Ireland is a Bucket List Destination!

Ireland is known for its beautiful landscape, history, warmth of the Irish people and festivities. Irish or not, it’s easy to fall in love with Ireland’s charms, traditions and people. It has some of the most impressive scenery in the world. The land of mists and myths. I have no doubt this island is on your bucket list.

You may wonder if this is a trip for adults or the whole family. I will tell you this, it’s BOTH! No land is more enchanting than Ireland and it is a perfect destination for the whole family. Just in case you need some more convincing, here are a few reasons I think Ireland should be on your list.

What’s to see in Ireland?

Ireland in all it’s natural beauty

Ireland offers almost 9,000 miles of coastline with breathtaking natural scenery. From vast mountains and unique beaches to magnificent gardens. Enjoying a hike or taking a road trip is one way to see this magnificent land. Would you consider yourself a nature lover? The diverse flora and fauna that Ireland offers makes it the perfect destination. Along with the landscape, Ireland offers numerous historical sites and architectural must sees!

Castles

Visiting an Irish Castle is usually always on someone’s list. Irish history goes back centuries. There is an estimated 30,000 castles and ruins. This blog has a list and a map of all the castles in Ireland, check it out! All About Castles

Here are a few that I think are a must see:

• Blarney Castle – where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone
• Bunratty Castle – one of the most complete castles left today in Ireland
• Dunluce Castle – a cliffside fortress with majestic sea views

Want to stay in one? Ashford Castle is over 800 years old and it is now an award-winning luxury spa hotel.

Scenic and historical Irish places

• The Ring of Kerry: is the ring road that follows the coastal contours of Kerry’s Iveragh Peninsula. It is one of Ireland’s most famous routes to drive but it’s more than just a simple drive.
• The Cliffs of Moher: these famous cliffs will leave you in awe. Walk along the safe, paved, paths and take in the spectacular views.
• Giant’s Causeway: You will head on up to Northern Ireland to see this beauty! Known to the Irish as the 8th Wonder of the World, The Giant’s Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption.
• Titanic: There is not one person who hasn’t heard of it. Mostly they know about the tragic end. This is about its hopeful beginnings. It’s roots began in Belfast, Ireland in the early 1900’s. There was no better place to construct a ship than there. It was created in the Harland and Wolff shipyard. This ship will always have a special place in Ireland’s history. Titanic Belfast is a place where visitors come to learn and pay their respects.

Festivals, Food, Music and the Irish People

Ireland has festivals all year long

Do any of these peak your interest?

• Puck Fair (August) is one of Irelands oldest festivals, having been celebrated for over 400 years.
• Galway Oyster Festival (September) pays omage to their love for seafood
• The Rose of Tralee (August) one of Irelands most popular festivals celebrating Irish culture and the global Irish diaspora.
• Galway Arts Festival (July) this week long international arts festival is a must see.
• Dublin Bay Prawn Festival (May) the ultimate food festival showcasing every prawn dish imaginable.
• Electric Picnic: is arguably the most well-known music festival in Ireland
• And od course, St. Patrick’s Day: the most celebrated national festival in the world! How about experience it in the place it originated.

Irish Cuisine

Are you a travel foodie? You won’t be disappointed! The history of food in Ireland spans 8,000 years. Evolving from centuries of social and political change and the mixing of the different cultures in Ireland. Farm to table. Local chefs embrace traditions with the quality of local Irish produce, bringing to you true Irish dishes. It’s 5 O’clock somewhere! If a brew or spirit are on your agenda, with the many breweries and distilleries, you are bound to have a great happy hour! Guiness, Jameson, Kilbeggan and Bushmills are just a few.

The Warm Irish People

Finally, the Irish people truly make Ireland special. Their humor and hospitality will make you laugh and feel right at home. Did you know that Ireland This is “the land of saints and scholars”? Ireland has more Nobel Prize winners for literature than any other country in the world.

Ireland, and it’s people, opens their arms and welcomes you and your family. Let us know if we can help you plan an amazing trip to this amazing destination.