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Killarney Santa Run

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:33:10 +0000

Dust off your running shoes and join 1,000 Santas for a 5km Christmas run in the Killarney festival. Run, walk or crawl the 5km route to be in with a chance to win loads of spot prizes for the best dressed Santas and Santa’s little helpers.

The Book of Kells

Michael Heraghty — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:39:46 +0000

The Book of Kells remains, after many centuries, one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. Housed at Trinity College in Dublin, people willingly stand in long queues; waiting to see just a portion of one of the most richly decorated manuscripts on earth.
The Book of Kells is named for the town where it was discovered in County Meath, northeast of Dublin. It was here that Saint Columba established a monastery sometime during the sixth century. Three hundred or so years later, a group of monks arrived from Iona, in Scotland, seeking a safe place to reside after being routed by the Danes.
They remained at the monastery at Kells, where they are said to have completed the illustrated and “illuminated” manuscript of the four Gospels in Latin. It was discovered, strategically hidden for safe keeping, in an area bog and removed to Trinity College during the 17th century.
The manuscript of the Book of Kells is filled with symbolism and intricately detailed medieval art. The text is written in flowing Celtic script filled with skilled calligraphy and embellished with human and animal characters. The drawings are rich in symbolism, which scholars have spent years interpreting. Portraits of each of the evangelists precede their gospels. Analysis of the dyes used to add color to these impressive works of art has determined that they came from as far away as the Middle East.
The Book of Kells can be found at the Old Library at Trinity College in Dublin, where visitors can examine the original pages, on display in groups of just a few at a time. A copy of the entire manuscript can be seen at Kells, in St Columba’s Church, which is open to the public on a daily basis.

County Wicklow

Michael Heraghty — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:28:59 +0000

County Wicklow, in all its picturesque beauty, is known as The Garden of Ireland. It offers a scenic coastline, soaring mountains and peaceful forests. Its pristine beaches are popular for swimming and relaxing, and also contain hidden and isolated areas that are perfect for exploration.
Rich in ancient religious and more recent military history, County Wicklow, which is located just south of Dublin, was established in 1606 — the last county to be founded. Annual festivals are popular with the large numbers of visitors who pass through each year.

Highlights

The seaside resort of Bray is famous for its Victorian promenade and scenic views, as well as indoor marine attracts that will delight the entire family.
Nearby Blue Flag beaches along Brittas Bay are popular destinations for day trips from Dublin, and unique dunes that support a wide variety of coastal wildlife adorn them.
For those who enjoy the wilder, more untamed areas of the Irish coastline, Kilmichael Point is an interesting area, offering rocky pools inhabited by small sea creatures, and opportunities for fishing and snorkeling as opposed to peaceful bathing.
For an elegant change of pace, visitors enjoy the refined scenery at Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall, a formally designed horticultural attraction that includes Japanese gardens, groves of exotic trees and Victorian flowerbeds—all surrounding the elegant eighteenth century manor house. Nearby Powerscourt waterfall is the highest in the British Isles, and the perfect place to spend the day relaxing and rejuvenating.

History

The name of County Wicklow (and the town as well) is taken from the Irish ‘Cill Mhantain’ –or ‘Church of the Toothless One”. It was established by the Vikings some time in the latter half of the ninth century.
The story behind the name comes from an Irish folktale about Saint Patrick, in which he and his comrades, traveling by sea, tried to land at Wicklow and were assaulted by a group of local citizens. One of the group lost his front teeth in the skirmish, giving rise to the name of the locality.
Bronze Age settlements can be found in the area and serve as evidence of early human occupation.
The Normans, whose influence is still widely evident across the region, occupied County Wicklow extensively.
Common surnames in County Wicklow include: Kelly, Mc Keough, O’Byrne and O’Toole.

County Wexford

Michael Heraghty — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:26:10 +0000

County Wexford takes its name from its largest town, known in Irish as ‘Contae Loch Garman’. Located on the southeastern coast of Ireland, it was known by its founders, who were of Viking descent, as ‘inlet of the mudflats’, or Waesfjord.
In terms of climate, County Wexford is considered to be the sunniest place in all of Ireland. With its wide, sandy beaches, outdoor activities are popular here. There are also plentiful opportunities for hiking and walking, boating and angling. The towns are historically charming in atmosphere, with museums and historic buildings to explore. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, pubs and music venues that feature everything from traditional music to opera.

Highlights

The dominance of Wexford Town has shifted several times over the centuries, and has been distinguished as the focal point of various historical conflicts. In contrast, the nearby Blue Flag beaches are peaceful and relaxing. This important Irish port city boasts a lively pub and dining scene as well as many historic attractions.
Kilmore Quay offers original thatched roof cottages, arts and crafts markets and festivals, as well as several attractions for those interested in maritime antiquities.
Just off the coast, the tiny Salter Islands provide a haven for birds in the form of large colonies, and for human beings seeking solitude as well. They are uninhabited by humans except for a few small structures, and boat trips are available for those who wish to visit this peaceful bird sanctuary.
New Ross, a port city located just west of Wexford Town, is the ancestral home of the Kennedy family, whose descendant, John F., was president of the United States. The family homestead is open to visitors, along with a cluster of interesting attractions that include a ship like those used for emigration and a memorial arboretum.

History

The Normans came to County Wexford in 1169, and parts of the region became heavily populated by English settlers during medieval times. In the northern part of the county, people succeeded in retaining their Gaelic culture and traditions.
Confederate support in County Wexford was solid during the seventeenth century, and many citizens suffered the consequences at the hand of Cromwellian forces during the invasions.
In 1798, New Ross and the surrounding area witnessed conflicts at the core of that year’s notable rebellion.
Common surnames in County Wexford include: Doyle, Hartley, Keating, Redmond and Walsh.

County Westmeath

Michael Heraghty — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:24:16 +0000

This midland county, located deep in the heart of Ireland, is sometimes referred to as “The Lake County” due to the abundance of lakes, streams and other waterways found here. County Westmeath features six large loughs, along with access to the River Shannon and the Grand Canal. Taken together, they provide rich opportunity for outdoor pursuits in support of the local tourist economy.
Agriculture is County Westmeath’s other economic pillar—another nickname for the region is ‘the goat capital’. Commerce and shipping have historically been successful here, due to its river access and variety of locally available farm goods.

Highlights

County Westmeath has much to offer in the way of waters ports and angling on its lakes, rivers and streams. It is also rich in ancient religious and historical sites. For those so inclined, the Seven Wonders of Fore comprise a group of interesting attractions scattered around the village of the same name, including a monastery founded by Saint Fechin during the seventh century. Some of the other sites are purported to display miraculous properties.
A 1200 year old high cross stands at Twyford, and church sites at Inishbofin and Multyfarnham are fine examples of ancient and relatively recent (15th century) monastic settlements which were once numerous across the country.
County Westmeath is also home to two castles that once housed prestigious members of Irish society. Athlone Castle had its beginnings in 1210 and displays items of interest collected over its long history in a modern visitors’ centre. Tullynally Castle and Gardens are located in a more pastoral setting, the castle dating back to the 17th century and filled with art exhibits on the inside, while framed by lush gardens and forest on the outside.
The towns of County Westmeath contain many sites offering exhibits on the local lifestyle and culture of the past. An Dun Transport and Heritage Museum houses a range of well preserved antique vehicles and implements. Belvedere House and Gardens gives visitors a realistic view of aristocratic country life in 1740, with its stunning architecture and relaxing grounds. Locke’s Distillery and Museum affords a look at the art of Irish whiskey making through a functioning distillery begun in 1757, and Mullingar Bronze and Pewter Centre is dedicated to pewter craft, which has been part of the Irish culture for more than 800 years.
The towns of County Westmeath began as market centres and particularly in the case of Athlone, have evolved into modern commercial centres for business, industry and tourism. Athlone also features an expansive harbour on the River Shannon.
Mullingar, the largest town of County Westmeath, offers charming 19th century buildings as well as a cathedral of architectural and artistic note.

History

The name of County Westmeath is derived from the Gaelic ‘An Lar Mhi’, meaning ‘west of Meath’. The lands here were once a part of County Meath, but given their own separate designation in 1542.
Before the arrival of St. Patrick, Athlone was the gathering place for the High Kings of Ireland. It was also the strategic protection point of the area, located at the site of what has served as a major River Shannon crossing for as long as history has been recorded and perhaps longer.
Normans arrived in Westmeath around 1170, building many forts and castles, which still stand guard in the region.
The years of the Great Famine decimated the local population, as many of those who did not die emigrated to other parts of the world.
Popular surnames in County Westmeath include: Coffey, Dalton, Daly, Sheridan and Dillon.

County Waterford

Michael Heraghty — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 14:29:32 +0000

Sometimes called ‘The Crystal County’ because of the notoriety of the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory, Waterford County is a place of varied scenery with diverse attractions, set against the dramatic backdrop of the mountains and lakes of the Comeragh Range. Waterford City is distinguished as the oldest city in Ireland, with origins that date back to Viking times and monuments that have stood in its streets for more than a thousand years.
Located in the temperate southeast corner of the country, Waterford County also offers the fun and relaxation of seaside resorts and an abundance of beautiful mountain and river scenery and activities.

Highlights

A visit to Waterford Crystal Factory, in operation since 1783, is a must for anyone traveling through the region. Tours of the famous facility demonstrate the manufacturing process, offer the facilities of an excellent visitor’s centre and display examples of the finished product, many available for sale. Avid shoppers at Waterford City Square Shopping Center can also find Waterford crystal, along with many other local treasures.
Another interesting attraction in Waterford City is the Waterford Treasures Exhibition, a multi-tiered facility that uses displays of artifacts and other media tools to authentically reproduce the history of the region from the beginnings of recorded history during the Viking Era to the present day.
True antiquity of Waterford can also be found on the quay at Waterford City, where the thousand year old Reginald’s Tower stands guard.
For those interested in the rich religious history of County Waterford, a visit to Mount Melleray Abbey should not be missed. Services are held and retreats offered at this operational monastic community founded by the Cistercian monks in the early 1800s.
Christ Church Cathedral is a well-preserved Protestant house of worship from the 18th century. It is an authentic example of the style and beauty of ecclesiastical architecture during the period. Also notable is Holy Trinity Cathedral, its Roman Catholic counterpart and the oldest Catholic cathedral in all of Ireland.
The town of Lismore is rich in heritage attractions that include exhibitions, crafts and information on regional history, including that of massive Lismore Castle, a beautifully maintained monument where unique (and rather expensive) lodging is available.
Curraghmore House and Gardens is exceptional both inside and out, and offers interesting and entertaining guided tours on a regular basis.
The smaller towns of Waterford County, including Dungarvan and Passage East, offer visitors the opportunity to explore the country and culture as well as to interact with residents in a less tourist-oriented atmosphere.

History

Human inhabitants have occupied the County Waterford area since around 7000 BC. Evidence of Stone Age settlements has been discovered locally, and artifacts from the societies of miners, gatherers and hunters that arrived in later centuries are on display in local museums.
Waterford City is thought to be even older than some Scandinavian cities, and was a functioning port at the mouth of the River Suir during the Viking Era. It prospered well into the Middle Ages after coming under Norman control.
Cromwell’s armies invaded the region in the 17th century, but the area rebounded from the attacks and many of the stylish medieval structures remain standing to this day, due to large and successful private and public restoration efforts.
The economic history of Waterford County centers around the development of the glass and crystal industry that was begun during the 18th century, and it has grown to and maintained worldwide notoriety.

County Tyrone

Michael Heraghty — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 14:27:22 +0000

Situated in Northern Ireland, County Tyrone combines the finest of outdoor Irish life – aided by a varied landscape that includes mountains, rivers and boglands that provide a scenic background for a variety of historical and cultural landmarks.
County Tyrone offers splendid accommodations in its towns, including Omagh, the county town and Strabane, the site of several castles, annual cultural events and regular heritage tours.
The elegant Sperrin Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to this enchanting slice of Ireland, where some of the country’s most intriguing and widely visited heritage attractions can be found.

Highlights

Monuments to the distant past of Ireland and its inhabitants are plentiful in County Tyrone. They include the mysterious Beaghmore Stone Circles, the purpose of which remains largely a mystery — though many theories exist — along with the numerous ancient cairns that can be found nearby.
A passage tomb sits atop the hill at scenic Knockmany Forest, along with a serene lakeside path for those less inclined to climb the steep slopes. Gortin Glen Forest Park is located in the scenic heart of the Sperrins, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the forests and mountains and encounter native plants and animals – whether you choose to walk or drive through the preserve.
History and culture in County Tyrone can be explored to the fullest at several excellent heritage centres in the area. Benburb Valley Heritage Centre focuses on the local linen making process, and the area’s industrial history is accurately chronicled at Cornmill Heritage Centre, appropriately housed in a former cornmill.
Local history and genealogy are highlighted at Donaghmore Heritage Centre.
Music and traditional dance are the featured topics at Dun Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre; dedicated to preserving centuries old cultural traditions and printing arts from centuries past are showcased at Gray’s Print Museum in Strabane.
The beauty of the Sperrin Mountains is paired with the knowledge of the area’s archeological treasures at the Sperrin Heritage Centre, and the craft of crystal making is displayed in the unique product of the Tyrone Crystal Factory.
Ulster American Folk Park is one of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions. Its exhibits tell the story of life in Ireland, including during the difficult famine years and the following period of widespread emigration. The museums here display poignant mementoes of that time, including personal property and authentic documents of those years in the latter part of the 19th century.

History

Inhabited for more than 6,000 years, County Tyrone’s name is derived from Tir Eogain, known in Irish lore as Eoghan, the kidnapper of St. Patrick.
The main ruling family in the region was historically the O’Neill clan, and they held power in Tyrone until the Flight of the Earls in the early 17th century. They were replaced by the Scots and English settlers of the plantation period that followed.
Many Tyrone residents emigrated to America and populated entire settlements there. Perhaps the most famous were the Mellon family, who amassed great fortunes in the New World, and later became prime benefactors for the creation of the Ulster American Folk Park.
Evidence of the period in Irish history known as ‘The Troubles’ can be seen on the streets of the town of Strabane, which was the site of several bombings in latter years.
Common surnames in County Tyrone include Donnelley, Cahan, Murphy and Quinn.

County Tipperary

Michael Heraghty — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 14:22:34 +0000

An inland county is a rare thing in Ireland, and County Tipperary is truly a rare and beautiful place. What it lacks in dramatic seascape, it makes up for in the lovely valleys, riverbanks and hills of the region known as the Golden Vale. Located in Munster Province, County Tipperary’s name is derived from ‘Tio braid Arann’, which means ‘well of Era’, in reference to the River Ara.
Horse breeding and agricultural pursuits sustain the residents of County Tipperary, along with the growing tourist industry. Some of the most visited attractions in all of Ireland are located here in the golden valleys of southern Ireland.

Highlights

A visit to Holy Cross Abbey reveals a completely self-sufficient religious complex that has survived from the medieval period. It is an active house of worship, with attractive grounds dedicated to Padre Pio. Various services, including the Stations of the Cross, are held here regularly.
One of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions, also part of the County Tipperary landscape, is the Rock of Cashel. This huge limestone outcropping also has a long history, as evidenced by a number of ruins that tell stories of events dating back to the fourth century.
For those who enjoy exploring the traditional castles of Ireland, Cahir Castle, from the 13th century, is one of Ireland’s most well preserved, and offers informative and entertaining guided tours. More rustic and mysterious is Ballytarsna Castle, of which only the old tower house survives.
For a unique look at Tipperary history and culture, visit the Carrick on Suir Heritage Centre.
The beauty of nature is an important part of the County Tipperary experience, and it can certainly be fully enjoyed at Dundrum Plantarum, which houses a collection of both rare and common native plants, surrounded by local birds and wildlife. An outdoor excursion to mysterious Mauherslieve is also great for exploring the landscape on foot, as it offers a wide assortment of ancient tombs, monuments and cairns.
Mitchelstown Cave is an underground natural attraction that is easily accessible to the public and features ancient fossils and extraordinary limestone formations spread across its multi-cavern layout.
The towns of County Tipperary are charming, quaint and most welcoming. Clonmel is the county town, and offers excellent shopping opportunities, as well as interesting old buildings for history and architecture buffs to explore. Dromineer, situated on the massive Shannon waterway, is a centre for inland water sports and relaxing boat cruises.
The assortment of medieval buildings and an enchanting heritage walk attract a large number of visitors to Roscrea Town each year. Walking is also a preferred activity in Tipperary Town on the rim of the Golden Vale. This is the starting point for nature trails and tours that encompass a variety of nearby restored heritage sites.

History

The historical centre of County Tipperary can be found at the Rock of Cashel, which has been home to royalty since ancient times when the Eoghnact chiefs occupied the region. Over the centuries, various buildings were added and the Kings of Munster ruled from what is known as the Tribute Rock.
St. Patrick also played a role in Cashel history by baptizing a king here, and Brian Boru celebrated his coronation at Cashel before proceeding to build up the surrounding fortifications in 990 A.D.
For administrative purposes, County Tipperary, which was originally founded during the 13th century, was divided in to the North and South Riding in 1838. Gaelic sports such as football and hurling also originated here and remain extremely popular among today’s residents.
Common surnames in County Tipperary include: Butler, Kennedy, Lynch, Purcell and Ryan.

County Monaghan

Michael Heraghty — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:56:12 +0000

Pastoral in landscape, County Monaghan represents the agricultural best of Ireland. Located in Ulster province, but not actually part of Northern Ireland, its citizens claim strong ties, through emigration, to various places in Canada, including Prince Edward Island.
County Monaghan contains mountains, hills, plains, lakes, rivers and forests well suited to enjoyable outdoor pursuits such as boating, fishing, and cycling, as well as its share of historical sites and religious monuments. Monaghan Town is the county town, and the region’s famous citizenry includes author Patrick Cavanaugh and boxer Barry McGuigan.

Highlights

The natural beauty of Ireland is probably best experienced at two of County Monaghan’s Forest Parks – Dun na ri and Carnagh. The former is filled with captivating sights, including unique rock formations as well as a wide variety of native plants and animals. Carnagh Forest Park features a nature reserve endowed with lakes and deep forests where trees, fish, animals and insects survive and thrive in government-protected areas.
Though County Monaghan is famous for its agricultural pursuits, its residents over the centuries have also been known for their creativity and artistic abilities. These are on display for visitors to enjoy at Carrickmoss Lace Gallery, a celebration of an embroidery style that has been passed down through the generations since 1820, along with an interesting history that includes several world famous patrons.
Famous worldwide collections of artistic, historical and religious treasures can be examined at Monaghan County Museum. The St. Louis Convent Heritage Centre displays art and craftwork and memorabilia collected by the sisters of this religious order during the course of their work at a variety of locations around the world.
Rural Ireland as seen through the poetic eyes of Patrick Kavanaugh, one of County Monaghan’s famous citizens, can be explored at the Literary Resource Centre created in his honor. Those familiar with Kavanaugh’s works will enjoy a tour through the surrounding area through many of the locations featured in his writings.
Historical events, both religious and secular, are memorialized in County Monaghan at the monastic ruins and high cross of Clones and Corracrin Church, as well as at Drumbanagher Hill, where battles have been waged from the Viking Era onward.

History

Dating back to the Gaelic traditions, the ruling family of County Monaghan was named Mc Mahon, in close association with the O’Connolly and McKenna clans. The boundaries of the area of land that makes up today’s County Monaghan were set in the late 16th century.
Unlike the neighboring counties, Monaghan escaped plantation in the early 1600s. Its rich lands remained under the control of its native people until shortly after an ill-fated rebellion in 1641, but Monahan was never extensively planted as other counties.
The famine affected the agriculturally oriented citizens of County Monaghan, especially the potato farming class. Linen and lace production minimized the severity somewhat, especially in comparison to the western counties.
Common surnames in County Monaghan include: Boyle, Connolly Hanratty, McMahon and McNally.

County Meath

Michael Heraghty — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 13:53:22 +0000

County Meath encompasses an historic part of the Boyne River Valley to the north of Dublin, and bears the nickname of the “Royal County”. Once the home of the High Kings, who ruled from the Hill at Tara, County Meath is rich in historic sites and the birthplace of many an Irish folk legend. It is also known as a centre of the country’s strong religious history, as evidenced by the historic monastery that was founded at Kells.
Neolithic remains, such as those found at the tombs of Newgrange and the rest of the Bru na Boinne archeological site, date back more than 5,000 years and are famous around the world.
The River Boyne flows through County Meath, past Christian and Celtic monuments, castles, and hills that have witnessed events that exerted major influence over the historical outcomes in Ireland over the centuries.

Highlights

County Meath is one of Ireland’s centres for interesting and unique religious sites. They include Bective Abbey, a Cistercian structure dating from 1150 and once of great ecclesiastic and political importance to the region. The ruins of Newtown Cathedral are visible, still standing on the banks of the River Boyne. St. Mary’s Abbey once held a treasured statue of the Blessed Virgin that made it a popular pilgrimage site. The monastic centre at the village of Kells was once the legendary home of the world-renowned book of the same name, one of the most famous surviving illuminated manuscripts from the middle ages.
Some say that the ageless and sometimes mystical archeological attractions of County Meath transport visitors back to a period beyond recorded time. At Loughcrew, a group of cairns known as passage tombs was built by primitive people to whom the relationship to the seasonal position of the sun on the morning horizon was particularly important.
Older than the Egyptian pyramids and even Stonehenge, the passage tomb at Newgrange is estimated to have been built around 3200 B.C., and is also positioned to capture the rays of the sun on its richly decorated stones at a certain time of the year. Some believe that Newgrange was the burial place of the Kings of Tara, others a home to supernatural beings, and still others a kind of pagan cathedral.
Legend also cloaks the Motte of Navan, originally built to serve as a burial place and later the site of a Norman motte and bailey defensive structure.
Defensive structures from ages past are also scattered around County Meath; the most widely known is Trim Castle, a residential and governmental building from 1173, and a well preserved example of Norman building expertise during the medieval period.
Slane Castle is more recent and stylish, featuring a natural amphitheater that has seen many concerts over the years and continues to host renowned performers. For those seeking to discover their ancestral roots in the region, a visit to Meath Heritage and Genealogical Centre is a must for a consultation into its extensive records.
Where the Rivers Boyne and Blackwater run together, the Town of Navan can be found. Established during the 12th century as a fortress settlement, it is today the administrative centre of County Meath.
The town of Trim was once the county seat, it is now popular as a heritage town that contains well preserved medieval ruins, a huge and imposing fortress, as well as the Royal Mint and several notable ecclesiastical ruins.

History

To look at the history of County Meath is to examine many of the major events in the long history of Ireland. The hills and valleys of this region are filled with reminders that literally take visitors back in time, from the ancient stone formations at Newgrange, to the regal atmosphere at Tara Hill, to the castles and medieval monasteries across the landscape. Irish civilization, and some of the earliest civilizations in the world, began here, and thousands of visitors make a practical study of Irish history as they tour its famous landmarks.
Common surnames common in County Meath include: Connolly, Cusack, Hayes Plunknett, Hennessey and Quinlan.