All posts by Seán Silke

Newgrange

Newgrange Neolithic Monument

Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Historical, Museums

Newgrange Neolithic Monument was built around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre interprets the Neolithic monuments of Newgrange, Knowth & Dowth. There is a full scale replica of the chamber at Newgrange, and a model of one of the smaller tombs at Knowth.

The Newgrange site consists of a large circular mound with a stone passageway and interior chambers. The mound has a retaining wall at the front and is ringed by engraved kerbstones. There is no agreement about what the site was used for, but it is thought to have had religious significance – it is aligned with the rising sun and its light floods the chamber on the winter solstice. It is the most famous monument within the Brú na Bóinne complex, alongside the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth, and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once a year, at the winter solstice, the rising sun shines directly along the long passage, illuminating the inner chamber and revealing the carvings inside, notably the triple spiral on the front wall of the chamber. This illumination lasts for about 17 minutes. Professor M. J. O’Kelly was the first person in modern times to observe this event on 21 December 1967. The sunlight enters the passage through a specially contrived opening, known as a roofbox, directly above the main entrance. Although solar alignments are not uncommon among passage graves, Newgrange is one of few to contain the additional roofbox feature.

Today the first light enters about four minutes after sunrise, but calculations show that 5,000 years ago first light would have entered exactly at sunrise. The solar alignment at Newgrange is very precise compared to similar phenomena at other passage graves. Current-day visitors to Newgrange are treated to an impressive re-enactment of this event through the use of electric lights situated within the tomb.

Many thanks to Wikipedia for the above information – www.en.wikipedia.org

Opening Hours:
Visitor Centre open 7 days a week: 9.30am – 4.15pm
Exact opening times vary monthly, and site may be closed due to extreme weather conditions. Closed 24 – 27 December.
Check the website for current opening hours.

This is a busy site, with queues likely during summer months.
Access is not guaranteed without pre-booked tickets, online booking recommended.

There are 4 tour options:

  • Visitor Centre only – Includes the exhibition at the visitor centre.
  • Visitor Centre plus Newgrange visit –  Includes the exhibition at the visitor centre and access to the chamber at Newgrange. Approximate duration: 2 hours.
  • Visitor Centre plus Knowth visit – Includes exhibitions at Knowth and the visitor centre. No access to the chambers at Knowth. Approximate duration: 2 hours.
  • Visitor Centre plus Knowth visit plus Newgrange visit – Includes exhibitions at Knowth and the visitor centre and a guided tour of the chamber at Newgrange. Does not include access to the chambers at Knowth. Approximate duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

Admissions via the Visitor Centre, visitors are brought to the monuments by shuttle bus.

Contact & Pricing:
heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/bru-na-boinne-visitor-centre-newgrange-and-knowth
[email protected]
Tel: 041 988 0300
Donore, Co. Meath
Adults €5-18; concessions

Mellifont Abbey

Old Mellifont Abbey

Churches, Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Historical

Mellifont Abbey was the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland (founded in 1142 by St Malachy of Armagh). The abbey’s most unusual feature is the octagonal Lavabo (c. 1200). The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition on the work of masons in the Middle Ages with fine examples of their craft on display. Access to the site is by a stone stairway.

Opening Hours:
Mid-May to mid-September: 7 days a week, 10am – 5pm
Guided tours available on request.

Contact & Pricing:
heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/old-mellifont-abbey
[email protected]
Tel: 041 982 6459 / 041 988 0300
Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co. Louth
Adults €5; concessions. Free admission on the first Wednesday of each month.

Powerscourt House and Garden

Powerscourt House and Gardens

Country Estates, Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Gardens

Powerscourt House and Gardens showcases one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. The complex includes a charming walled garden, striking terraces, fine statuary, varied trees, lovely walks, and scenic surroundings. The estate contains a range of attractions, including a distillery and Ireland’s highest waterfall. The house itself is a luxury hotel and spa, with numerous dining and shopping options.

There is an Italian garden, a Japanese garden, and a pets’ cemetery. The waterfall is Ireland’s highest at 121m (398ft). The once spectacular house (Richard Castle, 1741) was restored after a disastrous fire; however, it is now far from its original glory. Tara’s Palace (a museum for children) is located inside the House.

Opening Hours:
The gardens are the main tourist attraction, and are open 9.30am – 5.30pm all year round, with later opening times in Spring & Summer.
The waterfall is 6km from the gardens, and can be visited as a standalone attraction (no pre-booking available). There are separate admission fees for the gardens and waterfall.
Opening times for the various attractions are different, so it is best to check full opening hours here.

Contact & Pricing:
powerscourt.com
[email protected]
Tel: 01 204 6000
Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Adults from €7.50 (Waterfall only) or €13.50 (Gardens only); concessions

Russborough House

Russborough House

Country Estates, Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Historical

Russborough House is a stunning Palladian mansion designed in 1741 by Richard Cassels. It is one  of the most beautiful houses in Ireland. It was purchased by Sir Alfred and Lady Beit in 1952 to house their impressive art collection. The mansion and its world class art collection were left to the Irish State in 1978. The estate is home to a wide range of activities, from the public tours of the house, to privately booked workshops with craftspersons based on the grounds.

Attractions available include a top class house tour, a very detailed exhibition (in the main house basement) covering the life and times of the Beits, a 20,000 sq ft maze, an 18th Century walled garden, a children’s playground, a gift shop, and a café. One can also visit the work of a range of artisans.

Don’t miss out on the compact Beit cinema, the music room and an opportunity to enjoy some of Alfred Beit’s extensive photograph collection in the separate 3D auditorium. There are also extensive walks in a beautifully landscaped setting.

Parkland – Russborough sits on over 200 acres of beautiful parkland, scattered with historical landmarks such as an 18th Century ice house, a hippodrome, a Japanese bridge, and a lime kiln.

The 18th century walled garden is a partnership between Russborough and the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland.

National Bird of Prey Centre – Located in the Parklands area, you can view hawks, falcons, eagles and owls from around the world, along with the recently re-introduced red kite, golden eagle and white tailed sea eagle. It offers various experiences which require advanced booking. Public tours may be available during peak periods, see the centre’s website: nationalbirdofpreycentre.ie for details.

Sheepdog Demonstrations – Michael Crowe, a local farmer, hosts sheepdog demonstrations at Russborough. Visitors can see working border collies in action. The beautiful views and scenery at Russborough create the perfect backdrop. Come and learn a little about the Wicklow cheviot and many other breeds of sheep, being managed by expertly trained sheepdogs. They are based on a nearby farm, but may also available for bookings at Russborough House. Group bookings only, check their website for details.

Opening Hours:
The parkland at Russborough is open seven days a week from 2nd January to 23rd December, 9am to 6pm.
House tours run on the hour from 10am to 4pm, 7 days a week (booking recommended).
The Walled Garden opens:
Tues & Thu 12pm – 4pm
Weds & Sat 10.30am – 3:30pm
Sun 2pm – 5pm

Opening times and availability of attractions are seasonal and subject to change. There are also attractions and special events which must be booked in advance. It is recommended to check the website for the details.

Contact & Pricing:
russborough.ie
[email protected]
Russborough, Blessington, Co Wicklow
Tel: 045 865 239
Adults from €12 (House tour admission); concessions
Car parking fee €4

Skypark Carlingford Adventure

Skypark Carlingford Adventure

Dublin A to Z, Entertainment, For Kids, Further Afield A to Z

Skypark is Ireland’s biggest Adventure Park, with a wide range of adventure activities in the air and on the ground. From the longest aerial adventure course in Ireland to zipline fun, footgolf, archery and aeroball, there is something for all ages and abilities.

In the zipline zone, “you can swing, scream, jump, climb and release your inner Tarzan.” Within the Aerial Courses option, you can test yourself on 30 challenges including cargo nets, skateboards, giant log swings, monkey bars and, of course, ziplines. Courses range in height from 6ft to 40ft.

The other broad range of activities includes archery, footgolf, frisbee golf, quazer, axe throwing and archery.

Opening Hours:
7 days a week: 10am – 7pm
Access to the various activities is by purchasing one of the different colour passes. The passes divide the activities up according to the recommended age restrictions, e.g., 4+, under 9 & over 9 years old.
Adults can purchase a 9+ pass to access the activities, or purchase an entrance pass if they only wish to supervise.
Prices vary according to season; discounts are available for advanced online booking.
Peak days are often sold out well in advance.

Contact & Pricing:
skypark.ie
[email protected]
Tel: 042 937 3100
Dundalk Road, Carlingford, Co Louth
€50 for all-inclusive pass during peak periods. Restricted passes available at lower prices.

Slane Castle

Slane Castle

Castles, Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Historical

Slane Castle is an impressive historic building, the work of famous architects James Gandon, James Wyatt & Francis Johnston. The parklands were laid out by Capability Brown. King George IV stayed here in 1821. U2 recorded “The Unforgettable Fire” here in 1984. Slane has been in the same family’s hands since 1701. It was lovingly restored after a devastating fire in 1991 and became a famed venue for open air rock concerts.

Opening Hours:
The Castle’s opening hours change with the season, and often by the week due to weddings and events.
Check here for this week’s opening hours.
Guided tours of the house are available, but may only open for booking a week or 2 in advance, with times depending on the seasonal demand. Check the website for availability.
Castle Tour tickets include admission to the new Walking Trail.

Contact & Pricing:
slanecastle.ie
[email protected]
Tel: 041 988 4477
Slane, Co. Meath
Adults €14; concessions
Private tours can be booked for €25 pp, (minimum 6 people).

Trim Castle

Trim Castle

Castles, Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Historical

Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, was constructed over a thirty-year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Hugh de Lacy was granted the Liberty of Meath by King Henry II in 1172 in an attempt to curb the expansionist policies of Richard de Clare (Strongbow). Construction of the massive three storied Keep, the central stronghold of the castle, was begun around 1176 on the site of an earlier wooden fortress. This massive twenty-sided tower, which is cruciform in shape, was protected by a ditch, curtain wall and moat.

Opening Hours:
Opening times vary seasonally, open 10am – 5pm during peak season.
Due to high demand, access cannot be guaranteed during the summer months. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment. Guided tours only.
Closed on 25, 26, 31 December  & 1 January.

Contact & Pricing:
heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/trim-castle
[email protected]
Tel: 085 887 0240
Trim, Co. Meath.
Adults €5; concessions. Parking available nearby for €3
Free admission on the first Wednesday of every month.

Wicklow Gaol

Wicklow Gaol

Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Historical

Wicklow Gaol is a recreation of 18th Century prison life. Located in the town of Wicklow,  construction of the prison started in 1702. There has been a prison on the site since the late eighteenth century up to 1924.

Prisoners were held at Wicklow Gaol during the 1798 Rebellion and the Great Famine, and many were held there prior to penal transportation. Prisoners were “transported” to distant UK colonies from 1789-1856, including over 600 men involved in the 1798 Rebellion. At the height of the Great Famine, the number of prisoners swelled to 780.

The prison was extended in 1822 to a design by William Vitruvius Morrison, and further extended 1842-1843. It was demoted to the status of ‘bridewell’, a prison for petty offenders awaiting their court date, in 1877.

Between 1900 and 1918, the prison was dormant. However, the Gaol was re-opened in 1918 to cater for the holding of many Sinn Fein members and their supporters. Wicklow Gaol closed its doors for the final time as a prison 1924.

In 1995 renovations began, and it reopened as a museum in 1998, claiming to be one of the world’s most haunted buildings, due to the long history of suffering associated with it.

The Wicklow Gaol Day Tour – step into the past. Meet Mary Morris the Matron and her husband, the ill-mannered old Gaoler; then board the convict ship HMS Hercules for a rough voyage to the New World. Enjoy the atmosphere of one of Ireland’s most historic buildings, with an animated snapshot of life in an historic Irish prison.

The Gates Of Hell Virtual Reality Experience – this fully immersive experience transports visitors back in time to Wicklow Gaol in the 1700’s – a grim 3-dimensional world of corruption, rebellion and dark dungeons. Some of the Gaol’s most notorious prisoners are featured and there may even be a guest appearance from one of the Haunted Gaol’s famous ghosts! This experience includes the regular day tour, but with an added 20min 3D-VR show.

Adults only spooky night tours are also available on occasion. Take an eerie night tour of Ireland’s most haunted building. Mingle with the ghosts, enter the solitude and board the transportation ship. There is no advanced schedule for these tours, but they are usually arranged in October/November. Check the website to see if a night tour is available for booking.

Opening Hours:
Open 7 days a week at 10.30am – 4:30pm, last entry for Day Tours is at 4.15pm.
Part-guided with recorded multilingual audio tours.
Usually closed Dec 16 – Jan 7 and on Good Friday.

Contact & Pricing:
wicklowshistoricgaol.com
[email protected]
Tel: 04 046 1599
Kilmantin Hill, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow
Day Tour: Adults €12.50; concessions
Virtual Reality Tour: Adults €18.50; concessions
Free parking available for ticket holders.

Mount Usher Gardens

Wicklow Gardens

Dublin A to Z, Further Afield A to Z, Gardens

Apart from Avondale House & Forest Park, Hunting Brook Gardens, Killruddery House & Gardens, Kilmacurragh Arboretum, Mount Usher Gardens, and Powerscourt House and Gardens, which are all given individual entries within this website, you may be interested in a number of lesser known Wicklow gardens which are described in detail on www.visitwicklow.ie.

These locations include:

Festina Lente Gardens – visitwicklow.ie
Hunter’s Gardens – visitwicklow.ie
June Blake’s Garden – visitwicklow.ie
Shekina Sculpture Garden – www.shekinasculpturegarden.com