Ireland offers a diverse landscape, culture, and range of experiences. The famously beautiful scenery brings visitors from all over the world and is home to many famous movie and fantasy show sets. Those who come get to experience the impressive mountains, looming cliffs, rolling farmland, and fascinating cuisine. The landscape is dotted with ancient castles that offer a glimpse into life in medieval times. Here are just 7 of the many great Irish destinations.

The first of our great Irish destinations is Blarney Castle.  Blarney Castle is a medieval castle in the town of Blarney. Several other castles were built on the grounds, but the current castle was constructed in 1446 by the MacCarthy dynasty of Muskerry. The world-famous “Blarney Stone” is a part of the castle and hoisted in the very top. Local legend holds that those who kiss the stone will receive the “gift of the gab” or great skill in speaking eloquently. To kiss the stone, you must do so laying face up and be suspended over a pit built on the castle rampart! The castle and the stone attract visitors from around the globe, who come to explore the castle and surrounding gardens and, of course, kiss the Blarney Stone.

 

The Chester Beatty Library was organized in 1950 to preserve and display the private collections of well-known mining tycoon, Chester Beatty. The museum has won several awards and was once given the honor of being named European Museum of the Year. There are two main collections in the museum, called “Artistic Traditions” and “Sacred Traditions.” Both of the collections contain a variety of priceless artifacts, rare books, ancient manuscripts, artworks from around the world, miniature paintings, prints, and more. Scholars from across the globe come to study rare manuscripts related to the Old and New Testaments as well as Islamic and Far Eastern artifacts.

Croke Park is a large Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Dublin. The association is headquartered at the stadium, which is named after Archbishop Thomas Croke, although fans and locals often refer to it affectionately as “Croker.” The stadium is the third largest in Europe, with a capacity of more than 82,000 people. Visitors can catch a football match or can book a stadium tour for a behind-the-scenes experience of the stadium.

Fota Wildlife Park is one of the most prominent wildlife and conservation attractions in the country. It is an independently owned nonprofit park located on about 100 acres on Fota Island. The park is home to approximately 30 mammal species and 50 species of birds. Visiting the park is a unique experience of being up close and personal with many of the animals. Visitors can interact with wallabies and ring-tailed lemurs, who roam freely.

 

The Hill of Tara is an archeological site located near the famous River Boyne. The large complex runs between Dunshaughlin and Navan. Throughout the site, more than 30 prehistoric monuments are visible across the landscape today. According to legends, the site was the seat of the High King of Ireland and the ancient home of the gods. There are a number of interesting ancient monuments and earthworks at the site, many of which are quite old, with the Mound of the Hostages having been constructed around the year 2500 BC.

 

 

Kilmainham Gaol Museum is a former prison in the Kilmainham area of Dublin, which is now open to the public as a museum. A number of famous Irish revolutionaries, including many leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, were imprisoned and put to death in the prison. Once Ireland gained independence, the prison was quickly decommissioned. The prison was restored and today stands as a monument to the struggle for Irish independence.

 

 

Drinking good alcohol is a famous pastime in Ireland. The Old Jameson Distillery is an attraction centered around the Jameson brand of Irish whiskey. The Bow Street location depicted above is the original site of the distillery, where Jameson Irish Whiskey was distilled between 1780 and 1971. At its peak, the distillery consisted of a 5-acre tract of land that also included saw mills, a cooperage, painters, engineers, a coppersmith’s shop, and more. Today, there is a visitors center at the site and guided tours of the old distillery are offered along with whiskey tastings led by experts. There is also a gift shop that sells Jameson branded items and other whiskey-related gifts, books, clothing, and more to bring your family.

 

 

Interested in any of the great Irish destinations above? Leave a comment below or contact us for more information.

 

Ireland isn’t a destination where you go to get a suntan. The country is known for being very green, and that means plenty of rainfall! Rainfall is part and parcel of life in Ireland, especially in the west. The average number of “wet days” ranges from about 150 days to 225 days a year. Your best chance of sun and warmth in Ireland is in the summer months between June and July. Although there are plenty of days with sunshine, remember to bring a comfortable rain jacket.

 

For those who are Traveling in Ireland, you are probably going to want to get at least one pint of Guinness in a traditional Irish pub.  A pint of Guinness should cost no more than €5, and if it does, you are more than likely in a tourist pub that is ripping you off. We do, however, recommend visiting the Guinness Store House. At €17 a ticket it may be the most expensive Guinness you’ll ever pay for, but the whole experience and tour is well worth it when you are visiting Dublin. Talk with us to help you get an exclusive deal and trip planned.

 

When is the best time for traveling to Ireland? Although most countries have ‘ideal’ times of year where visiting is optimal, the best time to travel anywhere isn’t as dependent on the state of the weather as you might assume. Instead, a trip is only as good as what you make of it and your subjective experience; there are always a ton of things to do in any city, no matter the season. This means that even cold or blustery weather can, for many, be the preferred travel conditions. That being said, for many, September tends to be most people’s favorite time to visit as the cities get less packed, the leaves are changing color, the air is cool, and tourism is slowing down

It’s pretty hard to visit Ireland and not wind up visiting a castle at least once during your travels. But with so many (over 30,000!) how do you know which ones are worth the trip? Whether you want to explore the ruins of a once magnificent fort or get a taste of medieval life in a well-maintained relic, you can get a little glimpse into the past during your trip to Ireland. Talk to us and we’ll be happy to give you our recommendations for which castle to visit depending on your budget.

 

Feel free to take public transit. Although driving and having your own car in Ireland is definitely a plus, it’s not entirely necessary and there are many other low cost alternatives. The bus and train system in Ireland is efficient, affordable, and reliable, with most of the transport options featuring free WiFi. Just note that in both Ireland and Northern Ireland drivers drive on the left side of the road and you should know how to drive a manual car as automatics are expensive. Speed limits are in kilometers per hour in Ireland and miles per hour in Northern Ireland – confusing.

 

Any questions about planning a trip to Ireland in 2020? Let us know in the comments below.

Christmas 2020 will be a little different for all but one thing that will stay the same is our traditions. One of the most important and enjoyable aspects of celebrating Christmas in Ireland are the festive Christmas foods and drinks we share amongst family and friends. Although a home-cooked Christmas dinner is usually a focal point in one’s yearly celebrations, almost every country seems to do festive dining a little bit differently. Here are some Irish Christmas foods, drinks and treats everyone could try this holiday season.

Wherever you are and however you will celebrate, wishing you and your loved ones a very healthy, happy and safe Christmas…..

Irish Christmas Cake

A traditional Irish Christmas cake is one of those baked goods for which nearly every Irish family has their own special recipe, handed down from generations to generation. Christmas cakes are usually prepared weeks before Christmas, and in some households, it’s traditional for children to make a wish while helping to stir the mixture.  I certainly remember making many wishes as a child when helping my own mother bake ours. Such wonderful memories. A moist fruit cake laced with spices and soaked in brandy, they can be iced with marzipan and icing or left plain, but the general consensus is that their most essential ingredient is the candied fruit – especially French glacé cherries.

 

 

Roast Goose Or Turkey

 

 

Like the US, some parts of Ireland have adopted the English tradition of serving roast turkey for Christmas dinner. However, other kinds of poultry, such as roast goose – the dish that was most common on Irish Christmas tables before the arrival of the turkey, are also very common. The roasted goose is generally served with stuffing, potatoes, and vegetables. Boiled ham is also a part of the Christmas dinner menu – usually boiled the night before and served glazed with cloves and other seasonings.

 

Mince pies

 

Although also originating from England, mince pies have become an essential part of Christmas dining in Ireland. While they may sound like a savory treat, mince pies are actually a dessert made with a mixture of nuts, fruits, and spices inside a buttery pastry shell. In Ireland, they are often served for dessert on Christmas Day, offered to festive visitors and guests with a cup of tea or hot toddy!

 

 

Spiced Beef

 

In some parts of Ireland, especially the southern counties like Limerick and Cork, spiced beef is also served as part of a Christmas dinner. To prepare this traditional recipe, a joint of rump or silverside beef is cured and salted, then boiled, broiled, or semi-steamed in Guinness or water. For curing, spices like cinnamon, pimento, cloves, salt, and ginger are used.

 

 

Christmas Pudding

Another dish that made its way to Ireland from medieval England, Christmas pudding is made of eggs, dried fruit, and suet moistened with brandy or some other alcohol, blended with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. (Though it’s known as plum pudding in some places, it doesn’t actually contain plums.) Christmas puddings are generally prepared months before the big event and left to age.

An Irish Whiskey or a Hot Toddy as it’s called is the cure for all the sniffles that come with a cold winter in Ireland or delicious as a nice night cap (drink before bed) over the winter months. This is my favorite recipe.

Hot Whiskey -Saving the best for last!

A good Irish whiskey (Jameson or Powers is the best Irish whiskey for a hot toddy recipe!)
A heat-proof glass
7/8 cloves
2 teaspoons sugar
Slice of lemon

1. Fill a kettle to boil hot water.
2. To pre-heat your glass, place a metal spoon in the glass and pour some hot water in. The spoon will prevent the glass from breaking! Once the glass is warmed, discard the water.
3. Cut a slice of lemon, remove the pips, and stick some cloves into the fruit.
4. Put a teaspoon of sugar into the glass followed by a shot of Irish whiskey. Give the whiskey and sugar mixture a bit of a stir and try to dissolve the lumps.
5. Add boiling water and then stir.
6. Add the lemon and additional cloves (if desired) to the mix.
7. Wrap a napkin around the glass, so you don’t scald yourself.
8. Sit back and enjoy!

Ireland lives for Christmas.  Here are five ways to spend the festive season in Ireland.

 

1. Rock around the Christmas markets

There’s no better time than December for mixing mulled wine, mince pies, fairy lights, and shopping. Ireland’s Christmas markets provide a magic atmosphere, with carol singing and general merriness and cheer. One of the prettiest is Belfast’s Christmas Market, located in front of a festive and perennially handsome City Hall.

 

 

2. Meet Santa – and his reindeer

Did you know the Mourne Mountains is Santa’s official home in Ireland? You can bring the kids along and  meet him in this secluded cottage and even see the elves working away in the workshop. In Mount Stewart, Santa (or Santy, as we sometimes call him) has kindly put together a woodland trail for excited children to burn off some energy.

What of Santa’s helpers? Dublin’s Phoenix Park is a playground of deer, and each Christmastime in Ireland, the park offers the chance to meet some members of Bambi’s herd and hear a talk given by the park’s keepers.

3. Get crafty for shopping

The Christmas lights on Dublin’s Grafton Street shines like so many Christmas wishes, and shopping underneath them is a treat. For crafts and design in the city, steer your deer to Powerscourt Townhouse Centre’s loft market and design centre. The centre is also home to a magical Father Christmas Work Room, where you can meet Santa in an 18th-century style den.

 

4. Race through the outdoors

After dinner is done and presents are presented, horseracing is the next tradition to try at Christmastime in Ireland. The St Stephen’s Day/Boxing Day fixtures are an event themselves, and the ideal spot for post-Christmas get-togethers. Don a glamorous (and warm) outfit and join the crowds trying their luck. Leopardstown and Limerick declare festivals for the occasion, while Down Royal’s Boxing Day Races is a tradition.

 

 

5. Try something traditionally Irish

Families in Dublin make sure to get a peek at the Christmas windows of Dublin’s prestigious Brown Thomas department store.

On the evening of Christmas Eve, the pub is pretty much the centre of small villages, towns and even cities, and is usually bursting with reuniting friends and families wrapping hands around hot whiskeys and cosying up beside the fire. It’s off the charts for Christmas spirit.

The 26th is known as Stephen’s Day in the Republic (Boxing Day in the north), and it’s traditionally the time to get outside. If it’s not a lengthy walk, people are jumping into the Atlantic or the Irish Sea for a shivering but refreshing swim (also a big tradition on Christmas Day).

Christmas is a much anticipated and hugely celebrated holiday in Ireland. Although many famous sightseeing points of interest are closed for the holidays, there are tons of beautiful and festive destinations to experience that capture the magic of a true Christmas in Ireland. Here’s a special 4-Night Christmas in Ireland Tour  idea that features three nights in the festive Abbeyglen Castle and one overnight in the stately Clontarf Castle Hotel, each boasting their own merry onsite festivities.

Day 1:

Begin your holiday in Ireland’s capital, pick up your rental car and drive to Abbeyglen Castle, all the while admiring the lush winter countryside and festive atmosphere of the Irish landscape. Once you arrive, enjoy tea and homemade scones, relax next to roaring log fires, sip some mulled wine, and join a Champagne Reception in the evening, followed by a candlelit dinner and carol singing and musical entertainment.

 

Day 2:

Come Christmas Day, you’re guaranteed to feel the holiday magic as you enjoy a range of unique activities at the castle, from a special Christmas Day Mass to a Gala Dinner where Santa will bring you presents!

 

Day 3:

The fun doesn’t end on Christmas Day – St Stephen’s Day will bring you entry to the 9-hole Stableford Golf Competition on Connemara Golf Links, followed by a unique Car Treasure Hunt covering a very scenic route!

Day 4:

Spend the final day at your leisure, taking in the sights of Dublin and relaxing in opulence at the 11th Century Clontarf Castle Hotel. If you are looking for an unforgettable holiday experience, this is a truly magical way to spend your Christmas holiday weekend.

 

Ready to get started? Contact us!

Hugging the Atlantic coast from Londonderry to Belfast, the Causeway Coastal Route is filled with clean beaches, fishing villages, green valleys and clifftop paths. Absorbing this epic landscape from a car is a wonderful idea, but the other senses could be missing out! The sounds of the crashing waves along the coast, the birds soaring up above, the salty taste from the sea on your lips and the wind whistling past your ears – these are all part of this legendary land’s beauty.

So settle down in a B&B, cozy cottage or hotel in one of a scattering of welcoming towns or villages, and pick a few gems to explore each day.  Here are some stops you should make along the path:

• • The city of Belfast is bustling – its iconic attractions and Victorian charm make it the perfect spot to begin your Causeway Coastal Route adventure. Start at Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum that’s an ode to the ill-fated Ship of Dreams. Hear heartbreaking tales about the vessel’s passengers, discover the detail behind the mammoth task of building the ill-fated ship and dive into the depths with an immersive video exploring the wreckage on the ocean floor. Also explore St George’s Market, where you’ll find everything from chocolate to local cheese.

 

• • Want to visit a storybook castle? Look no further than Glenarm Castle. Inside you’ll find furniture, portraits and much more dating back to the 17th century – this is as authentic as it gets. Take a wander through the castle gardens, too: they are among the oldest in Ireland, and the perfect spot to while away an afternoon in the sunshine.

 

 

• • Don’t miss the chance to visit Northern Ireland’s only offshore inhabited island, Rathlin. Chug across the picturesque Church Bay by ferry before landing in the harbor. With a population of just 140 people, Rathlin is home to some incredible legends, just ask the locals! Take a tour of the “upside down lighthouse”, Rathlin West Light, one of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland. You can also discover Rathlin’s wonderful wildlife: look out for seals on the rocks, hares in the fields and seabirds including puffins, kittiwakes, and guillemots.

• • Fill some big shoes at the Giant’s Causeway. There’s nowhere that blurs history and myth quite like County Antrim’s Giant’s Causeway. As Lonely Planet puts it, the Causeway “looks for all the world like the handiwork of giants”. While experts think that this geological wonder was formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago, the myth that it was built by warring giants has persisted for hundreds of years. Whether you side with science or prefer a good story, one thing is sure: this is a place of mind-boggling beauty that you should not miss.

Contact us now and lets begin planning your trip!

What awaits in Cork County? A beautiful coastline, delicious food and one colorful town after another. As the Ireland’s biggest county, Cork combines some of the island’s most fertile farmland, its wildest peninsulas and its most colorful islands for one pleasant experience. As described by Lonely Planet: “The scenery is every bit as enchanting as the best bits of Ireland, particularly along the long Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head and Beara Peninsulas, where you can tackle mountain passes and touch Ireland’s ancient past.”

 

At the centre of it all, of course, lies Cork city itself. The best of the city is still happily traditional – snug pubs with live-music sessions, restaurants dishing up top-quality local produce, and a genuinely proud welcome from the locals. 

Connect with us and break new ground in one of Ireland’s best regions for food, people, and natural beauty.

A Taste of West Cork Food Festival is an annual, ten day September event that celebrates not only West Cork’s unique food culture, but also Ireland and its cuisine. The West Cork food festival usually runs between September 6th-15th and is a culinary adventure through the backdrop of 41 local towns, villages and 8 islands; stretching as from the sandy beaches of Inchydoney, to the splintered landscape of the Beara peninsula and even reaching as far out into the wild Atlantic Ocean through the islands off Roaringwater Bay.

While West Cork’s rich bounty is available to enjoy all year round, the festival itself – created by local people – treats visitors to more than 250 events. By visiting during the festival, you’ll dive right into the heart of what West Cork and its culture is all about. Through face to face encounters with pioneering culinary experts and organic farmers, you’ll learn first hand how and where your food is prepared. You’ll also enjoy food in many different ways from fresh seafood and market stalls and rare opportunities to experience food, crafted by world renowned guest chefs, in unique venues from stately homes and castles to distilleries that open exclusively for the festival.

Let’s begin your trip ahead of time and prepare what could be an amazing experience together! Contact us now.

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Travel back to a time of Viking conquests and English rule to explore the origins of one of Ireland’s most famous pieces of history. Learn more.

Dublin is an invigorating, culturally rich, and happy city that wears its historical heart on its sleeve. The city’s nooks and crannies are best explored by foot and offer a vast array of different experiences. Also a UNESCO city boasting in literary and creative genius, Dublin is home to lots of artistry and exceptional food. If you’re ever in town, make sure to check out the following famous destinations.

Guinness Storehouse: From its origins in 1759 as a fermentation house, the Guinness Storehouse has risen to become one of the city’s most famous destinations. Today it hosts an interesting exhibition on everything from the retro advertising of days former to the craft and brewing that goes into this legendary drink. The tour is topped off with a pint of the magic ”black stuff” in the 360-degree Gravity Bar, where you can raise a toast to Arthur Guinness’s wonderful creation.

The National Gallery: Housing classic works by Monet, Picasso, and renowned Irish artist Jack B Yeats, the National Gallery of Ireland is free to enter and worth taking time to browse. With a prevailing sense serenity, the soaring ceilings and streams of light are artworks in and of themselves and greatly enhance the art gallery’s viewing experience. When you need a break from all of the art, stop in the lovely Gallery Tea Room and enjoy a pot of warm tea and some scones.

St Stephen’s Green: Step through Fusilier’s Arch and into the now leafy city park of St Stephen’s Green.  On sunny days, the park is best enjoyed with people-watching and a picnic. If the weather verges on the cooler side, bring a warm drink and then say hello to some local luminaries who have memorials around this area, including  James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and WB Yeats.

Dublin Castle: From Viking fortress, to the seat of British rule in Ireland, the castle is now a place of administrative and stately significance to the Irish. Tour the State Apartments, Medieval Undercroft and Chapel Royal before relaxing in the tranquil Dubh Linn Gardens, on the site of the “black pool” that gave Dublin its iconic name. Overlooking the gardens, you’ll find the Chester Beatty Library – described by Lonely Planet as one of the best museums in Europe boasting a  treasure-trove of artifacts from Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe from the days of exploration.

Trinity College Dublin: Set yourself up for the day with brunch at the Kilkenny Café, before heading across the road to the bastion of learning: Trinity College. Stand in Front Square and listen as the campanile rings out around the campus, then head to the Long Room Library, which houses over 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest manuscripts, including the majestic Book of Kells – an illuminated gospel from the 9th century. Finish up with a visit the Science Gallery, with its rotating avant-garde exhibitions that explore more than just science.

These are just tiny samplings of all the Dublin has to offer. Connect with us today to start planning your epic and enriching visit to Dublin.