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.

Not where baby Goths go to stand trial, but a beautiful mansion designed by James Gandon of Four…read moreCourts fame in 1790. The playground of various earls until the 1930s, it was taken over by the Jesuits and eventually handed over to the State a few years ago. One of the most impressive features of Emo is its wonderful gardens, which have been rejuvenated in recent times; they include formal areas, woodland walks, a rake of rare trees, an impressive lake and an abundance of statues. Some of these statues were actually pulled from the lake when the State took over the estate, and it is suspected that they somehow made their way their during the time that the Jesuits were running the place. "Brother, there seems to be an effigy of a naked faun down by the old stables." "I think I know the perfect spot for it. Grab a shovel." The house itself is open to the public from Easter to September, but you are free to roam the gardens all year round.

A lovely house worthy of a visit in the Midlands of Ireland. The house has a history stretching…read moreback to the 18th century, and had an interesting variety of owners- rich English and American gentlement, and the Jesuit Order, before being passed to the Office of Public Works of the state. As with most OPW properties, visiting prices are very reasonable, and the tour guides are interesting and informative. They clearly are passionate about what they do, which is excellent. Something that sticks out for me from the tour was that the Jesuits removed many artworks which were sexual in nature, left behind by previous owners, to avoid tempting the members of the order. I found this quite funny. However, they were good at keeping the art safely stored away to be recovered again in later years. The gardens at Emo Court are also beautiful, and extensive. You can freely roam around in them all year. I particularly like the lake, with many different water birds living there, and a lot of fish. Well worth a visit.

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.

Great stop between Limerick and Dublin. We saw a lot of castles, and this might be my favorite…read more Great stop for kids to get their wiggles out. Free parking. Great path. Amazing views.

Rock of Dunamase is a fantastic little stop just off the main road. We were driving from Dublin to…read moreKillarney. I was looking for a place to stop and stretch our legs. This was perfect; better than I hoped for. There is a small little parking lot. From there you can see the ruins. It's just a short walk up the hill to the site where you can walk amongst the castle ruins. The views on top are incredible. You can really soak in the beauty that is Ireland. Free. Easy to Access. Stunning.

Amazing place, beautiful bucolic views and peaceful atmosphere. It is nestled in a quaint Irish…read moretown with 2 pubs, takeaway place, a convenience shop, and Michelin restaurant. Whether you are just visiting the tea room and gardens/castle tour, or staying in the castle Airbnb rooms- it's a wonderful experience. The gardens and grounds are more extensive than you realize, and can find many hidden pathways that lead to somewhere seemingly magical. I have been a guest at Huntington for a collective 3 months now, and would highly recommend. If you come in the Spring, don't miss out on seeing the lambs!

We had a lovely stay in the castle. Claire and Alex are excellent hosts! They made sure we were…read morecomfortable. The castle is beautiful and full of history. We had to miss their award winning breakfast due to an early flight, but we heard it was amazing. I highly recommend staying here!

Ever wonder what that big spherical sculpture at the start of the Naas by-pass was called? (a good…read morequestion for a maddeningly obscure table quiz) Well, Perpetual Motion is what it is called. There ya go now. When I was a kid, I used to think that it was a big inflatable rubber ball on the way to my Granny's house, and I imagined that it was part of some advertisement or something. No, it's a sculpture, commissioned by the Government to waste your money and mine. Still, you have to say that it's... different. Not much if a compliment that, really.

People may not like it but it's a definite landscape marker that people always associate with Naas…read moreso it's also handy for giving people directions, it's kinda hard to miss! The sculptor is Rachel Joynt by the way if anyone's interested. She also has work out in UCD, "Noah's Egg"

We visited this castle on a trip through Ireland and it is a highlight of our trip. I contacted…read moreSean via email asking if we could tour the castle on a specific date while in the area. He replied with a 'stop by any time'. A very Irish welcome! This is literally their home so park appropriately, and knock on that huge wooden door. The man of the house answered himself. Sean mentioned they had hosted big dinners there with all kinds of period fun and this is definitely the kind of spot you'd want to share a meal with friends in the great hall! We spent a good deal of time time talking with Sean about the house and the area and its history. We even got a free concert! What a treat! (iykyk) The stone stairway up to the oubliette is the original stone staircase to the top, curves around a bit and has decades of wear. So cool. The room at the top is open and unfinished, just as it would have been. You have to get up there yourself to experience the history of it and stare down into the pit. Take in the views while up there as well. Beautiful country. I'm not sure how often the family offer tours or host events at the castle, but if you ever have an opportunity, jump on it! Whether you are hoping to see the 'entity' that haunts the castle, or you are curious about Irish castles this is a very interesting stop hosted by a lovely gentleman. There is information online if you would like to read up on it's history. For us, this visit is a true gift we will cherish for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much Sean!

This place is amazing! It's currently being restored, so a lot of the old original structure is…read morestill in place. The man who runs it puts a lot of care into maintaining the castle and knows the whole, very long and very interesting, history! Also, the view from the top of the castle is absolutely breathtaking. Truly a magical experience.

Beautiful area with nice views and a lot to experience. Very peaceful and and a good feeling of…read moreIrish culture

If you want to get to the heart and soul of Ireland, you must visit this place - about five miles…read moreeast of Ballymore on the way to Mulingar. In many ways, it is the twin of the more famous Hill of Tara. Its main feature is the most unusual, Cat's Stone, which gets its name because it's believed that it resembles a cat, and if you study it closely, it does! I wonder did Ripley's 'Stranger than fiction' ever visit it? The Hill was believed by the ancient Druids, to be the very navel of Ireland - the geographical centre - where the five provinces met! Look out on a fair day and see many of Ireland's counties unfurl themselves before your eyes like phantoms from out of the mystical mists and relax and see the smooth plains of Ireland's midlands - smooth and uplifting, as if some bountiful cream was rubbed on the serene face of Ireland's goddess, Eriu! Hidden Ireland......