As a young boy growing up in Ireland, my grandmother introduced me to the tales of the half giant Cú Chulainn, a mythological Irish hero. One legend tells of the time Mal of Malbay fell in love with Cú Chulainn and chased him all over the country trying to get him to marry her. Cú […]
Blarney Castle and Gardens.
Fifteen minutes’ drive from Cork City, you come to Blarney Castle and Gardens, arguably one of the most famous sights to visit in Ireland. Home to the Stone of Eloquence or Blarney Stone, the castle sees visitors from all over the world each year. I have to admit that I have visited this site so […]
The Dark Hedges
Planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century, this beech tree lined road shot to fame as one of the film locations for the HBO’s Series Game of Thrones. The tree lined avenue was used as the Kings Road during Arya Starks escape from Kings Landing in Season 2. Photo copyright Northern Ireland Tourist […]
The Giants Causeway
A little over an hour’s drive north of Belfast, into County Antrim, you find the giants causeway. An area of around 40,000 basalt columns that reaches as far as the outer Hebrides in Scotland. There are several tales told as to how the causeway was built but the one I was told as a child […]
Dunluce Castle
A stone’s throw away from the giants causeway, Dunluce Castle is a stunning ruin on the Antrim Coastline. Surrounded by sheer drops into which legend tells that the castle kitchens collapsed in 1639. Built around 1500 by the MacQuillan family, Dunluce was taken by the MacDonnel clan in the late 16th century after the MacQuillans […]
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
This rope bridge is probably one of the most famous sights on the beautiful Antrim coastline. Not far from the Giants causeway this former fisherman’s island – The old Irish name means rock of casting – is famous for its woven rope bridge which gives thousands of visitors a thrill each year. My tip. Take […]
