For our first visit we head to the impressive Clonmacnoise Monastic Site, one of the most significant early Christian locations in Europe, where 6th-century ruins still stand proudly on the banks of the River Shannon. Founded by St Ciarán, it became an important seat of learning with scholars flocking from all over Europe to visit and was also closely associated with the kings of Connacht until the 9th century. It’s a fascinating experience to walk amongst the cathedral, two round towers, carved high crosses, nine churches and hundreds of early Christian gravestones to really imagine what has gone before us here, and there’s also an informative visitor centre to learn more.
We continue to Strokestown Park, an atmospheric Anglo-Irish estate consisting of a Palladian-style Georgian house, once home to a renowned military family for over three centuries, as well as lovely gardens and the National Famine Museum. State-of-the-art exhibits, immersive displays, local documents, tragic stories and unique artefacts combine to bring to life a moving part of Ireland’s history while comparing the lives of Strokestown’s aristocratic landlords and their tenants.
Our last stop of the day is the famous Old Kilbeggan Distillery, the country’s oldest licensed distillery, housed in charming buildings. Established in 1757, it’s now one part museum and one part distillery with authentic features on display such as the 19th-century waterwheel, offering the perfect chance to learn all about the traditional Irish whiskey-making process.