In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on 17 March, we toast the Emerald Isles and channel the Irish way of life through conviviality, celebration and connection.
If you’re planning a visit to Ireland, these unique experiences offered by award-winning travel specialists Trafalgar will get you closer to the heart and soul of Irish culture.
From foodie foraging experiences, to unique accommodations in ancient castles, here are just five amazing and immersive experiences to get you feeling the luck of the Irish.
Stay in a Castle
Dating back to 1228, the iconic Ashford Castle is a 13th Century regal residence which has housed Earls, Princes, the dynastic Guinness family, and many others of such high calibre. For a truly unique accommodation experience that is full of stories, history and charm, you can stay in this incredible castle and meet the people that love and know it the best. With experiences such as getting up close and personal with the birdlife from the oldest Falconry School in Ireland, trying your hand at archery, and exploring the hundreds of outlying islands with a boat trip across Lough Corrib, you’ll feel like you’re in a true-life fairytale.
Channel Luke Skywalker
The Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland is home to breathtaking scenery and where some of the most iconic scenes in Star Wars: The Last Jedi were filmed. Skellig Michael, an island off Ireland’s north-west coast – otherwise known as Luke Skywalker’s hide-out (ACH-to) can be best reached via County Kerry where further scenes of the trilogy were filmed, along with County Donegal. On Trafalgar’s Amazing Ireland, you’ll visit County Donegal and explore “The Diamond” as the city centre is known, before unveiling The Force of the remarkable ”Ring of Kerry”- one of Ireland’s most stunning and spectacular natural settings.
Sample Ireland’s finest drop
There’s no better way to discover the most famous Irish export than with a visit to the home of Guinness, The Guinness Storehouse at St James’ Gate, Dublin. You’ll skip the queues with Trafalgar and be led through the historic grounds by a Guinness Beer Specialist, who reveals the story of “the black stuff” before a tasting technique demonstration, whilst you enjoy a pint or two.
Forage for food on the wild west coast
Forage through Ireland’s wild west coast and feast on the freshest seafood with local legend Oonagh, who showcases the stunning County Clare coastline and shares her lifetime passion for foraging. Try your hand at finding Ireland’s finest produce ahead of a delicious lunch from the fruits of your labour on the Be My Guest dining experience, exclusive to Trafalgar.
Meet and eat with a local celebrity chef
Catherine Fulvio is one of Ireland’s famed TV chefs and cookbook authors. You’ll get to experience some of her traditional Irish fare with an Italian twist at her family’s Glenealy Farmhouse near Dublin. The charming Fulvio family will share their philosophy surrounding fresh local produce as well as the amazing history surrounding their property and their lives as locals.
