Follow these responsible travel itineraries
What if you could explore Ireland sustainably and experience the island’s rich culture, history, and community, all while following an exciting, action-packed itinerary?
Here are some great ideas to consider:
1. Belfast
The first itinerary takes you meandering on foot through the cultural hub that is Belfast city. Learn about Belfast’s shipbuilding past at Titanic Belfast and discover more local history in the Ulster Museum. Check out the MAC Belfast (Metropolitan Arts Museum) for international art exhibitions, theatre and more, and follow the Belfast Traditional Music Trail for toe-tapping tunes. Don’t forget to sample local food and meet the people who produce it at St George’s Market.
2. Ireland’s Ancient East
Trip number two features you, an electric vehicle and 72 hours in Ireland’s Ancient East. Highlights of this journey include some incredible estates, including the 17th-century Wells House and Gardens in County Wexford, Killruddery House and Gardens in County Wicklow, and the 18th-century Burton House in County Kildare. We’ve also included a trip to the eerie ruins of Duckett’s Grove in County Carlow, rumored to be haunted by long-dead members of the Duckett family.
3. Great Western Greenway
Pedal along the Great Western Greenway on our third itinerary – a 49-km, car-free route that stretches from Westport to Achill Island in County Mayo. The Greenway allows you to stop at your leisure and take in some of the attractions, including Westport House and Gardens; Newport, which is the ancestral home of Princess Grace of Monaco; the remains of the deserted village at Slievemore; many traditional music sessions; and of course, glorious sea views.
4. DART
Hop aboard the DART (Dublin’s commuter rail) as you follow our fourth itinerary around Dublin Bay. Lonely Planet named this in their list of Europe’s top train journeys and we couldn’t agree more as those coastal views are just outstanding! Spend two days exploring the likes of Sandymount, where James Joyce set some of his novel Ulysses; experience the Howth Cliff Walk and take a tour of Malahide Castle and Gardens. If you’re there in June, check out the Dalkey Book Festival – novelist Salman Rushdie called it “the best little festival in the world”.
5. Northern Ireland
No car? No problem, on the fifth and final itinerary, which takes you to some of Northern Ireland’s most popular cultural sites. Many tour buses leave from Belfast city to take you to the big attractions on the Causeway Coastal Route, such as the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Your onboard tour guide is bursting with knowledge and stories to tell about these landmarks.
This trip also outlines a few sites you can travel to yourself using the bus and train networks surrounding Belfast. Check out the Carrickfergus Castle, the Gobbins Cliff Path, the Down County Museum, and the Saint Patrick Centre. By opting for public transport, you get to sit back and enjoy the view as you sustainably explore the island of Ireland’s cultural hotspots.
