Just like every good holiday, let\u2019s start this list with beer. Luckily Ireland is the beer\u2019s Promised Land.<\/p>\n
The nation has been acclaimed for its barley concoctions throughout centuries.<\/p>\n
Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on the Saint James\u2019s Gate Brewery<\/strong>, in Dublin, and focused his creation on the dark-red porter. Today, the Guinness<\/strong> Company produces 3 million pints of the iconic stout each day.<\/p>\n The capital city also hosts other ancestral establishments such as:<\/p>\n Beer is the nation\u2019s most popular alcoholic beverage and breweries are spread all over the country. From ales to lager, there is something for every taste. Here<\/a> are Vinepair’s 30 bests.<\/p>\n Ireland also hosts several beer festivities throughout the year such as:<\/p>\n Oi Mate! Time to sl\u00e1inte (toast)!<\/em><\/p>\n The Emerald Isle was shaped to be walked. The country records 4,000kms of trails, including 43 long-distance trails<\/a> (from 22 to 214kms). The highest peak is the Carrauntoohil and can be climbed in 7 hours.<\/p>\n There are also 6 Mountain biking trails in Ireland and many Greenways<\/a> to travel on foot or cycle. Twelve pilgrimage paths<\/a> will award the spiritual walkers.<\/p>\n The road trip<\/strong> aficionados will be astonished by The Wild Atlantic Way, the longest defined coastline in the world<\/strong> (2,600kms). The water sports enthusiasts will be thrilled all along the way. Adrenaline junkies and more grounded souls will also find exciting experiences.<\/p>\n If time is lacking, the Inishowen 100, a 160kms scenic driving trail, is a great alternative.<\/p>\n It is also possible to:<\/p>\n If the search of the thrill goes in pair with local culture, then those events need to be attended:<\/p>\n Ireland has not only the longest defined coastal route in the world and astonishing cliffs<\/strong> but also majestic fjords<\/strong>, unspoiled lakes<\/strong>, hundreds of viewpoints<\/strong> and over 80 beaches<\/strong>. The winter solstice at Newgrange (Co Meath) and the sunset hike to Lough Ouler (Co Wicklow) are not to be missed. Other must-do locations are:<\/p>\n History buffs will be ecstatic every step of the way. Ireland displays its past via its countless monuments and sites, restaurants and pubs, villages and folklore. From the stone circles of the Neolithic era to the Vikings conquest, the earliest monasteries to the medieval castles, the Norman invasion to the Celtic Tiger (rapid economic growth of 20th\/21st centuries); the nation\u2019s civilization predates both the Roman and Egyptian empires<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Two hundred thirty institutions, scattered all over the isle, exhibit the vestiges and treasures of the sovereign state. The National History Museum<\/strong>, founded by Doctor David Livingstone in 1857, is the first of them all. Locally referred to as the Dead Zoo; the edifice overflows with more than 10,000 exposed artifacts.<\/p>\n Over 30,000 castles<\/strong> and ruins survived hundreds of generations. Trim Castle, built in 1169, is the first and most massive Norman fortress. Cahir Castle, built in 1375 is the most secure. Bunratty and Blarney are the two most visited. Kilbrittain, 1035, finds itself the oldest inhabited one.<\/p>\n The city of Waterford<\/strong> was built by the Vikings in 914 and is the oldest city in the country. Dublin comes 2nd, being 74 years younger.<\/p>\n Spike Island is another great witness of these ancient times: 6th-century Monastery<\/strong>, a star-shaped fortress, and a prison that jailed over 2,300 detainees. Kilmainham Gaol on its side was opened in 1796 and turned into a museum. The latter became a symbol of activism and militancy as several separatist rebels ended up incarcerated there.<\/p>\n There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites<\/strong> in the country:<\/p>\n Here are four ways to celebrate the land\u2019s heritage:<\/p>\n There are hundreds of celebrations all year-long<\/strong>. Everything is a matter of festivity in Ireland: History and Arts, sports and local cuisine, music and Literature, culture and nature, storytelling and animals. Even twins have their f\u00eate. These gatherings are notable nationwide and, villages are ideal to combine serenity with traditions.<\/p>\n Again, the range of entertainment is limitless:<\/p>\n It is the best excuse to put on sanguinary attire and still look normal. Halloween in Ireland grasps from darkly haunted tours to street demonstrations. One thing is for sure; a celebration is always more significant in its native shores than it is anywhere else.<\/p>\n Halloween is a pagan festival, born over 1,000 years ago in Ireland<\/strong>. Samhain, as per its original name, means the end of summer in Gaelic. The Celts believed that on the eve night, buried souls would come back to haunt the beings. Disguises were used as a trick to camouflage. Large fires were lit to prevent supernatural visitors from getting closer. Orange and black represent death for the Celts.<\/p>\n It was brought to America by the Irish fleeing the Great Famine in the 1840’s. The pumpkin replaced the turnip, and a more modern tradition took over.<\/p>\n In Ireland, again, the choices are endless:<\/p>\n Irish cuisine ranks in the Top 50 food experiences<\/a><\/strong> in the world by Lonely Planet<\/strong>. The Ulster fry, with or without Boxty (sort of potato pancake), is the most famous breakfast. Bacon and cabbage with a pint of milk and a roll of soda bread is another classic. The Irish lamb stew<\/strong>, on its side, goes without recommendation.<\/p>\n The country fails to live up to its \u201cmeat and two veg\u201d reputation as it is a vegetarian-friendly<\/strong> destination.<\/p>\n Seafood<\/strong> lovers will enthuse over the array of fish, lobsters, mussels, and oysters of the coastal regions. Dairy addicts will be delighted by the fresh butter and flavourful Cashel Blue<\/strong>. Buffet style roasts, known as Carvery, are very popular. If sweets are more of a craving; then the carragheen moss, the soda bread pudding, the whiskey truffle, and the Guinness chocolate mousse<\/strong> are prerequisite.<\/p>\n The best opportunity to taste as much food as possible in a short period is to attend a food festival. Luckily, Ireland overflows with them<\/a> such as:<\/p>\n The Capital city is the place to have the craic (fun). Dublin bursts with all types of events all year long such as the Dublin dance festival, Taste of Dublin, TradFest Temple Bar or Dublin LGBT Pride.<\/p>\n Beer fans will have to choose between the 751 pubs<\/strong> and breweries. Whiskey drinkers will appreciate the tasting at the Jameson Distillery<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The people who highly value the good old days will be back in time while the spiritual<\/strong> crowd will spend days visiting prestigious religious sites.<\/p>\n Those energized by ancient and modern Arts<\/strong> will feel enchanted by the wide variety of choices such as Hugh Lane Gallery, Douglas Hyde Gallery, IMMA or the People\u2019s Art.<\/p>\n The literati will perfect their expertise in the UNESCO city of Literature<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The adventure seekers can practice their kayaking skills; experience the Gaelic Games<\/strong> and, wakeboard on Grand Canal Dock. If the need for fresh air arises, Dublin Mountains are only a few kilometers away.<\/p>\n It is well-known that Irish people are warm, engaging and welcoming. Many visitors define them as the friendliest<\/strong> they\u2019ve ever met (96% according to the Visitor\u2019s Attitudes Survey<\/a>) Ireland has been ranked as one of the top countries reputation-wise.<\/p>\n Moreover, the goodness and generosity of the locals are stupefying. \u201cAs you share your hearts with one another, May they always be loyal and true, and friendship is between you in all that you do\u201d is a popular native saying. Nothing is taken seriously as laughter and craic are both parts of the DNA.<\/p>\n Their genuine sense of community is a reflection of their connecting behavior. Besides, due to their History of warfare, Irish know how to put things into perspective.<\/p>\n The harp has been used for more than ten centuries. The fact that this same instrument is depicted on the \u00c9ire euro coins shows the significance of music in Ireland.<\/p>\n From informal gatherings to festivals, live performance alternatives are countless. The Cobblestone<\/strong> is known as being \u201ca drinking pub with a music problem.\u201d The Choir<\/strong> at Christ Church Cathedral is acclaimed as one of the finest. Bluegrass, blues, and folk are celebrated at Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival and Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival. Electronic, deep house, techno, and pop artists will perform at the Life Festival, the Forbidden Fruit and Body and Soul Festival. Sea Surf sessions offer a cadenced adventure with a great line-up.<\/p>\n Modern Irish music<\/strong> is generally a combination of ancient and contemporary. U2, Van Morrison, The Corrs or The Cranberries are some of the most internationally renowned.<\/p>\n The concertina, the fiddle, the bodhran (drum), the wooden flute, Uilleann pipes, and the tin whistle are commonly used in traditional Irish and folk music<\/strong>. The Dubliners, The Irish Rovers or Clannad are some of the most influential bands.<\/p>\n More than 30 movies<\/strong> were shot in Ireland. Indeed, the seventh art highly praises the most magical sceneries of the country. Craic guaranteed for both nature-lovers and cinema-aficionados.<\/p>\n Star Wars<\/strong> fans will discover the sets of \u2018The Last Jedi\u201d and \u2018The force awakens\u2019 while Harry Potter<\/strong>\u2019s will follow the steps of their hero at the Cliff of Moher. Other classics such as \u2018Excalibur,\u2019 \u2018The Italian Job,\u2019 \u2018Lassie\u2019 or \u2018Moby Dick<\/strong>\u2019 were also filmed in the country. \u2018Braveheart,\u2019 \u2018Saving Private Ryan\u2019 and \u2018King Arthur\u2019 can also be added to the list. For total immersion, three movie trails<\/strong> are suggested:<\/p>\n For novelty-seekers, festivals are a great way to discover different genres:<\/p>\n Ireland has been a source of inspiration for many local writers. The author of \u2018Angela\u2019s Ashes, A Memoir\u2019 and, Pulitzer Prize Winner<\/strong>, Franck McCourt found his creativity in Limerick. Synge\u2019s stimulation came from Inis Me\u00e1in, in Aran Islands. As for \u2018Ulysses<\/strong>,\u2019 James Joyce\u2019s imagination was nourished by the Martello Tower, in Sandy Cove. Other locations such as, Seancha\u00ed Visitor Center, Castlebar\u2019 Museum of Country Life or Sligo County Museum & Art Gallery are not to be missed.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong>Dublin, UNESCO City of Literature<\/strong>, is a dream site for any literati. The Trinity College was the place of study to dozens of notable alumni such as Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett <\/strong>or Bram Stoker<\/strong>, the creator of Dracula. Its Old Library houses \u2018The Book of Kells<\/strong>\u2019 (palimpsest of Latin Gospel) but also 200,000 other historical pieces. The manuscripts of \u2018The Life and Work of William Butler\u2019 can be seen at the National Library. Dublin Writers Museum and Chester Beatty Library honor the most illustrious storytellers.<\/p>\n The fans of Gulliver\u2019s Travels<\/strong> can pay their tribute to Jonathan Swift at St Patrick\u2019s Cathedral. Brendan Behan, <\/em>Francis Skeffington, Christy Brown, John Blake Dillon and, Arthur Griffith are buried<\/em> in Glasnevin Cemetery.<\/em><\/p>\n The Literary Pub Crawl<\/strong> brings back to life the deceased authors through live performances around a pint.<\/p>\n The festivals gather people who share the same passion for Literature from all around the world:<\/p>\n With hundreds of courses<\/a>, any golfer would feel spoilt for choice in Ireland. Since the apparition of the sport in the 1850s, the number of clubs has grown exponentially.<\/p>\n The land gave birth to champions such as Padraig Harrington<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Some of the world\u2019s best players, such as Tiger Wood, love to train in the Royal County Down Golf Club. The latter was elected Best Golf Course in the Planet<\/strong>, by Golfdigest<\/a>.<\/p>\n Even Hollywood actor, Bill Murray, defines Ireland as \u201cthe most beautiful country to play golf.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone likes a good story. Irish are specialists in storytelling. Literacy skills were not that common centuries ago. As a consequence; knowledge, life lessons, family history, and myths were transmitted orally. The oldest pub in the country, The Brazen Head, is a prime setting to witness this very ancient tradition.<\/p>\n Touring Ireland through a captivating esoteric journey is another excellent way to experience some of the oldest legends such as:<\/p>\n\n
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#2 – A land of adventure<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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#3 – Magnetic Scenery<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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#4 – An Open-Air Museum<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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#5 – Festivals, The Land-of-Plenty <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/h2>\n#6 – Halloween\u2019s motherland<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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#7 – Stunning Cuisine<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/h2>\n#8 – The Craic of your life in Dublin<\/strong><\/h2>\n
#9 – Sensational people<\/strong><\/h2>\n
#10 – Vibrant Music<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"ireland](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/overinireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/ireland-landscape.jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n#11 – A “Cine-ful” Nirvana<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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#12 – Amazing Irish Literature <\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/h2>\n#13 – Golfing Paradise<\/strong><\/h2>\n
#14 – Irish Folklore<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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