Haunted Places: The Hell Fire Club, Co. Dublin

The hunting lodge at the summit of Montpelier Hill in the Dublin mountains known as the Hell Fire Club is said to be one of the most haunted places in all of Ireland.

Exploring Ireland's Ancient East: Hook Head Lighthouse, Co. Wexford

This is Ireland's oldest operating lighthouse and the second oldest in the world. It guards the prominent Hook Head, the entrance to the great estuary formed by the confluence of the "three sisters" - the rivers Barrow, Nore and Suir.

Exploring Ireland's Ancient East: Brownshill Dolmen, Co. Carlow

Europe's largest megalithic portal tomb can be found at Brownshill in County Carlow. It is also known as the "Kernanstown Cromlech" and was built by neolithic farmers some 5000 - 6000 years ago. 

 

Exploring Ireland's Ancient East: The Hill of Slane, Co. Meath

This mythical hill in County Meath is steeped in legend and lore - its prominent location and commanding views over the Boyne Valley and beyond made it one of the most important sites in the ancient east of Ireland.

 

Magical Places: The Rock of Dunamase, Co. Laois

It is one of the most impressive fortresses and hidden gems of Ireland: the medieval ruins perched atop the limestone outcrop that rises above the surrounding fields known as the Rock of Dunamase in County Laois.

 

Magical Places: Tintern of the Vow, Co. Wexford

Tintern Abbey has a colourful history: it was built to make good on a promise and became one of the wealthiest Cistercian monasteries in Ireland. After its dissolution it was transformed into a private residence for one of the most influential families of Wexford.

 

A walk around Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny

This small village, nestled in the rolling hills of Co. Kilkenny is also known as the "jewel of the south east" - a picturesque setting even Hollywood couldn't resist.

Magical Places: St. Brigid's Well, Tully, Co. Kildare

There are many holy wells dedicated to the mythological pagan goddess Brigid and the 5th century christian Saint of the same name. One of them is the well in Tully, outside the town of Kildare - a town with a long history connected to both Brigids. 

 

Magical Places: The Passage Tomb of Newgrange, Co. Meath

Every year at dawn on the winter solstice a beam of sunlight enters through a small opening above the entrance of the tomb and travels inward through the passage to illuminate the entire burial chamber for a few precious minutes. 

 

Magical Places: The seven churches of Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

The valley of Glendalough is a raving beauty in the heart of the Wicklow mountains, an enchanted and spellbinding place. Scattered throughout the valley are the remains of seven early medieval churches and one of the most important monastic sites of Ireland. 

 

Magical Places: The secret of the lost town of Jerpoint, Co. Kilkenny

On the banks of the River Nore lie buried the remains of the medieval town of Newtown Jerpoint. The ancient ruins hold an arcane secret: local lore has it that none other than St. Nicholas found his final resting-place inside the small church graveyard here.

 

Magical Places: The Tomb of the Jealous Man and Woman, Newtown Abbey, Co. Meath

Hidden away in a small church on the grounds of an Augustinian Priory on the banks of the River Boyne you'll find the wondrous tomb of a medieval knight and his Lady,  locally known as "the Tomb of the Jealous Man and Woman". 

 

Magical Places: The Fairy Hill, Carbury, Co. Kildare

Carbury Hill in County Kildare is one of the most important sites in Irish Mythology and history. The prominent hill overlooking the surrounding countryside is also called the "Sidh Neachtain" or "the Fairy Mound of Neachtain", the royal residence of Neachtain, the King of Leinster.

Sailing back in time: on board the Jeanie Johnston, Dublin

In the mid 19th century the great famine, known in Irish as "An Gorta Mór"- the "Great Hunger" ravaged Ireland and sent almost two million people fleeing the country. The only escape of the horrors of starvation, disease and eviction was a dangerous journey across the Atlantic.

Glenealo Valley in the Wicklow Mountains

Deep within the Wicklow Mountains National Park, west of Glendalough beyond the Upper Lake, lies Glenealo Valley. This remote valley is a Protected Nature Reserve and home to a wide variety of species. But this little glen wasn't always as serene as it appears today.

 

  

Little sanctuaries: Dublin's parks and secret gardens

You need a breather from the hustle and bustle of city life? Take a stroll through these Dublin parks  - little islands of calm,  oases of green, a  place to unwind, soak up some rays and escape the noise of the city streets. 

 

Haunted Places: Charleville Forest Castle, Co. Offaly

Footsteps, voices, a child crying, nocturnal singsong echoing through the halls - haunted Charleville Forest Castle, hidden deep inside the ancient oak woods in County Offaly is infested with ghosts and spirits, making it one of the eeriest places in Ireland. 

 

A stroll through Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford

Kilmore Quay, a little traditional fishing village, is located in the south east corner of Ireland. The village sits in between two long crescent bays - Ballyteige Bay and Carnsore Point - with miles and miles of sandy beaches. Join me on a scenic stroll through the village, the harbour and down to the beach.

 

Magical Places: The Seven Wonders Of Fore, Co. Westmeath

The tranquil little Fore valley in County Westmeath is littered with the ruins of several monastic settlements. The earliest monastery here dates back to the 7th century and was founded by the Irish Saint Feichín. Feichín is said to have been able to heal ailments and perform miracles - he is responsible for the "Seven Wonders of Fore".

 

Built on Rock´n´Roll: Slane Castle, Co. Meath

Slane Castle is one of Ireland's finest stately homes with a colourful history. It sits on the banks of the river Boyne, in County Meath, only a stone throw away from Brú na Bóinne, the ancient megalithic site of Newgrange. Every summer the castle grounds are transformed into one of the biggest and wildest concerts venues in the country.