Hafen
Foynes

OVERVIEW

Explore one of the country’s most remarkable archaeological sites at Lough Gur, a national monument that contains the oldest and largest stone circle in Ireland. These types of circles or henges were built during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages and were probably used for sacred rituals. Excavations inside the circle have revealed pottery from the Beakers, an ancient people named for the ornately decorated, bell-shaped ceramic beakers that they created. Browsing the interactive exhibits in the heritage center will help you more completely understand the importance of this site, as it brings to life more than 6,000 years of archaeology and history. Following lunch in a nearby restaurant, you will pause for photos in Adare, a village on the River Maigue. Although renowned for its quaintness and beauty, Adare is even more revered for its thatched cottages, which were built in the 1830s to house laborers and servants.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the oldest and largest stone circle in Ireland, an archaeological gem from the Neolithic Age.
• Browse the heritage center and uncover the details behind the circle, including who built it.
• Stop briefly in Adare, a constant contender for the Prettiest Village in Ireland title.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See how the Irish once lived by visiting a 15th-century castle and by meandering through a recreated village of 19th-century buildings. Built on the site of a Viking trading camp, Bunratty is the last of four castles at that location. Although once in disrepair, the castle has been so meticulously restored that it is considered the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Its furnishings, tapestries and works of art capture the mood of those times. Similarly, the Bunratty Folk Park features a collection of historical buildings arranged along a street that replicates village life centuries ago. You will get a real feel for what it was like to visit a pawnshop, pub, grocery, hardware store and other buildings that offered essential services at that time. You will also stop at Blarney Woolen Mills, a collection of Irish heritage shops that occupies one of the oldest woolen mills in Ireland.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the most authentic and complete medieval castle in Ireland.
• Walk along a recreated 19th-century village street and stop in the buildings of that time.
• Shop for Waterford crystal, Belleek china and Aran knitwear at Blarney Woolen Mills.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours of free time exploring the attractions in Limerick that sound most appealing to you. The Vikings founded Limerick in the 10th century and the city exudes history through architectural icons such as King John’s Castle, which has loomed over the River Shannon since the 1200s. St. Mary’s Cathedral is even older as it dates to 1168. Limerick is also a mecca for culture, especially through venues such as the Limerick Museum. It holds a collection of artifacts specific to the area, including Stone Age axes, medieval coins and a fragment of the largest meteorite to ever fall in Ireland. If shopping is of interest, be sure to browse the stores along pedestrianized roads such as Bedford Row and Cruises Street. The options for dining are just as plentiful, whether you want pub food or a local favorite such as Limerick ham, which is traditionally smoked over juniper branches, boiled in cider and baked.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Limerick on your own and focus on the attractions that sound most interesting.
• See historical landmarks such as King John’s Castle and St. Mary’s Cathedral, if you wish.
• Browse cultural venues such as the Limerick Museum for a look at local artifacts.
• Head for the city center if you want to spend your time shopping and dining.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Follow a winding path along the soaring Cliffs of Moher that rim the western shore of Ireland and behold some of the country’s most dramatic views. The drive to the cliffs will also be incredibly scenic as you will take a ferry across the Shannon River, pass through the traditional villages of Kilrush and Kilkee and continue on to the near-vertical cliffs, which stretch nearly five miles. This wild landscape contains natural habitats and flora not found anywhere else on earth, which prompted UNESCO to certify the cliffs as a Global Geopark. The cliffs are named after a fort that was destroyed there during the Napoleonic wars, as “mothar” is Gaelic for “the ruin of a fort.” Before or after the walk, you can browse the visitor center, where you may learn about the local geology, the history of the cliffs and see life at the edge of the cliffs through a virtual reality tour.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk the well-trodden path along the dramatic, near-vertical Cliffs of Moher.
• Marvel at the awe-inspiring natural beauty as you take in the deservedly famous views.
• Discover why UNESCO found the cliffs to be worthy of a Global Geopark designation.
• Learn about the rare geology and history of the cliffs at the visitor center.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Tour a 19th-century Victorian mansion set amidst the natural beauty of Killarney National Park and spend free time in Kenmare, a village with its own rich heritage. Visit Muckross House, which was built for a member of the Parliament and his wife, a British watercolorist. Queen Victoria famously slept in the 65-room mansion, although she insisted on a first-floor bedroom due to her fear of fire. It will be easy to imagine what life was like at Muckross House during the Victorian Age as the period furnishings lend it such an authentic ambiance. Be sure to note the vast difference between the family quarters and the servants’ quarters. Once in Kenmare, a small town tucked at the head of Kenmare Bay, you might follow its Heritage Trail or just wander about wherever you please. Henry Street is a great starting point for shopping.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Muckross House, a grand 19th-century residence where Queen Victoria once stayed.
• Explore the official Heritage Town of Kenmare on your own.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit two quintessential Irish destinations, one a deeply historical urban setting, the other a quaint village nearby. As an introduction to the thriving city of Limerick, you will pause for photos at King John’s Castle, a seemingly impenetrable stone fortress that has overlooked the Shannon River for more than 1,000 years. A panoramic drive through the downtown will reveal much more, including St. Mary’s, a 12th-century cathedral that is the oldest continuously used building in Limerick. You can also expect to see the Georgian Quarter, a collection of elegant 18th and 19th-century architecture constructed on an organized grid plan of equal rectangular blocks. The village of Adare is a bit more unstructured, which is part of its charm. As you independently explore this picturesque heritage village on the River Maigue, you will likely pass centuries-old thatched cottages, medieval monasteries and historical stone buildings, all of which contribute to Adare’s lovely ambiance.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle in for a panoramic drive through Limerick, a beautiful city with an elegant Georgian Quarter.
• Stop for photos at medieval King John’s Castle and see St. Mary’s Cathedral, which dates to 1168.
• Spend free time exploring Adare, a delightful village known for its thatched-roof houses.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.