Ireland's Premier Attractions and Heritage Towns - Travel Organisers Reference Manual
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2019 / 2020
Ireland’s Premier
Attractions and
Heritage Towns
Travel Organisers
Reference
Manual
INSPIRATION
INSIDE:
Profiles, insights and
contacts for over 80
of Ireland’s premier
visitor attractions
OPW_edited.pdf 1 07/05/2015 09:13
Heritage
Heritage Sites
Heritage Sites Of Ireland
Sites Ireland
Ireland
Free Admission: First Wednesday Of Each Month During 2015
OPW Heritage Card — General Information-
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Introduction
Heritage Island is dedicated to the Important Tip: Heritage Island works closely with group
organisers worldwide to help ensure their groups really
promotion of Ireland’s Premier enjoy Ireland. Do visit our website at HeritageIsland.com for
information and updates, and check our Travel Trade section
Attractions and Heritage Towns. (top right of the homepage). You will find the latest news,
Heritage Island represents wonderful attractions and towns information on events, tour suggestions and the many ways
that are as diverse as Ireland itself. They tell the story of in which we can support you.
kings and invaders, famine and emigration, priests and
poets, encompassing the social, political and industrial Finally, on behalf of all our members, we wish you
heritage that has shaped not only the Ireland of today but soaring success during 2019/2020 and we look forward
also influenced Europe and the wider world. to welcoming more of your groups & Free Independent
Travellers (FITs) to Ireland.
Each of our featured member attractions and towns,
throughout the Island of Ireland, can offer a very special
experience for visiting groups. The choice of which to visit is
yours. Whether you are a tour operator, an event planner, a
teacher organising a school trip, or a special interest group,
we hope this definitive reference manual helps to guide you
to the places to best meet your group needs and to ensure
they have an amazing Ireland experience.
Each attraction and town profile in our guide is presented
in an easy-to-read format and includes critical information
such as location, opening times, facilities, average length of
visit, key contacts and normal admission prices, where they
apply.
All attractions and heritage towns welcome group
enquiries. Most can accommodate groups within their
normal day. Many welcome and can accommodate
conferences, meetings, educational tours and incentive
groups. Some are prepared to open exclusively or specifically
for groups outside of their normal hours. Use this manual
as your guide and then make contact with the attractions Advice and Disclaimer: The information contained in this guide has been supplied by the individual
properties or compiled from information provided by them. All information is, to the best of our
of interest. They will be pleased to hear from you, and knowledge, correct in January 2019. However, changes to dates, opening hours, admission rates, facilities
and services can occur. It is therefore always recommended that you check details directly with the
tell them Heritage Island sent you! attraction or location. Opening times and dates may be significantly altered during the Christmas and
New Year holiday seasons. Many attractions operate a Last Admission time in advance of their official
closing time—often up to one hour in advance. If this may affect your travel plans, please check with the
attraction directly.
Please note that all attractions offer group admission
prices. As rates can vary, depending on such things as While every care has been taken in the collation of this guide, Heritage Island cannot accept responsibility
for any errors, omissions or incorrect information, but when brought to our attention we will make
group size, and the time of year you are visiting, we feature changes in future editions.
their standard admission rates. Use them as a guide. We welcome your feedback on this publication. Please email us at info@heritageisland.com to let us
know what you think. Thank You.
We recommend that you contact the attraction or town
Published by Heritage Island Limited
directly when you wish to make your group booking. www.HeritageIsland.com
Ireland’s
Premier Attractions
and Heritage Towns
1
l Aillwee Cave 23
l Dublinia 43
l The Jameson Distillery, 64
l The Newbridge Silverware
Tel: +353 (0)65 707 7036 Tel: +353 (0)1 679 4611 Midleton Visitor Centre
2
l Airfield Estate 24
l Dunbrody Famine Ship Tel: +353 (0)21 461 3594 Tel: +353 (0)45 431 301
Tel: +353 (0)1 969 6666 Experience 44
l The Kennedy Homestead 65
l Newry and Mourne
3
l Armagh City Tel: +353 (0)51 425 239 & Emigrant Trail Museum
Tel: +44 (0)28 3752 1800 25
l Eagles Flying Tel: +353 (0)51 388 264 Tel: +44 (0)28 3031 3178
4
l Athlone Castle Tel: +353 (0)71 918 9310 45
l Kilmallock Heritage Town 66
l Pearse Lyons Distillery
Visitor Centre 26
l Enniskillen Castle And Tel: +353 (0)63 91300 Tel: +353 (0)1 691 6000
Tel: +353 (0)90 644 2130 Heritage Town 46
l King House 67
l Powerscourt Distillery
5
l Belleek Pottery Tel: +44 (0)28 6632 5000 Tel: +353 (0)71 966 3242 Tel: +353 (0)1 506 5656
Visitor Centre 27
l EPIC The Irish 47
l Kylemore Abbey & 68
l Powerscourt House
Tel: +44 (0)28 6865 9300 Emigration Museum Victorian Walled Garden & Gardens
6
l Belvedere House, Tel: +353 (0)1 906 0861 Tel: +353 (0)95 52001 Tel: +353 (0)1 204 6000
Gardens & Park 28
l Fethard Horse Country 48
l Legend of 69
l Richmond Barracks
Tel: +353 (0)44 934 9060 Experience and The Claddagh Ring Tel: +353 (0)1 222 8400
7
l Birr Castle Gardens Heritage Town Tel: +353 (0)91 562 554 70
l Russborough House
and Science Centre Tel: +353 (0)52 613 0439 49
l Lismore Heritage Town & Parklands
Tel: +353 (0)57 912 0336 29
l Fota House, Arboretum and Heritage Centre Tel: +353 (0)45 865 239
8
l Blarney Castle & Gardens & Gardens Tel: +353 (0)58 54975 71
l Shannon Ferries
Tel: +353 (0)21 438 5252 Tel: +353 (0)21 481 5543 50
l Lough Gur Heritage Centre Tel: +353 (0)65 905 3124
9
l Boyne Valley 30
l Foynes Flying Boat & Tel: +353 (0)61 385 186 72
l Skibbereen:
Tel: +353 (0)46 909 7060 Maritime Museum 51
l Lough Key Forest The Famine Story
Tel: +353 (0)69 65416 & Activity Park Tel: +353 (0)28 40900
10
l The Burren Centre & The
Kilfenora Céilí Band Parlour 31
l Foynes Heritage Town Tel: +353 (0)71 967 3122 73
l Slieve League
Tel: +353 (0)65 708 8030 Tel: +353 (0)69 65416 52
l Marble Arch Caves Cliffs Centre
11
l Burren Nature Sanctuary 32
l GAA Museum & Croke Park Tel: +44 (0)28 6634 8855 Tel: +353 (0)74 973 9077
Tel: +353 (0)91 637 444 Stadium and Skyline Tours 53
l Medieval Mile Museum 74
l Smithwick’s Experience
Tel: +353 (0)1 819 2323 Tel: +353 (0)56 781 7022 Kilkenny
12
l Castletown House
& Parklands 33
l Galway City Museum — 54
l Medieval Quarter Tel: +353 (0)56 778 6377
Tel: +353 (0)1 628 8252 Músaem Cathrach na Limerick City 75
l Spike Island
Gaillimhe Tel: +353 (0)61 317 522 Tel: +353 (0)21 237 3455
13
l Castle Ward Tel: +353 (0)91 532 460
Tel: +44 (0)28 4488 1204 55
l Mid & East Antrim 76
l Titanic Belfast
34
l Giant’s Causeway Shaped by Sea & Stone Tel: +44 (0)28 9076 6399
14
l Chester Beatty Visitor Experience
Tel: +353 (0)1 407 0750 Tel: +44 (0)28 2563 5010 77
l Trinity College Dublin
Tel: +44 (0)28 2073 1855
15
l Christ Church Cathedral 56
l Mizen Head Signal Station Tel: +353 (0)1 896 2320
35
l Glasnevin Cemetery Tel: +353 (0)28 35000/35225
Tel: +353 (0)1 677 8099 Museum 78
l Tullamore D.E.W.
16
l Clare Museum Tel: +353 (0)1 882 6550 57
l Mount Congreve Gardens Visitor Centre
Tel: +353 (0)65 682 3382 Tel: +353 (0)51 384 115/384 511 Tel: +353 (0)57 932 5015
36
l Great Lighthouses
17
l Cobh Heritage Centre of Ireland 58
l Mount Stewart 79
l Ulster American
Tel: +353 (0)21 481 3591 Tel: +353 (0)86 838 5269 Tel: +44 (0)28 4278 8387 Folk Park
59
l National Gallery of Ireland Tel: +44 (0)28 8224 3292
18
l Curraghmore House 37
l Guinness Storehouse
& Gardens Tel: +353 (0)1 408 4800 Tel: + 353 (0)1 661 5133 80
l Ulster Folk &
Tel: +353 (0)86 821 1917 60
l National Library of Ireland Transport Museum
38
l Hook Lighthouse Tel: +44 (0)28 9042 8428
19
l Doolin Cave Tel: +353 (0)51 397 054/397 055 Tel: +353 (0)1 603 0200
Tel: +353 (0)65 707 5761 61
l National Sea Life Centre 81
l Ulster Museum
39
l House of Waterford Crystal Tel: +44 (0)28 9044 0000
20
l Down County Museum Tel: +353 (0)51 317 000 Tel: +353 (0)1 286 6939
Tel: +44 (0)28 4461 5218 62
l Navan Centre & Fort— 82
l Vaults Live
40
l The Hunt Museum Tel: +353 (0)1 541 1485
21
l Downpatrick Tel: +353 (0)61 312 833 Emain Macha
Heritage Town Tel: +44 (0)28 3752 9644 83
l Wicklow’s
41
l Irish National Stud Historic Gaol
Tel: +44 (0)28 4461 2233 & Gardens 63
l New Ross Heritage Town
Tel: +353 (0)51 421 284 Tel: +353 (0)404 61599
22
l Dublin City Hall Tel: +353 (0)45 521 617
Tel: +353 (0)1 222 2204 42
l Irish Whiskey Museum
Tel: +353 (0)1 525 0970
36
36 Carndonagh
34
Portrush Ballycastle
Moville Portstewart Bushmills
iring, Coleraine
Creeslough Buncrana A44
W hen enqu A37
Cushendall
Gweedore N56 Ballymoney A2
or booking,
A2 Limavady
N13 A43
A26 Carnlough
Letterkenny DERRY
remember
Dungloe Dungiven Kilrea A42
A29 M2
N14 A5 A54
Ballymena Larne
to reference A6
Lifford A42 A36
Glenties Ballybofey Strabane A2
55
nd
Heritage Isla
Magherafelt Ballyclare
Newtownstewart Antrim A8
Carrickfergus
N15 M2
Ardara N56 Newtownabbey
Donegal 79 A505 Cookstown A2 Bangor
73 Killybegs 80
Omagh Pomeroy BELFAST Newtownards
A35 A32 A29 76 81 58
A26
Ballyshannon Dungannon Lisburn A20
Bundoran Belleek
Dromore A5 A4 M1 Lurgan M1 A22 A2
A49 A7
N15 5 A46 Craigavon
A4 A28 3 A3 13 Portaferry
Portadown Ballynahinch Downpatrick
Enniskillen Armagh A27 Banbridge A24 A25
N2 20 21
SLIGO N16 26 Monaghan 62 A28 A50
Belmullet A1 A2
N59 52 A34 A25
A509 N54 Keady Newry Newcastle
Bangor Erris
Collooney Newtownbutler Clones 65
Castleblayney Warrenpoint
Ballina N87 Belturbet A29
Ballymote Arigna Cootehill A2 Kilkeel
N17
N4 N2
Keel N26 25 N53
Dundalk
Boyle 46 Cavan Carrickmacross
Swinford
N59 Charlestown 51 Carrick-on-Shannon Bailieborough
N5 N52
M1
Castlebar Ballaghaderreen
N33
N3
Knock N5 N61 Ardee
Westport N60 Ballyhaunis Tulak
N55
N52
Castlerea Granard
Kells
Claremorris N60 Longford N51 Drogheda
N63 9 M1
N59
Roscommon N4 Navan Balbriggan
Ballinrobe N51
47 Leenane N52 Skerries
Cong N55 Mullingar Trim
M3
Rush
Clifden N84 Tuam N63 N61 M2 Swords
6 M4 Malahide
Oughterard N83 Athlone M4 Maynooth
N59
M17
Ballinasloe 4
Moate M6
Celbridge
M50 DUBLIN
Clara Edenderry
Rós A’Mhil GALWAY Athenry N80 12 Clondalkin Dun Laoghaire
M6 N62
33 48 Oranmore Tullamore
N52 78 Naas N7 M11
M18 Bray
Loughrea Banagher Kilcormac Newbridge
N66
Ballyvaughan N67 Kinvara N65 Portarlington Kildare 64 70 67 68 61
11 Portumna Birr Mountmellick 41
Doolin 19
1 Gort
Lisdoonvarna Terryglass 7 M11
Mountrath Portlaoise
10 Borrisokane Athy 83 Wicklow
Lahinch Ennistymon M18
N52 Roscrea M7
N80
M9 N81
Rathdrum
N85 Abbeyleix
Milltown Malbay Ennis Nenagh N78 Carlow
Quin M7 N62
16 Killaloe Ballina N77
Castlecomer
Templemore Tullow Arklow
N68 Bunratty M8 M11
Kilkee Castleconnell Thurles N80 Gorey
N67
Kilrush LIMERICK Kilkenny Bagenalstown
Foynes
Askeaton
40 54 N10
53 74 N11
71 N69 M20 Borris
36 Ballybunion 30 31 Adare
N24 Cashel
Graiguenamanagh
Rathkeale 50 N74
Callan
M9
Enniscorthy
Listowel Tipperary 28 N76
Thomastown
N30
M11
Newcastle West
Abbeyfeale N20 Kilmallock Cahir New Ross N11
N69 45 Clonmel
Charleville
N24
44 24 63 N25 Wexford
N21 Carrick-on-Suir
Tralee Mitchelstown 18 WATERFORD Rosslare
Castleisland N73 39 N25
57
N86 Farranfore
Dingle N70 Kanturk M8 Tramore
N22
Mallow N72 Fermoy Lismore
Killorglin N72 36
N72 49
N72 Dungarvan 38
Killarney Millstreet N20
N25
36 Cahersiveen 8 Blarney Midleton Youghal
N71 Macroom
N70 Kenmare CORK 29 43 DUBLIN
Sneem N22
N28 Cobh M2 M50
Waterville Ballycotton N32
75 17 M1
Glengarriff Bandon Carrigaline 36
Dunmanway N27 N2
Bere Bantry N71 Kinsale
Clonakilty
N71
Goleen Skibbereen 35 N1
72 N3
56 27
32
N4
77
69
N7
66 37 82 23 15 14 22 42 59 60
N81
Dun Laoghaire
M50 2 N11
1 2
AILLWEE CAVE AIRFIELD ESTATE
And Birds of Prey Centre
This is a very special place in the heart of the Burren. Let the knowledgeable Airfield Estate is Dublin’s only 38-acre working farm & visitor attraction.
guides at Aillwee welcome you to the dramatic underworld of this unique Established in 1974 as a charitable organisation by Letitia & Naomi Overend for
landscape. Your tour consists of a 35 minute guided walk through beautiful recreational and education purposes –the mission at Airfield Estate is to connect
caverns, over bridged chasms, under weird formations and alongside the people with food and the land that it comes from.
thunderous waterfall, which sometimes gently sprays the unsuspecting visitor. Located in the village of Dundrum, it offers many experiences including: An
Marvel at the frozen waterfall and explore the hibernation chambers of the long interactive exhibition & tours of the Overend family home; Ornamental Gardens
extinct brown bears. - whereby the Walled Garden & Greenhouse reflect the Overend’s family passion
Visit the Birds of Prey Centre, home to one of the largest and most varied for plants; The interactive display garage provides you with access to the Overend’s
collection of Birds of Prey in Ireland – Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, Owls, and Vultures. family cars include Letitia’s 1927 Rolls Royce; The Farmyard - where the famous Jersey
The expert bird handlers are always available to help you understand these cows are milked and the eggs are collected daily; The Kitchen Gardens - where much
amazing Raptors and let you know about all the conservation programmes that of the fresh food is produced that goes directly into the field to fork restaurant;
are ongoing both nationally and internationally. Audio guides and information Woodland Walks with over 2,000 native trees, providing important wildlife corridors
boards also give detailed information on all the residents. Daily flying displays and improving the habitats of Airfield’s bird & insect populations; The Grey Barn
provide a rare opportunity to see many of these wonderful species in dramatic special indoor/outdoor play space for 0-4 year old children; Overends Restaurant -
free flight set against the Burren landscape. The Burren is also the birthplace of the perfect place to enjoy the taste of Airfield on a plate.
the Farmhouse Cheese `Burren Gold@ Aillwee’, winner of numerous Gold and Airfield offers a place where you can reflect, be replenished & celebrate the
Silver Medals at various national and international cheese fairs, and available in connection between people & nature through the farm, gardens and natural
The Farmshop at Aillwee Cave. You may even be lucky enough to see the cheese environment. Tours can be organised with specialised guides or all experiences
maker at work. can be self-guided. Also offering option for bespoke tours & private dining.
Address Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, H91 AX26 Address Overend Way, Dundrum, Dublin 14, D14 EE77
Email info@aillweecave.ie Email info@airfield.ie
Phone +353 (0)65 707 7036 Phone +353 (0)1 969 6666
Website www.aillweecave.ie Website www.airfield.ie
Sat Nav 53.0918, -9.1503 Sat Nav 53.2879, -6.2351
Location 35 km from Ennis; 47 km from Galway Location 10 km from Dublin City
Open Open year round: Daily: Mar-Jun, Sept, Oct 10.00-17.30; Open Open year round. Visit website for seasonal opening hours.
Jul & Aug 10.00-18.30. Check website for other dates. Last admission: 1 hour before closing.
Closed Dec 24-26, Jan 1.
Average Visit Length 1 hour to 3 hours
Average Visit Length 3 hours
Entrance Fees Adult €10; Senior/Student €8; Child €5; Child (U3) Free
Entrance Fees Joint Tickets: Adult €18; Senior/Student €15; Child €10; (standard)
(standard) Family (2A+2C) €44; ‘Cave Only’ tickets available.
Group Rates For 10+
Group Rates For 15+
Special Opening for Yes. Subject to time of year.
Special Opening for Yes Groups?
Groups?
Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 50.
Guided Group Tours All tours are guided. Min 10, Max 35 for cave tour. Larger
numbers for Birds of Prey flying display. Tours are in Self-Guided Groups Yes. English brochures.
English. Conference/ Multifunctional meeting rooms (50-3,000 capacity).
Incentive Programme Yes. Hawk Walks. Meetings Various private event spaces including a rustic barn.
Performance Venue Small theatre in cave, maximum capacity 50. Incentive Programme Yes. Tailor-made food/field/farm/garden events
School/Education Yes. A Discover Primary Science Resource Centre School/Education Yes
Programme Programme
Dining Café and tea rooms serving hot and cold lunches and an Dining Restaurant and Coffee Shop. Estate sourced farm to fork
extensive range of snacks. Wine licence. dining experiences. Restaurant seats 120, coffee shop 30.
Shopping Two gift shops with extensive range of gifts and crafts. Shopping Garden Centre selling gifts, garden items and plants.
Farmshop selling homemade cheese, fudge and local and Airfield market, selling estate products.
national foods. Car Parking Free on-site.
Car Parking Free on-site. Coach Parking Free on-site. 4 spaces. Drop off and pick up point.
Coach Parking Free on-site. 15 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee and scone.
Special Facilities for Refreshment voucher. Coach-washing and clean-out area Coaches/Drivers
Coaches/Drivers with refuse point. Disability Access Yes. Fully wheelchair accessible.
Disability Access Cave is partially wheelchair accessible, booking in advance Group Booking sales@airfield.ie
necessary. Birds of Prey Centre and all shops and toilets are Contact
fully accessible.
Group Booking Tracy Lynch, E: tracy@aillweecave.ie
Contact
3 4
ARMAGH CITY ATHLONE CASTLE
VISITOR CENTRE
Armagh – a city that has a unique sense of place in Ireland with a significance Situated on the banks of the majestic River Shannon in the heart of Ireland,
and influence felt across the island for 6,500 years. Athlone Castle was first built to defend a coveted crossing point and evolved into
Armagh is at the heart of celebrating the life of Saint Patrick and on the new a bold defensive structure over the centuries. Visitors to Athlone Castle Visitor
Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim’ s Walk, a journey of some 82 miles connecting Centre will discover a story of settlement, defence and survival from as early
locations of spiritual significance to the saint. as the Neolithic period, to the Viking, Medieval and Norman ages, right up to
modern life in Athlone.
There are many special things to experience in Armagh ranging from the
historically unique Navan Fort, two Saint Patrick’s Cathedrals, Ireland’s only During your visit you will uncover the vivid history of the bitter battles fought,
Planetarium, Irish Fusiliers Museum, Armagh County Museum, No.5 Vicar’s Hill, territories won and lost, and hear stories of incredible bravery. Prepare to walk in
the Cardinal O’Fiaich Memorial Library and Archive, the Milford House Collection, the steps of soldiers, Generals and Kings.
Armagh Robinson Library, unmatched Georgian architecture, the green space of Inside the Castle delve through the mists of time as the Castle’s tumultuous past
the Mall. is revealed with a series of modern exhibitions, authentic artefacts, interactive
Key events in Armagh throughout the year include; Home of Saint Patrick’s games, life-size sculptures, medieval dress up area and an intense 360º cinematic
Festival (March), Armagh Food and Cider Festival (September) and Armagh experience of the Great Siege of Athlone.
Georgian Festival (November). Enthusiastic guides and volunteers will be on hand to assist you with any queries
you may have. Last admission is one hour prior to closing.
Location 40 miles from Belfast, 85 miles from Dublin. Address St. Peter’s Square, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 A6D7
Sat Nav 54.3493, -6.6545 Email info@athlonecastle.ie
Visitor Centre Armagh Visitor Information Centre, 40 English Street, Phone +353 (0)90 644 2130
Armagh, BT61 7BA. Website www.athlonecastle.ie
Tel +44 (0)28 3752 1800 Sat Nav 53.4231, -7.9427
Email info@visitarmagh.com Location Situated in Athlone Town
Website www.visitarmagh.com Open Open year round. Jan-Feb & Nov-Dec Wed-Sat 10.30-17.00,
Visitor Attractions Attractions include: Armagh County Museum; Armagh Sun 11.30-17.00; Mar-May & Sept-Oct Tues-Sat 10.00-17.30,
Observatory & Planetarium; Armagh Robinson Library; Sun 11.00-17.30; Jun-Aug Mon-Sat 09.30-18.00,
Cardinal Tomas O’Fiaich Library & Archive; Navan Centre Sun 10.30-18.00
& Fort; No 5 Vicar’s Hill; Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum; Check website for details.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral (Catholic); Saint Patrick’s Last admissions 1 hour prior to closing.
Cathedral (Church of Ireland); The Mall; The Market Place
Theatre & Arts Centre and The Palace Demesne, Milford Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes
House Collection. Entrance Fees Adult €8; Senior/Student €6; Child (U15) €4;
Guided Tours Tours of Armagh City take place during the summer (standard) Family (2A+2C) €20. Family (2A+4C) €25.
months. Contact the Armagh Visitor Information Centre for Group Rates For 10+
details outside of this time. Special Opening for Yes, depending on the time of year. Scheduled guided tours
Activities Cultural activities including museums, exhibitions. City Groups? during summer months.
Centre walks focusing on culture, heritage, architecture and Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 15, Max 30.
food. Saint Patrick’s Way: the Pilgrim’s Walk: Connecting
Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio-guides available in English, French, German,
sites of importance relating to the celebration of his life and
Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese (Mandarin).
heritage. Family friendly activites at attractions.
Audio Visual 360° cinema of the Great Siege of Athlone, 7 minute
Top Festivals/Events Festivals include: Home of Saint Patrick’s Festival (March);
duration in English, seats 50.
7 Hills Blues Festival (August), Armagh Food & Cider
Festival (September) and Armagh Georgian Festival Performance Venue Castle Courtyard can be used for fairs, small events, music
(November). and recitals. Capacity (weather dependent) could be 200 pax
approx.
Dining There is a wide range of opportunities for eating local and
artisan produce across Armagh. From cafés to restaurants School/Education Yes. Based based on Castle themes.
and with a focus on serving the best of local food. Programme
Visit www.visitarmagh.com for more ideas. Dining Small café serving tea/coffee and light refreshments. Seats
Shopping Armagh has a strong presence of independent retailers and 16 inside and 16 outside.
the visitor will find many quirky and unusual gifts. A weekly Shopping Small retail area selling Athlone Castle merchandise
market takes place in Shambles Yard. including handmade pottery, postcards and guidebooks.
Car Parking Free and pay parking throughout the town. Car Parking Pay parking nearby.
Coach Parking Available at the Palace Demesne. A coach driver’s scheme Coach Parking Free parking nearby. 3 spaces. Drop off at entrance.
provides food vouchers, parking and coach washing Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee/snack. Drivers welcome to explore visitor
facilities. Contact the Visitor Centre for information. Coaches/Drivers centre.
Heritage /Visitor Armagh Visitor Information Centre, 40 English Street, Disability Access Partially accessible via a ramp. The visitor centre itself is
Centre Armagh, BT61 7BA. Open year round; Monday - Saturday. wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilet.
Tourist Information Armagh Visitor Information Centre. As above. Group Booking Fiona Naughton, E: info@athlonecastle.ie
Tel: +44 (0)28 3752 1800 Contact
5 6
BELLEEK POTTERY BELVEDERE HOUSE,
VISITOR CENTRE GARDENS & PARK
Visit Ireland’s oldest working Pottery, over 160 years in business. A visit to Belleek Lord Belvedere’s Hunting Lodge at Lough Ennell stands on 160 acres of
Pottery Visitor Centre is the perfect way to spend a day out and a must on any maintained estate, punctuated with numerous follies, the largest being The
itinerary. Famously known for being the oldest working pottery in Ireland, this Jealous Wall built to obscure his brother’s larger house at Tudenham. Belvedere
4 star attraction offers a fascinating insight into the world of Belleek and the House is fully restored and is noted for its exquisite rococo ceilings and bow
process that delivers this world-class product. Offering a series of delicate end design. The Victorian Walled Garden exercises all the senses with a fragrant
delights to make your visit so much more memorable. herb garden, old rose beds, tumbling herbaceous borders, alpines, climbers and
Begin your visit with an interactive guided tour. Guides will take you on a vegetable potager. Belvedere plays host to a range of different outdoor events,
30-minute pottery tour where you will see the 16 steps of how this world famous including Garden Theatre, Bird Walks, Bat Walks, Music Concerts and Dog Shows.
product is created. Amongst some of skills demonstrated, you will see moulding, Belvedere has a licensed restaurant, shop, fairy garden, apiaries (beehives), four
flowering, painting and basket weaving. As the oldest working pottery in Ireland, childrens’ play areas and several picnic areas. Belvedere has a full calendar of
the heritage of Belleek is hard to ignore. In addition to the displays of exquisite events including Halloween, Easter and Christmas events. Please check website
craftsmanship, an audio visual presentation will inform you of the rich history for latest details.
of the pottery from its beginnings in the mid 1800s to present day. The Belleek
Museum houses some of the finest examples of product ever produced by the
pottery including the International Centre Piece, a replica of the winning piece
from the World Fair ‘Exposition Universelle’ in the late 1800s. Once you have
completed your tour, enjoy a little retail therapy in the Belleek Showroom and
complete your visit with some time-out at the Belleek Tea Room.
Address 3 Main St., Belleek, Co. Fermanagh, BT93 3FY Address Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 EF80
Email takethetour@belleek.ie Email info@belvedere-house.ie
Phone +44 (0)28 6865 9300 Phone +353 (0)44 934 9060
Website www.belleekpottery.ie Website www.belvedere-house.ie
Sat Nav 54.4790, -8.0932 Sat Nav 53.4772, -7.3692
Location 39 km from Enniskillen Location 7 km from Mullingar
Open Open year round, including bank holidays: Open Open year round: Daily from 09.30. May-Aug until 20.00.
Jan-Feb: Mon-Fri. Mar-Dec: Daily. Please contact the centre Please check website for details. Last admission 1 hour
for specific opening hours and tour times. before closing. Closed Dec 24-26
Average Visit Length 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes Average Visit Length 2 hours
Entrance Fees Adult £6; Senior/Student £4; Child Free; Family £10 Entrance Fees Adult €8; Senior/Student €6; Child €4; Child (U3) Free;
(standard) (standard) Family (2A+2C) €23
Group Rates For 10+ Group Rates For 20+
Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 1, Max 25. Special Opening for In certain circumstances.
Audio Visual 20 minute AV, for 50, in English, French, German, Italian, Groups?
Japanese, Chinese and Dutch. Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 50.
School/Education Yes. Guided guided tours. Self-Guided Groups Yes in English
Programme Audio Visual 8 minute AV, in English, for 30.
Dining Self-service restaurant. Conference/ Meeting/conference rooms, all upstairs (no lift). Lakeview
Shopping Showroom selling a complete range of Belleek Pottery, Meetings room seats 16 Classroom style and The Bury room seats 30
Galway Crystal and Aynsley China. theatre-style. ‘The Courtyard’ in the visitor centre seats
Car Parking Free on-site. 200 theatre style. Audio-video facilities. Suited to product
launches, seminars and diverse entertainment and events.
Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point.
Lunches/parties catered for.
Special Facilities for Coach wash and refuse area.
Performance Venue The Courtyard in the Visitor Centre is suited to musical and
Coaches/Drivers
other events. Seats 200.
Disability Access Fully accessible.
School/Education Yes. Worksheets available.
Group Booking Patricia McCauley, E: takethetour@belleek.ie Programme
Contact
Dining Café serving wide range of fresh local foods and snacks.
Lunch/dinners available for pre-booked groups. Seats 150.
Shopping Gift shop selling clothing, jewellery and gifts.
Car Parking Free on-site.
Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up at Visitor Centre.
Disability Access Visitor Centre, café, shop and toilets are accessible.
Elsewhere in house and gardens limited access - steps &
steep inclines; gravel surfaces in grounds and gardens.
Group Booking Belvedere Reception, E: info@belvedere-house.ie
Contact
7 8
BIRR CASTLE GARDENS BLARNEY CASTLE & GARDENS
AND SCIENCE CENTRE
The stunning gardens at Birr Castle are home to unending botanical marvels Situated 8km/5miles from Cork City, this historic castle is most famous for its
with an abundance of exotic flora to be found throughout along with feats of stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it.
scientific and engineering wonder for all to view and enjoy. The word ‘Blarney’ was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth
Explore the gardens, which are home to the Great Telescope, once the largest I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending.
in the world created by the third Earl of Rosse in the 1840s along with Ireland’s The stone is set in the wall below the battlements. To kiss it, one has to lean
largest tree house and adventure area. The award-winning millennium formal backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk.
gardens, surrounded by the romantic hornbeam cloister walk, proudly houses In the grounds of the castle, the Rock Close is a curious place of ancient trees
the world’s tallest box hedges and includes plants exclusive to the gardens. The and far more ancient stones, by legend a garden of druidic origin and a centre of
120 acres of gardens house an impressive plant collection of rare species from worship in pre-Christian days.
around the world, including over 40 trees published as champion trees of Britain The place has an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witch’s
and Ireland. Kitchen, Druid’s Cave and many other delights, telling a story of centuries past.
The historic science centre transports visitors back to a time when Birr Castle was Blarney Castle Estate offers visitors the chance to stroll through one of the
a hub of scientific discovery and innovation. The interactive galleries reveal the country’s most spectacular gardens.
wonders of early photography, engineering and astronomy. Blarney Castle & House are set in acres of parkland filled with rare and unusual
The castle, a family home since the 17th century, opens its doors during the trees & plants. There is a fern garden with the atmosphere of a tropical jungle,
summer months for guided tours offering visitors the chance to visit this private a poison garden full of deadly but fascinating plants, an 80metre/262feet long
residence. Complete your visit with a trip to the Discovery Gift Shop and the double herbaceous border and rose pergola, extensive rhododendron beds and
Castle Courtyard Café. spring bulbs.
Address Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 VO27 Address Blarney, Co. Cork, T23 Y598
Email reception@birrcastle.com Email info@blarneycastle.ie
Phone +353 (0)57 912 0336 Phone +353 (0)21 438 5252
Website www.birrcastle.com Website www.blarneycastle.ie
Sat Nav 53.0967, -7.9143 Sat Nav 51.9292, -8.5686
Location Birr Town Location 9 km from Cork City
Open Open year round. Closed Dec 25, 26 & Jan 1. Open Open year round: Daily from 09.00; Closing times vary
Jan – mid-Mar 10.00-16.00; mid-Mar – Oct 09.00-18.00; through the season. Please check website for details.
Nov & Dec 10.00-16.00 Average Visit Length 2 hours to 3 hours
Average Visit Length 1.5 to 3 hours Entrance Fees See www.blarneycastle.ie for admission details.
Entrance Fees Adult €9.50; Senior/Student €8; Child (5-12) €5; (standard)
(standard) Child (U5) Free; Family (2A+2C) €26. Special Opening for Yes
Rates do not include access to the castle. Groups?
Group Rates For 10+ Self-Guided Groups Yes. English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese.
Special Opening for Yes Audio Visual 1 hour audio guides in English.
Groups?
Performance Venue Outdoor spaces available for groups to use for performances.
Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 10, Max 30.
Dining Café serving Irish foods and snacks. Seats 70.
Self-Guided Groups Yes. Maps in English, French, German, Spanish and
Shopping 3 gift shops selling Blarney Castle souvenirs.
Mandarin
Car Parking Free on-site.
Conference/ No
Meetings Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off point.
School/Education Yes Disability Access The castle is not accessible, but a large portion of the
Programme gardens is accessible.
Dining Award-winning Café serving a selection of sweet and Group Booking Noreen Murphy, E: info@blarneycastle.ie
savoury dishes each day, open mid-March to November. Contact
Shopping Gift shop.
Car Parking Pay parking nearby.
Coach Parking Free parking nearby. Drop off and pick up at entrance gate.
Special Facilities for Free access to attraction and refreshments.
Coaches/Drivers
Disability Access All areas accessible except castle.
Group Booking E: reservations@birrcastle.com
Contact
9 10
BOYNE VALLEY THE BURREN CENTRE &
THE KILFENORA CÉILÍ BAND PARLOUR
The Boyne Valley, situated on the east coast of Ireland, is only 30 minutes from To begin to discover the secrets of the Burren a visit through the Burren Centre
Dublin. Virtually every important event in Irish history took place in the Boyne is essential. Here the story of the Burren is impressively presented in ‘A Walk
Valley, making it the best place to start your holiday in Ireland. Some of its best- Through Time’ multidimensional exhibition. Subliminal ambient aural effects
known attractions include the 5,000-year old burial chambers at the Newgrange suggest the geological formation of the landscape, its flora and fauna. Beautifully
and Knowth part of the Brù na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site and the displayed artefacts, original works of art, enthralling audio-visual and interactive
interpretive centre at the Battle of the Boyne site. Right in the heart of Drogheda experiences together with dramatic life-like reproductions of human activity all
Heritage town, visit the Gothic Revival St. Peter’s Catholic Church, with the combine to provide an insight into the rich history and heritage of the Burren.
preserved head of St. Oliver Plunkett. Tour Millmount Museum and the Martello Take a walk down memory lane and enjoy the new exhibition entitled ‘The
Tower to experience the wonderful views over Drogheda and it’s medieval St. Kilfenora Ceili Band Parlour’, which explores the music and history of this
Laurence’s Gate. Marvel at the early Christian High Crosses at Monasterboice and renowned band. Projections showcasing a musical journey, archival photographs,
Kells. No visit would be complete without seeing Trim Castle, the best preserved historical artefacts and interactive displays provide a fascinating insight into
and most impressive Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. It is situated in the their musical journey for over 100 years.
heritage town of Trim where you can also enjoy guided tours and a leisurely walk
There is enjoyment for all the family at this wonderful attraction. Homely Tea
down the River Boyne.
Rooms await you after your visit where you sample some excellent traditional
cuisine. Crafts are displayed in the creatively designed and spacious craft shop.
Visit the famed Kilfenora Cathedral, adjacent to The Burren Centre, dedicated to
St. Fachnan and built in about 1189 on the site of an early monastery.
Address Drogheda Tourist Information Point, The Tholsel, West St. Address Kilfenora, Co. Clare, V95 W523
Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 CF29 Email info@theburrencentre.ie
Email info@discoverboynevalley.ie Phone +353 (0)65 708 8030
Phone +353 (0)46 909 7060 Website www.theburrencentre.ie
Website www.discoverboynevalley.ie Sat Nav 53.3579, -6.5276
Sat Nav 53.7179, -6.3561 Location 8 km from Ennistymon
Location A wonderful tour of attractions throughout counties Meath Open Open mid-Mar to end of Oct.
and Louth. Mid Mar-May and Sept-Oct: Daily 10.00-17.00.
Open Open year round: Please check website for details. Jun-Aug: Daily 09.30-17.30.
Average Visit Length Varies Average Visit Length 40 minutes
Entrance Fees Fees apply to some visitor attractions. Entrance Fees Adult €6; Senior/Student €5; Child (6-15) €4;
(standard) Please check website for details. (standard) Child (U6) Free; Family (2A+3C) €20
Group Rates Yes, varies by attraction Group Rates For 12+
Special Opening for Varies, by attraction. Special Opening for Yes
Groups? Groups?
Guided Group Tours Varies by attraction; see www.discoverboynevalley.ie Self-Guided Groups Yes, see below for languages.
Self-Guided Groups Yes, at most attractions Audio Visual AV in French, Dutch, German and English.
Audio Visual Yes, some sites have AV including Newgrange and the Battle School/Education Yes. School packs available online.
of the Boyne Visitor Centre. Programme
Conference/ Yes. Please see our listing, www.discoverboynevalley.ie Dining Restaurant serving a wide variety of home-cooked foods and
Meetings snacks. Seats 65.
Performance Venue See www.discoverboynevalley.ie Shopping Craft shop selling local and traditional Irish crafts, crystal,
School/Education Yes, at some attractions, see www.discoverboynevalley.ie knitwear and souvenirs.
Programme Car Parking Free on-site.
Dining Many Boyne Valley attractions have restaurants or tea Coach Parking Free on-site. Drop off and pick up point.
rooms, or there are facilities close by in each town or village. Disability Access Fully accessible, with accessible toilets.
Shopping Some attractions have gift shops. Group Booking Frances Connole, E: info@theburrencentre.ie
Car Parking Available at most heritage sites. Contact
Coach Parking Available at some some heritage sites.
Disability Access Available in most locations
Group Booking See attractions at www.discoverboynevalley.ie or
Contact E: info@discoverboynevalley.ie11 12
BURREN NATURE SANCTUARY CASTLETOWN HOUSE & PARKLANDS
Explore the Burren Nature Sanctuary Interpretive Trail, which showcases features Castletown is the most celebrated and magnificent Palladian-style mansion in
of Burren geology and biodiversity through interpretive panels and audio tour. Ireland. When it was built in the 1720s, Castletown set a radical precedent and
Discover fossils from ancient tropical seas in the limestone rocks formed over is now a fascinating part of Ireland’s cultural and architectural inheritance. The
millions of years. Identify seasonal wildflowers growing in the spaces between extraordinary scale of plasterwork, paintings, furniture and decorative arts as
the rocks. Look out for butterflies and orchids in the organic meadow, migratory presented to the public today, brings to life this unique Italianate palace with its
birds at the Turlough, a freshwater tidal lake that empties every 11 hours and is restored 120 acres of landscape, historic walks and restored 18th century garden
a rare phenomenon. Stroll through the hedgerow of native Irish trees lining the buildings. Situated in the restored 18th century Kitchen Wing, the Courtyard
ancient green road or boreen. Café is run by ‘The Caterers’. Pop in for a coffee before your tour or relax over
Connect with nature, yourself and each other in the peace and tranquillity lunch after exploring the parklands or attending an event.
of this ancient landscape. Visit the Botany Bubble, home to the National With guided tours, self-guiding access, Craft Fairs and Country Markets,
Botanical Collection of unique and diverse Burren flora, where seasonal exhibitions, theatre, concerts and workshops and so much more, there is
Alpine, Mediterranean, Arctic, and tropical plants grow alongside native Irish something for everyone at Castletown.
wildflowers. Meet the farm animals: donkeys, pigs, and sheep. Say hello to Frisky Vehicle access: Exit 6 from the M4 at Celbridge West.
the feral Burren goat. Find the fairy houses in the native Hazel Woodland. Relax
OPW Heritage Cards accepted.
in the Sanctuary Café and enjoy fresh local produce.
Address Cloonasee, Kinvara, Co. Galway, H91 PTK7 Address Celbridge, Co. Kildare, W23 V9H3
Email info@burrennaturesanctuary.ie Email castletown@opw.ie
Phone +353 (0)91 637 444 Phone 353 (0)1 628 8252
Website www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie Website www.castletown.ie
Sat Nav 53.1298, -8.9280 Sat Nav 53.3579, -6.5276
Location Located in the picturesque village of Kinvara, ideally Location 20 km from Dublin City
situated en-route from Galway or Dublin to the Burren and Open Parklands: Open year round. House: Mid-Mar – Mid-Nov 4;
Cliffs of Moher Geopark. 60 km from Shannon Airport Daily 10.00-18.00 (Last entry: 16.45).
Open Feb to Jun & Sep to Dec: Wed-Sun 10.00-18.00. Average Visit Length 2 hours and 30 minutes
Jul & Aug: Daily 10.00-18.00. Jan: Closed
Entrance Fees Entrance fees: Parklands Free. House, Self-guided/Guided:
Average Visit 90 Minutes. (standard) Adult €8/€10; Senior €5/€8; Student/Child €3.50/€5;
Length Child (U12) Free; Family (2A+3C) €15/€25;
Entrance Fees Adult €5; Senior Free; Child (4yrs+) €10 OPW Heritage Cards accepted.
(standard) Child (U4) €5; Family (2A+3C) €35 Group Rates For 12+
Group Rates Yes for 10+ Special Opening for Yes. Open earlier/later, private dining post tour available
Groups? etc.
Special Opening for No
Groups? Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 12, Max 54.
Guided Group Yes, on request pre-booking is required. Self-Guided Groups See website. French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Polish
Tours and Irish leaflets.
Self-Guided Groups Yes Conference/ Events & Conference Centre in restored 18th century Stable
Meetings Wing. Hunting Room (90 people); Billiard Room (30),
Audio Visual Burren Nature Sanctuary App available to download, it Green Room (12).
provides an audio tour of the Burren Walk at the Nature
Incentive Programme Yes. Archery, Whiskey Tasting etc.
Sanctuary. The app is free to download on IOS and Android.
Performance Venue Yes, see conference and meetings above.
Conference/ Yes
Meetings School/Education Yes, free guided tours of Castletown’s Collection are availble
Programme to primary and secondary schools. To book a tour or to find
School/Education Yes, specialised tours available. out further information contact +353 (0)1 6288252 or visit
Programme www.castletown@opw.ie.
Dining The Sanctuary Café Lunch 12noon to 16.45 serving soups, Dining Café serves hot foods and wide range of snacks. Groups
salad, quiche plus a healthy Children’s Menu. Cakes and welcome, with advanced booking. Can seat 70, using 3 rooms.
coffee served 10.00 to 17.30
Shopping Gift shop selling books, postcards, prints and souvenirs.
Shopping Avoca Gift Shop, craft products, pottery, candles, blankets,
Car Parking Free on-site. Take Exit 6 off M4.
children’s toys
Coach Parking Free on-site. 20 spaces. Drop off and pick up at Visitor
Car Parking Free on-site.
Reception or Courtyard Café with prior notice.
Coach Parking Free on-site.
Special Facilities for Free tea/coffee/scone and free attraction admission.
Disability Access Partially accessible Coaches/Drivers
Group Booking E: info@bns.ie Disability Access Partially accessible with accessible toilets.
Contact Group Booking Pauline Kennedy, E: castletown@opw.ie
Contact13 14
CASTLE WARD CHESTER BEATTY
A unique 18th-century mansion, famed for its mixture of architectural styles. With free admission and described by the Lonely Planet as not just the best
See the gothic and classical collide at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th-century museum in Dublin, but one of the best in Europe, the Chester Beatty is a
mansion resting on a rolling hillside and looking out over the tranquil waters of must-see on any Dublin visitor’s itinerary. As the only museum in Ireland to win
Strangford Lough in County Down. ‘European Museum of the Year,’ the collection includes manuscripts, miniature
paintings, prints, drawings, rare books, and decorative arts - all the result of the
Walk or cycle along the Lough trail or through the sheltered woodlands and
collecting activities of one man - Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (1875-1968). Egyptian
spot butterflies, rabbits, Irish hares, buzzards, pine martins and swans. Step into
papyrus texts, beautifully illuminated copies of the Qur’an, the Bible, and
a fantasy world of castles and dragons as you explore the Georgian Farmyard
European medieval and renaissance manuscripts are among the highlights on
on the shores of Strangford Lough, boasting ten film locations for the global
display. In its diversity, the collection captures much of the richness of human
television series HBO Game of Thrones.
creative expression from about 2700 BC to the present day.
Stroll through the sunken garden and see vivid reds, yellows, greens and pinks
from flowers and subtropical plants in the four tier Victorian garden. Create
your own adventure as you explore the Secret Shore Trail or experience life in
a Victorian Nursery. Experience Strangford Lough in a canoe, climb and abseil
the cliffs, and build a raft with the on-site outdoor pursuits company Clearsky
Adventure.
Also offering tearoom, gift shop and second-hand bookshop.
Address Strangford, Downpatrick, Co. Down, Northern Ireland, Address Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, D02 AD92
BT30 7BA Email info@cbl.ie
Email castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone +353 (0)1 407 0750
Phone +44 (0)28 4488 1204 Website www.chesterbeatty.ie
Website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castleward Sat Nav 53.3420, -6.2674
Sat Nav 54.3691, -5.5854 Location The Chester Beatty is situated in the gardens of Dublin
Location 7 miles north east of Downpatrick. 1 mile from Strangford. Castle in the heart of the city centre.
Open Mansion House: Open Mar 17-Oct 31. Open Open Year Round. Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00; Sat 11.00-17.00;
Open Daily 12.00–16.00. Stableyard and Farm Buildings: Sun 13.00-17.00. Closed Public/Bank Holidays. Closed
Open Mar 17– Oct 31 10.00-17.00. Mondays: Nov-Feb. Closed Jan 1, Good Friday & Dec 24-26.
Landscaped Parkland, Trails & Garden: Open year round. Average Visit Length 1 to 2 hours
Average Visit Length House Guided Tour 50 minutes. A visit to the grounds takes Entrance Fees Free Admission
from 2 hours up to 5 hours. (standard)
Entrance Fees Adult £10.50; Child £5.25; Child (U5) Free; Group Rates Admission is free.
Family (2A+3C) £26.25 Special Opening for Yes
Group Rates Yes Groups?
Special Opening for Yes Guided Group Tours Yes. Must be pre-booked 3 weeks in advance. Max number
Groups? 15 per group, larger groups will be staggered.
Guided Group Tours Yes Self-Guided Groups Yes. Must be pre-booked 3 weeks in advance. Max number
15 per group, larger groups will be staggered.
Self-Guided Groups Main House is guided tour. Grounds are self-guided.
Audio Visual No
School/Education Yes. A number of different education programmes operating
Conference/ Various options: The Lecture Theatre accommodates up to
Programme throughout the year. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Meetings 100 people, The Board Room up to 12, The Atrium up to 300
castleward
and The Roof Garden up to 80.
Dining Tea Room. Seats 60; overflow barn/theatre for additional
School/Education Yes, activity packs available for children. Other programmes
100. Serving soup/sandwich, cake, treats for children; tea, Programme include workshops, creative labs, lunchtime talks and drop-
coffee. Specifically designed menus for large groups may be in drawing.
agreed in advance.
Dining Silk Road Café on-site. The café’s menu is based on Middle
Shopping Offering a wide range of National Trust locally sourced Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Also caters for
and unique gifts such as gardening and outdoor ranges, conference delegates and all evening receptions.
fragrances and soaps, kitchen items, jams, chutneys, a range
Shopping Handpicked from around the world and from Ireland, the on-
of books and toys for children. site gift shop stocks an eclectic mix of art prints and books,
Car Parking Free on-site. exhibition catalogues, jewellery, home ware and Irish crafts.
Coach Parking Free on-site. Car Parking Some pay street parking on Ship St, nearest car park is
Disability Access Partially accessible Christchurch car park on Werburgh St.
Group Booking E: castleward@nationaltrust.org.uk Coach Parking Contact for information.
Contact Disability Access Fully accessible. Wheelchairs also available on-site free of
charge
Group Booking E: info@cbl.ie
Contact15 16
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CLARE MUSEUM
Located at the heart of Dublin city, Christ Church Cathedral has been a place of The Riches of Clare exhibition at Clare Museum, located in a beautifully restored
worship for 1,000 years. The history of Christ Church reflects the history, both former convent built by the Sisters of Mercy in 1861, tells the history of the
religious and political, of Ireland. The Crypt is the largest in Ireland, and dates county over a period of 6,000 years using authentic artefacts, colourful text
back to the late 11th century. The Cathedral’s own copy of Magna Carta is on panels and audio-visual presentations.
display there, alongside priceless silverware and the costumes from the hit TV The exhibition is divided into the themes of Earth, Power, Faith, Water and Energy
show – the Tudors and a mummified cat and rat. and includes a large collection of objects on loan from the National Museum of
Music forms a very important part of cathedral life and the Choir traces its Ireland - making a visit to Clare Museum an essential introduction to the whole
origins to 1493 with the founding of the choir school. The cathedral choir county.
performed the first performance of Handel’s Messiah in Dublin in 1742. Visiting Admission is free with ample car parking and free coach parking beside the
Musicians often perform lunchtime Recitals at 13.15 in the nave. museum.
The cathedral’s deployment of 19 bells, ranging in weight from a quarter of a ton
to two and a quarter tons, represents a world record of numbers of bells available
for full-circle ringing.
Address Christ Church Place, Dublin 8, D08 TF98 Address Arthur’s Row, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 EC92
Email welcome@christchurch.ie Email claremuseum@clarecoco.ie
Phone +353 (0)1 677 8099 Phone +353 (0)65 682 3382
Website www.christchurch.ie Website www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/claremuseum/
Sat Nav 53.3435, -6.2710
Sat Nav 52.8474, -8.9887
Location Dublin City Centre.
Location Ennis Town Centre
Open Open Mar-Oct: Mon-Sat 09.30-18.00, Sun 12.30-18.00
(closed 14.30-16.30). Open to 19.00 Apr-Sep; Open Oct-May: Tues-Sat 09.30-13.00, 14.00-17.30;
Nov-Feb Mon-Sat 09.30-17.00, Sun 12.30-15.00. Jun-Sept: Mon-Sat 09.30-13.00, 14.00-17.30.
Closed Dec 26. Last admission 45 min before closing. Last admissions at 17.00.
Average Visit Length 40 – 60 minutes Closed bank holiday weekends, Sun & Mon.
Opening hours subject to change.
Entrance Fees Adult €7; Senior/Student €5.50; Child (4-16) €2.50;
(standard) Child (U4) Free; Family (2A+2C) €17 Average Visit Length 40 minutes to 1 hour
Group Rates For 10+ Entrance Fees Free Admission
Special Opening for Yes (standard)
Groups? Group Rates Admission is free
Guided Group Tours Yes. 15 + Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 1, Max 40.
Self-Guided Groups Yes Self-Guided Groups Yes. Guidebooks are available in Irish, French, German,
Audio Visual Built-in screen and projection in Music Room, PA in nave Italian and Polish.
and Crypt. Incentive Programme Walking tours of the town can be arranged.
Conference/ Music Room available on Mondays and Fridays and outside School/Education Schools programme in place.
Meetings of choir terms.
Programme
Incentive Programme Corporate dinners, receptions, choral recitals and early /
Dining None on-site. Several restaurants and café within 250
after hours visits.
metres.
Performance Venue Yes. Performing musicians from all over the world are
welcomed for lunch-time recitals and evening concerts Car Parking Pay parking nearby.
Dining For groups of 25+. Tea/coffee in Crypt Café, accompanied Coach Parking Free parking nearby. 14 spaces. Drop off and pick up point.
by soup, sandwiches and scones. Opening times same as Special Facilities for Coach washing area and waste disposal facility. Drivers
visiting hours. Drinks, Canapés and Dinner can be arranged Coaches/Drivers lounge in adjacent hotel with CCTV and free Wi-Fi.
in Crypt for groups.
Disability Access Fully accessible, with accessible toilets.
Shopping Gift Shop sells postcards, brooches, hand-made jewellery from
Irish designers, magnets, rosary beads, home-made fudge, Group Booking John Rattigan, E: claremuseum@clarecoco.ie
hand crafted cups, silk scarfs, pop up cards and magnets. Contact
Car Parking No on-site parking. Pay parking nearby.
Coach Parking Coach drop off points located at Dublinia on Winetavern
Street, at Jury’s Hotel on Christ Church Place and on Castle
Street.
Disability Access Partially accessible. A ramp can be provided at main welcome
desk area for wheelchair users. To access the crypt, guests have
to go outside onto John’s Lane, located at back of Cathedral.
Group Booking E: welcome@christchurch.ie
Contact17 18
COBH HERITAGE CENTRE CURRAGHMORE HOUSE
The Queenstown Story, a self-guided tour, relaying the tales of Emigration to Curraghmore House–the Historic home of the 9th Marquis of Waterford, is one
North America, transportation of Convicts to Australia, “The Forgotten Irish” the of the most historic properties in Ireland. Built over 800 years ago in Portlaw by
story of the Irish indentured servants in the West Indies, and of course the Titanic the La Poer family, descendants of whom still live there today.
and the Lusitania disasters. These subjects are dealt with as you walk through Now inhabited by Lord and Lady Waterford, the house remains in private hands
the exhibition. but being as special as it is, the family have opened it up to the public for tours.
It is a very moving, educational, interesting and emotive way to spend an hour The castle tower, first built by the La Poers in the 12th century, has since been
–“walking in the footsteps of our ancestors” who left these shores and whose last encased by a Victorian mansion, a building you will not see the like of anywhere
sight of Ireland was the town of Cobh. else.
The exhibition is full of stories and history and gives visitors the opportunity to Hidden in the shrubbery not far from the main house is the unique shell house.
explore this rich historic past and engage with the stories told. Catherine Countess of Tyrone made this marvel with her own hands in 1754.
The walls are adorned with lucent seashells from all around the world. This shell
house is one of a kind and should be on top of everybody’s list of places to visit in
Ireland.
Address Deepwater Quay, Cobh, Co Cork, P24 CY67 Address Curraghmore Estate, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, X91 CH28
Email info@cobhheritage.com Email alan@curraghmorehouse.ie
Phone +353 (0)21 481 3591 Phone +353 (0)86 821 1917
Website www.cobhheritage.com Website www.curraghmorehouse.ie
Sat Nav 51.8490, -8.2986 Sat Nav 52.2913, -7.3279
Location Cobh, Co. Cork, 20 km from Cork City Location Curraghmore is 20km from Waterford city. 55km from
Open Open year round. Closed Dec 24-27, Dec 30-Jan 10. Kilkenny. 120km from Cork city. 170km from Dublin.
May-Oct: 09.30-18.00 (Last entry: 17.00); Open Open May 4 – Sept 29; Wed-Sun 10.00-17.00.
Oct-Apr: 09.30-17.00 (Last entry: 16.00). Guided-tours; Wed-Sat 11.00 & 14.00; Sun 11.00 & 16.00.
Sun & Bank Holidays: From 11.00. Pre-booking recommended.
Average Visit Length 1 hour Average Visit Length 2 hours and 30 minutes
Entrance Fees Adult €10; Senior/Student €8.50; Child (6-15) €5; Entrance Fees Gardens €6, Main house €12 (Guided only)
(standard) Child (U6) Free; Family (2A+4C) €25 (standard) Shell house and Gardens €10 (Guided only)
Group Rates For 10+ Main house , Shell house and Gardens €18 (Guided only)
Special Opening for Yes Group Rates No
Groups?
Special Opening for Curraghmore opens from May until the end of September.
Guided Group Tours Yes, in English. Min 20, Max 40. Groups? Tours can be arranged outside these hours by appointment.
Self-Guided Groups Yes. Audio guides in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Guided Group Tours Yes
Dutch, Polish and Chinese available for free use.
Self-Guided Groups Garden Walks only.
Audio Visual Various AVs in English - the longest is 8 minutes. Audio
guides available in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Audio Visual No
Polish, Chinese (Mandarin) and Hebrew. Conference/ Yes
Dining Café offering tea/coffee, snacks and light lunches. Wine Meetings
licence. Seats 80. Incentive No
Shopping 2 gift shops selling souvenirs, clothing, glassware and Programme:
jewellery. School/Education Yes
Car Parking Free parking nearby. Programme
Coach Parking Free on-site. 4 spaces. Drop off and pick up point. Dining Tearooms on site and can be opened for groups outside
public opening hours. Seating for up to 40/50 persons
Special Facilities for Free coffee/snack. Refuse disposal facilities.
Coaches/Drivers Shopping There is a selection of locally made produce for sale in the
tearooms.
Disability Access The building is fully accessible with level surface and
disabled toilets. Car Parking Free on-site.
Group Booking Gillian Murtagh / Jack Walsh, E: info@cobhheritage.com Coach Parking Free on-site.
Contact Disability Access Partially accessible.
Group Booking E: alan@curraghmorehouse.ie
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