National Concert Hall (Dublin)
The National Concert hall is Ireland's most prestigious music venue. The magnificent building was designed in the classical style for the Great Exhibition of 1865. It subsequently became the centre piece of the emerging UCD before its inauguration as Ireland's National Concert hall on the 9th September 1981. As well as weekly performances by the NSOI, the National Concert Hall promotes a Programme of visiting international artists and orchestras, as well as concerts of jazz, contemporary and traditional Irish music. In addition to this, its popular Education and Outreach Programme presents concerts and events for families and children throughout the year.

2.C. National Gallery of Ireland

National Gallery of Ireland (Dublin)
The National Gallery of Ireland was founded by an Act of Parliament in 1854 and opened to the public in 1864. In addition to the national collection of Irish art, the Gallery houses the national collection of European Old Master paintings. Access for visitors with disabilities to all public areas in the Gallery (lifts to all levels). Wheelchairs available on request. Tours for visually and hearing impaired visitors may be booked through the Education Department of the Gallery.
The Picture Clinic appraise paintings and drawings brought into the gallery by the public. It is held by the curators on the first Thursday of every month (10.00 - 12.00 ). Assemble in The Shaw Room.

2.D. National History Museum

Natural History Museum (Dublin)
The Natural History Museum, which is part of The National Museum of Ireland, is a zoological museum containing diverse collections of world wildlife.
 
The Irish Room, on the ground floor, is devoted largely to Irish mammals, sea-creatures and insects. It includes the extinct giant Irish deer and the skeleton of a basking shark. The World Collection ( First floor and galleries ) has as the centre-piece the skeleton of a sixty-foot whale suspended form the roof. Other displays include the Giant Panda and a Pygmy Hippopotamus.

The Blaschka Collection consisting of glass reproductions of marine specimens, is one of the treasures of the museum.

For the complete Museum experience hop on the Museumlink bus to visit any of the locations of the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, Kildare Street or Merrion Street.

2.E. National Library of Ireland

National Library of Ireland (Dublin)
The National Library of Ireland was founded in 1877 based on collections from The Royal Dublin Society. The National Library holds an estimated 5 million items. There are collections of printed books, manuscripts, prints and drawings, photos, maps, newspapers, microfilms and ephemera. The library's research facilities are open to all those with genuine research needs. In addition to research facilities, services include a regular Programme of exhibitions open to the public and a Genealogy Service. The Genealogy Service assists those who wish to carry out family history research in Ireland but who are not familiar with the relevant records and procedures. It is a deposit library under The Copyright
Act and a deposit centre for the publications of many international organisations. The library aims to acquire all printed material and manuscripts by Irish people, or relating to Ireland. It is the recognised Irish bibliographic centre.

The library incorporates the Genealogical Office and the Heraldic Museum, which are located at 2-3 Kildare Street.

2.F. National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks

National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks (Dublin)
The National Museum at Collins Barracks is Ireland's new museum of the decorative arts and of the economic, social, political and military history of our country. There are a number of special thematic exhibitions - "Curator's Choice", "Out of Storage", "The Museum at Work" and "Museum Development". Other displays trace the development of the country through the ages. The various collections chronicle the development of a vast range of arts and crafts including ceramics, silver, glassware, period furniture and weaponry.

Alongside many of the exhibitions are interactive monitors that give comprehensive information on the artifacts on display.

The museum is fully accessible for people with disabilities.

For the complete Museum experience hop on the Museumlink bus to visit any of the locations of the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, Kildare Street or Merrion Street.

2.G. National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street

National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street (Dublin)
Opened in 1890, the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street contains artifacts dating from 7000 BC to the 20th century. The archaeological collections consist of The Treasury, featuring outstanding examples of Celtic and Medieval art such as the famous Ardagh Chalice, Tara Brooch and the Derrynaflan Hoard. Ӳ - Ireland's Gold features the finest collection of prehistoric gold artifacts in Europe. Prehistoric Ireland introduces the visitor to the everyday culture of prehistory. Viking Age Ireland focuses on Irish Archaeology from 800-1200 AD. The Road To Independence is a fascinating exhibition which deals with Irish history at the time of independence, 1916-1921. Ancient Egypt, the most recent addition to the range of exhibitions, gives visitors a glimpse of a multifaceted civilisation.

2.H. National Photographic Archive

National Photographic Archive (Dublin)
The National Photographic Archive, which is part of the National Library of Ireland, was opened in 1998 in an award-winning building in the Temple bar area of Dublin. The archive holds an unrivalled collection of photographic images relating to Irish history, topography and cultural and social life. The collection is especially rich in late nineteenth and early twentieth century topographical views and studio portraits, but also includes photographs taken during the Rebellion of 1916 and the subsequent War of Independence and Civil War, as well as other historic events. There is an exhibition area where a selection of photographs from the collection can be viewed.

2.I. The Chester Beatty Library

The Chester Beatty Library (Dublin)
The Chester Beatty Collection was created by the late Sir Alfred Chester Beatty and bequeathed by him to a trust for the benefit of the public.

The library houses an unrivalled collection of Islamic manuscripts, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and other Oriental art, early papyri including some of the earliest known texts of the Bible and other Christian manuscripts, western prints and printed books.

2.J. The National Theatre

The National Theatre (Abbey & Peacock) (Dublin)
The National Theatre comprising the world famous Abbey and Peacock Theatres, was founded in 1904 by poet William Butler Yeats, Lady Augusta Gregory and Edward Martyn. From the early work of Yeats, Synge, O'Casey and Shaw, through to those at the cutting edge of Irish theatre today, including Brian Friel, Frank McGuinness, Tom Murphy and Marina Carr, the Abbey Theatre has been the cradle of new Irish writing for successive generations of Irish playwrights, actors, and directors. In recent years, the company has continued to attract critical acclaim at home and abroad for its award-winning productions, including Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel, Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme by Frank McGuinness and Tarry Flynn by Patrick Kavanagh. Alongside a packed schedule of productions, the National Theatre also has a continuous Programme of educational, literary and archive activities, ensuring the work of the company reaches as wide an audience as possible.

3. PARKS AND GARDENS

3. A. Parks and Gardens ? Dublin Area

Garden of Remembrance (Dublin)
Designed by Dáithanly and dedicated to the memory of all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish Freedom. The large sculpture by OisKelly is based on the theme of the "Children of Lir". The garden is intended as a place of quiet remembrance and reflection.

National Botanic Gardens (Dublin)
These colourful gardens cover a total area of 19.5 hectares, part of which is the natural flood plain of the river Tolka. The gardens contain a large plant collection which includes approximately 20,000 species and cultivars. There are four ranges of glasshouses including the recently restored Curvilinear Range. Notable features include herbaceous displays, rose garden, rockery, vegetable garden, arboretum, extensive shrub borders and wall plants. Gardens are accessible for people with disabilities but there are some steep gradients.

The new Education & Visitor Centre, due to open in September 2000, is fully accessible for people with disabilities.

St. Stephen\'s Green (Dublin)
Probably Ireland?s best known Victorian public park. This 22 Acre Park is a sanctuary from the bustle of the city?s streets with tree lined walks, shrubberies, colourful flowerbeds, herbaceous borders, rockeries, an ornamental lake and a garden for the visually impaired. Lunchtime concerts are performed during the summer months.

The Iveagh Gardens (Dublin)
The Iveagh Gardens are among the finest and least known of Dublin?s parks and gardens. They were designed by Ninian Niven in 1863 and include a rustic grotto, cascade, fountains, maze, rosarium, archery grounds, wilderness and woodlands. An ongoing programme of restoration is taking place.

War Memorial Gardens (Dublin)
These gardens are one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe. They are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1914 - 1918 war. The names of all the soldiers are contained in the granite bookrooms in the Gardens. These gardens are not only a place of remembrance but are also of architectural interest and of great beauty. Designed by the famous architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), they are one of four Gardens in this country designed by him. The others being Heywood Gardens, Lambay Island and those in Howth Castle. Sunken rose gardens, herbaceous borders and extensive tree planting make for an enjoyable visit to the Gardens in any season.

3.B. Parks and Gardens ? East

Altamont Gardens (Carlow)
Large, beautiful old world garden, Robinsonian in style with a strong emphasis on the informal tradition of combining a good plant collection within the natural landscape of its environment. Lawns and clipped yews slope down to a lake surrounded by rare trees and shrubs and a profusion of roses, old and modern, and herbaceous plants scent the air.

Heywood Gardens (Laois)
Completed in 1912, the property consists of gardens, lakes, woodland and architectural features. It was transferred to State ownership in November 1993 from the Salesian Fathers who had taken care of it since 1941. The formal Gardens form the centre-piece of the property and were designed by the famous architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) and probably landscaped by Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932). It is one of four Gardens in this country designed by him, the others being in the War Memorial Park, Lambay Island and Howth Castle. The Gardens are composed of four elements linked by a terrace that ran along the front of the house which now no longer exists. An extensive re-planting programme is currently underway. There is also limited access for visitors with disabilities.

Kilmacurragh (Wicklow)
This is an arboretum particularly famous for its conifers and calcifuges, planted during the 19th century by Thomas Acton in conjunction with David Moore and his son, Sir Frederick Moore, curators of the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. It was a time of great botanical and geographical explorations with numerous species from around the world being brought back to Ireland through Glasnevin. The more favourable soil and climatic conditions at Kilmacurragh resulted in many of these specimens succeeding there while struggling or failing at Glasnevin. Restoration work is being carried out on the grounds. There is also limited access for visitors with disabilities.

The John F. Kennedy Arboretum (Wexford)
Dedicated to the memory of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States from 1960 - 1963, the Arboretum is a plant collection of international standing. It covers 252 hectares (623 acres) on the southern slopes and summit of Slieve Coillte. It contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world, planted in botanical sequence. There are 200 forest plots grouped by continent. A road provides access to the summit at 271m from which there are panoramic views. A Visitor Centre houses exhibitions and audio visual show. Access for people with disabilities.

The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve (Wexford)
(Partly owned by IWC BirdWatch Ireland).
The Wexford Slobs are internationally famous for wild geese which spend the winter months here. The first geese came to the Slobs in 1898. These were Greylags from Iceland - the common winter goose in Ireland at that time. However, White-fronted Geese from Greenland, first appearing on the Slobs about 1910 building up to several thousand in the mid-1930s, replaced the Greylags. Currently about 10,000 Greenland White-fronted Geese, one-third of the world population, spend the winter on the Wexford Slobs. The Visitor Centre has many interesting exhibitions and an audio-visual show. Restricted access for people with disabilities.

Wicklow Mountains National Park (Wicklow)
The National Park which covers much of upland Wicklow, contains an area of approximately 20,000 hectares (49,421 acres). This includes large areas of mountain blanket bogs, including the Lugnaquilla and Liffey Head Bog complexes and Glendalough Wood Nature Reserve. The National Park provides protection for the landscape and the wildlife, from rare orchids to the wild and beautiful Peregrine Falcon.

The Information Point and Education Centre for the park are located nearby in Glendalough Valley.

The Education Centre provides a range of courses and tours for schoolchildren, students and other groups. These are related to nature conservation and the ecology of the National Park.

The centre is accessible for people with disabilities.

3.C. Parks and Gardens ? South

Doneraile Wildlife Park (Cork)
The Park comprises approximately 166 hectares and is an outstanding example of an 18th century landscaped park in the 'Capability Brown' style. Mature groves of deciduous trees, several restored water features and a number of deer herds can be viewed along the many pathways within the Park. The pathways are generally accessible for people with special needs. Doneraile Court, the former residence of the St. Leger family, is situated within the Park. It will be opened to the public in the future, following completion of necessary restoration and safety works.

Dromore Wood (Clare)

Fota Arboretum and Gardens (Cork)
Fota Arboretum contains an extensive collection of trees and shrubs extending over an area of approx. 11 hectares (27 acres) and includes features such as ornamental pond, Italian and walled gardens. The collection includes many tender plants that could not be grown at inland locations with many examples of exotic plants from the southern hemisphere. The Gardens at Fota were laid out by James Hugh Smith-Barry in the first half of the 19th century.

Ilnacullin (Garinish Island) (Cork)
Located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, Ilnacullin is a small island of 15 hectares (37 acres) known to horticulturists and lovers of trees and shrubs all around the world as an island garden of rare beauty. The gardens of Ilnacullin owe their existence to the creative partnership, some eighty years ago, of Annan Bryce, then owner of the island and Harold Peto, architect and garden designer. Access to the Island is by small ferry boats and licensed 60 seater water buses. Please note that the boat operators impose a separate charge in respect of the boat journey to and from the island.

Killarney National Park (Kerry)
The National Park comprises of 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of beautiful lake and mountain scenery. The Park is famous for its' native natural habitats and species including oakholly woods, yew woods and red deer.

The National Park Visitor Centre (located at Muckross House) and the Information Point at Torc Waterfall provide information on all aspects of the park. Access for visitors with disabilities to The Visitor Centre.

The Education Centre, located at Knockreer House, provides a range of courses related to nature conservation and the ecology of The National Park for school children, students and other groups. For information Tel: +353 64 35960 or e-mail: killarneynationalpark@ealga.ie or write to Killarney National Park, Education Centre, Knockreer House, Killarney, County Kerry.

3.D. Parks and Gardens ? North

Glenveagh National Park (Donegal)
Some 16,540 hectares 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. The Visitor Centre houses exhibitions and audio-visual show.

The 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.

The ground floor of the castle is partially accessible for people with disabilities.

3.E. Parks and Gardens ? West

Connemara National Park (Galway)
Situated near Letterfrack, the Park covers some 2,000 hectares (4942 acres) of scenic countryside, rich in wildlife on the slopes of the Twelve Bens. Attractions include exhibitions, nature trails, audio-visual show. In addition there is a summer programme of walks, talks and special events for younger visitors. Access for visitors with disabilities in the Visitor Centre.


SOURCE: www.heritageireland.ie