Carlingford is currently the home of President Joe Biden's Irish cousins. Great people. Just 8…read moremiles away. Carlingford is also a fine example of a medieval walled town, built at the time of the Normans in the 12th century. The Vikings had invaded Ireland in the 9th Century and historical records establish that they occupied Carlingford Lough. The name Carlingford is Scandinavian translating into 'Fjord of Carlinn'. The Normans arrived in Ireland in 1169 as allies of Irish King Dermot MacMurrough. By 1184 they had reached Carlingford. A Norman Knight, Sir John de Courcy claimed this part of Louth for himself. Sir John was a busy beggar. He arrived in Ireland in 1176 and by the time of his expulsion in 1204, he had conquered considerable territory, endowed religious establishments, built abbeys for the Benedictines (yes the monks that created champagne and benedictine), the Cistercians and he also built strongholds at Dundrum Castle in County Down and at Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim. The very first historical reference to Carlingford dates to 1184 when Sir John gave the rights of the ferry at Carlingford to the Abbot of Downpatrick indicating that the harbour was in use as a ferry point. However, the town of Carlingford only developed after the castle known as King John's Castle was built. The castle today is a ruin, but it's still obvious what it was nearly a thousand years ago - a place of defence. As for its creator Sir John De Courcy, well he returned to Ireland, sailing across the Irish sea from the Isle of Man in July 1205 with Norse soldiers and a hundred boats. John and his army landed at Strangford and laid siege to Dundrum Castle in vain, because the defences he himself had made were too strong. King John then had John de Courcy imprisoned and he spent the rest of his life in poverty so the clerics he was so generous toward left him broke. He was subsequently released when he "crossed himself" to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. De Courcy died in obscurity just outside what is now Craigavon - I suppose anyone who dies there still departs in obscurity as the best thing about Craigavon, even a thousand years later, is still the road out of it.

As you drive into Carlingford King John's Castle sets the scene for the magnificent historical…read morevalue of this town. The views from the ledge are amazing and worth the bit of climbing to get up to it! Transports you back in time as you see all the way over to Warrenpoint and soak up the atmosphere from days gone by. Look out for the plaques dotted around to learn more!

Fore Abbey is a 7th century abbey spread across the valley of ancient structures. The abbey complex…read moreincludes several notable features, such as the remains of the Benedictine monastery, St. Feichin's church, and the famous Fore Crosses. There are several ruins to explore on this stop.

For a ruin, this place was really in good shape. Most here are a pile of rocks that vaguely…read moreresembles a building. This one had rooms and working stairs. If you go, there is a big parking lot on the main road. You don't have to park on the street.

The monastery is a beautiful spot to wander and take in some history of Carlingford. Take a look…read moreat this 14th century gem on a bright day and you'll get lost under its' arches. What a lovely historical site.

It looks like a jewelry box but it's actually the Jaffe Memorial Fountain. Striking and brightly…read morecolorful it was originally erected in 1874 by Sir Otto Jaffe to honor his father, Daniel Jaffe. It was initially placed in Victoria Square but was later moved to the Botanic Gardens, where it remained until 2008 It is intricate and elegant, made of Portland stone with each of the smaller columns featuring a female figure that represents each of the four seasons. It stands at the Victoria Street entrance to the Victoria Square shopping center. The original yellow and white were apparently selected to reflect the aesthetic preferences of the Victorian era, as these were popular colors to symbolize purity and light and optimism. It is indeed a fountain but in September it was dry. I'm not sure if it is ever filled with water. [Review 1883 of 2024 - 866 in United Kingdom - 22905 overall]

I bet you've walked past this wee gem hundreds of times but never given it a second look, I'm right…read morearen't I? Well now it's time to be enlightened. This is the Jaffa Fountain, not named after everyone's favourite cake/biscuit but actually named after Belfast's first Lord Mayor Otto Jaffa. The fountain itself was actually built in 1879 and it was erected in its current location, but here's the strange part. As industrial and commercial Belfast grew it was moved out to Botanic Gardens - mature students might recognise it from those days. Once Victoria Square was commissioned the decision was made to bring the old fellow back to its rightful place. I for one am glad they did as I think it provides a welcome nod to Belfast's past in the centre of its current commercial renaissance.

It's really cool place to visit. The place is a Cistercian abbey on the River Boyne in Bective,…read moreCounty Meath, Ireland. The abbey was founded around 1147. Is in ruins but some areas are really well preserved. It is very quiet, the 5 times I've been there I think I've seen 10 people and That was too many haha! So it's very relaxing and inspiring. I always take my dog, so he can run all over the place. It is good that is very clean and well cared. It's great location for photographs.

Interesting place. We saw this on a trip out to the Boyne and the hill of Tara…read more Founded in 1142 by St Malachy of Amagh the abbey is on the banks of the river Mattock (near Drogheda- pronounced like drow-eh-da- stress on the drow, at least the way our tour guide said it) There's not much left, but it's lovely and makes for a great photography opportunity. It's haunting. The octagonal lavabo (1200) for washing (purification) is unusual- the monks washed their hands here before eating. The visitor center has an interesting exhibit on the work of masons.

Mellifont was the first Cistercian abbey to be built in Ireland, founded in 1142 on the orders of…read moreSaint Malachy, the Archbishop of Armagh. Sadly, little of the original Abbey remains, save a octagonal 13th-century lavabo, where the monks washed their hands before dinner - and this in a time when hygiene was not a top priority, even for men of God. There is a visitor's centre, and guided tours on request, but the abbey is only open to the public from May to September.

An amazing and quintessentially Irish prehistoric tomb. To gain access, you have to call to the…read morehouse of Mr. Fintan White (call 01 8354722 before 6pm) which is just a mile west of the Tomb -turn left at the Y-junction with the white and green house, go straight up the narrow track where the main road turns left. Whites' house is some distance up here - the 5th on the right.is the fifth house on the right. Don't worry, it's signposted! It's an amazing opportunity to get a private view of a megalithic passage tomb, smaller than Newgrange but just as eerie. The roof, which looks like a green mound from the outside, is artificial and was put in place to preserve the remains of the tomb. Inside, it takes the eyes a few minutes to adjust to the gloom,but once they do, the carvings and chambers are visible. Standing in a sacred space of your ancestors is a pretty cool thing. Apparently the entrance is aligned with the movement of the sun, as is Newgrange. Well worth a visit.

Emain Macha or Navan Fort's one of Ireland's major archeological sites. It was an ancient capital…read moreand home to the Celtic Kings of Ulster. I've been to Navan Fort numerous times but never visited the Centre located at it therefore went today to check it out. If you're going it's quite interesting to read up first on the Ulster Cycle of Tales, Queen Macha, Red Branch Knights and Cuchullain so you have some background knowledge. However guided tours can be arranged and there's a lot of information both in Navan Centre and Fort itself anyway. The Navan Centre is beautifully designed to fit in with and compliment the landscape. It's architecturally perfect for the location being circular and organic in appearance with an emphasis on grass, stone and wood. Inside there's a cafe, gift shop, exhibit rooms and toilets. On our visit today we picked up some gorgeous free posters and postcards. I couldn't resist some of the Celtic themed jewellery in the gift shop which was reasonably priced. Even if not a tourist I think most people will see quite a few gift items they might want to buy. Staff are very helpful and offered us free booklets, information and maps. We also stopped at the cafe for a bottle of mineral water and a tea which cost only £2.20 in total. This coffee shop is lovely with comfortable seating and serves a range of scones, tray bakes, sandwiches, paninis and some hot dishes such as lasagna and soup. There's outside seating as well which is delightful for a dry sunny day. Car parking is free and outside the Centre there are functioning replicas of 2000 year old Celtic houses with Living History Actors in full dress to chat to you, perform and entertain. The walk from Centre to Fort is short taking only 10-15 minutes. Along the way you'll find an Ecology Trail, sculptures and information points. Navan Fort itself is a bit of an uphill walk. There are stone steps to help though be careful because in wet weather the earth can be slippy. Once on top of Navan Fort there are beautiful views over Armagh so it's well worth the climb. Overall a trip to Navan Centre and Fort makes for an excellent and very interesting day out. Plus you can take the kids and dog with you and make it a full family event. Definitely one of the top things to do if you're in Armagh.

If you aren't Irish, you may not of heard of the Battle of the Boyne. It took place in 1690 but let…read moreme assure you, we are still talking about it - feel free to bring the subject up in pubs. It was a seminal battle that pretty much altered the course of Irish history, between Protestant King William III and his father-in-law, the Catholic King James II. The contestants were playing for the Irish, English and Scottish throne. The battle, won by William, helped ensure the continuation of Protestant supremacy in Ireland. You can find out more at the Battle of the Boyne centre, which has original and replica 17th Century weaponry displays, a battlefield tour and a laser battlefield model and, for the more genteel amongst you, a tea pavillion and a walled garden.

One of the best locations around Drogheda for a walk. One can walk out from Drogheda along the lit…read moreand newly surfaced footpath on the south shore of the Boyne. or drive to the Battle of the Boyne centre, park in the car park, and walk around several fields and along the old canal. Great place to take your dog but keep them on a lead and pick up after them. There's a tea pavilion which serves the usual tea / coffee and cake, and light lunches. A very pleasant way to spend a few hours and enjoy a walk in the countryside.