http://www.discoverireland.com/gb/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/listings/product/?fid=FI_13108

It is a real hidden gem on any Ireland tours.

The castle is a fifteenth century O’Brien stronghold , adjoining which is a four-storey building with mullioned and transomed windows (c.1640).

The area North of here is littered with ancient remains such as POULNABRONE DOLMEN. This is the Burrens most famous portal dolmen dating from 2500 BC !!!!  http://www.stonepages.com/ireland/poulnabrone.html

CAHER COMMAUN is also nearby which is a ninth century triple ring fort. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Cahercommaun%20Cliff%20Fort.htm

The tiny hamlet of Carran will offer you a chance for some local food and maybe even a Guinness !!  http://www.burrenconnect.ie/town_and_places/carran.html

This are a is full of must see attractions and hidden gems on any tours of Ireland….dont miss it !

The little pub/restaurant beside it….known as “Durty Nellys”  http://durtynellys.ie/contact/ Call into this pub on a Friday evening and there are often local singers joining in with the local pianist….all unrehearsed and very genuine. The food is great too.

The Vikings recognised the original sites strategic importance for protecting trade and fortified it during their stay. In fact you can still see the moat.

The first castle on the site was built by the Normans but they lost control.

Then in 1460 the Macnamaras built the castle that stands today.

Also in the grounds stands Bunratty Folk Park which is a complete reconstruction of a nineteenth century village.

Although it is extremely touristy the castle and village are worth a visit on any tours of Ireland that take you close.

But the real hidden gem is the little pub on a Friday night !!!

The town sits at the mouth of the two northernmost Antrim glens , Glenshesk and Glentaisie.

There is a beautiful marina and some great local pubs. There are also some nice shops.

Ballycastle is where the ferry to Rathlin island leaves from…..weather permitting ! There are also some “water taxis” available.

In June Ballycastle holds the Ould Lammas Fair , which is Irelands oldest fair , dating from 1606.

The stallholders do a roaring trade in Dulse (a tasty edible seaweed) and Yellowman (a bright coloured hard toffee).

There is a memorial to Guglielmo Marconi to commemorate the inventor of the wireless. He made his first transmission between Ballycastle and Rathlin in 1898.

Nearby , in the middle of a very good golf course , is Bonamargy Friary , founded around 1500…..the whole thing is very interesting , and a real hidden gem.

Try our extended Belfast tours and visit Ballycastle. Or on any of our tours of Ireland build in a trip along the Causeway coast.

With the Titanic anniversary (100 years since the tragedy) , and the opening of the new Museum plus the Irish Open Golf Competition.

Add to that the Olympics , and people touring Ireland as an extra , and it is a boom year.

So to avoid disappointment with hotels , restaurants , or transport book your Belfast tours early. If you are a golfer you will need to get tee off times arranged very early.

Contact Ireland Luxury Tours http://www.irelandluxurytours.com for details of our Belfast tours and beyond.

We have great deals available for the North coast , Giants Causeway , Devenish Island , Lough Erne , Mountains opf Mourne , Ards Peninsula , and many more.

It is a heritage town three miles west of Cappoquin.

It has a rich and significant ecclesiastical history and to this day preserves a quiet reverence from its past. That history dates back to a monastic complex from 636 AD.

The town is dominated by the romantic towers and battlements of Lismore Castle http://www.lismorecastle.com/ which is a real hidden gem to see on any tours of Ireland.

It is the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire and his family but can be hired for exclusive parties and guests.

Now that is really something….to stay (and party) at a real Irish Castle !!!

Contact Ireland Luxury Tours http://www.irelandluxurytours.com for details.

It is just 5 miles North of Ballycastle and 12 miles West of the Mull of Kintyre (in Scotland) and is Northern Irelands last remaining inhabited island.

There is a ferry from Ballycastle to Rathlin.

Rathlin itself is never more than a mile wide and the population is concentrated around Church Bay.

A stroll around the island will reveal relics of far greater antiquity. Halfway to the West lighthouse is the site of a Stone Age axe factory , and to the north , earthworks known as Doonmore (great fort).

In the early Christian period , the island was a haven for monks , who have left evidence of their presence in the form of a sweathouse (primitive sauna) at Knockans near Church Bay.

In 795 AD Rathlin was the first place in Ireland to be raided by the Vikings.

It is also connected to Dunluce castle when the MacDonnells were slaughtered by the English on Rathlin.

Thre is also a large population of Puffins on the island which attract many visitors.

The Manor House hotel http://www.rathlinmanorhouse.co.uk/ is a great local hotel with good food , a great pub , and live music. Its worth spending a night there.

Rathlin Island is a place worth seeing on any tours of Ireland.