Touring Ely O'Carroll Country!

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Touring Ely
O'Carroll Country
Millennium 2008 and beyond


	Fáilte go Ciánachta Éile Uí Chearbhaill Tíortha Welcome to Clan Cian's Ely O'Carroll Country.

A landscape of inspiring beauty and intriguing history

Ely is a land rich in historical, archaeological, religious and natural interest. Highways leading into the heart of Ireland now have road-signs telling you. You are now entering Ely O'Carroll country courtesy of counties, Tipperary and Offaly. It is as if the signs are telling you that you are on a journey leading you to a land of one of Ireland's most prestigious pasts.

Ely O'Carroll country was and is the home land to many families of Irish descent known as "Cianachta" - Race of Cian or Clan Cian in English. Carroll O'Carroll was the leading family of what was the Eile O'Carroll kingdom (as seen on the following map).

Displayed right is St. Abhan's symbol of the water beast and on top is a Celtic design of the same beast out of the Book of Dima.

On the road to discovering the Cian past you will run into interesting little tid bits like that of the life of the Patron Saint of Ely O'Carroll Country, St. Abhan and his legendary Symbol of the water beast, our "Waterhound of the River," or "Little Brozna". On the map above you can also locate Lorrah left and center where the newer Parish House holds the 9th century Display of early Christian Episles from the Book of Dima which was Endowed by the King of Ely another wonderful piece of history to be proud of.

Kinnitty Castle, A Door Way to welcomed possibilities.

Ever want to vist the chivalric past of your ancestors then here is a good place to start at Kinnitty Castle a Hotel with Bed and Breakfast rates.

Formerly one of the O'Carroll Castles. It has been restored by the O'Ryan Family, formerly Chiefs in Ely O'Carroll Territory. A brilliant place to visit the old country from. Located in the Foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Featuring Medieval~Banquets and Ceilidhs (Party-Nights) - Excellent Cuisine-&-Wines.

For reservations - Phone :		353-509-37318 (local) 0509-37318
Fax :		353-509-37284 (local) 0509-37284
Web :		http://www.kinnittycastle.com/
Email :		kinnittycastle@tinet.ie

Another view of Kinnitty's Great Hall of the O'Carroll's

Speaking of Bed and Breakfast here is an authentic Irish, Stone Cottage called Ardmore Guesthouse. An ideal place to base your visit from.

Ardmore House B&B is a lovingly restored Victorian Town House in the picturesque village of Kinnitty, Birr, Co. Offaly, in the heart of Ireland, on the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains and National Park.

For reservations - Phone :		353-509-37009
Web :		http://www.kinnitty.net/
Email :		ardmorehouse@kinnitty.net

Here is another authentic Irish Bed and Breakfast called ELY HOUSE. Located at Cloghan Road, Shannonbridge, County Offaly.

Relax and enjoy a wonderful stay in Ely House, located in a picturesque riverside village with a waterside marina, charming pubs with music and award winning Old Fort Restaurant. Breakfasts are a real treat with Homemade Breads ,compotes and traditional cooked offerings a specialty. Whether you just like to slow down and unwind in this tranquil village or wish to do something more exciting like fishing golfing or walking, we can offer you a visit to suit your fancy! You are assured a warm welcome and memorable visit

For reservations - Phone :		090 9674205
Web :		www.elyhouse.shannonbridge.net
Email :		elyhouse@eircom.net

While visting Roscrae and the Roscrae Castle Damerhouse Heritage Center a wonderful place to stay at is Grant's Hotel.

Graded a A.A.A. Three Star Hotel All rooms en-suite featuring Irish cuisine, Room service, Entertainment, Full Irish Pub and Centrally located for foot touring downtown Roscrae. Located next to the Roscrae Castle Damerhouse Heritage Center.

Information - Phone :
353-505-23300 (local) 0505-23300

Fax :
353-505-23209 (local) 0505-23209

Web :
http://www.grantshotel.com/

Definitely another place that is a must to see. This place just screams ancient chivalry. Your ancestors would not be happy if you missed this one. Birr Castle is a brilliant place for heritage, beauty and even science.

No visit to Birr would be complete with-out touring the Gardens of Birr Castle now the Parson Family Home Earls of Rosse. Up to the 17th century Castle Birr was an O'Carroll Castle.

Information - Phone :		353 509 20336 (local) 0509-22154
Fax :		353 509 21583
Web :		http://www.birrcastle.com/
Email :		info@birrcastle.com

At Dooley's 18th century Coach House you can vist the centre of Ely O'Carroll Country in style enjoying the gentle Georgian town of Birr and the surrounding countryside.

Dooly's Hotel stands in Emmet Square, the very centre of Georgian Birr. The hotel is one of the oldest coaching inns in the country dating back to 1747 and now enjoys the status of being a Grade A, Three-Star star, hotel. Featuring Irish cuisine All room en-suite, Service and Entertainment.

For reservations - Phone :
353-509-20032 (local) 0509-20032

Fax :
353-509-21332 (local) 0509-21332

Web :
http://www.doolyshotel.com/

Tour Guides
Bord Failte Qualified

Margaret Carroll-Connelly
Tour Guiding from ~ Kinnitty ~ for the
Midlands of ~ Ely O'Carroll Country and the
Slieve Bloom Mountains of Ely ~ North Ely ~ or
Gillpadric ~ Fitzpatrick's Upper Ossory ~ with a
visit to ~ Carroll's Mountain ~ at Birr see the ~
Seffin Stone ~ the ~ Coronation Stone ~ for the
~ O'Carroll Kings of Eile ~
Castle Birr ~ Ancient Seat of the O'Carroll Kingdom ~
visit ~ Roscrae Castle ~ Damer House Heritage Centre
see ~ St Cronin's ~+~ on a Roscrae walking tour
Phone ~~~ Margaret (local) at: 0509-37200
(Ireland country code) 011-353-509-37200

While visting Kinnitty a prime Ely O'Carroll site is the Sleive Bloom Mountains where O'Carroll Kings are buried.

The O'Carroll, High Chief of Eile at Grave site of King Carroll, 885 A.D. At the Church of St. Ceíran.

New Head Stone Replica for King Carroll Warrior King of Ossory (North Eile) and Leinster 885 A.D. was made by Stonecutter, Johnny Carroll of Seffin Birr. It reads as follows:

Cherball Ri Ossory
885 A.D. (Cross) Ordo Cherball
Here lies Cherball The Great
Warrior King of Ossory
King of Leinster Conqueror and
Crowned King of the Danes at
Dublin he is also remembered
in Iceland as Klarvel the Irish King
Ordo Cherball
Ocus
Dia Chlainn

~~ Slieve Bloom's Ireland ~~
~ Tour the Slieve Bloom Mountains in the
Irish Midlands ~~ Ancient Territories of ~~
Ely O'Carroll ~ O'Reagain ~ O'Dunne
Phone ~~ Slieve Bloom's Ireland ~~
Síúltóírí Cluaín na slí
Clonaslee, County Laois, Ireland
(local) 0502-48082 or 48132 or 48149
Ireland (code) 011-353-502-48082
502-48082 or 502-48149

Touring on your Own

Aer Lingus the Irish airline has flights from Chicago, Boston, New York and Los Angeles, to Shannon and Dublin - air fares can be made through them direct or at your local travel agency.

Delta Airlines flies direct to Shannon and Dublin from San Francisco via Atlanta, Georgia - air fares can also be made through them direct or at your local travel agency.

Travel Tips

It is recommended to carry Traveler Cheques and cash your Cheques according to your needs.

Prior to leaving one should visit a currency exchange and purchase enough Irish currency for arrival in Ireland. After arrival, at your first opportunity visit a bank for your anticipated expenses as the exchange rate is normally lower than the airports.

Another good recommendation is to request a 'hotel guest-house booklet' from: Bord Failte (Irish Tourist Board) 1-800-223-6470 Ext -1-

If landing at Shannon first

It is a good time to visit the local area of our Dal gCais Clanspeople. Some points of interest are Castle Dromoland, Castle Bunratty and Castle Cashel, prior to traveling into Ely O'Carroll country.

If landing at Dublin first

You should take full advantage of this opportunity if this is the first port of call in your visit. The Chief Heralds Office of Arms, Trinity College, The National Library, The Museum on Kildare Street and Dublin Castle are particular points of interest to be explored prior to leaving for Ely O'Carroll country.

Ground Transport

Riding the Dart Train is a good means of travel in the Dublin Area. Bus and Train is an economical means of transportation in the Republic of Ireland, if you are not traveling by Rented Auto or Private Car.

Tour guide arrangements quite often include your being met at Shannon or Dublin airports and transported to your hotel accommodations in the Ely O'Carroll Country.

For, Private car, Van or Coach arrangements with guided tours of the Slieve Bloom area, and mountains of Ely O'Carroll Country.

Lodging & Meals

A good recommendation is to have hotel arrangements made in advance for your visit to different places while touring Ely O'Carroll country.

Many bed and breakfast hotels and guest-houses have excellent meal-arrangements inclusive of their room-rates, among them there are

Castle Kinnitty
Telepone : 0509-37318
    (USA) : 011-353-509-37318
       Web : http://www.kinnittycastle.com/

Dooly's Hotel, at Birr
Telepone : 509-20032
    (USA) : 011-353-509-20032
       Web : http://www.doolyshotel.com/

Grants Hotel, at Roscrae
Telepone : 505-23300
    (USA) : 011-353-505-23300
       Web : http://www.grantshotel.com/

These accommodations are at key locations in Ely O'Carroll country with many more fine hotel, guest-houses and pubs to choose from while visiting the many sites and castles open to visitors through-out the territory.

For additional up-dated information regarding
The Chiefs - Clan Cian - Touring on Your Own
email the Clan Cian Main Office at:
Eile Contact Form

or write to:

Clan Cian Touring
P.O. Box 30823
Stockton, CA 95213-0823 USA

For Genealogical Tours email Peggy Magee at:
Genealogy Contact Form

For additional information on the Ely O'Carroll tours being set for 2001 email: elyocarroll@tinet.ie

Or use this link: www.elyocarroll.com

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