In the past of Ireland the typical religion is Celtic. Ireland has numerous mythologies that tell stories about gods

Celtic mythology is known for a series of accounts of the religion of the Celts during the Iron Age. Like other Indo-European cultures during this period, the early Celts maintained a polytheistic mythology and religious structure.

LEPRECHAUNS 

Leprechauns are beings from Irish mythology, typically depicted as small elves or gnomes. They are believed to inhabit Ireland, especially secluded places like forests or hills. Known for their craftsmanship, they are said to hide pots of gold at the end of rainbows. Legend has it that if someone catches a Leprechaun, it may grant them three wishes in exchange for its release, though they are known to be cunning and elusive. Their story is rooted in Irish folklore tradition and has been passed down through generations as part of the island's rich folklore.

Near the Burren region of Ireland, there are the Cliffs of Moher, a place famous for its castles, caves and mythology. On these cliffs there is a set of rocks arranged in a peculiar way. It is a rock formation that appears to be the face of a person looking towards the sea.

They say it is the head of the old witch Mal, who fell in love with Cu Chulainn (Irish hero). After chasing him through Irish forests and castles, one day Cú Chulainn jumped off the cliff. Mal does the same, but is unsuccessful: he crashed into the cliff and his head was forever portrayed in the rocks.

Sitting majestically on a limestone outcrop in County Tipperary, this ancient site attracts travelers from far and wide to delve into its stories of the past. With its imposing spiers and weathered stone walls, the Rock of Cashel is a testament to the resilience and grandeur of Ireland's medieval heritage.

In this comprehensive guide, we invite you to join us on an exploration of the Rock of Cashel, where history intertwines with legend and echoes of the past resonate through the centuries. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a seeker of spiritual enlightenment or simply a curious traveler eager to discover hidden gems, the Rock of Cashel promises an unforgettable experience.

This area is absolutely stunning, especially in May and June when the colors come to life and nature comes alive with all shades of green and flowering trees. It is a true oasis hidden within a wild mountain landscape with steep and mysterious peaks. But inside hides a beautiful wild landscape of ancient forests, spectacular waterfalls and calm lakes that reflect the surrounding nature.

The main attraction is undoubtedly the three lakes, Lough Leane, Lake Muckross and Lake Superior. The best way to explore the park is on foot or by bicycle. In fact, there is a network of trails ideal for both cyclists and pedestrians, allowing you to comfortably explore the entire area. Bicycles can be hired both in Killarney town and in the surrounding area.

The Tuatha De Dannan are an ancient and mythical tribe or race from Irish mythology, often regarded as gods or demigods. According to legend, they are the children of the Goddess Dannan, and they arrived in Ireland bringing with them powerful artifacts and magical abilities. They engaged in legendary battles against other groups such as the Fir Bolg and the Formorians. Although they enjoyed a period of prosperity, they were ultimately defeated by the Milesians. After their defeat, it is said that they withdrew into hiding and became associated with fairy mounds and underground sites in Irish mythology. The most famous location is called Hill of Tara.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park comprises a castle and over 30 buildings, forming a living village and rural setting. Where we can find unique experiences. As well as visiting the 15th-century Bunratty Castle, you'll stroll through Bunratty Folk Park, where costumed characters and musicians bring a typical period Irish village to life and imitate life at the beginning of the 20th century. Your stay in the park will then continue passing animal farms, fairy trails, a Viking playground and a beautiful walled garden.

The monastic site of Monasterboice is located 8 km north of Drogheda, just off the N1. It dates back to the 6th century, when it was founded by San Buite. Virtually nothing remains of the original monastery, but there are remains of two 10th-century churches, an old cemetery, three carved crosses, two ancient tombstones and a sundial. Of special interest are the 3 Celtic Crosses and the Round Tower.

Within the ruins is the imposing Muiredach High Cross, 5.5 meters high, considered the best high cross in Ireland. It is named after an abbot, Muiredach mac Domhnaill, who died in 923, and features biblical carvings from both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, such as the story of Adam and Eve, Cain killing Abel, and the Last Day. It is preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. The Southern Cross contains carvings of cats at the base, perhaps to entertain children. On one side of the head of the cross is an image of a hand or the Hand of God. Local belief and tradition say that if you place yourself under the hand, God will answer your prayers. The Western Cross is distinguished by its well-preserved head and damaged stem. It is believed that the head of the Cross may have been stored indoors for a time, preserving it from the elements. The missing pieces of the stem remain a mystery, but locals believe that during the Great Famine emigrants used to remove a stone fragment from the cross and take it with them as a reminder of their Irish roots.

The crosses stand in the shadow of a magnificent round tower, about 35 meters high and divided into four or more apartments inside, connected by stairs. The round tower of Monasterboice was used as a watchtower and shelter for monks and their valuables in times of Viking attacks. It is believed that in 1097 the interior caught fire, an incident that destroyed many valuable manuscripts.

 A race of semi-divine and monstrous beings representing the forces of chaos and darkness in Irish mythology. They clashed with the Tuatha De Dannan in various legendary battles.

Shefflin spent most of his career playing for the Kilkenny county team. He made his senior team debut in 1999 and quickly became a key figure in the team. With his exceptional ability to score points and his technical prowess, Shefflin stood out as one of the most prolific forwards in hurling history.

Over the course of his career, Shefflin won an astonishing total of 10 All-Ireland titles with Kilkenny, becoming the player with the most All-Ireland titles in hurling history. He also won numerous league titles, Leinster championships, and individual awards, including several Player of the Year awards.

Shefflin was known for his tireless work ethic, dedication to the sport, and ability to perform in crucial moments of games. Throughout his career, he earned the respect and admiration of players, coaches, and fans alike, and his legacy will endure in hurling history as one of the greats of the sport.

 A deity associated with war, death, and prophecy in Celtic mythology, often depicted as a crow. She is a complex figure who can be both benevolent and malevolent.

Ashford Castle is situated on the banks of the mighty Lough Corrib, right on the border between County Galway and County Mayo. It is a spectacular castle that is worth seeing and enjoying. Important figures like John Lennon have enjoyed it.

Cooper spent his entire career playing for the Kerry county team. He made his senior team debut in 2002 and quickly proved to be an exceptionally talented player. With his outstanding dribbling ability, vision, and capacity to score goals both individually and collectively, he became an iconic figure for the Kerry team.

Throughout his career, Cooper won numerous All-Ireland titles, captivating fans with his elegant and effective style of play. He was instrumental in Kerry's successes, leading them to multiple All-Ireland championship titles and National League championships.

In this small city we can find:

Galway City Museum: It is a small museum located in a modern building overlooking the Spanish Arch. We recommend it to those who want to discover the history and culture of Galway: you will find interesting collections that illustrate prehistoric and medieval Galway. Many original artifacts from the city's history are also on display, including the Galway Civic Sword and the Great Mace. The sword dates from the time of the Charter of King James I, while the Great Mace, a huge piece of ornamental silver, was made in Dublin in 1710 and donated to the city by Edward Eyre, Lord Mayor of Galway, in 1712.

Galway Market: It is the best place, after the pub, to get in touch with the locals, taste local delicacies at colorful stalls, take great photos and see some street artists.

Galway Cathedral Located on Nun Island, on the west bank of the River Corrib, near the Salmon Weir Bridge, Galway Cathedral is one of the largest and most impressive buildings in Galway. Construction of the cathedral began in 1958 and was completed in 1965. It stands on the site of the city's former prison and has a 145-foot-high dome. It was the last major church in Ireland to be built in stone and features a massive octagonal dome that complements the Galway city skyline. Inside, visitors will find the rose windows and wall paintings especially striking, echoing the broad tradition of Christian art.

Founded, according to tradition, in 545 AD. by Saint Ciarán, whose tomb is probably located in the temple of Kieran, behind the cathedral, the monastery was an important cultural and university center during the Middle Ages. In 1552 it was sacked by the English and, a century later, it was devastated by order of Cromwell, an apartment that marked its final decline. The monastic site of Clonmacnoise is idyllically situated on the banks of the River Shannon. It was a strategic point where the river, which was the main north-south route, converged with the Eiscir Riada, the main east-west land route through central Ireland.

 Refers to fairy hills or mounds in Irish mythology, where fairies and other supernatural beings are believed to reside. These places are associated with magic and the supernatural in Irish tradition.

It offers visitors a rich and captivating cultural experience, and is one of the few remaining buildings from medieval Dublin. It must be remembered that its current appearance is the result of years of restorations and alterations, carried out over the centuries due to fires and damage suffered over time.

The interior of the cathedral is absolutely monumental: you will love its solid structure, the lights filtered through the stained glass windows that create an incredible atmosphere, the immense organ made up of 4,000 pipes that accompanies the choral concerts that are held throughout the year.

One of the chief gods in Irish mythology, associated with fertility, the earth, and abundance. He is known for his great physical strength and his magical cauldron that never empties.

A legendary hero of Irish mythology, known for his strength and prowess in battle. He is famous for his deeds in the Ulster Cycle, especially in the Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley).

 by Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare, the Anglo-Norman conqueror of Ireland better known as Strongbow.

Brigid is a significant deity in Irish mythology, associated with spring, healing, poetry, and smithcraft. She is considered a triple goddess, representing three distinct aspects: poetry, healing, and smithcraft. She is revered as a sacred figure in Celtic tradition, and her festival, Imbolc, marks the beginning of spring.

The Púca is a mythical creature found in Irish and Scottish mythology. It is often described as a mischievous creature that can shape-shift, taking the form of a horse, a cat, a dog, or other creatures. Sometimes regarded as a benevolent figure offering advice or aid to travelers, while in other tales, it may play tricks on those who encounter it.

Ireland is delighted to receive visitors with special needs and reduced mobility, which is why it has created several pages that I recommend you visit if you travel to Ireland. They will help you discover tourist attractions accessible to people with disabilities.

System National Journey Planner

National Trust

Heritage Ireland

disabled holidays

disabled friendly hotels

Also in March, but getting closer to traditions, if you visit the country, you can see the Hamilton Sheep Shearing Competition. The shearers compete in skill and speed, to get the best wool in the country.

During the month of March you can discover another of the most cultural New Zealand popular festivals: the New Zealand International Arts Festival, although this takes place every two years. Of course, it lasts all month, and hosts countless live music performances, plays, recitals, dance and many more cultural events.

Also in March, but getting closer to traditions, if you visit the country, you can see the Hamilton Sheep Shearing Competition. The shearers compete in skill and speed, to get the best wool in the country.

Whelan's

Probably the number one venue for music-loving locals, Whelan's has been the setting for almost every popular event over the years. Open since 1989 on central Wexford Street, Ed Sheeran, Artic Monkeys, Jeff Buckley, Bloc Party, Arcade Fire and many more have performed to delight crowds at this intimate venue. It doesn't have a defined musical style, but one thing is guaranteed: if you hear that there is a new Irish act at Whelan's, you can rest assured that it will be worth seeing.

The Temple Bar

Named “Traditional Irish Music Pub of the Year” for 10 years in a row, The Temple Bar knows how to set the mood and keep the crowd happy! This legendary pub has been in business since 1840, in the heart of Dublin's famous Temple Bar area. It is a rite of passage for visitors, as it hosts live traditional music concerts every night of the week and there is no entrance fee. And if you want to get an idea of what it's like before visiting, you can check it out online thanks to its live webcam.

From this natural treasure, after ascending 101 steps, you can delight in panoramic views of the entire city of Perth (because, as they say, there is no glory without a little effort), while surrounded by lush flora and fauna that you could only imagine.

This vast park is the setting for various ceremonies

What stands out most is the contrast between the impressive skyline of the city of Perth and the serenity of the Swan River that surrounds it. It is a spectacle that captivates all visitors.

A highlight of Rottnest Island is its thriving colony of quokkas, those endearing marsupials native to the region. Renowned for their irresistibly chubby faces - a perfect match to their rotund bellies - these furry denizens have earned a well-deserved reputation as the world's happiest creatures. They exude an infectious joy, seemingly smiling at every turn, and possess a touch of vanity that rivals even the most dedicated fashionistas. At the mere sight of a camera lens, they eagerly strike poses, akin to seasoned models on a high-profile photoshoot.

Beyond the charm of its quokka population, Rottnest Island boasts a rich biodiversity, particularly celebrated for its avian inhabitants. Designated as a significant sanctuary for bird conservation, the island teems with a kaleidoscope of species. Visitors can marvel at the graceful Pacific shearwater, the stately pied cormorant, the silver gull with its distinctive plumage, and the elegant reef egret, among others. Each winged resident adds to the island's ecological symphony, creating a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Rottnest Island stands as a testament to the delicate balance between conservation and tourism, offering a sanctuary where natural beauty thrives alongside human fascination. It's a place where every corner reveals a new wonder, whether it's the perpetual grin of a quokka or the graceful flight of a seabird, leaving an indelible impression on all who are fortunate enough to visit. 

Legend has it that eons ago, Gnowee's son was lost in the lush forests. Determined to find him and banish the darkness, Gnowee set out on a tireless search, lighting her way with a torch. Despite her efforts, she never found her son. But his spirit, fueled by the need for light, grew to soar above the earth, bathing it in a glowing luminosity.

Even today, Gnowee continues her quest, rising majestically each morning to illuminate the world. However, when her energies weaken, she takes a well-deserved rest, allowing the darkness to temporarily return. Nevertheless, in her generosity, Gnowee gave the first men the secret of fire, so that they could keep the flame of hope burning in her absence to light their way through the dark nights.

With a presence in Auckland, Canterbury and Wellington in New Zealand, and in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia in Australia, the GFHA promotes the passion for these sports throughout Australasia. More than 3,000 players, of all ages, participate annually in the vibrant Gaelic soccer, hurling, camogie and men's Gaelic soccer competitions, demonstrating the deep-rooted vitality of Gaelic culture in the region.

Gaelic soccer, commonly known as soccer or Gaelic soccer, is a form of soccer derived from traditional Irish ball games. It is played between two teams of 15 players on a rectangular grass field (games can be modified and played with 7, 9, 11 and 13 players per team).

Players advance the ball down the field by a combination of carrying, bouncing, kicking, passing and “soloing” (dropping the ball and then kicking it to pick it up). There are two types of scoring in the game: points and goals. A point is awarded for kicking or passing the ball over the crossbar, signaled by the referee raising a white flag. A goal (three points) is awarded for kicking the ball under the crossbar into the net, signaled by the referee raising a green flag.

Positions in Gaelic soccer are similar to those in other soccer codes and include a goalkeeper, six defenders, two midfielders and six forwards, with a varying number of substitutes.

The similarities between Gaelic soccer and Australian Football (AFL) have allowed the development of international rules soccer, a hybrid sport, and a number of trial matches have been held regularly since 1998.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, a unique and distinctly Australian genre of music, known as Breakcore, emerged from Newcastle and Sydney. This genre, outside of indigenous music, represents one of Australia's most recent and original contributions to the global music scene, highlighting its ability to innovate and create new sounds in the contemporary music scene.

These kangaroos are used to the presence of people, so most are not overly concerned about humans. Some will even approach you or lie down on the grass next to you, allowing you to pet them. Interacting with these friendly kangaroos is a unique experience that makes Heirisson Island a special and memorable destination.

Its unique design, inspired by the double-helix shape of DNA, sets it apart from any other structure on Perth's skyline. A central column supports a series of spiral staircases winding towards the sky, leading adventurers to an observation platform at the top. Built in 1966 as part of the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of Western Australia, the DNA Tower was originally conceived as a temporary exhibit but has since become a permanent landmark in the park.

Climbing the stairs of the DNA Tower is an exhilarating experience, akin to the excitement of encountering quokkas on Rottnest Island. From the observation platform, unfolds a breathtaking panorama encompassing the city of Perth, the winding Swan River, and the vast natural beauty of the surroundings. This vertical journey has become a must-visit for those seeking to enjoy a panoramic view of the city from a unique perspective.

Despite its height, the DNA Tower is accessible to all visitors, regardless of age or physical ability. Those who prefer to admire its structure from the base can still appreciate its unique architectural design and imposing presence, rising above the surrounding trees.

In summary, the DNA Tower in Kings Park not only represents an architectural landmark but also a symbol of exploration and scientific advancement. It is a place where natural beauty intersects with human curiosity, offering an unforgettable experience for all who visit.