IRELAND'S TOP ATTRACTIONS

The Giant’s Causeway comprises around 40,000 thousand of mostly hexagonal basalt columns descending gently into the sea. Depending on who you believe, the stones were formed either by an underwater volcano’s geological actions or by a giant named Finn MacCool, who lived and battled along the north Antrim coast. Regardless of what you believe, it is a sight to behold and is just next door to Old Bushmills Distillery.

The Causeway Coastal Scenic Drive is a 212 km (130 mile) road trip along the rugged and spectacular coast of Northern Ireland from Belfast and is one of Ireland’s most scenic and varied drives with some premier tourist attractions including the Giant’s Causeway and most importantly – Old Bushmills Distillery. The route offers a variety of scenic spots and points of interest including set locations for the world-famous Game of Thrones.

Belfast is one of the hottest destinations in Europe to visit. Quick to charm and packed with brilliant attractions, including the world-class Titanic Belfast, this is a city that’s bursting with creativity. You’ll see it in the boundary-pushing art galleries of the Cathedral Quarter, in the super-cool pop-up restaurants that spring up around the city, and in the bustle of St George’s Market. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll uncover the layers of history that make Belfast such a compelling place, from its Bronze Age origins to its prosperous shipbuilding past.

Kilkenny is a medieval town in southeast Ireland. Its imposing Kilkenny Castle that overlooks the city was built in 1195 by Norman occupiers. The town has deep religious roots and many well-preserved churches and monasteries, including the impressive St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey Dominican priory, both from the 13th century. It’s also a crafts hub, with shops along its winding lanes selling pottery, paintings and jewellery. Most importantly, it’s a very fun place to spend an evening.

This breezy, cosmopolitan spot in Ireland’s southwest inspires a devotion in its locals that few other places can rival. And it’s easy to see why. Sitting proudly on an island in the middle of the River Lee, Cork’s feelgood buzz surges through its hip coffee shops, vibrant art galleries, off-beat museums and seriously good pubs. Despite being a city, there’s a decidedly towny feel here – life is laidback, nothing is too much hassle. Pleasantly compact, friendly and with a wry sense of humor, Cork does things its own way, which makes a night here feel totally unique.

Glendalough is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the “Monastic City”. Most of the buildings that survive today date from the 10th through 12th centuries. Despite attacks by Vikings over the years, Glendalough thrived as one of Ireland’s great ecclesiastical foundations and schools of learning until the Normans destroyed the monastery in 1214 A.D. Given Irish monks’ ties to brewing and distilling, it would be rude not call in and see the site while we’re passing!

For centuries, The Liberties of Dublin have been known as a thriving centre of enterprise and innovation right in the heart of city. It was once the brewing and distilling capital of the world, and today many new distilleries are opening here. Needless to say, we are spending a lot of time here these days! The Liberties is a traditional neighbourhood but with a distinctly 21st century outlook – successfully blending the heritage and attractiveness of an historic city quarter, with dynamic enterprise hubs, world-class medical and education centres and a wealth of local shops and services. It’s the ideal place in which to live and 23 thousand people call it home.

The Boyne Valley is Ireland’s ancient capital, its most sacred and mythical landscape and the birthplace of Ireland’s Ancient East. There is 5,000 years of history at Boyne Valley, with the Brú na Bóinne monuments dating back further than Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza! It passes through the ancient town of Trim, Trim Castle, the Hill of Tara (the ancient capital of the High King of Ireland), Navan, the Hill of Slane, Brú na Bóinne (a complex of megalithic monuments), Mellifont Abbey and the medieval town of Drogheda. In the Boyne Valley, one can also stumble upon three operational distilleries.

Athlone is a town on the border of County Roscommon and County Westmeath. It is located on the River Shannon near the southern shore of Lough Ree. On Main Street, you’ll see Sean’s Bar which dates back to 900 AD. This is not only the oldest bar in Ireland but also in Europe and possibly the world! What we really love about Sean’s bar, aside from the legendary hospitality, are Sean’s Specially Blended and Single Malt Irish Whiskeys.