Arran is a small island, 20 miles long and 56 miles round, located off the south-west coast of Scotland.

Ferries run from the Scottish mainland to the Isle of Arran. Most people reach the island via Ardrossan which has a direct rail service from Glasgow.

The history of Arran is of strong interest to local Archeologists, tourists, and residents.

The first people on Arran to leave visible signs of their life and times here were the Neolithic people, who lived on the island in the period between 4,500BC and 2,000BC. They were farmers, and traces of their field systems have been found on Arran. However, they have left their most distinct legacy on Arran in the form of stone circles, standing stones and cairns. We do not know what these monuments were used for, but it is safe to assume that they had some kind of ceremonial function.

Machrie moor standing stones is a small ancient circle protected by a stone wall. Continue on the footpath and you will reach the main site, three-quarters of a mile across the fields.

Robert Pollock has produced an excellent guide with diagrams which details these and other circles on this site. Two of the circles have recently been excavated, and the amount of peat growth over the original prehistoric ground surface can be seen as a tidemark on the stones. Indeed one of the circles had completely disappeared under the peat.

Druid Stone is likely to be a Neolithic or Bronze age stone, despite its local association with the Iron Age priesthood. A druid was a member of the priestly and learned class in the ancient Celtic societies of Western Europe, Britain and Ireland.

Ruins of Lochranza Castle are located north of Brodick.

It features the striking ruins of a 14th century castle, a former hunting lodge of the Scottish Kings.

It has been claimed that Lochranza Castle has literary connections, being used as the basis for the castle in the Tintin adventure "The Black Island".

Brodick Castle is made up of red sandstone and it lies at the foot of Goatfell Mountain 1.5 miles out of Brodick; the main port on the Isle of Arran off the west coast of Scotland.

The name Brodick comes from the Norse words, meaning 'broad bay'. Arran means 'peaked island' in Gaelic.

It's a fascinating Island filled with mysteries and folklore. Visit now before the times destroy it.

This astonishing castle is situated in the beautiful countryside of County Mayo and is in the heart of Ireland's most spectacular scenery. Ashford was found in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family after they defeated the native O'Connors of Connaught. The de Burgo's built several such castles throughout the province but Ashford remained their principal stronghold. 3D tours and virtual tours of the castle is available on their website.

Dromoland Castle

Dromoland Castle is situated in the west of Ireland just a stone throw away from the mighty Shannon River and the unique rugged landscape of The Burren. Dromoland Castle, one of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland, was the ancestral home of the O'Briens, Barons of Inchiquin, who are one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood and direct descendants of Brian Boroimhe (Boru) High King of Ireland in the eleventh century. 3D tours of the castle is available on their website.

Ballyseede Castle

Ballyseede Castle is located on its own thirty acres of gardens and woodland in Tralee County Kerry. Ballyseede Castle was the chief garrison of the legendary Fitzgerald's, Earls of Desmond, many of whom refused to swear allegiance to the crown, which resulted in the infamous Geraldine Wars that continued intermittently for three centuries and concluded with the beheading of Gerald, 16th Earl, in the Demesne of Ballyseede and whose head was exhibited in a cage on London Bridge. A picture gallery of the castle is available on their website.

Fanningstown Castle

Fanningstown Castle is situated in the fertile valley of the river Maigue, in Co. Limerick near the picturesque village of Adare. It lies in the barony of Coshma (Coshmagh) which, meaning "Foot of the Plain" or "Bank of the Maigue," describes this location. The area of the barony coincides with the territory of the Celtic people, the Ui Cairbre Aobhdha. For more information on the castle and its history visit their website.

Fitzpatrick Castle

This 18th century castle is situated on the South Dublin coast overlooking Dublin Bay. The park was once part of the estate of Killiney Castle (now Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel), a prominent residence in the district. The original house, Miunt Mapas, was built in 1740 by Col. John Mapas. The property was owned in turn by a Mr. Maunsell, Henry Loftus, Viscount of Ely, Lord Clonmel and Robert Warren, who in 1840 enlarged the house and called it Killiney Castle. He also restored and added to the monuments on the hill. For a full photo gallery of the castle visit their website.

Glin Castle

This castle is situated in County Limerick which has a rich history. Large pieces of land were given to the great Norman Family, the Fitzgeralds, in Limerick by the Desmond Overlords in the early 14th Century. Out of the Fitzgerald family the so-called knights of Glin was created. For a complete photo gallery of the castle and more of its history visit their website.

Marmaris:

Marmaris is one of the best touristic destinations on the Mediterranean Coast. It is located in Mugla. Tourism is the main source of income for the resident of Marmaris. Many young people go to Marmaris to work in tourism sector. They generally work in hotels.The population of Marmaris is actually 20000. However in summer season, it approaches to 400000. There are many shops, restaurants and bars in Marmaris. Marmaris also has a beautiful natural harbor which is used as Turkey's premier yachting port for Blue Voyage yacht cruises.

Bodrum:

Bodrum is another touristic city in Mugla Province. In ancient times it was known as Halicarnassus. Famous Turkish novelist, Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli, took the name of “fisherman of Halikarnas” from Bodrum. He had lived in Bodrum for many years before his death. Bodrum is one of the international centers of Turkey for tourism and yachting.Bodrum is rich with it's history. One of the seven wonders, Mausoleum of Mausolus, was in Bodrum in ancient times. Famous historian of ancient times Herodotus, famous Ottoman Admiral Turgut Reis, and Zeki Muren had lived in Bodrum for years.

There are many historical and sigthseeing places in Bodrum, such as Bodrum Castle, Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology and Turgut Reis. Due to the touristic activities in Bodrum, population of Bodrum increases from 33000 to 500000 in summer season.This means “money” for the people who lives there.

Topkapi Palace

It's construction started in 1459 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. Mehmet II is one of the important sultans of Ottoman Empire since he was the the conquerer of Istanbul. Topkapi Palace was the home and official residence of Ottoman Emperors from 1465 to 1863. The historical tissue of Topkapi Palace damaged because of big earthquakes and fires. Currently, Topkapi Palace is museum. It is under administration of Ministry of Culture and Tourism. When you visit Topkapi Palace Museum, you can see a large collection of Ottoman art and architecture, Ottoman miniatures, weapons, shields, armor and a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry.

Dolmabahce Palace

It is located at the European side of Istanbul. After 1853, it was used as the official residence of Ottoman Emperors. It was also the administrative center of Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. Dolmabahce palace is the first European style palace in Ottoman Empire history. It was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid II between 1842 and 1853. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder and the first president of Turkey Republic, spent his last years in this palace. Ataturk died in November 10, 1938 in Dolmabahce Palace.

Yildiz Palace

It was built in 1880 and used by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. Inside Yildiz Palace, there are apartments, pavilions, theatre, opera house, museum and a porcelain factory.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Unlike Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Yildiz palaces, Beylerbeyi Palace is located at the Assian side of Istanbul. It was built between 1861 and 1865 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed in baroque style. It was mainly used as a place to entertain visiting heads of state. Sultan Abdulhamid II spent his last years of captivity in Beylerbeyi palace. He died in Beylerbeyi Palace in 1918.

Ciragan Palace

It is located between Besiktas and Ortakoy at the European side of Istanbul. It was built between 1863 and 1867 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed by famous Armenian architect Nigogayos Balyan and constructed by his sons Hagop and Sarkis Balyan. In 1910, it was destroyed by a great fire. However, the ruined palace was restored in 1991. It was designed in Baroque style during restoration. Currently, it is used as a five-star hotel.