What to See in Ireland

Ireland, the third largest island in Europe and theAnother natural feature in Ireland is the Crag
25th largest island in the world, is located to theCave, which is formed from colorful limestone and
northwest of continental Europe and to Greatis highlighted by stalactites and stalagmites. Guides
Britain's west.are on hand to tell visitors about the origins of the
For those who enjoy literary endeavors, thenatural attraction. The area's Cave Center
Dublin Writer's Museum is a must-visit site. Housedcontains a restaurant and a large gift shop.
in an 18th-century mansion in the north cityChildren will also enjoy the Crazy Cave, an indoor
center, the museum has on display the works andadventure center suitable for children up to the
life artifacts of literary celebrities from Dublin overage of 12. There are separate baby, toddler, and
the last 300 years. Books, portraits, letters andsports areas and the cave's three-tiered play area
personal items from writers such as Wilde, Yeats,has slides, mazes and more.
Swift and Beckett are available for viewing.History buffs will want to visit Charles Fort, a
The Casino at Marino, an 18th-century summerstar-shaped military fortress built between 1677
home belonging to the Earl of Charlemont, wasand 1682. One of the biggest military forts in
commissioned by the Earl in an attempt toIreland, Charles Fort saw some momentous
reinvent his home in Italy. Although buildersevents in Irish history, including 1690's Williamite
worked for the better part of 30 years, it wasWar and the Irish Civil War, which took place
never actually completed in its entirety. Theduring 1922 to 23.
building, fronted by 12 Tuscan columns, has anAnother sight for the entire family is the Kia Ora
interior comprised of a maze of rooms and is fullMini farm, where children can feed and hold
of detailed architectural touches.several different types of animals, including
Visitors who want to visit a more natural part ofrabbits, sheep, sheep and goats. For adults, there
Ireland would do well to visit Lough Hyne, Westis an old threshing mill to visit and an exhibition of
Cork, Ireland's only saltwater lake. In 1981, it wasfarm implements.
named the first Marine Nature Reserve in IrelandFinally, the Ocean and Country Visitor Center,
and it is a popular area of research for British andwhich offers the only glass-bottom boat tours
Irish universities thanks to its varied sea life. Asavailable in Ireland, is contained within one of
the lake is surrounded by woods, visitors mayEurope's most scenic harbors. Ballinakill Harbor
walk through the forest to the top of a hillhosts a variety of seals, sea birds, porpoises and
overlooking the lake. At the top of the hill, adolphins and offers the Harbor Care, which
panoramic view of the West Cork coastline mayspecializes in home-baking, afternoon and lunch
be seen. In addition, visitors may kayak on thetea, and a Derryinver Bay overlook.
lake.