Killaloe/Ballina is situated on the banks of The River Shannon just a short distance below Lough Derg. Killaloe is probably best known as the home of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland, 1002-1014. Just a short distance from the town of Killaloe stands Brian Boru's Fort, the site of his Castle, Kincora, which was the seat of the High King during his reign.

The twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina are amongst Ireland's most picturesque attractions. The towns are linked by a thirteen arch bridge across The River Shannon which links not only the two towns, but also the Counties of Clare and Tipperary. Killaloe/Ballina both have superb restaurants and pubs, many with live music. One Irish celebrity, Brendan Grace, has his own pub in Killaloe bearing his name.

On Lough Derg there is a wide range of activities that include jet-skiing, wind surfing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and boating. Killaloe is also host to the annual European Pike Angling Competition.

The hills in the area are covered with thick forestry, containing many walks and picnic areas. These walks are specially routed and cover distances to suit everyone.

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Bunratty Castle

One of Ireland’s top day visitor attractions, Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic mediaeval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425, it was authentically restored in

1954 to its former mediaeval splendour, with furnishings and tapestries capturing the mood and style of the times.

The Folk Park, set on 26 acres, recreates 19th Century Ireland. The park features include; recreated village street,

8 farmhouses, a water mill, blacksmith’s forge, Mac’s pub, a restaurant and a display of 19th Century agricultural machinery. A range of activities can be organised on request - dancing and singing in Mac’s Pub, treasure trails, demonstrations, fashion shows, etc. Famous mediaeval banquets are held nightly year-round. The castle at present houses one of the best collections of 14th -17th - century furniture and furnishings in Britain and Ireland.

The famous Durty Nelly's Pub is adjacent to the Castle and is an experience not to be missed!

The Cliffs of Moher

The bracing walk to the summit of the famous Cliffs of Moher is worth it for the spectacular views from the top.

With a high point of 230 metres it is possible, on a clear day, to see Galway Bay and the Aran Islands in the distance.

Not one for those with a fear of heights!

Adare Manor Hotel

The former family seat of the Earls of Dunraven, this magnificent Tudor, gothic-style, building stands along the meandering river Maigue, amid 1000 acres of lush park lands. In recent years, the Manor has been transformed into a world-class luxury hotel and now resembles a museum of architecture with wonderful assorted woodwork and stone carvings. Entering the grounds through the ornamental gates, long stretches of emerald green turf, ancient ruins and majestic trees are the settings that will be found for a unique, peaceful, atmosphere, where one can enjoy a stroll or a refreshing brisk walk, at anytime of day.

(Many famous people have stayed in the Manor, including President Bill Clinton, during his Irish visit in Sep. 1998).

Desmond Castle

The time-worn remains of this Anglo-Norman fortress stands on the bank of the "Maigue" river and viewable from the bridge. This castle was erected, within an ancient ring-fort, around the early part of the 13th century. It became a strategic fortress during the following turbulent years. It was the property of the Earls of Kildare for nearly 300 years until the Silken Thomas's rebellion of 1536, when it was forfeited and granted to the Earls of Desmond (they gave the castle its present name). The castle is regarded as being one of the most interesting examples of feudal architecture in Ireland.

The Rock of Cashel

Cashel was once the seat of the Kings of Munster and capital of this southern province. The Rock, which rears above the plain, dominated the land routes southwards.

Kings of Ireland as well as Munster came to this spot and St. Patrick is known to have preached on the rock and converted the local King, Aenghus, here in the 5th Century.

Brian Boru was also crowned King of Ireland on this spot in the early 11th Century. King Cormac built his superb Royal Chapel in the 12th century.

The Burren

The Burren, or Boireann meaning a rocky place, is 100 square miles of limestone rock in Co. Clare. The Burren is a wilderness, flat and sloping and broken by great hillsides of limestone separated by cliffs like giant steps. The area is rich in archaeological sites. There are 68 megalithic tombs, over four hundred ring forts and the remains of more than 800 houses or huts. It is also a botanists paradise. Growing side by side are arctic and alpine plants, temperate climate flowers and species from the Mediterranean. This enigma has intrigued botanists for years and is a favourite haunt of theirs. The Burren comprises mainly of limestone formed over the centuries from the sediments on the seabed being compressed into stone. The stone fissures were created by rainwater which permeated the rock. There are many underground rivers and lakes, caverns and chambers, one which is open to the public is called Aillwee Cave.

The Hunt Museum

Located in Limerick City, The Hunt Museum exhibits one of Ireland's greatest private collections of art and antiquities. The Collection reflects our Celtic past and also includes masterworks by da Vinci, Yeats and Renoir.

Donated to the "people of Ireland" by John and Gertrude Hunt, this generous gift ranks as one of the most outstanding in the nation's history.

Visitors can explore the collection and the lives of the collectors in the elegant 18th Century Custom House which provides an ideal setting for an enjoyable visit. A friendly welcome is assured and guided tours are available.

King John's Castle