Top Five Experiences
in the Emerald Isle
With more than 10% of Australians believed to have Irish
ancestry, it’s no surprise that the Emerald Isle is a popular travel
destination. In fact, Tourism Ireland has recently revealed that the region has
seen a 53% increase in visitors from Australia and New Zealand in the past four
years.
So is it the Game of Thrones affect, a thirst for Guinness
that can’t be quenched or other experiences that are drawing in the numbers?
Matthew Cameron-Smith, Managing Director of the leading
guided holiday company, Trafalgar, says:
“It’s definitely not surprising that more Australians are
choosing Ireland as their holiday destination. While many still want to take in
Ireland’s iconic sights and experiences – visiting the Guinness Factory, seeing
the Giant’s Causeway, kissing the Blarney Stone – they want to combine these
with truly authentic experiences and
meaningful interactions with locals.”
Here are Matthew’s Top Five Experiences in the Emerald Isle:
1) Stay in a Celtic castle
There aren’t many people who can claim
they’ve stayed in a royal residence. But with approximately 1000 castles
dotted throughout Ireland and no royalty left to reign, this incredible
experience is now within reach. A number of mediaeval castles across Ireland
have been converted into hotels. Most recently is Ashford Castle, a magnificent
property set on 350 acres on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib. Following
extensive refurbishment, rooms have been restored to their regal best. Fine
dining, luxurious spa options and activities such as falconry and equestrian on
offer all add to Ashford’s royal opulence. Live like a King and Queen on Trafalgar’s Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle (below) 10-day
guided holiday priced from $2795 per person – twin share and experience a
complete circle of Ireland including its fairytale castle stay.
2) Travel the Wild Atlantic Way
Without a doubt, the Wild Atlantic Way,
Ireland’s rugged west coast spanning 1500 miles and seven counties is becoming
one of the region’s most sought after experience. Waves crashing upon rocks,
rolling green countryside, the remnants of stone villages; this is the real
deal Ireland. You’ll definitely want to let someone else do the driving so you
don’t miss a second of the scenery. On Trafalgar’s new Enchanting Emerald Isle guided
holiday you’ll have the chance to join a Local
Specialist for a leisurely guided hike around Torc Waterfall taking you
along the lakeshore and past the farmlands of the 19th century
Muckross Estate.
3) Fresh foodie experiences
Ireland has never made it high on the list
of getaways for gastronomes. Yet the countryside’s rich soil and regular rain
makes for fertile growing conditions, producing an abundance of fresh fruit and
vegetables. Trafalgar offers guests the opportunity to forage for fresh produce
on the wild beaches of the Atlantic Edge with a local horticultural tutor,
followed by a delicious meal prepared from the food that they’ve scavenged.
Situated overlooking Liscannor Bay, this authentic Be My Guest will change the
way you think about Irish cuisine. This foodie adventure is available on the Best of Ireland 10-day guided
holidays priced from $2295 per person – twin share.
4) Newgrange for winter solstice
While
on first inspection it appears to be a grass covered mound, underneath
Newgrange is one of the most impressive passage tomb. Older than the Pyramids
and Stonehenge it is estimated to date back to 3200 BC. Once a year, the winter
solstice sun, reaches the floor of the chamber, illuminating the tomb in what
is one of the most spectacular light shows on earth. This experience is so
highly coveted that would-be attendees must enter a ballot many months in
advance. This year, over 30,000 applications were submitted.
5) Belfast from the back of a black cab
A
lot has been written about Belfast’s troubled past, but there is no better way
to truly understand what this time was like than by visiting significant sites
and hearing the stories straight from someone who lived through it. Trafalgar
offers its guest the unique experience of exploring the city from back of a
Belfast Black Cab with a local specialist who gives an insight into the
troubles through the decades and exposes the hidden messages weaved in
the murals that pepper the city’s walls, see below. Join a ‘Black Cabbie’ on the Irish Experience 11-day guided
holiday priced from $2595 per person – twin share.
To find out more about unique and authentic experiences in
Ireland with Trafalgar visit www.trafalgar.com
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