Attractions in Ireland’s Ancient East
Jody’s guest is author, Neil Jackson. Neil is here to talk about some of the 5,000 years of Irish history that he writes about, as well as share stories about his excavations which separate fact from fiction. This article is based on a podcast episode featuring Neil Jackman, the director of Abarta Heritage. If you…
Our first stop as we explored County Kilkenny was Jerpoint Abbey. Located near Thomastown, just south of Kilkenny, you really can’t miss it as it nestles up to a curve of the N9 (a major roadway). We received a great lesson on the history of Jerpoint Abbey from Sheila in the interpretive center- be sure to…
It had only been a year since our first visit to Birr Castle Demense and a return wasn’t initially in our plans. Until I received an invitation to come play at their newest attraction. But, as luck would have it, we had just returned from Ireland mere days before – a return trip just wasn’t possible….
Few visitors realize that Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city. Established by Viking raiders in 853, the city was established, overthrown by native Irish and re-established a number of times by both Viking and Norman invaders. Today you can revisit over 1000 years of history in three Waterford museums. The Museums of Waterford Treasures Known collectively…
When planning a family vacation in Ireland, most people think of the history and the landscape. Few think of science. Yet, that is exactly what you will find at Birr Castle Demense in County Offaly- a world of science spread across the estate of the Earls of Rosse. Visiting Birr Castle Demense Birr Castle is…
Many tourists in Ireland pass through the Ballyhoura region and don’t even realize it. This area of southwest Ireland, stretching from just south of Limerick city through the northern part of County Cork, isn’t marked on any map. And though you will drive through it on the way to destinations like the Rock of Cashel or the…
Ireland is a land filled with true magic. It permeates the earth, promising untold wonders if you will only search just a bit deeper. Lough Gur, in County Limerick, may be the most magical place of all. Long before Ireland became the ‘Land of Saints and Scholars’, it was the land of Druids and Celts. …
Close your eyes and imagine an Irish Country House. It’s stately, with lovely lands surrounding, a beautiful view and spacious rooms. Ardmore Country House Bed & Breakfast in Kinnity, County Offaly is the house you’ve imagined, complete with stone wall and gated entrance. Arriving at Ardmore House Ardmore House is very easy to find, situated…
Note: Be sure to read the updates about visiting Kilkenny Castle! Kilkenny Castle is the type of castle you picture in your mind. Imposing from the outside, opening to a great park at the rear and a garden with fountains at the front. Kilkenny Castle is almost like a fairy tale. Kilkenny Castle belonged to…
I love this shot of Doug as he was carrying Caelan through the cloister at Jerpoint Abbey. They were wandering through looking at carvings when Doug caught me taking pictures as they appeared in an archway. Irish historians say a very famous saint is buried near Jerpoint Abbey. See who it is in my visiting…
There are really no words to fully describe how awe inspiring and overwhelming it feels as you approach the Rock of Cashel on foot. As you look up the rocky slope at the solid walls looming above you feel very small and rather insignificant. And when you stop to realize the entire imposing structure was…
This is one of my favorite images from our time at the Rock of Cashel. But I can never decide if I like it in full color or black & white better… I love the full color version because is shows the brilliant blue sky (it was late November and the weather was incredible), the…