Page 53 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
M4 NORTH KILDARE
LEIXLIP CASTLE
JN 5 (R148) TOWARDS LEIXLIP 3 min from exit
Leixlip Castle was built in 1172 by Adam de Hereford, a follower of Strongbow, one year after the Norman Invasion of Ireland. It is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited buildings in Ireland. Leixlip is Old Norse for ‘salmon’s leaping place’, the name given to the area by Vikings when they established a settlement said to be near the confluence of the rivers Liffey and Rye in the ninth century. Features of Leixlip Castle include, The Front Hall, which boasts a 17th century Brussels tapestry depicting Theodotus offering the head of Pompey to Caesar. The Dining Room is furnished with Chippendale Chairs and Bavarian tapestries and more.
MAYNOOTH CASTLE
JN 7 (R406) TOWARDS MAYNOOTH
6 min from exit
This great stone castle was founded in the early 13th century and became the principal residence of the Kildare branch of the Geraldines. The Kildare Fitzgeralds extended their land holdings and influence, emerging as one of the most powerful families in Ireland, with Maynooth Castle being one of the largest and richest Earl’s houses. The castle was where the Silken Thomas, son of Garret Óg (ninth Earl of Kildare) rebelled against the King who had arrested his father. The tour features an exhibition in the keep on the history of the castle and the family.
DONADEA FOREST PARK
JN 7 (R406) SOUTHBOUND 13 min from exit
Donadea Forest Park in northwest Kildare comprises of approximately 243 hectares of mixed woodland. There are numerous historical features including the remains of the castle, walled gardens, church, tower, ice house, boat house and Lime Tree Avenue. There is also a 2.3 hectare lake with ducks and other birds, and a wonderful display of water-lilies in the summer. There are many different walks through the forest, including the 5km Aylmer loop, the lake walk and a
nature trail with stops. A small café serves light refreshments and is open year round. The park is a designated National Heritage Area.
MEATH
THE AUGUSTINIAN PRIORY OF BALLYBOGGAN
JN 10 (R401) SOUTHBOUND
8 min from exit
The Augustinian Priory of De Laude Dei was founded at Ballyboggan in the 12th century by Jordan Comin. The Priory was burnt in 1446 and subsequently rebuilt. All that remains of the Abbey today is a long and narrow nave and chancel church and part of the south transept with pointed lancet windows.
M6 WESTMEATH
FORE ABBEY
FOREVILLE , COUNTY WESTMEATH, CLOSE TO R195
Close to Fore Village in County Westmeath, Fore Abbey is a 7th- century Christian monastery that was founded by Saint Feichin and, historians believe, once was home for more than 300 monks.
The monastery was set ablaze a total of 12 times between 771 and 1169 and today, the remains of the monastery, as well as St. Feichin’s Church (a church built in 900 AD) and 12 Fore crosses lie across the County Westmeath countryside.
In the 13th century Norman landlord, Hugh de Lacy, built a Benedictine Priory. And, in the 15th century, additional parts were added to the priory, including a fortified tower.
The remains of Fore Abbey can be explored today but not all of it is open to the public.
TULLYNALLY CASTLE GARDENS CASTLEPOLLARD, COUNTY WESTMEATH, OFF R395
Tullynally has been the home of the Pakenham family, later Earls of Longford, for over 350 years. The original fortified house was later adapted to comfortable Georgian mansion, then in the early 1800s, expanded to a magnificent Gothic
revival castle, now one of the largest houses in Ireland to survive in private hands and also boasts beautifully restored gardens. The main castle rooms featuring the Great Hall, Library, Dining Room and Drawing Room are available for pre booked group tours. The gardens can also be visited. www.tullynallycastle.com
KILBEGGAN DISTILLERY EXPERIENCE
JN 5 (R369) TOWARDS KILBEGGAN
4 min from exit
Discover real artisanal Irish whiskey distilling at Kilbeggan Distillery the oldest distillery in Ireland, dating back centuries. See for yourself the traditional method of mashing in oak mash tuns, fermenting in Oregon pine vats and the new Kilbeggan malt spirit flowing from the 180-year-old pot still.
A tour of Kilbeggan Distillery will take you back in time to discover how Irish whiskey was made during John Locke’s ownership of the distillery during the 19th century before bringing you into the present where you can hear, smell and taste Kilbeggan Irish whiskey as it is distilled today.
The perfect marriage of the past and present makes Kilbeggan Distillery an authentic Irish experience not to be missed.
TOP HIGHLIGHT
DÚN NA SÍ HERITAGE CENTRE AND PARK
JN 6 (R420) NORTHBOUND
8 min from exit
Dún Na Sí is a wonderful getaway that’s full of natural beauty. With a series of paths, a wetland reserve, parklands and a children’s playground, it’s a fabulous place to get out for a stroll. You’ll see lots of birdlife, native trees and planting.
The Heritage Park will take you back in time. Wander through the Teach Ceoil with its welcoming fire and timber beams. Explore the ring fort with its stone-age buildings and natural thatch. See the mass rock and hidden hedge schools rich remnants of the way life used to be. Whether you fancy a walk in the fresh air or a real taste of history, a visit to Dún na Sí is sure to delight.
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST 51