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Why Ireland could be your perfect holiday destination

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Tom Huggins-Teasdale
Why Ireland could be your perfect holiday destination

Ireland has plenty of features that make it a perfect place for a getaway. From its beautiful landscapes to its rich history it’s a country with a lot to offer even the most experienced traveller. So, lets take a look at what makes this land so special.


Everyone who talks about Ireland is going to mention its natural beauty, but there are some places on the emerald isle where that nature can be accessed in a more curated environment.


The National Botanical Gardens in Dublin were founded in 1795 and since then they’ve served a variety of purposes. From its original aim of promoting scientific approaches to agriculture, the gardens now see their purpose split between 6 values of conservation, education, science, reference, demonstration and recreation. So there’s something for everyone at the National Botanical whether you’re looking to see plant species that no longer exist in the wild in the gardens living collection, or just to enjoy walking around the grounds taking it all in.


If all that walking made you thirsty then you might want to check out Sean’s Bar. From the outside, you might wonder what it is about Sean’s Bar that would set it apart from any other pub in Ireland, or anywhere else for that matter. Well, Sean’s Bar has a claim to fame that other bars might struggle to live up to. The bar claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland and Europe, with an apparent establishing date of 900AD. I think we can all agree that this gives Sean’s Bar a unique appeal as a place to relax with a drink.


Like any country with a lot of history behind it, you can find some incredible architecture in the Irish counties. A great example of this is St Colman’s Cathedral in Cork. With construction completed in 1919, the 4th tallest church in Ireland is a beautiful example of gothic revival architecture. It’s also the only church in Ireland that contains a Carillion.


If you prefer your structural marvels to be more natural than man made however, you should check out the Cliffs of Moher. At 8 miles long and 700ft high (roughly 70 stories high) they’re truly a sight to behold, and form part of the UNESCO Global Geopark. While it is possible to walk to see the cliffs, and of course, they can be seen by boat if you happen to sail that way, the simplest way to appreciate them is from the visitors centre at O’Briens Tower. The entry fee is low, and will also help to maintain the walkways and the visitor centre itself.


Of course, we can’t talk about visiting Ireland, without mentioning Guinness. Ireland and ‘The Black Stuff’ are inextricably linked, and what better way to appreciate it, than the home of Guinness itself?


The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin was originally built as a fermentation plant for the Guinness brewery but today stands as a tribute to the brew itself. As well as relaxing in the rooftop bar, you can book several different experience packages that include tastings, and will let you know more about the history of Guinness and their founder, Arthur Guinness.


No matter how you choose to spend your time in Ireland, there’s always plenty of options for you, especially if you don’t mind a little travel.


Remember however, if you’re coming from a country outside the EU/EEA, you may need to obtain a tourist visa in order to visit the country. 

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Tom Huggins-Teasdale
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