An island treat for young sightseers
Attention, young travelers of the world! Ireland is calling… and there’s lots to see and do across this beautiful little island.
When it comes to UNESCO marvels, Ireland is sure to take your breath away. The Wild Atlantic Way is home to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, where sea air meets stunning ocean views, and limestone moonscapes stretch across the land.
In Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway UNESCO World Heritage site gives you the astounding sight of 40,000 hexagonal stone columns. According to science, intense volcanic activity 60 million years ago created this whimsical landscape, but the local legend of warring giants is a lot more fun.
Amidst the green plains of Meath in Ireland’s Ancient East you’ll find the hallowed region of Brú na Bóinne. As the sun rises around December 21st, the rays reach the inner chambers of the passage tomb of Newgrange, marking the Winter Solstice.
Dublin is one of only four UNESCO City of Literature sites in the world. Take the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl and visit where Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett came to ponder over a pint. And as a UNESCO City of Film, the medieval streets of Galway welcome the Galway Film Fleadh (July), which attracts movie buffs from the world over.
Ireland is home to a host of fascinating museums. In Dublin, you’ll find exquisite fine art at the National Gallery of Ireland, quirky personal artifacts at the Little Museum of Dublin and fascinating insights into Ireland’s most prolific wordsmiths at the Dublin Writers Museum.
In Belfast, a trip to the incredible visitor experience that is Titanic Belfast is a must, along with a vivid introduction to Belfast’s art scene at the MAC. For an insight into local life and history, visit local museums found in every county across the island.
Fancy enjoying Ireland’s gorgeous great outdoors? Head to County Waterford and kayak north on the beautiful River Suir or head out to the seaside town of Tramore for a spot of kitesurfing.
In Northern Ireland, thrill seekers should head to County Fermanagh to the Corralea Activity Centre, where windsurfing, archery, climbing, and mountain biking are all on offer. Hikers love the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark’s network of trails. Just outside the city of Derry~Londonderry, you can join City of Derry Equestrian Centre for a gallop through the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains.
In County Mayo, head off along the Great Western Greenway, a 42km/26 mile traffic-free route that takes walkers and cyclists through woods and bog, past coast and mountains all the way to Achill Island.
For a more relaxing approach, be dazzled by Ireland’s twinkling night skies at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Northern Ireland or the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve in County Kerry.
Whether you’re young at heart or young in age, Ireland is full of adventure!