| Exploring the Southeast of Ireland with its gently rolling
hills imposing mediaeval castles busy seaside resorts and bird
sanctuaries is an area worth considering when planning a holiday
break in Ireland.
If
you go west along the Grand Canal from Dublin you will find
the 19th century village of Robertstown,
this canalside village with its waterfront warehouses and cottages is where visitors can take a barge cruise from the quay and
the Grand Canal Company’s Hotel which was built in 1801.
Approximately five miles from here you can see the impressive
Leinster Aqueduct which was built in 1783.
If you are interested in the natural history of Irish Bogs
a visit to Lullymore and Peatland World will suit you and see
the exhibitions of the ecology and history of the bog, take
a guided walk across the peatlands and learn about the bogs
ecosystem.
The Wicklow Mountains are about an hours drive from Dublin
the landscapes of forest, glens and bogland are well worth
seeing. There are numerous walking trails which may be of interest
to you.
There are many places of interest in this area you may wish
to visit the Mount Usher Gardens, they were designed by Edward
Walpole in the 1860s and contain many rare trees and shrubs.
The gardens are set on the banks of the River Vartry there
are some craft shops and a tea room near the entrance.
Kilkenny is a lovely
city to visit with its historic buildings, many of which
have been restored there are many interesting
buildings here notably St. Canice’s Cathedral which was
built in Early English Gothic style in the 13th century.
Kilkenny Castle was
built in the 1190’s and was occupied
until 1935 the powerful Butler family lived in it from the
late 14th century. The Long Gallery built in the 1820’s
is very impressive with its elaborate painted ceiling.
Waterford is Ireland’s
oldest city it was founded by Vikings in 914 there are many
interesting places to see and
visit as you explore in Waterford. A visit to the Waterford
Crystal Factory is recommended visitors can follow all stages
of manufacture, the basic ingredients of glass are heated over
many hours then hand blown by the highly skilled glass blowers,
finally the glass is cut with grid like patterns. There is
a gallery showroom where you may be tempted to make a purchase.
|
