One of Ireland’s leading attractions is its unspoiled environment. In an effort to ensure the island’s flora and fauna will thrive into the future, nature reserves have been established across the country. Here you will find details of some of Ireland’s leading nature reserves. Lough Beg Magherafelt, Derry The Strand on the west shore of Lough Beg is a large expanse of wet grassland that is flooded each winter, and which has never been agriculturally upgraded. The nature reserve, with Church Island as its focal point, comprises 300 acres of …
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Open farms offer the ideal way for children to watch farm animals in action, and with many offering pony rides and access to more exotic creatures, a trip to an open farm can be a memorable day out for the whole family. Below you will find details of some of Ireland’s favourite open farms. Kia Ora Mini Farm Gorey, Wexford The Kia Ora Mini Farm houses a wide range of native and foreign animals, including guinea pigs, donkeys, deers, pigs, and ponies. Fun amenities include a track for ride-on toy …
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Ireland’s enormous variety of scenery is showcased in an impressive array of parks. From orderly memorial gardens to rambling wooded areas, there is a park to suit everyone. Find your favourite in the selection presented below. John F Kennedy Arboretum New Ross, Wexford Dedicated to the memory of U.S. president John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the arboretum is a plant collection of international standing. It covers 252 hectares on the southern slopes and summit of Slieve Coillte. It contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world, …
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The hundreds of rivers that criss-cross Ireland contribute much to the greenery of this Emerald Isle. Below you will find information on some of Ireland’s favourite rivers, whether you are an angler, a bird watcher, or you just appreciate the beauty of flowing water. River Lee Gougane Barra, Cork, Cork Carving a course through farm- and woodland to Cork city the River Lee begins its journey in the lake of the enchanting Gougane Barra Park. The Lee flows through several Irish -speaking market towns, and villages. Some, such as Ballingeary, with its …
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With its dramatic coastline and remarkably unspoiled natural landscape, Ireland is unmatched when it comes to scenic driving routes. Roads wind over rugged cliffs and through lush valleys, with abundant opportunities for interesting detours. Below you will find details of some of Ireland’s most breath-taking drives. Dunmore East Waterford A magnificent scenic drive takes you from Dunmore East along the edge of Waterford Harbour to the small villages of Passage East and Cheekpoint, about 10km upriver. The route takes in many historical sites, including the the Norman village of Killea (Cill Aodh) and …
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When you want to discover the best things to see and do in Ireland, go to the experts. They bring their insider knowledge to a wide variety of sightseeing tours around Ireland. Below you will find details of just some of the exciting tours that are organised around the country today. Ewings Sea Angling and Boat Charters The Harry Ewing Pier, Rosses Point, Sligo Ewings Sea Angling and Boat Charters provide a great day’s entertainment, with deep-sea angling, reef fishing or shark fishing to choose from. The company also arranges trips …
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For an alternative approach to sightseeing, visitors’ centres mark a novel approach. Let experts do the work for you, giving you insights into local attractions that you might never have discovered on your own. Below you will find details of some of Ireland’s best visitors’ centres. Newtownstewart Gateway Centre & Museum Grange Court Complex, 21-27 Moyle Road, Newtownstewart, Tyrone Newtownstewart is an area steeped in history and legend, and appropriately the Gateway centre and museum presents a unique display of artefacts dating from the 19th century. The “Dunbar Collection” is …
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Few natural spectacles can compare with a waterfall in full, thundering splendour. With its abundance of mountains and rivers, Ireland is blessed with some awe-inspiring cascades. Below you will find details of several prime examples. Gleno Waterfall Larne, Antrim Gleno Waterfall is among the area’s scenic stand-outs. Walks have been created around the area and a bridge crosses the river to allow a close-up view. Seating is provided nearby, to ensure a restful and relaxing riverscape. Ashleagh Falls Leenane, Galway Three miles west of Leenane, on the Erriff River is …
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A visit to a wildlife park is the ideal way to see wild animals living in their natural habitat. There are many such parks in Ireland. Below you will find details of some of them. Doneraile Wildlife Park Doneraile, Cork Fine Entrance gates at the porticoed gated lodge on the Turnpike Road, north of Doneraile town, Co. Cork, mark the formal entrance to 160 hectares of parklands with mature groves of deciduous trees and a number of deer herds. The immediate impression created in this 18th-century park is that nature …
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Ireland is a place of wild natural beauty and it values its wildlife. To cater for the needs of animals and birds around the country, a number of sanctuaries have been established. You can find details on some of them below. T.A.C.T Wildlife Centre 2 Crumlin Road, Crumlin, Antrim The T.A.C.T Wildlife Centre (Talnotry Avian Care Trust) is a voluntarily run Charity based in the village of Crumlin, Co. Antrim. The Trust cares for and rehabilitates sick and injured wild birds and mammals and returns them to the wild when …
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