Thank You

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Serious Sites in the South East series. It is now over and i'v had a fantastic time visiting each amazing place and learning more about the history of Ireland's sunny south east! If anyone has any further questions they would like to ask me about my experiences feel free to leave a comment or send me a message. Thank you all 💕

Hook Lighthouse

Welcome to the seventh installment of the Serious Sites in the South East series. This week we visit the wonderful Hook Lighthouse in Hook Head, County Wexford! 

What is Hook Lighthouse?
Hook Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in the world. The current structure has stood there for over 800 years. In the fifth century a monk built a monastery on the Hook peninsula, it is said that the monks were the first to light a fire beacon to warn passers by of the dangerous rocks. 

Price:
Adult €9
Senior / Student €7
Child under 5 yrs free 
Family 1 + 1  €12
Family 1 + 2 €15
Family 2 + 1 €20
Family 2 + 2 €22
Family 2 + 3 €24  

Facilities:
Cafe/Restaurant
Car Park
Toilets
Gift shop 
Guided Tours
Whale watching 
Family events over holidays

Wheelchair/Buggies:
Not suitable for wheelchairs and buggies as it is a steep stairs all the way to the top.

Family Friendly:
The lighthouse is definitely family friendly but maybe for kids over five as they will have little interest in the history of the lighthouse and it is a climb to the top.

Aisling's Advice:
I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Hook Lighthouse, I was skeptical as to how interesting it would be but our tour guide Noel captivated you with how he spoke about the lighthouse. It was great to see someone enjoying their job so much and there wasn't a single question he couldn't answer! Guided tours leave every 30 minutes and it seems the earlier ones are the least busy if you want a more personal tour. When you've finished your tour of the lighthouse you can go to the gift shop and have a look around or you can grab a bite to eat from the cafe/restaurant tha

t has a full menu and everything sounds delicious! If you have the time you could also visit all the other sites the Hook Peninsula has to offer such as Loftus Hall (Ireland's most haunted house), Tintern Abbey, Duncannon Fort and Ballyhack Castle. 

Ratings: A great place to visit!
Historical Factors:     4/5 - Great history.
Aesthetic Factors:      3.5/5 - Lighthouse tower and views great, would be better on a clear day.
Overall Experience:   4/5 - Very enjoyable but tour is only 45 minutes need to fill day with other sites as well.

Check out my YouTube video of Hook Lighthouse:
CLICK HERE
For more info:
CLICK HERE

John F. Kennedy Arboretum

Welcome to the sixth installment of the Serious Sites in the South East series. This week we visit the wonderful John F. Kennedy Arboretum in New Ross, County Wexford! 

What is the JFK Arboretum?
It is an outstanding plant collection/ walk spread out over 623 acres dedicated to the American President John F. Kennedy. It contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world as well as a lake, tearooms, small maze and a play ground. 

Prices:
Adult: €5.00
Group/Senior: €4.00 
Child/Student: €3.00
Family: €13.00 

Facilities:
Exhibitions (seasonal)
Toilets, 
Car park and coach park 
Tearooms (seasonal)
Picnic site
Play ground 
Maze
Miniature railway (seasonal)
Pony & trap service(seasonal)
Nature trail 

Wheelchair/Buggies:
Majority of the grounds is accessible by wheelchair.

Family Friendly:
JFK Arboretum is very family friendly (I actually have great memories of going here as a kid myself!) There is a wonderful playground for kids right beside the picnic area and tearooms. People of all ages can definitely enjoy the walk around the arboretum!

Aislings Advice:
I love the JFK Arboretum and advise everyone to check it out as it is the perfect location for family days out or just for people to go for a stroll and see some lovely flowers and trees. You could easily spend a whole summers day here. My advise would be to pack a picnic and bring your kids to the arboretum around midday, walk the first half of the nature trail and then find the picnic area/play ground/ tearooms. Enjoy your picnic let the kids have a play, get some icec-cream and set off on the second half of your adventure. You won't regret it!

Ratings: A great place!
Historical Factors:      N/A
Aesthetic Factors:       3/5
Overall Experience:    4/5


Check out my video here:
CLICK HERE

Click below for more info:
CLICK HERE

The Copper Coast

Welcome to the fifth installment of the Serious Sites in the South East Series! This week we took the beautiful drive along The Copper Coast in County Waterford. 

What is The Copper Coast?
The Copper Coast is a drive along the coast of Waterford that stretches for 17 kilometers. The drive itself has stunning views the whole way and is great for those days where you just want to go for a drive. Along the drive there is also The Copper Coast Geo-Park. This consists of different sites along the coast that record different geological events over 460 million years. 
  

Towns and Sites Along The Copper Coast:
Towns -

Fenor, Annestown, Dunhill, Boatstrand, Bunmahon, Stradbally and Kilmacthomas.

Sites - 
Fenor Bog, Kilmurrin Cove, Tankardstown Mining Complex, Knockmahon and Stage Cove, Bunmahon Head, Ballydowane Bay, Stradbally Cove.

Stradbally Cove

Aisling's Advice:
Choose a nice sunny day, pack a picnic and set off on The Copper Coast Drive. Some of the geological sites along the way are very accessible and are well worthy a visit such as Kilmurrin Cove, Tankardstown, Stradbally Cove and my personal favourite Ballydowane Bay. However some of the sites are out of the way and so off road that we couldn't actually find them which was quiet disappointing. There are many places to pull in and take in the stunning scenery along the way aswell as some picnic spots to set up for lunch. 





Ratings:
Historical Factors:     2/5 - history is based around geology (rock formations)
Aesthetic Factors:     4/5 - beautiful views of the coast
Overall Experience:  3/5 

Kilmurrin Cove

Ballydowane Bay

See my video of The Copper Coast here:
CLICK HERE


For more info:
CLICK HERE

The National Heritage Park

Welcome to the fourth episode on the the Serious Sites in the South-East. This time we dove even further back in time all the way to pre-historic Ireland working our way through the centuries in The National Heritage Park in County Wexford. 

 What is The National Heritage Park?

It is an outdoor museum which shows you over 9000 years worth of Irish history. It is set in a natural woodland walk which is done up to perfectly depict our history with smoldering fires throughout, fancy dressed tour guides and buildings so intertwined with the nature around them you would believe they have been there all along.

Prices:

• Adult: €9.50
• Family (2 adults + 1 child): €23.00
• Family (2 adults + up to 3 children under 18 years of age): €25.00
• Children 4 years and under are free of charge
• Student/OAP: €8.00
• (A people under 18 must have an adult with them.)
• **EXCITING TIP** Any of you reading from County Wexford can get a discount off your tickets, all you have to do it fill out a form with your addresses and names. We did this and got our €25 family ticket for only €10!

Facilities: Restaurant, picnic benches, shop, bathrooms, guided tours, audio guides, small playground at back of restaurant, interactive activities for kids while going through the park.

Wheelchair/Buggies: The majority of the park is accessible by wheelchair, any trails unsuitable are clearly marked. Mobility scooters can be rented. 

Family Friendly: The National Heritage Park is extremely family friendly (We actually brought 2 kids along with us this time,aged 7 and 4, and they both had a ball!) As I said there is interactive activities for kids throughout the park such as panning for gold and weaving forts. They even get a certificate from reception of they can bring back some gold.

Aisling's Advice:

I absolutely adore The National Heritage Park and have been going here since I was a kid. I advise giving yourself at least 2 hours if not half the day to stroll around the park absorbing all the knowledge and history it has to offer. You could also take a guided tour but this can give you more information than the audio guides and plaques but it can limit your time at each location. We started our trip by watching the video in the audiovisual room which can be played at your request. We then set off on our merry way down the muddy paths of the pre-historic era. I myself brought snacks along with us for the two fella's running around so they didn't get too hungry or thirsty during the walk. They loved entering each dwelling and took turns listening to the audio guide. You should definitely follow the lay out of the map as this gives you the chronological order of each site. I recommend when leaving to go to site 12 The Crannog you take the wet woodland trail as this shows you a whole other side to the park. The end of the park (the Norman Castle and Round Tower) are up a large hill and are no accessible for wheelchairs/buggies. However, if you can make it up here there is a play park for the kids and a fantastic view as well as some serious sites. As you make your way back out to your car you can pick up a souvenir in the shop or go for a bite to eat in the Fulacht Fia restaurant. 

Ratings: A DEFINITE MUST SEE!

Historical Factors:         4/5 - packed full of Irish history

Aesthetic Factors:          5/5- stunning dwelling built throughout and gorgeous views

Overall Experience:      5/5-  a great day had by all! 

Check out my video of The National Heritage Park below.

CLICK HERE

For more info

CLICK HERE

The Rock of Cashel

Welcome to the third episode of Serious Sites in the South-East. This week we are heading to the historic Rock of Cashel in Cashel, County Tipperary. 


What is the Rock of Cashel?
The Rock of Cashel also known as Cashel of the Kings and St.Patrick's Rock is a historic site located in Cashel, Co.Tipperary. It used to be the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster for several hundred years before the Norman invasion. In 1101 the King donated his fortress on the rock to the church. The site is a ruin now days, however, some of the buildings still standing date from the 12th and 13th centuries. The buildings on the rock consist of: the well preserved round tower, Cormac's chapel (which is currently under restoration) and the Cathedral.  

Prices:
Adult : €8.00
Group / Senior : €6.00
Child / Student : €4.00
Family : €20.00

Facilities: Bathrooms near car park.

Wheelchair/Buggies: Unfortunately this site is not accessible by wheelchair as it is there is stairs involved and the ground is extremely uneven with a lot of grass sections. I would not recommend buggies either as there will be a lot of lifting involved. 
Family friendly: I wouldn't recommend this as a family trip as youngsters won't be interested as there is not much to do but enjoy the history.


Aisling's Advice

Personally I did not enjoy this adventure as much as the previous two, there was very little to see or do and it was a long journey to get there. However, for anyone interested in Irish history this is a gold mine! The historic value of the Rock of Cashel is unparalleled. To make the most of your time here I recommend you enjoy the video in the audiovisual room, which tells you all about the history of the rock. Then venture into the restored rooms which will give you a glance back in time to old Ireland. Unfortunately, while I was here they were in the middle of restoring Cormac's chapel so we we're not able to enter the buildings but you can still see the beauty of the structures. From the great height of the rock you get amazing views from every corner, you can even see another old building called Hore Abbey which is a ruined monestry. If you travel down through the fields you can go to Hore Abbey and see the beautiful building that was once there, for no charge! (This part is mucky so I would wear my favourite shoes!)




RATINGS: A HISTROY BUFFS DREAM!
Historical Factors:        4/5 - very interesting but lacking personal history
Aesthetic Factors:         3/5 - lovely but ruins none the less
Overall Experience:      2/5 - cold and not very entertaining



Check out here for my video on the Rock of Cashel:

CLICK HERE

Check out here for more info:

CLICK HERE

Altamont Gardens

Join me now on my second adventure of the Serious Sites in the South East series as we venture to the beautiful Altamont Gardens in Tullow, Co. Carlow. 

What is Altamont Gardens?

Altamont Gardens is a hidden gem, consisting of a 100 acre estate filled with delightful walks through formal gardens, fields, woodlands and along the Slaney river. These walks are gorgeous no matter what the season! On the property there is also a house that was built during the 16th century but has been greatly altered throughout the years. Although the house is not open to the public, it's still a sight to behold. In the middle of the manicured gardens there is a magnificent lake with wild flowers growing on it's banks. 

Prices: There is no charge for these amazing gardens, just pay €2 parking for the day!

Facilities: Outdoor cafe, picnic tables, toilets, baby changing, garden center.

Wheelchairs/Buggies: Limited access in main gardens only.

Family Friendly: The main gardens is definitely for all ages! Just keep an eye on the younger ones as there is not much blocking off the lake. As for the woodland walk down to the River Slaney, I would not recommend doing with young kids as it is quiet steep and narrow at points with some river crossing involving jumping from rock to rock.

                                           

Aisling's Advice:

For my visit to the Altamont Gardens it was very cold but this did not take away from the beauty of the place. Although none of the roses were in bloom in the Walled Garden, there was an abundance of snow drops to be seen through out the grounds.  In one word I would describe the gardens as picturesque! My advice would be to choose a sunny day, pack a picnic and head off to Carlow for the day. The bathrooms are at the beginning so I recommend going before you walk. Start off with seeing the magnificent house and then venture through the arch into the fabulous manicured gardens, which were so well kept even in the winter! Then venture into the arboretum (this is where wheelchairs and buggies will have to stay behind), moving then to the stunning ice age glen down through the woodland to the river Slaney. Then take the 100 steps and personally I recommend walking back the temple way as it provides a whole new experience. When you have made your way back, check out the walled garden, garden center and cafe (I recommend the chocolate chip cookies)! 



RATINGS: A MUST SEE!
Historical Factors            N/A - no historical components.
Aesthetic Factors             5/5 - stunning all year round!
Overall Experience         5/5 - great day, even with the cold.


Check out my YouTube video on the Altamont Gardens:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJUoDfs3td0&t=6s


For more info click the link below
CLICK HERE

Thank You

Just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has watched my Kilkenny Castke video so far! I am delighted to say that you can now view it on the Visit Kilkenny website 😊http://visitkilkenny.ie/video-gallery
Next blog/video will be up later this evening 🎀
- Aisling

Kilkenny Castle

Today I started my sites of the South-East journey by venturing to Kilkenny Castle.

First of lets start with some history of the castle:

A castle has been standing on that site in Kilkenny since 1172, when Strongbow built a wooden tower over looking the River Nore. The first Norman invasion saw the arrival of Butler family in Kilkenny. Using their wealth and influence they built the castle into the masterpiece that it is today. In 1967, Arthur Butler handed Kilkenny Castle over to the Castle Restoration Committee for the sum of £50. Unfortunately, at this stage the lack of basic maintenance has allowed for structural decay and dilapidation. The first phase of restoration began in 1970. Today, Kilkenny Castle captures the 19th century lifestyle of the Butlers of Ormonde.

Prices:

Adult €8                

Child/Student €4                

Family €20              

Senior €6 

Facilities:
Cafe (Indoor&Outdoor)
Bathrooms
Baby Changing
Play Park
Guided Tours (seasonal)                                                        

                                                                          

Wheelchairs/Buggies:                                             

Only the ground floor is wheelchair accessible. If you are in a wheelchair you can take a tour of that floor for free and they will with information regarding to the upstairs rooms.   

Family Friendly:
I would regard Kilkenny Castle as family friendly. However, with the size of the building and the amount of stairs I, personally, would regard it as being for kids 5+. If the children are old enough to not run off and maybe understand some of the history it will make the trip more enjoyable for all involved.                             

                                                                       

Aisling's Advice:

When you enter the magnificent castle grounds, before you enter the main castle door, you can walk down to the tower on your right. In there you will find the Medevil Visual room.You can watch an informative video about the castle and the family who lived in it. I recommend doing this especially if you are not doing a guided tour as it gives you a better understanding of the castle. (This part is wheelchair accessible as they have a lift).

Next stop is the main castle, to get the most out of your time I recommend following the directions on the map provided or following your tour guide. In each room there is a plaque with information regarding that particular room, these are must reads as you can really appreciate what a great refurbishment job has been done. 

After your tour of the castle I recommend you to grab a coffee and a cake before you take a stroll around the castle grounds which include the rose gardens equipped with wishing fountain, a play park and a large green area. 

Ratings: A must see in the South-East!

Historical Factors    5/5 - packed full of interesting history.
Aesthetic Factors     5/5 - stunning inside and out.
Overall Experience  4/5 - great thing to experience but not a full day trip.
         

Other Things To Do While Your in Kilkenny

Smithicks Brewery

Kilkenny Design Centre

See the beautiful architecture

Take a walk along the river at the back of the castle 

For more information click this link:

Kilkenny Castle Webpage

Check out my YouTube video of Kilkenny Castle:

SERIOUS SITES YOUTUBE VIDEO

About Me

My name is Aisling Power and I am studying Marketing and Digital Media in Waterford Institute of Technology. For my module Social Media Technology I have been tasked with creating a blog to correspond with the YouTube series I will be creating called Serious Sites in the South-East. 

I will be travelling around Ireland's stunning South-East and recording my adventures through the mediums of videos and blogging. The videos will give you a glimpse as to what these places look like along with a rating on their historical factors, aesthetic factors and overall experience. The blogs will then be an in depth review of each site including details such as price, accessibility, facilities etc. 

The adventures start on Sunday the 05/02/17!!

I would really appreciate all shares and follows 💌💌


Link to my Youtube channel: 
Click here to go to my YouTube channel