By: Jessica Bomberg, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
History nerds make excellent travel agents. Who else would you want planning your trip to a place like Ireland?
On my recent visit to Ireland with Sceptre Vacations and 20 other travel agents, I got to visit a few of Ireland’s more than 3,000 castles. Some are ones you’ve likely heard of and some were off the beaten path.
If you’ve heard of Robin Hood, you’ve heard of King John. But you might not know that King John’s Castle is located in Limerick, Ireland and has stood the tests of time since the thirteenth century. The castle overlooks the River Shannon and allowed Limerick to prosper through the 16th century. But during the 17th century, 5 sieges were laid on the walls of the castle (and notably underneath.) Today the castle stands as an amazing testament to medieval architecture and fortitude. And the views from the tower are amazing.
Birr Castle in Birr, Ireland is still the permanent residence of the 7th Earl and a Countess of Rosse. For this reason, the castle is only open for tours in the summer when the family resides elsewhere. But the gardens and science center are open for tours year round. Yes, I said science center. While a castle has stood on the grounds since the 12th century, the current family movies in in 1620. In 1845, the 3rd Earl of Rosse built the Leviathan Telescope, the largest on Earth, on the castle grounds and attracted scientific visitors from all over the world. But my favorite story is of the 3rd Countess of Rosse, Mary, who built her own dark room that is on display in the science center. Mary was as much a scientist as her male family members.
We only got to see the Rock of Cashel from the road but it’s imposing structure was still impressive. The Rock is k own as the birthplace of Christianity in Ireland; where St. Patrick baptized the King of Munster in the 5th century. But most of the standing structure dates to the 12th and 13th centuries after the Rock was donated to the church. I highly recommend touring the Rock of Cashel and the art houses within during your trip to Ireland.
We made a quick stop at Ross Castle on Lough Leane in Killarney National Park - mostly for the photo opportunities. This tower house and keep was built in the 15th century by Clan O'Donoghue. There is some amazing history associated with castle. For that and the scenery it’s a must-do on any tour of Ireland.
Not a castle but we can even combine history with beer in Ireland! Smithwick’s is the oldest continuously operated brewery in Ireland - since 1710! The Smithwick experience takes you back in time with talking portraits of the family behind the beer so you can hear their story straight from the source.
Ireland is open and ready to welcome you! Contact your travel agent or reach out to contactus@marvelousmousetravels.com to book your trip to Ireland.
