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Road Trip

13 rather excellent reasons to visit Ireland in 2017

Not to pat ourselves on the back, but….

1. First of all, you should visit Donegal because it’s officially the ‘coolest’ place in the world according to National Geographic Traveller Magazine

If it’s good enough for Star Wars, it’s surely good enough for you. Stop into Farren’s Bar while you’re there, won’t you?

Tweet by @Buncrana Radio Buncrana Radio / Twitter Buncrana Radio / Twitter / Twitter

3. Speaking of Star Wars, you really ought to nip down to Brow Head in Co. Cork, which welcomed Star Wars cast and crew earlier this year

It’s the most southerly tip of the Irish mainland and its rugged landscape is utterly *breathtaking*. Not only that, but there are views of Fastnet Rock and Cape Clear that can’t be beat.

All the ingredients for the perfect hike.

When you’re done, make sure to pop into O’Sullivan’s Bar, Crookhaven.

3. We’re home to what might just be the oldest pub in Europe

Earlier this year, Sean’s Bar in Athlone was named by Lonely Planet as one of ’50 Bars To Blow Your Mind’ in the world. The pub was founded in 900 AD and claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland, if not Europe.

For cosiness and craic, it’s utterly unrivaled.

4. Once upon a time, we were all about Guinness, but now we’ve diversified and we’re into gins, craft whiskeys and craft beers

Visit Davy Macs, a snug little pub in Waterford City, to sample the best gin and tonic in Ireland. The drink is made using Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish gin and elderflower fever tree tonic, and it’s divine.

Nip into Franciscan Well Brewery in Cork City for a scoop of red ale.

And visit the Teeling Whiskey Distillery in Dublin 8 to treat yourself to some whiskeys. Sure, didn’t it win a rake of prizes at the 2016 Irish Whiskey Awards?

All that and you don’t have to put up with Guinness farts.

Nice one.

5. Forget Buckingham Palace — Pantibar is the only royal residence you need to visit

The home of the reigning Queen of Ireland is a must-visit Dublin landmark.

6. Follow in Mel Gibson’s footsteps and climb the Sugar Loaf in Co. Wicklow

At a rather steep 501 metres, think of it as being your very own mini-Everest. And hey, if Braveheart himself approves…

7. Stop into the Little Museum of Dublin, a unique museum that tells the story of Dublin through crowdsourced exhibitions

Sure, didn’t the museum pick up a Europa Nostra Award this year, one of the most prestigious accolades in the heritage field?

The projects chosen by the juries are excellent examples of creativity, innovation, sustainable development and social participation in the heritage field throughout Europe.

Little Museum of Dublin was the only Irish museum cited for the award. And with good reason – it’s bleedin’ deadly.

8. Stay for a night in the ‘best hotel in the world,’ according to Conde Nast Traveler

Enter Ballyfin Demesne in Co. Laois, a stunning (but pricey) hotel that’s won kudos from publications all over the world and should definitely be on your If I Won The Lotto… list.

Ah, if only…

9. Come to Ireland to see a game of ‘murder stick ball’ in the flesh

Otherwise known as ‘hurling’.

We promise it’ll make your favourite sports look like child’s play.

Tweet by @Our DUFC Our DUFC / Twitter Our DUFC / Twitter / Twitter

Shane Bennett with Neal McAuley Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

10. Sing your heart out at an authentic trad sesh (even if you don’t know all the words)

Trust us when we say there’s nothing like a room of merry Irish people singing The Auld Triangle or Ride On.

Amy Schumer did it while she was here.

Why not you?

Tweet by @Steve Cummins Steve Cummins / Twitter Steve Cummins / Twitter / Twitter

11. Pretend you’re on Top Gear and go for a road trip around the Wild Atlantic Way

Channel your inner Jeremy Clarkson and sample everything that Ireland’s countryside has to offer by taking road trip. Be warned: you may end up pulling over a few times to bask in the beauty of the Wesht.

Tweet by @💚Belynda💚 💚Belynda💚 / Twitter 💚Belynda💚 / Twitter / Twitter

12. Witness the “wild, untamed beasts” in action in Copper Face Jacks, Ireland’s most beloved nightclub

We may act as though we’re all about quaint trad sessions and storytelling, but if you want to know what Ireland’s really like, visit Coppers.

It’s a rite of passage, tbh.

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13. Did we mention that we’ll let you stay in a literal castle if you come here?

If you’ve ever wanted to live out a Game of Thrones fantasy, then you’re in luck as Airbnb is full of literal castles for you to stay in.

Like Annes Grove in Co. Cork.

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Or Ballintotis Castle in East Cork.

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Or Ross Castle in Co. Meath.

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Sure, where would you get it?

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