Things to do in Ireland
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O'Flaherty's
A central hub for locals and visitors, this old-world pub is a friendly spot and has live traditional music every Wednesday night.
reviewed
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O'Doherty's Keep
At the northern end of the seafront, the early 18th-century, six-arched Castle Bridge leads to this tower house built by the O'Dohertys, the local chiefs, in 1430. It was burned by the English and then rebuilt for their own use.
reviewed
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O'Connor's Slea Head Tours
Mainly covers the coast, with a focus on forts and other ancient sites. Tours last approximately three to four hours, departing from Dingle town's tourist office.
reviewed
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Oarsman
It may look like a pub from the outside, but the Oarsman is best known for its food. Championing local and organic produce, it serves restaurant-quality food in relaxed, informal surroundings. The menu ranges from traditional Irish with a contemporary twist to Asian-inspired dishes. Snacks and bar food are served between lunch and dinner, and they pull a good pint, too.
reviewed
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Nowlan Park
One of the unique pleasures of a trip to Ireland is catching a game of hurling at the Kilkenny Cats' hallowed home stadium.
reviewed
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Niamh's
This smart deli and cafe has a wide range of appealing lunch options (gourmet burgers, pan-fried pork and lasagnes, plus creative sandwiches). Eat in the cafe or take your order away and head to the banks of the Suir.
reviewed
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Newtown
About 1.5km east of town on Lackanash Rd, Newtown Cemetery contains an interesting group of ruins. The former Parish Church of Newtown Clonbun contains the late 16th-century tomb of Sir Luke Dillon, Chief Baron of the Exchequer during the reign of Elizabeth I, and his wife Lady Jane Bathe. The effigies are known locally as the Jealous Man and Woman, perhaps because of the sword lying between them. Rainwater that collects between the two figures is claimed to cure warts. Apparently you place a pin in the puddle and then jab the wart; when the pin becomes covered in rust, warts will vanish. Some say you should leave a pin on the statue as payment for the cure.
The other…
reviewed
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Ned's Point Fort
Walking 500m further from the keep (turn left and stick to the shoreline) brings you to Ned's Point Fort (1812), built by the British and now under siege from graffiti artists.
reviewed
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Nagle's
A trad pub and an undertakers in one. Just the spot for wakes or your last earthly pint.
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Museum
Three connected conical huts near the entrance, which now house the museum, echo the design of early monastic dwellings. The centre's 20-minute audiovisual show is an excellent introduction to the site.
The exhibition area contains the original high crosses (replicas have been put in their former locations outside), and various artefacts uncovered during excavation, including silver pins, beaded glass and an Ogham stone. It also contains the largest collection of early Christian grave slabs in Europe. Many are in remarkable condition, with inscriptions clearly visible, often starting with oroit do or ar (a prayer for).
There's a real sense of drama as you descend to the…
reviewed
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Murphy's
A complete anomaly among the partying throngs in the centre, Murphy's is a timeless haven where locals still explore the limits of the art of conversation. The sign on the door says it all: 'No hen parties'.
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Murlough National Nature Reserve
Footpaths and boardwalks meander among the grassy dunes, with great views back towards the Mournes.
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Munster Bar
Dating from 1822, this wonderful old pub has long been a cosy spot for a pint by its roaring open fire. It's especially liked for its upscale pub food: gourmet burgers, steaks, pasta and more. It's the perfect casual end to a long day touring.
reviewed
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Mullarky's Pub
Another Foyle family production, this rollicking pub is a riot of local merriment, with live music many nights. Join the fun and you may need to stay in Clifden longer than you thought.
reviewed
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Mulcahys Restaurant
Creative twists on local seafood, such as cod with pomme purée, and pan-seared scallops with caper and raisin dressing, are the pick of the menu here, but Mulcahys also serves meat-based classics like beef Wellington.
reviewed
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Moving Stairs
The best spot to eat in town, this pub-restaurant serves a good selection of steaks, chicken dishes and a decent Moroccan lamb tagine. It's also the liveliest place in town in the evenings with regular live music.
reviewed
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Mourne Wall
The dry-stone Mourne Wall was built between 1904 and 1922 to keep livestock out of the catchment area of the Kilkeel and Annalong Rivers, which were to be dammed to provide a water supply for Belfast. (Poor geological conditions meant the Annalong could not be dammed, and its waters were diverted to the Silent Valley Reservoir via a 3.6km-long tunnel beneath Slieve Binnian.) The spectacular wall, 2m high, 1m thick and over 35km long, marches across the summits of 15 of the surrounding peaks including the highest, Slieve Donard (853m).
reviewed
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Mount Pleasant
More sedate outdoor activities are offered by this horse-riding and pony-trekking centre, which caters for both experienced riders and beginners, and offers various guided treks into the park. Short rides, beach rides and pony trekking can also be arranged.
reviewed
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Moorings
Beautiful original timber cabinetry and a snug are the main features of the creaky original room at this waterfront bar. Outside there's a vast new beer garden that has potions covered for three-season joy. Dungarvan beers are on tap.
reviewed
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Monuments & Sculptures
The town centre, the Square, features a Daniel O'Connell monument. His election to the British parliament by a huge majority in 1828 forced Britain to lift its bar on Catholic MPs and led to the Act of Catholic Emancipation a year later. The 'Great Liberator' stands on an extremely high column, so far above the rest of us you would hardly know he was there.
Eamon de Valera was the parliamentary representative for Clare from 1917 to 1959; a bronze statue of him stands near Ennis courthouse.
Numerous modern sculptures can be found scattered around the town centre. Works include the Weathered Woman on Old Barrack St, which is both interesting and provides a handy place to sit.…
reviewed
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Monroe's Tavern
Often photographed for its classic, world-weary facade, Monroe's delivers traditional music and ballads, plus it remains the only pub in the city with regular Irish dancing. A pizza joint buried within turns out good pies.
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Millmount Museum & Tower
Across the river from town, in a villagelike enclave amid a sea of dull suburbia, is Millmount, an artificial hill overlooking the town. The mound may have been a prehistoric burial ground along the lines of Newgrange, but it has never been excavated. Legend has it that it is the burial place of Amergin, a warrior-poet who arrived in Ireland from Spain around 1500 BC.
The Normans constructed a motte-and-bailey fort on top of this convenient command post overlooking the bridge. It was followed by a castle, which in turn was replaced by a Martello tower in 1808. The tower played a dramatic role in the 1922 Civil War, when it was Drogheda's chief defensive feature and…
reviewed
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Mikey Ryan's
Local gathering spot.
reviewed
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Midland Tours
This company offers a range of half-day tours to Clonmacnoise, the Fore Valley, Birr Castle, Tullamore Heritage Centre and Locke's Distillery, and Strokestown Park House and Famine Museum.
reviewed
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Mevagh Dive Centre
Donegal's only dive centre offers courses, rents gear (€40 per half-day) and has excellent accommodation (doubles €70) in its purpose-built B&B. Stay-and-dive packages including two nights' B&B and four boat dives cost €175.
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