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Historical Ireland. 5 of Ireland's Oldest Buildings

Written by Lulu O'Sullivan

Newgrange monument sits on a green hillside under a partly cloudy sky. The landscape features rolling grass

Hi Everyone. I hope I find you all well and looking forward to the weekend. While writing the Virtual Tour of Ireland blogs, it struck me just how many incredible old buildings there are in Ireland. From majestic castles to ancient burial tombs, we really do have our fair share. So this week, I thought it would be fun to take a tour of Ireland's four corners and discover some of historical Ireland's oldest structures.

Historical Ireland. 5 of Ireland's Oldest Buildings

1. Reginald's Tower-Waterford

Reginald's Tower-Waterford. Stone tower near a waterfront promenade, surrounded by vibrant red and white flowers. In the background, modern buildings and a marina are visible under a clear sky. Banners on poles line the walkway.We begin in Ireland's sunny south east in the city of Waterford. Ireland's oldest city is also home to Reginald's Tower. Ireland's oldest civic building has been in use for over 800 years! It was built in the early 13th century and apart from it's strategic use as a watch tower, it has also served as a prison and a military store. Today it is a fascinating museum and boasts a host of Viking artifacts and Waterford treasures.

2. Christchurch Cathedral- Dublin

Christchurch Cathedral. A stone church building with a tall tower stands majestically against a clear blue sky. The structure features Gothic architectural elements, such as pointed arches and intricate stonework. In the foreground, vibrant pink and red flowers bloom in a garden. Green trees can be seen in the background.
So next up we're heading up to Dublin for a visit to the oldest building in the capital. The first cathedral on this site appeared around 1028 on elevated ground above the Viking settlement at Wood Quay. Extensive renovations took place in the 19th century restoring much of its medieval Gothic design. Inside you can visit the fantastic Dublinia exhibition which charts Dublin’s medieval past.  Then there’s the intriguing 12th-century crypt, the oldest in Ireland.

3. Dún Aonghasa - Aran Islands

Aran Islands. Aerial view of a rugged coastline with a historic stone fortification perched on a cliff's edge. The sea is visible below, and rolling hills extend into the distance.
Courtesy Fáilte Ireland

Our next stop is one of my favorite places in Ireland, the home of the Aran sweater and this breathtaking prehistoric hill-fort. Dún Aonghasa sits dramatically atop a 100-foot cliff face at the edge of Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. The exact date of its construction is uncertain but it is believed the first structures date back to 1100 BC. Mind-blowing!

4. Killyleagh Castle- County Down

Killyleagh Castle. A large crowd gathers in front of a stone castle entrance with a decorative archway. People of various ages walk through the courtyard, some pausing to chat or look around. Well we couldn't do a tour of historical Ireland without a visit to a castle-we certainly have our fair share! This castle visit takes us all the way up to the north of the country to Killyleagh Castle in Downpatrick, County Down. Parts of the castle date back to 1180 and it is home of Gawn Rowan Hamilton and his family making it the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland. The gate lodges are available to rent as holiday accommodation and from time to time concerts are held at the castle. Great place for a gig!

5. Newgrange

Newgrange stone monument with sunset in the background, featuring a large stone and a grassy field.
Our final stop simply has to be the jewel in historical Ireland's crown. Truly extraordinary, the passage tomb at Newgrange hails from the Stone Age and is in the region of some 5200 years old. It predates the Pyramids and Stonehenge by some 500 years. Measuring 85 meters in diameter and 13.5 meters high it is surrounded by 97 kerbstones which display incredible examples of megalithic art. The passage and chamber are aligned with the rising sun at the Winter Solstice on 21 December when they are spectacularly illuminated.
So lovely to have your company for yet another journey around Ireland. Do join me on Monday when the Virtual Tour pulls into County Tyrone. In the meantime, shop our stunning collections of Aran Sweaters, Celtic Jewelry & Authentic Irish Homeware.
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
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Lulu O'Sullivan, Founder & CEO of The Irish Store, is a woman with wavy, shoulder-length blonde hair is smiling gently at the camera, wearing a blue top and white shirt. The background features a weathered wooden surface, suggesting an outdoor or rustic setting.

LULU O'SULLIVAN

Hi everyone. I'm Lulu O Sullivan and I founded The Irish Store in 2011 fuelled by my passion for all things Irish; its places, its people, its culture and its craft. At The Irish Store we are dedicated to bringing you, our worldwide community of valued customers, the very finest Ireland has to offer. Thanks for dropping by!

6 comments

Lulu O'Sullivan Nov 18, 2020 at 08:15

Hi Alan,

Check out my blogs below all about Wicklow,

Thanks for reading!

Lulu.

https://www.theirishstore.com/blog/the-garden-of-ireland-5-of-the-best-in-wicklow/
https://www.theirishstore.com/blog/trips-around-ireland-lulu-wonderful-wicklow/

Reply

Alan Burke Nov 17, 2020 at 05:50

Hey Lulu,
What can you tell me about The Garden of Ireland, Wicklow ?

Reply

Lulu O'Sullivan Aug 07, 2020 at 14:54

Hi David,

So glad you enjoyed the blog and what an honor that your daughter chose us for her wedding apparel. Be great to get some pics to share on our social with your daughters permission of course!

Thanks again for your lovely feedback. It really means alot.

Take care,

Lulu.

Reply

David McCarville Aug 07, 2020 at 13:00

Hi Lulu,
Great to be part of your virtual tour with the photos and historical comment. My daughter’s entire wedding party was outfitted with the traditional Irish Store apparel, far better than tuxedos and more relaxed. With fall weather approaching in Connecticut we will be ready
with recent purchases for crisp autumn days.
Best Regards,
David

Reply

Lulu O'Sullivan Aug 07, 2020 at 09:13

Oh thank you Patsy. That’s so lovely to hear!

Take good care,

Kind regards,

Lulu

Reply

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