Castles, churches and cathedrals

Castles

Ireland has some of the most ancient cathedrals, churches and castles in the world and examples can be seen throughout the country. The structures themselves trace the often violent parts of the country's history, from the invasion of the Normans in the 11th century to hundreds of years of British occupation, lasting right up to the early 20th century. Here are some of the must sees when experiencing historical Ireland.

Castles not to miss

Blarney Castle, Cork:

Built by the King of Munster, Cormac MacCarthy, who was one of Ireland's greatest chieftains nearly six hundred years ago. The most famous attraction at this site certainly has to be the Blarney Stone on the battlements that, when kissed, is said to give you the gift of eloquence, more commonly known as 'the gift of the gab'.

Ballyhack Castle, Waterford:

Thought to date back as far as the middle of the fifteenth century, Ballyhack Castle was built by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John which was one of the great military orders founded at the time of the Crusades.

Bunratty Castle, Clare:

Bunratty Castle is undoubtedly one of the more impressive sites to visit and dates back to around 1450. It served as the stronghold of the O'Brien Clan, High Kings of Munster and later Earls of Thomond who ruled the region. Bunratty was restored to its former glory in 1954, furnished with a marvelous collection of 15th and 16th Century hand carved furnishings and tapestries. Bunratty Castle is famous for its medieval banquets, held twice nightly all year round.

Desmond Castle, Cork:

Built as a custom house by the Earl of Desmond at the beginning of the 16th century, Desmond Castle has a colourful history, which includes its use during the Spanish occupation in 1601 as a prison for captured American sailors during the American War of Independence. It is known locally as 'The French Prison'; after a tragic fire in which 54 prisoners, mainly French seamen, died in 1747. The Castle was also used as a borough jail from 1791 to the onset of the Great Famine when it was used as an auxiliary workhouse tending to the starving populace. The International Museum of Wine opened in Desmond Castle in 1997. It features an exhibition which documents the intriguing story of Ireland's wine links with Europe and the wider world from the early modern period to the present day. Access to the site is by stone stairway.

Donegal Castle, Donegal:

The 17th Century ruins of Donegal Castle were once the seat of power of the O'Donnell Chieftains. Standing on a rocky outcrop in the centre of Donegal Town, the castle is linked to the powerful dynasties of Ulster and is a fine surviving example of a Scots Planter fortified home. It was once the principle residence of the O'Donnells - one of the leading Gaelic Clans who trace their ancestry back to Niall of the Nine Hostages of the 5th Century. With this as their centre of power the O'Donnells ruled the area of Tir Connell, much of Donegal and were renowned mariners and fishermen. However, following their defeat in the Battle of Kinsale by the English in the early 17th Century, the O'Donnells left Ireland along with the O'Neills and other Gaelic chiefs, in what is known as 'the Flight of the Earls'.

Donegal Castle was then granted to an English Captain, Basil Brooke, who rebuilt the previous medieval castle into a more comfortable residence in the 17th Century style with a fortified tower, Jacobean Manor house and curtain wall. However the Brookes weren't to stay for long and after Cromwell's rout of Ireland the castle was left to fall into ruin. The Tower House of the castle has been carefully restored to its former glory.

Dublin Castle, Dublin:

Originally built in the 13th century on a site previously settled by the Vikings, Dublin Castle functioned as a military fortress, prison, treasury, law court and the seat of the English Administration in Ireland for 700 years. Rebuilt in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, Dublin Castle is now used for important State receptions and Presidential inagurations. It is also home to the Chester Beatty Library that holds one of the most impressive collections of Eastern art in the world.

Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny:

Built in the 12th century and set in extensive parkland, and remodelled in Victorian times, Kilkenny Castle was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. Due to major restoration works, the central block now includes a library, drawing room, and bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendour as well as the beautiful Long Gallery. The old kitchen operates as a tea room during the summer. A suite of former servants' rooms is the Butler Art Gallery, that mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art.

King John's Castle, Limerick:

This 12th Century castle was built by King John of England between 1200 and 1210 during the first Norman conquest of Ireland. A magnificent sight of solid curtain walls, bold drum towers and a strong turreted gateway, King John's Castle acted as a base from which to subdue the Gaelic Chieftains of the West. For centuries the castle dominated the Limerick area and continued to grow as a trade centre throughout the Middle Ages. During the Williamite Wars of the 17th Century, Limerick and King John's Castle served as a stronghold for Jacobite forces supporting king James II of England and played a lead role in the Siege of Limerick in 1691.

Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin:

The date of the foundation of the Castle is uncertain, but recent research would suggest 1583 as the most likely date. It was built by Adam Loftus, a Yorkshireman. The Castle has a colourful and interesting history with 18th century interiors by Sir William Chambers and James 'Athenian' Stuart and was declared a National Monument in the mid-1980s.

Churches and Cathedrals:

St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin:

Said to have been the site of St. Patrick's conversion and baptism in the 5th century, St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin is one of the finest examples of English Gothic architecture in Ireland. The Cathedral is also the largest one in the country and is famous for a few reasons: The first recital of Handel's Messiah was delivered here, and it is also the burial place of the satirist and author of Gulliver's Travels, Jonathan Swift, who was Dean of the Cathedral between 1713 and 1745. The present structure dates back as far as 1220.

Christchurch, Dublin:

Christchurch Cathedral in the centre of Dublin City is particularly striking due to its gothic buttresses and bridge that spans across an entire street. Originally dating back to 1038 and the time of the time of the Vikings, the cathedral has been remodelled many times leaving the crypt as the only remaining part of the original structure. The crypt incidentally, is the largest medieval crypt in both Britain and Ireland, spanning the entire length of the bulding.

Saint Colman's Cathedral, Cobh, Cork:

For visitors looking for the wow factor, St. Colman's Cathedral is a wonderful example of Neo-French Gothic architecture and looks over the stunning scenery of Cobh harbour. The structure was erected between 1859 and 1919 and boasts dramatic features such as rose windows, high pointed arches and gargoyles. The Italian Chapel is also a must see with its beautiful marble finishings and marble floor.

St.Michan's Church, Dublin :

Named after a Danish Bishop, St. Michan's church is built on the site of an 11th century Viking church and is definitely one of the more dramatic places to see. The present structure dates back to 1689. The interior of the church holds some rather famous secrets, including the oldest organ still in use today, dating to 1724 and is thought to have been the very organ played by G.F Handel when composing his famous Messiah. There is also a very beautiful and elaborate wooden carving above the choir depicting various fruits and musical instruments in high relief. The church is also thought to house the unmarked grave of Robert Emmet, a United Irishman who led the (unsuccessful) Rising in 1803.

These are, however, not the main attractions, believe it or not, and visiting St. Michan's is not for the faint of heart as deep in the vaults lie many preserved bodies, complete with skin and hair. The reason for this disturbing lack of decomposition is due to the magnesian limestone walls of the church that create an incredibly dry atmosphere and so helped to preserve these bodies, among which lies an ancient crusader cut in half in order to fit the coffin. It is also believed that the vaults hold the bodies of John and Henry Sheares, brothers and leaders of the 1798 Rebellion.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Whitefriar's Street, Dublin:

Better known for housing the relics of St. Valentine, this rather beautiful Carmelite Church also holds the relics of the 14th century saint St. Albert of Sicily, that are dipped in water on his feast day in order to harvest what are believed to be miraculous healing powers. The church was designed by George Papworth, who was also responsible for designing St. Mary's Protestant Cathedral in Dublin. Another attraction in the church's interior not to be missed is a articularly striking medieval oak statue of Our Lady of Dublin.

St. Kevin's Kitchen, Glendalough, Wicklow:

Glendalough, meaning 'glen of the two lakes', is one of the most important early Christian sites in Ireland and was home to an ancient monastery founded by the 6th century abbot St. Kevin. His patience and still meditation was said to have been so great that birds were actually able to mate on his outstretched hand. The small church, having gotten its 'kitchen' name from its overall chimney shape is one of the more interesting sites due to its astounding acoustic effect which you can hear as you peer through its metal grated windows.

Gallarus Oratory, Dingle, Kerry:

Like St. Kevin's Kitchen, this tiny unassuming church dates back to very early Christian Ireland between the 6th and 9th century. Gallarus actually derives from the old Irish name 'Seipeilin Ghallarais' which meant the 'little church of the foreigners'. The church then, may actually have been an old pilgrim church and was one of many along a long and arduous route. Jutting out towards the Atlantic ocean, the corbel vaulted structure nestled in a hillside on the very dramatic scenery of the Dingle Peninsula. The oratory was also the subject of a 1969 poem written by Seamus Heaney.