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Medieval Ireland The Midlands - Self Drive
Oct 12 2011 08:19 AM | Bhushan in Self Drive Tours
Medieval Ireland The Midlands
+353 (0)44 9348650
eastandmidlandsinfo@failteireland.ie
Relatively small numbers of people lived in the midlands of Ireland in medieval times, the great concentrations – and therefore the castles and medieval religious foundations - being more towards the eastern counties. So there is more space between stopping places on this part of the route than in the first and last of its three divisions. However, great houses and gardens and many other interesting spots were created in the five centuries since the castles went out of fashion and the route has no shortage of attractions and places to dine or stay overnight.
From Maynooth go west to Clonard, one of the most famous places of learning of ancient Ireland, but interesting in the medieval context for its motte, a green earthen mound built by the Anglo-Normans as the foundation of a castle to defend a crossing on the River Boyne. To the south is the Hill of Carbury, with another motte, the ruins of a Jacobean house which replaced an ancient castle – and a wonderful view. Then head for Portlaoise and the marvellous Rock of Dunamase. The castle was blown to pieces in the 17th century – but the pieces are colossal and conjure up visions of past glories.
Between Portlaoise and the River Shannon the Slieve Bloom Mountains rise – and may be crossed by a variety of good roads. Kinnitty has a castle – but, in spite of its medieval aspect, it dates only to the 19th century. Like Kilkea, it is a welcoming hotel. Farther to the west is Clonmacnoise, an ancient Celtic foundation which continued to be a great monastery throughout the medieval period and has some interesting ruins from the 13th and 14th centuries in addition to its Celtic crosses and round tower. Besides its solid relics, Clonmacnoise has an atmosphere of tranquillity unsurpassed anywhere in Ireland.
North of Clonmacnoise is Athlone, since ancient Celtic times, one of the most important crossing places on the River Shannon. Its castle is remarkable in having remained in use as a military establishment from medieval times until well into the 20th century. Now it houses an excellent museum and serves refreshments. On the road from Athlone to Dublin – a highway for at least two thousand years – is Tyrrellspass, with a splendid castle which contains a good restaurant. To the north is Abbeyshrule, the site of another Cistercian abbey. More monastic remains can be seen at Multyfarnham and Fore – surrounded by a region of beautiful lakes.
At Multyfarnham the ancient Franciscan friary has been incorporated into a new church in a lovely garden. The monastery of Fore, in a delightful green valley, was so controversial in its day that its church was designed like a fortress. Nearby in Delvin, the walls of the ancient castle remain to this day a notable part of the main street. Delvin is close to the boundaries of County Meath which contains many of the most important ancient monuments from all periods of Irish history.
Distance : 325 km (202 miles)
+353 (0)44 9348650
eastandmidlandsinfo@failteireland.ie
Relatively small numbers of people lived in the midlands of Ireland in medieval times, the great concentrations – and therefore the castles and medieval religious foundations - being more towards the eastern counties. So there is more space between stopping places on this part of the route than in the first and last of its three divisions. However, great houses and gardens and many other interesting spots were created in the five centuries since the castles went out of fashion and the route has no shortage of attractions and places to dine or stay overnight.
From Maynooth go west to Clonard, one of the most famous places of learning of ancient Ireland, but interesting in the medieval context for its motte, a green earthen mound built by the Anglo-Normans as the foundation of a castle to defend a crossing on the River Boyne. To the south is the Hill of Carbury, with another motte, the ruins of a Jacobean house which replaced an ancient castle – and a wonderful view. Then head for Portlaoise and the marvellous Rock of Dunamase. The castle was blown to pieces in the 17th century – but the pieces are colossal and conjure up visions of past glories.
Between Portlaoise and the River Shannon the Slieve Bloom Mountains rise – and may be crossed by a variety of good roads. Kinnitty has a castle – but, in spite of its medieval aspect, it dates only to the 19th century. Like Kilkea, it is a welcoming hotel. Farther to the west is Clonmacnoise, an ancient Celtic foundation which continued to be a great monastery throughout the medieval period and has some interesting ruins from the 13th and 14th centuries in addition to its Celtic crosses and round tower. Besides its solid relics, Clonmacnoise has an atmosphere of tranquillity unsurpassed anywhere in Ireland.
North of Clonmacnoise is Athlone, since ancient Celtic times, one of the most important crossing places on the River Shannon. Its castle is remarkable in having remained in use as a military establishment from medieval times until well into the 20th century. Now it houses an excellent museum and serves refreshments. On the road from Athlone to Dublin – a highway for at least two thousand years – is Tyrrellspass, with a splendid castle which contains a good restaurant. To the north is Abbeyshrule, the site of another Cistercian abbey. More monastic remains can be seen at Multyfarnham and Fore – surrounded by a region of beautiful lakes.
At Multyfarnham the ancient Franciscan friary has been incorporated into a new church in a lovely garden. The monastery of Fore, in a delightful green valley, was so controversial in its day that its church was designed like a fortress. Nearby in Delvin, the walls of the ancient castle remain to this day a notable part of the main street. Delvin is close to the boundaries of County Meath which contains many of the most important ancient monuments from all periods of Irish history.
Distance : 325 km (202 miles)
