Today we visited Tullynally Castle in the morning and then explored the nearby ruins of Fore Abbey in the afternoon. Both sites offered very different but equally memorable experiences.

Tullynally Castle

Our visit to Tullynally Castle began with a guided tour through its richly decorated rooms, each filled with antique furnishings, portraits, and personal touches that told the story of the Pakenham family, who have lived there for over 350 years. After the tour, we wandered the extensive gardens surrounding the castle. Highlights included the walled garden, a serene Chinese garden, tranquil lakes, and winding woodland paths — all beautifully maintained and full of charm. We even spotted a few llamas grazing in one of the fields, adding a whimsical touch to the estate’s grandeur.

Tullynally Castle, whose name means "Hill of the Swan" (Tulaigh an Eallaigh), sits just above Lough Derravaragh—a lake steeped in legend. This serene spot in County Westmeath is said to be the setting of one of Ireland’s most beloved myths: the tragic tale of the Children of Lir. As you explore the castle grounds, it’s easy to imagine the enchanted swans gliding across the lake’s surface, still bound by an ancient curse. The story echoes through the landscape, and in the captions below, you’ll find it told piece by piece alongside our visit.
Long ago in ancient Ireland, there lived a noble king named Lir, who ruled over a peaceful land.
Their mother died when they were young, and the land mourned her passing deeply. Lir had four beloved children: Fionnuala, Aodh, and the twins Fiachra and Conn.
To comfort the children, King Lir remarried—a beautiful woman named Aoife. At first, Aoife was kind and loving, a gentle presence in the royal household.
But soon, jealousy grew in her heart; the love Lir had for his children overshadowed all else.
Consumed by envy, Aoife plotted a terrible fate for the children.
One day, she took them in her chariot to the shores of Lough Derravaragh.
There, under a dark sky, she used her druid magic to cast a dreadful spell.
With a cruel cry, she turned them into four white swans.
"You will wander the lakes and seas of Ireland for 900 years," she declared.
"Three hundred years on Lough Derravaragh, three on the Sea of Moyle, and three at Inish Glora."
The swans cried out in despair, their human voices still intact.
When Lir discovered the curse, he was heartbroken—but powerless to undo it.
Aoife was banished forever, her punishment to live as a demon in the air.
The children remained near their home on Lough Derravaragh for the first 300 years. There they sang to passersby, their sorrowful songs echoing across the water.
As centuries passed, forests grew and kings fell, but the swans endured. After 300 years, they flew north to the cold and stormy Sea of Moyle.
There, the waves were wild and harsh, and the swans clung together to survive. Lightning split the skies, and they endured bitter loneliness on that northern sea.
Still, they had each other and the memory of their father’s love.
After another 300 years, they flew west to Inish Glora, a desolate island off the coast.
Time passed, and the old gods faded as the new faith of Christianity came to Ireland.
A kind monk named Caomhán discovered them and listened to their tale.
With his blessing, the final years of their sentence came to a peaceful end.
The moment the curse lifted, they transformed—no longer swans, but fragile old humans.
The monk baptized them, and they died peacefully, free at last from their enchantment. He buried them together in one grave, their souls finally at rest.
Legend says you can still hear their songs in the breeze over Lough Derravaragh. Tullynally—Tulaigh an Eallaigh, the Hill of the Swan—still watches over the lake today.
The grounds whisper the tale, carried on the wind and in the water.
As you walk these paths, imagine the swans gliding silently past the reeds.
And remember the Children of Lir—forever part of Ireland’s ancient soul.

Fore Abbey Ruins

In the afternoon, we traveled to the Fore Abbey ruins, a quiet and atmospheric site with deep historical roots. Founded in the 7th century by St. Feichin, the abbey’s crumbling stone structures are nestled in a green valley, surrounded by peaceful walking trails and rolling hills. We took time to explore the remnants of the church, cloisters, and towers, and learned about the site’s “Seven Wonders,” including a tree that won’t burn and water that flows uphill. The stillness and beauty of the area made for a contemplative and relaxing end to the day.

Fore Abbey, nestled in a quiet Westmeath valley, is home to the “Seven Wonders of Fore” — ancient miracles tied to St. Feichin and early monastic life. From a water that flows uphill to a tree that won’t burn, each ruin whispers a tale of faith and folklore. As you explore the captions below, let the mystery of Fore guide your imagination.
Fore Abbey, nestled in a quiet valley, holds legends older than the stones themselves. This sacred site is known for the Seven Wonders of Fore—curious and miraculous landmarks.
St. Feichin founded the original monastery here in the 7th century.
Pilgrims have walked this ground for over a thousand years, seeking healing and hope.
The first wonder: a monastery built on a bog, yet miraculously stable. Ruins of stone walls and archways now frame a landscape full of silence and memory.
The second wonder: a mill said to work without a visible water source.
Legends say St. Feichin caused the stream to flow uphill to power the mill.
Some wonders defy explanation. Others invite us to believe anyway.
The third wonder: water that flows uphill—nature bending to a saint’s blessing.
Fore’s wonders mix history and myth in ways that still stir imagination.
The fourth wonder: a tree that won’t burn, believed to be divinely protected. Pilgrims often leave offerings at the tree—bits of cloth, prayers, and gratitude.
Even centuries later, the tree still draws those seeking hope and healing.
The fifth wonder: water that won’t boil, no matter how hot the fire beneath it.
This spring is still visited today, its mystery undisturbed by time.
The sixth wonder: an anchorite’s cell, once sealed with a hermit inside for life.
High above the road, this tiny cell remains a symbol of extreme devotion. Stories say the anchorite never left—choosing prayer and solitude until death.
The seventh wonder: a massive stone lintel raised by St. Feichin through prayer.
How the stone beam was lifted into place remains unknown even to modern eyes.
Whether miracle or myth, each wonder reflects a community’s enduring faith.
The Abbey’s arches and doorways stand like open invitations to step into history.
Nature has begun reclaiming the ruins, softening the hard edges of time. The surrounding valley offers peace, even to those who come only as visitors.
Each step among these ruins feels like walking through a living legend.
Though much has faded, the spirit of the monks still seems to linger in the air.
Some say the echoes of chanting still drift through these old stone corridors.
Whether you're here for history, belief, or beauty—Fore offers something timeless.
Even on a quiet day, the site hums with stories from centuries past.
It’s easy to see why this place was chosen as a sanctuary.
At Fore, legend and landscape are inseparably woven together.
The ruins stand as a testament to faith, endurance, and wonder.
Not all miracles need proof—some are felt in stillness and stone.
Each visitor brings new meaning to these ancient grounds.
Fore’s wonders continue not just in legend, but in the awe they inspire.
Seven wonders. One unforgettable place. A sacred corner of Ireland we’ll never forget.
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