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EVERY CORNER OF Ireland has something unique to showcase – but how much of it have you seen?
TheJournal.ie has been chatting to heritage officers in every part of the country to compile their top five picks that they think you might enjoy visiting this summer.
Heritage includes monuments, archaeological or architectural objects, seascapes, wrecks, geology, inland waterways, gardens and parks.
We are publishing recommendations for every local authority area over the course of a fortnight, along with the details you need to know to plan your visit. Get motoring!
1. Ferns Castle
This Norman castle dates back to the 13th century and was built by king of Leinster Diarmuid MacMurrough.
Guided tours of the ruins provide access to view the original rock cut out from the castle walls discovered during archeological excavation.
There is an exhibition at the visitor centre on site.
Amenities: There are toilet facilities and parking available. Wheelchair users can access the visitor centre but the castle tour is inaccessible.
Opening hours and costs: Entry is FREE and the site is open daily from 10am-5pm.
Ferns CastleSource: Shutterstock/ Stephen BarnesBuilt in the 12th century under the instruction of the second Earl of Pembroke, the abbey is the largest of its kind in Ireland.
It served as a Cistercian monastery and today visitors can explore the visitors' centre and hedge maze on site.
Amenities: There is a craft gallery and tea rooms. The site is fully wheelchair accessible.
Opening hours and costs: The site is open daily from 11am-6pm. Entry to the abbey is €4 per adult, €1 per child and €10 per family. Entry to the maze and museum costs extra.
Dunbrody AbbeySource: Shutterstock/ Maria_Janus3. Ros Tapestry, New Ross
Within the large collection, housed tapestries depict images from different significant events in the history of the town and surrounding areas of Wexford.
The series of 15 large embroidered panels are based on original paintings, which show the history, costumes and way of life of Ireland in the 13th century.
There is an exhibition and gallery on site for visitors to enjoy.
Amenities: The site has toilet facilities. The exhibition is fully accessible to wheelchair users but there are no wheelchair-friendly toilets.
Opening hours and costs: The exhibition is open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday/Bank holidays 11am-3pm. Entry costs €8 per adult, €7 for seniors, €6 per child/student and €23 per family with discounts on group bookings.
Visitors can discover over 9,000 years of history and view 16 reconstructions of ancient houses as well as a ring fort, crannóg, monastery and viking boatyard.
There are walking trails in the woodlands and visitors can see many species of wildlife.
There is a visitor centre on site.
Amenities: There is a gift and craft shop, children's playground, toilets as well as a restaurant on site. The site is fully wheelchair accessible and there is a free car park.
Opening hours and costs: The park is open daily from 9.30am-5.30pm. Entry is €10 for adults, €8 for seniors/students €8.
National heritage parkSource: Shutterstock/ Bob Hilscher5. Oulart hill
Oulart hill was the scene of a battle at the height of the 1798 rebellion.
There are walking trails on site and visitors can experience the commemorative Tulach a’ tSolais.
Amenities: There are several routes suitable to wheelchair users and there is a picnic area.
Opening hours and costs: The site is FREE to visit open daily.
Thanks to Wexford County Council heritage office for recommendations.
LATER: Must-see sites in Wicklow.
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If men were having the babies this would never happen. Disgraceful treatment of women in such a dangerous medical condition.
@2thFairy: Ah FFS, what a ridiculous thing to say. The article is about men not being allowed into the labour ward for enough time so the woman stayed in the car…with her partner…for support. Snide comments about men is not the solution here.
Why are we not demonstrating about the absolute state of our health system?
Stephen Donnelly doing his best ? Who’s running the country the government or the maternity hospitals. Sanction the hospitals if they don’t comply remove funding.
@Nan: She chose to stay in the car park? Whats the fuss?
@Nan: Well, we have a Minister for Health, then we have a Junior Minister for Health, then there is a Director General of the HSE, then a CEO of the HSE, then CEOs of the various hospital groups. Then there be deputies of the top positions. Might have missed a few. All these people paid a yearly EuroMillions lotto win and still the HSE is a joke shop.
If he didn’t pick up the phone and call the hospital today and get an answer to why this happened and if the hospital is not in compliance with the guidelines and he didn’t sack the person responsible before he hung up the phone, then he’s not fit to be in charge of the health service of this country.
@BK: Cause that how the world works
An absolute disgrace. Shame on this country. Women’s health is and has always been well down the list of priorities.
Always excuses. Nothing meaningful really happens.
My son and his wife had a baby boy on 4th October in Holles Street hospital and he was allowed in for the labour, birth and each and every day whilst Mum and baby were in patients. They came home on 9th and were so happy that they could stay with their baby till he was allowed out.. They found the hospital staff very accommodating and helpful…
The government caused it. Why can’t they fix it!
The Coombe, where she took her baby inside to a breakfast of cold toast and tea. The entire hospital needs to be shut down.
From what I gather the article says the lady was in the end stages of labour.. therefore she would’ve been admitted to the labour ward and her partner could’ve accompanied her as per the hospital’s guidelines??
have your say