In the woods outside Lismore, there is a grand Gothic gateway — towers, battlements, an ornamental bridge — built in the 1840s. Behind it: nothing. Arthur Kiely-Ussher spent everything on the entrance and had nothing left for the house. Ballysaggartmore Towers is one of Ireland’s strangest and most compelling free attractions.
Ballysaggartmore Towers in County Waterford look like a ruined castle — but they are actually an entrance gate, built in 1850 for a mansion that was never completed. Here is the full story and how to visit.
Discover the Rock of Cashel, seat of Ireland’s Munster kings and Brian Boru’s ancestral throne — plus get weekly Ireland stories free in our newsletter.
Walk Ireland’s most sacred mountain in County Mayo. Everything you need to know before climbing Croagh Patrick — route, difficulty, timings, and practical tips.
Trim Castle in County Meath is Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman castle, built in 1172 beside the River Boyne. This guide covers history, tours, ticket prices, getting there, and what else to see nearby.
The North Tower of Dunluce Castle is said to be haunted by Maeve Roe MacQuillan, imprisoned by her father more than four centuries ago. Here is what history and legend tell us about her fate.
The meaning, origin and story behind the Irish girl name Treasa. How to pronounce it, where it comes from, and why Ireland loves it.
The best pubs in County Dublin according to Ireland’s biggest pub poll of 2026. See the current rankings and cast your vote.
Ten of Ireland’s loveliest towns to picture a slower, sociable retirement in, from painted harbour villages on the Atlantic to medieval towns with the river running through the middle.
How an estimated 200,000 Scots-Irish emigrants from Ulster shaped the American Revolution — and the founding fathers they produced, from John Barry to Charles Thomson. Plus get weekly Ireland heritage stories free in our newsletter.
Dunlough Castle at Three Castles Head in West Cork is one of Ireland’s most isolated medieval ruins — perched on 100m cliffs above the Atlantic. Here’s everything you need to know to visit.