Monea Castle is a particularly fine example of a Planters castle , built around 1618. It is a the end of a beautiful tree lined lane and bears the signs of Scottish influence in its design. It has similar features to the reworked Maguire castle in Enniskillen.

It was destroyed by fire in the Great Rebellion of 1641 and again by Jacobite armies in 1689.

Eventually in 1750 it was abandoned after another fire !!

Tully Castle is nearby and having been burned by the Maguires in 1641 it is now restored.

Also nearby is Lough Navar Forest which offers tremendous views of the loughs and surrounds.

Worth seeing on any tours of Ireland or our extended Belfast tours , and accessible for cruise ship passengers.

It is a real hidden gem on any Ireland tours.

The castle dates back to the thirteenth century when it was the stronghold of Maurice Fitzgerald , a member of the powerful Anglo-Norman family who controlled the area.

In 1315 it was burned by Edward Bruce ( brother of King Robert the Bruce of Scotland ) , who had been invited to Ireland by the Irish chieftains to create trouble for the Anglo-Normans.

The castle later provided refuge for Silken Thomas ( another Fitzgerald ) after he rebelled against Henry the Eighth.

Then in 1650 , like most castles in the area , it fell foul of Oliver Cromwells forces after they had taken Dunamase.

Well worth a visit on any tours of Ireland….stand in the ruins and take in the history !!

They kindly sent us some awesome photographs whic we have shared on the blog.

Our Belfast tours and Ireland tours are “simply the best” !!!!

We can build in the must see attractions with the hidden gems. And we make sure that you eat in authentic local spots.

Ballintoy Harbour

Castle on the shore in Donegal

Donegal Sandy Bay

Donegal Sandy Bay

North Coast

North Coast Beach

It was built as a comfortable and defensible residence for Adam Loftus , Lord Chancellor of Ireland ,  Archbishop of Dublin and founder of Trinity College.

The Castle was remodelled in the late 18th Century and has fine interiors by the renowned architects Sir William Chambers and James “Athenian” Stuart.

On any Dublin tours or Ireland tours try a visit to Rathfarnham Castle.

Ireland Luxury Tours can arrange comprehensive tours of Ireland and tours of Dublin.

The Demesne , pronounced Domain , consists of the lands held by an estate for its own use and occupation , incorporating gardens , farmlands , woods and buildings. The Castle is the home of the Parsons family , Earls of Rosse.

The Demesne evolved from the parkland of oak trees of the 17th century , with continued planting and development down through the centuries to today , including the first Suspension Bridge in Ireland , the Fernery and the Fountain , the Waterfalls and the Secret Winter Garden.

In addition to all of this , the Demesne is also home to the FORMAL GARDENS which include the largest box hedges in the world , IRELAND’S HISTORIC SCIENCE CENTRE and the GREAT TELESCOPE , the largest telescope in the world for over 70 years.

See Birr on any Ireland tours. A real hidden gem….. maybe even a must see attraction !

Built by the McNamara clan, Knappogue Castle was occupied by Cromwell’s soldiers in 1641, but later returned to the McNamara family.  In 1855 the castle was aquired by Lord Dunboyne.

In the 1900’s Knappogue fell into decay, until purchased by Mr & Mrs Andrews of Houston, Texas, who restored it to its former glory in 1966.  Visitors can roam the wonderful castle with its many interesting artefacts and furnishings and can stroll through the magical Victorian style walled garden, with its symmetrical pathways and well-tended rectangular plots.

There is a popular Medieval Banquet at Knappogue Castle worth considering on any Ireland tours.