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Travel Through Ireland, Roscommon (2025)

14/07/2025

Blarney Castle – A Rich History
The current stone keep dates from 1446, built by Cormac Láidir MacCarthy over an earlier timber and stone structure.

The castle is famous for the Blarney Stone, a limestone block set into the battlements—legend says that kissing it grants the “gift of the gab.”

🌳 The Gardens – 60 Acres to Explore
Spread across 60 acres, the grounds feature a network of paths weaving through arboretums, woodlands, lakesides, and themed garden areas.

Don’t miss these highlights:

Fern Garden & Ice House: Prehistoric-feeling ferns and a Victorian “ice house.”

Poison Garden: A fascinating but deadly collection of toxic plants (wolfsbane, mandrake, poison ivy, and more) kept safely behind cages.

Rock Close: A mystical area with ancient yews, druids’ altars, stone circles, and enchanting rock formations.

Board Walk & Water Garden: Featuring gunnera and cool waterfalls for a calming walk.

Herbaceous Border & Rose Pergola: A stunning 100 m border of perennials complemented by an 80 m pergola covered in roses.

Great Trees & Arboretum: With specimen trees—including 300‑year‑old oaks and ancient yews—some of the largest in Ireland.

💡 Visitor Experience & Tips
Guided strolling through the castle and gardens can easily fill 3–5 hours.

Opening hours: Year-round, typically from 9 am, with later times in summer (often until 6–7 pm); last admission usually an hour before closing.

Admission: Adults €23; students/seniors €18; children (6–16) €11; under 5s free; family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) €60.

Best times to visit: Late spring/early summer (May–June) when the gardens are in full bloom & visitor numbers are moderate. Arriving early (around 9 am) helps avoid queues, especially for the Stone.

🎯 Why It’s Worth Visiting
More than just the famous Blarney Stone—“Come for the stone, stay for the gardens” is a common sentiment.

The gardens offer varied experiences: serene lakeside walks, exotic planting, botanical curiosities, and mystical druidic settings.

According to visitor reviews:

“The gardens are the main attraction… one of the most impressive botanical gardens we’ve ever visited.”
“A real paradise if you love nature… horses and donkeys… incredibly beautiful park.”

✅ Planning Your Visit
Allow 3–5 hours to fully enjoy the castle interior, kissing the Stone, garden paths, Rock Close, lake, café (in the Stable Yard), and souvenir shopping.

Wear comfortable shoes and pack water/snacks—though the on-site café offers local treats like loganberry ice cream.

Parking & access: Ample free parking is available, and the site is family-friendly.

🌼 Summary
Blarney Castle & Gardens offers a perfect blend of medieval charm, legend, and botanical beauty. Whether you're seeking eloquence, a scenic walk, or a memorable day out near Cork, it’s a richly rewarding destination.

📸 blarneycastleandgardens

13/07/2025

Streedagh Beach is a beautiful and historic beach in County Sligo, Ireland. It’s known for its stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, large stretches of golden sand, and the dramatic backdrop of Benbulben Mountain. The beach is popular for walking, surfing, and enjoying the rugged beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Streedagh Beach is also famous for its connection to the Spanish Armada. In 1588, three ships from the fleet were wrecked here during a storm, and remnants of the wrecks have been discovered over the years

13/07/2025

The Caha Pass is a scenic mountain pass located on the Beara Peninsula in southwest Ireland. It connects the towns of Glengarriff in County Cork and Kenmare in County Kerry, passing through the rugged Caha Mountains, just one of the wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way

The highlight of the route is the Caha Tunnels, a series of stone-carved tunnels that allow the road to pass through the mountains. These tunnels, often referred to as the Turner's Tunnels, were hand-carved in the 19th century and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

📸 thriveinireland

12/07/2025

A must visit in Di**le, Dick Macks 👇Read On 👇

Dick Mack's Pub, established in 1899 in Di**le, County Kerry, is a historic establishment known for its rich heritage and unique offerings. Founded by Tom MacDonnell, the pub originally combined a bar with a leather shop—a tradition that continues today, allowing patrons to enjoy a drink while waiting for custom leather goods.

The pub boasts an impressive selection of over 250 whiskeys, including rare finds like the Midleton Pearl. In 2017, Dick Mack's expanded its legacy by opening an on-site brewhouse, producing craft beers such as the exclusive Dick Mack’s IPA, available only in Di**le.

Visitors can explore the bar's historic interiors, including snug areas and rooms once inhabited by the MacDonnell family. The pub also features a "Walk of Fame" outside, honoring notable patrons like Robert Mitchum and Dolly Parton.

For those interested in experiencing Dick Mack's firsthand, the pub is located on Greene Street in Di**le.

📸 thedoggydiningclub

**le

12/07/2025

🌞 For the day thats in it - Here are Ireland’s top 10 family‑friendly beaches, offering safe waters, clean sand, lifeguards, and nearby facilities:

1. Curracloe Beach, Co. Wexford
– 11 km of golden sand & dunes, lifeguards, accessible paths and toilets. Featured in Saving Private Ryan, a Blue Flag winner

2. Culdaff Beach, Co. Donegal
– Blue Flag, freshwater lagoon, children’s playground, lifeguards, surf schools, wheelchair access and sauna .

3. Dog’s Bay & Gurteen Bay, Co. Galway
– Horseshoe bay with white shell-sand and gently shelving water—ideal for toddlers

4. Inchydoney Beach, Co. Cork
– Blue Flag, calm sheltered waters, dunes, cafés nearby—regularly praised as family‑friendly.

5. Banna Strand, Co. Kerry
– Long golden beach with dunes, excellent for sand play and gentle swimming

6. Inch Beach, Di**le Peninsula, Co. Kerry
– 5 km stretch, surf school, café on-site; mix of waves and calm areas for families

7. Silver Strand (Malin Beg), Co. Donegal
– Tucked beneath cliffs, fine sand, sheltered and scenic though stairs access only

8. Keem Bay, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
– Turquoise waters, Blue Flag, sheltered bay, calmly shelving sand, space to roam .

9. Barleycove Beach, Co. Cork
– Golden dunes, safe swimming, dunes to explore, easy parking

10. Brittas Bay, Co. Wicklow
– 4 km of soft sand dunes, popular with lifeguards, very accessible from Dublin and perfect for families

📸 bargainbuyer

11/07/2025

Temple Bar, Dublin
🏙️ What & Where
Temple Bar is a lively cultural quarter on the south bank of the River Liffey in Dublin. It's bordered by Dame Street, Westmoreland Street, Fishamble Street, and the river. The area is known for its narrow, cobbled streets that date back to medieval times, with early mentions from the 1600s.

🕰️ A Rich History
The area has roots tracing back to Viking settlements around 795 AD. It was named after Sir William Temple, who built his home and gardens here in the early 1600s. The name also reflects a similar district in London. Temple Bar evolved over the centuries—from a thriving trade and customs hub to a decline, and eventually a vibrant revival in the 1990s led by artists and independent businesses.

🎭 Cultural Hotspot
Temple Bar isn’t just about nightlife—it’s a center for arts and culture, with:

Galleries and studios like Temple Bar Gallery & Studios and the Project Arts Centre

Film and photography spaces including the Irish Film Institute

Live performance venues such as the Button Factory and the New Theatre

Weekly markets: Food Market and Book Market (weekends), and Cow’s Lane Market (Saturdays)

🍻 Pubs & Nightlife
At the heart of the area is The Temple Bar Pub, known for its vibrant atmosphere, live music, and extensive whiskey collection. Other notable pubs include:

The Palace Bar

The Auld Dubliner

The Foggy Dew

Oliver St. John Gogarty’s

The Porterhouse

The nightlife is energetic and busy, with traditional Irish music and a festive atmosphere every night of the week.

✔️ Top Things to Do
Explore vintage stores like Lucy’s Lounge and Nine Crows

Discover street art along the Icon Walk and Love Lane

Enjoy live traditional Irish music in local pubs

Visit the Irish Film Institute or arts centers

Shop at weekend food and craft markets

Join a pub crawl or explore the area’s whiskey and Guinness tastings

👣 Practical Tips
The area is compact and walkable

Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night

Prices can be high—it's a tourist-heavy area

Beyond the nightlife, there's rich culture, street art, and local markets

🎉 Festivals & Events
TradFest in January brings a full program of Irish folk and cultural music

Meetinghouse Square regularly hosts open-air films, pop-up events, and performances

✅ Summary
Temple Bar is much more than its famous pub—it's a historic and cultural hub full of music, art, markets, food, and nightlife. Visit during the day to experience its charm and creativity, and stay for the evening energy. It's one of Dublin's must-see destinations, offering something for every kind of traveler.

📸 Temple Bar Pub

11/07/2025

The Giant's Causeway is a famous natural geological formation located on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland, in County Antrim. It's best known for its remarkable interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption.

Key Facts:
🪨 Formation: Around 50–60 million years ago, during the Paleocene Epoch, intense volcanic activity caused lava to cool rapidly, fracturing into hexagonal columns.

🧱 Structure: The site contains about 40,000 basalt columns, most of them hexagonal, although there are some with four, five, seven, or eight sides.

🌍 UNESCO World Heritage Site: It was designated in 1986, and it's one of Northern Ireland's most visited natural landmarks.

🧚 Mythology: According to legend, it was built by the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) to walk to Scotland to fight the Scottish giant Benandonner.

📍 Managed By: The National Trust since 1961. There is a modern visitor center on-site.

Fun Tip if You're Visiting:
Wear good walking shoes – there's a bit of hiking involved if you want to see the full site, including The Organ, The Chimney Stacks, and The Wishing Chair.

📸 untolditinery (ig)

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10/07/2025

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks, drawing over a million visitors each year. Here’s a concise yet insightful overview:

🌊 Overview
Location: County Clare, western Ireland, along the Atlantic Ocean.

Height: Up to 214 meters (702 feet) at their highest point.

Length: Stretch for about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles).

🌍 Geological & Natural Significance
Formed over 320 million years ago, primarily from sandstone, siltstone, and shale.

Home to unique rock formations like Branaunmore (a sea stack) and O'Brien's Tower (a 19th-century viewing tower).

Part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.

🐦 Wildlife
A Special Protection Area (SPA) for seabirds.

Hosts over 20 bird species, including:

Atlantic puffins (April–July)

Razorbills

Guillemots

Marine life like dolphins, seals, and basking sharks can often be spotted.

🎥 Cultural & Media Appearances
Featured in films like:

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Horcrux cave scene)

The Princess Bride

Frequent subject in Irish folklore and mythology

📸 michalmphoto (ig)

10/07/2025

Lough Oughter is a scenic lake system in County Cavan, Ireland, known for its maze of interconnected lakes, wetlands, and islands. It is part of the River Erne system and is especially famous for Clough Oughter Castle, a 13th-century Anglo-Norman castle that stands on a small island in the lake.

The area is rich in wildlife, including otters, swans, and a variety of fish, making it a great spot for angling, kayaking, and birdwatching. It's also a popular location for photographers due to its misty, atmospheric landscapes.

📸 Paul Burke (ig)

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10/07/2025

Glassilaun Beach is a stunning, secluded beach in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. Known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including the rugged peaks of the Twelve Bens and Mweelrea mountains.

This beach is popular for walking, swimming, and photography, though the Atlantic waters can be quite cold. On a clear day, you can enjoy spectacular views of Inishbofin and other nearby islands. Despite its beauty, Glassilaun Beach remains relatively quiet and unspoiled, making it a perfect spot for those seeking peace and natural beauty

📸 Louisbarryphotography

09/07/2025

Torc Waterfall (Easach Toirc in Irish) is a stunning 20-meter-high cascade located at the base of Torc Mountain in Killarney National Park, about 7 kilometers south of Killarney town. It’s fed by the Owengarriff River, which flows from the nearby Devil’s Punchbowl lake.

🌿 What to Expect
Scenic Beauty: The waterfall flows over mossy rocks in a lush forested setting. It's especially impressive after rainfall.

Easy Access: Just a 200-meter walk from the main car park on the N71 road. A short path takes you right to the base.

Viewpoint Steps: A stone stairway runs beside the falls to a viewing platform that offers elevated views and photo opportunities.

🚶 Walking & Hiking Options
Quick Visit: A short loop from the car park takes about 20–45 minutes, including time to explore and enjoy the scenery.

Torc Mountain Hike: A longer trail (around 8 km round trip) leads to the summit of Torc Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Lakes of Killarney. The climb is moderately challenging.

Extended Loops: Trails also connect with Muckross House, Muckross Lake, and other nearby natural attractions. Options range from 5 to 10 kilometers.

🐗 Legends & Geology
Name Meaning: "Torc" is the Irish word for wild boar. Local legend tells of a man cursed to become a boar who vanished into flames at the Devil’s Punchbowl, creating the waterfall.

Geological Formation: The river flows over a geological fault where older Devonian sandstone meets younger Carboniferous limestone, shaped by tectonic movements.

✔️ Helpful Tips
Timing: Best visited after rain when the waterfall is at its fullest.

Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes, especially if walking up the stone steps or continuing to the mountain trails.

Crowds: The car park can fill up quickly in peak season—arrive early or consider cycling from Killarney.

Wildlife: Keep an eye out for native red deer in the area’s woodland.

🗺️ Nearby Attractions
Muckross House & Gardens – a beautiful 19th-century estate nearby.

Muckross Lake – ideal for a lakeside walk or picnic.

Ross Castle, Ladies’ View, and the Gap of Dunloe – other iconic stops within Killarney National Park or along the Ring of Kerry.

📸 mate travels (ig)

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