About the Area

Killaloe/Ballina
Killaloe/Ballina is situated on the banks of The River Shannon
just a short distance below Lough Derg. Killaloe is probably
best known as the home of Brian Boru, the High King of
Ireland, 1002-1014. Just a short distance from the town of
Killaloe stands Brian Boru's Fort, the site of his Castle,
Kincora, which was the seat of the High King during his reign.
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
jet-skiing, wind surfing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking 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.
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
The time-worn remains of this Anglo-Norman fortress stands
on the bank of the "Maigue" river 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,
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 and lakes, caverns and chambers,
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.

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.