Cliffs of Moher
The
Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top Visitor attractions. The
Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres
over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare.
O'Brien's Towerstands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs.
From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well
as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop
Head to the South. The Cliffs of Moher take their name from a ruined
promontory fort “Mothar” which was demolished during the Napoleonic
wars to make room for a signal tower. www.cliffsofmoher.ie
The Burren
The
Burren is rich with historical and archaeological sites. There are
more than 90 megalithic tombs in the area, portal dolmens (including
Poulnabrone Dolmen), a celtic high cross in the village of Kilfenora,
and a number of ring forts - among them the triple ring fort Cahercommaun
on the edge of an inland cliff, and the exceptionally well-preserved
Caherconnell Stone Fort. Corcomroe Abbey is one of the area's main
scenic attractions. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Burren
Bunratty Castle
The
Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland.
Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour
and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries,
and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Today, the
castle stands peacefully in delightful grounds. The houses and cottages
of the folk park spread out at the foot of its massive walls, much
in the way that the cottages and crofts of old would have clustered
around its base. We invite you to wander through the castle and
marvel at the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country
which brings to life a vital part of our Medieval past. Bunratty
Castle closes each day at 4pm to prepare for the Medieval Banquet.
www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/BunrattyCastleFolkPark/
Liscannor
Situated
in the picturesque fishing village of Liscannor, overlooking the
bay on the rugged West Clare Coast. Liscannor is the village north
of Lahinch and south of Doolin. It is very close to the Cliffs of
Moher.In fact, there's a grand cruise you can take to see the Cliffs
from the sea. They are called Cliffs of Moher Cruises. You can also
board the ship in Doolin. www.tourclare.com/liscannor.html
Lahinch Sea World
Explore
the amazing marine life of the West coast in our Atlantic Aquarium,
where you can see and experience the many beautiful and unique species
of our region. Splash your way through our swimming pools or relax
in our sauna, jacuzzi and steamroom. www.lahinchseaworld.com/
Quin Abbey
Quin
Abbey, found just five miles outside Ennis, was built in the 15th
Century in the tradition of Irish Franciscan Monasteries. It is
built on the ruins of a Norman castle fortress that stood there
in the late 13th Century. Building on the abbey itself began in
1402 and was finished in 1433. It has served as the home of many
friars over the years, but it has also served as a place of great
conflict. Its location on the main route from Limerick to Galway
made it a target for the Normans, the English, and many other groups
over the years. No one has lived in the abbey since 1820, but still
serves as a testament to the architecture and design of the early
15th Century. www.nd.edu/~ikuijt/Ireland/Sites/mdonnel2/
Knapogue Castle
Knappogue
Castle was built in 1467 by Sean MacNamara, and is a magnificent
example of a medieval tower house. It has a long and varied history
~ from a battle field to a dwelling place. In 1571 the Castle became
the seat of the MacNamara Clan ~ Earls of West Clancullen. In the
1920's Knappogue passed into the hands of a local farmer and fell
into disrepair. Luckily, it was purchased in 1966 by the Hon. Mark
Edwin Andrews of Houston Texas. He and his wife (a prominent American
architect), in collaboration with Shannon Development, carried out
an extensive and sensitive restoration returning the Castle to its
former 15th Century glory while encompassing and retaining later
additions which are a testament to the continuous occupation of
the Castle. The Andrews were the last occupants of the Castle. Shannon
Development purchased the Castle in 1996 with the intention of preserving
this important building for future generations. www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/KnappogueCastleWalledGarden/
Craggaunowen
Craggaunowen
– the Living Past Experience is Ireland’s original award winning
Pre-historic Park. Situated on 50 acres of wooded grounds, the Park
interprets Ireland’s pre-historic and early Christian eras. It features
a stunning recreation of some of the homesteads, animals and artefacts
which existed in Ireland over 1,000 years ago. Explore the Crannog,
the Ring Fort, the Medieval Castle and the ‘Brendan Boat’ – a leather
hulled boat built by Tim Severin who sailed across mid-Atlantic
re-enacting the voyage of St. Brendan and the early Christian monks
reputed to have discovered America centuries before Columbus. Visit
Craggaunowen Castle built in 1550 standing defiantly on a crag overlooking
the lake. See rare animal breeds - specimens of the pre-historic
era. Enjoy the fresh air and lake walks in a most enjoyable rural
setting. Savour our wonderful homemade fare in the charming farmhouse
tea-room. www.shannonheritage.com/Attractions/Craggaunowen/