Attractions
Ireland
County Kerry County Kerry is famous for its mountain ranges, cliff-side coastlines, islands and peninsulas.
Ring of Kerry The spectacular Ring of Kerry takes you along 112 miles of some of Ireland’s most spectacular views. The ring begins in Killarney and takes you through Killorglin, Cahersiveen and Kenmare before returning to Killarney. On this route you’ll see Killarney National Park, mountains, the sea near Valentia Island and rolling emerald hills.
Macgillycuddy’s Reeks Reeks is the Gaelic word for ridge or crest. Ireland’s largest and highest mountain range rests on the Iveragh peninsula. This range was formed by glaciers cutting out valleys and jagged ridges. Macgillycuddy’s Reeks is home to the highest mountain in Ireland; Carrantuohill reaches 3,414 feet.
Killarney This city thrives on tourism and offers many attractions for visitors. Many restaurants and pubs here have traditional Irish fare and lively music. You’re sure to find unique craft galleries and gift shops to pick up souvenirs. Popular sights in Killarney are St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Museum of Irish Transport and the Franciscan friary on Fair Hill. If you love the outdoors, Killarney also has a great two-hour hiking route that takes you around the town.
Killarney National Park In 1932, this became the first national park in Ireland. The park covers 25,000 acres of diverse terrain, including waterways, woodlands, mountains and moorlands. Most notably this park is home to a section of pure yew woodland, one of three such woodlands in all of Europe.
Kilkenny
Blarney Castle Built in the 10th century, this castle was originally a timber, hunting lodge. Stone replaced the timber in 1210. In 1446, Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster, completed the present architecture. The McCarthy monarchy remained in power there until 1646. The McCarthy’s returned to the Blarney Castle in 1701 with the reign of King Charles II in England.
Blarney Stone Located high in the battlements of the Blarney Castle, the famed stone is said to bestow the gift of eloquence upon anyone who kisses it. The Irish say the stone is half of the Scottish Stone of Scone, the stone Scottish Kings were crowned on because of its special powers
Queenstown Story Museum Between 1848 and 1950 more than six million Irish people immigrated into the United States. Less than half left from the port at Cobh. The museum tells the story of these people and the advancement of the port to an emigration hub.
Dublin
St. Patrick’s Cathedral The cathedral marks the spot of the holy well St. Patrick used for baptisms. A church built here sometime in the late fifth century was reconstructed in stone in 1192 and founded by Archbishop John Comyn. It was not until 1213 that the church became a cathedral.
Phoenix Park This largest city park in Europe spans more than 1,760 acres and has a circumference of seven miles. Located two miles west of the center of Dublin, the park contains beautiful gardens, walking trails and large grassy areas perfect for relaxing. A range of tree types decorate the park, including oak, pine, beech and chestnut.
Georgian squares Constructed in the 1700s when Dublin was booming with wealth and development, these squares are a famous attraction in the city. The squares include Merrion Square, St. Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square. Beautiful, uniform Georgian homes define the look of these squares. Symmetry-based Georgian architecture constructs with brick and stone as choice materials.
Trinity College The college was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth and is the oldest university in Ireland. Within the college’s library is the renowned Book of Kells, an illustrated manuscript written around 800 AD.
England
Chester
Centuries ago this charming city was built and controlled by the Romans. The preserved Roman-city pattern gives Chester its unique layout; the city center is still surrounded by defensive walls.
Conwy Castle After King Edward I and his army conquered the Conwy valley, he built this castle in 1283. The main material used in the Castle is gray Silurian grit. The eight towers, high curtain wall and the surrounding wall define the castle’s medieval architecture.
Eastgate Clock John Douglas designed this metal clock to be made of stone. The public preferred it of metal to reflect light onto surrounding buildings. The clock was built for the Silver Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897.
England’s Lake District
Dove Cottage The Wordsworth Trust was founded in 1891 to secure Dove Cottage for “eternal possessions of all those who loved English poetry all over the world.” Today, visitors experience the tranquility of this site’s outstanding beauty in the heart of the Lake District. Dove Cottage—home to William Wordsworth when he wrote his greatest poetry—and the Wordsworth Museum tell the fascinating story of the poet, his circle of friends, their life and their work.
Lake District National Park The largest national park in England, this park covers 885 square miles. In the summer the park’s lakes and mountains provide some of the most picturesque scenery in England. Outdoor activities in the park include mountaineering, fishing and boating. In the park evidence of settlements date back to the last ice age. Some of that evidence includes Roman roads, forts, field systems and stone circles.
The Scottish Highlands
Loch Lomond The freshwater loch is 24-miles long, five-miles wide and as deep as 600 feet. The lake holds 38 islands, one of which, Inchmurrin, has a hotel.
Glencoe Visitors are attracted to this historic glen for scenic views and the surrounding mountains. Adventurers flock here for strenuous mountain trails or moderate hills to traverse. Other activities include sailing, fishing and skiing.
Isle of Skye This island is sure to please those in search of awe inspiring scenery. Located off the west coast of the mainland, the island supports wildlife from the dainty Goldcrest bird to the soaring golden eagle. The surrounding waters are home to salmon and playful otters. Its rolling landscape—Cuillin Hills, the Red Hills and Blaven—is covered with wildflowers and is popular among walkers and climbers.
Eilean Donan Castle The castle is truly a majestic view. It rests on an island surrounded by three merging lakes. First inhabited in the 6th century, the castle was fortified sometime in the 13th century. Since the 13th century, the medieval castle has been rebuilt at least four times due to the feudal history of the area.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle Resting high on a 260-foot hill, this castle is quite an impressive sight. When the Romans arrived in Scotland in AD 80 and AD 139, it was an essential defensive fort of the Votadini people. The reign of David I, 1124–1153, constructed the fort into a royal castle. During the 45 years following 1296, the castle would frequently change hands between England and Scotland. In 1341, the Stewart dynasty began extending the castle into the important structure it is today.
The Royal Mile Actually just more than a mile, this tourist district begins at Edinburgh Castle and meanders east downhill. At the bottom of the hill, the main streets Castlehill, Lawnmarket Street, High Street, and Canongate connect and lead to Holyrood Palace. This area is home to the true medieval architecture of Edinburgh. Stop in the various boutiques and souvenir shops.
The Palace at Holyroodhouse This palace is the official Scottish residence of the Queen. Many monarchs have used it as a royal residence. Mary, Queen of Scots, resided here 1561–1567, a period of turbulence throughout Scotland. The palace is now used for State ceremonies.
The National Museum of Scotland The museum is a great way to become acquainted with Scotland’s history and culture. The Royal Museum, one of the two main buildings, is a beautiful structure with a contemporary glass ceiling. Its extensive collection contains pieces from science and history to culture and fine art. A tour of the galleries takes you through the topographical beginnings of geologic Scotland to current developments and achievements of the Scottish people.
Parliament House Located in the Old Town of Edinburgh, the Parliament House dates back prior to the Act of Union in 1707, the unification England and Scotland. It’s now home to the High Court of Justiciary, Scotland’s Supreme Court.
