Irish History

Travel expert Derry has picked his favourite Irish castles. Learn all about the history of Ireland through these amazing fortresses, their builders, battles and besiegers! Castles in Ireland At A Glance ⚔️ Dunluce Castle 💋 Blarney Castle ☘️ Rock of Cashel ⛵ Dunguaire Castle 🛡️ Aughnanure Castle 🏯 Kilkenny Castle 🏰 Donegal Castle

Check out travel expert Derry's top historical places in Ireland. You can see every one on a Vagabond & Driftwood small-group tour of Ireland! Historical Places in Ireland At A Glance ⛪ The Rock of Cashel 🏰 Blarney Castle ⛰️ Skellig Michael Island ⚔️ Dunluce Castle ⛪ Monasterboice ☘️ Poulnabrone Dolmen ⭕ Uragh Stone Circle 🌄 Kylemore Abbey

Our own historical expert, Derry, recounts the extraordinary life of Irish pirate queen Granuaile.

About the Easter Rising 1916 2016 marks the centenary of the Easter 1916 Rising. An armed insurrection in Ireland during Easter week 1916. It was mounted by Irish republicans to end British rule. Starting with the reading of the Irish Proclamation of Independence by Patrick Pearse outside the General Post Office (GPO). The Rising lasted 6 days, and would result in much destruction, finally concluding with the surrender of the rebels and their subsequent executions.

High crosses have become a symbol of Irelands ancient past. As the Roman Empire was crumbling in the 5th century, the Irish Celts were beginning to embrace Christianity. Putting their own stamp on the religion & in turn developing a distinctive artistic style. This style became known as insular art. A fusion of Celtic, Germanic, Anglo-Saxon & Christian art work. High cross developed as a prime example of this insular art work.