PAID CONTENT FOR IRELAND TOURISM BOARD
PAID CONTENT FOR TOURISM IRELAND
PAID CONTENT FOR IRELAND TOURISM BOARD
Tourism Ireland IRELAND
ALONG WIT ITS RICH HISTORY OF STORYTELLING AND ADVENTURE, IRELAND IS ALSO THE IDEAL DESTINATION FOR THOSE KEEN TO RECONNECT WITH NATURE
The birthplace and childhood playground of some of the world’s greatest explorers, Ireland is a wild and wondrous land of discovery. Combined with world- famous hospitality, captivating natural beauty and an array of characterful places to stay, this island is the perfect place to set out on a luxury adventure.
Land of adventure The island of Ireland is renowned for its beautiful scenery: from the vast, quiet lakes of Connemara and Fermanagh, the rolling green hills of County Cork and the mystical Mourne Mountains to the celestial rocky terrain of the Burren, the majestic Giant’s Causeway and the wild, seaweed-fringed Atlantic coastline. As the sun dips below the horizon, paddle out with Atlantic Sea Kayaking on a nocturnal tour of Lough Hyne, County Cork, surrounded by dazzling bioluminescence and a sky full of stars. Those wanting to take it slow can board one of Emerald Star’s boats for a gentle cruise down Ireland’s longest river, the Shannon, which weaves through the heart of Ireland, passing lush riverbeds
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teaming with wildlife and ancient monastic sites. With over 1,970 miles of coastline, the island is a sailing haven. Sionnan Luxury Cruises offers high-end yacht charters along the Atlantic coastline where wild eagles swoop overhead and dolphins dive in the swells. On land, horse-lovers can gallop along the golden beaches and rolling meadows of West Kerry with Dingle Horse Riding.
A dram of nature Whiskey has been distilled on the island of Ireland for over 800 years and, today, the island is experiencing an exciting renaissance. Located in a former pumphouse, Titanic Distillers began distilling whiskey in 2023, while Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in the world is booming. Killowen, Ireland’s smallest distillery, nestled in the Mourne Mountains, is driving a renaissance of Irish moonshine and runs poitín and herring wild cooking experiences, celebrating the ancient tradition of distilling and centuries-old Irish cooking techniques. Clonakilty Distillery, a
maritime distillery on a windswept corner of the Wild Atlantic Way, is using the pristine water and salty sea air to curate magnificent malts, while West Cork Distillery produces small-batch Garnish Irish Gin using botanicals from locally foraged iris, rose, rosemary and thyme. Whiskey is best enjoyed with food and there’s an array of unique culinary experiences merging nature and delicious produce from across the island. On Strangford Lough, in Northern Ireland’s new UNESCO Global Geopark, visitors can spend an afternoon canoeing on the tranquil waters before tucking into freshly baked cakes and warm soda bread in a traditional Irish thatched cottage with Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen. For a high-end dining experience inspired by nature, Mourne Larder, pioneered by celebrity chef Paul Cunningham, holds secret pop-up dining events across County Down, where diners tuck into an incredible 11-course menu celebrating local ingredients. Keen foragers can also discover wild food and how Irish culture is connected to the land with Wild Food Mary in County Offaly.
Wild wellness Ireland’s rugged west coast provides a wild and wonderful playground for wellness. Colourful mops of seaweed grow in abundance along the rocky shoreline in earthy, rainbow hues of vermilion, green, fuchsia and brown: a plant making its mark on menus and spas around the world. Breathe in the wild Atlantic Sea air and wander through rock pools to forage seaweed with Mungo Murphy’s Seaweed Co, a boutique farm on the edge of Galway Bay. Atlantic Irish Seaweed runs sashimi and ceviche trips, along with seaweed discovery walks, exploring the ancient traditions of seaweed harvesting, accompanied by the same nibbles of flavoursome duilleasc that sustained the monks on nearby Skellig Michael for centuries. For natural wellness on the north coast, Mussenden Unwind in County Londonderry takes visitors on an ancient woodland walk and bracing sea dip, followed by a foraged wild-cooked meal on the beach. For sea-dippers, beach saunas are popping up across the island to warm the cockles after a bracing swim.
Beautiful hotels There’s no shortage of high-end hotels across Ireland. Ashford Castle in County Mayo is steeped in history and splendour: part castle and part chateau, the grand 13th-century hotel celebrates the great outdoors with a range of pursuits from falconry, fishing and horse-riding to archery, garden tours and boating. Here, hospitality is in the DNA and a feeling of home presides. Adare Manor in County Limerick has a legendary legacy of hospitality and provides the perfect countryside escape, with new Padel Club and its renowned golf club. Inside its neo-gothic walls, expect to find roaring fires and the warmest welcome. At Ballyfin Demesne in County Laois, guests can truly lose themselves in nature, whether foraging for autumn berries and wild mushrooms, picnicking among the bluebells or trying Gaelic Games. On wild, windy nights, guests can hole up inside and hire their own costumes for a period drama-style evening by candlelight. For a truly remote stay, bed-in at Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites, tucked away on the Aran Islands, as storm clouds gather and waves crash on the shore.
DON’T MISS Get a bird’s-eye view of the iconic Cliffs of Moher on a private helicopter charter with Executive Helicopters
This content is brought to you by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. 149 Need to know
KEY FEATURES • Giant’s Causeway • Atlantic Sea Kayaking • Sionnan Luxury Cruises • Old Bushmills Distillery • Mourne Larder • Wild Food Mary • Mussenden Unwind • Voya Seaweed Baths
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