder, more natural gardens, Sir John and Lady Power created this garden on their Kilfane estate, utilising the existing features of ravines, streams and woodlands. A waterfall was added by diverting a stream along a mile-long canal to a 30-foot rock face. At the base of this cliff, a grotto adds to the romantic theme. Winding paths lead to the thatched summerhouse – a cottage orne – from where the visitor may contemplate the carefully designed “natural” garden. Walking through the garden, the eye is drawn to features such as bridges, seats, fountains – giving the impression of a series of rustic paintings. Through subsequent neglect, the garden became overgrown and introduced shrubs such as rhododendron and laurel spread unchecked, choking out the delicate woodland plants central to the romantic theme. Now the garden is listed as an Irish Heritage garden and is being restored. The upper garden is home to works of art commissioned by the Kilfane Trust and all 15 acres are open to the public from May to September.
Opening Times
May to September, every Sunday 2.00pm – 6.00pm July and August, daily 11.00am to 6.00pm Groups at any other time by appointment
Visit Length
1hr 30mins
Admission
No admission fees
Kilkenny Castle
Location
Centre of Kilkenny Town
History
A 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. Due to major restoration works, the central block now includes a library, drawing room, and bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendour as well as the beautiful Long Gallery. The old Castle kitchen operates as a tea room during the summer. A suite of former servants’ rooms is the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art. Access for visitors with disabilities to ground floor and gardens only. Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the Summer months.
Details
Opening Times
June – August Daily 09:30-19:00
September Daily 10:00-18:30
October – March Daily 10:30-17:00
April and May Daily 10:30-17:00
Last tour 45 minutes before closing.
Visit Length
1hr 30mins
Ormond Castle
Location
Castle Park Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary
History
Ormond Castle is the best example of an Elizabethan manor house in Ireland . It was built by Thomas, the 10th Earl of Ormond in the 1560s. Closely integrated into the manor house are two 15th century towers. It is the country’s only major unfortified dwelling from that turbulent period. The state rooms contain some of the finest decorative plasterwork in the country, including plasterwork portraits. Restricted access for visitors with disabilities.
Details
Opening Times
Mid June – Early September Daily 09:30-18:30 Last admission 45 mins. before closing.
Visit Length
1hr
Reginalds Tower
Location
Waterford Quay, Waterford .
History
Reginald’s Tower is a circular tower, part of the town’s defences, built in the beginning of the 13th century, with a second phase in the 15th century. It was also used as a mint, prison and military store. It has been restored and now houses an exhibition.
(Managed in conjunction with Waterford Corporation).
Opening Times
Easter (30 March) – May Daily 10:00-17:00
June – September Daily 09:30-18:30
October Daily 10:00-17:00
Opening arrangements November – Easter under 051-304220.
Visit Length
1hr
Rock of Cashel
Location
Cashel, Co Tipperary
History
The town of Cashel (meaning castle or fortress) in County Tipperary is home to one of Ireland ‘s great historical sites – the Rock of Cashel.
Towering over the town from its perch on a 200 foot high outcrop of limestone, the Rock was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. It was visited by St. Patrick in 450 and Brian Boru was crowned King of Ireland here in the 10th century. Granted to the church in the 1100s by the O’Brien clan king, the Rock became the seat of the archbishop and it was at this time that Cormac’s Chapel was built. In 1647 the Rock was ransacked by Cromwellian forces under the leadership of Lord Inchiquin.
Today the impressive stone walls enclose a round tower, the cathedral, a 12th century romanesque chapel, high crosses and other structures. The gothic cathedral dates back to the 13th century and includes a central square tower and living quarters. The steps of the tower lead to the summit roof walk. The smaller structure of Cormac’s Chapel displays some typical romanesque features while the Hall of the Vicar’s Choral at the entrance to the Rock is a 15th century house which has been recently restored. Here you will find a museum with guided tours and interesting exhibits, including silverware and St. Patrick’s Cross.
Opening Times
Mid September – Mid March Daily 09:00-16:30
Mid March – Mid June Daily 09:00-17:30
Mid June – Mid September Daily 09:00-19:30
Last admission 45 mins. before closing. Groups must be pre-booked.
Visit Length
1hr 30mins
Roscrea Heritage
Location
Castle Street Roscrea, Co Tipperary
History
The stone castle consists of a gate tower, curtain walls and two corner towers dating from the 1280s. The castle rooms are furnished and some house exhibitions. Built in the early 18th century in the Queen Anne style, Damer House is an example of pre-Palladian architecture. Its rooms house temporary exhibitions.
Access for people with disabilities to the gardens only.
Managed in conjunction with the Roscrea Heritage Society.
Opening Time
Daily 10:00-18:00
Last admission 45 mins. before closing. Accessible for groups in off-season by prior arrangement (Tel.: 087-2704032).
Visit Length
1hr
St. Marys Church
Location
Gowran, Co Kilkenny
History
This collegiate church was built in the late 13th century on the site of an earlier monastery. It was served by a “college” – clerics who lived in a community but who did not submit to the rule of a monastery. They lived in a house, now destroyed, beside the church. The church was a large and elaborate structure, with an aisled nave (the main part of the church where the congregation sat) and a long chancel (the section of the church where the altar was placed) and has high quality architectural sculpture used throughout.
In the late middle ages a massive tower was inserted between the nave and chancel, and in the 19th century this tower was incorporated into the parish church which was built in place of the chancel and which now takes up about half of the building. There were also several other changes made to the church at various periods.
Restricted access for people with disabilities.
Opening Times
No opening times available
Visit Length
1hr
Swiss Cottage
Location
Kilcommon, Cahir , Co Tipperary
History
A delightful “cottage orne'” built in the early 1800s by Richard Butler, 1st Earl of Glengall, to a design by the famous Regency architect John Nash. Its interior contains a graceful spiral staircase and some elegantly decorated rooms. The wallpaper in the Salon manufactured by the Dufour factory is one of the first commercially produced Parisian wallpapers. Situated on an elevated site with access by stone steps. Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the Summer months.
Opening Times
Mid March – End March Tues – Sun 10:00-13:00 & 14:00-16:30
April Tues – Sun 10:00-13:00 & 14:00-18:00
May – Mid October Daily 10:00-18:00
Mid October – November Tues – Sun 10:00-13:00 & 14:00-16:30
Closed Monday during March, April, October, November (except Bank Holidays).
No Bus Tours on Sunday.
Last admission 45 mins. before closing.
Groups of ten or more must be pre-booked.
Visit Length
approx 1hr
Tintern Abbey
Location
Saltmills New Ross, Co Wexford
History
A Cistercian abbey, founded c. 1200 by William, the Earl Marshall, and named after Tintern in Wales. The remains consist of nave, chancel, tower, chapel and cloister. It was partly converted into living quarters after 1541, and further adapted over the centuries. The Abbey was occupied by the Colclough family from the 16th century until 1960s.
Opening Times
Mid June – Late September Daily 09:30-18:30
Last admission 45 mins. before closing
Visit Length
1hr
Waterford Crystal
Location
Waterford
History
From its beginnings in 1783, the legendary name of Waterford Crystal has found its way into most people’s vocabulary. An extensive choice of crystal products can now be bought worldwide. Countless homes have a little bit of Ireland within them in the form of Waterford Crystal vases, glasses, lighting and ornamental pieces. The impressive rise of the company was not without its complications though. In 1851, the company virtually faced closure as a result of the financial climate of the time. However, with the awakened interest in Irish Independence during the 1940’s and 1950’s, the time had come for the company’s relaunch. A group of artisans and apprentices were recruited and by 1951, Waterford Crystal was back in business. Expansion through the following four decades saw the move of the company to larger premises and the arrival at their 1980’s position as the greatest producer of crystal in the world.
Always a company to remain aware of public opinion, in 1992 Waterford Crystal introduced new, more informal lines of crystal to the range and products from European countries were added. The success of Waterford Crystal can also be measured by the 250,000 visitors to the Waterford factory each year. A tour of each stage of the crystal making process enlightens visitors who had possibly not given much thought to the origins of the vase on their mantelpiece!
In fact the creation of crystal is a complicated and extremely skilled operation, which involves the initial ingredients of silica sand, potash and letharge being mixed within a furnace, raging at 1200 degrees Celsius. The molten crystal is then removed and, with the primitive tools of blocks and moulds, blowers then work their magic to begin the journey from molten crystal to masterpiece. One will never find Waterford Crystal seconds for the simple reason that any piece which is seen as less than perfect, is literally thrown back into the furnace. So, whilst unfortunately it is impossible to buy bargain price pieces, you can at least be certain that each Waterford Crystal item is perfect.
Visit Length
1hr 30mins
Wexford Wildfowl Reserve
Location
North Slob Wexford
History
The Wexford Slobs are internationally famous for wild geese which spend the winter months here. The first geese came to the Slobs in 1898. These were Greylags from Iceland – the common winter goose in Ireland at that time. However, White-fronted Geese from Greenland, first appearing on the Slobs about 1910 building up to several thousand in the mid-1930s, replaced the Greylags. Currently about 10,000 Greenland White-fronted Geese, one-third of the world population, spend the winter on the Wexford Slobs. The Visitor Centre has many interesting exhibitions and an audio-visual show. Restricted access for people with disabilities.
(Partly owned by IWC BirdWatch Ireland).
Opening Times
Easter (31 March) – End September Daily 09:00-18:00
October – Easter (31 March) Daily 10:00-17:00
Reserve may be closed temporarily for management operations. Closed for Christmas. Other hours by arrangement with the warden.
Visit Length
1hr 30mins
