#TRIPS TO IRELAND FREE#

Located in County Wexford 30 minutes west of Waterford, this garden is home to over 4,500 species of trees and shrubs. There are also tons of wildlife to spot, such as rabbits, foxes, stoats, hawks, falcons, and herds of Connemara ponies. Most people come here for hiking and forest bike riding, though there are a few castles within the park as well as an old mining area and a heritage and history center. This national park in County Galway covers some 12 square miles (30 sq km), offering scenic views and great hiking.

#TRIPS TO IRELAND FREE#

It’s 40 EUR and provides free entry into tons of Ireland’s castles.

If you plan on visiting a lot of castles, get the Heritage Card. If you’re just on a quick trip to Dublin, take the 30-minute train outside the city to the Malahide Castle. If it’s in your budget, attend a medieval banquet at the Bunratty Castle in Clare or book a room at the beautifully restored Ashford Castle in County Mayo. From the crumbling ruins of Dunluce Castle to the impeccably preserved Cahir Castle in Tipperary, it’s hard to miss these historical beauties. Ireland is steeped in history and the entire country is covered in castles (there are some 30,000 castles and castle ruins here). Admission is 18 EUR (16 EUR if you buy your ticket online). The stone was set in 1446 and it is said to bestow eloquence on all those who kiss it (“blarney” has come to mean “flattering speech”). Built in the 15th century, visitors flock here to see the Stone, which is made of Carboniferous limestone and is built into the castle itself. Kiss the Blarney Stoneīlarney Castle sits just outside Cork.

It’s one of the biggest parties in the world so be sure to book your stay in advance as everything sells out quickly! 3. The biggest parade takes place in Dublin. Whether you believe the legend or not, this is the biggest party of the year in which everyone is Irish. As the legend goes, he drove all the snakes out of the country. Surfing and whale watching are also popular here as minke whales, fin whales, and humpback whales are commonly seen along the coast (expect to pay around 55 EUR for a whale watching tour). Many people come here to kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck, hike around Gougane Barra, and to enjoy the coastal landscape around Mizen Head. Originally a maritime hub, Cork is now a cosmopolitan university city filled with cheap eats and a lively nightlife. Spend time in CorkĬork is a bustling city nestled on Ireland’s southern coast.

Trips to ireland