Čachtice Castle is near Trenčín in northern Slovakia. All images by the author.

In the early part of
the 17th century, a Hungarian countess named Elizabeth Bathory was accused of murdering
some 650 women across what is today known as Slovakia. Legend has it that Bathory’s servants lured young women to the countess’ castles with the promise of work and education, only to help butcher them. In 1610, these servants were eventually trailed and executed. Bathory, an untouchable member
of… (View original article)

Island Time Forget sunbathing and jet-skiing—these islands offer up a whole different experience By Kim-Marie Evans

Boldt Castle, Thousand Islands

Islands have held a mystical pull for travelers through the ages. The isolation and serenity that come with infinite borders of water and wind hold an allure the mainland just can’t match. This month we take you around the corner to a world where wealthy industrialists staked claim on their own fiefdoms, to the P… (View original article)

The two story grand entrance hall, full of carved wood, marble columns, red carpets and suits of armour.

Peles Castle in Romania is an example of neo-renaissance-gothic revival style.So when I got there, I saw lots of carved wood,  carved stone, garden statuary, tapestries, grand staircases, the usually trapping of European castles and palaces.  What was unexpected was the collection of Asian art.

I shouldn’t have been so surprised, because Asian art was … (View original article)

A NEW row has begun over access to the grounds of a former residential arts centre being sold off to private developers by a Scottish council after the masterplan was published.

Nineteenth century mansion Castle Toward hosted generations of schoolchildren in arts and outdoor education programmes until its closure in 2009.

A community bid to buy the site for £850,000 failed and last summer Argyll and Bute Council, which valued the site at £1.75 million, named Kapital Internat… (View original article)

Paul Ainsworth

22 September, 2016 01:00

A NEW smartphone app aims to help families explore one of the north’s most iconic castles.

Kids ‘n Castles is being created at the behest of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to encourage more visits to Carrickfergus Castle.

The famous Norman fortress sees thousands of visitors a year explore its ramparts and tower, and the new app aims to guide them through using `beacons’ that once f… (View original article)

Callan says ‘key structure’ Ardee Castle must be funded Posted 20th September, 2016

Independent councillor Kevin Callan has added his voice to the calls for Ardee Castle to open to the public by urging Louth County Councl to press ahead with plans to seek Failte Ireland funding for the historic old building that remains closed to locals and tourists alike.

At Monday’s monthly County Council meeting, Callan called on the local authority to clarify the current status o… (View original article)

PORTREE, Scotland (AP) — Bonny Prince Charlie saw Scotland’s isle of Skye on the run. He was fleeing government troops after his Highland rebellion ended disastrously at the 18th century Battle of Culloden.

My visit was hurried, too, although due to nothing more exciting than a tight schedule — no redcoats on my tail.

Luckily, even a short stay is long enough to glimpse why the Misty Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions.

Here are a fe… (View original article)

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A WELSHMAN’S home may be his castle – but that would actually be true if you live in this property.

Llanddewi Castle is actually a 16th century farmhouse in Reynoldston, Gower.

But it is believed to have incorporated parts of a castle that once stood on the site, and, looking at it, you wouldn’t deny it.

READ MORE: What effect has Brexit had on house prices in Swansea Bay?

The property, on the market for £750,000 with John Francis, … (View original article)

Blacksmiths, stonemasons and quarrymen are hard at work in a Burgundy forest building a 13th century-style castle using the most basic tools and materials, replicating the methods used hundreds of years ago to better understand them.

Forgoing all modern technology, workers use hammers to break stones and forge iron, operate wooden wheels to hoist their materials up to where they are needed, and rely on a quarry for stone, clay and sand as they build up a castle from scratch.

… (View original article)