1.      Kilkenny Castle

The first structure on this strategic site overlooking the River Nore was a wooden tower built in 1172 by the Anglo-Norman conqueror of Ireland, Richard de Clare, also known as Strongbow. Twenty years later his son in law William Marshall erected a stone castle with four towers, three of which are part of the current structure.  The castle was bought by the powerful Butler family in 1391, and their descendents continued to live there until 1935. Maintaining the castle became such an enormous expense and most of the furnishings were sold at an auction. The city bought the castle in 1967 for the huge sum of 50 pounds (now about $75 US).  The grounds are well kept and very beautiful. You'll see a rose garden, a fountain, a park, and a well kept children's playground in the court yard.

2.      St. Canices Cathedral

Saint Canices Cathedral is one of Ireland's finest. Completed in 1285, it occupies the site of an earlier church and contains rich carvings, worked in both timber and stone, some dating from the thirteenth century. It was sacked by Cromwell's army in 1650. The walls are made of local Kilkenny marble with pillars of sandstone on the interior. The south transept contains the effigies of the Butler family. A one hundred foot round tower is open to visitors.

3.      Dunmore Cave

History and geology blend at Dunmore Cave to give an interesting and unique situation. Consisting of a series of chambers formed over millions of years, the cave contains some of the finest calcite formations found in any Irish cave. The cave has been known to man for many centuries and is first mentioned in the 9th century Irish Triads. The most interesting reference however, comes from the Annals which tells of a Viking massacre at the cave in the year 928 A.D.. Exhibitions and displays in the Visitor Centre.

4.      Rock of Cashel

A spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. Attractions include an audio-visual show and exhibitions. The Rock of Cashel is a very prominent feature in the town of Cashel, County Tipperary. It sits high on a hill overlooking the town like a miniature Camelot. Its most prominent features are the round tower and the broad curtain wall that surrounds the whole site.  For more than a millennium, this rocky stronghold was a symbol of royalty and priestly power throughout Munster, and Ireland. Beginning in the 5th century, this was the seat of the King of Munster, one of the four provinces of Ireland, whose kingdom stretched over much of Ireland's South. Its greatest king later became the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru.

In 1101, Cashel was handed over to the church where it flourished as a religious center until it was seiged by Oliver Cromwell's army's in 1647.

5.      Cahir Castle

Once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family, the castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles. It is situated on a rocky island on the River Suir. The castle's attractions include an excellent audio-visual show which informs visitors of all the main sites of the area. There are several exhibitions. Cahir Castle is situated on Castle Street overlooking the River Suir in town center. Cahir Castle is of 13th century construction and was quite formidable in its day. The original owners, the Butlers (the same family who owned Kilkenny Castle in Kilkenny town), were staunch supporters of the English crown since the Anglo-Norman invasion (1171AD) and were granted a Barony in Cahir in 1375AD for their loyalty. The castle was renovated and extended in the 15th century and again in the 16th century but continued to remain in the Butler family until 1964.

6.      The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher rise to the height of 200 meters (650 feet) and stretch over 8 kilometers (5 miles). Its sheer rock face is lined with the mulit-colors of shale and sandstone. The weathered surface provides shelter for the thousands of Puffins, Guillemots and Kittiwakes that nest there. On the viewing platform there are telescopes that allow you to see the birds as well as down the rocky face of the cliffs. Just below this platform is a prominent sandstone ledge that you can walk out onto, but be warned that there is no protective barrier between you and going over the side!

There is a fort ruin on the southern end at Hag's Head. And O'Brien's Tower is to the northern side of the Cliffs. This tower dates back only to the Victorian era when it was built as a tea room and an observation tower for the tourists of the time. You can reach the tower to the north of the Visitors' Center via a stairway that follows the contours of the hillside.

7.      Mizen Head

Mizen Head, Irelands most southerly point, is actually a tiny island that is accessed from the main land by the famous 99 steps down to the bridge which is 172 feet long and 150 feet above sea level. There is a light to guide one by and the radio beacon acts as a carrier for G.P.S. transmissions. At Mizen Head you will find the Mizen Head Lighthouse. The 100 year old lighthouse is perched on the edge of a steep cliff above the sea and was once a fully manual lighthouse. Now automated, it's open to the public as a museum with each of the several rooms dedicated to seafaring, the lighthouse and even rooms done up in the original style featuring equipment that would have been used at the time.  Visitors can walk around on the grounds surrounding the lighthouse and step out to the actual light beacon. Sheer cliffs are a natual beauty here but take caution when walking around them as the ocean is several hundred feet below.

8.      Crag Cave

Just off N21 about 12 miles east of Tralee is found the impressive Crag Cave.  It was revealed to be one of the largest cave systems in Ireland with passages almost 2 ½ miles long.  Open to the public

9.      Skellig Islands – Slellig Rocks

A group of rocky islets lie off the south-west coast of the Ring of Kerry.  Excursion boats sail to and around the Skelligs from Valentia Island.

10.  Browne’s Hill Dolmen

2 miles east of Carlow is a huge dolmen(National Monument) 4000 years old and the largest in Ireland.  The front end of the capstone weighs over 100 tons is carried on three uprights. 

11.  Ardfort Cathedral  *

A monastery was founded here by St. Brendan ‘The Navigator’ in the 6th century. There are three medieval churches, an ogham stone and a number of early Christian and medieval grave slabs on the site today. The earliest building is the cathedral which dates from the 12th – 17th centuries. It has a fine Romanesque west doorway, a magnificent 13th century east window and a spectacular row of nine lancets in the south wall. Two effigies of ecclesiastical figures of late 13th – early 14th century date are mounted on either side of the east window. The battlements were added in the 15th century. The pre-12th century block of masonry is clearly visible in the north wall. One of the two smaller churches is a fine example of late Romanesque and the other is a plain 15th century structure with an interesting carving of a wyvern on one of the windows. 10km from Tralee on R551. (Tralee to Ballyheigue Road).

12. Charles Fort

Constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification, Charles Fort is a classic example of a star-shaped fort. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the Fort. As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of which include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Across the estuary is James Fort, an earlier structure, which was designed by Paul Ivy in 1602

13. Desmond Castle (French Prison)

Built as a custom house by the Earl of Desmond c. AD 1500, Desmond Castle has a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601 to use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence. Known locally as 'The French Prison' after a tragic fire in which 54 prisoners, mainly French seamen, died in 1747. The Castle was also used as a borough jail from 1791 to the onset of the Great Famine when it was used as an auxiliary workhouse tending to the starving populace. The International Museum of Wine opened in Desmond Castle in 1997. It features an exhibition which documents the intriguing story of Ireland's wine links with Europe and the wider world from the early modern period to the present day.

14. Muckross Friary

This Franciscan Friary was founded in the 15th century and is in a remarkable state of preservation. The tower was added after the church was built and is the only Franciscan tower in Ireland which is as wide as the church. The cloister and its associated buildings are complete and an old yew tree stands in the centre. The monks were finally driven out by the Cromwellians in 1652. 4km from Killarney along N71 (Kenmare Road). 5-10 mins. walk from car park near Muckross Park Hotel.

15. Muckross House and Gardens

Within Killarney National Park is Muckross House – a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland’s leading stately homes. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the House. The Gardens at Muckross House are renowned world-wide for their beauty. In particular they are noted for their fine collections of azaleas and rhododendrons, an extensive water garden, and an outstanding rock garden hewn out of natural limestone. Muckross House is also home to a number of skilled craft workers who can be viewed using traditional skills in the crafts of weaving, bookbinding and pottery.

16. Ross Castle

This Castle may be considered a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. The date of its foundation is uncertain but it was probably built in the late 15th century by one of the O’Donoghue Ross chieftains. It is surrounded by a fortified bawn, its curtain walls defended by circular flanking towers, two of which remain. Much of the bawn was removed by the time the Barrack building was added on the south side of the castle sometime in the middle of the 18th century. The castle contains 16th and 17th century furniture. Access for people with disabilities to the ground floor only by prior arrangement.

17.  Staigue Fort     (Ring of Kerry)

Cathair Na Stéige (Staigue Fort) is located in Castlecove on the road to Sneem in County Kerry. It is about fours miles off the main road. It is in excellent condition. It is thought that this structure was built in the first century B.C. and so it is over two thousand years old. Little is know about its builders or indeed what is was used for. It may have been built for religious reasons or to protect cattle. According to Pádraig Ó Loingsigh ("Staigue Fort", Oidhreact na Stéige, 1989), it may also have been an amphitheatre intended for some spectacle, a place to secure stock at night, a place of reigious worship, an observatory, a symbol of wealth and status, or a place of defence and security.

18.   The Ring of Kerry  *

This circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula offers world-class hiking and a full complement of Ceol agus Craic (Irish music and fun). We are treated to ever-changing Atlantic coastline, and ebullient Irish hospitality, which makes our progress from town to town pure delight. From Killarney, pop down ancient roadways and mountain trails to a weathered world of castles and abbeys. Mid-trip finds us along the coast, where the raw power of the Atlantic contrasts with Kerry's peaceful green farmlands. On a boat passage to the Skellig Islands, we'll see remnants of a 9th century monastery, and cliffs blanketed by hundreds of comical puffins. Villages such as Sneem, Waterville and Glenbeigh await us with charming guest houses and music-filled pubs where we can test the excellent ales. You'll also find time to shop for the exquisite linen and crystal for which Ireland is known.

19.  Lakes of Killarney

Lakes of Killarney, «kih LAHR nee,» are three famous lakes of great beauty in County Kerry, in southwestern Ireland. They are one of Ireland's main tourist areas. The Lakes of Killarney lie southwest of the town of Killarney. Lough Leane, or Lower Lake, covers nearly 8 square miles (20 square kilometers). Muckross Lake, or Middle Lake, covers about 1 square mile (2.7 square kilometers). Upper Lake is about two-thirds that size. Upper Lake lies in a valley in sandstone mountains. The two lower lakes lie at the foot of the mountains. The lakes are joined by a lovely river, the Long Range. They drain through the River Laune into Dingle Bay.  Much of the lakes and surrounding mountains and woodlands form Killarney National Park. The center of the park is at Muckross House and Gardens, on a peninsula that separates the lower lakes.

20.  Carrigfoyle Castle

Carrigfoyle Castle, aka Carrigfort, ancestral keep of the O'Connor Kerry on the muddy Shannon banks of north Co Kerry.  The castle-keep, of late Norman style, was cracked by Cromwell, but still stands five stories high with five metre thick walls.

21.  Dun Aonghasa – Aran Islands

Dun Aonghasa is a Iron or Bronze Age promontory fort which has four concentric stone walls.  It is also protected by a ring of razor sharp pointed stone stakes. “Chevaux de frise”

22.  Dingle

Extending mightily into the Atlantic, the Dingle Peninsula is not only the most westerly point in Europe, it is also one of the most spectacular. Stretching some 48km, the peninsula is officially a Gaeltacht area, boasting a coastline that has to be seen to be believed. Dingle is one of the most favoured spots in Ireland for the independently minded visitor. The National Geographic Traveler has described it as "the most beautiful place on earth". Bounded on three sides by the sea, it combines in its landscape the ruggedness of rocky outcrops and cliffs with the soft shapes of hills and mountains, skirted by coastal lowlands. For those who stay only briefly, the scenery is what the Dingle experience is all about: the view of the Blasket Islands from Slea Head; the harbours, mountains, cliffs and strands; the view from the Connor Pass. Indeed, every part of the peninsula offers attractive and often dramatic views.

23.   Bantry House  *

Bantry House, overlooking Bantry Bay in Co. Cork, has one of the most beautiful settings anywhere in Ireland & Britain. Owned by the White family since 1739, it was the seat of the 4 Earls of Bantry (1816 - 1891) and in 1945 was the first house in Ireland to be opened to the public. Bantry House contains furniture, paintings and other objects d'art of collected mainly by Richard White, 2nd Earl of Bantry, on his extensive travels in Europe in the 19th Century. He was also responsible for laying out the formal Gardens. Now being restored these were once rightly described as ' the Second Earl's first love'

24.  St. Colman's Cathedral

St. Colman's Cathedral, overlooking Cobh, carries within its walls the traditions of thirteen centuries of the Diocese of Cloyne. It is dedicated to St. Colman who founded the diocese in 560 A.D. Colman was a poet bard to the Court of Aodh Caomh, King of Munster, at Cashel in Tipperary. Influenced by St. Brendan and St. Ita, he left Palace life to become a priest. He received grants of land at Cloyne, on the eastern shore of Cork Harbour, from the King of Cashel. There he founded his monastery, traces of which still survive.

25.  St. Nicholas' Church

St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church is one of the oldest parish churches in Ireland. It has been a place of worship since the 14th Century.  In common with many mediaeval ports, Galway dedicated its church to the patron saint of sailors. According to recent research, Columbus visited St. Nicholas' in 1477.

26.  Lynch's Castle

Lynch's Castle was the historic home of Galway's most powerful family. A magnificent limestone building, it is an excellent example of the Irish Gothic style. Its heavily carved facade bears the arms of Henry VIII. Standing on the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street, Lynch's Castle gives us a rare glimpse of old Galway. The 1651 Pictorial Map of the city shows fourteen lavish merchant homes. Lynch's Castle alone survives intact. Today it houses the AIB bank.

27.  Doolin

Tucked neatly behind the Cliffs of Moher at the edge of the Burren is a tiny village called Doolin. Made famous by its traditional music, this village is the meeting grounds for hundreds, if not thousands, who come to learn to play traditional Irish instruments, learn to sing and soak up traditional Irish culture

Amongst famous landmarks, such as Gus O'Connor's Pub, The Doolin Music Shop (photo left) and Doonagore Castle is a little-known part of the village called Doolin Point. At the end of the dead end road that runs through part of Doolin Village to the Aran Island Ferry visitors will see one of natures more outstanding wonders.

28. Leamaneh Castle

The original tower house of Leamaneh Castle dates back to about 1480AD. Its thought to have been built by Turlogh Donn, one of the last independent kings of the old kingdom of Ireland, which dominated the region at that time. "Leamaneh" is thought to be derived from either the Irish of leim an eich, which means "the horse's leap", or from lien an fheidh, which means "the deer's leap".   In 1548, Turlogh Donn's son, Murrough, surrendered this house to Henry VIII. Henry, in turn, made Murrough the first Earl of Thomond and Baron Inchiquin.  What stands in ruin today includes the manor house built in 1648 by one of the more influential owners, Maire Rua O'Brien, or "Red Mary", known for her red hair. The multi-gabled manor house was very modern for its time, as this style of house didn't come into vogue until nearly fifty years later.

The O'Brien's ruled most of Clare for several hundred years and occupied many of the biggest castles, such as Dromoland and Bunratty.

29.  Gap of Dunloe  -  RING OF KERRY

Situated between Macgillicuddy Reeks (right of photo) and the Purple Mountains (left of photo) you will find the Gap of Dunloe. This is a path between the mountains of about 4 miles long. Visitors to the area will be surrounded in natural beauty from saffire blue lakes, the purple hue of the Purple Mountains, yellow lillies in the lakes, lush green grass, yellow gorse (when in season) and dozens of fluffy white sheep that roam freely around the hills. 

30.  Timoleague Abbey

31.  Torc Waterfall

Torc Waterfall is a dramatic falls that originates from the top of Torc Mountain from the Owengarriff River on the road up to Ladies' View. There's a lovely wooded path through Friars' Glen to the top of the falls. At the base of the Lower Falls you'll find a dramatic stairway (photo right) to the Upper Falls which will afford you excellent views of the the Lakes of Killarney, the Black Valley and several mountain ranges that make up the Killarney area.

32.  Barryscourt Castle

Barryscourt Castle was the seat of the Barry family from the 12th to the 17th centuries. The present castle is a fine example of a 15th century tower house with 16th century additions and alterations. The bawn wall with three corner towers is largely intact. The ground floor of the keep houses an exhibition on the history of the Barrys and Barryscourt Castle.