Tourist attractions in Ireland

Built shortly circa 1620 when the lands were granted to Sir Laurence Parsons, Birr Castle is today home to the 7th Earl of Rosse. As it is a residence, it is not open to the public, however, guided tours can be booked by prior arrangement. The gardens, and the Historic Science Centre, including the great telescope are open to the public.

Come and visit Carrig Brewing Company and see how they apply the same dedication to excellence as the medieval Celtic monks who, in their monasteries along the river Shannon brewed hand-crafted Irish ales and beers. If you are curious about the art of craft brewing and great taste of the craft beer you should take the tour.

If you are curious to know how handmade rugs are designed and made, this is the place for you. Cadogán Rugs have a distinctive design and add style to any room. Tours of their design studio (in an old farm yard) can be arranged.

A recommended part of any visit to a different place is to make time and space for some moments of reflection. Such moments help us connect with our true selves and encourage the feeling of well-being and positivity. The Circle of Life garden provides such a space at Quincentennial Park, Salthill overlooking Galway Bay. It commemorates the generousity of all organ donors.

The Cobh Heritage Centre commemorates the role of Cobh (formerly Queenstown) and its harbour in some major historical events. These include the large levels of emigration on so-called "coffin ships" as a result of the great famine (1845-1852) and the sinking of the Titanic and the Lusitania. The displays inform of the hard times, tough conditions and loss experienced by the people of the time.

Are you curious about what it must have been like to have been a prisoner in the 19th century? What were conditions like? Why did people end up in Cork City Gaol? Walking through the Gaol wings, the visitor will encounter life-like, full-size wax figures and you will hear the stories of the inmates, how they felt and why they turned to crime.

Dalkey Castle is the sole surviving castle from among seven built in Dalkey during the middle ages. They were built to securely hold goods which were offloaded from ships and incorporated several defensive features to protect them from attacking plunderers. Today it incorporates a heritage centre, writers' gallery and visitors can enjoy a "Living History" tour as actors, in period costume, tell their stories.

The Dunbrody Famine Ship is an authentic reproduction of an 1840's emigrant ship of the same name. The original vessel was built in 1845 in Quebec as a cargo ship but the Great Famine of 1845-52 saw a mass emigration from Ireland. The ship was fitted with bunks and used to carry passengers from Ireland to Quebec with many dying on the journey.