High Crosses
Along with the illuminated manuscripts, the High Crosses are Ireland's biggest contribution to Western European Medieval Art. High Crosses probably developed from earlier traditions using wood, perhaps with metalwork attachments, and earlier pagan Celtic memorial stones. Cut from sandstone or granite, a typical high cross consists of three or four parts starting with the Base. Most Irish High Crosses have the distinctive shape of the ringed Celtic cross. Most of these crosses date from the ninth and tenth centuries, after which there is a gap before crosses re-appear again. The Irish tradition largely died out after the twelfth century. more...
Castles and Tower-Houses
One of the typical images of Ireland is surely a stark and imposing castle set against a green hillside. Visiting castles in Ireland is a great way to learn about the country's history while at the same time soaking in amazing views. Ireland is a land of castles. Many hundreds lie scattered throughout the country and these, large and small, remain a striking and very visible manifestation of the social and military demands of Ireland's medieval landed classes. more...
Round Towers
The round towers are a unique Irish form of architecture (only three in Scotland and one on the Isle of Man). The purpose of the round towers is a matter of question. A popular hypothesis in the past was that the towers were originally used as places of refuge against raiders such as Vikings. Today most historians agree that the round towers were bell towers, marking monasteries and churches and used to call the faithful to prayers. The towers were probably built between the 9th and 12th centuries. In Ireland about 120 examples are thought once to have existed; most are in ruins, while 20 are almost perfect. more...
Megalithic Sites
Megaliths are not unique to Ireland - they can be found in western Europe, in Spain, Portugal, western France, Denmark, Ireland, parts of Wales and Scotland even in Russia. Nevertheless, with over 1500 recorded megalithic tombs still in existence in Ireland, it is an important aspect of Irish history. Not only do the megaliths provide many artefacts such as burial objects, but by digging into their constituent material scientists can learn about the climate and vegetation that existed at the time they were built. In Ireland there are four types of megalithic tombs: court cairns, passage tombs, wedge tombs and portal tombs (dolmens). more...
Irish Cottages
There are more thatched roofs in the UK and Ireland than in any other European country. The tradition of thatching has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. Thatch has probably been used to cover roofs in Europe since the Neolithic period, when people first began to grow cereals. Wild vegetation, especially water reed, was probably used before this but no records or archaeological evidence for this have survived. more...
Monastic Sites
Irish monasteries contributed to the European culture in several specific ways. First, they taught illustration, illumination and calligraphy. Second, they commissioned a host of metal artworks from metalworkers and metallurgical artists, ranging from adornments for biblical manuscripts to ecclesiastical artifacts. Thirdly, monastic culture encouraged Irish sculptors by its commissioning of numerous Celtic High Cross sculptures on monastic sites. These biblical sculptures - constructed during the period c.750-1150 represent the largest body of free-standing sculpture created between the collapse of Rome and the Early Renaissance era. more...
The range of places to visit in Ireland is really huge. The best way to explore Ireland (one of the most visited places in the world) is to hire a car, a bicycle or get a bus rambler ticket and go to the small towns, the country roads. You never know what will await you around next bend of the road or when you stop just to look over that stone wall. Ireland is a mystical land, rich in legends of fairies and supernatural beings, Stone Age tombs, monastic ruins and ancient castles. People interested in spectacular outdoor scenery are spoilt when they come to Ireland. All parts of the country have their particular charming and sometimes dramatic scenery.
Feel free to contact us if you have any comments or corrections regarding this website's content. It is of course impossible to show you everything but we do our best to provide you with the information you will need. You can easily print out the page containing the details about the place of your interest including the map showing how to get there. So don't wait if you are interested in Irish History, Nature or Culture or just keen on going somewhere to see something. This site is for you! You will find here detailed information about where to go and what is important (and sometimes missing on other web-sites) what you can expect to see there.
So make your choice, pack your bag and go...to visit this site first ;)
Feel free to contact us if you have any comments or corrections regarding this website's content. It is of course impossible to show you everything but we do our best to provide you with the information you will need. You can easily print out the page containing the details about the place of your interest including the map showing how to get there. So don't wait if you are interested in Irish History, Nature or Culture or just keen on going somewhere to see something. This site is for you! You will find here detailed information about where to go and what is important (and sometimes missing on other web-sites) what you can expect to see there.
So make your choice, pack your bag and go...to visit this site first ;)
