heritage centres ireland

Most of the shape of present-day central Dublin - the wide streets, gracious squares and elegant public buildings - was defined in the eighteenth century when Ireland was controlled by a prosperous, cultured elite who devoted their efforts to making Dublin the handsomest capital in Europe.
Rich noblemen established palatial mansions in the city, and influential developers, principally Luke Gardiner on the north side and Lord Fitzwilliam on the south, laid out squares and streets of eleg...

The Flight of the Earls Heritage Centre is located along the harbour. The last two great Celtic chieftains, Hugh O'Donnell and Hugh O'Neill are commemorated here. They departed Ireland from Rathmullan Harbour in 1607 after their defeat at Kinsale by the forces of Elizabeth I under Mountjoy in 1601. This was a real turning point in Irish history, because the death of Celtic Ireland and its Brehon Laws rapidly followed their departure. The repressive laws, confiscations of lands and massive p...

Tara Hill was one of the most venerated spots in early Ireland. From the time of the legendary king Cormac Mac Airt in the 3rd century, it came into the historical limelight, but it probably had a religious significance long before that. The seat of priest-kings going back to a time long before Irish history began, it developed from being a religious-royal site of small local priest-kings to become the seat of the High Kings of Ireland. These kings were not a hereditary line of kings based in...

The Heritage Centre invites you to turn the key to the rich heritage of Cashel, one of Ireland's most significant Ecclesiastical Centres dating to before Saint Patrick. It provides the visitor with a series of changing exhibitions, a large scale model of Cashel in the 1640's, highlighting the lesser known treasures of the town.

Languages on commentary - English, French, German, Irish, Italian and Spanish.

Guided walking tours in request...

This is the former school that was at one time run by the Martyr and Patriot Patrick Pearce. It is now a museum kept within beautiful grounds. Open Nov - Jan Daily 10 am - 4 pm Feb - Apr Daily 10 am - 5 pm May - Aug Daily 10 am - 5.30pm Srp - Oct Daily 10 am - 5 pm Admission is free....

Ballymore retains many features which have survived from past periods of occupation in an attractive setting of mature trees, ordered landscape and views of the surrounding countryside.

Once the centre of small country estate, the tenanted lands were sold to occupiers early this century, leaving the residence and home farm where seasonal farming activities continue throughout the year.

The Visitors' facility adjoins the residence, and in the parking area provided, a large s...

The 13th century stone castle consists of a gate tower, curtain walls and two corner towers. In the castle courtyard stands the 18th century Queen Anne style Damer House. The site is managed in conjunction with the Roscrea Heritage Society. The Heritage Centre details the history of Roscrea's past and feature's include a Heritage Trail walk....

Discover this scenic and old navigation location where the River Shannon flows out of Lough Derg. Christian antiquities grace the charming townland of Killaloe-Ballina. Imaginative exhibition....

Kilrush in Landlord Times tells the story of Kilrush, from its establishment as an Estate Town by the Vandeleur Landlords at the end of the 18th century. Features of the Exhibition include:

- The achievement of the Irish Landlord Class in building a unique urban environment, which can be experienced by you in Kilrush.

- The importance of the town's port during the Napoleonic Era.

- The disastrous impact of the Great Famine of 1847 on the people of Kilrush.
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This town is about 13 miles from Mullingar and was built in the late 17th century by the Pollard family under a charter from Charles II. The old National school has been converted into an agricultural museum and heritage centre. Just outside Castlepollard in Tullynally Castle, the home of the Earl of Longford's family, the Packenhams.

The gardens are open from May to September....