Acquaintance with the sights of Ireland will begin with the castles. In the past, castles of Ireland were the center of the concentration of life of the Irish people. We can say that Ireland can claim the first place in terms of the number of medieval castles or feudal estates. For example, in Clare County there are about 200 of them.
The most famous is the Dublin Castle. For many Irish people it is the personification of the prison, because from there the English colonialists ruled the country. The lock is strong enough, it provides all types of protection against assault. Thick and massive walls, watchtowers and a ditch around the walls rush into the eyes. I could not resist the castle just before the onset of time. In the XVIII the building had to be substantially reconstructed. Then there was a protective ditch, and part of the walls were dismantled for the construction of new housing. Today, there are state halls. Among them are the hall for the inauguration of the President, the Round Dining Hall, and in the old building are the Throne Room and the Birmingham Tower.
Among the most chic castles in Ireland is worth mentioning Dromoland. This is the "birthplace" of O'Brien, the most famous clan in Ireland. The estate was built in the XIX century on the site of an ancient castle. Today there is a five-star hotel. The hotel has 100 rooms - from a standard room to a multi-bedroom chic apartment. In the halls hang portraits themselves O'Brien. On the bedside tables lies the Bible, which provides comments for the hotel guests.
In some castles, stylized dinners are arranged. In Bunratty, Dangueira and Knappogi you will be greeted in a medieval costume and seated at a long wooden table. You simply turn into guests of the local count and dine according to all the rules of the Middle Ages. You will have to hand, since at that time there were only knives from the instruments, and you can drink wine or mead.
Landmarks in Ireland: Waterford
This city is located in the southeast of Ireland, founded by its Vikings. An excursion from the observation tower on Waterford will allow you to plunge into the times of the Vikings and Normans. The Reginald's Tower was named after the city's founder, this is the oldest building in Ireland. It is worth visiting and the Museum of Treasures with many copies of archaeological finds. Be sure to visit the gardens of Sion Hill House & Gardens, which are located in Ferribank. In general, the city is impregnated with the Middle Ages: ancient city walls, narrow cozy paths.
Dublin Zoo
Among the sights of Ireland is the zoo in Dublin. It is one of the oldest zoos in the whole world. It is located in the west of Dublin in the park "Phoenix". It is this place is the second most visited in the capital of Ireland. The park is divided into separate thematic zones: "World of primates" with islands for each species of primates, "African Plains", "Urban Farm" with large pets. Thanks to the development program adopted by the Government of Ireland, this place is flourishing and developing. Its popularity among the sights of Ireland, this zoo received and for the atmosphere. Imagine that next to you along the path is a peacock or heron walking. The animals there do not feel in a cage, but in the wild, therefore harmony and tranquility have settled here forever.
Newgrange, Ireland
It is a fertile valley, which is a 30-minute drive north of Dublin. Many years ago there lived people who prefer a solitary way of life. They built forts at the top of the hill, as well as mounds and palaces. The mounds were in some way spiritual centers. A unique phenomenon is the fact that the tombs of Newgrange are almost 700 years older than the Egyptian pyramids. This landmark is listed in UNESCO. On the day of the winter solstice, the sun's rays penetrate into the niche of the stone pyramid and fully illuminate the hall. The unique phenomenon lasts only 17 minutes, the lucky winner who won the government lottery will be able to see it.