Characters of Ireland
The people of Ireland are great craic! That’s right, we have our own word to encapsulate ‘having fun.’ Some might say that we are nosey, we prefer curious. We are a sophisticated bunch. This year, Ireland has been ranked as the 14th happiest country in the world in the newly-released World Happiness Report. Driven by our own rich cultural heritage, we are intrigued by the ways of others and strive to know more about the lives of our visitors. A genuinely warm welcome to Ireland is guaranteed. You will be overwhelmed by our famous wit and charm, the likes of which you will find nowhere else in the world. Natural born storytellers will draw you in, you will dance like a Riverdancer and sing like Irish rock stars. Put simply, it is the many intriguing characters you will spontaneously meet along the way, who will add the sparkle to this once in a lifetime journey.
Natural Beauty
The beauty of Ireland has inspired poets, song writers and film makers for centuries. Experience a moment of magic when you turn a corner and Connemara’s rugged coastline collides with the wild Atlantic Ocean before you. Come and see what some say is the handiwork of giants at the UNESCO World Heritage site, The Giant’s Causeway. Savour a view of the lakes of Killarney, as you discover a country pub tempting you in with the sounds of traditional Irish music. Even in Dublin, our capital city, you are never more than twenty minutes away from the mountains or a cliff walk by the sea. Of course, there is always the option to find your own hidden Ireland and go off the beaten track with a self-drive challenge… and this is just a taste of what awaits you.
Culinary Delights
Over the past 20 years, Ireland has enjoyed a food revolution of epic proportions. Some say our gourmet offering now rivals Italy and France and deservedly so! While this is high praise indeed, it is inevitably a direct result of our field to fork ethos. The union of fresh home-grown raw produce, fabulous sea food from our surrounding waters, internationally recognised grass-fed beef and lamb have been exploited by our army of amazing chefs who are recognised as some of the best in the world. Whether you want to take a tour of artisan street food vendors, enjoy a Michelin starred culinary experience or a delicious traditional fish n chip lunch, you will be bowled over by the taste and flavour! It is not just about the food. Our Irish drink brands are legendary the world over. So, while you are here, pull the perfect pint of Guinness, become a Jameson certified Irish whiskey taster or meet the Bailey’s cows.
Unique Experiences
Whether you are looking for a rewarding experience or an exhilarating team building activity, the possibilities are endless. Learn to drive a tractor or play the tin whistle, forage the wilds and cook in a certified organic restaurant, craft your own piece of Celtic jewellery, become a human sheep herder or take a jaunting car through the Gap of Dunloe on the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Try your hand at hurling, Ireland’s national game and the fastest field sport in the world. Choose between Irish Olympics or Gentry Games on the lawn of one of our many castles, surprise the locals with an Irish dancing flash mob or get glammed up for a day horse racing, hats for the ladies and tweeds for the gents. Take a tour of Georgian Dublin in a fleet of vintage cars, be hosted for a glamorous dinner by a Lord and Lady in their Manor home, take a black taxi tour with a local of the Belfast murals or take a private yacht to your very own country retreat. We could go on and on and on…
Access & Safety
On the island of Ireland, there are 5 international airports: Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock & Belfast. From east to west & from the north to the south, Ireland is easily accessible when travelling from further afield. Dublin airport alone is served by over 100 airlines servicing 206 international routes to and from Ireland. This year, Ireland ranked 3rd on the Global Peace Index making it is one of the safest countries in the world to visit.