If you were to find yourself with the holiday season fast approaching, nowhere in mind to go and you were looking to snap something up at a decent price, you could do a lot worse than choosing to visit Ireland.
With so much to see, do and experience, all wrapped up in that very Irish method of presentation, it’s easy to find inspiration for your eleventh hour getaway. Here are just a few ideas that anyone thinking of last minute deals could take advantage of:
Guinness Brewery
It’s an obvious one but taking a tour of the factory where Ireland’s most famous export is made provides some appreciative insight into the mindset of the Irish: their patience, commitment to craftsmanship and, of course, their love of a cheeky drop!
The Guinness brewery offers tours that can be booked online, which is worth doing to avoid the long queues to get in. In addition, the visit ends with a chance to sample some of the black stuff as you’ll no doubt have worked up a thirst by the time you’ve been shown around.
Blarney Castle
The ancestral seat of the McCarthy clan, the castle is over 600 years old and is one of the most popular sites on the Emerald Isle. Doubtless you’ve heard of the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone, which is a rock otherwise known as the Stone of Eloquence. Legend has it that all who do so will never again be lost for words for the rest of their lives. It’s a handy skill to have!
Waterford Crystal
More cultural pursuits can be found at the home of Waterford Crystal, the world famous glass makers who will give you a tour of the factory where you can watch the beautiful glass been made in front of you; from the making of the mould, the glass blowing all the way through to the finished piece being cut, sculpted and engraved.
Sporting pursuits
Ireland has its own unique sporting events. They’re an experience in themselves. Hurling and Gaelic football are ferocious games and not for the faint hearted but take some beating as a spectacle.
Nightlife
The Irish nightlife is legendary and attempts to copy ‘the craic’ can be seen worldwide as energetic cities take their cue from Ireland. The best places to visit for evening entertainment are Dublin and Limerick, but every town will have its pubs offering friendly, welcoming fun and plenty of tall tales being told.
Ireland is packed full of things to do, see and places to go. Plan carefully but be prepared to detour to investigate the glorious landscape as you travel through. Yet, the best part of the country is the people, who are warm, funny, welcoming and kind. Their view on the world makes any trip worthwhile.
Leave a Reply