Dublin around St Patricks day is something else.
For St. Patricks week every year, our tiny city centre becomes a bustling hub of excited locals and tourists alike from around the world.
Of course, Dublin is quite busy regardless, but at this time of year that busyness is increased exponentially. You may want to be a part of the experience yourself, or you may want to spend your day exploring the rich culture of the country outside its capital.
That’s where we come in.
Here are some ideas that we think will entice you to explore our ancient island this St Patrick’s week 2020.
1. Malahide Castle & Gardens
The history of Malahide Castle dates back to 1185, when King Henry gifted Richard Talbot the lands and harbour of Malahide for his services to the crown. Since then, the Talbot family have had a prominent and recurring role in the development and history of Malahide Castle.
The Talbot Family were occupants of the castle for hundreds of years; from 1185 to as recent as 1976. However, during 1649 – 1660, Oliver Cromwell granted it to Miles Corbet after the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. ~After Cromwell’s end, Corbet was hanged and the castle was subsequently restored back to the Talbots.
The demesne surrounding Malahide Castle is one of the few remaining examples of 18th-century landscape parks. It has wide lawns surrounded by a large number of trees. It is open to the public and so can be visited freely.
As well as the captivating history of Malahide Castle, there is also the incredible selection of flora and fauna available in the Walled Garden and the Butterfly House. The garden, which started as a started life as a kitchen garden to cultivate fruit and vegetables over 200 years ago, has developed into a magnificent display of various flora. It also contains the Butterfly House, which is the only one of its kind in the Republic of Ireland.
So, our Malahide Castle tour will allow you to not only discover the history of the castle, but admire the treasure trove of natural beauty on offer also. Remember we offer a 5% discount this Saint Patrick’s day, click here to reserve your place today.
2. An Spinc trail, Glendalough
Glendalough is a stunning location which features a monastic settlement as well as many picturesque natural features. Located in County Wicklow, it is an example of rural idyll in an exceedingly convenient location, just outside Dublin’s lively city centre.
One of the most impressive yet intimate of these features is the An Spinc trail, which overlooks Glendalough valley. Although it is strenuous at times, the climb is undoubtedly worth it as along with the sense of accomplishment you feel when you finally reach the top, you get to gaze upon the breathtaking landscape of the valley below and the Wicklow Uplands.
We highly recommend you go on our Glendalough tour from Dublin. The journey up and back is filled with interesting pieces of information about Dublin and Ireland’s rich history. Glendalough’s monastic settlement, being similar to what St. Patrick may have lived in at one point, would be an ideal day out during your holiday in Ireland this St. Patrick’s Day.
Appropriate footwear and adequate protection from the various elements is required as you will be exposed to the Glendalough weather. Do not leave the trail.
To book your tour, click here.
3. Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge, Giants Causeway
The Giants Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. It is located on the north coast of Northern Ireland.
The Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge, located near Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is a bridge which links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. The island is home to a single building – a fisherman’s cottage. It is suspended at 30m (100ft) above sea level, first erected by salmon fishermen around 35o years ago.
The bridge is extremely popular among tourists as the view when walking across is truly unforgettable. Savouring every moment of which you spend on the bridge is a must, and we advise you to brace yourselves for one of the most unique Instagram photo opportunities of your life. It is no surprise that our Giants Causeway tour is so popular.
To book your tour with us, click here.
Your friends will be ridiculously jealous.
4. Galway City
Galway is a city located in County Galway in the west of Ireland. According to the 2016 Census, it is the sixth most populated city in Ireland, at 79,934. It is famous mainly for the many festivals that it hosts, such as the Galway Arts Festival, The Galway Races and various food festivals.
Currently, in 2020, Galway City has been selected as the European Capital of Culture, as well as Croatian city Rijeka. It is also ranked as one of the World’s Top Cities to see by Lonely Planet.
Attractions include the Galway City Museum, the various museums located inside the city’s university and other historical buildings. Roaming through the quaint streets of Galway sounds like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon during your St. Patrick’s visit. A stop in Galway City is included on our Cliffs of Moher tour.
Click here to book it for a 15% discount.
5. Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are sea cliffs located at the southwestern region of the Burren in County Clare. They run for approximately eight kilometres across the coastline along with reaching 214m at their highest point.
A common theme among tourists after visiting the Cliffs of Moher is leaving reviews filled wonder and awe at the sheer size and power of the cliffs. It is something which you have to see with your own eyes to have a truly optimal experience.
If you’re lucky, weather permitting, on a clear day you can gaze upon various natural sites from the top of the Cliffs. These sites include the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins, the Maumturk mountains in Connemara as well as the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands in Kerry.
The calming sounds of the waves crashing hundreds of feet below combined with the breathtaking view of the Cliffs of Moher themselves will prove to be an unforgettable experience. Our Cliffs of Moher tour from Dublin is not one to miss.
So, whether you’re interested in cities, castles or you’re keen on stunning landscapes, we’ve got it all covered. Make this St. Patrick’s week one to remember.
Click here to book for a 15% discount.
