If you’re looking for an excuse to travel Ireland’s beautiful coast and landscapes, St. Patrick’s Day offers the perfect opportunity. With a bank holiday on Tuesday, it might be time to give yourself a four-day weekend and explore the best of Ireland’s scenic and cultural offerings.
The Giant’s Causeway
Incredibly picturesque and rich in Irish mythology and legend, there’s a reason you’ll see the Giant’s Causeway on nearly every travel list. Interlocking basalt columns give the shoreline a striking graphic look, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Children will love jumping from column to column at low tide, and there are plenty of photo opportunities. Be sure to read about the legends surrounding the area or, better yet, get a tour guide! Find out more.
Other attractions in the area include the Carrick-a Rede rope bridge which takes you over the ocean, from mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. A coastal drive along the Antrim’s cliff-lined coast is always recommended, too.
The Guinness Storehouse
Is there anything more Irish than a pint of the black stuff on St. Patrick’s Day?! Head down to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, where the celebrations will be in full swing. The Guinness Storehouse is the perfect place to kick off the weekend, learning about the history and craft Ireland’s best-loved and iconic stout beer. Your experience culminates with a drink in the famous Gravity Bar, with panoramic views of Dublin City. Find out more.
Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal
If you’d prefer to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with something a bit more wild, head up the coast to Europe’s highest sea cliffs in Donegal. There are several walking routes with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and plenty of fresh sea air. Find out more.
Following your walk pop into the Rusty Mackerel Pub in Carrick for some lunch and a well earned drink. And of course we always recommend a visit to Donegal Town, and our original Magee shop on the Diamond!
Galway City
As the European Capital of Culture for 2020, now is the perfect time to visit medieval Galway City. Bursting with colour and music, Galway will be full of exciting cultural events for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Take a stroll through winding medieval streets or walk along the famous Salthill Prom, before checking out the full ream of theatre, dance, music, arts and more that Galway offers every weekend! Find out more.
The Dingle Peninsula
Head down to Kerry for 47 kilometres of scenic driving. You’ll pass beaches, views of the famous Skelling Michael, and Stone Age ringforts which all offer great opportunities for getting out of the car and exploring a bit. Dingle Town, itself has plenty of charm, with cosy pubs and unique shops to check out of an afternoon. Be sure to have a seafood dinner while in Dingle, as it’s a harbour town and has some of the freshest daily catches you’ll find! Find out more.
