Activities in Ireland
Guiness
Drink a pint of Guinness, one of the most famous, popular and distinctive drinks in the world.
Horse Industry
Enjoy Ireland's renowned equestrian pursuits, from racing, for which the country is justifiably famous, to horse riding, at centres throughout the country. The principal racecourses are at Leopardstown, Fairyhouse (Irish Grand National every year), The Curragh (Irish Sweeps Derby) and Punchestown (an international riding course).
Trekking through Ireland
Explore Ireland on foot, by walking one of the country's 31 designated long-distance paths. The most famous is the Wicklow Way, which runs from the Dublin suburbs to County Carlow. For info on walks, try the National Waymarked Ways Advisory Committee.
Fishing in Ireland
Grab a rod and try some excellent free coarse fishing. Most Irish fishing occurs on and around the enormous Shannon and Erne river systems, which stretch southward from Leitrim and Fermanagh. County Cavan is known as the ‘Lake County' and is a favourite for anglers.
Food and Cuisine
Irish cuisine can be divided into three main categories – traditional, mainly simple dishes, and more modern dishes, as served in restaurants and hotels. Immerse yourself in the gourmet offerings of County Cork for the best black pudding in the world
Monastic heritage
Investigate the rich traces of Ireland's monastic heritage, from the stunning ruins of Clonmacnois in County Offaly to the pastoral beauty of Glendalough in County Wicklow. Other monastic highlights include the hilltop remains of Cashel in County Tipperary and the windswept, desolate beauty of Glencolumbcille in County Donegal.
Bird Watching
Go bird-watching in a country famous for its variety of winged creatures. There are over 70 reserves and sanctuaries in Ireland, as well as some of the largest breeding seabird colonies in the world, with huge flocks of wintering waders and wildfowl. Birdwatch Ireland has all the details.
Islands of Ireland
Hop between Ireland's offshore islands, which range from the genteel Italianate gardens of Garinish in County Cork to the wild and wonderful Tory, off the shores of Northwestern Donegal. make iusre that you do not forget the Aran Islands off Galway - A popular and beautiful destination.
Coast
Explore the magnificent Ring of Kerry, a stunning, 180km scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, with numerous diversions along coastal roads and out to islands like Skellig Michael, one of the most ruggedly stunning corners of Ireland.
Cycling
Pedal the highways and byways of Ireland on a cycling holiday. Although parts of the country are mountainous, the sheltered valleys and the gently undulating central plain are excellent for easy biking. In the west, prevailing winds mean it is easier to cycle from south to north.
