Heritage Island, Ireland's Visitor Attractions

Day trip from Dublin to discover the historic and archaeological treasures of the Boyne Valley, first visiting the ancient Celtic site of the Hill of Tara, then Trim Heritage Town and its spectacular 12th Century Castle featured in the film Braveheart. Continue your tour and work your way into County Louth and visit Beaulieu House, Garden and Car Museum which is situated over looking the River Boyne, one mile inland from the Irish Sea between Baltray and the town of Drogheda. The town of Drogheda itself is well worth visiting with shops, restaurants and much to see and do.

From Dublin through County Wicklow, known as the garden of Ireland, to magnificent Powerscourt Gardens, one of the country’s great treasures and wonderful experiences. Continue on to Avondale House & Forest Park which was the birthplace and home of one of Ireland’s great political leaders Charles Stewart Parnell.
En route back towards Dublin experience an art-lovers treat and the Alfred Beit collection at Russborough in Blessington. The House, which has been described by historian Mark Bence-Jones as ‘arguably the most beautiful house in Ireland’, has some wonderful rooms, with magnificent interiors and ceilings, along with some exceptional collections of furniture, silverware and porcelain.

A day in the midlands starting with Castletown House, a fine property dating from 1722 and located in Celbridge just outside Dublin. Continue through County Kildare, a county famed for horses, to the fantastic Irish National Stud which also includes the world-famous Japanese Gardens, Horse Museum and St Fiachra’s Garden.
Enjoy an afternoon of shopping heaven at nearby Kildare Village Outlet Shopping where you can choose from a range of luxury goods reduced by up to 60% off the recommended retail price.

Staying in the Midlands visit magnificent Belvedere House which is fully restored and is noted for its exquisite rococo ceilings and bow end design. The Victorian Walled garden is a treat for all with a fragrant herb garden, old rose beds, and tumbling herbaceous borders.
In the afternoon take your pick from 2 of Ireland’s finest and oldest distilleries. Kilbeggan Distillery Experience in County Westmeath includes the oldest licensed pot still distillery in the world, while Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre relates the story of Tullamore Dew Whiskey. At both venues experience a complimentary glass of whiskey!

Tankardstown House, Slane, Co. Meath: www.irelands-blue-book.ie/tankardstown.html
Hunter's Hotel, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow: www.irelands-blue-book.ie/hunters.htm
Rathsallagh House, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow: www.irelands-blue-book.ie/rathsallagh.htm
Castle Durrow, Durrow, Co. Laois: www.irelands-blue-book.ie/castle-durrow.htm
Ballyfinn Demense, Ballyfinn, Co. Laois: www.irelands-blue-book.ie/ballyfin.html
Barbarstown Castle, Straffan, Co. Kildare: www.irelands-blue-book.ie/barberstown.htm
Wineport Lodge, Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath: www.irelands-blue-book.ie/wineport.htm