Local Attractions
The Curragh Racecourse
The Curragh Racecourse - Home of the Classics, Racing on many dates through the Summer months. www.thecurragh.ie Visit The Curragh at dawn and see Ireland's finest thoroughbred horses being exercised during the early morning mist. What a wonderful way to start your day.
Go racing this Summer check out goracing.ie
Kildare Village Chic Outlet Shopping
Your passion for fashion will be well and truly indulged at Kildare Village, where you'll find over 55 boutiques selling your favourite labels at greatly reduced prices every day of the year. www.kildarevillage.com check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCUGma338P4&list=HL1325771922&feature=mh_lolz
Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
Established in 1946, the Irish National Stud combines an active role in the development and promotion of Irish bloodstock with its role as one of the country's major tourist attractions. http://www.irish-national-stud.ie The significance of the Japanese Gardens is not only artistic and horticultural but also philosophical, religious and historical. Now of international renown and acclaimed as the finest Japanese Gardens in Europe, they are a living monument to the meeting of Eastern and Western cultures in a Western setting. 3 Great evenings will take place on June 22nd to 24th - three magical nights of entertainment in the enchanting setting of the famous Japanese Gardens. Door's open at 7pm & the performance will commence at 8.15pm - Tickets are priced at €35 perperson or T. 045 521251 or email smcormack@irish-natioanl-stud.ie
Slieve Bloom Mountains
NATURE LOVERS - Enjoy the outdoors Walking, Horse Riding, Eco Walks, Looped Walks, Long distance Walks-Slieve Bloom Way/Offaly Way, Guided Wilderness Walks, self guided, free maps available or guided walks with experienced local guides. We cater for all levels of walker. http://www.slievebloom.ie/
The Ireland Whiskey Trail
Two of the wonderful Irish Pubs in the Whiskey Trail are located a short drive from The Resort, No 43 & 44 on the whiskey trail map... Mooney's of Monasterevin & The Fishersman's in Jamestown. For more details http://www.irelandwhiskeytrail.com & info@irelandwhiskeytrail.com Tel.: +353 (0) 86 8580630
info@irelandwhiskeytrail.com - info@irishwhiskeyevent.com Tel.: + 353 (0)86 8580630
True Fitness Outdoor Adventures
True Fitness Outdoor Adventures based in nearby Portarlington, are a mobile activity company. They provide a range of activities such as kayaking, archery, orienteering & team challenges and all only a few minutes from your doorstep.
Dunamise Arts Centre
Offering Shows, Exhibitions, Workshops, www.dunamaise.ie
Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
Visit the birthplace of Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey and Irish Mist liqueur on the site of the original distillery, now converted into a fascinating hands-on exhibition. www.tullamore-dew.org
Emo Court
Enjoy a guided tour around the house which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland which were first laid out in the 18th century and contain formal lawns, a lake and woodland walks with many very fine trees and shrubs. www.heritageireland.ie
Stradbally Steam Museum
The Stradbally Steam Museum celebrates the steam engines that once ruled Ireland’s railways. Rides on the narrow gauge railway are available to the public on Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays from May to September. www.irishsteam.ie
Grand Canal Equestrian
Fisherstown, Laois, Fully ensured, 40min lesson for 20 euro, can cater for any age/size guest.Located close to The Fishermans Thatched Inn, on the canal side, charming & rustic. They also offer hacks along the canal. Booking enquiries: William Whelan & Geraldine Tynan. Tel: 086 3505337 e-mail: grandcanalequestrian@gmail.com Facebook: grandcanalequestrian
Barrowline Cruisers is a friendly family-owned barge hite company, providing well equipped self-drive barges varying in size from 2 berth narrowboats to 8 berth wide beams.
Their base on the grand canal is ideally located to allow you to explore the full extent of the tranquil waters of the Grand Canal and the more lively waters of the River Barrow - two totally different cruising experiences. Weekly & short break hire available. Contact Philip or Orla Crean, Vicarstown, Co. Laois. Tel: 057 86 26060/087 9887241 e-mail:barrowline@eircom.net
Trip 1: 1 hour 15 mins trip along the 220 year old Grand Canal. Up to 8 people. The barge departs Vicarstown and through a 220 year old bridge, passing over Grattan aqueduct and on to Courtwood. We then turn and head back to Vicarstown, a beautiful little village, where Henry Grattan once had a hunting lodge and his granddaughter Pauline Grattan-Bellew built Grattan Lodge in 1882 and the School house in 1868. Price: 80 euro for barge & skipper.
Trip 2: 2 hour 30 mins trip along the 220 year old Grand Canal from Vicarstown to Monasterevin. Tea & Coffee on board. Bring a picnic! Up to 8 people. Departing from Vicarstown, a beautiful little village where Henry Grattan once had a hunting lodge and his granddaughter Pauline Grattan-Bellew built Grattan Lodge in 1882 and the School house in 1868. Cruising gently along we pass through Grattan aqueduct, Courtwood bridge & Fisherstown where passengers can disembark if they like and take a 2 minute walk up to see the thatched Fishermans Inn. We then head for Monasterevin, where the celebrated Irish tenor Count John McCormack once lived. Here we pass through a lock, aqueduct and lifting bridge before mooring in the harbour. Price: 240 euro for barge & skipper. Up to 8 people.
Trip 3: 2 hr 30 mins trip along the Grand Canal from Monasterevin to Fishertown or on to Vicarstown. Tea & Coffee on board. Bring a Picnic! Departing from Monasterevin harbour. Monasterevin is where the celebrated Irish tenor Count John McCormack once lived. Cruising under a lifting bridge and over an aqueduct, which crosses the River Barrow, we pass through a lock and head for Fisherstown Bridge. Passengers can disembark if they like and take a 2 min walk up to the thatched Fishermans Inn, or they can contimue on with the barge to Vicarstown, a beautiful little village where Henry Grattan once had a hunting lodge and his granddaughter Pauline Grattan-Bellew built Grattan Lodge in 1882 and the School house in 1868. See the oled stone canal stores and the 250 year old Vicarstown Inn, where the old boatment quenced theor thirst at every opportunity. Price: 240 euro for barge and skipper. Up to 8 people.
Anna Harvey Riding School
Lots of horse riding available in all disciplines, particularly show jumping, cross-country and dressage. Situated just outside Tullamore County Offaly in the heart of Ireland, Annaharvey Farm has it all. www.annaharveyfarm.ie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSK_KAB2gKY&feature=fvst
Kilvahan Horse Drawn Caravans
The award winning Kilvahan Horse-Drawn Caravan experience gives you the opportunity to step outside of the everyday bustle and unwind in the beautiful Irish midlands. The freedom of the countryside is yours at a slow and relaxing pace. www.horsedrawncaravans.com
Ballaghmore Castle
Set in the Irish midlands in Co. Laois, it is the perfect setting for a relaxing rural break in luxurious and historic surroundings. Situated in beautiful country side, with its renowned fishing, shooting, riding, hunting, hill walking, mountain climbing and golf. www.ballaghmorecastle.com
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park is a family day visitor attraction located on a mineral island in the Bog of Allen, just 4 miles outside Rathangan, County Kildare, Ireland. The Park is a leading destination for families, school tours, birthday parties, tourists
and also for the seasonal celebrations of Christmas, Easter and Halloween. www.lullymoreheritagepark.com
Locke's Distillery Museum
Locke's Distillery is the last remaining example of a small pot still whiskey distillery in Ireland. In 1982, the local people began restoring the old distillery and today it is open to the public as a Museum. The Museum is open seven days a week and there is a choice of a self-guided or guided tour. www.lockesdistillerymuseum.ie
Castlecomber Discovery Park
Castlecomer Discovery Park, 80 acres of mixed woodland in the south-east of Ireland, just 20km north of the medieval city of Kilkenny and 24km from Carlow town. Open all year round, Castlecomer Discovery Park is an ideal location for a family day out or for bus tours, school groups or individuals. www.discoverypark.ie
Looking for a Tour Guide, contact The Association of Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland on www.tourguides.ie or email aatgi@tourguides.ie & bookings@tourguides.ie All guides are fully trained and recognised body of professional guides in Ireland.
The Gerard Manley Hopkins 24th International Festival in Newbridge, Co. Kildare
