In the Irish top three cities, Tallaght occupies the third place in terms of population density and economic importance. However from the cultural and historical point of view it may go ahead of any other settlement in Ireland, here was one of the first inhabited Irish localities, and the place also has a medieval continuity noted in monasteries. Besides the cultural attractions, tourists will enjoy Tallaght for the landscape of the Wicklow mountains and the charm of the Irish Celtic scenery. Lots of Irish history is revealed to the tourist by a scrutiny of the natural background.
Powerscourt House
Perhaps the most important historic sight that carries both cultural and religious value as well, is St. Maelruain Church built on the site of the former monastery. The first edifice was founded buy St. Maelruain in the 7th century, but only the tower still remains from then. Four stories high and with a spiral staircase inside, the Tower is open for visitation. However there are other vestiges on the premises. Besides the many tombstones that date back from the 18th century, there is an ancient cross placed on a pedestal, known as St. Maelruain Cross.
The Irish Museum of Modern Art is the main institution of it’s kind in Tallaght that surprises many it’s visitors. There are around 1,650 exhibits that form part of the permanent collection of the museum. You’ll get the chance to discover some exquisite works of art belonging to various Irish and international art trends. Among the most well-known names we could mention are Sean Scully or Barry Flanagan. The museum also provides guided tours around the city at special locations, particularly for large organized groups.
If you want to go shopping in Tallaght, you’re in for a treat. Here you’ll find the largest mall in Ireland, called the Square. Besides the great shops, there is a multiplex cinema run by United Cinema International and several restaurants. If we judge by the number of facilities this is perhaps one of the most complex buildings in the city. It even houses civic institutions such as the Department of Social and Family Affairs. So, when you want to change the scenery and get back to the modern, this is the place to visit. However, there are some great natural sights you must absolutely see.
Close to both Dublin and Tallaght, there is a truly magic sight at the foot of the Wicklow mountains. I’m talking about Powerscourt House and Gardens, considered a true treasure of Ireland. The house has a double Georgian Ball room and great decorations that you can enjoy even when sipping a coffee in the small café at the entrance. Powerscourt used to be a 13th century Anglo-Norman castle and garrison. Visitors will see stonework from the 16th century and get to learn about the true history of the place from the audio and video records that provide comprehensive presentations.
Gardens at Powerscourt house, Enniskerry, Wicklow
The gardens at Powerscourt offer some of the most famous Irish scenery, they were designed in two phases after the redecoration of the house in 1793. The garden was created following the idea of a larger integration in the general background. There are fish ponds, waterfalls, terraces and grottoes, as well as many paths under the trees. Spending a sunny day here among such beauties all day long and you will not want to leave. Another favorite place in the area is the Powerscourt waterfall, a tourist attraction for almost two hundred years.