Explore the island of Ireland’s rich culture
Get a feel for the real Ireland; stroll through its lovely small towns, explore its history and culture, and have a chat with the friendly locals to bring the island into your heart.
In Ireland, history comes alive in its rich and full culture. Explore the nooks of the island to get a real feel for it, from quaint coastal towns and their locals to the bigger cities and Dublin.
County Wicklow- Greystones
In County Wicklow, a picturesque costal town just a short train ride from Dublin has withstood the test of time. Greystones really has it all: beautiful beaches to walk along, calm waters to swim or fish in and lovely trails to take in the atmosphere. In town, you’ll come across quaint cafés, small stores selling local crafts and freshly-harvested produce, a marina for boat-watching and more. Make sure to stop by The Happy Pear on the upper side of town for their to-die-for vegetarian dishes (also available to-go) and a chat about what’s happening in the area.
Cork City
In Cork, the spirit and pride of the local Corkonians is felt in every building and event. Take in a show at the Cork Arts Theatre, which focuses on relevant and challenging productions. Go on a city walking tour and get the highlights from a local before stepping into one of its many quaint pubs to enjoy a lively trad Irish music session. Don’t forget to stop by The Black Market for its food court, music and events!
County Cork – Cobh
This charming coastal town was actually the last port of call of the Titanic before it embarked on what would be the last leg of its journey. If you’re fascinated by the Titanic’s history, you’ll want to visit Titanic Experience Cobh, where you can experience what happened through interactive displays and tours, before taking the Titanic Walking Trail to walk the same path its passengers did before boarding. Enjoy Cobh’s candy-coloured buildings, visit St Colman’s Cathedral, one of the tallest buildings in Ireland, and experience the city by sea on a thrilling speedboat trip.
County Kerry
Few places in Ireland have the fantastically dramatic and moody landscape that County Kerry enjoys. Visit Blennerville Windmill just before the Dingle Peninsula and learn about the area’s history as the main emigration port for locals trying to escape The Great Famine. Take a dip at beautiful Inch Strand, then go on a scenic 40-minute drive to Killarney and its Peat Baths Spa: a full-body experience where you submerse yourself in hot peat to gain its natural detoxifying and anti-aging effects.
County Clare
In County Clare, the scenery changes and becomes otherwordly, with long stretches of low limestone hills meeting the ocean. It’s here in the inner Burren that you can explore the Burren Discovery Trail loop. Feel the primordial qualities of the 330 million year-old terrain as you visit the Trail’s 12 Doorways with their farms, ruins, lakes, forts and castles. At the Corkscrew Hill Doorway, stop by the family-run Burren Perfumery to buy some mementos: wonderfully fragrant perfumes, creams and soaps that use local plants and flowers. If you have the extra energy, try a surfing lesson from a qualified coach at Bens Surf Clinic in Lahinch.
Galway
When in Galway, head straight to The Latin Quarter – because that’s sure to be where the party’s at. Loved by young and old alike, this eclectic part of the city gives insight into the social scene, history and culture that makes the ‘City of the Tribes’ what it is today. From the medieval walls that enclose the city to the often-spontaneous trad performances that happen around every corner, this part of the city encompasses both tales of the past and of the energy coursing through its streets today. Enjoy one of many art performances or film screenings, or learn about the city’s origins at the Spanish Arch – the spot where it was originally founded in the early 12th century.
Dublin
Dublin is just as lively and friendly as you’ve heard. But there are so many sides to the city. It also has one of the biggest city parks in the world: Phoenix Park, with its 300-some gentle deer and picnicers. As a city with a young population, there are always new designer boutiques, cafés and bars to check out on every visit. Especially if it’s your first visit, you must explore St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College (make sure to see the Long Room in the Old Library while there!). And no visit is complete without a day spent at the Guinness Storehouse, where you can learn about the history of “the black stuff” and how to pour the perfect pint.
Belfast
Belfast has so much to offer from being awarded UNESCO City of Music to being home of the Titanic, this city is waiting to take you on an exciting adventure. If you think you know all about the RMS Titanic and her tragic story, think again – spend a day inside the iconic Titanic Belfast building and go deeper than you thought possible. Located at the site of the ship’s construction, the Titanic Belfast is a huge exhibition dedicated to giving guests an immersive and informative tour of the ship’s history. Here you can get to know some of the shipbuilders, crew and guests and hear their accounts. You’ll also learn why the Titanic was built in the first place, and what really happened in its final hours.
Derry~Londonderry
You can go around the world and will likely never find another place quite like Derry~Londonderry. This small city is one of Ireland’s only continuously-inhabited areas, as well as its only completely intact walled city – with 400-year old historical walls. Learn the history of the walls and of Derry on a walking tour or in one of its award-winning museums. If you’re a fan, go on a Derry Girls screen walking tour or take a themed afternoon tea. Inside its walls you’ll also find enough shopping, dining and entertainment options to keep you busy for days.
Visit with peace of mind
We’ve put extra health and safety measures in place so you can explore Ireland safely yet seamlessly. These measures, together with a very high local vaccination rate, will help keep COVID-19 at bay.