Ireland

From the Causeway Coast and Wild Atlantic Way to the sunny southeast and everywhere in between, Ireland is ripe for exploring, says Gilly Pickup

The 195 mile Causeway Coastal Route offers scenery in bucketloads, from dramatic cliff-top castles and blastfrom-the-past villages to white-sand beaches and even an extinct volcano. En route, take in locations from Game

of Thrones including the magnificent Giant’s Causeway, a volcanic formation of thousands of hexagonal rocks.

There’s also Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, spanning a 30-metre deep chasm. Bold folks who cross to the rocky island of the same name are rewarded with fantastic views. Start or finish the route in Belfast, birthplace of Titanic, or Londonderry, Britain's only completely walled city.

Wild Atlantic Way

With culture and natural wonders from the island’s western edge, the Wild Atlantic Way offers hiking, coasteering, kayaking and some of the best surfing in the world. And you’re almost guaranteed to spot a whale or two. The route is littered with gardens blooming with sub-tropical plants, blue flag beaches, ancient sites and coastal forts. An often-overlooked Wild Atlantic Way treasure is Inis Óirr, the smallest Aran Island. Take the ferry over and walk or cycle round. Revel in the panoramic views of the Cliffs of Moher and discover its fishing village and castle ruins.

The ‘new’ Reeks District

The Mid-Kerry region on the south-west coast, close to Kerry Airport, a two-hour drive from Shannon and four hours from Dublin, has re-branded as the Reeks District. The new name is a nod to the region’s MacGillcuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range. A new tourism marketing strategy is based on the region’s strong outdoors and experiential proposition, encapsulated in the associated strapline, ‘Ireland’s Adventure Playground’.

Pilgrimage Routes and Hidden Heartlands

Five of Ireland's ancient 'Camino' pilgrimage routes (pilgrimpath.ie) are enjoying a recent revival as travellers seek alternatives to the Spanish Camino.

Meanwhile Failte Ireland’s latest tourism campaign to boost tourism in the middle of Ireland sees the area rebranded as ‘Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands’. The focus is on the development of new food networks, cycle trails and boating on the River Shannon. This region also includes the historical Beara Breifne Way, the longest walking trail in Ireland.

Ireland’s Ancient East

East of the River Shannon, Ireland’s Ancient East, a vast region from Cavan to Cork, promotes the castle and legendfilled southeast and oozes magical tales, standing stones megalithic tombs and heritage sites.

Limerick, Ireland’s first city of culture, has an impressive castle and cathedral, tranquil riverside walks and fabulous restaurants while Cork hosts 24 major festivals yearly including the Cork Film Festival and a worldrenowned jazz festival in October. Wexford is home to Ireland’s National Opera House and has several art galleries. Just outside town the National Heritage Park offers an insight into prehistoric times and the chance to stay overnight in a ringfort – fun for children of all ages!

Underrated Ireland

"With stunning scenery, castles and coastlines, it is a mystery that more do not see Ireland as a holiday destination. With centuries of history, myths and legends the Emerald Isle is a wonder waiting to be discovered," said Julian Appleyard, Commercial Director, Great Rail Journeys

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