You probably know all about the Guinness, the green hills, and the epic castles. But what you may not know is that Ireland is also home to some pretty amazing things to do. There’s a lot more to this small island than meets the eye, as we discover in our guide to the top 5 things to do when visiting Ireland…
Go to the Irish Whiskey Museum
The Irish whiskey industry is flourishing and is now one of the most popular drinks in the world. The Irish Whiskey Museum is the perfect place to learn more about this famous product and sample some of the finest whiskeys that the island has to offer. This is the only place in the world where you can visit a working distillery, sampling a range of whiskeys, both old and new. Plus, there are loads of other interesting exhibits and events at the museum, including whiskey-making workshops, whiskey tastings, and food and drink festivals.
Go hiking in the Irish countryside
The Irish countryside is a walker’s paradise, with many different trails and routes for all levels of fitness. There are tons of different walks to choose from, including coastal walks, woodland walks, and the famous Sheepwalk trail. The Sheepwalk trail is one of the most famous hiking trails in Ireland, and winds through the lush green Irish countryside, dotted with meadows, mountains, and rivers. One of the best times to go hiking in Ireland is during the springtime, when the countryside is covered in flowers, and the weather is still fairly mild.
Visit one of the many festivals in Ireland
Throughout the year, there are many festivals and events taking place across Ireland. From arts festivals to music festivals and sporting events, there is something for everyone. Some of the best-known festivals in Ireland include the Dublin Festival of Architecture, the West Cork Film Festival, the Irish International Folk Festival, and the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. If you’re visiting during the summer, there are many music festivals taking place, including Electric Picnic, Indie Gathering, and Temple Bar Trad Fest. If you’re visiting during the winter, there are plenty of festive events, as well as the Dublin International Film Festival.
Go diving or snorkelling in Ireland
If you want to get up close and personal with some of the most diverse marine life in the world, then you should definitely go diving in Ireland. There are many diving spots across the island, with the best time to go diving being between the months of May and September. Depending on where you go, you can see different species of marine life, including whales, seals, dolphins, sharks, and even the mighty blue whale! You can also go snorkelling in a number of places across Ireland, including The Smokies, Lough Gill, Fore Beach, and The Blue Flag Beach at Inver.
Visit The Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most beautifully unique places in Ireland, and is pretty much a must-see for any tourist visiting the island. The naturally forming hexagonal terraces, which are the basis of the Giant’s Causeway, are a Unesco World Heritage Site, and are definitely one of the top 5 things to do when visiting Ireland. The Causeway is located on the north coast of Northern Ireland, and is actually an area of interlocking basalt columns, formed 50 million years ago, when an ancient volcano erupted. The Causeway is also home to the famous Herbert’s Dinosaur Park, where you can see life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs come to life.
Conclusion
Ireland is a truly beautiful country, and it’s easy to see why so many people love it. It’s a great place to visit all year round, with plenty of things to do, and a diverse landscape that is suitable for all types of tourists. The Irish are famous for their craic, so be sure to bring your sense of humor with you, as you’re sure to have a great time. Book your trip to Ireland now, and don’t forget to check out these top 5 things to do when visiting Ireland.
