The Best Heritage Sites of Eastern Ireland Part II

Welcome to part two of a two part series on the best heritage sites in eastern Ireland. Due to the huge number of excellent heritage sites in eastern Ireland is was necessary to divide the guide into two parts. Hopefully you got some ideas of what to visit from part one. Enjoy the second part of the best heritage sites in eastern Ireland.

Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
This is an interesting eastern Ireland heritage site located in Co. Longford. The focus of the centre is an Iron Age bog road from the year 148 BC. This wonderful discovery is the biggest oak road unearthed in Europe. Credit for its excavation must go to Professor Barry Raftery from University Collage Dublin. When you visit Corlea Trackway you will enter a special room that is designed to preserve a section of this ancient road. Opening times are daily from April to September and there are guided tours hourly.

Dwyer McAllister Cottage
Hidden away a top a mountain in the Wicklow Mountains is an authentic well constructed thatched cottage. Besides being an excellent example of a real Irish thatched cottage this eastern Ireland heritage site has a significant tie to history. The cottage was once occupied by Michael Dwyer, a famous rebel. In 1799 Michael Dwyer stood his ground in this cottage against the advancing British. He eventually managed to escape into the hills. In the 1940s the cottage was restored to its former glory. To get more information about this cottage contact the Glendalough Visitor Centre on +353 404 45325/52.

Emo Court
Originally built in 1790 for the Earls of Portarlington, Emo Court is an excellent specimen of neo-classical style. The building has changed hands a couple of times since moving from the Jesuits and then to Mr. Cholmeley-Harrison who took time to restore the house extensively. One of the best features of this eastern Ireland heritage site is its grounds. The grounds consist of lovely woodlands, formal lawns and vibrant gardens. Emo Court is now in the possession of the state and can be visited daily from June until September.