Ireland

Ireland Ten Experiences
COMPOSED BY
BILL WHELAN
PRODUCED BY
MOYA DOHERTY
DIRECTED BY
JOHN McCOLGAN
THE ROCK
OF CASHEL
County Tipperary
Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary
It takes you by surprise, the Rock of
Cashel, as it appears on the County
Tipperary horizon like a fairytale
apparition. But the closer you get
to this vast green hill topped by
one of the island’s most important
archeological sites, the more you
appreciate what a work of art this
ancient place is. The Rock was the
seat of the High Kings of Munster and
also the site where St Patrick met and
baptized Aonghus, King of Munster
in the 5th century. The complex is
large, with many of the buildings
dating back to the 12th and 13th
centuries. And a highlight? It’s got
to be Cormac’s Chapel, with its set of
rare frescoes that still gleam in the
dim light after 800 years.
THE GOBBINS
County Antrim
Waves crash against ancient cliffs,
seabirds wheel and cry, hearts
pound with excitement. This is The
Gobbins path, a dramatic cliff-face
walk over spectacular bridges and
through tunnels hewn out of solid
rock. The trail clings to the edge of
Islandmagee – a small peninsula
just a short drive north of Belfast –
and it’s about as close to walking on
water as you can get in Ireland. This
triumph of Edwardian engineering
lay crumbling for decades, lashed by
the elements, and almost forgotten,
but the path has been restored to its
former glory. The guided tour will
take you over bridges, down steps
that snake around the edges of cliffs,
through caves, and past unique rock
formations. It’s a perfect introduction
to the glories that lie ahead on the
Causeway Coastal Route.
County Kerry
The Gobbins, County Antrim
Titanic Belfast
DINGLE PENINSULA
County Kerry
TITANIC BELFAST
Belfast
Much has been made of the beauty
of Titanic Belfast’s shimmering
titanium exterior, and it certainly
doesn’t disappoint. Overlooking the
slipway where Titanic was launched
on May 31, 1911, the vast prow-like
shape of the building opens up to
reveal an exhibition that has been
described by James Cameron, director
of the film Titanic, as “one of the most
well thought-out Titanic museums
in the world.” The main galleries
are remarkable, and allow you to
explore everything from the shipyard
history of Belfast to footage from
the wreck. Hologram, multimedia,
special effects, animation, and simple
storytelling combine to make this an
unbeatable experience. It’s one that
you won’t forget.
It would be easy to arrive on the Dingle Peninsula and not leave
the town of Dingle itself. Bohemian, artistic, and with some of
the best pubs on the island, this is a place that prides itself on
its great music scene, excellent food, and friendly locals. But it’s
only half the story. Push out beyond the town and you’re heading
into 6,000 years of history, and some of the most beautiful
scenery on the island. There’s Gallarus Oratory, thought to be an
Early Christian church, overlooking Smerwick Harbour; there’s
Coumeenole Beach, on the Slea Head Drive, with its views of the
deserted Blasket Islands; and there’s the Conor Pass, the highest
mountain road in Ireland. Exceptional is everyday here.
NORTH AMERICA, Fall 2015 - Summer 2016
UK, April - May 2016
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GERMANY, May - June 2016
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40 Ireland Tourism Ireland’s Official Magazine