9 Paid Irish Attractions That You Can Visit For Free
Did you know that many of the OPW managed Heritages Sites are free on the first Wednesday of every month?
Here are 9 Heritage Sites on Scratchable Map Ireland, that you can visit for free.
1) Parke's Castle, County Leitrim
A short drive from Sligo Town, Parke's Castle welcomes visitors from Late March until Early October. A beautiful 17th century castle that overlooks Lough Gill.
2) Boyle Abbey, County Roscommon
Boyle Abbey opens its doors from late March until late September. It is a 12th century Cistercian Monastery.
Check out our blog post, What The Locals Say - Boyle Abbey, for more info.
3) Ceide Fields, County Mayo
The Ceide Fields are a 6,000 year old site with houses, tombs and field systems all evident. They are described as 'the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world' and are a must visit for anyone who wants to learn about how our ancestors lived in ancient Ireland. To put it in context, the Ceide Fields are much older than the Pyramids of Egypt.
It has an award winning visitor centre which opens from Easter until the end of October.
If it's a view you're after, you won't be disappointed. Situated on the north coast of Mayo, you wont have to travel far for stunning views of the Atlantic.
4) Dun Aonghusa, Inis Mor, County Galway
Dun Aonghusa is a stone fort on Inis Mor, one of the Aran Islands. The semi-circular fort is over 3,000 years old.
You will have more amazing views of the Atlantic, from a cliff edge that is almost 100 meters high.
The Dun Aonghusa Visitor Centre is open all year around. You can get to Inis Mor by ferry from Doolin or Rossaveal or an 8 minute flight from Connemara.
5) Cahir Castle, County Tipperary
Cahir Castle, built on a small island on the River Suir, is one of the best preserved castles in Ireland.
Pair this with a visit to the beautiful Swiss Cottage. There is a lovely 2 km river walk connecting these.
The Castle is open all year round while the Swiss Cottage opens mid March and closes in late November.
Check out this local insight into a visit to Cahir.
6) Reginald's Tower, County Waterford
Overlooking the River Suir, Reginald's Tower is Waterford City's landmark monument. Built by the Vikings, it is part of the Waterford Viking Triangle.
Here, you will find a museum dedicated to Viking weapons that is open the year around.
The tower is just 1km from the end of the Waterford Greenway and could be nice place to rest after 46 km on the bike!
7) Rock Of Cashel, County Tipperary
The Rock Of Cashel is a 15th century castle built on a large limestone hill. Inside the walls you will find a 12th century round tower, high cross and chapel, as well as a 13th century Gothic cathedral.
Across the road you will find the ruins of a Benedictine monastery called Hore Abbey.
'The Rock' is open all year round.
8) Castletown House, County Kildare
Castletown House is a Palladian style (the famous style of Italian architect - Andrea Palladio) mansion built in the 1720's.
The first of its kind in Ireland, it was famous for its 'architectural excellence, fine style and lavish entertaining'.
The Parkland and River Walk include The Wonderful Barn, Mrs Siddon's Temple and ruins of the Bathing House.
The House is open from early March until early November. The Parkland is open 365 days of the year and entry is free.
9) Glendalough Visitor Centre, County Wicklow
Glendalough is a 6th century monastery with 'a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses'.
There are 9 walking trails of varying difficulty that take between 30 minutes and 4 hours. They all start at The Upper Lake and are colour coded.
The visitor centre is open year round and entry to the grounds (including monastic site and lakes) is free of charge.
Would you like to be able to visit these attractions for free for one year? Check out our blog post explaining why you should buy a Heritage Card.
Looking for a beautiful way to record your journey around Ireland? Check out Scratchable Map Ireland.