Top 5 Reasons to Visit Ireland Right Now

Find fairytale castles, spectacular scenery, amiable locals, great drinks, and delightful travel adventures during your Ireland trip this year.

Fancy a luxurious holiday in an incredibly beautiful destination? Or how about making new friends while joining fantastic Irish festivals? For a chance to see the wonderful colors of Wicklow Way, listen to great jazz music, or ride a horse on a thrilling trail, head to Ireland now. Should you ever need an excuse to visit the Éire, here are five reasons to add Ireland to your travel plans right now:

Discover opportunities for exhilarating outdoor activities.
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Ireland with the family or with your significant other, the country offers limitless options you can take advantage of. Among the many outstanding outdoor activities include horseback riding, cycling, golfing, sailing, trekking, and even surfing. There’s something to suit every traveler or any ability.

For instance, outdoor lovers are sure to adore Achill. Here you can find numerous walking paths to the mountains. Water sports activities also abound - from surfing to sea-kayaking. Seasoned surfers and windsurfing newbies can find spots for recreation and fun. Whatever you choose to spend time on, an Irish adventure will definitely linger long in your memory.

Learn about Irish history and heritage.
Ireland has no Roman ruins to brag about. But what it lacks in Romanian grandeur, it makes up for in its beautiful array of prehistoric landmarks, Celtic myths, Irish castles, and early Christian structures.
Fascinated by history? Start your exploration at Ireland’s countryside. Many of its rural areas are littered with stone-age formations and fortifications as well as burial sites. Search for iron-age forts, the remnants from Viking towns, splendid tower houses, and stunning 18th century houses.

Dozens of awesome old castles are also scattered across Ireland’s verdant and serene countryside in various states of ruin. If you rent a car, you will cover more tourist sights and attractions. It helps to decide which ones to see ahead of time. Set your inner child free, and choose from the best castles in Ireland, namely Blarney Castle, Bunratty Castle, Doe Castle, Cahir Castle, and more. You can even stay in one of them, such as Ashford Castle, and see what it’s like to be among the nobles.

Soak up some breathtaking scenery.
Do you like mesmerizing vistas? Ireland has glorious scenery in abundance. The spots with majestic, almost magical landscapes include the Giant’s Causeway, Skellig Islands, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara National Park, and the Wicklow Way. Remember your camera because the sights and attractions are absolutely photo-worthy.

Drive around the rugged terrain of the Ring of Kerry, or stroll through the coastline of its stunning seasides. While tracing the loop, keep your eyes peeled for historic forts, quaintly beautiful rural houses, a monastery, ancient stones, and parks. Have more time to spare? Seek more beauty in Wicklow County by visiting top attractions, such as Powerscourt Waterfall, Greenan Farm Museums & Maze, Hunting Brook Gardens, Glendalough Upper Lake and more. Looking for other popular day trips from the city center? Try Glendalough, Cooley Peninsula, or The Burren.

Sample some of the finest festivals.
Ireland’s festival scene has boomed over the years, and with so much going on, your options are endless. Depending on your travel dates and interests, you might want to plan your trip around these festivals: Jameson Dublin International Film Festival by February; St Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival on March 17; Down With Jazz from May 31 to June 1; Guinness Cork Jazz Festival in October; Dublin Writers Week in May 2016, just to name a few.

Some travelers admit they have booked a trip to Ireland to attend prestigious international festivals held in the country. Some of the world’s best artists, performers, and writers have emerged from the Eire, attracting visitors to experience their delightfully rich arts and culture. Getting away to Ireland means getting to know unique gems from its promising cities, such as Belfast, Cork, Dublin, and Galway.

Have a taste of real Irish beer and Ireland’s pub culture.
Want to know what the perfect Irish pub is like? Leave your hometown, and fly to Ireland to witness its buzzing nightlife and vibrant pub culture. Ales are the staple items that best welcome you to Irish cities. Sample them, and make friends with the locals. When building a rapport with the locals, resist the urge to say your grandmother is Irish. Opt for more creative ice-breakers, like describing your home city to a foreigner. The long-held stereotype that Ireland is full of redheads and that they will speak to you in Irish will end as soon as you enter the social scene in a pub.

Among the Irish beers worth trying are Murphy’s Irish Stout, Beamish Irish Stout, and Guinness Draught. Any of these options will give you a taste of traditional Irish brew while you mingle with the locals and other tourists.