"It's proud I am that I'm Irish, and don't you be forgetting, Missy, that you're half-Irish, too. And, to anyone with a drop of Irish blood in them - why, the land they live on is like their mother. Oh, but there, there. Now, you're just a child. It will come to you, this love of the land. There's no gettin' away from it if you're Irish." Gerald O'Hara, Gone With the Wind
Limerick
The city lies on the Shannon River, with the historic core of the city located on King's Island, which is bounded by the Shannon and the Abbey River. Located at that center is King John's Castle (1210) one of the best preserved Norman castles in Europe, with the walls, towers and fortifications remaining today.
Cliffs of Moher & County Clare
Whether it be the cliffs themselves carved by time, ocean and weather into fantastic shapes and formations, the mighty Atlantic ocean or the birds, plants and other wildlife that inhabit the cliffs and the sea there are plenty of natural wonders to enjoy here.
As you drive through County Clare, enjoy a visit to a sheep farm, such as Rathburn Farm. Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times.
Banquets are held nightly where the castle is the impressive setting for the medieval castle banquets.
Banquets are held nightly where the castle is the impressive setting for the medieval castle banquets.
https://www.shannonheritage.com/BunrattyCastleAndFolkPark/
Blarney
For over 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of pilgrims climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence. Its powers are unquestioned but its story still creates debate. Once upon a time, visitors had to be held by the ankles and lowered head first over the battlements. The Stone itself is still set in the wall below the battlements. To kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. The prize is a real one as once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.
Some say it was Jacob’s Pillow, brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah. Here it became the Lia Fail or ‘Fatal Stone’, used as an oracular throne of Irish kings – a kind of Harry Potter-like ‘sorting hat’ for kings. It was also said to be the deathbed pillow of St Columba on the island of Iona. Legend says it was then removed to mainland Scotland, where it served as the prophetic power of royal succession, the Stone of Destiny. When Cormac MacCarthy, King of Munster, sent five thousand men to support Robert the Bruce in his defeat of the English at Bannockburn in 1314, a portion of the historic Stone was given by the Scots in gratitude – and returned to Ireland. Others say it may be a stone brought back to Ireland from the Crusades – the ‘Stone of Ezel’ behind which David hid on Jonathan’s advice when he fled from his enemy, Saul. A few claim it was the stone that gushed water when struck by Moses.
Some say it was Jacob’s Pillow, brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah. Here it became the Lia Fail or ‘Fatal Stone’, used as an oracular throne of Irish kings – a kind of Harry Potter-like ‘sorting hat’ for kings. It was also said to be the deathbed pillow of St Columba on the island of Iona. Legend says it was then removed to mainland Scotland, where it served as the prophetic power of royal succession, the Stone of Destiny. When Cormac MacCarthy, King of Munster, sent five thousand men to support Robert the Bruce in his defeat of the English at Bannockburn in 1314, a portion of the historic Stone was given by the Scots in gratitude – and returned to Ireland. Others say it may be a stone brought back to Ireland from the Crusades – the ‘Stone of Ezel’ behind which David hid on Jonathan’s advice when he fled from his enemy, Saul. A few claim it was the stone that gushed water when struck by Moses.
Rock of Cashel
A spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. Rising 200 feet above the surrounding plain, Patrick's Rock is associated in legend with Saint Patrick on a site that was originally the seat of the Kings of Munster. The pictured Cross of St Patrick is known as a Latin cross. Originally the cross had two stone supports for the arms, of which only one now remains. The base which was thought to be used as an inauguration stone for the local kings.
Dublin
Giant's Causeway
The Giant's Causeway is an epic sight, with a whopping 40,000 or so hexagonal-shaped pillars, which dates back to a volcanic age almost 60 million years ago. The star of the show is Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) – an Irish giant who picked a fight with Scottish big man Benandonner. Legend has it that the giants loathed each other. And so one day after enduring insults from Benandonner, Fionn built a path to use as stepping-stones to reach Scotland, which was then ripped up by Benandonner. The result was the Giant’s Causeway.
Belfast & Northern Ireland
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, from its position on the Castle Rock. Take an evening walk along Princes Street to visit the spire like Victorian memorial in honor of the writer Sir Walter Scott and to see the Castle by night. The castle is home to the Crown, sceptre, and sword of state – the oldest crown jewels in the British Isles. Also the Stone of Destiny, for centuries the kings of Scotland were enthroned upon this enigmatic stone, and it resides under the Throne used for all Coronations of British monarchs to this day. Outside the Castle, the world famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an annual global gathering showcasing the talents of musicians and performers from around the world.
The Royal Mile runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, perched high on a base of volcanic rock, with the splendorous Palace of Holyroodhouse, resting in the shadow of Arthur's Seat. The Scottish Parliament Building is the home of the Scottish Parliament and it is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile across from Holyroodhouse. Members of the Scottish Parliament held their first debate in the new building on 7 September 2004 and locals had dubbed it the ugliest building in Scotland.
My birthday is June 18th, so Waterloo Day has always had a special place in my heart. Napoleon's Standard was captured by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards during the battle and it is still displayed at the Castle today.
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The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. According to medieval legend, the Abbey was founded in 1128 by David I of Scotland after seeing a vision of a stag. When James IV built the first royal palace in 1503 the gardens were the setting for tournaments, hunting, hawking and archery. The fountain in the forecourt is a 19th-century replica of the 16th-century fountain at Linlithgow Palace.
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Enjoy an evening out at a Pub or with Sherlock Holmes!