Ireland's Spookiest Places to Visit

Steeped in fairytale, mystery and a somewhat bloody history - the Emerald Isle naturally has its fair share of chilling stories, murdered spirits and friendly ghosts. From old castles to deserted prisons, discover the tall tales and eerie spaces of Ireland on your next Irish vacation. Be warned - these spooky places are not for the faint of heart (insert evil laugh):

Kilmainham Goal, Kilmainham, County Dublin: One of the largest unoccupied jails in Europe, covering some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's emergence as a modern nation from 1780s to the 1920s. Attractions include a major exhibition detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration.

St. Michan's Church, Dublin: Underneath the church are five long burial vaults containing the mummified remains of many of Dublin’s most influential 17th, 18th and 19th century families, including the legendary Shears brothers and the highly decorated coffins of the Earl’s of Leitrim. A visit to the crypt to visit these mummies can be quite a chilling experience.

Charles Fort, Kinsale, County Cork: Charles Fort is one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century star-shaped fort, and much of the construction begun in 1678 remains. The fort has two enormous bastions overlooking the estuary, and three facing inland. Within its walls were all the barracks and ancillary facilities to support the fort’s garrison. The fort continued in military use until 1922. The fort is often visited by the "White Lady of Kinsale".

Grand Opera House, Belfast: This hauntingly beautiful opera house opened in Belfast in 1895. Mysterious figures can be seen through the theater. The most famous is a figure in a long, black hooded cloak that is always seen on the stage. The theater is open for performances. Why not take in a show at the spookiest opera house in Ireland?

Ross Castle, County Meath: Ross Castle is known as one of the most haunted places in all of Ireland and even Britain. Several legends and ghost stories are connected with this idyllic castle.

Leap Castle, County Offaly: Legend has Leap Castle haunted by a supernatural entity known as an Elemental. The alleged entity is known as "It".

Malahide Castle, County Dublin: Many castles in Ireland are said to have ghostly inhabitants, but Malahide Castle in Dublin has an impressive five specters that roam its grounds.

Charleville Castle, Tullamore: Located in County Offaly, in the Midlands of Ireland, and bordering the town of Tullamore near the Shannon River, Charleville Castle is situated in Ireland's most ancient primordial oak woods, once the haunting grounds of Ireland's druids.

County Mayo - Awe-inspiring scenery and historical attractions

Get ready for awe-inspiring scenery and a wealth of historical attractions

 

Mayo stands out as one of Ireland’s most scenic counties. But while you may gasp in awe at the craggy coastline that’s been lashed by the powerful Atlantic, make sure to remember that there’s a lot more going on in Mayo in the  West of Ireland.

Ceide Fields are the oldest known field systems in the world (almost 6000 years old), Croagh Patrick is where Ireland's patron saint fasted for 40 days in 441AD, and Achill Island is a stunning spot on the edge of Western Europe bursting with history and awe-inspiring sights.

And if all that wasn’t enough, there’s an abundance of charming villages to visit from beautifully situated Westport to the peaceful town of Cong.

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Golf Ireland's Sunny Southeast

If you enjoy leafy meadowlands and endless golden seaside views, then this it the region of Ireland for you. Classic courses are rightly regarded as among the best in the world and draw golfers from around the globe. Here are a couple of the wonderful courses to play golf in Ireland's southeast:

 

Mount Juliet Golf Club, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Mount Juliet golf course first opened in 1991 with a friendly match between Jack Nicklaus and Christy O'Connor Snr. Since then the course has established itself as a premier venue for top professional and leisure golfers from around the world. Set in a world of its own, on lush parkland in the south east of Ireland, the course is both captivating and memorable. Tiger Woods declared that Mount Juliet presented "perfect fairways...and the best greens to be putter on all year."


Rosslare Golf Club, Rosslare, Co Wexford
Rosslare Golf Links is the hidden gem of Irish links golf courses. Situated in the sunniest part of the country, on the extreme south east coast, it stands on a narrow peninsula with the Irish Sea on one side and the huge expanse of Wexford Harbour on the other.



Away from the course there's plenty to do in Ireland's southeast too. The many beaches provide an excellent opportunity to try sailing or surfing - or to just wile away an hour or two enjoying a peaceful stroll along the pristine coastline.  You can visit the famous Waterford Crystal works near to Waterford city, and see beauty created by hand right before your eyes. There, you can also learn some of the history behind the renowned company, about it's centuries old business and about its distinct techniques. Or visit Kilkenny's bustling city center, Wexford's operas. For anyone with an Irish heritage, the quayside in New Ross will be of interest. There, an exact replica of the Dunbrody, a 19th century three-masted sailing ship, and a state-of-the-art visitor's center will provide plenty of insight into Ireland's emigrant past and its strong links to North America.

Whatever you choose, one thing is for certain; after a few days in Ireland's southeast and you will understand why people from outside of Ireland have been flocking to its shores since the time of the Vikings. Start planning your golf vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Ireland - The West

Head way out West for wild landscapes and a sublime coastline rushing in from the Atlantic

The West of Ireland is an enchanting place filled with wonderfully atmospheric towns and villages, long stretches of stunning coastline, soaring sea cliffs, and craggy countryside that boasts a uniquely desolate beauty and a vibrant cultural heritage rich in tradition.

Encompassing the counties of Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Offaly  and Tipperary, the West gets under your skin like no other place in the world, offering an unparalled experience to all who visit.

The haunting drama of the Donegal landscape includes the enchanting Glenveagh National Park and Castle; Yeats’ County can be viewed from on high with a hike to the table top of Ben Bulben in County Sligo; or you could try a different vantage point with an ocean voyage to the magical Aran Islands in County Galway or Achill Island, County Mayo.

For those with a serious head for heights, nothing rewards more than a stroll along the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, County Clare! A little closer to sea level, picturesque Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon is a haven of tranquility; while the legendary beauty of the majestic River Shannon stretching through the cruising counties of Leitrim, Offaly and Limerick can literally take your breath away.

Serviced by no less than five regional airports, you can hop on a plane to Shannon, Galway, Knock, Donegal and even nearby City of Derry airport to kickstart your holiday! So whether you want to soothe your soul in utter isolation on a remote island or feel the passion at a high-spirited summer festival, the wild and wonderful West has it all.

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County Londonderry - scenic beauty and tranquil countryside

Head to County Londonderry for scenic beauty and tranquil countryside that’s hard to beat

A picturesque county in the north west of  Northern Ireland, Londonderry is famed for its tranquility, scenic beauty, lovely beaches and the lively university town of Coleraine.

Londonderry is one of the longest continuously inhabited counties in Ireland, and for good reason. This pretty county boasts delightful scenery as well as many fascinating sites. A must-see on any visit has to be the breathtaking Mussenden Temple, an awe-inspiring spot perched on the edge of a cliff edge.

If you’re a fan of outdoor living then Londonderry is the place to be with wonderful rivers, lakes, country parks and the wonderful Sperrin Mountains to enjoy.  
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County Tyrone

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Northern Ireland’s largest county

Tyrone is the largest county in  Northern Ireland and one of the most beautiful thanks to the heatherclad Sperrin Mountains. These lush, sparsely populated mountains are another world with endless charm and ever-changing natural tones of yellow gorse and emerald green.  

Omagh, is Tyrone’s largest town and makes a great base for touring the county and visiting the nearby Ulster-American Folk Park, one of the island’s top attractions. 

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County Antrim - Sublime Scenery to Big City Buzz

From sublime scenery to big city buzz, Antrim hits the mark

 Belfast  may grab all the attention, but while the  Northern Ireland capital is now one of the top city break destinations in Europe, with cool boutiques, hip bars and stunning Victorian architecture, there’s a lot more to County Antrim than just the urban buzz of its biggest city.


With one of the most awesome sights in the world – the Giant’s Causeway – an exceptionally beautiful coastline, historic castles and nine sublimely scenic glens, Antrim will win you over with its many charms. 

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Besides Golf - other activities in Ireland

When you come to the Emerald Isle, you could be excused for doing nothing but playing golf. Spending all your time on the fairways, however, would mean that you would miss out on Ireland's diverse range of other activities. Here are just a few of the the activities to take part in while traveling to Ireland:

CYCLE: see the world on two wheels
With its winding streets, friendly locals and temperate climate, Ireland is the perfect country to enjoy by bike. From the fair city of Dublin, where the innovative free bike scheme is the envy of the world and a great way to see the capital, to the scenic routes of Killarney's National PArk and the iconic trails like Sheep's Head - on the wild Atlantic coast - and the Beara Way - from gorgeous Donegal to Bantry - there really is no better way to experience the best that Ireland has to offer.

FISH: world class fishing on river, lake and sea
Ireland is one of the most popular sport fishing destinations in Europe and for good reason, too. The massive variety and quality of fishing, has given the country an enviable reputation. Game and course fishing on Ireland's pristine waterways brings tourists from all over the world, and would make a great addition to any golfing holiday. Likewise, an afternoon spent out at sea might be the icing on the cake of your Irish adventure. The waters are open and free, but sometimes a special permit - easily obtained from the fishing store or local official is required. Conservation lars mean that its always worth checking with someone who has local knowledge.

RIDE: there is nowhere better for it
Known as 'the Land of the Horse' Ireland boasts some of the best riding breaks you could wish for. Whether you are an accomplished rider or are more blessed with enthusiasm than technique, there are mounts and options to suit you. Choose from beach rides where you could gallop down an empty strand, point-to-point treks which will explore the finest local scenery or cross-country routes that will challenge your skills. Whichever you pick, one thing is for sure - you'll end the day on a fresh air high and with a smile on your face.

CRUISE: enjoy the waterways
A relaxing cruise on Ireland's rivers and lakes offers a fresh, often-missed perspecitive on the beautiful Irish landscape. Here, you can enjoy every class of sailing, yachting, cruising, narrow boating and rowing. Especially popular with Irish tourists is river cruising, where on the Shannon, for example, you can enjoy a holkiday like no other. Occasionally, it's even possible to cruise right up to the golf course for your round!

HIKE: experience Ireland on foot
Whether you're on for a quick amble or a long day's hiking, Ireland has the route for you. Choose from short looped walks, multi-day, national way-marked trails or strolls through national parks and forests. There are options to suit all levels of walker. From those who seek everything from a short outing with a guide to those who want to take off for a week-long walking safari. Imagine taking carefree to the hills every day!

TOUR: explorations of Irish culture
From the historic streets of cities like Galway, Cork, Dublin, Kilkenny and Belfast to the lesser-known haunts of Ireland's literary superstars, a walking tour can be a rewarding and revealing experience. With some local knowledge and a gift for talking, an Irish tour guide can explain and expand on Ireland's rich history and cultural heritage like no book can and their stories and fun facts will live long in the memory.

Ireland is a perfect destination for your active vacation! Let Celtic Tours World Vacations plan your next trip to Ireland.

County Fermanagh

Take to the water in Northern Ireland’s very own lakelands county

The silent waters of the Fermanagh Lakelands have a romantic beauty that has captivated generation after generation of visitors. Tranquil, glassy and utterly beautiful, Lough Erne and the surrounding lakes are Fermanagh’s star attraction, but the flat green patchwork of fields that makes up much of the county’s countryside equally deserves a look.

With forests, beautiful vistas, old country houses, excellent restaurants, intriguing caves, castles and canoeing, Fermanagh is one of  Northern Ireland’s best-kept secrets.

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County Armagh

Explore Ireland’s oldest city in the heart of Northern Ireland’s Orchard County

In the historic county of Armagh in Northern Ireland lie some of Ireland’s most fascinating sights. The ancient capital of Ulster, Armagh is also know as the City of St Patrick, and was the birthplace of Brian Boru as well as being the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland.

Modern Armagh now offers the visitor a whole host of attractions from historical sites to lively pubs. Step beyond the city and you’ll enter into Orchard County – a fantastic area filled with acres and acres of apple trees, which blossom a spectacular shade of pink.

County Armagh is also packed with National Trust properties, kids’ attractions, museums, country parks and cultural events.

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2013 Sporting Events in Ireland

From wold class horse racing to the biggest and best cultural festivals and concerts, there is never a shortage of excitement in Ireland. Here are a couple of the upcoming sporting events taking place throughout Ireland this Fall. Why not plan your travel to Ireland to include one of these amazing events?

All Ireland Hurling Final
September 8, Croke Park, Dublin
The GAA Hurling Championships commences in May with matches taking place around the four provinces of Ireland. Hurling is one of the world's oldest and fastest games, and the different countries will take part, showcasing amazing skill and courage. The tournament culminate with the exciting All-Ireland final being staged in Dublin at the GAA's national stadium, Croke Park, on Sunday, September 8.

All Ireland Football Final
September 22, Dublin, Croke Park
The GAA Football Championship starts in May, with matches being played around Ireland. Counties progress from the four Provincial Championships through to the All-Ireland Championship. The tournament culminates in the thrilling All-Ireland Final, which is held in Croke Park on Sunday, September 22.

Dublin City Marathon
October 28, Dublin
This will be the 34th year of the Dublin Marathon, which is run through the historic Georgian Streets of Dublin, Ireland's largest and capital city. Dublin is home to a quarted of the country's almost four million people. Dublin is only an hour by air from most UK and European cities, and more than half of the expected entry of 10,000 will be made up of overseas runners, many of whole will be returning to sample Irish Hospitality once more.

Autumn International Series
November, Dublin, Aviva Stadium
The end of year rugby union tests, known as Autumn Internationals, are a series of rugby union union test matches that are contested each year - usually November. Teams from the Six Nations Championship play against the competitors in The Rugby Championship; second-tier teams, such as those from North American and Pacific countries, also participate. Each side typically plays three of four Test matches and may choose to play games against provincial or "A" teams. In 2013, Ireland will play host to rugby 'giants' New Zealand and Australia.

Rugby League World Cup

November 9, Thomond Park, Limerick
Ireland v Australia in the Rugby League World Cup 2013. Its your chance to be in attendance at a world cup rugby event. Be there to experience the magic of this game in Thomond Park Stadium.

Leopardstown Christmas FestivalDecember 26, Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin
When its time to escape the turkey sandwiches, the Leopardstown Christmas Festival offers an exhilarating day out for sporting fans, socialities and is the big Christmas catch up for friends and family. The racing is top rate, with 6 Grade one races over the four-days.

Travel to Ireland this Fall. Take part in one of these amazing sporting events for a once in a lifetime vacation experience. Travel with Celtic Tours World Vacaitons

County Carlow Basks in History

With a great location in the sunny South East, Carlow basks in rich history

Carlow, Ireland’s second smallest county, is a glistening jewel in the heart of the sunny  South East.
The rich pasturelands, green countryside, colourful mountains and tranquil River Barrow lend a scenic air to a county that is stepped in pre-Celtic heritage. Whether you long to let your imagination run wild over ancient dolmens, or you dream of gliding peacefully along deserted riverways on your very own barge, Carlow is an inspirational destination.

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Kilkenny - Vibrant & Flourishing

Take a trip to Ireland’s top crafts county and have a few laughs while you’re at it!

A vibrant, flourishing city with a fascinating medieval history and a thriving crafts industry, Kilkenny is one of the  south east of Ireland’s most appealing places to visit.

With an 800-year-old Norman castle looking over the ancient streets, Kilkenny has transformed itself into a hip cosmopolitan destination with a diverse range of restaurants, lively pubs and bars.

The city also hosts one of the world’s top comedy festivals, The Cat Laughs Comedy Festivals, with acts from all over the globe offering excellent entertainment.

For a quieter pace of life, head out into the unspoiled surrounding countryside where you’ll be lulled into submission by the tranquil River Nore and beautiful forest parks.

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Visit the Picturesque South of Ireland

Discover food as fresh as the air in the picturesque South of Ireland. Famed for its relaxed pace of life and outstanding natural beauty, the South offers endless opportunities for exceptional landscapes and mouthwatering gourmet delights.

The picturesque South of Ireland is famed for its relaxed pace of life and outstanding natural beauty. Encompassing the counties of Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, the South promises a wealth of variety whether you want to chow down on delectable local dishes, tee off on a lush coastal links or take some precious pampering time in a world-renowned spa.

The south is fast gaining a reputation as Ireland’s top gourmet spot. And with Farmers’ Markets  popping up all over the area, you should keep your eyes peeled for foods that have a well-deserved reputation for excellence, such as soda breads, smokehouse specialities, mouthwatering cheeses and an abundance of fresh fish and seafood!

Each county offers up its own special magic. For pure indulgence, Kerry boasts a wealth of incredible spas; Cork replenishes the body with a plethora of critically acclaimed restaurants; while Waterford and Wexford are celebrated for their sun-warmed beaches and adorable coastal villages.

Inland lie the vibrant counties of Kilkenny, Tipperary and Carlow with their ancient heritage, endless festivals, cracking pubs and peaceful riverways. Tipperary, in particular, rings out the land of the horse, as this is the soil where many of our racing thoroughbreds first found their feet!

Ridiculously easy to get to by air or sea, throughout the South, you’ll be thrilled with endless opportunities for sightseeing, exceptional landscapes, great shopping, and some real gourmet delights, of course!

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Kildare - From high-flying horse racing to world-class golf

From high-flying horse racing to world-class golf

Famed internationally for being Ireland’s horse country, Kildare is much more than just a centre for all things equine.

The county may be home to the National Stud, Punchestown Racecourse and The Curragh, but this beautifully rural spot also has excellent angling and golfing facilities as well as a wonderful selection of opulent country house hotels.

Predominantly rural, Kildare is a beautifully quiet and understated county, with tranquil expanses of green, rich peatlands, misty forests and pretty waterways. And dotted amongst this soft rural idyll are truly beautiful sights, such as the Japanese Gardens at the National Stud, Larchill Arcadian Gardens and the majestic Russborough House.

All this, and you’re only 25 miles from the city centre of  Dublin!

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County Wexford - Charm & Beauty

You’ll quickly warm to the charm and beauty of sunny Wexford

From the sun-warmed beaches and pretty coastal villages of Courtown, Curracloe and Duncannon to the tranquil beauty of the John F Kennedy Arboretum, Wexford flows along on a chilled-out vibe.
There’s nothing too hurried, nothing too hectic in this laid-back corner of Ireland’s sunny  south east, but instead the county is blessed with lots of cosy picturesque villages, a wide range of birdlife, fascinating castles, abbeys and country houses and, of course, the oldest operational lighthouse in the world at Hook Head.   

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Discover the Magic of County Cork

Discover the magic of County Cork where you can dine out on exquisite cuisine, release your adrenaline along its glorious coastline or soak up the rugged beauty of its awe-inspiring landscapes

Located on the South West Coast of Ireland, Cork is the largest of all Irish counties and to many the most varied. Steeped in over 4,000 years of history, Cork today offers its visitors a rich and distinctive cultural heritage. Cork is a region full of colour and contrasts, which includes some of Ireland’s most attractive and vivid landscapes.

From the bustling, friendly streets of Cork City, to the rugged beauty of West Cork, the tranquillity and enchantment of North Cork and the holiday atmosphere of East Cork, the county is a land of diversity waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

Come and live the experience, County Cork offers a full range of holiday options for all interests, with numerous places to visit, many sporting and leisure activities to play or watch and a host of festivals and events to savour and remember forever.

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Waterford - Sublime Scenery

Great beaches, pretty villages and sublime scenery make Waterford a top choice

Waterford might be renowned the world-over for its exquisite crystal, but there’s a lot more to this county than just cut glass. With an ideal mix of mountain, beaches and urban excitement, Waterford is a county unlike any other in Ireland.

Its superb position on Ireland’s sunny  south east coast means that beaches are a real highlight in Waterford, with clear pristine waters and spectacular surroundings.  

Many of Waterford’s prettiest villages sit perched on the edge of beautiful bays, while the towns of Lismore, Cappoquin and Ballymacarbry are nestled into quiet, tranquil Nire Valley. 

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Galway - a Rugged Wonderland

Take a trip into the rugged wonderland of County Galway for an experience of a lifetime

A remarkable county with a truly unique atmosphere, Galway in the  West of Ireland gets under your skin like no other place in the world.

Dramatic, haunting and utterly wild, the craggy countryside at times looks unforgiving, at times rich with bursts of colour and dotted with tranquil, picture perfect lakes.

The Gaeltacht area of County Galway offers an authentic insight into life through the Irish language, and the Aran Islands have a breathtaking beauty and an island atmosphere of their own.

On top of all this, Galway’s got great beaches, soaring mountains, lovely villages, fabulous pubs and some of the friendliest people in Ireland. Take a closer look to discover more…

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Giant's Causeway

Marvel at the wonders of nature at the Giant's Causeway in North Antrim. No trip to Northern Ireland would be complete with a stop to Northern Ireland's most popular tourist attraction. The Giant's Causeway is known for its hexagonal shaped basalt columns formed by intense volcanic activity formed in the area some 50 to 60 million years ago.

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