Top ten picturesque and historic villages in Ireland – PHOTOS

Experience the “real Ireland” in these proud heritage towns and villages

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Westport House, Co. Mayo

Photo by .mayo-ireland.ie

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If you want to get a sense of the Irish people and their past it’s best to get off the beaten track and head outside the major cities and towns. Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Ireland’s villages.

Instead of falling in to the more obvious tourist traps, take a look at some of Ireland’s historic villages, many with their roots in Celtic monasteries or the Normans and the Vikings.

Here’s our pick of the top ten:

1 Cobh, County Cork

Located just south east of Cork City, Cork derives much of its colorful history from its port and proximity to the sea.

During the Great Famine, millions of Irish people left Ireland from Cobh, travelling to their new life in America and Canada. It was also the last port of call for the Titanic, one hundred years ago, before the Belfast built ship met its tragic end.

2 Birr, County Offaly

This County Offaly town is home to Birr Castle Demesne, developed by the Parsons family over the last 400 years. This family has made a unique contribution to astronomy, photography, engineering, and botany.

The Castle is the oldest inhabited home in Ireland. On site you will find an astronomical telescope with a 72-inch metal mirror erected by the third Earl of Rosse. Until 1917 this was the largest telescope in the world.

3 Dalkey, County Dublin

The medieval town of Dalkey is just 30 minutes from Dublin City Center on the DART. Dalkey Castle includes a 14th century fortified town house, a 10th century church and graveyard, along with a heritage museum and vibrant writers and art gallery.

4 Kells, County Meath

Kells, in Gaelic (Irish) means Great Fort. The town is best known as a royal residence before St. Colmcille established a religious settlement in Kells in 550. It is considered by some to be the most important monastic site in Ireland. Uniquely, Kells has been a living town for thousands of years and remains a vibrant and lively place to visit.

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5 Lismore, County Waterford

During the 7th century, Lismore was the site of the Lismore Abbey. It is also know for Lismore Castle which was the birth place of “The Father of Chemistry” Robert Boyle, who found Boyle’s Law. During the 19th century, the Book of Lismore and the Lismore Crozier (now in the National Museum of Ireland) were discovered.

6 Roscrea, County Tipperary

Some highlights in this historic Tipperary town include the 13th century caste at it center, the 2nd century west gable, facsimile high cross, the round tower and the black mills at Church Street.

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