Undiscovered Ireland

Howth Head marks the north end of Dublin Bay. Easily reached by DART commuter train or bus, the town of Howth offers a wide array of things to do and see. You can climb to the top of Howth Hill for a spectacular view or walk along the Coastal Path, an ideal place for bird watching. If your interests are more technological in nature, stop by the National Transport Museum of Ireland or Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio. The radio museum is located in one of Howth's two Martello towers. History buffs will enjoy St. Mary's Church and Howth Castle, which is owned by the Gaisford-St. Lawrence family. The castle is only open to the public on Charity Open Days during the summer, but the gardens are open; you can also sign up for cooking classes in the castle's kitchen. Howth town itself is charmingly walkable, with plenty of pubs and restaurants to choose from.

Bray is home to a mile-long beach, which attracts many visitors during the busy summer months. You can find something to do in Bray at any time of year, allowing you to take advantage of the quieter spring and autumn seasons. Take a walk on the beach or along Bray's seafront Esplanade, or follow the Cliff Walk to the town of Greystones, five miles away. If you've always dreamed of riding a horse along an Irish trail, head to the Brennanstown Riding School and sign up for a horse riding trek. You can also tour an Elizabethan-Revival home and garden right in Bray, Killruddery House.

Clonmacnoise is well known to students of medieval history, but visitors heading to the west of Ireland often pass it by. This monastic community, founded by Saint Ciarán in the middle of the 6th century, grew to include seven churches Ireland's tallest high cross and two round towers. Clonmacnoise became an important center of learning and culture, but the monastery's importance eventually declined, and the churches fell into ruin. Not far away, you'll find the town of Clonfert, most famous for its cathedral, which was founded by Saint Brendan the Navigator. The existing cathedral dates to the 12th century and is still in use by the Church of Ireland.

Best known because of the Irish song that bears its name ("Fields of Athenry") and is sung at rugby and soccer matches around the world, the town of Athenry is one of Ireland's best-preserved walled towns. The walls were built in 1310 A. D., while Athenry Castle dates back to approximately 1238 A. D. Athenry also boasts a medieval market cross, which stands in the town square as it has for over 500 years. You can tour the Athenry Heritage Centre, which offers local tours, activities, genealogy resources and archery lessons. The ruins of the Dominican Priory of Saints Peter and Paul are nearby.

Letterkenny Town makes a great home base for exploring County Donegal in northwestern Ireland. The town itself offers many opportunities to shop, dine and relax. Saint Eunan's Cathedral, built in the 1890s, dominates the landscape. Take a daytrip or two and explore the Donegal countryside. The Grianán of Aileach (also spelled Grianán Ailigh or Grianán Ailligh) is an ancient ring fort that sits atop a hill near the village of Burt. Parts of the fort date to the late Bronze or early Iron Age. The main part of the cashel (ring fort) was the Northern Uí Néill dynasty's royal fortress from about 500 to 1200 A. D. Nearby Saint Aengus Church is circular in shape; architect Liam McCormick deliberately shaped the building to reflect the features of the Grianán of Aileach. Other great Letterkenny daytrips include Glenveagh National Park, the Colmcille Heritage Centre and the Corn and Flax Mills in Newmills.