| Killaloe Ballina Killaloe/Ballina is situated on the banks of The River Shannon at the mouth of Lough Derg. Killaloe is probably best known as the home of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland, 1002-1014. The site of his Castle, Kincora, which was the seat of the High King during his reign no longer stands, as it was levelled in 1119 by Turlough O'Connor. On its grounds now stands St. Flannan's Catholic Church. Just a short distance from the town of Killaloe is Brian Boru's Fort. The twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina are amongst Ireland's most picturesque attractions. The towns are linked by a thirteen arch bridge across The River Shannon which links not only the two towns, but also the Counties of Clare and Tipperary. Killaloe/Ballina both have superb restaurants and pubs, many with live music. One Irish celebrity, Brendan Grace, has his own pub in Killaloe bearing his name. On Lough Derg there is a wide range of activities that include swimming, fishing, canoeing, and boating. Killaloe is also host to the annual European Pike Angling Competition. The hills in the area are covered with thick forestry, containing many walks and picnic areas. These walks are specially routed and cover distances to suit everyone. |
| Holy Island Holy Island on Lough Derg and the river Shannon is one of the most famous monastic sites in Ireland. Its many attractions include a well-preserved Round Tower, the ruins of six churches, a Holy Well, a unique graveyard with slabs dating from the eight century, Bullaun Stones, a cell like structure, which is one of the most extraordinary buildings in Ireland and a ‘bargaining’ stone where many a marriage was brokered. Their secluded position has enabled them to survive in a wonderful state of preservation. Like all monasteries it suffered badly from Viking attacks, the first recorded being in 836 AD. Brian Boru rebuilt the monastery and his brother Marcan was abbot there. A boat trip from the picturesque pier at Mountshannon and a guided tour of the Island is part of the service East Clare Heritage provides. Lake boats can also be hired at an hourly or daily rate. |
| Bunratty Castle One of Ireland’s top day visitor attractions, Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, it was authentically restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour, with furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and style of the times. The Folk Park, set on 26 acres, recreates 19th Century Ireland. The park features include; recreated village street, 8 farmhouses, a water mill, blacksmith’s forge, Mac’s pub, a restaurant and a display of 19th Century agricultural machinery. A range of activities can be organised on request - dancing and singing in Mac’s Pub, treasure trails, demonstrations, fashion shows, etc. Famous medieval banquets are held nightly year-round. The castle at present houses one of the best collections of 14th -17th - century furniture and furnishings in Britain and Ireland. The famous Durty Nelly's Pub is adjacent to the Castle and is an experience not to be missed! |
| Craggaunowen Craggaunowen 'The Living Past' tells the story of the arrival of the Celts in Ireland and the many changes they wrought upon daily life. Their impact is evidenced in the creation of new tribal lake dwellings, farming and hunting methods which are explained by the costumed animators. A major feature of the visit, is a Crannog (meaning 'young tree’) which is a reconstructed lake-dwelling of a type found in Ireland during the Iron Age and Early Christian periods. Though some homesteads were inhabited during the Late Bronze Age and in some cases, were still being occupied as late as the 17th century. The site also includes a Ring Fort, a true reproduction of a farmer's house, dating from the 4th or 5th century, an 'Iron Age Roadway' and an outdoor cooking site. |
| The Cliffs of Moher The bracing walk to the summit of the famous Cliffs of Moher is worth it for the spectacular views from the top. With a high point of 230 metres it is possible, on a clear day, to see Galway Bay and the Aran Islands in the distance. A must see! Not one for those with a fear of heights! |
| Portumna Castle The great semi-fortified house at Portumna was built before 1618 by Richard Burke or de Burgo, 4th Earl of Clanrickard. It was the main seat of the de Burgo family for over 200 years, until it was gutted by fire in 1826. The ground floor of the house is now open to the public. Exhibitions in the Castle and Gate House. (Conservation works are ongoing). |
| Adare Manor Hotel The former family seat of the Earls of Dunraven, this magnificent Tudor, gothic-style, building stands along the meandering river Maigue, amid 1000 acres of lush park lands. In recent years, the Manor has been transformed into a world-class luxury hotel and now resembles a museum of architecture with wonderful assorted woodwork and stone carvings. Entering the grounds through the ornamental gates, long stretches of emerald green turf, ancient ruins and majestic trees are the settings that will be found for a unique, peaceful, atmosphere, where one can enjoy a stroll or a refreshing brisk walk, at anytime of day. (Many famous people have stayed in the Manor, including President Bill Clinton, during his Irish visit in Sep. 1998). |
| Desmond Castle - Adare The time-worn remains of this Anglo-Norman fortress stands on the bank of the river "Maigue" and viewable from the bridge. This castle was erected, within an ancient ring-fort, around the early part of the 13th century. It became a strategic fortress during the following turbulent years. It was the property of the Earls of Kildare for nearly 300 years until the Silken Thomas's rebellion of 1536, when it was forfeited and granted to the Earls of Desmond (they gave the castle its present name). The castle is regarded as being one of the most interesting examples of feudal architecture in Ireland. |
| The Burren The Burren, or Boireann, meaning a rocky place, is 100 square miles of limestone rock in Co. Clare. The Burren is a wilderness, flat and sloping and broken by great hillsides of limestone separated by cliffs like giant steps. The area is rich in archaeological sites. There are 68 megalithic tombs (the best known is the Poulnabrone), over four hundred ring forts and the remains of more than 800 houses or huts. It is also a botanists paradise. Growing side by side are arctic and alpine plants, temperate climate flowers and species from the Mediterranean. This enigma has intrigued botanists for years and is a favourite haunt of theirs. The Burren comprises mainly of limestone formed over the centuries from the sediments on the seabed being compressed into stone. The stone fissures were created by rainwater which permeated the rock. There are many underground rivers, lakes, and caverns, and one which is open to the public is called Aillwee Cave. |
| The Hunt Museum Located in Limerick City, The Hunt Museum exhibits one of Ireland's greatest private collections of art and antiquities. The Collection reflects our Celtic past and also includes masterworks by da Vinci, Yeats and Renoir. Donated to the "people of Ireland" by John and Gertrude Hunt, this generous gift ranks as one of the most outstanding in the nation's history. Visitors can explore the collection and the lives of the collectors in the elegant 18th Century Custom House which provides an ideal setting for an enjoyable visit. A friendly welcome is assured and guided tours are available. |
| King John's Castle Experience eight hundred years of history brought to life through animation and interactive effects at King John's Castle in Limerick City. Built between 1200-1210, it was repaired and extended many times. Many features include a historical story of King John's Castle told in dramatic fashion on two floors of the visitor centre and archaeological excavations beneath the visitors centre building including earliest evidence of settled life in Limerick. |
| All content and images © Copyright 2004 - 2010 Glocca Morra B&B, Killaloe, Clare, Ireland |
| The Rock of Cashel Cashel was once the seat of the Kings of Munster and capital of this southern province. The Rock, which rears above the plain, dominated the land routes southwards. Kings of Ireland as well as Munster came to this spot and St. Patrick is known to have preached on the rock and converted the local King, Aenghus, here in the 5th Century. Brian Boru was also crowned King of Ireland on this spot in the early 11th Century. King Cormac built his superb Royal Chapel in the 12th century. |
| St. Flannan's Cathedral-Killaloe The early monastery on this site at the southern end of Lough Derg was founded by St Fachnan, and he was followed as Abbot by St Flannan who died around 639. The Cathedral was founded about 1185 by Donal Mór O Brien. The most striking feature is the 11m high east window with its three lights. The side lights are pointed and the central one roundheaded and rising high above the others. The window symbolises the Trinity and the figures of Christ and the twelve apostles are portrayed in the stained glass. |
| Knappogue Castle Knappogue Castle is located in a truly picturesque setting, surrounded by the tranquil landscapes and rolling hills of Clare. Beautiful Victorian and Walled Gardens surround the Castle where one can relax or enjoy a peaceful stroll. The Castle was built in 1467 by Sean MacNamara, and is a magnificent example of a medieval tower house. It has a long and varied history ~ from a battle field to a dwelling place. |
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| Adare Adare, "Ireland's prettiest village," is a lovely day excursion from Glocca Morra B&B. From the thatched roof cottages on the main road to the magnificent internationally renowned Adare Manor Hotel and championship golf course, this village captures the essence of Ireland and photos are a must have. Don't miss the ruins of Desmond Castle just before the village and you'll then see a span of Irish history from the 13th century to the present. |
