The English city of Oxford shares its name with the ancient and prestigious university, whose stunning architecture will form the focal point of your visit. The oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford counts Bill Clinton, Benazir Bhutto, Indira Gandhi and Kofi Annan among its world-beating alumni. 50% of all UK prime ministers studied here, from Sir Robert Walpole to Margaret Thatcher and beyond. Expect to find breathtaking buildings, a buzzing, friendly atmosphere and an awful lot of bicycles when you visit this most beautiful of English cities.
Situated in the heart of Oxford city, The Radcliffe Camera is an architectural masterpiece designed in the English Palladian style by James Gibbs and built between 1737 and 1749. Don't be misled by the name: the word 'camera' here is derived from the Latin word for 'chamber'. And, although tourists can not go inside, your visit will nonetheless reveal one of the most impressive buildings in England. The Radcliffe Camera is today part of the Bodleian Library, guided tours of which can be booked here in advance.
The first major commission of Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1669, The Sheldonian Theatre is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture. Since that time, the theatre has been used for formal university symposia, such as graduation ceremonies and lectures, as well as musical concerts and other cultural events. As well as being a popular tourist attraction, it continues to fulfil these functions even today. To plan your own trip or book a guided tour, visit their website.
Head straight across Cattle Street. Here, a great photo opportunity awaits beneath the famous Bridge of Sighs, which links two parts of Hertford College as they join over New College Lane. Its official name is Hertford Bridge, but it is more commonly known as the Bridge of Sighs owing to its resemblance to the famous Venetian landmark of the same name.
Walk down Cattle Street and past The Radcliffe Camera until you reach the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. The spiritual centre of Oxford University for a thousand years, the church showcases yet more impressive English architecture, this time in the Gothic style. Parts of the building date back to the Thirteenth Century. The iconic fourteenth-century spire is one of the most iconic sights in the Oxford skyline. Anyone who has visited this beautiful city knows what high praise this is.
There are so many excellent restaurants and eateries in Oxford, that visitors are spoiled for choice. But, if you're looking to mix with the locals and get a feel for life in this iconic city, then head for Oxford's famous covered market. The city seamlessly fuses British history and tradition with the cosmopolitan and multicultural feel that makes Britain what it is today. And this is well reflected in the covered market. Choose a traditional English afternoon tea or sample Chinese, Neapolitan, French, Lebanese and Asian fusion food, all under one roof.
After refuelling, we continue our journey along St Aldate's to Christ Church College, just 5 minutes away. Christ Church was founded by King Henry VIII in 1546 and, like most places you will visit today, it is renowned for its stunning architecture. The college chapel serves as the cathedral for the Diocese of Oxford, making Christ Church the only college in the world to be both a college and a cathedral. This dual function has done nothing to dim the college's reputation as a centre of educational excellence. It counts no less than thirteen British prime ministers among its alumni, as well as countless other notables including John Locke, Lewis Carroll, W.H. Auden, and Albert Einstein. Guided tours are available and can be booked in advance.
If you're ready to spend a bit more time outdoors, spend 30-40 minutes walking around the stunning Christ Church meadow trail. Here you will encounter an enchanting mix of ornamental gardens, arable pasture, and unspoiled nature, all on the banks of the River Thames.
Not many colleges have their own herd of wild deer. But that's the level of tranquillity you can expect in the incredible grounds of Magdalen College. Founded in 1458 by William of Waynflete, Magdalen College is one of Oxford's oldest and most prestigious colleges. Renowned for its iconic Gothic tower, the college is a prominent feature among the dreaming spires of the Oxford skyline. Guided tours of the college and ground can be booked on the day from the visitor desk. Tours begin late morning and mid-afternoon daily, and they include access to areas of the college which are not otherwise open to the public.
Our tour draws to a close at Magdalen Bridge, where you will find the boathouse. There can be no more peaceful end to a tour of this historic city than a leisurely rowing boat ride along the Thames. In Oxford, it is known as 'punting' and you (plus three friends) can choose to hire a punt or a chauffeured punt for a 30-minute cruise. In a city of many time-honoured traditions, this is not one you should miss.
Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.
Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.
The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.
As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.
This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!
