It is worth going there for the bell ringing service;
tours of the belfry are on every Friday and Sunday
at 2pm.
The history of Ireland is extremely relevant to
today, as it provides meaning to the ruins, traditions
and artefacts that make the country what it is.
Kilmainham Gaol is one of Europe’s largest
unoccupied prisons. This gaol has witnessed some
of Ireland’s most heroic and tragic events between
the 1780s and 1920s, including the executions of
the leaders of the 1916 Rising. This was an armed
rebellion against British rule in Ireland which set
in motion the path to Irish freedom. Wicklow’s
historic gaol (1702-1924) brings to life what life was
like for prisoners of the gaol. If you are still thirsty
for more, then a trip to Collins Barracks is next one of the oldest, continuously occupied barracks
in the world. Collins Barracks also provided the
backdrop for the scenery in the film “Michael
Collins”, starring Liam Neeson and Julia Roberts.
People the world over would agree that Irish
dancing, Guinness and U2 are synonymous with
Irish culture. The Guinness storehouse is a fun
day out where you can learn how Guinness is
made, pour your own pint and sip a complimentary
Guinness, whilst sitting in the Gravity Bar taking
in the panorama of Dublin City. Other famous
attractions include a visit to the Phoenix Park
which houses Áras an Uachtaráin, the house of the
President of Ireland and the zoo. If venturing to
Cork, a trip to the Fota Wildlife Park showcases
lots of beautiful nature and wildlife. The ring of
Kerry is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in
the country. Combining the beauty of mountains
with the sea, it is virtually impossible to put into
words the breathtaking scenery of this place. The
Burren in County Clare is another such place.
The Burren is an area of limestone rock covering
majestic mountains and valleys with gentle rivers
flowing through - a lovely, peaceful day out. Other
picturesque places to visit include, Kinsale in Cork,
Connemara in Galway.
Festivals
There are many different festivals that take place in
Ireland. Saint Patrick’s day which occurs on the 17th
of March each year is the most renowned. Indeed,
this day is celebrated in many other countries where
there is an Irish presence. The New York City
St. Patrick’s Day parade is the biggest in the world.
However, there is nothing like celebrating Ireland’s
national day on her home soil. There are parades
all throughout the country - in Dublin, Cork,
Waterford, Limerick, Killarney, Navan and Galway.
The atmosphere is electric with many taking to the
streets to celebrate and wearing traditional
Irish shamrock.
Bloomsday is festival that takes place in June every
year in celebration of the writings of James Joyce.
This year the festival is running from 16th-19th
of June. Bloomsday marks the day in 1904 when
all the action of James Joyce’s Ulysses took place.
It is celebrated every year by Joyceans all over the
world. Various parts of Dublin feature in the novel,
many denoted by brass plaques on the pavement
throughout the city. One of Joyce’s favourite areas,
Sandycove in South County Dublin is regularly a
hub of activity for Joyceans on Bloomsday. People
dress up, take part in readings and walks and visit
the locations of the book. It is truly an enriching
Summer’s day.