Rock of Cashel

River Shannon & Lakelands

Copyright: Giorgio Galeotti/Wiki Commons
DESTINATIONS ireland lakelands Do & See Rock of Cashel

Rock of Cashel

A contrast of Celtic and Medieval architecture, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most iconic, and most visited, historic sites. Dating back to the time of St. Patrick (5th century), the first rocks laid here were said to be cast out from the cave of the Devil! Holy relics and high crosses from the Celtic era dot the grounds, which were once the seat of the king of Munster. A 12th century Romanesque chapel, as well as a 13th century Gothic one, house some of the country's most impressive frescoes and medieval art.

Do & See

The River Shannon and the Lakelands is a large region, taking in bountiful countryside as well as several towns.

Patrick Kavanagh Centre Copyright: Casezy idea/Shutterstock.com
Patrick Kavanagh Centre
Patrick Kavangh is one of Ireland's best loved poets. Hailing from Monaghan, Kavangh was a chronicler of Irish life, and his works are still studied in schools today. This centre houses a permanent exhibition on his life and works, as well as a 60-seat audio-visual theatre and a reference …
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Dún na Rí Forest Park Copyright: Jack Zalium/Flickr.com
Dún na Rí Forest Park
This beautiful historic forest park is home to diverse wildlife and historical features such as the ruins of Flemings Castle. While families will enjoy the sculpture trail best, visitors or all ages will relish the tranquillity of this beautiful …
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Out-Doors & Dirty Adventure Park Copyright: SunyawitPhoto/Shutterstock.com
Out-Doors & Dirty Adventure Park
Daring adventurers won't want to miss ODD Adventure Park, which offers outdoor activities for adults and children (10+) including off-road Buggies, paintball, clay pigeon and hover …
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Moon River Pleasure Cruiser Copyright: David Hughes/Shutterstock.com
Moon River Pleasure Cruiser
Luxury awaits you on the Moon River pleasure cruiser. Decompress as you enjoy on-board entertainment and a full bar will taking in the stunning beauty of Ireland's finest …
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Sliabh An Iarainn Visitor Centre Copyright: Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com
Sliabh An Iarainn Visitor Centre
Mountaineers will be fascinated by this unique centre, featuring exhibitions about life, transport and industry between the Arigna and Sliabh an Iarainn mountains. Learn about the railway, the canal, lakes, iron and coal …
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Lough Key Forest and Activity Park Copyright: Svetlana Irtiseva/Shutterstock.com
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park
This lakeside forest park is home to beautiful flora and fauna in an area of even greater historical interest. The vast and rugged islands are the stuff of myths and legends. Featuring unique activities, such as Boda Borg and a Tree Canopy Trail. Relax outdoors in the picnic area or admire the ruins of …
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Roscommon Castle Copyright: rarena/Shutterstock.com
Roscommon Castle
This 13th Century Norman castle alongside the Loughnaneane Park – with a mile of walking paths, loads of ponds with ducks, a modern playground and even an outdoor gym for adults – is the perfect spot for taking a break (or having a picnic!) in the beauty of …
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Bog Oak Sculptures Copyright: Stas Vulkanov/Shutterstock.com
Bog Oak Sculptures
This studio displays hand carved sculptures and gifts crafted from 5,000 year old bog wood. Be inspired by the ancient artistry of this unique …
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Ardagh Heritage Village Copyright: Jamesco101/Wikimedia.org
Ardagh Heritage Village
Ardagh, a designated heritage village, and one of the most picturesque locations in Ireland. Surrounded by a beautiful park with more than 2,000 broad leaved trees, the village itself is bursting with old-world charm. Drop in to the Visitor Centre to learn more about this quaint …
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Kilbeggan Distillery Experience Copyright: mailsonpignata/Shutterstock.com
Kilbeggan Distillery Experience
The oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, dating back to 1757, now welcomes visitors to experience real artisan Irish whiskey at its finest. Discover the craft that is whiskey distillery and learn about its significance in the local …
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Athlone Castle Visitor Centre Copyright: Sheila Berrios-Nazario/Flickr.com
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
Athlone’s 13th century Castle incorporates an impressive keep and eight interactive exhibition spaces. First built as a timber fort, this castle soon evolved into the bold and defensive fortress. Breath-taking views of the Shannon inspire awe in locals and visitors …
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Dartfield Copyright: Ivica Drusany/Shutterstock.com
Dartfield
Equestrians will delight in this centre dedicated to the Connemara Pony and the Irish Horse. Featuring 350 acres of parkland, visitors are invited to explore walking trails, meet the farm animals, and join activities such as archery, horse riding and clay pigeon shooting. The museum displays farm machinery, carriages and an equine veterinary gallery, …
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Portumna Castle Copyright: Luke Ravitch/Flickr.com
Portumna Castle
Built before 1618, this castle features two complimentary architectural influences; a medieval Town House and a Renaissance styled manor. The imposing facade and the long avenue right in front of the estate, as well as the magnificent scenery on the shores of Lough Derg, promise striking …
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Lough Boora Copyright: Niall McAuley/Flickr.com
Lough Boora
This discovery park features five main trails for taking in the beautiful flora and fauna. Adventurers may try coarse angling and game fishing. A casual stroll is the best way to enjoy the park's biodiversity, sculpture park and Mesolithic …
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Clonmacnoise Monastery Copyright: Bryce Mullet/Flickr.com
Clonmacnoise Monastery
This 6th century monastery boasts seven churches and two round towers. Spirit yourself back to the ere of saints and scholars, considered Ireland's Golden …
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Nenagh Heritage Centre Copyright: Pam O Brien/Flickr.com
Nenagh Heritage Centre
Follow the footsteps of the condemned prisoners at the former County Gaol (prison) Governor's house. Impressive architecture as well as an art gallery housing rotating art, craft and photographic exhibitions make this a point of interest for culture vultures as well as …
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Killaloe River Cruises Copyright: Kwiatek7/Shutterstock.com
Killaloe River Cruises
Take a one hour cruise on the shores of Lough Derg on a comfortable, modern boat. Marvel at views of stunning landscapes and extra stops will allow you to sample the region's cuisine and fine …
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Holy Island Copyright: Owl Prints/Flickr.com
Holy Island
One of the most famous monastic sites in Ireland, Holy Island features a well-preserved Round Tower and the ruins of six churches. The cell-like structure is one of Ireland's most iconic architectural …
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Rock of Cashel Copyright: Giorgio Galeotti/Wiki Commons
Rock of Cashel
A contrast of Celtic and Medieval architecture, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most iconic, and most visited, historic sites. Dating back to the time of St. Patrick (5th century), the first rocks laid here were said to be cast out from the cave of the Devil! Holy relics and high crosses …
Read more
Craggaunowen Castle & Crannóg Copyright: Pinzgauer/Wiki Commons
Craggaunowen Castle & Crannóg
Whisk yourself back to Celtic times at this open-air museum. Craggaunowen ("Owen's rocky little hill") houses reconstructions of Celtic structures, such as a dolmen, Ringfort, Fulachta Fia (Bronze Age cooking and industrial site), Souterrain, and Standing Stone (Ogham Stone). Visitors familiar with the legend of St. Brendan will admire the Currach boat, while …
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