Dolmens are historical burial tombs that are to be found in the rolling plains of Leinster and the rocky outcrops of the Burren and other hilly areas. Many of these sacred burial chambers are placed where the summer and winter solstice sunrises are most vivid. Browshill Dolmen, Carlow A field monument of huge proportions, the capstone is believed to be the largest in Europe. The location, setting and purpose of this Megalithic structure have been the subject of conjecture for centuries. Most likely it marks the burial place of a …
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Forts from the prehistoric age are not as rare in Ireland as one might think, some are in near perfect condition, even some of those that were constructed thousands of years ago. Here are some of the best ones that we have come across: Dun Aengus, Aran Islands Dun Aengus is a fantastic example of a stone fort which is thought to be over 2000 years old! It is perched on top of a cliff edge about 300 ft above the Atlantic Ocean. The fort is said to have been …
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Here is an informative list of the most prominent Historical Stones In Ireland. Clochafarmore Standing Stone A standing stone which tradition associates with the death of CuChulainn, the legendary hero of the old Irish saga, the Tain Bo Cuailgne. When CuChulainn was dying of his wounds which he got while trying to ward off the army of Queen Maeve of Connacht single-handed, he tied himself to this stone. while he was still alive his enemies kept their distance. It was only when a raven came and rested on his shoulder …
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Here you will find a list of the useful historical religious crosses in Ireland that demonstrate the rich heritage of Ireland’s holy men and women. Glencolmcille, Donegal There may have been an early Christian monastery in the valley where, according to tradition, St. Colmcille banished demons who enveloped the valley in a fog. The most conspicuous remains are the pillars decorated with cross-motifs and geometric designs which are now the ‘stations of the cross’ of the pilgrimage which takes place on the Saint’s feastday on June 9th. The pillars are …
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Find out all about the Historical Jails of Ireland - which are steeped in history and have housed some famous faces fromthe history of Ireland. Cork City Gaol With a special emphasis on history & culture, 19th Century crime, punishment and social history, a trip to Cork City Gaol is a must! Go back in time and trace the life of a suffering prisoner. The impressive audio system allows you to hear the shuffling of prisoner’s feet, the coughs of the sick inmates and you can also examine the life …
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Stone Circles are common throughout Ireland and are representative of our Celtic Heritage before the growth of Christianity throughout our Island. Drombeg Standing Stones Regarded as the exemplar of the West Cork stone circles, Drombeg, alias ‘The Druid’s Ring,’ is a well preserved, clearly signposted and frequently visited monument. Its diameter of 30 feet is typical of several stone circles in the Ross Carbery district, all situated within a few miles of the coast. The circle is of the so-called recumbent type, with an axis running north-east to south-west, as …
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Ireland has a history of Kings and Queens, Lords and Earls. You can see the vivid splendour in the wonderful scattering of impressive castles located throughout the country. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Bunratty Castle was built in 1425 by the MacNamaras and then passed to the O’Briens who were Earl of Thomond. The Castle is furnished with mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings. Medieval Banquets are held in the Castle year round, subject to demand. Bunratty folk park recreates rural and urban life in 19th century Ireland. Visitors can, …
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Here are some of the most interesting archaeological sites to be found throughout Ireland. Caldragh Idol Fermanagh An early, possibly one of the oldest extant examples of Irish figure sculpture, standing forlornly in the gloom of an old burial ground near the south-west shore of Boa Island in Lower Lough Erne. It depicts two dwarfish figures gazing in opposite directions and probably represents a Celtic deity. But while the influence of the pagan Iron Age seems unmistakable, it is doubtful if the carving can be as early as the first …
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With its rich monastical and religious past from the days of early Christianity, Ireland is home to some astounding Abbeys. Scattered all over the county, these Abbeys all tell a story of the people who lived there, and the histories that they wove that is embedded into our cultural heritage. Old Mellifont Abbey In the tranquil valley of the River Mattock, a subsidiary of the Boyne, lie the noble ruins of Mellifont, the first Cistercian monastery to be established in Ireland. Founded in 1142 by St. Malachy, the monastery was …
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Ireland is home to some wonderful cathedrals and friaries that are steeped in history, echoing Ireland’s rich monastical past. Ardfert Cathedral Church and Friary Saint Brendan, the Navigator chose Ardfert to be the site of his monastery. Today you will find three medieval churches, an ogham stone and a number of early Christian grave slabs in the site. This is a fine example of an Irish medieval church. Dating back to the 12th century examine the cathedrals west doorway which is Romanesque in design. Developments to the cathedral were continuous …
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