The top-ten experiences for your visit to Ireland 

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Overflowing with history, abounding in natural beauty and with one of the most welcoming people you’re ever likely to meet. Why wouldn’t you visit Ireland? 

One immediate response to this question might be: the weather. However, if it didn’t have the rain, it wouldn’t have the lush green landscape. There is nothing better for blowing away the cobwebs than a bracing walk along Ireland’s coast. There is so much to see and do, but here are top ten recommendations for 2023. 

“There is nothing better for blowing away the cobwebs than a bracing walk along Ireland’s coast” 

1 Seek adventure on the Wild Atlantic Way 

Certainly, one of the must-see areas for awesome scenery on an Irish holiday; the Wild Atlantic Way is also an unspoilt adventure playground and full of sustainable activities. Hop between charming coastal villages and incredible national parks, while enjoying any kind of outdoor pursuit you can think of. Surf the water, ride horses on the beach, spot whales, climb mountains, do a spot of forest bathing, cycle greenways, walk through eons of history and much more.

www.thewildatlanticway.com

“For the ultimate in remote experiences, escape to the tranquil and idyllic Rathlin Island”

 2 Steal away to an island 

There are many to choose from: the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway, Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, off the coast of Kerry; or Sherkin off the coast of Cork. For the ultimate in remote experiences, escape to the tranquil and idyllic Rathlin Island, lying six miles off County Antrim and just a quick ferry ride from the seaside town of Ballycastle in Northern Ireland. You will soon fully appreciate the magic of this unspoilt island. Walk the car-free roads. Cycle for miles in solitude, watch out for seals in the bay. Explore lighthouses, visit the bird sanctuary, soak up the fresh sea air and sup a pint in the island’s only pub.

www.discovernorthernireland.com 

3 Try an ultra-luxury hotel experience 

Once home to the Guinness family, the 800-year-old Ashford Castle in County Mayo has long been the hotel that presidents, royals and the famous choose for an iconic Irish experience. It has an exceptional reputation when it comes to luxury travel. Situated in a spectacular 350-acre estate, it’s full of sumptuous rooms and suites, amazing interiors, antique furniture, fine fabrics and unique features at every turn, all underpinned by ambitious sustainability practices. The ultimate indulgent experience in the west of Ireland.

www.ashfordcastle.com 

4 Explore a magical dark sky

Connect with the ancient past and experience a magical link between astronomy and archaeology at Northern Ireland’s OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. Fringed by Davagh Forest at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains in County Tyrone, the park is close to the Beaghmore Stones, a series of mysterious Neolithic stone circles. Explore the stories of the stones or go mountain biking by day, and stargaze away from light pollution by night.

www.omdarksky.com

 5 Go green in an eco-destination 

To keep your holiday carbon footprint to a minimum, head for the protected, moon-like and eco-friendly terrain of the Burren in County Clare. Along with the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, where sustainability, socially responsible, nature-based tourism and excellent eco-travel experiences are the norm. Stay in sustainable accommodation, eat locally sourced food and revel in any number of environmentally-friendly activities and experiences.

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

ww.nationalparks.ie/burren 

“There is an exceptional choice of championship courses in spectacular locations”

6 Play one of Ireland’s best golf courses

Ireland has a bit of an obsession with golf. There is an exceptional choice of championship courses in spectacular locations. With world-ranked links and stunning parkland layouts, a golf trip is always an incredible experience. If you had to single out just one destination, Ballybunion Golf Club in County Kerry would be right up there. Home to two wonderfully challenging links courses, it’s ranked as one of the very best golfing experiences in the world.

www.ballybuniongolfclub.com 

7 Feel the energy of Celtic Ireland

Step back 5,000 years and experience prehistoric Ireland at Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the lush green paradise of the Boyne Valley. This area was once the territory of Ireland’s high kings and boasts a rich history and culture. The Stone Age passage tomb at Newgrange is part of the famous Brú na Bóinne complex, one of the world’s most important prehistoric landscapes. An immersion in this jewel in the crown of Ireland’s Ancient East is unforgettable. 

8 Drive the Causeway Coastal Route

Combining stunning coastal scenery with a host of historic sites and picturesque towns and villages, the famous Causeway Coastal Route stretches 130 miles from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry into Game of Thrones territory. A road trip like no other, it’s home to countless key stops, attractions and experiences. It could be The Gobbins, a white-knuckle cliff path walk at Islandmagee, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Game of Thrones film locations or the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. 

9 Soak up the all-Ireland Fleadh

Ireland boasts many musical extravaganzas with something to suit everyone, but there is nothing to beat the annual Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann or the All-Ireland Music Festival. The largest festival of Irish culture, music, song and dance in the world takes place this year in Mullingar in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Running from 6–14 August, it’s going to be special

10 Discover Dublin’s Coastal Trail – Howth Cliff Walk

Dublin’s long coastline is dotted with a raft of unexpected experiences and outdoor activities. The Dublin Coastal Trail highlights these hidden gems. Take the DART rail line and it’s easy to discover castles, beaches, harbours, heritage and more all on foot. From Skerries to the north of the city down to Killiney in the south, find everything from incredible sea views and thrilling watersports to the freshest of seafood, cliffs, walks and culture on Dublin’s doorstep. If you’re just in Dublin for a short visit and want to experience Ireland’s coast, try one of the Howth cliff walks, it’s also a great place if you enjoy seafood.

www.visitdublin.com

www.ireland.com

Tuatha – the call of the tribe 

No matter where you go in Ireland, there is always something to discover. If you want to find places off the tourist trail there is no better resource than Tuatha. The team, who are experts on Irish archaeology and sustainable tourism, can help you enjoy a more in-depth visit with carefully curated itineraries full of practical tips. They have an excellent search tool for finding different types of sites, or you can search by county to find out what’s of interest wherever your trip to Ireland might take you.

www.tuatha.ie