Ireland’s Castles, Folklore, and Sea Cliffs Are Calling

Europe’s friendliest country is back in business.

“ Vegetables have a link to the charming cosmos , ” says Rose Greene , chef at The Fumbally Stables in Dublin . Here in Ireland , you ’ll get a line a lot of masses babble out about magic — and not in a woo - woo way , but with a very matter - of - fact musical note , like name the beef is green goddess - fed . And after taste Greene ’s foraged wild herb with fermented juice bandaging , smoked ethically source tuna , and sourdough waffles , it ’s light to believe that statement . Mythology take to the woods through the ground like rivers here , pouf are real , and pagan ruins have been mysteriously aligned with the summertime solstice since before even the pyramids were built . Mystic is just part of the day to day .

mayhap the locals take to love spinning tales , talking soft soap , and irreverently playing with words a la James Joyce , but the lands certainly look wizardly — and the local traditional knowledge only summate to the charm . You might not spy changelings or find out stereotype leprechaun chasing rainbows , but you ’ll experience like you stumbled upon flock of gold when you see fields of vivid yellow-bellied mustard flowers looking like dethaw alloy poured onto the mound . That ’s in addition to the moss - covered roof of bungalow , roads carving between hedgerows and under tunnels of tree diagram , pastoral unripe slopes that roll to the horizon , sea cliffs that make you overtake your breathing time , and castles overlooking it all . Ireland is pretty much a fairy narration occur to lifetime .

Sure , maybe some of the stories are bolster by a dry pint of Guinness and sip of Irish whiskey , but who would n’t want a little malt and oak flavor with their folklore ? There ’s plain so much more to the res publica than a deglutition or two . In the thriving capital of Dublin and throughout the country , you ’ll come across a burgeoning range of international food and cocktails made with homegrown Irish product . It ’s not all Irish swither and soda ash bread . “ Ireland had a prospicient story of immigration , ” says Kate McCabe , co - founder ofBog & Thundertour guide party . “ candidly , a stack of the honest solid food in the country right now is cooked by immigrants render the cuisine . ”

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It might not be obvious where to find all that culinary art , but that ’s where Kate ’s party amount in . Bog & Thunder is one term of enlistment chemical group looking to show visitors lesser - acknowledge but prominent food , landscapes , and tales of Ireland . Along with her husband Max Sussman , the two explore how gravy holder on river weave in and out of mythology and what food can show about ancient stories . “ We want to be connect traveller with the source , ” order McCabe .

The company is also committed to regenerative eco - travel . In plus to giving back to the community and donating net profit to farmers and wildlife aegis , it ’s part of the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism , which salute tourism companies to be carbon achromatic by 2050 . After all , timberland creatures need those forested homes to keep living in . Here are all the magical happening to detect in Ireland .

Enjoy old classics and new cocktails in Dublin

Ireland ’s upper-case letter come with equal persona solemn history and full of life celebration , both of whichcan be line up on intimately every street street corner . look for out famous Dublin attractions like St. Patrick ’s Cathedral and the Old Library of Trinity College ; finish in for a taste of the world - renowned brew and booze at theGuinness Storehouseor theJameson Distillery ; and hit up theNational Leprechaun Museum of Irelandto get fascinate by Ireland ’s plentiful caption . ( Oh , and always be sure topack an umbrellaand waterproof . )

Of course , it would n’t be a dead on target sojourn to Dublin without a night or two spentdowning pint on the town , whether that be with fellow tourists from around the cosmos in Temple Bar , trending neighborhoods like Camden , or in more laid - back areas like Smithfield . Be overwhelmed by magic custom at the old - timeyBrazen Headbefore impress on to a more advanced cocktail aura . control out the city ’s up - and - come mixology scene at eitherThe Vintage Cocktail CluborBar 1661 , where you could try beverage inspired by poitín , a ( once - illegal ) spirit that ’s essentially Ireland ’s equivalent to moonshine .

Ireland’s Capital City Is Bursting with Natural Beauty, Rich History, and Good Craic

Come to Dublin for quality pubs, friendly people, and loads of personality year-round.

Visit the countryside for ruins and castles

The countryside is the ideal blank to commune with the ancient spirits of Ireland — and there ’s no better spot to do so than in the Boyne Valley . Just 45 minutes outside Dublin , this lush landscape is palisade by prehistorical site like Brú na Bóinne ( or “ the Palace of the Boyne ” ) , which consists of the megalithic burial mounds of Knowth , Newgrange , and Dowth . A short drive from the mounds , you ’ll also come up the Hill of Tara , a germ of political power where the ancient Billie Jean Moffitt King of Ireland claimed their throne .

One way to learn about the old legends of the country here is via a lovely boat ride with Boyne Boats , where owner Ross Kenny recount soothing tales of history and mythology while gliding down a forested river . Passengers can also take turns paddling the traditional ancient - style currachs , while head around the bends , visualize fairy houses along the bank building , and glide under bridges . You could enter in a Halloween - themed ride ( sincethe vacation is originally from Ireland ) , or aGame of Thronesversion , since Kenny built the same sauceboat for the goggle box show and train the cast to use them .

For more recent chronicle — or rather , a place that melds together past and present — checker out Slane Castle , an 18th - century palacethat doubles as a euphony venue and whisky still . you may opt to stay the dark in the castle , in the holding ’s farmhouse or glamping in gorgeous yurt on the castle grounds . If everything is hold , a fantastic option is Burtown House . This estate from 1710 is own by a photographer / designer , which signify every tabletop , paries , and turning point is a man of artistry beg to be instagrammed .

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Conquer your fear of heights along Ireland’s sea cliffs

Stretching along the North Clare coastline , the Cliffs of Moher — literally “ the cliffs of the smash fort”—are one of Ireland ’s most recognizable scene . From the edge of the towering stone walls , which reach out as mellow as 702 feet , you’re able to catch an extraordinary sentiment out as far as the Aran Islands . If you ’re up for a proper look around , there ’s also a hike lead from Doolin to Hag ’s Head . Just attempt to resist brook too close to the edge — inviolable wind have sent a few citizenry fly .

A few minute northerly in Southwest Donegal along the Wild Atlantic Way , Sliabh Liag(or Slieve League ) is the highest sea cliff in all of Europe , as well as one of Ireland ’s best cover gems . turn over heights of 1,972 feet — nearly twice as grandiloquent as the Eiffel Tower — the cliffs were once a Christian pilgrimage . Now , visitor marvel at the tremendous scene of the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay nearby . For the truly adventurous ( and those not afraid of high ) , speculation beyond the see point onto One Man ’s Pass , which loops around the Pilgrim ’s Path for some heavenly scene .

Rediscover the history of the Titanic in Cobh

The village of Cobh is deep mat with the destine sea liner RMS Titanic , as it was the last port of call before the vas ’s ill - fated maiden voyage . At theTitanic Experience , elevate your knowledge beyond James Cameron ’s 1997 classic and discover more intimate contingent about the passengers and crew whose life were lost to the ocean .

Beyond the humankind ’s most ill-famed ship , this port town has enough more history to offer . Along the haven , gawk at the colourful Deck of Cards household , built in 1850 , as well as the celebrated St. Colman ’s Cathedral with its carillon playing of 49 bells . Between 1848 and 1950 , Cobh also dish as the departure breaker point for 2.5 million Irish citizens on their way to North America , a fertile expatriation history you could learn all about at theHeritage Centre .

Get immersed in nature at Malin Head

The northernmost point of Ireland , Malin Head is famous for its eye - catch landscape painting and come to beaches . Here , you ’ll want to submerse yourself in nature with a lilliputian fishing , a quick swimming , or a study of the unique rock formations that dot the slide . Hike up toBanba ’s Crownand be rewarded at the top with a splendid prospect of the Inishowen Peninsula . From there , more audacious tramp can keep along aquick , 1.1 - mile trailthat’ll guide them out along Hells Hole and the Devil ’s Bridge — a deep ravine and every bit - telling natural arch — and back to Malin Head . Do n’t be intimidated by the names : unbeatable view are in store for the audacious .

See how 6th-century monks lived on an ancient island

Just off the coast of County Kerry in the Atlantic Ocean , speculation to what seems like the edge of the world with a trip toSkellig Michael . This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the habitation of sixth - century Christian Thelonious Monk who believed isolating themselves on the island would land them closer to God — and in give , the isle welcomes a colony of puffin . While it ’s a baffling trek ( you ’ll need totake a sauceboat ride from Portmageeand hike up 600 steps to the top ) , the once - in - a - lifetime experience of walking among the hundred - old village is deserving the movement . If it sweetens the plenty for anybody , Skellig Michael also doubled as Luke Skywalker ’s hideaway inStar Wars : The Force Awakens . Be certain to hold former — tours tend to fill up tight .

Eat yourself silly in Ireland’s best food city

Along the banks of the River Lee , Cork is an ultra - walkable widely distributed urban center with superb restaurant and a expand craft beer scene . Spend the solar day shopping for comestible souvenirs at the renownedEnglish Market , fill with produce from local artificer . And if you ca n’t get enough , grab a meal made from the market ’s best offerings atMarket Lanerestaurant . Meat - lovers ought to rub elbows ( pun intended ) in the narrow-minded Hall ofElbow Lane Brew and Smokehouse , while vegetarian should treat themselves to a five - genius meal atParaiso .

Afterwards , practice your culinary escapade as fuel to surmount 132 whole step and ringthe celebrated Shandon Bells at St Anne ’s Church ; we forebode you ’ll determine that the bird’s - middle view over the city is well deserving the effort . And once you ’ve ambled back down , unwind with some superb wiliness beers fromFranciscan Well Brewery , a former 13th - century monastery slinging pint made in its microbrewery .

Hang 10 in one of Europe’s most unexpected surf spots

Head north along the country ’s west coast and hit the rocky shores of Bundoran , a seaside town renowned for the bestsurfing in the Emerald Isle , if not in all of Europe . Beneath hoar skies , nerve your nerves and trip up giant wave atThe PeakorTullan Strand — or just watch the local pros do their thing — before refueling at one of the cafes around town , likeThe Salty Fox , Foam , orCaroline ’s . Take some metre to explore this former resort town with a wee coastal stroll aroundRougey Cliff or the West End Walkfor breathtaking views of the fishing port of Killybegs , as well as the said Slieve League .

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And of course, visit the Giant’s Causeway

No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to the Giant ’s Causeway , Northern Ireland ’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site . Formed over 60 million years ago by the rapid cooling of molten lava upon contact with the ocean , the mind - boggling constitution of hexagonal basalt pillar are an outside fixing , capturing the vision of artists and scientists for centuries . Keep your eyes open for the classifiable formations of the Camel , the Wishing Chair , the Giant Boot , and the Harp . Do n’t skip out on stop by thestate - of - the - artistic creation visitor center , where you may rest your weary feet with delicious treats after achieve your 10,000 steps day-after-day finish along the cliffs .

Ireland’s Capital City Is Bursting with Natural Beauty, Rich History, and Good Craic