A country manor in Ireland’s County Sligo, Lissadell House is an architectural landmark and scenic estate open to visitors during summer. Dating back to the 1830s and famous as the childhood home of Constance Markievicz (a leader of the 1916 Rising), Lissadell House today is a private home that opens for tours of the manor and access to the gardens seasonally.
A scenic beach in County Kerry, Banna Strand is a 7-mile (11-kilometer) stretch of sand that’s popular for beach walks, swimming, and surfing. Along with its inviting setting for activities ranging from family picnics to kite-surfing, the beach is known as an important landmark in local history—in the lead-up to the 1916 Easter Rising, it’s the location where Irish revolutionary Roger Casement was captured.
The nearly 100-year-old Knockpatrick Gardens lies in County Limerick, right on the Wild Atlantic Way, and features blooming displays of chestnut trees, magnolias, azaleas, poppies, ferns, and even bamboo,. A must for gardening enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a scenic spot for a stroll.
Discover a rare collection of antiquarian books, maps, manuscripts, and prints during a visit to the Bolton Library. See this collection of around 12,000 books from the 13th to 18th centuries including works by Dante, Swift, and Machiavelli in its new home at the University of Limerick. Visits are available by appointment only.
Set on a grassy outcrop with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, the remote Leacanabuaile Fort is a worthwhile addition to any tour of the beautiful Ring of Kerry. The original fort, thought to date back to the ninth or 10th century, has been partially reconstructed to give a better sense of its original features.
Knocknarea is a mountain in County Sligo with a historic landmark at its peak. It’s a popular place for a scenic walk, with two main access trails, though visitors should be aware that some challenging climbing is involved. Countryside views, a walk through the forest, and views out over the coastline are rewards for setting out on this hike.
Located in the County Kerry town of Tralee, the Siamsa Tíre National Folk Theatre is housed in an all-brick, ring-shaped building and its outside appearance is almost as special as the spectacular Irish folk dancers, singers, and other performers that take the stage every April through October. With shows highlighting Celtic music and Irish dance, Siamsa Tíre is a wonderful place to soak up local and traditional culture.
Set off Ireland’s craggy, wind-battered Atlantic coast on the western edge of Europe, this trio of sparsely populated and starkly beautiful islands is a stronghold of traditional Irish culture. The Aran Islands’ jagged coastal cliffs enclose a patchwork of green fields, where the remnants of ancient stone forts and medieval churches can be seen, while in their one- and two-pub towns, locals trade gossip in Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) and traditional music sessions last well into the night.
