IRELAND 2017 Tour Itinerary
June 16 to June 22 2017
Day 1: June 16 - Arrival Derry City Airport with Transport to Hotel
We then transfer to accommodation at Drummond Hotel or meet you at the hotel lobby for 10:00am
After Check in at the Drummond Hotel, we travel to North West Ireland Atlantic coastline at
visit the famous Kilclooney Dolmen.
Kilclooney 70 Ton Dolmen
This Dolmen dates from circa. 3500 BC, is a very fine example of a dolmen, or portal tomb and is thought
to be one of the best, if not the best, in Ireland. The dolmen is almost completely intact and measures
approximately 13 feet long, 20 feet across, and stands over 6 feet high, making it one of the largest in
Ireland. Just behind the dolmen is a second and much smaller dolmen. This smaller one however is
partly collapsed but still very identifiable. There is also a court tomb about 160 feet/500 metres to the
east of the dolmen. The lower end of the capstone is supported by a small stone onto the back stone
whereas normally the capstone is supported at the lower end solely by a back stone. It is thought that
this extra stone was perhaps to allow extra light to shine through.
After Kilclooney we make our way to Temple of Deen Court Tomb & Bocan Stone Circle on
the North Coast
Temple of Deen Court Tomb
The Court Tomb dates from between 2500 BC – 1500 BC. It is prominently located on a hill just outside
the village of Culdaff overlooking Trabrega Bay towards the Atlantic. On the original ordinance survey
maps of Ireland it was marked as a Druid’s altar as this site was linked to pagan ceremonies. In the early
Christian period this area was also very important as monks came to Cloncha and Carrowmore (in the
valley next to this monument) to set up monasteries following a visit by St. Patrick himself.
Bocan Stone Circle
Has been speculated to be originally a sun temple. Many of the stones (originally numbering 30 in all)
were removed, the remaining stones are up to 7 ft tall, its construction have been suggested as
somewhere between 1500 - 3000 BC.
After The Temple of Deen we then head for Drumcarbit near
Culdaff
This is an extraordinary rock art panel. There is only one motif on it, but
that single motif is massive. It consists of a single cup mark with 10 rings
around it and two gutters. The outer ring is 60cm in diameter. The
carving is in a good state of preservation, so much so that you can see
the peck marks in the rings. This is probably because the panel has been
under trees for many years, possibly since it was uncovered. It was
moved to its current position during the last few years when a nearby
track was altered. Fortunately, the new location is also under cover, so
hopefully the carvings will remain as crisp as they are.
After Drumcarbit we head to Ardmore Equinox Stone
The Ardmore Equinox stone
This Stone stands some six feet above the ground, it is quite rectangular looking and measures
approximately 2 feet by 3 feet. It has an unusual alignment of 330° as you face the rock art. There is
nothing depicted on the other side. The alignment is unusual in that there are breathtaking views over
Lough Foyle behind you and there seems to be nothing on the horizon. There are two constellations
shown on this standing stone, namely Ursa Major and the Ursa Minor. There are many names for these
famous constellations, like the Big Saucepan and the Little Saucepan, or the Big Plough and Mini Plough.
They are immediately recognizable to sailors or orienteering professions that use the Ursa Major to find
the North Pole Star. The most obvious difference is the size and hence the two names, but more
concisely the big ‘Saucepan’ has a kick in the handle and the little ‘Saucepan’ has a continuously curved
handle. There is also the fact that these two constellations are in the same region of sky but revolve
around the Pole Star. Barnes Lower Rock Art is two massive standing-stones under a metre apart. The
larger one, a massive slab over 1.8 metres square, has many cup-marks (some with large rings) and
wide, shallow grooves on its E face. The smaller one, shaped like a spearhead, has cup marks and a cross
(a relic of Penal times?) on its W face. Both faces are lit simultaneously in late morning.
After The Ardmore Equinox Stone we then head to Griannan of Aileach for Sunset
Griannan of Aileach observatory/fortress, located above Derry city, 2 miles away on the nearest
mountain. Noted in the mythologies of Ireland, it seems the fort was first constructed around 1700 BC
(probably with earthen walls), by the Tuatha de Danann. The Tuath(a) Dé Danann (usually translated as
"people(s)/tribe(s) of the goddess Danu"), also known by the earlier name Tuath Dé ("tribe of the
gods"), are a race of supernaturally-gifted people in Irish mythology. They are thought to represent the
main deities of pre-Christian Gaelic Ireland.
After Griannan of Aileach we retire for Dinner at Drummond Hotel
Day 2: June 17 - Belfast Henge & Dolmens with visit to Belfast Museum
We travel to Belfast city to see the Giant’s Ring Henge complex located in the outskirts of the city. It was
originally preserved by Viscount Dungannon, and dates from the Neolithic period around 2700BC. It is
the only known example of a henge with a dolmen in its centre. It is also Ireland’s largest henge @
666feet in diameter, and is a perfect example of Nephilim architecture. Most henges encompass
numerology of 555 feet in diameter (6660 inches) or 666 feet in diameter. Smaller henges are commonly
measure at 216 feet in diameter (6 x 6 x 6 feet).
After the Giant’s Ring Henge and Dolmen complex we travel a short distance to the National
Museum in Belfast City.
This 4 storey museum has some intriguing artefacts. A golden salamander with rubies from the Spanish
Armada ship wrecks, an Egyptian mummy named Takabuhti, a wonderful display of Megalithic Artefacts
from all the megalithic sites we will be visiting. There is a fine example of Ogham Script, the earliest
form of Gaelic writing also, only 400 known examples exist.
After the Beslfast Museum and Lunch, we head to Legananny Dolmen
Legananny Dolmen is a tripod dolmen, it has a capstone over 3m long and 1.8m from the ground. It
dates to the Neolithic period, making the monument approximately 5,000 years old. Such portal tombs
were funerary sites for the disposal of the dead in Neolithic society. The heavy stones would have been
dragged some distance before being set in place. The three supporting stones are unusually long and
there are slight traces of a cairn which must have been far more extensive. Some urns were found
underneath. The name Legananny is believed to be derived from Irish Liagán Áine, an Irish Goddess.
After Legananny Dolmen we visit Ballykeel Dolmen
We next make our way to Ballykeel Dolmen, a Neolithic burial site, dated between 4000 and 2500 BC, it
has a huge capstone, supported on upright stones, over an octagonal burial chamber. It is known as the
'Hag's Chair'. It stands dramatically at the southern end of a long stone cairn. Most of the cairn has gone,
but two parallel lines of carefully-set stones defining the edges are still visible. Excavation in 1963
revealed many shards of Neolithic pottery and a few flint tools. It is located within the Ring of Gullion, an
area riddled with megalithic sites.
After Ballykeel Dolmen is Ballymacdermot Court Tomb
Ballymacdermot Court Tomb
This monument, lying on the southern slopes of Ballymacdermot Mountain is an extremely well
preserved Neolithic burial site with three chambers. It can be dated between 4000 and 2500 BC.
Situated within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the site offers excellent views of
Slieve Gullion and the smaller hills of the ring dyke as well as the Mourne and Cooley mountain ranges.
Neighbouring Bernish viewpoint offers excellent views over Newry and further afield. Other nearby
megalithic sites include Clontygora Court Cairn and Ballykeel Dolmen.
After Ballymacdermot Court Tomb we pay a visit to Clontygora Court Tomb
Clontygora Court Tomb
Known locally as the ‘King’s Ring’, this court tomb has a prominent position in the southeast part of the
rugged Slieve Gullion ring-dyke. It was built for collective burial by an early farming community who
cultivated the land as long ago as 3500 BC. Despite damage to the structure it is a most impressive
monument and more extensive than it first appears. Along with the nearby Ballymacdermot Cairn, it is
one of the best examples of a court tomb in the North of Ireland.
After Clontygora Court Tomb we have dinner and Overnight in Armagh
Day 3: June 18 - Visit to St Patrick's Chair & Well
After Breakfast we start our day with a visit to Proleek Portal Tomb
The magnificent Proleek Portal Tomb, is situated in the grounds of Ballymascanlon Hotel on the
legendary Cooley Peninsula in County Louth. It is one of the finest examples of its kind in Ireland. Portal
tombs have two tall stones at the front (portal stones) and a smaller stone at the back supporting a large
capstone. A portal tomb resembles a giant’s table and is sometimes called a dolmen, which comes from
the Breton word Dolmen meaning stone table.
After Proleek Portal Tomb we head over to Annaghmare Court Tomb
The court tomb at Annaghmare is one of
the best preserved examples of its type,
with many of its features preserved in
situ after they were first revealed during
excavation in 1963-64. The horsehoeshaped forecourt is defined by several
large stones up to 1.9m high, with the
spaces between filled with drystonewalling. The most unusual feature of the
forecourt, however, is a small standing
stone to the south-east of the centre.
After Annaghmare, it’s off to St. Patrick's Chair and Well
St Patrick’s Chair and Well
St Patrick’s Chair and Well (also known as the Druids Chair and Well or St Brigid’s Well or St Brigit’s Well)
lies within Altadeven Wood, not far from the Ulster Way footpath. The chair is a huge 2m high stone
block, shaped like a throne. The Well, which is said to never run dry is another rock, buth this one has a
25cm bullaun, or depression in it. This is filled with natural water. According to folklore, the water within
such depressions or bullauns has healing powers and this well is supposed to be good at curing warts.
Though it has been suggested that Druids would have found the site of particular interest, I do not know
of any archaeological evidence suggesting this was a Celtic site of worship. This has not stopped the site
being referred to as an ancient druidic centre though. St Patrick probably became associated with it as
Altadaven translates as 'The Demon Cliff' and the saint was said to have driven demonic creatures over
it. This tale is also attributed to St Brigid. There are two Rag Trees between the chair and well where
offerings have been tied.
An account of a strange experience at St Patrick’s Chair, citing the source as the United Kingdom UFO
Bulletin 1997. The event took place in September 1996 but was attributed to having taken place in
County Moneghan, which is a very short distance away, just over the border. Lawrence John (46 years)
and his dog were exploring around the rocks near St Patrick’s Chair when he was surrounded in a bright,
blinding white light. He then found himself confronted by several five foot tall, grey humanoids wearing
caftans and floating above the ground. The humanoids and John were outside of what was called a large
craft, which he was taken inside. There were about 50 of these humanoids in total, aboard the craft,
communicating telepathically. After some time, he found himself and dog alone by the stones and the
alien spacecraft gone.
After St. Patrick's Chair and Picnic Lunch, we visit Knockmany Passage Tomb
Knockmany Passage Tomb and Rock Art – Queen Annia’s Cove - Tyrone
The covering cairn in its present form is modern, added to protect the stones from weathering and
vandalism. Excavation showed that a stone cairn capped with earth within a stone revetment originally
covered the burial chamber. The passage of the ‘classic’ passage tomb is absent but several of the
stones forming the chamber are decorated with characteristic passage tomb art, including circles, spirals
and zigzags. One of the best examples of this art in the north.
After Knockmany Passage Tomb it’s time to pay a visit to Creggandevesky
Creggandevesky Court Tomb - Tyrone 3500 BC
This very impressive court tomb was a peat- covered, largely featureless mound and was threatened
with removal in an agricultural reclamation scheme. When excavated between 1979 and 1982, it proved
to be in an almost perfect state of preservation. A semi-circular forecourt leads to three burial
chambers. Cremated bone representing the remains of at least 21 people, flint implements and
Neolithic pottery were found during the excavation, some of the material in the court area. Radiocarbon
determinations suggest a date of about 3500 BC.
After Creggandevesky comes Beaghmore Stone Circle Complex
Beaghmore Stone Circle Complex - Tyrone
Discovered during peat cutting in the 1940s the site at
Beaghmore consists of 7 stone circles. All of the rings are
associated with cairns and a stone row runs towards these
cairns. It is possible that Neolithic occupation and cultivation
preceded the erection of burial cairns and ceremonial circles
and alignments: some irregular lines and heaps of boulders
resembling field-fences or field-clearance may predate the
ritual structures.
Ending the day, we head back for dinner and our 2 night stay at The Causeway
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean off
the Causeway Coastal walking
route, this modern lodging is a 15minute walk from the Giant's
Causeway. It's also a 2-minute walk
from the historic Giant's Causeway
and Bushmills Railway in the village
of Bushmills. The understated
modern rooms feature en suite
bathrooms, and tea and coffee
making equipment. All rooms are
accessed by stairs, and some also
offer sea views and private terraces.
Dining options include an oceanview restaurant with an a la carte menu and a relaxed lounge with sofas. A guest laundry service is also
available.
Day 4: June 19 - North Antrim Coast Megaliths and Majestic Sites
After Breakfast, we start the day at Dooey's
Dooey’s Cairn is a Neolithic tomb dating from c.40002000 BC. This is the best preserved court tomb in the
Causeway Coast area. It is named after Andrew Dooey
who owned the land. His family granted it to the
government in 1975. It was excavated twice, in 1935
and 1975. It consists of a U-shaped forecourt that
leads into a small chamber. Behind the chamber is a
cremation passage, containing three pits, one of which
held the remains of several individuals. This form of
cremation passage is the only one of its type found in Ireland.
After Dooey's we are off to Craigs Court Tomb ‘The Broad Stone’ and Craigs Dolmen
Craig’s Court Tomb and Craig’s Dolmen
This is a well preserved example of a court-tomb, at a height of 620 feet (190 metres) on the west side
of the Long Mountain. The tomb is aligned almost exactly north-south, and is set in the remains of an
oval cairn, measuring 14.5 x 11.5 metres, with traces of a stone kerb defining the perimeter. At the
south end is the semicircular forecourt. From here the burial gallery opens, between two large portal
stones, partly blocked by another stone. The capstone on the tomb was shattered in 1976 by lightning. It
was repaired in 1985 and excavation at the time showed that the chamber was the remains of a Passage
Tomb not a dolmen. It was probably built before 2000 BC, but re-used for burial in the Bronze Age.
There are seven small standing stones which support the capstone.
After Craig’s Court Tomb we visit Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle
In the 13th century Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster, built the first castle at Dunluce. It is first
documented in the hands of the McQuillan family in 1513. The earliest features of the castle are two
large drum towers about 9 metres (30 ft) in diameter on the eastern side, both relics of a stronghold
built here by the McQuillans after they became lords of the Route. The McQuillans were the Lords of
Route from the late 13th century until they were displaced by the MacDonalds after losing two major
battles against them during the mid and late-16th century.
After Dunluce Castle, we have lunch in Portrush, then off to see some Giants!
The Giant’s Causeway
The Birthplace of Geological Science. Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of
dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant’s Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and
captured the imagination of all who see it.
Following the Giant's Causeway, we visit Bumhmill's
Bushmill’s Irish Whiskey is made at the World’s oldest working distillery in County Antrim, Northern
Ireland on the beautiful North Coast. The grant to distill was signed in 1608 by King James 1st and there
has been distillation on this site since then, using the unique fresh water from our own stream and Irish
barley. The Bushmill’s Brand Experience encompasses guided tours around a working distillery with all
the associated sights and smells, tutored whiskey tastings, a specialist whiskey shop and a well stocked
gift shop with exclusive Bushmill’s merchandise. At the conclusion of your tour you will be offered a
whiskey or a soft drink in our 1608 Bar. There is also a restaurant serving lunches and Bushmill’s inspired
treats throughout the day. The Distillery Tour Centre is open 7 days a week.
Following the Bushmill's, we head back into Portrush for dinner by the Sea at sunset!
Then, after dinner, back to the Causeway Hotel for the evening
Day 5: June 20- Derry City Free Time and the Megalithic Sites of Donegal
Following Breakfast, we drive into Derry for some free time after a brief tour of the Walls!
Derry city is in the heart
of
profoundly
rich
historical and cultural
region. We then have a
walk around the 17 th
Century City walls. This is
the
only
remaining
completely walled city in
Ireland and one of the
finest and most complete
examples of Walled Cities
in Europe. The Walls were
built during the period
1613-1618 by the honourable, the Irish Society as defences for early seventeenth century settlers from
England and Scotland. The Walls, which are approximately 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway
around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still
preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day
After lunch and free time in Derry, we start to make our way south to Beltany Stone Circle
Beltany Stone Circle
This a Neolithic stone circle from around 1400-800 BC and comprises 64 stones around a low earth
platform or tumulus, situated at the summit of Tops Hill. One stone is decorated with cup marks and
many of the stones stand at an angle after being disturbed around a hundred years ago. There may
originally have been about 80 stones. A single stone, about 2 metres high, stands to the southeast of the
circle. It probably had some function related to the rites or ceremonies in the circle. A stone head was
found at Beltany, probably carved between 400 BC and 400 AD. This may indicate that the stone circle
was used for many centuries. It has been suggested that the name of the site is linked to the Celtic
festival of fertility known as 'Beltane; Properly known as Beltaine. Pronounced Bal-tin-neh, meaning Baltinne; 'Bal's fire' Bal being the sun god and the fire ceremony being a homage and source of
regeneration for his power to rejuvenate the sun for the following season.
After Beltany, we make a pitstop at Newgrange Lodge to check in and freshen up!
Newgrange Lodge is uniquely located
within the historical world famous
heritage
UNESCO
parkland
of
Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.
Formerly an old farmhouse, the Lodge
was lovingly restored to provide the
perfect base for you to venture out and
explore the rich & historical attractions
of the stunning Boyne Valley region,
also known as Ireland's Heritage capital.
Offering
diverse
accommodation
ranging from comfortable budget dorm
rooms to lovely single, double and family en-suites bedrooms. Newgrange Lodge caters not only to the
independent traveler but also to families, small conferences, wedding parties and unique groups
offering a full range of concierge services, meal options and conference space facilities
After checking in at Newgrange Lodge - we are off to the Hill of Tara for Sunset!
The Hill of Tara, located near the River Boyne, is an archaeological complex that runs between Navan
and Dunshaughlin in County Meath, Leinster, Ireland. It contains a number of ancient monuments, and,
according to tradition, was the seat of Árd Rí na hÉireann, or the High King of Ireland. Recent scholarship
claims that despite the rich narratives derived from mythologies, Tara was not so much a true seat of
kingship, but a sacral site associated with kingship rituals.
After sunset at Hill of Tara, we head over to the town of Slane for a pleasant dinner
Slane is such an impressive, important and influential site that it defies a simple description. Steeped in
myth and history, the hill towers 158 metres (521ft) above the surrounding landscape and has
breathtaking views of the countryside. From this beautiful hill, a vast prospect of Ireland is afforded on
a clear day. Eastwards can easily be seen the mounds of Newgrange and Knowth, with the town of
Drogheda and the Irish Sea beyond, while the view northwards extends as far as Slieve Gullion (well into
Northern Ireland), southwards as far as the Sugarloaf Mountain in Wicklow, and westwards to the
midlands of Ireland. The importance of the Hill of Slane can be traced back into prehistory, probably as
far as the Neolithic. In ancient Dindshenchas mythology, the Fir Bolg king Sláine was said to have been
buried here. In Christian history the hill became established as the place where St. Patrick lit the first
paschal fire in direct defiance of the pagan kings at nearby Tara. However, archaeologists have
suggested the Paschal Fire may have been lit at Brú na Bóinne, and possibly Knowth, instead of Slane.
The hill remained an eminence of Christian significance long after St. Patrick appointed Erc as the first
Bishop there - a monastery survived on the Hill of Slane even after successive raids by the Vikings. It is
still a mecca for pilgrims to this day. There are other, less known facts, which make Slane a mystical and
fascinating place. The 'motte' which stands on the western side of the hill, shielded from view by a wood
of trees, is said to be of Norman origin, but is probably the burial mound of Sláine, the Fir Bolg King, who
according to legend was the one who cleared the wood from the Brugh when the mounds of
Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth were built. The mound also has interesting alignments with other
ancient sites, and in mythology may have an astronomical significance. Slane was also supposed to have
been the location of a mythical healing well, which was used by the Tuatha Dé Danann to heal their
wounds during battle. Another intriguing story about Slane concerns a certain Dagobert II, heir to the
throne of a Merovingian kingdom called Austrasie (in France), who was exiled to Ireland after his
father's death in 656. Dagobert is said to have grown into a man 'at the Monastery of Slane', and
attended the court of the High King of Tara. While in Ireland, he married a Celtic princess. He eventually
returned to Austrasie and claimed the kingship in 674, some 18 years after his original exile to Slane.
Slane sits on an extraordinary 135-mile equinox alignment stretching from Millmount in the east as far
as Croagh Patrick in the west, passing through the town of Kells and the impressive monument complex
at Cruachan Ai. We call this Saint Patrick's "Equinox Journey". The near-equinox alignment involves
watching the sunset around March 23rd from Millmount, overlooking the Boyne in Drogheda. This
sunset falls behind the Hill of Slane. n observer looking at this equinoctial sunset is unwittingly looking
also in the direction of Croagh Patrick in County Mayo. Thus, two sites closely associated with Saint
Patrick are in a near-equinox alignment.
After dinner in Slane, we head back to the Newgrange Lodge to overnight
Day 6: June 21 - Loughcrew Solstice Sunrise and Newgrange Complex
Up very early, before sunrise to make our way over to celebrate the Solstice at Loughcrew
Clusters of Megalithic Cairns are dotted around the Slieve na Caillaigh hills at Loughcrew, the main
concentrations are on Carnbane East where Cairn T is the centrepiece and Carnbane West where Cairn L
is located. The illumination of the passage and chamber at the Winter solstice sunrise in Newgrange is
world famous. Less well known is the Equinox illumination at sunrise in Cairn T at Loughcrew. The back
stone of the chamber is illuminated by a beam of light at sunrise on the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes.
After Solstice sunrise at Loughcrew we head over to spend breakfast at Newgrange Visitors
Pavilion and check our group into the Newgrange Complex of Newgrange / Knowth / Dowth
Newgrange is the best known Irish passage tomb and dates to c.3, 200BC. The large mound is
approximately 80m in diameter and is surrounded at its base by a kerb of 97 stones. The most
impressive of these stones is the highly decorated Entrance Stone
Knowth consists of one large mound containing two passage tombs surrounded by eighteen smaller
mounds. The largest of the mounds is known as Site 1. This great monument covers about half a hectare
(approx. 1.5acre) and is 95m across at its widest point. Around the entrances to the tombs are settings
of unusual stones such as quartz, granite and banded stones. Smaller tombs, some of which are
connected to the large tomb, cluster around the great mound.
Dowth is the least well known of the three great tombs of Brú na Bóinne. Although as large as
Newgrange and Knowth it has not been excavated in recent times. Like the other monuments it was
built over 5,000 years ago. Visitors wishing to visit Dowth can drive directly to the site whereas all access
to Newgrange and Knowth is through Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. The mound of Dowth appears quite
overgrown and neglected in comparison to the well-tended appearance of the other monuments. At
present the mound is approx 85m in diameter and there are an estimated 115 kerbstones, only about
half of which are visible.
After the Newgrange Complex, we travel to Fourknocks
Fourknocks is a Passage Chamber Tomb built about 5000 years ago. It is located 10 miles southeast of
Newgrange between Ardcath in County Meath and the Naul in County Dublin. The name Fourknocks
may be from the Irish Fuair Cnocs meaning Cold Hills or maybe Four Cnocs is a reference to the Four
Tombs (Four Hills). Only the main tomb pictured above has been excavated and is open to the public.
After visiting Fourknocks, we have lunch in
Mulingar
Mullingar (/ˌmʊl.ɪnˈɡɑːr/; Irish: An Muileann
gCearr, meaning "the left-handed mill") is the
county town of County Westmeath in Ireland.
The Counties of Meath and Westmeath Act
(Henry VIII 34) of 1543, proclaimed Westmeath
(which then included Longford which separated
in 1586) a county, separating it from Meath.
Mullingar became the administrative centre for
County Westmeath. The town was originally
named Maelblatha, and takes its modern name
from a mill noted in the legend of Colman of Mullingar. Traditionally a market town serving the large
agricultural hinterland, Mullingar remains a significant commercial location. It had a tradition of cattletrading up until 2003, when its cattle market was closed for development of a mixed commercial and
residential scheme called Market Point. Mullingar is famous for the neighbouring lakes, Lough Owel,
Lough Ennell and Lough Derravaragh, which attract many anglers. Lough Derravaragh is also known for
its connection with the Irish legend of the Children of Lir. The town of Mullingar is linked to Lough Ennell
via Lacy's Canal and the River Brosna. Another waterway of significance is the Royal Canal, which loops
around Mullingar.
After lunch in Mulingar, we head to our
Castle for our two night stay!
Towards the end of the 18th century the
property later known as Castle Tenison,
together with its surrounding estate, belonged
to the Dundas family. They sold it in 1715 to
Richard Tenison, of the English Tenison family,
who was the son of the Bishop of Meath and
MP for Dunleer. He died in 1726 and left the
property to his son, William, who in 1746 was
Lieutenant Colonel of the 35th Regiment of
Foot and also an MP for Dunleer. William died
shortly afterwards in 1728 without an heir and
the estate passed to his uncle Thomas and thence to Thomas' son, Thomas jnr. Thomas jnr was High
Sheriff of Leitrim for 1763 and MP for County Monaghan from 1776 to 1783. The property, now known
as Kilronan Castle, passed to Thomas jnr's only son, yet another Thomas, who was High Sheriff of
Roscommon in 1791, Leitrim in 1792 and MP for Boyle in 1792.
His son Edward King-Tenison was High Sheriff of Leitrim in 1845, MP for Leitrim from 1847 to 1852 and
Lord Lieutenant of Roscommon from 1856 to 1878. On his death in 1878 the property was left to his
son-in-law Henry King who had changed his name to Henry King-Tenison and inherited his brother's title
to become the 8th Earl of Kingston. It was the 8th Earl of Kingston who built the present house in the
1880s as a large Gothic Revival extension to the older building. During his occupation much of the
surrounding land was sold. After his death in 1896 the castle was not often occupied, the 9th Earl
preferring to live elsewhere, and in 1939 the contents were sold at auction. The castle was later
occupied by a section of the Construction Corps who were building a road in the Arigna Mountains. The
Land Commission ultimately acquired the property and later sold the castle to Michael and Brendan
Layden. It was subsequently converted into a luxury hotel by the Hanly group in 2006.
We arrive at about 5pm at Kilronan and after check in, rest up and meet for dinner in the
Castle later in the evening.
Day 7: June 22 - Carrowmore Complex & Carrowkeel Complex &
Creevykeel
After breakfast at the castle, a breathtaking visit to the Carrowkeel Complex awaits!
Carrowkeel is a beautifully situated neolithic hilltop passage tomb complex consisting of 14 passage
cairns identified with letters. The passage cairns are spread across a number of hills that form part of the
Bricklieve Mountain range (the Irish name Breac sliabh means speckled mountain). Carrowkeel is one of
a series of limestone plateaus aligned towards Knocknarea. The plateau to the east is Doonaveeragh and
to the west there are the Carn Mor and Treanscrabbagh plateaus. There is a small car park between the
two hills in the top image. Although Carrowkeel is the highest point, it is also the easiest hill to access.
Most visitors to the complex will visit the four main cairns on this plateau.
After visiting Carrowkeel, we head over to the nearby the Carrowmore Complex
Carrowmore is the largest cemetery of megalithic tombs in Ireland and is also among the country's
oldest, with monuments ranging from five thousand to five thousand eight hundred years old.
Archaeologists have recorded over 60 tombs of which 30 are visible. A restored cottage houses an
exhibition relating to the site. Access to the tombs may be difficult for people with disabilities. Visitors
are advised to wear shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
Following the Carrowmore Complex stop, we will have lunch in Sligo!
The importance of Sligo's location in prehistory is demonstrated by the abundance of ancient sites close
by and even within the town. For example, Sligo town's first roundabout was constructed around a
megalithic passage tomb at Abbeyquarter North in Garavogue Villas. This is an outlier of the large group
of monuments at Carrowmore on the Cuil Irra peninsula on the western outskirts of the town. The area
around Sligo town has one of the highest densities of prehistoric archaeological sites in Ireland. It is the
only place in which all classes of Irish megalithic monuments are to be found together. Knocknarea
mountain, capped by the great cairn of Miosgan Maeve, dominates the skyline to the west of the town.
Cairns Hill on the southern edge of the town also has two very large stone cairns. Excavations for the
NRA for the N4 Sligo Inner Relief Road in 2002 revealed a Bronze Age Henge at Tonafortes (beside the
Carraroe roundabout) on the southern outskirts of the town, and an early Neolithic causewayed
enclosure (c. 4000 B.C.) at Magheraboy on high ground overlooking the town from the south. This is the
oldest causewayed enclosure so far discovered in Britain or Ireland. It consists of a large area enclosed
by a segmented ditch and palisade, and was perhaps an area of commerce and ritual. These monuments
are associated with the coming of agriculture and hence the first farmers in Ireland. According to
archaeologist Edward Danagher, who excavated the site, 'Magheraboy indicates a stable and successful
population during the final centuries of the fifth millennium and the first centuries of the fourth
millennium BC'. Sligo bay is an ancient natural harbour, being known to Greek, Phoenician and Roman
traders as the area is thought to be the location marked as the city of Nagnata on Claudius Ptolemy's
2nd century AD co-ordinate map of the world. During the early medieval period the site of Sligo was
eclipsed by the importance of the great Columban monastery 5 miles to the north at Drumcliff. By the
12th century there was a bridge and small settlement in existence at the site of the present town.
Following lunch, we arrive at our final stop, the beautiful Creevykeel Court Tomb
Without doubt the court tomb at Creevykeel is amongst the finest examples of a full-court tomb in
Ireland. Dating from the Neolithic Period, 4000-2500 BCE, the tomb was excavated in 1935 and shortly
afterwards restored. The excavations uncovered four cremation burials, decorated and undecorated
Neolithic pottery, flint arrow heads, polished stone axes and other artefacts, including a chalk ball. The
cairn is trapezoidal in shape and about 50 metres in length. The front of the cairn is about twenty
metres across.
Ending the day at Creevykeel we make our way back to Kilronan Castle and the celebration
dinner to end the tour.
OVERNIGHT AT KILRONAN CASTLE NIGHT OF June 22 to June 23
Transfer back to Derry City the next day or alternatively Dublin depending on travel.
Tour will arrange your transport back to Derry City, or you can make your way to Dublin from Sligo
drop off