The town of Kilkenny is in County Kilkenny in the south/east region of Ireland. It’s most well known for three historic landmarks. The 13th century Cathedral of St Canice, the Round Tower both of which the town orginated around and the third landmark, the dominating and beautiful Kilkenny Castle.
Kilkenny has managed to retain much of its medieval flavour. Strict redevelopment guidelines, ensuring the shop and business facade’s are not modernised to the point that they lose their original, historic charm. Kilkenny is also considered the art and craft capital of Ireland with a rich array of arts and crafts available in many of the town’s shops.
This is an excellent and much reviewed Guide Book should you be planning a trip to Ireland.
Clervaux is situated snuggly in the Clerve Valley approximately 60km north of Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. It is a medieval market town surrounded by dense woodlands and situated on the Clerve River. There are two main attractions in Clervaux. The first, the Clervaux Castle, locally known as the ‘Burg Clerf’. It houses the famous exhibition of photos collected by Edward Steichen, called ‘The Family of Man’.
The second, is the Clervaux Church, a Benedictine Abbey of Saint Maurice and St.Maur, built in 1910 in Romanesque-burgundian style. It dominates the valley and town of Clervaux and when you first see it from a distance you get a strong impression of the Abbey. With the valley, hillsides and woodlands, these two buildings make for a fairytale setting.
One great reason to visit Clervaux is for for its peaceful, non-commercial setting in a very pretty valley surrounded by woodlands and with some interesting landmarks to visit.
York is located in the County of North Yorkshire in northern England and dates back to Roman times. It is considered to be one of Britain’s best preserved medieval cities with its fine Gothic cathedral (the largest in England), the York Minster. There are four city gates and the old city is surrounded by a large stone wall. Other interesting buildings include, Clifford’s Tower, Treasurer’s House, The Guildhall, Merchant’s Adventurer’s Hall and the Shambles. A fabulous example of medieval shopping street.
The river Ouse flows through York and is a culmination of the small streams which have trickled from the hills of the nearby Dales and Moors. The word ‘ouse’ is a very common name for rivers in England. It’s derived from the Celtic word ‘Usa’, which means ‘water’. The river is very popular in summer with boats cruising the waterway as a means for visitors to view York.
Not far from York and a pleasant drive on the A64, is the famous ‘Castle Howard’. One of Britains finest 18th century private, stately homes. Castle Howard has been part of the Howard family for more than 300 years. You may recognise it for the 1981 television series ‘Brideshead Revisited’.
One great reason to visit York is to wander down the medieval shopping street of the Shambles and view the second storey rooms overhanging the cobbled stone street.
St Michael’s Mount became a National Trust site during 1954 and is located at Marazion, near Penzance in the most southern County of Cornwall in England. It’s perceived to be one of England’s most dramatic and well known coastal attractions. The medieval castle and church are perched high upon the mountain outcrop of an island. This is then separated from the mainland by a tidal causeway. You can visit on foot by the causeway at low tide or take a boat during high tide.
St Michael’s Mount is rich in myths, legends and history dating back to 350 B.C. A full Timeline of the Mount has been provided.
The island currently has a population of approximately 30 inhabitants and whose jobs range from the local boatman, gardener, guide and handyman. They all pool together to ensure the island is maintained for the 200,000 plus visitors that arrive each year.
One great reason to visit St Michael’s Mount is to marvel at the location of the craggy island, that lies beyond the tidal causeway, with a castle and church perched upon it.
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