Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Jerpoint Abbey, Kilkenny, Ireland

This evening, I am focusing on Jerpoint Abbey, an outstanding 12th century Cistercian Abbey located close to the town of Kilkenny in the south of the Republic of Ireland.

The Abbey follows the conventional Cistercian layout featuring a cruciform church nave, chancel and transepts. A crossing tower was added in the 15th century. The cloister lies to the south of the church adjacent to which there were domestic buildings on three sides.

A principal feature of the Abbey is the high quality  tomb scuplture and carvings:

• 13th-16th century tomb sculpture can be found in the transept chapels one of which is a panel of saints called “weepers”.
• Unique carvings in the sculptured cloister arcade ranging from human figures (bishop, knight, etc.) to grotesque and unexpected diminutive figures in corners or on bases.

There is a visitor centre which houses an interesting exhibition.

This site is deserving of a visit when touring in the area.

Carrickfergus Castle, Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

 This evening, I am focusing on Carrickfergus Castle  which is probably the best preserved medieval castle in Ireland. Location is on the north side of Belfast Lough, a few miles north-east of Belfast.

This imposing edifice datesback to its original founding in the 12th century as a stand alone keep (tower). Over the succeeding centuries there occurred  extensions and embellishments: in the 13th century, 16th century, 18th century and 19th century. It was as recently as 1928 that Carrickfergus Castle was finally handed over to civilian control. The completed site now comprises the original Keep plus Gatehouse, Grand Battery, Sea Tower, promontory and Postern Gate.

The castle’s original founder was one John de Courcy who later fell foul of King John and was expelled. In the 13th century Hugh de Lacy was in control. Other important developments include:

• Besieged by Edward Bruce in 1315-1316.
• Besieged by by King William III in 1689.
• Captured by the French in 1760.
• Used to store weaponry and ammunition during World War I.

Overall, this castle demonstrates an illustrious military career but now serves a more peaceable function as a tourist attraction.

View from Carrickfergus Castle, Ireland

Interior of Carrickgergus Castle, Ireland

To date, I have always included Carrickfergus castle in my tours of Ireland

Blarney Castle, Home of Blarney Stone, Ireland

This afternoon, my focus is on Blarney Castle  which lies very close to the pretty village of Blarney in the south of Ireland, just 8km from the city of Cork. This site attracts high volumes of visitors each year whose prime objective is to visit and kiss the famous Blarney Stone which is located at roof level with access entailing a climb up some 127 steps.

Today, the castle remains extend to just the keep which essentially comprises a 15th century tower house inside which the vaulted first floor was once the Great Hall. 

Key aspects of the facility:

• Kissing the Blarney Stone entails being suspended backwards under the parapet as per image no four in this post. This act is believed to confer a magical eloquence on the participant.
• In addition to the castle, there are 60 acres of parkland, gardens, avenues and arboretums.
• Rock Close, a supposed mustical place on the site of an ancient druidic settlement.
• 19th century Blarney House (open in Spring only) which is accessed via a walk through flower and fern gardens and a herbaceous boder.

View of castle.

Blarney Castle, Home of Blarney Stone, Ireland

Looking up at the Blarney Stone.

Ground View of Blarney Stone, Ireland

Kissing the Blarney Stone

Kissing the Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle, Ireland

This is usually a ‘must see’ site in course of an Ireland tour  but be wary of crowds in the peak summer time.