Page 64 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
through the on-site visitor centre. From admiring the horses to strolling in the Japanese Gardens, this Kildare attraction offers visitors a unique experience.
LULLYMORE HERITAGE AND DISCOVERY PARK
JN 10 (R414) NORTHBOUND 28 min from exit
Lullymore Heritage and Discovery
Park provides a unique and fascinating insight into the development of the
Irish people over our 9,500 year history. Take a journey back through landmark periods of Irish history with exhibitions and multimedia displays, from the arrival of the early Mesolithic settlers and the dawning of Christianity to the eras of rebellion and famine. You can explore Irish heritage, culture and environments with woodland and peatland trails, gardens and exhibitions.
MOORE ABBEY WOOD
JN 14 (R445) TOWARDS GORTEENOONA
5 min from exit
Moore Abbey Wood is a mixed woodland filled with varieties of broadleaves and conifers with a wide range of wildflowers, including spring bluebells, as well as species of butterflies, including the pearl-bordered fritillary. There are well made pathways, picnic sites and walking routes, ideal for viewing the different types of woodland, vegetation and wildlife.
NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE
ATHGARVAN ROAD, NEWBRIDGE, CO. KILDARE
The Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre is an award winning attraction, located just 45 minutes from Dublin and five minutes from the M7 Motorway. It features the flagship Lifestyle store, the world renowned Museum of Style Icons, the craft Factory and the award-winning Cafe Carleton. The factory, where for decades the team have been creating ranges of tableware, jewellery and giftware is open 7 days a week and entry to the Museum of Style Icons is free and the factory tour is €12 - Adults /€10 Senior citizens.
www.newbridgesilverware.com
LAOIS
THE ROCK OF DUNAMASE
JN 16 (R445 AND N80) TOWARDS CARLOW 6 min from exit
The Rock of Dunamase is a popular historic place overlooking the splendid countryside of Co Laois and neighbouring counties. Through the centuries, warriors have fought to control this limestone outcrop.
The first known settlement on the rock was Dun Masc, an early Christian settlement that was pillaged in 842 by the Vikings.
When the Normans arrived in Ireland in the late 1100s Dunamase became the most important Anglo-Norman fortification in Laois. The site is open all year round with car parking facilities at the foot of the Rock.
TIMAHOE ROUND TOWER
JN 16 (R445 AND R426) TOWARDS CARLOW 14 min from exit
The Round Tower was built sometime in the 1100s, on the site of a religious community founded by St Mochua around 600.
The tower stands in a lovely setting across a footbridge that crosses the Bauteogue River. Nearby, the former Church of Ireland is now used by the local community and a ruined 17th century castle contains elements from a 15th century church. There is a heritage centre located in the former Church of Ireland and is open all year round.
EMO COURT AND GARDENS
JN 15 (R445) TOWARDS MOUNTMELLICK
9 min from exit
Emo Court is a country villa designed by architect James Gandon (1743-1823), best known for his great public buildings, including the Custom House and the Four Courts in Dublin. The house is a magnificent example of the neo-Classical style, reflecting the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome.
The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland which were first laid out in the 18th century and contain formal lawns, a lake and woodland walks with many very fine trees and shrubs. The parklands are open all year round. The house is open from April to end September and access is by guided tour only.
62 IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST