Poulawack Cairn and Ringfort

Poulawack burial cairn was excavated in 1935 and found to contain the remians of 18 people, buried at different times between 3350 BC and 1400 BC. It is about 21 metres in diameter and two and a half metres high, significantly smaller than when it was surveyed by TJ Westropp 100 years ago.

Ringfort — 200 metres east of the cairn is a ruined ringfort. The entrance of a souterrain (underground tunnel) inside the fort is still visible

The souterrain entrance outside the fort

September 17, 2014September 17, 2014

Magh Adhair

Magh Adhair, near Quin, Co Clare

The inaugural mound of the Kings of the Dal gCais, including Brian Boru, later the first High King of Ireland. The mound is in the centre of a large, natural amphitheatre, and is reputed to be the burial place of Adhar, brother of Aengus of Dun Aengus (on the Aran Islands).

Section of the fosse, up to the causeway

The causeway, on the western side of the mound

basin stone — Basin stone to the north of the mound. It has been suggested that as part of the ritual, the new king would wash himself with sacred water from the basin

Pillar stone on the other side of the Hell river, located directly across from the causeway

September 17, 2014September 17, 2014

Nenagh Castle

Nenagh Castle, Co Tipperary

Nenagh castle, the finest example of a cylindrical keep in the country, was built around 1200 AD by Theobald Fitzwalter, who came over with first Anglo-Norman invasion.

The upper windows and crenellations were added in the 19th century

Tie stones show where the curtain wall ran from the west side of the tower

Looking down on the ruins of the southern gatehouse and tower

The keep with the gatehouse in the background

September 17, 2014September 17, 2014

Hag’s Head

Hag’s Head, The Cliffs of Moher

Stunning scenery, probably the most spectacular stretch of coastline in the country – but best avoided in the windy weather!

A Napoleonic watch tower, built in 1803, close to the site of a 1st-century BC fort (long since disappeared)

Looking from Hag's Head across to Doolin — Looking from Hag’s Head across to Doolin

The curious rock formation from which Hag's Head gets it's name — The curious rock formation from which Hag’s Head gets it’s name

The cliffs rise up to 700 feet above sea level

September 17, 2014September 17, 2014

Killilagh Church

Killilagh Church, Doolin, Co Clare

Dating from c.1500, the roof of the church was set on fire by Cromwellian soldiers while mass was being said inside.

West Gable — The west gable, with a small square-topped bell chamber and window

The empty Macnamara tomb, which served as a temporary “jail” during the War of Independence

September 17, 2014September 17, 2014

Oughtmama

Oughtmama,The Burren, Co Clare

An ancient monastic settlement, originally founded by St Colman Mac Duagh. The largely 12th century ruins are situated in a fertile valley among the spectacular limestone hills of the Burren.