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Barleycove Beach
Vast sand dunes hemmed in by two long bluffs dissolve into the surf, forming West Corks finest beach. Rarely crowded, its a great place for youngsters, with gorgeous stretches of golden sand and a safe bathing area where a stream flows down to the sea. Access is via a long boardwal
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Science Gallery
Demonstrating that science is fun, engaging and relevant to our everyday lives in more ways than we could even imagine is the mission statement of this immensely popular gallery, which hosts an ever-changing mix of compelling exhibits. Recent shows included a study of trauma and an
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Bold Art Gallery
There’s never a dull moment at this effervescent modern art gallery , which seems to have a bottomless pit of inspiration when it comes to wit. Works vary between the profane, the beautiful and the moving but are never mundane. The owner is a fountain of local knowledge; ask to see
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Blackrock Castle
Blackrock Castle is a restored 16th-century castle that now, rather incongruously, hosts a science centre and observatory. Kids love it and the pastoral location is worth the jaunt. Its on the south bank of the River Lee, 5.5km east of the city centre; take bus 202 from Merchants Q
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Michael Davitt Memorial Museum
Housed in a pre-penal church where the man himself was christened (and next to Straide Abbey, in which he was buried) is this small but passionate museum . The man, of course, is Michael Davitt (1846–1906), a Fenian and zealous founding member of the Irish National Land League. Dav
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Wellington Column
The local burghers dedicated this column to Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, in recognition of his impressive career: after defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, the Iron Duke went on to become prime minister of Great Britain and in 1829 passed the Catholic E
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Gap of Dunloe
The Gap of Dunloe is a scenic valley squeezed between Purple Mountain and Carrantuohil (at 1040m, Irelands highest peak). In summer it is a tourist bottleneck crammed with coaches depositing crowds of day trippers for one-hour pony-and-trap rides through the pass. Rather than joini
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Fota Wildlife Park
Kangaroos bound, cheetahs run, and monkeys and gibbons leap and scream on wooded islands at this huge outdoor zoo, where the animals roam without a cage or fence in sight. A tour train (on wheels, not tracks) runs a circuit round the park every 15 minutes in high season (one way/re
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Mansion House
Built in 1710 by Joshua Dawson – after whom the street is named – this has been the official residence of Dublins mayor since 1715, and was the site of the 1919 Declaration of Independence and the meeting of the first parliament. The buildings original brick Queen Anne style has al
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Coney Island
Up around the coast and back east towards Sligo, you can walk – at low tide only! – to Coney Island. Its New York namesake was supposedly named by a man from Rosses Point. The islands wishing well is reputed to have been dug by St Patrick (who, if all these tales are to be trusted,
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Roundstone Musical Instruments
Just south of the village is Malachy Kearns music shop, home to Irelands only full-time maker of traditional bodhráns. Watch him work, and buy a tin whistle, harp or booklet filled with Irish ballads; theres also a small free folk museum and a cafe. Adjacent craft shops sell everyt
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Lough Boora Parklands
Lough Boora is the focus of a scheme for bog restoration. Located 5km west of Blue Ball, there are more than 50km of trails across the area with excellent birdwatching, rare flora, a mesolithic site and a series of impressive environmental sculptures (www.sculptureintheparklands.co
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Rathfran Abbey
The silence at the remains of this lonely Dominican friary, dating from 1274, is broken only by the cawing of crows and the whistling wind off the water. In 1590 the friary was burned by the English.Take the R314 road north out of Killala and, after 5km and crossing the River Cloon
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Tacumshane Windmill
Tacumshane Windmill is a rare survivor of the mills that once dotted this landscape, and the only complete windmill in the Republic of Ireland. Built in the 19th century using timber washed up on local beaches, it sports a cute thatched cap. Its on a minor road, a few kilometres we
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Fota House Arboretum & Gardens
Guided tours of Regency-style Fota House focus on the original kitchen and ornate plasterwork ceilings, but the real highlight here is the 150-year-old arboretum and gardens. Theres a Victorian fernery set amid blocks of fluted limestone, a magnolia walk, a walled garden and a host
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Carrick Finn Beach
Head north of Burtonport on the coast road to reach the picturesque village of Kincasslagh (Cionn Caslach), with ancient cottages perched on top of rocky outcrops and the stunning Blue Flag beach at Carrick Finn. This sweeping stretch of sand with a backdrop of distant mountains is
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Carlow Cathedral
This elegant Regency Gothic cathedral dating from 1833 was the brainchild of Bishop James Doyle, a staunch supporter of Catholic emancipation. On the right of the nave a statue of the bishop is flanked by a crowned, kneeling woman said to represent Ireland in an attitude of hope. T
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Imaginosity
Dublins only museum specifically aimed at toddlers and children, Animosity is a hands-on, interactive experience where kids will can learn from and be distracted by a host of activities, including the rocket ship to Rapunzels castle and climbing into the Wizards Lair. Take the Luas
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Taafes Castle
Today the function area of the attached pub of the same name, Taafes Castle is an imposing 16th-century tower house that stood on the waterfront until the land in front was reclaimed to build a short-lived train line.Opposite the castle is a bust commemorating Carlingford-born Thom
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St Begnets Holy Well
A few hundred metres offshore is Dalkey Island, home to St Begnet’s Holy Well , the most important of Dalkey’s so-called holy wells. This one is reputed to cure rheumatism, making the island a popular destination for tourists and the faithful alike. The island is easily accessible
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