A national monument (Irish: séadchomhartha náisiúnta) in the Republic of Ireland is a structure or site, the preservation of which has been deemed to be of national importance and therefore worthy of state protection. If the land adjoining the monument is essential to protect it, this land may also be protected.
Ireland is dotted with several impressive ruined Cistercians abbeys like Duiske Abbey, Dunbrody Abbey, Tintern Abbey or Baltinglass Abbey. And Jerpoint Abbey is one of the most intact and most complete Irish Cistercian monasteries with remarkable stone carvings. Jerpoint Abbey is located close to the river Nore, 2.5km from the medieval town of Thomastown in […]
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One of Ireland’s iconic and most beautiful visitors destinations is Glendalough in County Wicklow. Glendalough in Irish: Gleann Dá Loch, meaning “Valley of two lakes” is a glacial valley located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Often referred as “Ireland in a nutshell” because you can see all of Ireland’s most distinctive features in one […]
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Rathgall Hillfort or Ring of the Rath is a large multivallate hill fort in County Wicklow. Located near the Shillelagh village, about 6 km east of Tullow in County Carlow and only 3 minutes drive from Rathwood. It is one of the largest and most impressive stone hillforts in Ireland. It is called Rathgall but […]
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The small town of Castledermot in County Kildare was originally called ‘Diseart Diarmad’; meaning ‘Dermot’s Hermitage’. This was once a very important ecclesiastical center and there are many fine ruins in the area. These include the remains of a Round Tower and High Crosses, an Abbey – a Franciscan Friary and Kilkea Castle is also […]
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Baltinglass is a town in south-west County Wicklow, located on the River Slaney near the border with County Carlow and County Kildare, on the N81 road. When I was passing through Baltinglass I always admired the view of the surrounding hills of the area –Baltinglass Hills, Baltinglass Abbey and St Mary’s Church – Baltinglass Church […]
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Old Kilcullen is a significant historical site in County Kildare, outside the town of Kilcullen, just under 5 km from Newbridge and approximately 13 km from Naas. Old Kilcullen is the site of a round tower and a decorated High Cross. Another, much older, historic site, Dun Ailinne, is located approximately one kilometre away to […]
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Round Towers are a uniquely indigenous form of Irish architecture. Interesting and very well preserved tower is a 10th-century Round Tower located in Castledermot, County Kildare. The tower is complete, although the original cap has been replaced with battlements. It is composed of rounded granite boulders embedded in mortar. Castledermot was founded as a monastic […]
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Dunamase or The Rock of Dunamase is a spectacular rocky limestone outcrop in the townland of Park or Dunamase in County Laois, situated between Carlow and Portlaoise on the N80 road. It takes its name from the Irish Dún Másc, meaning the ‘Fort of Masc’. Dunamase was the seat or fort of the ancient Irish kings […]
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St Mullin`s is one of the country’s most significant archaeological sites, standing in importance with Glendalough and Clonmacnoise, which attracts many historians, archaeologists and general visitors to County Carlow and the River Barrow area. The village of St Mullin`s is named after Saint Moling (or Mo Ling, 614–697), who founded a monastery there in the […]
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Duiske Abbey also known as Graiguenamanagh Abbey, is a 13th-century Cistercian monastery situated in beautiful town of Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny. The Abbey is located in the valley of the river Barrow, on a site between the main river and the Duiske tributary. The abbey derives its name from the Douskey River Irish: An Dubhuisce, meaning ‘Black Water’. It is one of the first, largest […]
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Out of hundreds of ruined castles across Ireland, Ballymoon Castle is one of the more unique and mysterious. It is situated in the Barrow Valley, approximately 2 miles (3 km) east of Muine Bheag (Bagenalstown), County Carlow, Ireland. Ballymoon Castle is located only 3,8 km from Ballyloughan Castle. Like many other Irish castles, Ballymoon has […]
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Ballyloughan Castle is a ruined castle and National Monument of Ireland. Located in County Carlow near Bagenalstown. Today, a twin-towered gatehouse, the hall and foundations of one of the corner towers, dating to about 1300 remain. Ballyloughan`s gatehouse, which protected the entrance to the castle, is one of the finest example of its type in […]
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On the way to Clogrennan Wood you will see this beautiful arch. Lovely setting beside the River Barrow – this is Clogrennane Castle. Located about two miles distant from Carlow town. Clogrennane Castle is one of the National Monument of Ireland in County Carlow. Clogrennane Castle was built by sometime in the 15th century. In […]
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Sleaty Church is a medieval church and National Monument of Ireland, located in County Laois, Ireland. This Church is located about 2.5 km north of Carlow town, on the west bank of the River Barrow. St. Fiacc`s first monastery was on the other side of the River Barrow, but after 60 of his monks had […]
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Killeshin (small village in County Laois) derives its name from one of the abbots of its famous monastery – Uisin, meaning the Cell or church of Uisin. It is situated just five kilometres west of Carlow town and overlooks the picturesque Barrow Valley. Located close to the border with Co. Carlow, the small medieval church […]
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