Rathcroghan Royal Site & Visitor Centre, Tulsk

A group of 4 of us booked for the 12pm tour, the tour had a total of 6 lead by tour guide Daniel. We were given a brief rundown of the next two hours at the Rathcroghan Vistor Centre, before jumping into the tour bus and heading off to the Rathcroghan Archaeological Site. A short distance up the road, the Mound was quite visible from the carpark. We gathered at a number of information boards and were taken on a mythological / archaeological journey through Daniels story telling before taking the short walk onto the mound it's self. Daniel is a mind of information and has an easy-going charm, we were told this, along with being such a handsome young man were due to him being from the fertile lands of Roscommon! Once we had recieved an extensive overview of the site and the multiple archaeological sites around us we walked back to the tour bus and took a short drive to Oweynagat (the cave of cats, or the gate to hell!) We were greated by a small tunnel into the ground, tucked under a hedgerow. Now I have to say, I wasn't expecting to go 'caving' but... Don't be put off!! The journey down into the ground was wet, muddy and pretty tight in places. Daniel was always on hand to help, was calm and reassuring. I'd never done anything like this before, but am so pleased I did! It was actually quite a buzz!! Just to experience the enclosure and darkness of this place, whilst hearing about the myths and history was just incredible. I'm giving this experience a solid 5 Stars, there are a few things to note if you are intending on booking the tour. Dress appropriately, good boots or walking footware are a must, be dressed for all weathers, this is a year round all weather tour, be prepared! You'll most likely get muddy if you go into the cave, take it on the chin.. It's a really amazing experience. I'll definitely be recommending this to friends and family.

This was a highlight of our visit to the area. We did the tour, Elaine our guide was brilliant- a wealth of information and so passionate about the subject made it all come to life for us. This is a community based project which is appealing. Worth every penny of the small entrance fee. We visited the site and the cave. Afterward we went back to the centre where we had a late lunch- the food was freshly made and very tasty.

Truly a wonderful experience - the museum has a stellar selection of artifacts from ancient Ireland that my sister and I enjoyed thoroughly, particularly the video activations. We also participated in a tour with Mike of the local heritage sites, and WOW was it very cool and informative! Overall, such a unique and brilliant tourism destination, providing insight into ancient to medieval to modern Ireland from an archeological, historical, and mythological perspective. We will certainly be returning someday, and truly cannot wait! 10000/10 recommend. P.S. Their gift shop is really cool too (:

Rathcroghan is a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk in County Roscommon, Ireland. Rathcroghan is one of the six Royal Sites of Ireland. This landscape which extends over six square kilometres, consists of 240 plus archaeological sites, sixty of which are protected national monuments, It is also the location for the beginning and end of a national epic tale – an Táin Bó Cuailnge, and the royal seat of Medb (Maeve), Connacht's Warrior Queen.... I had the pleasure of going here last week , I love this place and I can't wait to go back again, the feeling when your there is very different I think , it's like you can feel the history not only see it ... I went down into the cave of the cats , and I must say the experience I had was unforgettable ... Rathcroghan possesses an entrance to the Otherworld, described in the medieval period as "Ireland's Gate to Hell", located at Oweynagat (the Cave of the Cats). The cave has associations with the pagan festival of Samhain, Halloween, as well as being described as the "fit abode" of Morrigan, a Celtic Goddess of pre-Christian Ireland.... and believe me if you go down the cave you just might have company :) please enjoy my photos .

A must-visit for any serious history-lover. The staff arrange trips to a seat of power for Ireland's prehistoric kings. The museum in the centre itself is great too. The tour takes you to a significant nearby complex spanning several football fields. Seriously impressed by the depth of knowledge by staff within the centre and their friendliness. Daniel particularly is great to talk with, as he has a PhD in a related field and is tremendously knowledgeable. Highly recommended!