The Dun Na Si Heritage Park in Athlone, Ireland is a beautiful park with walking trails and fun activities. The park is a nature lovers' paradise with easy spotting of local flora and fauna. The park also has playgrounds to entertain young kids, as well as a stroll around, will lead you to some of the age-old cottages and stone buildings, leaving you enthralled and in the wonder of how things would have been back then.
Located in Offaly County, the Monastery of Clonmacnoise dates back to as early as the 6th Century. At this time, this monastery was built of wooden structures. The present monastery dates back to the 12th Century when the existing monastery was replaced. This abbey is made from stone and boasts of Romanesque architectural elements. This historic abbey features multiple temples, crosses, a tower and a cathedral. Due to its periodic built, this abbey interests many history and culture enthusiasts and provides guided tours giving knowledge about the rich heritage of the region.
A product of the efforts of hundreds of impassioned citizens, who set out to establish a cultural hub in the town, the Birr Theatre & Arts Centre boasts a legendary status. Having undergone restoration after its state of disrepair, the theater is now a state-of-the-art entertainment venue. Hosting numerous cultural events all year-round, the theater is a prominent hotspot of all things artistic. When in town, one must head to the Birr Theatre & Arts Centre to witness a theatrical creation in the midst of a historic venue.
Sir Lawrence Parsons was offered the spectacular Birr Castle in the year 1620. Ever since, the castle serves as the private residence of the Parsons, with the castle gardens and grounds remaining accessible to the public. Occupying the sprawling expanse here is Ireland's Historic Science Centre. The museum showcases the notable works of renowned Irish scientists, especially their contributions in the field of botany and astronomy. A 19th-century telescope called the 'Great Telescope' is a crowd favorite here. The castle welcomes droves of discerning tourists looking to experience the opulence and brilliance on display.
Leviathan of Parsonstown is an impressive 72-foot (1.8 meters) reflecting telescope, built by William Parsons, the third Earl of Rosse. An aspirant of astronomy himself, Parsons managed to build this telescope using a unique mounting technique, which has not been used since. The visual and light-accumulating capabilities of this telescope are what make it a rare and magnificent creation. Leviathan of Parsonstown ranks among the largest reflecting telescopes in the world. Located on the grounds of the Birr Castle, the telescope boasts a legendary status.
Standing tall in the center of the heritage town of Birr is the Cumberland Column. Commemorating the Duke of Cumberland, the column is the first structure of its kind in all of Ireland. This prominent urban landmark dominates the town square with its square pedestal and a towering Doric column. This 18th-century marvel was designed by Samuel Chearnley. The column makes for an unmissable attraction in Birr. When in town, do head to the Cumberland Column for a photo op.
Constructed in the 12th Century by Normans, Redwood Castle remained under Norman occupation till the 14th Century. Redwood Castle exhibits certain architectural elements common to other Irish ramparts built in the same period. It is found on a small hill and was restored by the Egan family. Today, the fortress is the region's biggest tower house to still survive. Visitors can explore the castle and its hidden passageways, staircases and chambers.
A product of the efforts of hundreds of impassioned citizens, who set out to establish a cultural hub in the town, the Birr Theatre & Arts Centre boasts a legendary status. Having undergone restoration after its state of disrepair, the theater is now a state-of-the-art entertainment venue. Hosting numerous cultural events all year-round, the theater is a prominent hotspot of all things artistic. When in town, one must head to the Birr Theatre & Arts Centre to witness a theatrical creation in the midst of a historic venue.
Originally known as the Brusna Distillery, later as Locke's Distillery and at present known as the Kilbeggan Distillery has been the pride of this town in Ireland. This place can be dated back to 1757 when it was started by Mathias McManus, it was then taken over by the Locke family in 1843 but entirely shut down in 1957. After being closed, it was the community of the town that reopened it as a whiskey distillery museum which worked quite well. In due course of time, it was bought by the Cooley Distillery to be reopened to distill whisky and sold as the Kilbeggan and Lockes Whisky. The distillery is open to public and also features a place to dine called the Pantry Restaurant.