5 minute read
Discover a different Ireland
Dramatic, inspiring, cosy and wild. We really don’t think you can beat the authentic offerings of low season on the island of Ireland. Once the summer crowds move on, from late September until mid-March is by far our preferred time to wrap up and explore Ireland’s glorious national parks, beautiful and peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes. You’ll find a folklore so rich you can feel it, and storytellers that bring you laughter and intrigue. While away days wandering cobbled city streets, artists’ studios or grand historic homes. Spend nights in taverns indulging in pints of Guinness, mouthwatering meals and traditional music sessions.
Wood-turning workshops, make your own soda bread and distillery tours are wonderful ways to warm up a wintery day, but low season also boasts its own surprising range of festivals. Foodies will love Armagh’s annual celebration of Food & Cider or the Galway International Oyster Festival, while music fans get their kicks at Cork Jazz or Wexford Opera festivals. Celebrate all things St Patrick’s Day with music, dance and cultural treats, or spend Halloween immersed in the unforgettable Púca festival for Celtic Samhain. Come with us as we explore five unique regions of the island of Ireland and our top picks for their most unforgettable low season experiences.
Northern Ireland: Embrace a Giant Spirit
A land of myths, rolling hills and brooding skies. From legendary sights including the Giant’s Causeway and Titanic Belfast to the inspiring landscapes of the Sperrin Mountains and Fermanagh Lakelands and the vibrant cities of Belfast and Derry-Londonderry, you’ll soon see that Northern Ireland is bursting at the seams with great music, world class attractions and experiences, intriguing history, delicious food and drink and exciting year-round events.
Don’t miss:
Game of Thrones Studio Tours – The iconic global TV hit brought to life among stunning sets and costumes at the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Co. Down.
Belfast Trad Music Trail – Enjoy this UNESCO City of Music with professional musos and enjoy personal performances at cosy pubs and trad venues across the city.
Explore outstanding natural beauty - Hike the Mournes and Ring of Gullion and take in the views of Strangford Lough, the area is set to become a UNESCO Global Geopark in May.
Belfast Cathedral Quarter, Cobbled Streets, Belfast.
Wild Atlantic Way
Stretching 2,500 km from Malin Head in Co. Donegal to Kinsale in Co. Cork, this beautiful coastal touring route takes in vibrant cities and picturesque towns and villages set among rocky crags, deserted coves and stunning national parks, plus historic attractions including the Benedictine Kylemore Abbey and scenic Westport House.
Must do:
Mayo Dark Sky Park - Autumn-winter offers Ireland’s very best star gazing. The Mayo Dark Sky Festival runs every November.
Galway city break – A boho hub of trad music, Aran sweaters, delicious foodie hot spots and low season festivals covering comedy, music and culture.
Cosy up in a castle - Enjoy a fairytale stay in the five-star Ashford Castle in Co. Mayo for a perfect blend of opulence and nature.
Slieve League, Co. Donegal.
Courtesy Gareth Wray
Ireland’s Ancient East
5000 years of history run through the lush Boyne Valley, between the River Shannon, Irish Sea, and city of Cork. Explore the stunning landscape that’s been home to Celtic warriors, Vikings, splendid estates and wonderful outdoor experiences including the new Avondale Forest Treetop Walk in Co. Wicklow.
Low Season Best:
Newgrange Winter Solstice - Explore this UNESCO Neolithic passage tomb predating Stonehenge luminated by solstice sunrise.
Winter Solstice, Newgrange, Co. Meath.
Image courtesy of Brian Morrison
Waterford Viking Triangle – Discover thrilling tales of a city founded in 914 at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Powerscourt Estate - Set in the Garden of Ireland, Co. Wicklow, Powerscourt Estate is home to architectural beauty, stunning walking trails and boasts majestic views of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
Where earth and water meet, you’ll find a year-round nature lover’s paradise. Lakes and rivers converge with a land steeped in sacred Celtic rituals. Enjoy a slower pace of life as you take time to explore quiet hiking trails and thatched canal side pubs.
Top picks:
The Royal Canal Greenway – A beautiful 200 year old 140km walking and cycling corridor from Dublin to Longford.
Family cycling along the Royal Canal Greenway, Co. Westmeath
Make your own chocolate – Book a taste & make session with lakeside artisan chocolatier, Wilde Irish Chocolate, Co. Clare.
Arigna Mining Experience - History comes alive in a fascinating underground tour led by former coal miners in Co. Roscommon.
Dublin
Year-round fun from a host of museums, music venues and quirky trips like the popular vintage afternoon tea tour. Check out low season’s TradFest, Dublin Theatre Festival, and the unforgettable St Patrick’s Parade, or explore the stunning Dublin Coastal Trail.
Ha’penny Bridge, Dublin
Our faves:
Guinness Storehouse - The iconic home of the black stuff. Over 7 floors of exhibits you’ll learn all about the world’s favourite stout and you can enjoy a pint at the top floor Gravity Bar.
Dublin Literary Pub Crawl - Explore the haunts of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and co while enjoying the odd beverage.
Wild swimming at Forty Foot - It really is a year-round activity with locals taking a dip in Dublin Bay all winter.
