Old hand-colored photos of Irish heritage sites

There is a timeless quality to Ireland that attracts visitors from all over the world as these old photos from Ireland's heritage sites show.

In every county, history is literally all around you, from the ancient stone circles in Drombeg, County Cork, to Reginald's Tower in Waterford City, which dates from the 13th century.

The Irish Archaeology website features a collection of vintage photos of Ireland's Heritage Sites that were taken between 1890 and 1900. The photos have been hand-tinted, which lends them a fascinating, contemporary look. Except for the old-fashioned autos and clothing styles visible in some of the scenes, the photos could have been taken yesterday.

Mysteries of deserted pre-Famine village on Achill Island revealed

The photos are part of the Library of Congress collection.

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01. Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

Founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century AD, this was one of Ireland’s most important early monasteries.

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02. Ross Castle, Killarney, Co. Kerry

Built in the late 15th century, this castle consists of a square tower house, with bartizans on two of its corners.

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03. The Quays, Waterford.

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04. O’Connell Street, Dublin

This street is Dublin’s main thoroughfare and prior to 1924, it was known as Sackville Street.

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05. Patrick Street, Cork City

Cork’s main shopping street.

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06. Devenish Island, Co. Fermanagh

One of the finest monastic sites in Northern Ireland, Devenish island contains at least three early churches.

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07 Reginald’s Tower, Waterford City

Built in the beginning of the 13th century this circular defensive tower is the only surviving building in Ireland that retains its original Viking name.