If you’re considering visiting the Emerald Isle, but you’re not yet fully convinced of the benefits, then this list of 10 reasons to visit Ireland might just convince you. From rugged, untouched landscapes to ancient Celtic history and traditional Irish folk music, Ireland is the country to head to!
In no particular order – here are 10 reasons why Ireland is special:
This majestic barge is the largest in Ireland to cruise the River Shannon. Explore Ireland in complete comfort aboard The Shannon Princess as you’re served the most exquisite dishes by your very own onboard Master Chef. See the River Shannon from a different perspective, whether you’re out on the sundeck or gazing through the panoramic picture windows.
This 10-guest deluxe barge has everything you need to see the sights and experience the best the river has to offer. Read in peace in your bright, modern cabin or interact with like-minded travellers in the cosy saloon, which comes complete with its own fully stocked bar. Step onto the towpath as the barge slow travels – there’s time to take in the abundance of wildlife singing on the nearby banks.
For expanses of lush green scenery as far as the eye can see, head to one of Ireland’s many golf courses. Dense woodlands populate the courses, with grass greener than any you’ve seen before. Whether you love a game of golf or just enjoy hiking across the courses to share the views, Ireland’s golf courses present the most beautiful scenery.
Booking onto a themed golf cruise on the Shannon Princess gains keen golfers access to some of the most impressive golf courses in Ireland. From the now infamous 400-acre Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg to one of the oldest golf courses at Lahinch Golf Club – there’s challenging 18-hole courses and breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views.
Ireland has a rich, Celtic history that was characterised by its relative separation from the rest of Roman Britain. In the Middle Ages, St Patrick introduced a different form of Christianity in Ireland, meaning that bishops didn’t have the same control over land as in England. Whilst neighbouring countries were experiencing a ‘Dark Age’, the Irish had a golden age for art, architecture and culture.
In late medieval times, Ireland experienced escalating conflict, particularly due to English invasions. With its High Crosses, stone details and peaceful setting, a visit to the ruins of Clonmacnoise will shed some light on Ireland’s golden age from the 500s-1600s. If later medieval history is more your thing, then visit the eerily haunted Leap Castle, which has experienced death, destruction and violence throughout its 1000-year life.
The River Shannon is named after the Celtic goddess, Sionnan, who was swept out to sea after consulting with the Salmon of Knowledge. It is the longest river in Ireland, ending its course at the Atlantic Ocean. It flows from the source at Cuilcagh Mountain, 386km from County Cavan in the north, to Limerick in the south-west.
This river has played a pivotal role in Ireland’s history, providing a vital transport link for the Irish to travel and trade throughout the Emerald Isle. However, the river has also offered up a convenient route for invasion from the Vikings in the 10th century to the 1916 Easter Rising. Barging on the River Shannon can uncover not only wildlife but forgotten narratives of Ireland’s rich history.
Did you know that Irish whiskey is the only type to be spelled with an ‘e’? In addition, Irish whiskey has very little peat in it, meaning it doesn’t develop the distinctive smoky flavour of Scottish whisky. Made from a mixture of malt, barley and grain spirits, whiskey is distilled three times. It’s aged for an absolute minimum of three years to give it a chance to fully mature.
If you’re visiting Ireland, then you shouldn’t miss a chance to visit Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery. Intertwined with the people of the town of Kilbeggan, it’s the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, with origins going back to 1757. Explore the restored distillery and hear about its trials over the years. You’ll have a chance to try whiskey cocktails and experience a ‘4 Whiskey Master Class’ in a beautiful location.
With breathtaking mountain views, extraordinary coastal panoramas, magical waterfalls and peaceful wetlands, Ireland has a plethora of jaw-dropping landscapes. Whether you’re a hiker, a photographer, or you just want to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, there’s plenty to see in Ireland.
Combine your barge cruise on Shannon Princess and see the Glens of Antrim before or after your cruise, with its nine impressive glens laden with luscious valleys that are punctuated with castles, waterfalls and monuments. With some of the mountain ranges of Ireland inspiring stories like Narnia and Lord of the Rings, this magical land could be straight from a fantasy novel. Tolkien fans shouldn’t miss a chance to visit the ‘Hole of Gollum’ in County Clare and those who love C.S.Lewis can see the Slieve Bloom Mountains in all their glory!
Ireland is a country that’s been shaped by water, both literally and culturally. With this green island being surrounded by the sea, it’s no wonder that Irish mythology heavily features stories of fishermen and shipwrecks.
Storytelling is something that’s been developing in Ireland since the seanchaí descendants of the isle started sharing folklore many centuries ago. Whether told through poetry, song or narrative, the Irish have a talent for charming with stories that capture and bewitch audiences. To experience a taste of Irish storytelling, visitors only need to head to coastal communities, literary festivals, or local pubs!
With its roots in ancient Celtic culture, folk music is the soundtrack to a simple Irish life. Famously passed down through generations of Irish people, Irish folk music is something that’s heard and felt, not learned. With intricate instrumental additions, exciting melodies and changing rhythms, traditional Irish music is anything but boring.
Best experienced in live music venues, which conveniently double up as pubs, groups often perform seated and encourage onlookers to join in with their own instruments! Traditional instruments include the fiddle, the harp and the tin whistle. Pull up a chair and sip on a pint of Guinness as you get lost in the music of the band. If the music is particularly vivacious, you may be enticed to jump to your feet for a Ceili!
Did you know that St Patrick’s Day celebrations actually originated in the USA? Begun in 1737, Irish immigrants wanted to commemorate their heritage. Now, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated all across Ireland, from the annual St Patrick’s festival in Dublin, all the way down to Cork.
If you visit Ireland during St Patrick’s Day (17th March) week then it would be rude not to join in with the festivities. With a reputation for music, beer, and Irish citizens bursting with national pride, St Patrick’s Day is a treasured holiday in Ireland. Don some green clothing and parade shamrock motifs around the streets and pubs – you’ll fit right in!
With Ireland known as the Emerald Isle, it’s hardly surprising that the island’s reputation as a wild, rugged nation has closely nurtured a deep, intrinsic relationship between land, sea, and the produce that comes from it. With its rich, luscious pastures providing ideal grazing for livestock and the Atlantic ocean offering a bountiful selection of seafood, Ireland offers visitors a chance to connect with the country through what’s served on their plate.
Throughout Ireland, visitors can find farmer’s markets selling fresh, local produce. Whether you’re looking for artisan cheeses, salt-aged steaks or fresh shellfish, Ireland produces a wealth of ingredients. What’s more, guests travelling on Shannon Princess can enjoy the best gourmet cuisine prepared by a Master Chef, who was trained at the world-renowned Ballmaloe School. What better way to experience Ireland’s gourmet local ingredients!
Cruise aboard the Shannon Princess and see a stunning snapshot of Ireland on an all-inclusive, immersive tour of Ireland’s culture, scenery and gastronomy.
Simply chat to a member of our staff to guarantee your cabin on our 6-night tour aboard the Shannon Princess. From Glasson to Killaloe, you’ll visit ancient Celtic ruins, the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery, and even enjoy a traditional Guinness and oyster lunch!
For more information on the full experience, Contact Us.
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