The Cliffs of Moher

The majestic Cliffs of Moher stand against the might of the Atlantic Ocean. O’Brien’s Tower is located on the highest cliff and is an exceptional viewing point. The Cliffs can be visited daily, year-round. O Brien’s tower open daily, March to October. Visitor centre open year round. Boat trips can be taken along the cliffs. www.mohercruises.com

Bunratty Castle

The Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Today, the castle stands peacefully in delightful grounds. Admission charge.

Killaloe Heritage Centre

Regal Killaloe, once the capital of Ireland as the 11th century seat of heroic King Brian Boru is at the south-west tip of Lough Derg. The heritage centre comprises a tourist information office, crafts centre and an exhibition tracing the history of Killaloe from the 10th century to the present day including it's strong nautical links with Lough Derg, the largest of the River Shannon Lakes.

Aillwee Cave, Ballyvaughan

Discovered by Jack McCann, a local farmer, in 1944, the 1000 feet long cave is one of the oldest of the Burren Caves having formed millions of years ago. Guided tours, lasting 30 minutes, allow you to observe beautiful caverns, bridged chasms, underground waterfalls, weird mineral formations and the hibernation chambers of brown bears which have been extinct in Ireland for centuries. Facilities include a restaurant, craft shop, information desk and outside, 'The Hazelwood' crafts village. For more information visit www.aillweecave.ie

Bunratty Folk Park

Within the grounds of Bunratty Castle is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century life is vividly recreated. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting.

Meet and chat with the Bean an Ti (Woman of the House) and various street characters including the Policeman and Schoolteacher who give the site its sparkle.

It’s a wonderful experience for adults and children alike with something for everyone to enjoy!. Traditional crafts of an earlier age may be observed in action basket weaving, candle making and the home-baking of bread. A collection of early agricultural machinery is also on show.[... read more]

Portumna Castle

The impressive castle at Portumna was the seat of the Clanricarde Burkes, for so long the most important landowners in County Galway. It was completed c. 1617 by Richard Burke, 4th Earl of Clanricarde, but was accidentally destroyed by fire in 1826. The Office of Public Works has been involved in its restoration in recent times.

Craggaunowen

Craggaunowen is where Celtic life is brought to life! Ireland’s original prize-winning centre dedicated to interpreting Ireland’s Pre-historic and early Christian eras. Exhibits range from Bronze Age homesteads to Celtic Chieftain’s residences. Craggaunowen houses the Brendan boat - the leather hulled boat which Tim Severin sailed across the Atlantic to prove that Irish Monks made the journey long before Columbus.

Knappogue Castle, near Quin

Originally a MacNamara stronghold, (built 1467). Restored in the 19th century by Lord Dunboyne. The castle passed to the Land Commission in the late 1920s and was re-sold in 1966. The new owner refurbished the interior in 15th century style. The castle is open to visitors and medieval banquets are served from March to October. Admission charge.[... read more]

Birr Castle Demesne and Historical Science Centre

Birr Castle, Co. Offaly Includes one of the most amazing gardens in the country with Formal Garden and River Garden. It is a parkland with thousands of rare trees and plants collected all over the world, rivers, a lake and waterfall.

In the grounds is the Great Telescope, built by the third Earl of Rosse in the 1840s. It was the largest in the world for 70 years. The Historic Science Centre is a superb visit. It contains astronomical instruments, cameras, photographs and photographic equiptment used by the third and fourth Earls and Mary, Countess of Rosse, in the middle and late 1800s.[... read more]

The Rock of Cashel

One of the most spectacular archeological sites in Ireland. It sits on the outskirts of Cashel on a large mound of limestone bristling with ancient fortifications. Mighty stone walls encircle a complete round tower, a roofless abbey, a 12th century Romanesque chapel, and numerous other buildings and high crosses. The Rock of Cashel is composed four structures which are the Hall of the Vicars Choral, the cathedral, the round tower, and Cormac's Chapel. Hore Abbey is about one kilometer north at the base of the rock.[... read more]

Tipperary Crystal Design Centre

Situated in Birdhill, the Design Centre boasts a magnificent display of Tipperary Crystal on the ground floor whilst in the Food Hall, a mouth-watering array of fine preserves, chutneys, oils and hand-made chocolates are available to tempt one and all. The Gift Department on the first floor offers a mix of Irish made products including Eden Pottery, Newbridge Cutlery and Jewellery, Linen, Rhynhart Bronze, Louise Kennedy Clothing, Scarves, Soaps and Candles. The choices are endless.

The Burren

The unique diversity of the Burren's flora has constantly attracted much attention and is at its best about mid-May or a little later.

Its extraordinary rock formations, spreading over 500 sq km, have been refereed to by many observers including General Ludlow, who led Cromwellian forces to Limerick and Clare in 1651 as "a lunar landscape". The Limestone pavements are a direct result of glaciation and erosion. The area is rich in megalithic tombs and ring forts steeped in antiquity.

In the picturesque village of Kilfenora, The Burren Centre gives the visitor an introduction to the visual delights and ancient mysteries which await to be discovered in this unspoiled corner of Ireland.