Travel Through Ireland (2025)

19/07/2025

Here are some must-visit pubs in Doolin, renowned for traditional music, great food, and warm Irish hospitality:

🍻 Highlights of Each Pub

Gus O’Connor’s Pub
Opened in 1832, this iconic pub on Fisher Street serves nightly traditional music and hearty Irish dishes like beef & Guinness stew and smoked salmon. It’s cozy in winter by the fire and lively all year round .

McGann’s Pub
A beloved family-run spot offering trad sessions throughout most of the year. It’s known for good food, friendly service, and even outdoor seating.

McDermott’s Pub
Operating since 1867, it features a roaring fireplace and nightly music. It’s renowned for its cozy atmosphere and excellent bar food.

Fitzpatrick’s Bar
Located in Hotel Doolin, this pub stands out for hosting live music every single day of the year and serving food and Irish ciders. It also has a nice outdoor area for summer evenings .

🎶 Why They're Unmissable

Live music is the heart of Doolin. All four pubs host traditional Irish sessions regularly – Fitz’s claims music 365 days a year, and others feature nightly performances, especially in summer .

Historic charm and local atmosphere. With establishments dating from 1832, 1867, and 1976, each pub carries its own character and legacy .

Delicious Irish fare. Expect classic dishes like stew, fish & chips, mussels, and hearty lamb shanks—perfect after exploring nearby attractions like the Cliffs of Moher .

So grab a pint, pull up a stool, and let the music and atmosphere carry you away—this is authentic Irish pub culture at its best. Let me know if you’d like recommendations for food pairings, lodging nearby, or ferry timings for the Cliffs of Moher!

📸 Gus O'Connor's pub

19/07/2025

Navan Fort (Eamhain Mhacha)

Navan Fort is one of Ireland’s most important and evocative prehistoric ceremonial sites, located just west of Armagh in Northern Ireland.

🏛️ Origins & Archaeology

The site sits atop a drumlin and is enclosed by a circular bank and ditch approximately 240 m in diameter.

Excavations have uncovered a massive Iron Age timber structure (~40 m diameter) dating to around 95 BC. It was ritually filled with stones, burned, and then covered with earth—creating the mound visible today.

Evidence suggests reuse over millennia, from the Neolithic through the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and even into the early medieval period.

🔮 Ceremony & Mythology

Considered a pre-Christian temple or sacrificial space, where the monumental enclosure likely symbolised a sacred boundary.

A central feature was a giant oak pillar, up to 13 m tall, marking the heart of the ritual building.

In Irish mythology, particularly the Ulster Cycle, Emain Macha is the capital of Ulster, home to King Conchobar mac Nessa and the legendary Red Branch warriors, including Cú Chulainn.

The site is traditionally associated with the goddess Macha, who is said to have marked out the boundary with her brooch—interpreted by some as “Macha’s brooch” or “Macha’s twins.”

🏛️ Navan Complex

Navan Fort is part of a wider ancient landscape that includes Haughey’s Fort (a Bronze Age hillfort), the ritual King’s Stables pool, and Loughnashade, where votive offerings have been found.

Notably, the Loughnashade Horns, dating to the Iron Age, were discovered in the lake around 1794—suggesting significant ritual activity in the surrounding waters.

🌿 Visiting Today

The site is open to the public, with a nearby visitor centre that features interactive exhibits, audiovisual presentations, and costumed guides.

Attractions include guided tours, Gaelic warrior reenactments, and workshops such as spear‑throwing, weaving, and coppersmithing.

Woodland paths at the base are wheelchair-friendly, though the hill itself is steep and less accessible.

Typical opening hours are 10am–4pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Free parking is available, and public transport links exist from Armagh city.

🌟 Cultural & Heritage Highlights

The fort hosts seasonal events, including solstice gatherings with lantern-lit walks and Celtic-style ceremonies.

It is recognised as one of the Royal Sites of Ireland, alongside Tara and Dún Ailinne, and is part of a campaign for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Quick Visitor Tips

Tip Details

Bring sturdy footwear The hill can be uneven and steep
Pre-book Guided tours and workshops often require advance booking
Don’t miss The visitor centre’s “Meet the Warriors” and Ice-Age artefacts
Combine visit Nearby Haughey’s Fort & Loughnashade for a deeper experience

Navan Fort is a powerful blend of archaeology and mythology, offering rich insights into ancient beliefs, ritual practices, and legendary Irish tales—all within a striking Iron Age landscape.

📸 irelands_history

19/07/2025

Lough Neagh is a large freshwater lake in Northern Ireland. Here are some key details:

🌊 Basic Facts:

Size: ~392 square kilometers (151 sq mi)

Depth: Average depth ~9 meters (30 ft); max ~25 meters (82 ft)

Counties: Borders five counties — Antrim, Armagh, Down, Londonderry, and Tyrone

Inflow Rivers: River Blackwater, River Upper Bann, Ballinderry River, Six Mile Water

Outflow: River Lower Bann (flows to the Atlantic Ocean at Coleraine)

🐟 Wildlife and Ecology:

Known for eels, particularly the Lough Neagh eel fishery, which is centuries old.

Important habitat for migratory birds and native species like trout, perch, and bream.

The lake is part of several Special Protection Areas and Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs).

🏞️ Cultural and Historical Significance:

Featured in Irish mythology — legend says it was formed when a giant, Fionn mac Cumhaill, scooped out a chunk of land (which became the Isle of Man) and left a hole that filled with water.

Surrounding areas have Neolithic sites, castles, and historic towns like Toomebridge, Antrim, and Ardboe.

⚠️ Environmental Concerns:

In recent years, the lough has experienced pollution issues, particularly from agricultural runoff leading to blue-green algal blooms.

Conservation and clean-up efforts are ongoing.

📸 Emmettmcgreevy

18/07/2025

Bundoran, County Donegal

Bundoran (Irish: Bun Dobhráin – “the foot of the little water”) is a charming seaside town in southern County Donegal on the Wild Atlantic Way. It's perched at the head of Donegal Bay, framed by dramatic Atlantic waves and the Sligo–Leitrim mountain backdrop.

🌊 Why it’s famous

Surfing hotspot – internationally recognised and named among the world’s top 20 surf towns. Bundoran benefits from the funnel-shaped bay that boosts swell—ideal for surfers of all levels.

Beach & coastal walks – Tullan Strand is a sweeping sandy beach perfect for both walks and surf, with safe stretches for beginners. The Rougey Cliff Walk (~4 km loop) takes in the Fairy Bridges, Wishing Chair, Thrupenny and Nun’s pools, and offers panoramic coastal views.

Family attractions – including Bundoran Adventure Park (funfair) and Bundoran Waterworld, popular with groups and kids.

Events – Sea Sessions surf-and-music festival is an acclaimed annual beach festival.

Golf & equestrian fun – scenic Bundoran Golf Club dates to 1894, plus the Donegal Equestrian Centre nearby.

🗺️ Getting around

Accessible via the N15 from Sligo or Belfast, just south of Ballyshannon.

Walkable centre with shops, surf schools, cafés and pubs just off Tullan Strand.

Great basecamp for exploring beyond: nearby Gleniff Horseshoe, Slieve League cliffs, Rossnowlagh beach (15 min away) & Fermanagh caves.

⛱️ Top things to do

1. Surf at Tullan Strand – try a lesson or rent gear from local schools.

2. Explore the Rougey Cliff Walk – take in Fairy Bridges, Thrupenny pool & scenic cliffs.

3. Visit Adventure Park or Waterworld – great for families or rainy days.

4. Grab a post-surf pint – pubs like the Railway Bar & Maddens offer friendly atmospheres.

5. Plan around Sea Sessions – if visiting in summer, don’t miss this surf-music festival.

6. Play a round at Bundoran Golf Club – enjoy a historic course with sea views.

7. Horseback ride – Donegal Equestrian Centre offers beach and countryside rides.

ℹ️ Need-to-know tips

Beginner surfers should stick to taught classes; some reefs and rocks can be tricky.

Wild Atlantic weather can shift quickly—bring layers and waterproofs.

Best time to surf? Autumn to spring offers strong swell; summer is busier but gentler waves.

Bundoran blends wild seaside beauty with vibrant surf culture, family fun, and easy access to breathtaking Donegal landscapes. Whether you’re riding waves, wandering cliff-side trails, or enjoying local charm, it’s an unforgettable coastal gem.

📸 camlake_canvas (ig)

18/07/2025

Westport House is a stunning 18th-century Georgian–Palladian mansion in Westport, County Mayo, Ireland. Built in 1730–31 on the foundations of a castle owned by the legendary “Pirate Queen” Grace O’Malley, it’s one of the country’s most beloved historic homes.

🏰 Historical Highlights

Origins & Architecture: Originally a castle built by Grace O’Malley in the 1500s, the present limestone mansion was constructed by the Browne family—direct descendants of O’Malley. It was designed by top architects Richard Cassels and later enhanced by Thomas Ivory, James Wyatt, Henry Holland, and Benjamin Dean Wyatt.

Rich Interiors: The house retains its original furnishings, a grand dining room, marble staircase, art collection (including Joshua Reynolds portraits), a Greek sarcophagus, and O’Malley’s dungeons in the basement.

Influential Browne Family: The Brownes shaped the region—from building Westport town to establishing agricultural improvements and even supporting emancipation in colonial Jamaica. Their legacy spans the 17th to 20th centuries.

🌿 Estate & Experiences

Great Setting: The house sits in a 400+ acre demesne of woodlands, gardens, lakes, terraces, and views across Clew Bay to Croagh Patrick.

Visitor Experience: Guided tours unveil stories of royalty, piracy, art, and slavery. Tours also cover ballroom, bedrooms, kitchen/basement areas, and family exhibits.

Family Fun: The estate includes the new €5 million Westport Adventure Park (opened 2024), featuring zip-lines, giant swing, climbing walls, net park, treehouses, and more.

Other Facilities: On-site attractions include a gaming zone, glamping, a petting farm, archery, and seasonal event programming.

Why Visit Westport House?

It blends grand history with engaging visitor experiences.

It offers something for all ages—from architecture buffs and history lovers to thrill-seeking families.

It’s a national treasure, showcasing Irish heritage in a superbly scenic environment along the Wild Atlantic Way.

📸 Westport Estate

17/07/2025

Ireland is one of the best places in Europe to see puffins, especially during their breeding season (late April to early August). Here are some of the top locations to spot puffins in Ireland:

1. Skellig Michael, County Kerry

Why it's great: UNESCO World Heritage Site, dramatic cliffs, and one of Ireland’s largest puffin colonies.

Access: Only by boat (weather dependent); tours run from Portmagee.

Tip: Book well in advance—limited daily visitors allowed.

2. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

Why it's great: Easy to access and stunning views.

Puffin season: Late spring to early summer.

Access: Cliffs of Moher visitor center; there's a specific Puffin Watch area near O'Brien's Tower.

Tip: Bring binoculars; puffins nest on inaccessible cliff edges.

3. Rathlin Island, County Antrim (Northern Ireland)

Why it's great: RSPB Seabird Centre with great viewing platforms.

Access: Short ferry ride from Ballycastle.

Tip: Visit the West Light Seabird Centre for close-up views.

4. Great Saltee Island, County Wexford

Why it's great: Remote island with abundant birdlife, including puffins.

Access: Private boats or tour from Kilmore Quay.

Tip: No facilities on the island—bring food/water.

5. Horn Head & Tory Island, County Donegal

Why it's great: Rugged coastline with active puffin colonies.

Access: Horn Head is reachable by car; Tory Island via ferry from Magheroarty.

Tip: Tory Island also offers Irish culture, language, and wildlife.

✅ Best Time to Visit:

Late April to early August

Peak puffin presence: May–July

📸 johnbozinov (ig) at Saltee Island

17/07/2025

As you travel Ireland you will notice it has some of the best villages anywhere in the world. Today we are going ro look at 5 of the most Charming Villages in County Mayo in the west of Ireland

1. Cong

An idyllic village on the Mayo–Galway border, Cong is famed for its storybook stone bridge, tranquil riverside walks, and the historic Cong Abbey. It also served as the set for The Quiet Man film. A delightful hub for cafés, heritage trails, and antique shops.

2. Louisburgh

A colourful, friendly village on the route to Achill Island, Louisburgh is a gateway to fresh Atlantic scenery. It sports vibrant facades, a relaxed pub scene, and easy access to Old Head beach — a Blue Flag favourite.

3. Killala

Rich in history from its 1798 French invasion, Killala offers medieval charm with its round tower and harbour-side setting. It’s ideal for curious history buffs and those enjoying serene coastal ambience.

4. Ballycroy

Nestled beside Wild Nephin National Park, Ballycroy is perfect for escaping into raw wilderness. Named “town of the stacks,” it blends peatland heritage, an old ballroom immortalised in film, and access to one of Ireland’s national parks.

5. Newport

This seaside village offers colourful streets, welcoming cafés, and a gorgeous bay backdrop. It’s also a good base for exploring the Mullet Peninsula and sampling local seafood.

🌟 Other Delightful Mentions

Knock – Internationally known pilgrimage destination with a Marian shrine.

Meelick – Small village with a striking early medieval round tower.

Tips for Visiting:

Scenic drives: Try the Atlantic Drive on Achill Island near Louisburgh for breathtaking coastal views.

Beach breaks: Combine Newport or Louisburgh with a visit to Achill’s dreamy Blue Flag beaches.

History trails: Follow Killala’s 1798 route or explore Cong’s abbey and Quiet Man site.

Nature immersion: Walk the trails around Ballycroy or wander ancient sites like Cong’s woods.

📸 mayoandbeyond of Killala

17/07/2025

🚗💨 Ever driven through the clouds?
Welcome to Conor Pass, Ireland’s highest mountain road — and one of its most jaw-dropping. 🌄

Winding along the cliffs of the Di**le Peninsula, this narrow path takes you through misty peaks, hidden lakes, and views that stretch from the Atlantic to the valleys below. 🌫️⛰️

It’s wild. It’s raw. It’s unreal.
And yes — it’s totally worth the white-knuckle drive. 🙌🇮🇪

📸 dinglepeninsulatourism

**lePeninsula

16/07/2025

James Turrell’s “Irish Sky Garden”—a stunning land-art installation nestled in West Cork, at the Liss Ard Estate near Skibbereen.

🌿 What is the Irish Sky Garden?
It’s a massive bowl-shaped crater, carved into the hillside, measuring roughly 50 × 25 meters, with a stone plinth at the center designed for viewers to lie back and gaze at the sky framed by the crater’s rim.

Inspired by ancient sites like Celtic ring forts, the installation invites a profound connection between earth and sky.

Turrell described it best: “Inside turns into outside… relationships between the Irish landscape and sky change.”

🗓️ Visiting Info
Location: Liss Ard Estate, near Skibbereen, County Cork.

Access: Guided tours run April–November. Non-guests pay around €10; guests of the Estate enjoy free access.

Booking: Tours must be booked in advance—there’s a locked gate and ticketed entry.

Experience: Quiet, meditative; a long passage leads through a henge-like arch and tunnel before arriving at the crater.

💬 Visitor Impressions
One visitor noted:

“I lay down on the altar and looked up… There was complete silence and tranquility.”

Another praised how the crater feels like a wake-up to perception, blending nature and art seamlessly.

🧭 Planning Your Trip
Tip Details
Tour Private guided tours (~€60 for 1.5 hrs) that include the wider gardens and the Sky Garden are available
When to Go April–November. Best light experiences at dawn, dusk, or clear nights
Pair With A broader visit to Liss Ard Estate—its restored gardens, woodlands, and estate trails are well worth exploring.

✅ Summary
Turrell’s Irish Sky Garden is a unique fusion of land art and contemplative space, offering an immersive encounter with light, space, and sky in rural Ireland. If you're into art, quiet reflection, or experiencing something off the beaten path, this is a must.

📸 publicart_ie

16/07/2025

Gleno Waterfall
Gleno (or Glenoe) Waterfall, nestled in County Antrim’s scenic Glens, is a charming 30‑ft cascade managed by the National Trust. Here’s what makes it special:

📍 Location & Access
Address: Waterfall Road, Gleno, County Antrim, BT40 3LE—about 5 miles south of Larne off the B99/A2.

Two car parks nearby offer free parking.

A short (100–200 m / 0.1 mile) stroll through shaded woodland brings you to a viewing bridge and the waterfall.

🌲 The Walk Experience
A well‑signposted network of paths and wooden steps winds through a lush, mossy gorge—steep and occasionally slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Paths on both sides of the gorge provide varied vantage points of the fall and downstream pools.

Dogs on leads are welcome, but caution is advised near the wet rocks.

📸 Highlights
A photographer’s delight: the waterfall is framed by ferns, ivy, and rock, especially stunning after rain or in autumn colours.

A wooden bench sits on a platform beside the plunge pool — perfect for soaking in the view.

⏱️ What to Expect
Easy to moderate: short walk but on steep terrain with steps.

Most visitors spend 20–30 minutes exploring; including a detour into the village, about an hour.

It’s usually quiet — essentially just a car park and a waterfall a few seconds up a path. Autumn is particularly atmospheric.

🚫 Safety & Tips
No swimming allowed; slippery rocks and strong currents pose risks.

Best enjoyed after light rain when flow is strong, but waterproofs are useful in wetter months.

Close to Larne and Carrickfergus, making it an ideal scenic stop on the Causeway Coast route.

📌 Nearby Points of Interest
Historic Gleno village: whitewashed cottages on a picturesque steep street.

Local refreshments: includes a bistro, butchers & farm shop, and a traditional pub nearby.
📸 mark.mcinstry (ig)

15/07/2025

The Drombeg Stone Circle—often spelled “Dromberry” in error—is one of Ireland’s most iconic prehistoric monuments. Known locally as the Druid’s Altar, it’s a finely preserved axial (Cork–Kerry) stone circle from the Bronze Age, located about 2.4 km east of Glandore, County Cork

🧭 Key Facts & History
Structure: Originally 17 local sandstone stones, 13 now standing, forming a circle ~9.3 m in diameter. Features an axial (recumbent) stone opposite two tall portal stones marking its entrance.

Orientation: Aligned southwest toward the Winter Solstice sunset, creating a fascinating celestial link .

Burial & Dating: Excavations in 1957–58 unearthed a cremated adolescent’s remains in a pot at the centre. Radiocarbon dating places the site’s use between roughly 1100–800 BC

Nearby Features: Within ~40 m are two stone huts and a fulacht fiadh (ancient cooking pit) that may have been used into the 5th century AD

🙌 Why Visit?
Accessibility: Easy-to-find site with public parking and a short walk (~150 m) via a gravel path .

Scenic Setting: Perched on a terrace overlooking farmland and near the sea, offering atmospheric views .

Living Legacy: A strong sense of continuity—from ancient rituals to modern folklore—draws many visitors .

🧩 Interpretations
Ceremonial Rituals: Likely used for religious or calendar-based ceremonies tied to solstices or lunar events; scholars highlight its alignment and possible fertility symbolism

Symbolic Carvings: The axial stone features cup-marks and possibly carvings—interpreted by some as fertility symbols

Astronomical Significance: Suggestions include lunar alignment events at 18.6‑year cycles, framing the moon between portal stones

📸 Gilbertcolly

15/07/2025

The Cork Butter Museum, also known simply as “The Butter Museum,” is located in Shandon, Cork, within the restored 1849 Cork Butter Market building—the former hub of what was once the world’s largest butter exchange.

🧈 What you’ll discover:
Historic roots: The museum traces Ireland’s deep connection with dairy, dating back to bog-buried butter and medieval cattle culture.

Cork’s golden era: Learn how mid‑18th-century Cork became the global centre for butter, exporting to markets as distant as India and Australia via the famed “butter roads.”

Butter Exchange & Firkin Crane: The museum includes artifacts from the bustling Butter Exchange and stands beside the “Firkin Crane” weigh-house—a name inspired by the firkin (butter barrel) and crane scale.

Tools & traditions: Displays include churns, keeler vessels, separators, wrappers, and even a medieval 1,000-year-old bog butter—plus an engaging gallery of branded butter wrappers and molds.

Modern legacy: It covers the rise of brands like Kerrygold and how grass-fed Irish dairying produced buttery taste and colour loved worldwide.

🕒 Practical Info (2025)
Detail Info
Established 1985
Admission Adults €5, Students/Seniors €4, Children (under 12 free with family)

Opening hours 10 - 4 daily throughout summer weekend only in winter

Location O’Connell Square, Shandon, Cork T23 H004. Next to St. Anne’s Church (“Shandon Bells”) and near the Firkin Crane centre

Why visit?
Cultural food heritage: Delves into one of Ireland’s most iconic food exports and its global impact.

Interactive value: Small but engaging, with hands-on exhibits and butter-churning demos.

Ideal visit: Takes around 30–60 minutes—perfect for a family outing or as part of a walking tour around historic Shandon.

Visitor praise:
Guests describe it as a “small and “charming local museum”—pleasantly surprising and fun to visit.

📸 colours of Cork (ig)

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