ISLAND OF IRELAND in 2023
Make 2023 the year you explore one of the greenest, friendliest and most beautiful places on earth. Whether its oneofakind attractions, cool new eateries, places to stay or exciting new experiences, Ireland will always surprise you with what it has to offer.
Experiences Go camping in Wicklow and embrace Top of your list has to be the amazing new treetop walk Beyond the Trees Avondale in Country Wicklow. Nominated by National Geographic in their ‘Best of the World for 2023’ list of extraordinary destinations, the magazine praises Wicklow for being “crammed with mountain trails for hikers and bikers, stately Palladian mansions, wild waterfalls and an underrated coast”.
Spectacular sights are also given in the Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion, and Strangford and Lecale areas of County Down and County Armagh. The area’s bid to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, Northern Ireland’s second global geopark, has been approved for ratification this May.
From the high granite peaks of the Mournes and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Ring of Gullion to the rolling drumlins and rippling shores of Strangford Lough, the region has long been prized for its gorgeous landscape – all of which has been formed and shaped by various geological processes over millions of years.
A stay here is a must, for with just a few moments immersed in this landscape you’ll discover why St Patrick chose to settle here. This is also the land that also inspired C.S. Lewis’ world of Narnia and the creators of Game of Thrones®. Its myths, legends, culture, experiences and giant adventures are sure to inspire you too.
Attractions A trip to the Patrick Kavanagh Centre is a must for all lovers of Irish poetry. Kavanagh, who wrote the famous poem ‘On Raglan Road’, was born in Inniskeen in County Monaghan. A major refurbishment of the centre has brought new displays and memory boxes containing personal effects, as well as touch screens and a new event space. A selfguided Kavanagh Trail identifies key landmarks linked to the great man’s poetry, and there is a new Raglan Road Tea Room.
The magnificent Mount Congreve Gardens in County Waterford have also been subject to serious renovations with changes to the gardens, a new café and a beautiful new gift shop. Described as ‘a great garden of the world’, this is a haven for plant and history lovers alike, as well as for those simply looking to relax in nature. Its collections feature plants from every continent.
Wherever you go on the island of Ireland, you’re always going to find something new, dierent and exciting to see and do.
From March 2023, travellers to the prehistoric passage tombs at Knowth in County Meath will be welcomed with a newly enhanced experience. This major repository of megalithic art, which makes up part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, contains more than half of the known megalithic art in Europe in one single location. The new Knowth visitor hub is a continuation of the upgrade to the whole Brú na Bóinne visitor experience and offers a large digital exhibition exploring the rock art of Knowth and accompanied by engaging interactives and audio visuals.