Page 54 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
THE HILL OF UISNEACH
M6 TO GALWAY/ATHLONE EXIT, TAKE N52 TO L1122, R389 & R390
22 min from exit
Situated between the towns of Athlone and Mullingar, this mythological and sacred centre of Ireland was the ancient seat of the Kings of Meath; its historical roots go back to the La Tene period of the Iron Age. The importance of the Hill of Uisneach as a prehistoric meeting place is reflected in the large number of monuments (almost 20) that are scattered around its environs. Both Saint Patrick and Saint Brigid, patron saints of Ireland, have important connections with the Hill of Uisneach - legend has it that Saint Brigid received the veil from Saint Patrick at this very spot. Although just 182 metres above sea level, the summit of Uisneach provides panoramic views over the central plain; numerous counties are visible on the horizon.
ATHLONE CASTLE
JN 12 (R446) TOWARDS ATHLONE
6 min from exit
This 12th century stone castle was built for King John by Bishop John de Gray of Norwich, designed to defend the crossing point of the river at Athlone. From its origins as a timber fort, Athlone Castle evolved into a bold, defensive building with architectural features like the keep of the castle serving as a dramatic backdrop to its diverse and fascinating story. Athlone Castle and Visitor Centre is a treat for all the family, with courtyard picnic facilities and picturesque town views.
OFFALY
CHARLEVILLE CASTLE
JN 5 (N52) TOWARDS TULLAMORE
20 min from exit
Located in County Offaly, bordering the town of Tullamore near the Shannon River, Charleville Castle is situated in Ireland’s most ancient primordial oak woods, once the haunting grounds of the druids. Charleville Castle originated from paper sketches in early 1798 to grandiose plans by the end of that very eventful year in Ireland. It was built by Charles William Bury, Earl of
Charleville and was designed by Francis Johnston, one of the leading architects of the day. Charleville Castle is said to be the finest example of Gothic revival architecture in the country.
TULLAMORE D.E.W. OLD BONDED WAREHOUSE JN 5 (N52) TOWARDS TULLAMORE
20 min from exit
For whiskey explorers eager to learn about the history and craft of the world-renowned Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey, a visit to the Tullamore D.E.W. Old Bonded Warehouse is a must. This unique visitor experience is set in Tullamore D.E.W.’s original 19th century bonded warehouse on the banks of the Grand Canal in the town of Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Visitors are invited to experience both the history and the future of the second largest Irish whiskey brand in the world on one of three award-winning whiskey journeys, each delivered by Ireland’s leading whiskey experts. These three unique whiskey tours have been carefully crafted to suit everyone, from the Irish whiskey novice through to the whiskey enthusiast:
Curious Taster’s Journey: Discover Tullamore D.E.W. with this triple tasting - €14
Whiskey Wise Masterclass: Explore the hidden depths of our rare whiskey collection in the comfort and privacy of the D.E. Williams Branch House - €28
Ultimate Distillery Experience: Uncover the secrets behind our walls at the Tullamore Distillery on our ‘behind the scenes’ tour - €150 (By appointment only. Lunch included.) Glasses Up!
CELTIC CROSS OF DURROW
JN 5 (N52 AND L2006) SOUTHBOUND
9 min from exit
Within 10 minutes drive of Tullamore is the Celtic Cross of Durrow. In the
middle of the sixth century a monastery was founded here by Saint Columba. The monastery is famous for an illuminated manuscript, written here in the seventh century, known as the Book of Durrow.
CLARA BOG VISITOR CENTRE
JN 5 (N52 AND R420) SOUTHBOUND
14 min from exit
Clara Bog is one of the best remaining examples of a relatively intact raised bog in Western Europe. Visitors can experience ten thousand years of history in the ten square kilometres that accommodate Clara Bog and its surroundings. The nature reserve is home to many protected wildlife species. Clara Bog Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve boardwalk, which meanders through Clara Bog Nature Reserve, is a two minute drive from the Clara Bog Visitor Centre. Admission to both Clara Bog Visitor Centre and the boardwalk are free to all.
LONGFORD
CORLEA TRACKWAY & VISITOR CENTRE KEENAGH, COUNTY LONGFORD, OFF R357
The Corlea Trackway is an Iron Age trackway, also known as a togher, and is situated near the village of Keenagh, south of Longford town It was known locally as the Danes’ Road. It was constructed from oak planks in 148–147 BC. In the Iron Age this region was dangerous, covered by bog, quicksand, and ponds, surround by dense woodlands of birch, willow, hazel and alder while higher ground was covered by oak and ash. The trackway was discovered in 1984 and excavated in 1991, revealing the togher to cover over 125 hectares. www.megalithicireland.com/Corlea Trackway.html
LOUGH REE
CONTINUE ON M4 TO WESTMEATH TAKE EXIT 15 FROM N4 TO N52
Lough Ree or “Lake of the Kings” is the second largest lake on the river Shannon after Lough Derg. It stretches almost 30km from Lanesborough in County Longford to Athlone in County Westmeath. The small town of
52 IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST