Casino, Marino
Casino is located at Marino, just off the Malahide Road and only 3 miles north of the centre of Dublin. It was designed by Sir William Chambers as a pleasure house for James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont. It is one of the finest 18th century neo-classical buildings in Europe. The Casino, meaning "small house", surprisingly contains a total of 16 finely decorated rooms. The interior is accessed by a stairway.

Kilmainham Gaol (Dublin)
One of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe, covering some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland?s emergence as a modern nation from 1780s to the 1920s. Attractions include a major exhibition detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration. The tour of the prison includes an audio-visual show. Tours may be arranged for visitors with special needs by prior arrangement.

Lusk Heritage Centre (Dublin)
Lusk Heritage Centre comprises of a round tower, a medieval belfry and a 19th century church. They form a unit, although they were built over a period of almost a thousand years. The belfry now houses an exhibition on medieval churches of North County Dublin and also the magnificent 16th century effigy tomb of Sir Christopher Barnewall and his wife Marion Sharl.

Pearse Museum (Dublin)
Former school run by Patrick Pearse, now a museum in beautiful grounds. Attractions include exhibitions, a nature study room with attractive displays on Irish flora and fauna and an audio-visual show titled "This Man Kept a School". Access for visitors with disabilities to ground floor and Nature Study Centre.

St. Endas Park
One of Dublin city?s most charming and atmospheric parks, with its riverside walks, waterfall and walled garden.

Phoenix Park Visitor Centre (Dublin)
A lively and entertaining exhibition on the history and the wildlife of the Phoenix Park is on display in the Visitor Centre. Here the visitor can enjoy a historical interpretation of the park from 3500 B.C. to the present day and can also view an audio-visual presentation on the Phoenix Park through the ages. Adjoining the Visitor Centre is the fully restored Ashtown Castle, a medieval tower house that probably dates from the 17th century. There is also a restaurant in the grounds of the Visitor Centre. The Centre is sign-posted from the Phoenix Monument.

Access for people with disabilities to ground floor.

?as an Uachtaráin is open Saturdays only. Free admission tickets are issued at The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre on the day. Group and/or advance booking is not possible. Closed 24-26 December. Guided Tours: 09.40-16.20, each Saturday (one hour).

Rathfarnham Castle (Dublin)
The date of the foundation of the Castle is uncertain, but recent research would suggest 1583 as the most likely date. It was built by Adam Loftus, a Yorkshireman. The Castle has a colourful and interesting history with 18th century interiors by Sir William Chambers and James “Athenian” Stuart and was declared a National Monument in the mid-1980s. The Castle is presented to visitors as a castle undergoing active conservation. The visitor can see, at first hand, tantalizing glimpses of layers of the Castle?s earlier existence uncovered during research. (Conservation works are ongoing at the site).

St. Audoen`s Church (Dublin)
Sited in the heart of the walled medieval city, St. Audoen's Church is the only remaining medieval parish church in Dublin. It is dedicated to St. Ouen the 7th century bishop of Rouen and patron saint of Normandy.

The Guild Chapel of St. Anne houses an exhibition on the importance of St. Audeon's Church in the life of the medieval city.

Visitors will be able to see the part of the church still in use by the Church of Ireland as a parish church. They can also view the recently restored 17th century memorials to the Sparke and Duff families and the 15th century effigal tomb to Baron Portlester and his wife.

1.B. Historic Sties East

Ballyhack Castle (Wexford)
Ballyhack Castle is located on a steep slope in a commanding position overlooking Waterford estuary. The castle, a large tower house, is thought to have been built c. 1450 by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John, one of the two great military orders founded at the beginning of the 12th century at the time of the Crusades.

Brú na Boinne Visitor Centre (Newgrange and Knowth) (Meath)
Brú na B��e Visitor Centre, open in 1997, is designed to present the archaeological heritage of the Boyne Valley, which includes the megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth. The Centre is the starting point for all visits to both monuments, and contains extensive interpretative displays and viewing areas.

All visitors wishing to visit Newgrange and Knowth must begin their visit at the Visitor Centre. There is no direct access to these monuments.

All admission tickets are issued at Brú na B��e Visitor Centre.

- Last tour of monuments 1hour 30mins. before closing time of the Centre.
- Last admission to Visitor Centre 45 mins. before closing.
- All groups of 15 or more must book in advance.

Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors must expect a delay in the summer months if visiting Newgrange and Knowth and access is not guaranteed. Groups which have pre-booked are expected at Brú na B��e Visitor Centre at the appointed time, not at the monuments.

Castletown (Kildare) (Kildare)
Castletown is the largest and most significant Palladian style country house in Ireland. Built c.1722 for the speaker of the Irish House of Commons, William Conolly (1622- 1729) the designs of a number of important architects were used, notably Alessandro Gailiei, Sir Edward Lovett Pearce and later Sir William Chambers. The entire estate was sold by the Conolly-Carew family in 1965 to a property developer and in 1967 the house and some parkland were purchased by the Hon. Desmond Guinness. Both Mr. Guinness and subsequently the Castletown Foundation, who acquired the house in 1979, devoted considerable effort and resources to maintaining the house and restoring the principal rooms to a high standard. Castletown was transferred to state care on 1 January 1994.

Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre (Longford)
The Centre interprets an Iron Age bog road which was built in the year 148 BC across the boglands close to the River Shannon. The oak road is the largest of its kind to have been uncovered in Europe and was excavated over the years by Professor Barry Raftery of University College Dublin. Inside the building, an 18 metre stretch of preserved road is on permanent display in a specially designed hall with humidifiers to prevent the ancient wood from cracking in the heat. Bord na Mona and the Heritage Service have carried out conservation work on the surrounding bog to ensure that it remains wet and that the buried road is preserved. Access for people with disabilities.

Clonmacnoise (Offaly)
An early Christian site founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th-13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs. The original high crosses and grave slabs are on display in the Visitor Centre. There is an audio-visual show as well as a number of exhibitions. Access for people with disabilities to Visitor Centre.

Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer.

Dunmore Cave (Kilkenny)
History and geology blend at Dunmore Cave to give an interesting and unique situation. Consisting of a series of chambers formed over millions of years, the cave contains some of the finest calcite formations found in any Irish cave. The cave has been known to man for many centuries and is first mentioned in the 9th century Irish Triads. The most interesting reference however, comes from the Annals which tells of a Viking massacre at the cave in the year 928 A.D.. Exhibitions and displays in the Visitor Centre. The cave is inaccessible for wheelchair users.

Dwyer McAllister Cottage (Wicklow)
The cottage nestles in the shade of Kaedeen mountain at the top of a grassy lane off the Donard to Rathdangan road in Co. Wicklow. It is a fine example of a traditional thatched cottage built with local stone and whitewashed inside and out. It was from this cottage, in the Winter of 1799, that the famed rebel, Michael Dwyer, fought the encircling British groups and finally made good his escape over the snow covered mountains. The cottage was later destroyed by fire and lay in ruins for almost 150 years. It was restored to its original form as a monument in the late 1940's and again extensively repaired and re-roofed in 1992.

Emo Court (Laois)
Emo Court was designed by the architect James Gandon in 1790 for the Earls of Portarlington and is a magnificent example of this neo-classical style. During the middle of this century it was owned by the Jesuits, it was then acquired and extensively restored by Mr. Cholmeley-Harrison in the 1960s. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland which were first laid out in the 18th century and contain formal lawns, a lake and woodland walks with many very fine trees and shrubs. The house and gardens were taken into State ownership in 1994.

Ferns Castle (Wexford)
The castle was built in the 13th century, possibly by William, Earl Marshall. Originally, the castle formed a square, with large corner towers. Only half of the castle now remains. The most complete tower contains a fine circular chapel, with carved ornament. The tower also has several original fireplaces and a vaulted basement. Archaeological excavations revealed a rock- cut ditch outside the castle walls.

Ferns Castle is one of a number of historic sites in Ferns. Others include St. Mary's, a 12th century Augustinian Priory; the remains of a 13th century cathedral, part of which is incorporated into the present Church of Ireland Church; St. Peter's, a small nave and chancel church; and some High Crosses and parts of crosses, which stand in the cathedral grounds.

Glendalough Visitor Centre (Wicklow)
This early Christian monastic site was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses. The Visitor Centre has an interesting exhibition and an audio-visual show. French, German, Spanish and Swedish guided tours are available all year by advance booking. Visitor Centre is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities. Access to the graveyard is very difficult for wheelchair users.

Hill of Tara (Meath)
Though best known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Tara has been an important site sine the late Stone Age when a passage-tomb was constructed there. Tara was at the height of its power as a political and religious centre in the early centuries after Christ. Attractions include an audio-visual show and guided tours of the site.

Exciting new research and excavations by the Discovery Programme team continue to add to our understanding of the site.
 
As much of the tour is outdoors, visitors are advised to wear protective clothing and shoes suitable for walking over uneven terrain.

Jerpoint Abbey (Kilkenny)
An outstanding Cistercian abbey founded in the second half of the 12th century. The church with its Romanesque details dates from this period. In the transept chapels the visitor can see 13th to 16th century tomb sculpture. The tower and cloister date from the 15th century. The chief delight of the Abbey is the sculptured cloister arcade with unique carvings. The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition. Access for visitors with disabilities. Guided tours available.

Kilkenny Castle (Kilkenny)
A 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. Due to major restoration works, the central block now includes a library, drawing room, and bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendour as well as the beautiful Long Gallery. The old Castle kitchen operates as a tea room during the summer. A suite of former servants rooms is the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art. Access for visitors with disabilities to ground floor and gardens only.

Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the Summer months.

Loughcrew (Meath)
The Loughcrew Cairns, also known as the Hills of the Witch, are a group of Neolithic passage tombs dating to 3000BC. The tombs are located on three different hills and Cairn T, one of the largest tombs in the complex, is situated on Carnbane East. This tomb has inside a cruciform chamber, a corbelled roof and some of the most beautiful examples of Neolithic art in Ireland. During the Vernal and Autumnal Equinox, people gather at dawn in Cairn T to watch sunlight enter the chamber and illuminate the inside of the tomb. On Cairnbane West is Cairn L, another impressive tomb, and visitors can obtain the key to this tomb from the guides. A visitor to Loughcrew is not only rewarded by some of the most wonderful examples of Stone age cairns but also by some of the most stunning views in Ireland. The climb to both sites is very steep and visitors are asked to wear stout footwear and to be careful.

Unfortunately, there is no access for people in wheelchairs.

Old Mellifont Abbey (Louth)
The first Cistercian monastery in Ireland founded in 1142 by St. Malachy of Armagh, its most unusual feature is the octagonal Lavabo c.1200. The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition on the work of masons in the Middle Ages with fine examples of their craft on display.

Access to site by stone stairway.

Ormond Castle (Tipperary)
Ormond Castle is the best example of an Elizabethan manor house in Ireland. It was built by Thomas, the 10th Earl of Ormond in the 1560s. Closely integrated into the manor house are two 15th century towers. It is the country?s only major unfortified dwelling from that turbulent period. The “state rooms” contain some of the finest decorative plasterwork in the country, including plasterwork portraits. Restricted access for visitors with disabilities.

Roscrea Heritage (Castle and Damer House) (Tipperary)
The stone castle consists of a gate tower, curtain walls and two corner towers dating from the 1280s. The castle rooms are furnished and some house exhibitions. Built in the early 18th century in the Queen Anne style, Damer House is an example of pre-Palladian architecture. Its rooms house temporary exhibitions.

Access for people with disabilities to the gardens only.

Managed in conjunction with the Roscrea Heritage Society.

St. Mary\'s Church, Gowran (Kilkenny) (Kilkenny)
This collegiate church, was built in the late 13th century on the site of an earlier monastery. It was served by a "college" - clerics who lived in a community but who did not submit to the rule of a monastery. They lived in a house, now destroyed, beside the church. The church was a large and elaborate structure, with an aisled nave (the main part of the church where the congregation sat) and a long chancel (the section of the church where the altar was placed) and has high quality architectural sculpture used throughout. In the late middle ages a massive tower was inserted between the nave and chancel, and in the 19th century this tower was incorporated into the parish church which was built in place of the chancel and which now takes up about half of the building. There were also several other changes made to the church at various periods.

Swiss Cottage (Tipperary)
A delightful "cottage orné" built in the early 1800s by Richard Butler, 1st Earl of Glengall to a design by the famous Regency architect John Nash. Its interior contains a graceful spiral staircase and some elegantly decorated rooms. The wallpaper in the Salon manufactured by the Dufour factory is one of the first commercially produced Parisian wallpapers.

Situated on an elevated site with access by stone steps.

Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the Summer months.

Tintern Abbey (Wexford)
A Cistercian abbey, founded c. 1200 by William, the Earl Marshall, and named after Tintern in Wales. The remains consist of nave, chancel, tower, chapel and cloister. It was partly converted into living quarters after 1541, and further adapted over the centuries. The Abbey was occupied by the Colclough family from the 16th century until 1960s.

Trim Castle (Meath)
Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Hugh de Lacy began construction of the castle in about 1172 but the central tower - the keep - was not completed until the 1220's. This twenty sided tower is three storeys high and was protected by a ditch, a curtain wall and a moat. Inside the tower were living quarters, a great hall and a small chapel. The curtain wall was defended by five D-shaped towers and entry to the castle was only through either of the two gates. The Towngate had a portcullis to protect it as well as a 'murder hole'. The other gate, the Dublingate, has a barbican projecting from the tower. Originally the barbican spanned the water filled moat which surrounded the curtain wall and had a draw bridge which was operated from above.
 
Trim Castle has undergone extensive conservation work and will be open to the public, for the first time in many years, in 2000. Guided tours of the keep will be available and visitors will also be able to visit the rest of the castle.

Access for visitors with disabilities is very restricted. Please note that some of the stairs in the keep are very steep and narrow.

1.C. Historic Sites South

Ardfert Cathedral (Kerry)
A monastery was founded here by St. Brendan “The Navigator” in the 6th century. There are three medieval churches, an ogham stone and a number of early Christian and medieval grave slabs on the site today. The earliest building is the cathedral which dates from the 12th-17th centuries. It has a fine Romanesque west doorway, a magnificent 13th century east window and a spectacular row of nine lancets in the south wall. Two effigies of ecclesiastical figures of late 13th - early 14th century date are mounted on either side of the east window. The battlements were added in the 15th century. The pre-12th century block of masonry is clearly visible in the north wall. One of the two smaller churches is a fine example of late Romanesque and the other is a plain 15th century structure with an interesting carving of a wyvern on one of the windows. Access for people with disabilities to exhibition area and viewing point.

Barryscourt Castle (Cork)
Barryscourt Castle was the seat of the Barry family from the 12th to the 17th centuries. The present castle is a fine example of a 15th century tower house with 16th century additions and alterations. The bawn wall with three corner towers is largely intact. The ground floor of the keep houses an exhibition on the history of the Barrys and Barryscourt Castle.

Banqueting Hall (Desmond Hall) (Limerick) (Limerick)
West Limerick preserves many of Ireland's surviving spacious medieval halls. The Desmond banqueting hall is an imposing two-storey structure and was used by the Earls of Desmond for banqueting and entertainment. The Hall, vaulted lower chamber and adjoining tower were all constructed during the 15th century (the hall and chamber were built on the remains of a 13th century structure of similar size). Its restored medieval features include and oak musicians' gallery and a limestone hooded fireplace.

Cahir Castle (Tipperary)
Once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family, the castle retains its impressive keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of Ireland's largest and best preserved castles. It is situated on a rocky island on the River Suir. The castle's attractions include an excellent audio-visual show which informs visitors of all the main sites of the area. There are several exhibitions.

Charles Fort (Cork)
Constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification, Charles Fort is a classic example of a star-shaped fort. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the Fort. As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of which include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Across the estuary is James Fort, an earlier structure, which was designed by Paul Ivy in 1602. Restricted access for people with disabilities due to uneven terrain.

Desmond Castle (French Prison) (Cork)
Built as a custom house by the Earl of Desmond c. AD 1500, Desmond Castle has a colourful history, ranging from Spanish occupation in 1601 to use as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence. Known locally as 'The French Prison' after a tragic fire in which 54 prisoners, mainly French seamen, died in 1747. The Castle was also used as a borough jail from 1791 to the onset of the Great Famine when it was used as an auxiliary workhouse tending to the starving populace. The International Museum of Wine opened in Desmond Castle in 1997. It features an exhibition which documents the intriguing story of Ireland's wine links with Europe and the wider world from the early modern period to the present day. Access to site is by stone stairway.

Reginald`s Tower (Waterford)
(Managed in conjunction with Waterford Corporation)
Reginalds Tower is a circular tower, part of the town's defences, built in the beginning of the 13th century, with a second phase in the 15th century. It was also used as a mint, prison and military store. It has been restored and now houses an exhibition.

Derrynane House, National Historic Park (Kerry)
Derrynane House is the ancestral home of Daniel O Connell, lawyer, politician and statesman. Situated on 120 hectares of parklands on the scenic Kerry coast, the House displays many relics of O?Connell?s life and career. Access for visitors with disabilities to ground floor.

Ennis Friary (Clare)
This 13th century Franciscan Friary, founded by the O'Briens, has numerous 15/16th century sculptures carved in the local hard limestone. The visitor can see the figure of St. Francis displaying the stigmata, an elaborately ornamented screen, a representation of the Virgin and Child and the Ecce Homo. The Chancel is lit by the magnificent East Window. On the North side is the beautifully carved McMahon tomb.

Limited access for people with disabilities by prior arrangement.

(Conservation works are ongoing on site.)

Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhoir, The Blasket Centre (Kerry)
The Blasket Centre in Dún Chaoin, on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders, the unique literary achievements of the island writers and their native language, culture and tradition. Sadly the Great Blasket was abandoned in 1953 as a result of the decline of its once vibrant population. Beidh céad m fáilte romhat in Ionad an Bhlascaoid. Centre is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities.

Muckross Friary (Kerry)
This Franciscan Friary was founded in the 15th century and is in a remarkable state of preservation. The tower was added after the church was built and is the only Franciscan tower in Ireland which is as wide as the church. The cloister and its associated buildings are complete and an old yew tree stands in the centre. The monks were finally driven out by the Cromwellians in 1652.

Muckross House and Gardens (Kerry)
Within Killarney National Park is Muckross House - a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland?s leading stately homes. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the House. The Gardens at Muckross House are renowned world-wide for their beauty. In particular they are noted for their fine collections of azaleas and rhododendrons, an extensive water garden, and an outstanding rock garden hewn out of natural limestone. Muckross House is also home to a number of skilled craft workers who can be viewed using traditional skills in the crafts of weaving, bookbinding and pottery.

Access for visitors with disabilities to basement and ground floor.

Muckross Traditional Farms (Kerry)
"Muckross Traditional Farms" preserves in real life the farming traditions of rural Ireland in the past. Three separate working farms, with a range of farm animals including traditional Kerry cows and farm machinery will help you relive the past. Muckross Traditional Farms takes you back to a time before the advent of electricity when all work was carried out using traditional methods. Meet and chat with the farmers and their wives as they go about their daily work in the houses, on the land, and with the animals. A complimentary vintage coach operates around the Traditional Farms for the benefit of elderly and physically challenged visitors.

Ross Castle (Kerry)
This Castle may be considered a typical example of the stronghold of an Irish Chieftain during the Middle Ages. The date of its foundation is uncertain but it was probably built in the late 15th century by one of the O?Donoghue Ross chieftains. It is surrounded by a fortified bawn, its curtain walls defended by circular flanking towers, two of which remain. Much of the bawn was removed by the time the Barrack building was added on the south side of the castle sometime in the middle of the 18th century. The castle contains 16th and 17th century furniture. Access for people with disabilities to the ground floor only by prior arrangement.

Please note that this site is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months.

Rock of Cashel (Tipperary)
A spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. Attractions include an audio-visual show and exhibitions. Access for visitors with disabilities by prior arrangement.

Scattery Island Centre (Clare)
This Information Centre on the mainland interprets the island on which a monastery is sited. The monastery, consisting of a round tower and several churches, was founded by St. Senan in the early part of the 6th century. His most famous pupil was St. Ciaran of Clonmacnoise. A wonderful exhibition on the history of these monuments and on the wildlife of the area is housed in this Centre. Access for visitors with disabilities to ground floor.

1.D. HISTORIC SITES North

Built by the O'Donnell chieftain in the 15th century, beside the River Eske, the Castle has extensive 17th century additions by Sir Basil Brooke. The Castle is furnished throughout and includes Persian rugs and French tapestries. Information panels chronicle the history of the Castle owners from the O'Donnell chieftains to the Brooke family. Limited access for people with disabilities to the ground floor.

Glebe House and Gallery (The Derek Hill Collection) (Donegal)
Regency House, 1828, set in woodland gardens, decorated with William Morris textiles, Islamic and Japanese art etc. The collection includes 300 works by leading 20th century artists - Picasso, Kokoshka as well as Irish and Italian artists. Exhibitions are shown in the adjoining gallery. Access to ground floor of the Gallery for people with disabilities.

Glenveagh National Park (Donegal)
Some 16,540 hectares (40,873 acres) of mountains, lakes, glens and woods, with a herd of red deer. A Scottish style castle is surrounded by one of the finest gardens in Ireland, which contrast with the rugged surroundings. Visitor Centre with displays explaining the Park along with an audio-visual show.

Visitor Centre is accessible for visitors with disabilities.

Glenveagh Castle
Built in the years 1870 - 1873, the castle consists of a four storey rectangular keep. Access to the interior is by tour only. Morning and afternoon teas are served in the Castle tearooms. Ground floor of Castle is partially accessible for people with disabilities.

Newmills Corn and Flax Mills (Donegal)
The oldest surviving building here is said to be 400 years old. Indeed, the whole complex is an interesting reminder of a stage in the industrial development of this country which has now given way to a more sophisticated, but usually far less fascinating technology. The visitor to Newmills can experience the pleasure of seeing one of the largest waterwheels in Ireland in action as it drives the machinery of the corn mill.

1.E. HISTORIC SITES West

Athenry Castle (Galway)
Athenry is one of the most notable medieval walled towns surviving in Ireland, owing its foundation to Meiler de Bermingham who built his Castle there c.1250. The great three-storey tower, surrounded by defensive walls, is entered at first-floor level through an unusual decorated doorway. Recently re-roofed, the interior contains an audio visual room and exhibition. Access to ground floor of Castle for people with disabilities.

Aughnanure Castle (Galway)
Built by the O?Flahertys c. 1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. Standing on what is virtually a rocky island, the Castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. In addition, visitors will find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and a dry harbour. Access to Castle grounds is restricted for wheelchair users.

Boyle Abbey (Roscommon)
An impressive and well preserved Cistercian Monastery which was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts. Though mutilated during the 17th and 18th centuries when it was used to accommodate a military garrison, Boyle Abbey nevertheless retains its ability to impress the visitor as one of the most formidable of the early Cistercian foundations in Ireland. A restored gatehouse of 16th/17th century houses an exhibition. Restricted access for people with disabilities.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery (Sligo)
This is the largest cemetery of megalithic tombs in Ireland and is also among the country?s oldest. Over 60 tombs have been located by archaeologists - the oldest pre-date Newgrange by some 700 years. A restored cottage houses a small exhibition relating to the site.

Restricted access in centre for people with disabilities (Tombs are inaccessible to people with disabilities).

Visitors are advised to wear shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain

Céide Fields (Mayo)

Beneath the wild boglands of North Mayo lies Ceide Fields, the most extensive stone age monument in the world; field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs of 5,000 years ago. In addition, the wild flora of the bog is of international importance and is bounded by some of the most spectacular rock formations and cliffs in Ireland. The Visitor Centre houses displays and exhibitions in English and Irish. (Script of exhibition available in French, German and Italian).

Access for people with disabilities to ground floor of centre and to tearooms. Special parking may be arranged by prior arrangement.

As much of the tour is outdoors, visitors are advised to wear weather protective closing and shoes suitable for walking over uneven terrain.

Dun Aonghasa (Galway)
Perched spectacularly on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic ocean, this is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a "chevaux-de-frise" consisting of tall blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers.

The fort is about 900m from the Visitor Centre and is approached over rising ground. Access for visitors with disabilities to the Visitor Centre.

As much of the tour is outdoors, visitors are advised to wear weather protective clothing and shoes suitable for walking over uneven terrain. Please note that Dún Aonghasa is a vulnerable site. Visitors are therefore asked to co-operate with our effort to protect this monument by not interfering with this site in any way.

Parke\'s Castle (Leitrim)
A restored plantation castle of the early 17th century, picturesquely situated on the shores of Lough Gill, once the home of Robert Parke and his family. The Courtyard grounds contain evidence of an earlier 16th century Tower House structure once owned by Sir Brian O?Rourke who subsequently was executed at Tyburn, London in 1591. The Castle has been restored using Irish oak and traditional craftsmenship. Access for visitors with disabilities to ground floor

Sligo Abbey (Sligo)
Known locally as the Abbey, this Dominican Friary was founded in the mid-13th century by Maurice FitzGerald. The site contains a great wealth of carvings including Gothic and Renaissance tomb sculpture, well preserved cloisters and the only sculptured 15th century high altar to survive in any Irish monastic church. This enigmatic Friary will inspire and enlighten its visitors. Access to site is by stone stairway.

Teach an Phiarsaigh (Patrick Pearse\'s Cottage) (Galway)
A small restored cottage used by Patrick Pearse (1879 - 1916) leader of the 1916 Rising, as a summer residence. The interior, although burned during the War of Independence, has been reconstructed and contains an exhibition and a number of momentoes of Pearse. Access for people with disabilities is restricted.

Portumna Castle (Galway)