Dublin, Temple Bar
The cobbled street between Dame Street and the Liffey are named after Sir William Temple who acquired the land after Sir William Temple who acquired the land in the early 1600s. The term "bar" meant a river-side path. In the early 1960s the land was bought up with plans to build a new bus station. Artisits and retailers took short term leases but stayed on when the redevlopment plans were scrapped. Temple bar prospered and Dublin's selection as the 1991 European City of Culture has added impetus to its transformation. Today it is an exciting place, with bars, restaurants, shops and galleries.

Old Jameson Distillery
The Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield Village is in the heart of Old Dublin. Irish Whiskey can trace its history back to the 6th century. Almost like a tour of a working distillery you can follow the fascinating craft of whiskey making through the different stages from grain intake to malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, maturation and bottling. Finally the tour culminates in the Jameson bar for a traditional Irish Whiskey tasting session. Other facilities include Distillery Gift Shop and Restaurant.

Address: Bow Street, Smithfield Village, Dublin 7. Tel: 01-807 2355
Location: 1/2 Mile from Centre of Dublin
All Year Opening
Daily: 09.30-18.00 (Last tour at 17.30)

St. Patrick's Cathedral Dublin
St. Patrick is said to have baptised converts in a well that once existed in the present park beside the cathedral. Because of this association, St. Patrick's Cathedral has stood since the 5th century. Jonathan Swift, author of 'Gullivers Travels' was appointed Dean of St. Patrick's and remained so until his death in 1745. Music has played an integral part in the daily life of this cathedral and continues to this day with the choir singing two services daily during school terms - the only cathedral to do so on these islands.

Address: St. Patrick's Close, Dublin 8 Tel: 01-4539472
All Year Opening
Dates: Mar-Oct Daily: 9.00-18.00
Nov-Feb Mon-Fri: 09.00-18.00 Sat: 09.00-17.00 Sun: 10.00-15.00

Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre Fermanagh
Stretching from the famous Mourne mountains to the nine Glens of Antrim, the giant pillars of the Giants Causeway and across to the legendary walled city of Derry, Northern Ireland's scenic coastline has to be seen to be believed. The history of this corner of Ireland is complex and colourful, but old industries such as the world famous Irish Linen, Belleek Pottery and its many Crystal factories still flourish and with new investment in all areas breathing new life into the region, today's visitor can experience a warm and heartfelt welcome from a people known for their hospitality.

Address: Belleek, Co Fermanagh BT93 3FY Tel: 028686-58501/59300
All Year Opening
Dates
Apr-Jun Mon-Fri: 09.00-17.30 Sat: 10.00-17.30 Sun: 14.00-18.00
Jul-Aug Mon-Fri: 09.00-17.30 Sat: 10.00-17.30S Sun: 11.00-18.00
Sep & Oct Mon-Fri: 09.00-17.30 Sat: 10.00-17.30
Nov-Mar Mon-Fri: 09.00-17.30 Sat & Sun: Closed

Avondale House and Forest Park Co. Wicklow
Avondale House, once the home of Charles Stewart Parnell, one of the greatest political leaders of Irish History, has been refurbished by the Irish Forestry Board to the decor of c. 1850. A specially commissioned audio visual presentation is shown to visitors prior to viewing the house. Forest and nature trails in the magnificent park of 512 acres start a short distance from the house. This year the 'American Room' will be open which mainly deals with Admiral Charles Stewart, Parnell's famous American grandfather who manned the US Constitution which still stands in Boston Harbour.

Address: Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow Tel: 0404-4611
Season: March - October.
Dates: Mar-Oct: Daily 11.00-18.00 Last Admission: 17.00