This 4th program in the Discoveries Ireland series explores many of this island's historic gems. There are so many heritage sites in Ireland that you would probably need a lifetime just to scratch the surface of it's spectacular history. Ireland's turbulent past gave rise to many castles, abbeys, moats and fortified houses scattered throughout the country and truly paved the way for the island's optimistic present and future.
From world heritage ruins and passage tombs like Knowth, Dowth and Newgrange all built around 3000 B.C. To the Hill of Tara which was the seat of high kings in Ireland. To Medieval ecclesiastical castles like the Rock of Cashel and defensive fortresses like James Fort and the star fort of Charles Fort. There are ancient remnants like Mollough, Knock Graffen and Hore Abbeys some of which may be out in the middle of a farmer's field, completely unguarded and open to anyone passing by to explore. There's Blarney Castle with its famous Stone of Eloquence, Trim Castle which is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and where the movie "Braveheart" was filmed, Dunluce Castle with it's spectacular perch on the cliffs of the North Antrim coast and also beautifully restored Kilkenny Castle.
There are even castle hotels, some of which are owned by original families, that open their ancestral homes to the public by offering fine accommodations, restaurants, golf and other activities as in Waterford and Markree Castles. (Discoveries Ireland 3 DVD/Blu-ray collection includes 5% discount: The Emerald Isle, A Mystical Journey, A Celtic Treasure... Discoveries Ireland 5 DVD/Blu-ray collection includes 5% discount: The Emerald Isle, A Mystical Journey, A Celtic Treasure, Castles and Historic Treasures, Music and Dance A Rich Culture)
