Page 31 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
NORTH COUNTY DUBLIN
MALAHIDE CASTLE
JN 3 (R125) VIA FELTRIM ROAD 10 min from exit
Set in over 250 acres of parkland close to the seaside town of Malahide, Malahide Castle has a long and rich history and played a key role in medieval Irish history. The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 12th century and were enlarged in the reign of Edward IV, with the towers added circa 1600 - 1650. Malahide Castle was home to the Talbot family for almost 800 years. It is open to the public and, along with guided tours of its interior, the castle also offers a host of other things for visitors to see and do.
HOWTH CASTLE
JN 3 (R139) TOWARDS HOWTH 26 min from exit
Howth Castle has its origins in medieval times. In 1177 Almeric, the first Lord of Howth, came to Ireland and built his castle of wood above the harbour. The earliest extant parts of the present structure date from the mid-15th century.
The house has been extensively altered by succeeding generations to adapt it to their times, most notably in 1738, when the house took on its current appearance and again in 1911 when Sir Edwin Lutyens renovated and added to the house.
It is still possible to see evidence of the alterations that have been made and infer what was there before. This gives a remarkable insight into how historic houses evolved in Ireland over the centuries.If visiting Howth Castle, appointments must be made in advance, as it remains a family home.
See www.howthcastle.com for details.
TOP HIGHLIGHT
DUBLIN’S ISLANDS
JN 3 (R139) TOWARDS HOWTH 27 min from exit
Ireland’s Eye
Ireland’s Eye is a small uninhabited island situated directly north of Howth Harbour and is easily reached by regular tourist boats. It is a bird
sanctuary, home to many different species of seabirds, which makes it a place of great interest for nature lovers. The island also has a long safe sandy beach, which is ideal for picnics, swimming and relaxing in the peace and quiet away from the mainland. The ruins of St Nessan’s Church, dating back to 700 AD, and a Martello tower from the 19th century are also located there for all to explore.
Lambay Island
Lambay Island may be barely 5 km off Rush in north County Dublin, but it truly is one of Ireland’s hidden gems. Its long and interesting history goes back to the Neolithic period when it was used as a production site for axes. In early Christian times it was the site of a monastery, while in later centuries it seems to have been the haunt of pirates. Owned today by Lord Revelstoke, the island is a haven for birds and wildlife. Visits by ferry are tidal and weather dependent. See www.skerriesseatours.ie for details.
Skerries Islands
The Skerries Islands are a group of three small uninhabited islands, Shenick’s, St Patrick’s and Colt, situated between 0.5 km and 1.5 km off the Fingal Dublin coast.
St Patrick’s Island is so called because he is said to have founded a monastery here, which flourished until the Vikings raided. In 1220 the Archbishop of Dublin issued a directive to move the Monastery to the mainland as the island was found to be too inconvenient. Shenick’s Island is the most southerly of the Skerries Islands, and has a Martello tower that has a visible link between the Towers on Red Island and Drumanagh. Since 1987 the island has become a wildlife reserve. Red Island, despite its name, is no longer an island but a rocky headland connected to the mainland by a roadway (isthmus), which forms part of the quay wall of the harbour. A Martello Tower stands on the island. Colt Island is a small island off Red Island.
SKERRIES MILLS
TOWNPARKS, SKERRIES, CO. DUBLIN
Skerries Mills is a unique collection of two windmills and a watermill with associated mill pond, mill races, wetlands and is an ideal place to visit on a day trip. Visitors will often frequent the Watermill Café and the Craft Shop inside the complex. Guided
tours are available daily and last approximately 50 minutes. During your tour you will be accompanied by a guide who will show you the history of milling and Skerries Mills. Try your hand at stone grinding flour, then see the water wheel in action turning the sheives, shakers, blowers and all inside the mill. Take a walk across the crop field and go up inside the four sail windmill then onto the five sail Great Windmill of Skerries which dominates the local skyline.
MEATH
FOURKNOCKS TOMB
JN 6 (R112) TOWARDS NAUL 11 min from exit
Fourknocks is a passage chamber tomb built about 5000 years ago. These passage graves are decorated with abstract art and bear the first depiction of a human face found in prehistoric art in Ireland. The main tomb has been excavated and is open to the public. It is located 16 km southeast of Newgrange between Ardcath in County Meath and the Naul in County Dublin.
DULEEK ABBEY
JN 8 (R152) TOWARDS DULEEK 8 min from exit
Duleek Abbey began life as a monastic settlement when, in 450 AD, Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, established a bishopric here. Its name derives from the Irish ‘Damhliag’ meaning ‘stone house or church’ and refers to its fifth century construction, possibly the first stone building in Ireland and the ruins are still visible today.
MILLMOUNT TOWER
JN 8 (R152) TOWARDS DROGHEDA
8 min from exit
Millmount Tower is a spectacular landmark overlooking Drogheda that houses artefacts and stories of the town’s ancient and more recent past. It was fortified by the Normans in the 12th century and a castle was later built on its summit. The fort offered Cromwell the strongest resistance he encountered during the siege of 1649. About 1808, the old fortifications were demolished and the present tower and defensive perimeter was erected. It offers a superb view of modern Drogheda too.
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST 29