Luscious gardens and green hills populated by native deer are some of the reasons why visitors head to Muckross House in County Kerry for a day out.

Before leaving by car, drivers ought to make sure their vehicles are covered by motor insurance, which protects them against accidents and collisions. The beautiful mansion is [...]]]>

Luscious gardens and green hills populated by native deer are some of the reasons why visitors head
to Muckross House in County Kerry for a day out.

Before leaving by car, drivers ought to make sure their vehicles are covered by motor insurance,
which protects them against accidents and collisions. The beautiful mansion is located in Killarney
National Park, which is a walker’s paradise due to its picturesque waterfalls and steeply climbing hills.
There is much to explore in this protected region, but before setting off into the park, visitors like to
take a look around the impressive Victorian property to see how its past occupants lived.

Building first began on the site in 1839, after Henry Arthur Herbert commissioned workers to
construct the mansion. The property acted as a home for Herbert, his wife and family for hundreds of
years before its ownership passed to others. Keen to pay homage to the premises historical past, the
new owners decided to revert some of the rooms to how they appeared in the Victorian era.

Time was spent decorating the bedrooms and dining rooms back to their former glory, so guests can
see the type of fixtures and furnishings used in this time. The redecorated rooms boast hardwood
furniture, luxurious curtains and glittering chandeliers. Visitors to the site get a realistic impression of
how the original family lived, but they are also able to get a glimpse of the working conditions of the
mansion’s servants.

The basement was where many of the staff spent their time going about their daily tasks and guests
can take a look at this part of the home should they wish. The first owners of the house spent much
time in the grounds of the home enjoying its gardens. Overtime the mansion’s grounds have been
redeveloped so guests can also marvel at the blooming flowers and varied flora.

During nice weather, visitors take great pleasure in admiring the property’s rock and sunken garden.
People who lived in homes near Muckross House tended to rely on farming for an income. Now
tourists can view the practices used by workers in the 1930s thanks to the Muckross Traditional
Farms exhibition.

Traditional crafts are sold at the Mucross Craft Shop, including pottery and weaved items. After
viewing the many historical sights on display, visitors have the opportunity to buy refreshments
in a cafe located within the mansion’s Walled Garden. From here, the Killarney National Park can
be explored, with many visitors drawn each year to the 26,000-acre attraction, which is home to
collection of diverse flora and fauna.

Not only will you enjoy the challenge of the mountain itself, but we hope you will be inspired by the peninsula’s landscapes, seascapes and the rich heritage that surrounds this high region generally [...]]]>
For hikers and mountaineers visiting the west of Ireland, Mount Brandon on Dingles Peninsula is a place you must visit.

Not only will you enjoy the challenge of the mountain itself, but we hope you will be inspired by the peninsula’s landscapes, seascapes and the rich heritage that surrounds this high region generally referred to as the Brandon Group. The mountain’s rough rocky landscape is a result of a grating ice-age glacier that pulled and gouged the earth as it melted, shifted and receded.

Mount Brandon ridge is the ninth highest in Ireland, and offers spectacular views of the region. On clear day you may even hope to see the ‘Unknown Continent’ to the west (Newfoundland USA) that inspired the areas famous Saint Brendan to embark on his daring voyage to reach that land and bring religion to its natives. In fact, the mountain range is named after Saint Brendan who stayed on the mountain and fasted, prayed and prepared for his famous voyage.

His amazing and successful journey that took him and his fourteen monks seven years to complete, and is just one facet of the rich heritage of the Dingle Peninsula. Indeed, Brendan is the patron saint of Kerry and his journey has inspired many people around the world. Among these people was travel adventurer and author Tim Severin, who in the 1970′s set out from Brandon Creek in a boat similar to Brandon’s to retrace the journey and live the experience.

Walkers make regular trips to the mountain and Christian pilgrims also follow the ancient path now known as The Saints Road, and is marked with many small white crosses along the path. At the summit there is a large metallic cross to mark the end of the walk. This path greatly pre-dates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and some historians believe it was originally a pagan pilgrim path for the greatest of all Irish deities, the sun god Lug Lámh Fada (Lug Of The Long Reach). No doubt pagans still walk this track to the ridge of the mountain to this very day.

If you mean to hike Mount Brandon alone, ensure you prepare for any type of weather, make sure you have warm clothes and strong hiking boots. Also include rain gear and snacks in your pack. You can also join organised walks with local walking clubs or go with a pre-booked Dingle Peninsula walking tour. If walking alone, make sure your inform people of your destination, your route and a time you expect to return.

You may also wish to bring a survival bag and survival blanket (metallic, extra water and signalling glow-sticks. There have been fatalities on Mount Brandon so please take every precaution to ensure you have an enjoyable and safe trip.

If on a clear day, you may be able to see Brendan’s ‘Unknown Continent’ to the west…

In the village of Blarney, Ireland, sits the legendary Blarney Stone, a bluestone block built into the Blarney Castle’s embattlements. Because of this stone, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations. Millions of visitors from around the globe travel here annually to kiss the [...]]]> Ireland’s Blarney Stone

By John Parks

In the village of Blarney, Ireland, sits the legendary Blarney Stone, a bluestone block built into the Blarney Castle’s embattlements. Because of this stone, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations. Millions of visitors from around the globe travel here annually to kiss the stone.

Legend holds that the kisser of the stone will be endowed with the gift of eloquence, the gift of gab, or skill at flattery. The term ‘blarney’ has become synonymous with flattering, clever or coaxing talk, though the village’s name was derived from the word ‘An blarna,’ the Irish term for ‘the plain.’

In times past, visitors needed to be grasped by the ankles and lowered over the battlements headfirst. After one pilgrim hurtled to his death, an iron railing was erected, and today, the kisser has a friend sit on his legs or hold his feet firmly while he leans back and down into the abyss, securely grasping the iron rails, and lowers himself until his head reaches the stone.

Many stories exist as to the origin of the Blarney Stone and from where it got its power. The most widely accepted story is that Robert the Bruce, grateful for the support of the Irish in the Battle of Bannockburn of 1314, gave a portion of this stone to the King of Munster, Cormac McCarthy. The stone then was installed at Blarney Castle, Cormac McCarthy’s stronghold, and thus it came to be called the Blarney Stone. One century later, King Dermot McCarthy installed the stone in 1446 in a large castle that he constructed.

In the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, King Dermot McCarthy was forced to surrender his castle to the Queen to prove his loyalty. He told her that he would be glad to do so, but things always came up at the last minute that prevented the surrender. His frequent excuses caused the official who had, in the Queen’s name, been demanding the surrender, to become somewhat of a joke at the Court. One time, when McCarthy’s eloquent excuses were relayed to Queen Elizabeth, she said, “Odds bodikins, more Blarney talk!” Through this, ‘blarney’ came to mean ‘the skill of influencing and coaxing with soft speech and fair words without offending.’

Though the actual origin of the kissing custom is not known, a local legend holds that the King of Munster rescued an old woman from drowning, and she rewarded him by giving him a spell, that upon kissing a stone atop the castle, he would be endowed with speech that would draw all people to him.

Another legend says that the stone was the rock Moses struck with his staff for water during the Israelites’ exodus. Another is that Jacob used the stone as a pillow, and the prophet Jeremiah brought it to Ireland. It also was rumored to be the Stone of Ezel, behind which Jonathan advised David to hide as he fled from Saul, and that it was possibly returned to Ireland in the Crusades. One more holds that it was St. Columba of Iona’s rock pillow on his deathbed.

Free Map of Ireland with 32 counties of Ireland numbered and listed.

Feel free to print this map of Ireland for personal (non-profit) use. The map may also be used by webmasters for personal non-profit websites but a link back to this page must be included with the map. Thank you and enjoy!

Map of Counties in Ireland

32 county Map of Ireland

Counties and Provinces of Ireland

The four provinces of Ireland are Leinster (East), Ulster (North), Munster (South West, West) and Connaught (West).

Province and County Maps of Ireland:

We will add individual maps of each Irish province. If they prove popular we will add maps for each county of Ireland.

Dingle and the Dingle Peninsula is one of the most beautiful locations on [...]]]> What To Do In Dingle County Kerry

Some useful advice for the weary traveller when visiting Dingle and the Dingle Peninsula. Also be sure to check out http://DinglePeninsulaGuide.com for more details on this amazing peninsula in West Kerry.

Pack Rain Gear

Dingle and the Dingle Peninsula is one of the most beautiful locations on the planet – when it’s not raining.

When it starts bucketing down it’s a different story (unless you’re cosy in the snug of some pub sipping a coffee or a creamy pint of stout). Anyway, pack rain gear, you’ll need it.

Credit Card Advice
American Express is NOT widely accept in Dingle. When paying use a Visa card, Mastercard, Laser card or everyone’s favorite – cold hard cash. Ching-ching!

Hen And Stag Parties In Dingle

You’d think that with over 50 drinking spots in Dingle (including the Hillgrove Nightclub) that Dingle would be the perfect place for hen and stag parties.

Some of the bars in Main Street Dingle have banned stag and hen parties while others do not exactly welcome them. Many accommodation providers also prefer not to house people visiting for hen and stag parties, especially if they have guests with young children staying.

Behave yourself and you’ll get a warm welcome wherever you go.

Traditional Irish Music In Dingle

You’d probably like to know where to find the traditional Irish music sessions when visiting Dingle? Well you’re in luck…

That’s not a difficult job to do! You can usaully hear the trad music when walking around the streets of the town. Never the less, we won’t take the chance of you missing something special; here’s a couple of places to visit for traditional Irish music when in Dingle Town.

O’Flaherty’s Pub Dingle

This is a popular pub in Dingle and there have been some mighty Irish trad sessions under their roof. O’Flaherty’s Pub is off the roundabout as you enter the town from the Annascaul side.

An Droichead Beag

There is traditioanl Irish music seven days a week in ‘the Droichead’. A must visit while in Dingle. An Droichead Beag (means ‘Little Bridge’) is on Main Street Dingle and sure enough, it’s beside a little bridge.

Mac Carthy’s Bar Dingle

MacCarthy’s Bar has been host to some of the finest tradtional Irish musicians. The walls regularly shake with mighty trad sessions and the pint is good. It’s located in Goat’s Street, off the top of Main Street Dingle, near to Goat’s Street Cafe (also worth a visit!).

That’ll get you started though there are many more pubs where you can enjoy traditional Irish music in Dingle. Walk around and listen sharp for a session in full swing. Enjoy yourself!

Eating Out In Dingle’s Restaurants, Pubs and Café

There’s plenty of dinning options for visitors to Dingle. As you can imagine, fresh fish, lamb and beef is offered in many restaurants. All can be sourced as local ingrediants.

We have listed just some of the restaurants and bars you might enjoy to visit while in Dingle.

• The Chart House (on the roundabout entering Dingle). The food is excellent and this is one of the best restaurants in Dingle. They source fresh fish and meat locally as well other local produce like Annascaul Black Pudding. They offer a good choice of wines and dinners can order a half bottle of wine which is great if you don’t have time for a full bottle. The atmosphere is relaxed and the service is excellent. *Restaurant.
• Goat’s Street Cafe should be visited at least once. The menu is not Irish but the food is excellent, the staff friendly and atmosphere warm. Well worth a visit. *Cafe.
• Adam’s Bar offer traditional Irish and foriegn dishes, is a step up from pub grub and has a wonderful atmosphere. The staff are friendly and it’s a great place to enjoy a meal then relax sipping a pint while reading the newspaper.
• Lord Baker’s (main street Dingle) Excellent restaurant offering both meat and fish dishes. The food here is excellent.
• An Cafe Liteartha, Dingle’s bookstore cafe is a great stop for a good bowl of soup or enjoy a fresh baked scone with think butter and jam with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
• Paudie’s Bar beside the Dingle Bay Hotel serves great pub food.
• Nove Cente (Main Street Dingle) has some really good pizza.
• The Chinese Restaurant (Main Street) offers 3 course meals for less than €15. Great for a group or family meal.

This is just a short list of places to eat out in Dingle. We recommend you explore the town and experience for yourself the best of Dingle restaurants, bar and cafe food for yourself.

Dingle Sea Angling And Shore Fishing Ireland

Interested in a sea angling fishing charter trip while visiting Dingle?

There are several fishing boats in Dingle that offer charter-fishing trips. Deep sea fishing trips can be booked at the office on the marina or the tourist office.

Dingle Deep Sea Fishing Prices

Dingle Deep Sea Fishing Prices start at around €20 per person for two hours fishing (prices at time of writing). For a four hour trip you can expect to pay around €45 per person with tackle included. A full boat for a days fishing will cost around €500.

Dingle Deep Sea Fish Stock

Mackerel and Pollack are the main stock in the waters sorrunding Dingle Peninsula and once you catch one you’ll catch plenty.

Preparations For Charter Fishing

Pack a warm jumper hat and gloves encase the weather turns nasty. You’d do well to bring waterproof gear too. If you are going for the day bring enough food and water provisions (unless you prefer raw fish and salty water!).

Life jackets should be provided by the boat owner and obviously worn at all times. Remember, safety first!

Fungie The Dolphin

You may be lucky enough to see Fungie the Dolphin within Dingle Bay and some of his friends further out to sea.

For Landlubbers – Beach and Shore Fishing

There’s plenty of beach and shore fishing on the Dingle Peninsula with several species including Ray, Bass, Mackerel, Conger eel, Bull Huss, Wrasse, Spurdog and Pollack,

Enjoy your Dingle fishing trip!

Dingle Peninsula Resources

• http://www.dingle-oceanworld.ie/
• http://www.thegoatstreetcafe.com/
• http://www.phoenixdingle.net/
• http://dinglesanctuary.com
• http://allansbbdingle.com/
• http://www.dinglebrosnansaccommodation.com/
• http://www.playatheight.com

There are many trip options if you are looking to explore Ireland’s great outdoors by car. Motorists can choose from an array of well-known routes that are popular with Irish and overseas visitors. The Ring of Kerry is one of the most popular drives for those planning [...]]]>

Dingle Peninsula Daytrip is Motorists’ Favourite

There are many trip options if you are looking to explore Ireland’s great outdoors by car. Motorists can choose from an array of well-known routes that are popular with Irish and overseas visitors. The Ring of Kerry is one of the most popular drives for those planning day trips in the country, as it offers stunning views of mountains and Ireland’s famous craggy coastline. Within mere miles of this route lies the Dingle Peninsula, which is a mountainous paradise edged with picturesque harbours and sweeping beaches.

The majority of drivers choose to travel via Tralee and Killarney when journeying to the peninsula to enjoy the sights on offer. You may also like to take the opportunity before you embark on your day out to pick up some necessities for your journey and perform some basic checks on your car. If you plan to drive for some time it is wise to make sure your tyres are at the correct pressure and your vehicle is topped up with oil and water. As well as ensuring that your car is running well, it is a good idea to take a look at your car insurance policy to make sure it has not lapsed, in case you become involved in any collisions while you are on the road.

The spectacular Slieve Mish mountain tops border the eastern edge of the peninsula and are an impressive introduction to the region. You can follow this road for a visit to Annascaul village which is home of Antrartic Explore Tom Crean before going to Dingle, as the road winds its way around the towering peaks that are great for bracing walks. Views from the mountains draw walkers from far and wide, who are keen to take in the rolling Irish countryside from significant heights. Continuing along the road to the south of Slieve Mish you will soon arrive in Dingle, which allows you to indulge in Irish culture by attending one of the many live, traditional music events held in the town.

The small cottages and winding streets charm many motorists who are keen to revel in its quaint atmosphere. You may also be lucky enough to spot a national celebrity swimming in the seas off Dingle. Fungi the dolphin is a popular visitor to the coastline and he has even had a sculpture created in his image, which has been permanently placed in the town. To return back to Tralee, you may like to take a scenic trip through the Conor Pass, which bisects the peninsular and offers great views of the surrounding mountains, as it is Ireland’s highest road. Once through the pass, you can idle away a few hours at the sweeping Brandon Bay before returning to Tralee.

Drivers using car hire services to travel along the country’s rocky west coast may like to stop off at one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites. Knock Shrine has been drawing huge numbers of the faithful every year with Pope John Paul II and Mother Theresa among its past [...]]]> Knock Shrine’s 1.5 Million Visitors

Drivers using car hire services to travel along the country’s rocky west coast may like to stop off at one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites. Knock Shrine has been drawing huge numbers of the faithful every year with Pope John Paul II and Mother Theresa among its past visitors. The shrine first came to the attention of the world when witnesses in 1879 reported seeing an apparition of the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist near Knock Parish Church in Knock, County Mayo. Since then, increasing numbers of pilgrims journey to the town in order to visit the site where the visions are believed to have occurred.

In addition to the old parish building, the grounds of the shrine now feature several other churches that have been erected over the years including Apparition Church, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and the Chapel of Reconciliation. In 1974 the Our Lady Queen of Ireland Church was constructed and was shortly deemed a Basilica, to recognise its religious importance. Some 1.5 million people visit the site each year to see the location of the reported apparitions.

On a rainy evening in 1879, 15 villagers from Knock stated that they had all seen the three figures, which they described in great detail. Ages of the witnesses varied from five years to 74-years and all of them underwent interviews, which saw their eyewitness reports passed to religious figures heading a Commission of Enquiry. Villagers stated that the trio appeared outside the parish church, where they remained dry despite the wet weather. The Virgin Mary was said to have her eyes closed as if she was in prayer and was clad in flowing robes. On her right stood St Joseph and she was accompanied by St John the Evangelist on her left, with both of them also wearing white. Word spread around the Catholic community and pilgrims from across the world have been arriving in the village ever since.

Visitors planning a trip to the shrine have the opportunity to wander around the 100 acre grounds that have been carefully landscaped to complement the tranquillity of the site. Guided tours are available that reveal the lifestyles and challenges faced by those living at the time of the reported apparition. Day-trippers wishing to learn more about the small village that attracts over a million people each year can go along to Knock Museum. The exhibition takes a more in-depth look at the fifteen witnesses that reported seeing the apparition.

The enclave is a popular spot for those looking to relax in charming pubs that reverberate with traditional music and welcoming atmospheres. From here, you can take a ferry to the enchanting Aran Islands situated in [...]]]>

Doolin is an ideal place to see many of the great natural sites that Ireland has to offer.

The enclave is a popular spot for those looking to relax in charming pubs that reverberate with traditional music and welcoming atmospheres. From here, you can take a ferry to the enchanting Aran Islands situated in Galway Bay, where you can stroll around Árainn, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr. The archipelago is visited by many who are keen to experience its stunning beaches and traditional lifestyles.

The islands stay close to their cultural roots and many of the inhabitants speak the country’s native language. The largest, Árainn, offers you the chance to view many Iron Age ruins, including the impressive Dún Aonghasa ring fort where ancient people held ceremonies far above the crashing waves. Walking and cycling is available on the smaller Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr islands, which also offer many historical sites to view.

For example, on Inis Meáin, you can get an idea of how the homes of ancient man appeared thanks to the ruins of Dún Chonchúir, also called Conor’s Fort, and Dún Fearbhaí. Meanwhile, on the smallest island, Inis Oírr, the medieval O’Brien’s Castle is a popular draw for visitors who are keen to walk around past battle scenes. Returning to Doolin after the ferry crossing, there is much more to see if you are deciding to stay in the town.

If you have driven to town, you may like to take a trip to the nearby Burren or Doolin caves, which are both remarkable natural attractions. Making sure you are prepared for any vehicle-related mishaps by buying car insurance is recommended before you get started on your trip. The Burren occupies a 250 kilometre stretch of land in County Clare, with Doolin located near its south west region.

The remarkable landscape is made up of chunks of pale limestone rock that stun many visitors with its desolate beauty. Despite its barren appearance, the area is teeming with many different kinds of plants and wildlife, while popular attractions such as Poulnabrone Dolmen, show the land was revered by Celtic people.

To visit yet another natural phenomenon, you are invited to catch a glimpse of one of the largest stalactites in Northern Europe. Called the Great Stalactite, the 7.3 metre peak of rock thrusts down from the roof of Doolin cave. A guided tour sees visitors taken underground in dim light to then see the natural formation lit up in all its glory.