REMARKABLE P L A C E S I N

IRELANDMust-see sites you may recognize... paired with lesser-known destinations you will want to visit

P A R T O N E

by COREY TARATUTA host of the Irish Fireside Podcast

DRAFTM a r c h 2 0 1 4

I hope you enjoy PART ONE of this digital journey

around Ireland. Each page begins with one of the

Emerald Isle’s most popular destinations which

is then followed by several of my favorite,

often-missed sites around the country.

May it inspire your travels.

www.IrishFireside.com

© copyright Corey Taratuta 2014

You are welcome to share and give away this e-book.

However, it may not be altered in any way.

A very special thanks to all the friends, photographers, and members

of the Irish Fireside community who helped make this e-book possible.

All the information in this book is based on my personal experience or recommendations from people I trust. Through the years, some destinations in this book may have provided media discounts; however, this was not a factor in selecting content. Every effort has been made to provide accurate information; if you find details in need of updating, please email corey@IrishFireside.com.

Thanks for downloading!

Links to additional information are scattered throughout this book, look for BOLD text.

Find out more about the photographers featured in this book on the photo credit page.

Places featured in PART ONE

GIANTS CAUSEWAY

THE BURREN

SKELLIG MICHAEL

DOWNPATRICK HEAD

VALENTIA TETRAPOD FOSSIL TRACKWAY

NEWGRANGE& KNOWTH

RATHCROGHAN

HILL OF TARA

THE BLARNEY STONE

THE HOLESTONE

KILMALKEDAR HOLESTONE

CROAGH PATRICKSEVEN

WONDERSOF FORE

BARRYSCOURT CASTLE

BUNRATTY CASTLE

CAHIR CASTLE

DUNLUCECASTLE

JOHNSTOWN CASTLE

KILKENNY CASTLEKING JOHNS CASTLE

MALAHIDECASTLE

PARKES CASTLE

TRIM CASTLE

BOOK OF KELLSCHESTER BEATTY LIBRARYROYAL IRISH ACADEMY LIBRARYNATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND

KILNASAGGART INSCRIBED STONE

ROCK OF CASHEL

ROCK OF DUNAMASE

KELLS PRIORYATHASSEL PRIORY

ROSS ERRILLY FRIARY

JERPOINT ABBEY & PARK

HOOK HEAD

BEARA PENINSULA

DINGLE PENINSULA

LOOP HEAD PENINSULA

ACHILL ISLAND

INISHOWEN PENINSULA

MAMORE GAP

CÉIDE FIELDS

THE ROCK OF CASHELCashel, County Tipperary

Towering over the Tipperary countryside, The Rock of Cashel served as the last seat of the High Kings of Ireland. It went on to become an important ecclesiastical site, and today visitors are invited to tour its impressive buildings and beguiling cemetery.

ALTERNATIVES

Another hilltop fortress, the imposing ruins of The Rock of Dunamase pre-date Cashel and offers commanding views of the pastoral landscape of County Laois.

If you’re looking for atmospheric but deserted ruins, the 11th Century Kells Priory is fab. Then a 15 to 20 minute drive from there is Jerpoint Abbey and Jerpoint Park lost town, home of Saint Nicholas’ grave, brought there 800 years ago.

Susan FitzGerald – www.vibrantireland.com

The expansive ruins at Kells Priory in County Kilkenny and Athassel Priory in County Tipperary provide a chance to explore in solitude.

Hidden among the inland fields of County Galway, Ross Errilly Friary presents a maze of historic buildings and chambers and two cloisters.

Jerpoint Abbey is best known for its unique “working class” carvings in its cloister. Meanwhile, the grave of Saint Nicholas can be found at nearby Jerpoint Park.

Kells Priory, Co Kilkenny

Rock of Dunamase, Co Laois

Ross Errilly Friary, Co Galway

Jerpoint Abbey, Co Kilkenny

AN ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION

THE BOOK OF KELLSDublin, County Dublin

Royal Irish Academy, Co Dublin

Chester Beatty Library, Co Dublin

Brooch of Tara, Co Dublin

Kilnasaggart Stone, Co Armagh

The Book of Kells showcases the finest, most intricate examples of Celtic knotwork and figure drawing from 800AD. Housed at Trinity College Dublin, visitors can view pages and end their tour in the impressive Old Library.

ALTERNATIVES

The Chester Beatty Library at Dublin Castle houses some illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Kells, but it is better known for its even older Asian and Middle Eastern collections.

Hands down, the alternative to the Book of Kells is the wonderful Royal Irish Academy library. They have a stunning collection of ancient manuscripts, and there is always one on show. Admission is free, it’s just you and the librarian, and you are in the hush of a working library... a real hidden gem.

Mary Mulvihill – www.ingeniousireland.com

The Royal Irish Academy Library houses an extensive and diverse research collection, and the building has been crowned with lovely architectural details.

The Tara Brooch and other National Museum of Ireland treasures demonstrate Irish craftsmanship through the centuries.

The oldest dateable example of ancient Celtic design in Ireland can be found on the Kilnasaggart Inscribed Stone in County Armagh.

AN ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION

NEWGRANGEBrú na Bóinne, County Meath

Built before the Pyramids and Stonehenge, the passage tomb at Newgrange holds a secret that only reveals itself on the days surrounding the Winter Solstice when its opening aligns with the rising sun to illuminate the inner chamber. To accommodate guests, the site recreates the effect daily.

ALTERNATIVES

An older sister to Newgrange, Loughcrew in County Meath sees significantly fewer visitors, but still wows with its Celtic stone carvings.

At Loughcrew, there are multiple tombs and a beautiful site with an amazing view. At the time of year we were there, we had to pick up the key for the main cairn at the nearby Loughcrew gardens coffee shop and leave a €50 deposit for the key.

Travis and Kathy Nelson – www.engagingireland.com

The passage tomb at Knowth is accessible from the same visitor centre as Newgrange, and is believed to be a more accurate representation.

The sacred mounds at County Roscommon’s Rathcroghan and County Meath’s Hill of Tara hint at ancient empires from over 5,000 years ago.

Uncovered in County Mayo’s bogland, the world’s most extensive Stone Age monument at Céide Fields demonstrates megalithic tombs, fields, and dwellings.

Knowth, Co Meath

Loughcrew, Co Meath

Hill of Tara, Co Meath

Céide Fields, Co Mayo

AN ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION

Jewelry crafted from shards of broken dishes

www.LiamShardJewelry.com

GIANTS CAUSEWAYBushmills, County Antrim

Legend states that the distinct basalt column formations at the Giants Causeway in County Antrim were once part of an ancient bridge to Scotland. From the new visitor centre, guests are welcome to climb among the rocks and hike the surrounding area.

ALTERNATIVES

In the category of unique geology, The Burren in County Clare presents a moon-like, limestone landscape that nurtures tropical and alpine plants at the same time.

Skellig Michael, in my opinion, is the coolest thing in Ireland, and not many people know about it, and not many people go there. It’s not the easiest place to get to, but WOW!

Gary Arndt – www.everything-everywhere.com

The vertical island of Skellig Michael features an intricate array of stone steps that rise 650 feet/200 metres to the remains of a 1,400 year old monastery.

Just off the coast of Co Mayo, the seastack at Downpatrick Head rises 160 feet/50 metres out of the sea and is said to have formed to give St Patrick peace from a disgruntled ogre.

385 million year old reptile tracks are present at the Valentia Tetrapod Fossil Trackway in County Kerry.

Skellig Michael, Co Kerry

The Burren, Co Clare

Downpatrick Head, Co Donegal

Tetrapod Trackway, Co Kerry

AN ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION

THE BLARNEY STONEBlarney, County Cork

Probably the best tourism campaign in history, kissing The Blarney Stone endows visitors with the gift of gab... which usually manifests itself in telling tales about smooching the rock. Blarney Castle is also home to lovely garden walks.

ALTERNATIVES

When it comes to rituals, the holestones near Antrim, Co Antrim, and Kilmalkedar, Co Kerry, encourage people to pledge their love or seal a deal by touching hands through an opening in the timeworn rocks.

Fore Abbey is a wonderful place, the area is steeped in history and stunning ruins you can easily spend an afternoon wandering around... especially if you are lucky enough to be there on a fine day. I highly recommend a visit!

Neil Jackman – www.timetravelireland.blogspot.com

The holy and scenic summit of Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo is traditionally climbed in bare feet with stops for prayers at three stations. Modern pilgrims save their soles by wearing study footwear.

The Seven Wonders of Fore in Co Westmeath create a path marked by various miracles that took place at the site.

If it is castles you are looking for, try Barryscourt, Bunratty, Cahir, Dunluce, Johnstown, Kilkenny, King Johns, Malahide, Parkes, or Trim.

Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo

Kilmalkedar, Co Clare

Fore, Co Westmeath

Dunluce Castle, Co Antrim

AN ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION

http://www.IrelandTravelKit.com

THE RING OF KERRYIveragh Peninsula, County Kerry

The Ring of Kerry in Ireland’s southwest corner has been luring tourists since before Queen Victoria stopped on the peninsula in 1861. The combination of amazing coastline, dramatic mountains, picturesque lakes, quaint villages, and a history of hospitality keeps “The Ring” on the must-see list.

However, it’s not the only scenic peninsula the Emerald Isle has on offer.

ALTERNATIVES

ACHILL ISLANDOn the western edge of County Mayo, Achill qualifies as Ireland’s largest island where locals speak the native Irish language and the roads twist over hills and bend around rugged cliffs. Wonderfully remote, crossing

the bridge to the island feels more like an escape than a tour. Sites include the amazing white cliffs of Ashleem Bay, an impressive famine village, and hidden beaches.

Highlights: Famine Village, Keel Beach, White Cliffs of Ashleem, Keem Bay, Gráinnes Tower

BEARA PENINSULASplit between Counties Cork and Kerry, the Beara Peninsula celebrates its beautiful coastline with sign-posted scenic routes for hiking, biking, and driving. The narrow peninsula is shaped in spectacular fashion by two small mountain ranges that slope to the sea providing a haven for those in search of charming villages, archaeology, and delicious fresh seafood.

Beara Peninsula, Co Cork

Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry

Loop Head, Co Clare

Hook Head, Co Wexford

Achill Island, Co Mayo

Inishowen Peninsula, Co Donegal

Highlights: Castletownbere, Beara Way, Healy Pass, Dursey Island, Allihies Copper Mine Museum, Eyeries scenic village, Garinish/Illnacullin Island, Glengarriff, Uragh Stone Circle, Cashelkilty Stone Circle, Derreenataggart Stone Circle

DINGLE PENINSULAThe Ring of Kerry’s northern neighbor works to keep traditional craft and the Irish language alive while still attracting visitors. The charm of Dingletown is only outdone by the breathtaking trip along Slea Head drive and the nail biting drive over Connor Pass.

Highlights: Dingletown, Oceanworld Aquarium, Fungi the Dolphin, Ventry Bay, Dunbeg Fort, Beehive Huts, Inch Strand, Slea Head Drive, Great Blasket Centre, Gallarus Oratory, Kilmalkedar Church

HOOK HEADHome to one of the world’s oldest light houses, this windswept peninsula is said to provide one half of the phrase “by hook or by crook” (the other half comes from the nearby village of Crook). Visitors to this peninsula on the edge of County Wexford enjoy blooming gardens, a yew tree maze, ancient churches, and haunting tales.

Highlights: Hook Head Light House, Loftus Hall Haunted Tours, Duncannon Fort, Dunbrody Abbey and Yew Maze, Tintern Abbey, The Kennedy Homestead, Dunbrody Emigrant Ship, Curracloe Beach, Duncannon Beach, Fethard Castle

INISHOWEN PENINSULAIreland’s northern-most point offers a spectacular 100 mile driving route that marks the tip of the awe-inspiring Wild Atlantic Way. Visitors to this part of County Donegal are surprised to stumble upon isolated church ruins, waterfalls, dramatic coastline, remote beaches, and clues to Inishowen’s ancient past.

Highlights: Inishowen 100 Driving Route, Mamore Gap, Glenevin Waterfall, Five Fingers Strand, Buncrana Beach, Donagh Celtic Cross, Malin Head, Grianan Aileach Bronze Age Fort

LOOP HEAD PENINSULAJust south of the famed Cliffs of Moher, Loop Head usually gets lost in the Atlantic by visitors. The peninsula hasn’t gone completely unnoticed, in 2013 it was named Best Place to Holiday in Ireland by the Irish Times. Even with that designation, Loop Head still feels “undiscovered” with its craggy coastline, sparse population, and gorgeous scenery.

Highlights: Kilbaha (Loop Head) Light House, the Bridges of Ross, Carrigaholt Castle, Kilkee Beach, the Little Ark Church, Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace, Vandeleur Walled Garden

Mamore Gap, in the Inishowen Peninsula, offers some of the most stunning views. It is also home to Donegal’s Magic Road.

Jody Halsted www.irelandfamilyvacations.com

ALTERNATIVES TO THE RING OF KERRY CONTINUED

RECOMMENDATION

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The Rock of Cashel, Co Tipperary by Wyld Ginger www.flickr.com/photos/wyld-ginger/2641717044/

The Rock of Dunamase, Co Laois by Corey Taratuta Kells Priory, Co Kilkenny by Andrew Miller www.flickr.com/photos/govmilliken/4005234790/

Jerpoint Abbey, Co Kilkenny, by Michael Foley www.flickr.com/photos/michaelfoleyphotography/6224272130/

The Book of Kells, Co Dublin, by Jeanette Castlewww.flickr.com/photos/jeanettecastlephotography/10543356884/

Ross Errilly Friary, Co Galway, by Corey Taratuta

Chester Beatty Library, Co Dublin, by Holly Hayes www.flickr.com/photos/sacred_destinations/1314674413/

Royal Irish Academy Library by Michael Foley www.flickr.com/photos/michaelfoleyphotography/12843505155/

Brooch of Tara by the National Gallery of Irelandwww.museum.ie

Kilnasaggart, Co Armagh, by DMullwww.flickr.com/photos/22335213@N08/2159137216/

Newgrange, Co Meath, by Michael & Daphne Oliverwww.flickr.com/photos/7226444@N04/3003344912/

Loughcrew, Co Meath, by Corey Taratuta

Knowth, Co Meath, by theilrwww.flickr.com/photos/theilr/3893793549/

Hill of Tara, Co Meath, by jurgen.proschingerwww.flickr.com/photos/strictlybagel/8437896215/

Céide Fields, Co Mayo, by Chris Brooks www.flickr.com/photos/chrisbrooks/8031504579/

Creative Commons Photo Credits

Downpatrick Head, Co Mayo, by The Mask and Mirrorwww.flickr.com/photos/themaskandmirror/9703275802/

Valentia Tetrapod Trackway, Co Kerry by Arco Ardonwww.flickr.com/photos/croaghaun/2854163252/

Kissing the Blarney Stone, Co Cork, by Petra15www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blarney_stone.png

Kilmalkedar Holestone, Co Kerry, by Daniel Stockmanwww.flickr.com/photos/evocateur/10920844236/

Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo, by itom007www.flickr.com/photos/itom007/3695481246/

Wonders of Fore, Co Westmeath, by ianwhooperwww.flickr.com/photos/36394623@N00/291508799/

Dunluce Castle, Co Antrim, by Corey Taratuta Ladies View, Ring of Kerry, by Dennis Wilkinsonwww.flickr.com/photos/djwtwo/9372161047/

Hook Head, Co Wexford, by Andrea Mucelliwww.flickr.com/photos/bluestardrop/3448027353/

Derreenataggart Circle, Co Cork, by Corey Taratuta Loop Head, Co Clare, by John Finnwww.flickr.com/photos/johnfinn/10454174225/

Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry by Corey Taratuta

Giants Causeway, Co Antrim, by mariejirousekwww.flickr.com/photos/mariejirousek/7899309246/

The Burren, Co Clare, by Eoin Gardinerwww.flickr.com/photos/18091975@N00/3788248201/

Skellig Michael, Co Kerry, by Corey Taratuta

Creative Commons Photo Credits

Achill Island, Co Mayo, by Corey Taratuta Gap of Mamore, Co Donegal, by Corey Taratuta

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