Carlow County Museum - a Snapshot of Ireland's History and Heritage

From ancient archeological treasures and industrial history to notable personalities, transportation and sporting memorabilia; Carlow County Museum is a treasure trove for the history buff, genealogical researcher and tourist alike.

With over 5000 artifacts, the Museum's collection spans a wide range of periods and  topics including natural history specimens, stone and bronze age archaeological objects, coins, medals, stamps, religious objects, military and police artifacts and memorabilia, agricultural implements, trade, craft and industrial items, sporting memorabilia and a large collection of photographs and archival material. Just over an hour outside of Dublin city, the Carlow County Museum gives a snapshot of the wonderful history and heritage of the county.

Among the items on display is the famous and magnificent 19th century hand carved pulpit from Carlow Cathedral. The pulpit has been included in the book ‘A History of Ireland in 100 Objects’ by Fintan O’Toole, winner of the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards 2013 ‘Best Irish-published Book of the Year’. The pulpit is over 20ft tall and is made entirely of oak. Also on view is the original gallows trapdoor from the Carlow Gaol which was used during the 19th century for public executions. See the wooden smoking pipe of Captain Myles Keogh, who was killed at the infamous Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876. Myles was among the last to be killed in the battle and his horse Comanche survived the battle. Find out about the great 19th century scientist John Tyndall who was the first person to discover the greenhouse effect and has a peak in the Alps named after him. The Museum is home to the remains of the last cigarette smoked by Kevin Barry, a medical student from Co. Carlow was executed in 1920 in Mountjoy Gaol, Dublin at the age of 18 for his role in the Irish War of Independence.

Carlow County Museum is located in the former Presentation Convent on College Street, just off Tullow Street, the main street of Carlow Town. The building is part of a complex that also houses the Tourist Office, the County Library and Archive.

Visit Carlow County Museum and see what you are missing, admission is free. Start planning your self-drive tour of Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations!

Carlow County Museum & Carlow Tourist Office,
College Street,
Carlow Town,
Co. Carlow,
Ireland 

GPS coordinates: 52.836559, -6.928314

Tel:        00353 – 59 - 9131554
Fax:        00353 - 59 - 9142249
Email:        museum@carlowcoco.ie
Web:         www.carlowcountymuseum.com

Museum Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday 10.00am - 4.30pm September to May
Monday - Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm June - August
Sundays & Banks Holidays 2.00pm - 4.30pm June – August
Free Admission. (Last admission half hour before closing)
For groups pre-book a Free Guided Tour (10 people +)
Wheelchair Access.

Discover the History - Experiences to Savor on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Out at the very edge of Europe, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches 1500 miles along Ireland's western seaboard. From Malin Head in Co Donegal to Kinsale in Co Cork, through regions like Connemara, Galway Bay and Kerry, it's the longest defined coastal drive in the world!

Here is just one of the experiences to savor on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way:

Discover the history of hard lives lived on the Atlantic's Edge: by visiting the Coppoer Mining Museum and following the waymarked walking trail around the tiny village of Allihies, right on the edge of the Beara Peninsula. It's hard to believe that 1500 people lived in this remote and tranquil spot in the mid 19th century, when copper mining was at its peak. The Museum - housed in a chapel built by Cornish miners in 1845 - has a cafe with delicious home bakes, and stunning views along the rugged coast.

Travel to Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Cecilienhof Palace - a Piece of History

Cecilienhof Palace is the perfect blend of museum, brewery and inn for the history buffs traveling through Germany. Located in Potsdam, Germany; the castle grounds are picturesquely nestled in the "Neuer Garten" park landscape close to the "Jungfernsee" lake.

Cecilienhof was the last palace built by the Hohenzollern family that ruled Prussia and Germany until 1918. But this UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known as the location of the Potsdam Conference. Churchill, Truman and Stalin wrote world history in the venerable halls of Cecilienhof Palace, and discussed how to partition Germany.

Visit the thought-provoking museum and mosey through the beautiful garden then pop into the brewery pub for a drink and a bite to eat. History buffs and Germany travelers will find a rewarding experience at Cecilienhof Palace in Potsdam, Germany. Travel to Germany with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

History of Tea in Britain

Each day in Britain approximately 165 million cups of tea are drunk but how many people know the origins of the tea in their teabag? Tea is so integral to our routine that we might never stop to think about how a unique plant from faraway China became the nation´s favorite drink! We can trace its fascinating story from the earliest times in Imperial China right up to its present place at the heart of British life.

The history of tea in Britain has rather exotic beginnings in China and the Far East. There are various legends surrounding the origins of tea. Perhaps the most famous is the Chinese story of Shen Nung, the emperor and renowned herbalist, who was boiling his drinking water when leaves from a nearby tea shrub blew into the cauldron. He tasted the resulting brew, and the beverage of tea was born.
Tea first became established in Britain because of the influence of a foreign princess, Catherine of Braganza, the queen of Charles II. A lover of tea since her childhood in Portugal, she brought tea-drinking to the English royal court, and set a trend for the beverage among the aristocracy of England in the seventeenth century.

The fashion soon spread beyond these elite circles to the middle classes, and it became a popular drink at the London coffee houses where wealthy men met to do business and discuss the events of the day. But the tea that was being drunk in those seventeenth century coffee houses would probably be considered undrinkable now.

The first tea shop for ladies was opened by Thomas Twining in 1717 where tea is still served today. Slowly tea shops began to appear throughout England making the drinking of teas available to everyone. The British further developed their love of teas during the years of the British Empire in India.

Today tea is enjoyed throughout Britain. Be sure to relax with a cup of tea on your next vacation to Britain with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

WOW! World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum

Be blown away by this amazing museum that celebrates two distinctly different passions! The World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum is an iconic visitor attraction in Nelson, New Zealand. TripAdvisor ranked #1 of 16 attractions in Nelson, New Zealand this museum is not to be missed. Amazing works of wearable art from the WOW Awards show are displayed alongside a world class collection of rare and classic cars. The Museum also includes a Cafe, a Museum Shop and Reflections Art Gallery. It offers something for everyone!


The WearableArt Gallery is a magical experience intermingling the use of superb music, specially sequenced lighting and a cleverly introduced element of movement. Here you can truly experience the intricate detailing of these incredible creations up close. All garments on display have preformed on stage.

The Classic Cars Gallery is an eclectic mix of some of the most sought after models in Classic Motoring. The exhibition is reflective of the changing times, trends, technology and events as seen through the evolution of the car. The cars tell an important story as the represent the spectrum of automotive history, design and craftmanship. The car collection represents years of passionate sourcing from around the world and New Zealand and is one of Australasia's largest private collections.

Located in the heart of the museum is the Reflections Art Gallery, exhibiting contemporary work by New Zealand artists. Exhibits change regularly and all art work is for sale.

Enjoy a cup of superb locally roasted coffee in the cafe or by the museum's tranquil pool. Don't forget to visit the museum's shop for a creative selection of jewelery, books and more.

The World of WearableArt and Classic Cars museum offers a mind blowing experience year round between 10am and 5 pm.

Visit this amazing museum on your next vacation to New Zealand with Celtic Tours World Vacations

4 Amazing Tasmania Experiences in Hobart

Founded in 1804 as a penal colony, Hobart is steeped in a rich and colorful history and is a fantastic destination for a variety of tours, attractions and activities.

A rich colonial heritage and natural charms make the capital city of Tasmania a very interesting place to visit not to mention the world heritage wilderness areas, diverse landscapes and amazing wildlife found along the wild Tasmania coast. Hobart boasts a thriving arts and entertainment scene, along with a thriving culinary scene.

Here are just a few of the amazing experiences to be had in Hobart, Tasmania:

 
Meet the Maker TourTour Lark Distillery, Wicked Cheese and Barilla Bay Oysters. Learn the production process and sample the delicious products.




 

Tahune AirWalkTravel to the picturesque Huon Valley and get closer to nature during a guided walk amoung the tree tops.

Museum of Old and New ArtCruise the Derwent River and visit the provacative Museum of Old and New Art.

Historic Walking TourThe classic must-do tour, provides a great introduction to Hobart's history & orientation of the city today.


These are just a few of the choices when you travel to Tasmania on one of our Premier Escorted Vacations. Choose Celtic Tours World Vacations for your next vacation to Tasmania

Literary Attractions in Ireland

Celtic Tours trips to Ireland are like stepping into a setting from Maeve Binchy novel. You will experience quaint villages with thatched cottages, soaring peaks of its highest mountains, sea-side towns such as Cobh and cosmopolitan Dublin, Rich in literary history, you will find the birthplace of W.B. Yeats in County Sligo or the setting for James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” considered in the top 100 Best Books of All Time, and don’t forget Frank McCourt’s memoirs of his impoverished childhood in Limerick “Angela’s Ashes”. Dive into Ireland’s rich literary history. Here are just a few of the can’t miss literary attractions in Ireland:

Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Trinity College has played host to several of Ireland’s literary greats from Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde to Jonathan Swift and Bram Stoker. Here you will also find the famous mid-8th century illuminated Book of Kells. The illustrations and ornamentation of the Book of Kells surpass that of other Insular Gospel books in extravagance and complexity.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels was Dean here from 1713 to 1745 and is buried here. You will find an exhibition that tells his fascinating story.

Dublin Writer’s Museum
The Dublin Writer’s Museum is a great place to start your literary tour of Ireland and is an essential visit for anyone who wants to discover, explore and simply enjoy the immense heritage of Dublin. The museum houses splendid works from the literary celebrities of the past 300 years including manuscripts, letters, portraits and personal items.

James Joyce Center
Joyce spent 6 days at the Martello Tower in Sandycove in 1904 – astay that ended in his companion Oliver St. John Gogarty firing a gun. This strange scene is immortalized in the first chapter of Joyce;s Ulysses and the tower now contains a museum dedicated to James Joyce.

National Library of Ireland
The country’s foremost literary attraction, the National Library of Ireland provides an intellectual record of the life of Ireland. The library contains a vast collection of books, manuscripts, records, photographs and maps.

Bram Stoker Park
Just outside of Dublin, in his native Clontarf there is a park dedicated to the Gothic horror writer, Bram Stoker

Patrick Kavanagh Rural and Literary Resource Center
The Center houses exhibitions on local history and on Kavanagh. The special feature of the Patrick Kavanagh Centre is the unique performance tour of Kavanagh Country, which takes in many local sites immortalised by Innishkeen's most famous son, with anecdotes, historical facts, wild rumours and even the odd poem along the way.

Little Lea, Belfast
Little Lea was the Lewis family home from 1905 until 1930. It was here that CS Lewis first took to writing as a hobby in his childhood because of a disability in his thumbs, which meant he could not make things with his hands. He claimed that someone could do more with a castle in a story than with any cardboard castle that ever stood on a nursery table. Few have proved him wrong. The house is now a private residence.

County Sligo
With its many connections to the beloved poet WB Yeats, this county is a pilgrimage destination for Yeats fans. The poet’s writing was shaped by the landscape and people of this farming region.

Limerick City
The setting for Frank McCourt’s impoverished Catholic childhood and the setting for his memoir “Angela’s Ashes”.

With such a distinguished literary history in Dublin and throughout Ireland, it is no wonder that Dublin became a UNESCO City of Literature in 2010. Start your Irish literary pursuit on your next vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Killmallock Walled Town

Kilmallock was one of the most important towns in Munster during the 13th and 14th centuries when town walls, castles, gatehouses and magnificent churches were built. So well built that many still remain for you to visit.

Take in an art exhibition, play, film or show at the Friar's Gate Theater which is also home to the Ballyhoura Heritage Information Center - a must see for the Heritage Enthusiast.

Visit Kilmallock Museum, which reflects local life during the 19th and 20th centuries and houses a model of Kilmallock in medieval times. Ramble around the medieval town at your leisure or enjoy the guided walking tour that departs from Kilmallock Museum.

Kilmallock celebrates its medieval heritage each August with an action packed medieval festival featuring battle re-enactment, medieval fun, markets and concerts.

Visit the medieval walled town of Kilmallock on your next self-drive vacation in Ireland with Celtic Tours

Discover Medieval Ireland's Historic Legends

Step into Ireland’s lively and colorful Medieval past with a medieval themed vacation filled with castle banquet feasts, traditional music and art, spectacular cathedrals, medieval ruins, fully-restored 12th century houses and old world villages – you can even stay in a Medieval Castle and learn about the ancient art of falconry.

Despite violent incursions by the Vikings and the spread of Christianity, medieval Ireland maintained a distinctive identity due to its relative isolation by water. Much of this magical land with its many medieval treasures, were left intact. Today there are a plethora of medieval sites and experiences to be had, here are a couple of the ones that cannot be missed by those wishing to discover Ireland’s medieval legends.

Powerscourt
Powerscourt is one of the most beautiful country estates in Ireland. Situated in the mountains of Wicklow, it was originally an important strategic site for the Anglo-Normans who came to Ireland in the 12th century. By the year 1300 a castle had been built here and was in the possession of the le Poer (Power) family from which it takes its name. The succeeding centuries saw the castle held for different periods by powerful families such as the O'Tooles and the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Kildare.

Irish National Heritage Park
A visit to the Irish National Heritage Park is like no other you can imagine. Surprises await around every turn as you explore 35 acres of this remarkable heritage trail. From campsite to Ringfort, from mill to Fulacht Fiadh, from Crannog to Viking house, every activity is an unexpected adventure into 9000 years. The world you enter is an authentic recreation of Ireland’s heritage. Homesteads, places of ritual, burial modes and long forgotten remains will enlighten the casual visitor and interest the scholar.

Rock of Cashel
Eclipsed in legend, the Rock of Cashel is reputed to be the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century. According to local mythology, the Rock of Cashel originated in the Devil's Bit, a mountain 19 miles north of Cashel when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock's landing in Cashel. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the kings of Munster for hundreds of years prior to the Norman invasion.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Feast your eyes and spirits on St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland. Built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, there has been a church on the site since the 5th century. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland with a 140 foot spire and is one of two Church of Ireland cathedrals.

National Museum of Ireland, Archaeology
The Medieval Ireland exhibition contains three galleries entitled Power, Work and Prayer, reflecting the three-fold division of medieval society - nobles, common people and clergy. The lifestyle of nobles is explored, while surviving arms and armor reflect the distinctive characteristics of warfare in medieval Ireland. The exhibition looks at the different forms of agriculture (pastoral and arable), which were practiced. Finds from urban excavations illustrate Ireland’s import trade and the various crafts and industries operating in towns. The Irish church changed fundamentally in the 12th Century, although many older church traditions survived. The exhibition also looks at religious practice and devotion as well as church furnishings, including a fine selection of late medieval reliquaries: book shrines, bell shrines and crosiers.

Adare, Old World Village
Renowned as Ireland's prettiest village, Adare is a major tourist destination with many tours of Ireland stopping off in Adare. The local heritage centre gives a deep insight into the history of the village and also hosts a number of craft shops and a restaurant. With thatched roof cottages and Tudor style houses, beautiful gardens and ivy clad medieval churches in beautiful surroundings on both sides of the street beside the river Maigue. For those who want to linger and learn more visit the Heritage centre and step back in time.

Trinity College and the Book of Kells
16th Century Trinity College is the home to the greatest surviving product of mid-8th century Irish monks, the illuminated Book of Kells. The illustrations and ornamentation of the Book of Kells surpass that of other Insular Gospel books in extravagance and complexity.

Bunratty Castle Banquet
The most complete and authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland, a colorful folk park and the famous Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquets. This is one tourist attraction you are not going to want to miss! Each night the Ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl of Thomond’s Butler, welcome guests from the four corners of the globe to dine at The Earl’s Banquet at Bunratty Castle. The entertainment provided by the world renowned entertainers is a fitting compliment to a mead reception in the Great Hall of the castle, a four course traditional feast and of course good wine.

Craggaunowen Castle
Craggaunowen Castle, built in 1550, is a fortified tower house located near Sixmilebridge, County Clare, Ireland. It was built by John MacSioda MacNamara, a descendent of Sioda MacNamara, who built Knappogue Castle in 1467. It stands on a crag overlooking the lake in the grounds of Craggaunowen Park, an archaeological open-air museum.

The Ancient Art of Falconry at Ashford Castle
Why not round off your Medieval Vacation with a stay at an authentic 13th century castle? Stay at medieval Ashford Castle, located deep in the heartland of Mayo and set against a spectacular backdrop of forests, lakes and mountains. The stately architecture, surrounded by magnificent gardens makes Ashford Castle, a place where time stands still.

Ireland’s First School of Falconry, at Ashford castle, offers visitors the chance to experience the ancient art of Falconry first hand on a private Hawk Walk. They specialize in lessons using beautiful Harris hawks, but in addition to hawks the school is home to a variety of eagles, owls and falcons. Within minutes of arriving, you will have a hawk on your glove and be setting off to fly your hawk or hawks in the gardens and woodlands surrounding Ashford Castle.

As you travel through the lush green countryside of Ireland, you can imagine the Ireland of centuries gone by: ladies at court, fine feasts, jousting knights and a world where magic was still very much alive. The turbulent history of Ireland with raiders coming from all directions will come alive before your eyes as you learn about historical events, the arts, religion and the multiple facets of life in medieval Ireland. Discover Ireland’s historic legends on a medieval tour of Ireland with Celtic Tours.

With many self-drive vacations to Ireland, let Celtic Tours help plan your medieval vacation to Ireland. Have a group of people that want to experience Medieval Ireland? Try a Celtic Tours group tour of Ireland. We can create a customized Ireland vacation to suit you and your groups needs! Give us a call today 1-800-833-4373 to start planning your group tour today!

Dunbrody Emigrant Ship

Visitors to New Ross, County Wexford will immediately be drawn to the magnificent sight of masts and rigging of the historic emigrant ship Dunbrody towering over the quayside. Dunbrody is a full scale replica of the original ship which was built in 1845 for the Graves family of New Ross which carried thousands of emigrants from Ireland to North America over a period of thirty years, trading extensively all over the world. The ship itself is a beautiful authentic recreation and visitors will experience the sights, smells and sounds of a tall ship crossing the ocean, as well as meeting the captain and crew and encountering emigrants telling their stories.

Dunbrody recalls the romantic age of sailing ships while giving a unique insight into the mass emigration during the Great Famine. Visit the Dunbrody on your next self-drive vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours.

Glamis Castle, Scotland

Childhood home to Queen Elizabeth, ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore for over 600 years, the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Glamis Castle is living monument to Scottish history. Visit Glamis Castle on your Celtic Tours Historic Scotland self-drive vacation.

Glamis Castle is no stranger to royalty. Not only was it the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, it was also visited by other notable royals such as Mary Queen of Scots. Glamis Castle is also home to many a Scottish Legend and Ghost story including one story of how a there is said to be a secret room where a nobleman played cards with the devil himself. Considered to be one of the most haunted castles in Scotland, known for the haunting of “The White Lady” who glides swiftly passed visitors. It is reported that over a 100 people claim to have seen the ghost on one occasion.

Glamis castle as witnessed more than 600 years of history and you will be delighted to hear the many stories, secrets and intriguing tales that surround it. Visit Glamis Castle on your Celtic Tours Historic Scotland self-drive vacation.

Top 10 Attractions in Rome

Discover the history of fallen empires and epic adventures in Rome. With many sites of ancient history and intrigue it can be hard to choose what to see. Here is a list of sites that need no introduction, the top 10 attractions in Rome:

Vatican City
The largest museum complex in the world with over 1400 rooms, the Vatican Museum includes the museum, galleries with 3,000 years of art, the Sistine Chapel, and parts of the papal palace.

Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain is one of the largest Baroque Fountains in Rome, Italy and one of the most famous fountains in the world. This impressive monument dominates the small Trevi square located in the Quirinale district.

Colosseum
Rome’s most famous landmark, the Colosseum is the largest surviving Roman-era amphitheater.

Roman Forum
The heart of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum was the center of political, religious, and commercial life of ancient Rome and provides insight into the splendor that once was the Roman Empire.

Pantheon
Well worth a visit, the Pantheon is the most intact ancient Roman building. It has been in continual use for 2000 years.

Spanish Steps
138 steps climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the church of Trinità dei Monti.

Villa Borghese Gardens
The Villa Borghese Gardens offer a chance to catch your breath after a long day of sightseeing. Offering spectacular views of the city, relaxing fountains, romantic walkways and secret gardens, the Villa Borghese Gardens make the perfect spot for a summer afternoon.

Piazza di Campo de Fiori market
This lively and colorful early morning hotspot is the place to grab yourself the makings of a great picnic lunch and interact with locals.

Capuchin Crypt
This is one place that will give you the shivers, the Capuchin Crypt is several small chapels eerily decorated with the bones of more than 4,000 Capuchin friars.

Palantine Hill
A large open-air museum that was once the place where the powerful and wealthy retreated to build their homes and relax.

Discover Rome with Celtic Tours. We offer visits to Rome on a number of our escorted and independent vacations to Italy including our new Semi-Chauffeured Luxury Tour of the Amalfi Coast and Rome: Enchanting Amalfi Coast & Rome