Ireland is one of the most exciting destinations you can pick for a perfect vacation. As a tourist, you will be thrilled by its magical culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Every corner of the island is full of new chances for learning and adventure, and you will find beauty and inspiration wherever you go. However, if you’re looking to make the most out of your time in Ireland, try to fit the following 5 activities into the itinerary.
Tour the ancient castles
Ireland is widely famous for its incredible castles and visiting some of them is surely one of the perfect ways to learn about the country’s rich history. The venues are scattered across the country, and you will encounter exciting stories and sights wherever you choose to begin the journey. From the iconic Blarney Castle, Dublin Castle, and the Rock of Cashel, to some less-known gems like Kinbane Castle, the local landscape has so much to offer. Many of the fortresses are involved in vivid tales that are part of the Irish folklore, and listening about them will give special meaning to your visit. And suppose you’re really passionate about this type of tourism. In that case, you can even book a stay in one of the country’s castle hotels that offer unique accommodations and experiences to their guests.
Visit the Cliffs of Moher
Traveling to Ireland would be incomplete without a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, and this claim is supported by millions of other tourists who have already been there. If you complete the 8-kilometer-long route to the top, you will stand at a 200 feet altitude, and on your way there, you will feel the thrill of standing just a few inches away from the edges. And if you happen to go on a clear day, you’ll be able to get a view of the Loop Heads on the south, as well as the Twelve Pins mountains of County Galway. Moreover, if you are really into nature’s dramatic scenery, consider visiting other similar places like Kerry Cliffs, Fair Head Cliffs, or the Kilkee Cliffs.
Explore local gaming and entertainment
Watching sports games and indulging in different forms of gaming are some of the most popular pastimes among the Irish. Therefore, if you like to dive deeper into the local culture, consider attending unique sports games like hurling or Gaelic football. However, if the weather is not ideal for outdoor activities, you can still explore the habits of the locals by trying out some of their favourite online games. Thanks to the high demand, the country’s gaming market includes all sorts of categories, including online gambling which has been rising tremendously.
Taste the local cuisine
The Irish are proud of the culinary diversity on the island, and visitors are usually thrilled by the selection of traditional restaurants where they can indulge in the local cuisine. The majority of the dishes are quite filling as they typically involve cabbage, potatoes, and meat. The locals put a strong emphasis on the use of fresh ingredients, and the most commonly used sorts of meat are lamb and pork. Once you step foot on the Irish ground, try to skip basic meals such as fish and chips and go for a good old Irish stew cooked with delicious lamb and vegetables. Some other interesting dishes you can taste are boxty which is a mouthwatering potato pancake, and seafood pie which is an exotic combination of mashed potatoes, fish, and melted cheese.
Feel the spirit of traditional pubs
There are thousands of different pubs in all corners of the country, but not all of them can make you feel the atmosphere of a true Irish venue. If visiting a pub is on your list, try to find an authentic place where you can listen to the local music and sample the best Irish beer and whiskey. Some of the most notable pubs are Sean’s Bar in Athlone which is the oldest one in the country, and the Brazen Head located in Dublin. Also, if you are particularly passionate about beer, you can pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse and get a perfect pint of Ireland’s most famous beverage.
Since Ireland is incredibly rich in culture, beauty, and history, limiting the number of places and activities to pursue may be tricky. However, if you use our short guide as a foundation for your itinerary planning, you are sure to have an unforgettable time on the island.