Category: Amazing Places in Ireland

Ferns Abbey, also known as Fearna-nor-Maedhog, Ferna- Fernes, Fernis and St Mary’s Abbey, is an Augustinian abbey, situated just outside the village of Ferns, Co Wexford. It has been functioning as an ecclesiastical site associated with St Edan (Aidan or Máedóc) since the 7^th century, the earliest cathedral having been built here at the beginning of the 13th century.

In 1577 the cathedral was attacked and burnt by Fiach MacHugh o’Byrne, who was later forced to rebuild it. Sadly most of the original building had been lost. However the refurbished late medieval cathedral that is now is a Church of Ireland place of worship, incorporates parts of it.

Part of St Mary’s Abbey and its round tower survived to this day and is located close to the structure of what is believed to be the thirteenth century cathedral.

 

Also see nearby Ferns Castle – County Wexford

The Sheep’s Head peninsula – a European Destination of Excellence – is situated between Bantry Bay and Dunmanus Bay in West Cork.

The peninsula is popular with walkers and the Sheep’s Head Way offers an 88 km long trail which follows old tracks and roads around the peninsula from Bantry to the headland and back. The trail is very accessible, well signposted and combines low and rugged hills with coastline and cliffs.

For those who prefer two wheels Sheep’s Head Way cycle trail begins in the nearby village of Ballylickey,  extends around the coastline of the Sheep’s Head peninsula, and ends in Ballydehob.

The peninsula has three villages, Durrus, Ahakista (home to the Air India Memorial Garden) and Kilcrohane.

Whether you prefer hiking, cycling, or driving, the peninsula offers a lot to visitors and is one of my favourite coastal areas in Ireland.

Sometimes called the Newgrange of the south east, Knockroe Passage tombs is not as well known, or spectacular as it’s northern counterpart, but is nonetheless special in its own right.

The Neolithic passage tomb at Knockroe (known locally as ‘The Caiseal’) in County Kilkenny has been excavated since 1990. This megalithic burial site dates back more than 5,000 years and is unique in that it aligns with both the rising and the setting sun, unlike other similar sites, such as Newgrange.

Another aspect of Knockroe that makes it worth investigating is that until its discovery, the previously known most southern site of its kind was at Baltinglass Hill in County Wicklow. And there are also two tombs on this site, which is unusual.

The two burial chambers are constructed of large, upright stones (orthostats) and positioned at the south-eastern and south-western side of the mound. It has about 30 decorated stones and, like Newgrange in the Boyne Valley, the face of the cairn flanking the eastern tomb was decorated with a frieze of quartz.

Dr Muiris O’Suillivan, Associate Professor of Archaelogy at University College Dublin, has led the excavation of the site over the past 25 years. The excavation revealed evidence of multiple burials of cremated human remains, along with remains of assorted “grave goods” such as pottery vessels, bone and antler pin fragments and beads.

Despite its historical significance, the site is easily accessible and open to the public year round and is a popular gathering spot on especially the winter solstice, which is normally on the 21st December of each year (but occasionally it can be on the 22nd). For many years now a large gathering of people  come to Knockroe to see either the sun rise or sun set alignment.

Brow Head (Irish: Ceann Bró) is the most southerly point of mainland Ireland. It is in the rural townland of Mallavogue, a short distance from the fishing village of Crookhaven in County Cork, Ireland and, in my opinion, offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in West Cork.

At the top of Brow Head the ruined remains of the signal tower can be found. This signal tower is part of a chain of towers built in 1804, during British rule, to give warning of a French invasion. Originally the signalling was done with a system of flags and blackballs on masts.

In the 19th century Brow Head was a mining area and the remains of the mines and the ruined remains of the miners’ houses can still be seen in the area. The first copper ore was extracted here in 1852 and mining continued intermittently until at least 1906.

Fans of the Star Wars movies may recognise the area as some scenes were filmed here for “Star Wars Episode VIII”.

To fully appreciate the views Brow Head offers, I’d recommend wading through the brambles and other unkind vegetation (it’s well worth it, promise!) towards the cliffs and then look back towards the village of Crookhaven. On a clear day, the well known Fastnet Rock can also be seen from this view point.

3.8 km east Brow Head is the equally amazing Mizen Head Signal Station & Visitor Centre.

Day trippers looking for a quiet spot to while an hour or two need looking no further than Victor’s Way, the sculpture park near Roundwood in Co Wicklow. The beautiful wooded garden covers some 20 acres and the contemplation path is 2kms long, with sculptures placed along the way.

Victor’s Way was designed as a contemplation (or meditation) space for adults. Though children can be brought to the park, it is generally discouraged, due to the efforts to maintain a peaceful, relaxing and quiet atmosphere for visitors for meditation (and also, in my opinion, because some of the sculptures may be a bit too “interesting” for young minds to appreciate!) Dog walking is discouraged at the park, for the reasons mentioned above.

The garden contains 7 major and 37 minor black granite sculptures and took 25 years to complete. The major sculptures represent 7 development stages of life and each is accompanied by a well written peace explaining it’s symbolism. All the sculptures were designed in Roundwood and were then hand cut in a dedicated workshop in Mahabalipuram in South India.

Victor’s Way also offers the opportunity for forest bathing.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the park, from arrival where I found the entrance fees are payable via an honor system, €5 per adult (no charge for children). The well stocked shop at end of the walk is run in the same honor system, so make sure you bring cash and plenty change! Items in the shop are priced very reasonably and the stock is beautiful, ranging from wall hangings to jewelry, a great place to buy a souvenir.

You’ll find Victor’s Way on the Old Enniskerry Road, L1036, about 2 km north of Roundwood in Co Wicklow. The park is open during the summer months, from from April 14th to September 30th, every day from 12.30 to 18.00.

Of all the coastal places I’ve visited in Ireland, and there were many, Mizen point is one of my favorites and after numerous visits to the area, the scenery, cliffs and views from the head still takes my breath away.

The visitor centre has a lot to offer visitors and even on a less-than-perfect-weather day is well worth a visit, though I’d recommend visiting on a day when the weather is fair to experience the walks fully.

The visitor centre offers Navigational Aids Simulator, Fastnet Hall, the Geology of the Mizen, the Fastnet Rescue Tide Clock, Tidal Mural, Historical Tour of the Mizen Peninsula, SS Irada Propellor and much more, including a lovely little gift shop filled with a great selection of maritime gifts, model boats, books, toys for all ages, postcards, cards and maps.

From there take the walk to the Signal Station, down the famous 99 steps, and over the Arched Bridge.  The scenery and views from there is amazing, with the possibility of seeing seals, kittiwakes, gannets and choughs. It’s also said to be one of the best places in the world to see Minke, Fin and Humpback Whales and Dolphins.

For those unable to take on steep climbs, there is a level path out to overlook the famous footbridge and enjoy the wonderful views from there. Look down from the bride and you may see a seal or two playing in the waves below (we did).

From there take another path down the cliff to see the Sea Arch Over the Bridge, then walk up the third path to see the view over Dunlough Bay to the Sheep’s Head and Beara Peninsulas.

You can also take a walk down the path to the old derrick platform for a better look under the bridge. Below you will see the Keepers’ Quarters in the former Irish Lights Signal Station; the Engine Room with Marconi Radio Room and The Workman’s Quarters with the Mizen Map Collection, the spectacular Bird Mural room with 100 Birds in the Mizen area and their eggs, Whales and Dolphins, Wrecks and CIL Boats displays.

Or just wander around the paths and enjoy the incredible scenery and cliffs, which by themselves alone makes this place worth visiting.

Mizen Point is a lovely family friendly place, WELL worth a visit and highly recommended! Also see nearby located Brow Head.

For opening hours, etc, see their website: http://www.mizenhead.ie

Kilcooley Abbey is a Cistercian abbey situated close to the village of Gortnahoe in Tipperary, Ireland. The now derelict abbey is located within the grounds of the Kilcooley Estate, the main house of which is privately owned and occupied, though the abbey itself is open to and accessible by the public.

The abbey dates from 1182 when Donal Mor O’Brien granted lands to the Cistercians, to build an abbey here. The abbey, which is a sister house to both Jerpoint Abbey and Holy Cross Abbey, is considered to be a hidden gem, not well known, tucked away as it is in this remote corner of Co. Tipperary, inside a private walled estate.

After the Reformation, Kilcooley passed into the possession of the Earl of Ormond. It was granted to the English-born judge Sir Jerome Alexander in the 1630s and through his daughter, Elizabeth, it passed by marriage to the Barker baronets of Bocking Hall, the last of whom died in 1818.

The Cloisters of the abbey are long gone with only one column still remaining. The path of the cloisters though still remains with a pebbled walkway around the grass square.

The main part of the abbey consists of the Entrance Chamber, the Church, the Tower and the Sacristy. The Entrance Chamber has a well carved baptismal font on its south wall. The nave of the church is still roofed, but the rest of it is out in the open. The church has two large carved windows on its east and west side. The chancel contains two stone tombs and a stone altar.

One of these tombs is that of the knight Piers Fitz Oge Butler. His tomb records his death as taking place in 1526 and has some carvings of 10 apostles on the side of it carved by Rory O Tunney, who is also noted for his work in Jerpoint Abbey.

On top of the Butler tomb there is the effigy of a knight with a dog curled up at his feet.

The Sacristy is entered through a carved archway that has many carvings, such as a scene depicting the crucifixion and a mermaid holding a mirror, which was meant to depict vanity. Roger Stalley suspects this screen wall may represent the entrance to a private Butler chapel, as two Butler shields are depicted. The east end of the nave is notable, because seats for the officiating clergy have been carved into the crossing piers.

Outside the abbey there is also a beehive shaped ruin. It is not known whether this was used as a Columbarium to store ashes or a dove-cote for pigeons. But most probably it was a dove-cote since there is a 3-foot (0.91 m) wide hole in the ceiling from which they would have entered and left. Also outside the abbey is the Infirmary which is still in a fairly good condition although access to the roof of it is blocked.

Beside the Cloisters the Parlour and Chapter House are still there. Also the Calefactory (Warming room) still remains but without a roof. And on the south side of the Cloisters the Monks Dining Hall still stands. Although the dining hall has no roof, it still has a spiral staircase, but this has been barred up along with all the second floor rooms such as the Monks Dorms and the Main Tower, the Parlour, Chapter House, and Calefactory.

Much of the abbey however is open and accessible and well worth a visit.

The main feature of this lovely ruined 14th Century church is is the Cantwell Fada, an effigy of a knight built in the 1320s/30s, but during our visit we were pleasantly surprised by a real treasure-trove of interesting and well-preserved features.

Three original doorways in the north and south walls headed by ogee stones, remains of an altar, piscina, book rest and multiple recesses all grace the interior walls.

Carved from a single slab of limestone standing against the North wall, the Cantwell Fada (long man) is famous for its intricate detail, historical relevance, and at over two metres in height, the tallest such effigy in Ireland and Britain. With legs crossed (possibly signifying that he had been on the Crusades), wearing a fine suit of chain mail, spurs and accompanied by sword and shield bearing the arms of the Cantwell family, it is believed that the figure represents Thomas de Cantwell who died in 1320. The effigy is beautifully carved, well preserved and definitely worth the trip to this wonderful church.

A 13th century sedilia near the altar is believed to have come from an earlier church at the site. In addition, the church has an adjoining original 3-storey fortified presbytery and bell tower which is definitely worth exploring.

Glendalough is a place I much enjoyed visiting and a place I’d highly recommend to any visitor to Ireland. Close enough for a day-trip from Dublin or Kilkenny, it’s peaceful, beautiful and family friendly. Perfect for a day out in some of Ireland’s most beautiful countryside.

With its ancient graveyard,  beautiful lakes, peaceful forest and abundant wildlife, Glendalough has a lot to offer in terms of history, monuments, archaeology, architecture, landscapes, geology, parks, flora, fauna, wildlife habitats and mining history. The valley is also home to one of Ireland’s most impressive monastic sites, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th Century.

If you enjoy walking in beautiful natural settings or forests, Glendalough is a must! We spent some time wandering around the well kept footpaths, through the forest and along the edge of the lake, where I was delighted to meet this curious, fairly tame, deer, that came out of the trees to say “hello”.

For fanciers of ancient grave sites and history, there are some amazing old tombstones dating back centuries and incredible old ruins. I personally found it a little upsetting that some of the footpaths around the grave site went right over graves though. Care should be taken when wandering around the area.

Glendalough is accessible year-round and entrance to walkways, lakes and sites free of charge. We found parking hard to find, due the high number of cars already there when we arrived, so plan your visit to arrive early if possible.

There are a number of restaurants and cafes in the region that offers lunch and if you fancy staying a night, accommodation is offered in B&B’s, hotels etc in the region. For more info on these, visit http://www.glendalough.ie

What do you do with an abandoned limestone quarry near the Tipperary border at Ballykeeffe, Co Kilkenny?

Abandoned by Kilkenny County Council as a source of road-making materials, the quarry became a dump for old cars, furniture and other rubbish, while becoming a repository for beet being supplied to Thurles sugar factory. Rock climbers saw the potential for sports on the quarry’s rugged edge in time and the quarry soon attracted rock climbers from all over Ireland.  In 1999 the Mountaineering Council of Ireland adopted a policy of accepting bolted protection in quarries where traditional climbing had not previously taken place and Ballykeeffe quarry became a sports-climbing venue and the only area with full bolted protection in Ireland.

The sudden interest and visitors to the quarry caught the attention of the locals, who soon realized the potential of the quarry and it’s spectacular setting. The end of the last century plans were unveiled by KBK, the local enterprise group, to turn the quarry into an entertainment venue. The rubbish, beet and cars were removed as a Millennium project and Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre was born.

In 2011, the original makeshift stage was replaced with an innovatively designed, outdoor stage costing €100,000 – the first of its kind in Ireland. The venue now has no difficulty attracting quality Irish and overseas acts, while still playing host to rick climbing enthusiasts and for the less adventurous, offers walks in the attached nature reserve. It certainly is worth a visit for the spectacular views alone!

For more information, as well as scheduled acts and performances in the amphitheatre, visit http://ballykeeffeamphitheatre.com