Be inspired by some of our favourite experiences in Ireland…….
Follow in the footsteps of the movie stars
Visit the sites of some of your favourite classic movies; Moby Dick, Michael Collins, Ryan’s Daughter, The Quiet Man, The Field, Dancing at Lughnasa, P.S. I love You, Braveheart and many more. Travelling the West and South coastal areas, you are sure to pass many of these film locations.
Follow in the footsteps of Hollywood icons, including Julia Roberts John Wayne, Fred Astaire, Meryl Streep, Maureen O’Hara, Gregory Peck as you trace a route around the country.
Recent international TV programmes have also been shot in Irish locations such as Game of Thrones in areas of Antrim, The Tudors in Co. Wicklow, and Endgame in Ardmore Studios.
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Food glorious food on the East Cork food trail
This region exhibits the best of artisan food locally produced. Farmers markets showcase the best of our traditional agricultural background and also the newer food items being produced such as specialist cheeses, charcutiers, smoked fish etc.
Make a visit en route for a first class picnic or just to savour the aromas and free samples! The favourite markets amongst locals are the Midleton market and the Cork City English Market.
For those that appreciate a fine whiskey, do not miss the tour of the Jameson Distillery in Midleton, East Cork.
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Explore your Creative Side in Kerry
Looking for obscure things to do in Ireland? Instead of simply visiting the many craft shops located in the larger towns, take a trip “off the beaten track” and visit the workshops.
Meet the artists and try your own hand creating some original pieces. Choose from photography, painting, sculpting, woodworking, candle making, cooking & millinery.
Try ceramic making at Kenmare Pottery Studio, a guided photo walk with Skellig Photo Tours or learn to knit with Dingle’s Irish Handmade Sessions. Travelling with kids, this may be a great way to spend an afternoon if the weather lets you down!
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Follow in the Footsteps of the Galway Locals
Beside Galway Cathedral you will find the Salmon Weir Bridge. The largest weir in the country is spectacular when in full flow. In summer locals and tourists alike are seen watching shoals of salmon waiting in the clear waters before making their way up the Corrib River.
Following down river from the weir, the street opens onto the Spanish Arch. This is the local’s favourite place to enjoy the summer. From here, walk along the promenade towards Salthill. Near the diving boards you will witness local ritual as you see walkers kick the wall to mark the end of their walk.
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Step Back In Time and Discover Your Ancestors
If you are of Irish descent then you may make your trip more meaningful by doing a little research before arriving. There are genealogy centres nationwide and the main centres of information are located in Dublin. The National Archives of Ireland, the National Library of Ireland and the General Register Office can all be found in Dublin city.
Plan you trip with your family tree in mind and you may find yourself threading the same ground as your ancestors just as president JFK did in 1963.
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Get to Know the Real Saint Patrick
Discover the lesser know facts about the life of Saint Patrick by following the Saint Patrick and Christian Heritage Trail across Northern Ireland from Armagh to Down. It was in Armagh where he began his mission and founded his first church.
The trail takes in various visitor sites including Armagh County Museum, Bagenals Castle, the Saint Patrick Centre, North Down Museum and St. Patrick’s grave at Down Cathedral.
Along the way find out how Patrick was stolen from his home in Britain and first brought to Ireland as a slave around 400AD, why the shamrock is a well-known symbol for Ireland, and why we celebrate the Saint on March 17th each year.
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Ideas for a Rainy Day
Ireland is known for its soft weather but here is an idea if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Try a cookery course so that you can take the aroma of freshly baked soda bread home with you.
If you fancy the easier option then treat yourself to afternoon tea in an old style manor house or in a “tea room” café. Afternoon tea always tastes better of course after a hard day’s shopping!
