With St Patrick's Day on Saturday, March 17, Kele Schepper, Marketing Manager for Contiki, reveals some truly authentic experiences in Ireland that are guaranteed to blow your mind.
Explore the vibrant city of Dublin
Described to be as “friendly as a village and as intimate as a pub” it’s been twice voted the friendliest city in the world by Trip Advisor. Just off Wexford Street lies a strip of iconic pubs and Whelan’s is one of them. This pub has hosted over 25 years of live music and played a huge role for the beginning of Ed Sheeran’s career.
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Every year, without a doubt St Patrick’s Day in Ireland is the party of the year. Cities and people around the globe call on their Irish heritage, decking themselves out in their favourite shades of green and shamrocks, whilst 180 iconic international landmarks illuminate across the world. As the Irish saying goes, “there are only two kinds of people in the world, the Irish and those who wish they were.”
Everything literally turns green in Ireland, matched with a four-day party and complete with traditional music, dance, food and of course – the St Paddy’s parade in Dublin.
Hit up a traditional pub
Soak up that Irish culture by finding an old school pub that is over a hundred years old fitted out with ornate decor, mirrors and marble. Step back in time at the Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub in Dublin which dates back to 1198.
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See natural landscapes that’ll make you feel like you’re on the edge of the Earth
Stand tall at the Cliffs of Moher, which are approximately 214 metres above sea level, and take a scenic drive along the rugged Causeway Coastal route. The untamed terrain of Ireland will leave you feeling alive and is a totally unmissable natural attraction.
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Delve deep into the not-so-obvious Irish ancestry
Who would have thought burial mounds, stone circles surrounded by hungry cows and scattered ‘passage tombs’ would be a part of ancient history, right? Newgrange is one of Ireland’s greatest and oldest burial sites, and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This site is a large circular mound complete with stone passageways and chambers inside, whilst outside 97 massive kerbstones lay silently, adding to the historical weight of the area. And to think this site was constructed 5,000 years ago. That’s impressive to say the least.
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Fill up in mouthwatering Irish cuisine
Fancy hearty potato dishes, artisan cheese, craft beer on tap or pulled candy for that sweet tooth of yours? Ireland’s got your foody jam down to a T.
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Pour yourself a Guinness at a local distillery
No Irish trip would be complete if you didn’t learn about the fascinating history of the legendary Guinness. Don’t miss a once in a lifetime opportunity to find out more about this world-class and iconic brand that is a part of Irish culture and traditions.
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