Page 29 - The Driver's Guide to the Wild Atlantic

The Driver's Guide
INISHEER
Inis Oirr (Inisheer) is the smallest of the islands, but oozes distinctive charm with its mix of colour, variety of attractions and the Cliffs of Moher clearly visible as a backdrop to it all. The Island itself also has the true feel of a classical isolated fishing village, complete with white sandy beaches and a working fishing fleet.
The main village area is right next to the beach and is enclosed by a small hill with a castle and a fort at the top as if they are taking care of the islanders and its visitors. The island is 3km by 3km wide with small hills and intricate little valleys and is easily covered by foot or by bike. Ferries to the Aran Islands are available from Rossaveal (leaving Galway city) all year and from Doolin (Cliffs of Moher) from April to October. www.aranislands.info
INISHMAAN
The central, and least visited of the islands, Inishmaan is recognised as a sanctuary of traditional Irish music and crafts. It has far fewer tourist amenities than either Inishmore or Inisheer. Nevertheless it is a magical place to visit, with quiet vistas, tranquil beaches and harbours and a true sense of gaelic mysticism. www.aranislands.info
ROSCOMMON
STROKESTOWN PARK & HOUSE
N5 EXIT TO BAWN STREET 1 min from exit
At the end of Strokestown’s main avenue, triple Gothic arches lead to Strokestown Park House. The original 120-sq-km estate was granted by King Charles II to Nicholas Mahon for his support in the English Civil War. Nicholas’ grandson Thomas commissioned Richard Cassels to build him a Palladian mansion in the early 18th century. The gardens give some idea of the original wealth. Admission to the house is by a 50-minute guided tour. Over the centuries, the estate decreased in size along with the family’s fortunes. When it was eventually sold in 1979, it had been whittled down to (a still vast) 120 hectares. The estate was bought as a complete lot, so virtually all its remaining contents are intact. The
walled garden contains the longest herbaceous border in Ireland and Britain, which blooms in a rainbow of colours in summer. Across the 6 acres there is also a folly, a lily pond and Ireland’s oldest glass greenhouse, dating from 1780. The must-see Famine Museum is also on the grounds of the house, located in the Stables Yard.
RATHCROGHAN
N5 TOWARDS TULSK
Anyone with an interest in Celtic mythology will be enthralled by this area around the village of Tulsk, which contains 60 ancient national monuments including standing stones, barrows, huge cairns and monumental fortresses, making it one of the most important Celtic royal sites in Europe.
The landscape and its sacred structures have lain largely undisturbed for the past 3000 years. Tulsk is 10km west of Strokestown. Bus Éireann’s frequent Dublin-to-Westport route stops right outside the visitor centre.
ARIGNA MINING EXPERIENCE
N4 (R285 EXIT) TOWARDS KEADEW 25 min from exit
Ireland’s first and last coal mine (1600s to 1990) is remembered at the Arigna Mining Experience, set in the hills above Lough Allen. The highlight is the 50-minute underground tour, which takes you 400m down to the coal face and includes a simulated mini-explosion.
ROSCOMMON CASTLE
N60 (CASTLE ST EXIT) TOWARDS ROSCOMMON TOWN
2 min from exit
The impressive ruins of the town’s Norman castle stand alone in a field to the north of town, beautifully framed by the landscaped lawns and small lake of the new town park. Built in 1269, the castle was almost immediately destroyed by Irish forces,
Roscommon Castle
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WILD ATLANTIC 29
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