Ireland
Nestled between Christmas season and St. Patrick’s Day, the winter months in Ireland are full of magic, comfort and delight for intrepid travelers. The winters are rarely extreme, with an average temperature between 40 and 46 degrees, and don’t be surprised to wake up to clear blue skies and sunshine. When Ireland is occasionally blanketed…
When it comes to proclaiming Ireland’s countless charms, there is no shortage of sources! Look to the poets and songwriters, the travel writers and bloggers, and to visitors themselves if you want to appreciate what makes Ireland such as magical place to visit, not just in summer, but all year round. For many of us,…
Sustainable travel has become an important facet of Ireland’s tourism industry, and is heartily embraced by communities, hospitality venues, small businesses, environmentalists and political leaders. It is a modern-day mindset that protects the island from short and long term damages, while offering visitors a respectful and responsible way to enjoy this precious island and leave…
The Irish literary traditions are ancient and well-known, from the ancient bards and storytellers to the modern giants of literature. Not surprisingly, these literary traditions are part of Ireland’s living culture today, as Ireland continues to spawn talented new generations of writers. You’ll find plenty of inspiration at these literary festivals, joining other poets, musicians, storytellers…
Congratulations to Niall Gibbons, who is stepping down from his position as CEO of Tourism Ireland in March 2023, after a distinguished 21 year career that included fourteen years as chief executive officer. Under Gibbons’ leadership, Ireland has been deftly marketed and branded as a prime destination for visitors not just from the North America market…
The highly-acclaimed and ever-popular TradFest Temple Bar returns to Dublin from January 25-29, 2023 with more than 100 Irish artists and international performers at 85 events in cultural venues across the city. Now in its 18th season, 2023 TradFest offers a perfect balance between seasoned traditional legends and brilliant young artists at the start of…
For a relatively small island, Ireland boasts an amazing abundance of 30,000+ castles and ruins for visitors to explore and enjoy. They range from splendid medieval masterpieces with luxury accommodations to medium castles full of history and heritage, as well as smaller castles dotting the landscape. These castles are part of an illustrious heritage and…
Of course, we all know that Ireland is magical in the summer and fall, but here’s a little secret: With its temperate climate, Ireland is equally enchanting, inviting and fun in winter and spring too! The off-peak season in Ireland – roughly November to February – is a perfect time to visit. For starters, the…
Visitors to Ireland talk of making a pilgrimage home, of finding their roots, of reconnecting to an integral part of their nature. Part of the appeal has to do with Ireland’s ancient, spiritual dimension stretching back in time. Druids in love with nature, Monks transcribing scripture during the Dark Ages, medieval clans and colonial invasions…
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands represents a beautifully unspoiled part of Ireland knitted together by the majestic Shannon River and its scenic tributaries and waterways. The 224 mile Shannon, the island’s largest river, has countless recreational opportunities, from swimming and fishing to kayaking, canoeing and river cruising, where you get to see the natural wonders of Ireland’s…
From mid-September, autumn is a special time in Ireland, when the crowds thin out and the island reverts back to the locals. It is a perfect time for intrepid travelers to experience Ireland in its autumnal glory, with plenty of outdoor activities and cultural events to enjoy. Walking Walking festivals are popular in Ireland year…
Visitors to Ireland quickly learn that the Irish people love sharing their beloved island with travelers from across the globe and are delighted to make everyone feel welcome. But now more than ever, the Irish are mindful of the importance of preserving, protecting and respecting these precious natural wonders. Sustainable travel is a concept that…
Belfast, a city of undeniable musical chops and outrageously gifted musicians, has been officially named as a UNESCO City of Music in November 2021. The prestigious honor puts Belfast in the company of musical bastions like Glasgow, Liverpool, Kingston, Havana and Kansas City, and confirms what many of us already know: this city rocks! World-renowned…
Did you know that 70 million people around the world claim Irish ancestry, including 30 million in the U.S. alone? The Irish Diaspora is a testament to the intrepid Irish who by necessity or adventure bravely explored new frontiers. There are countless joys to visiting Ireland but researching your family tree is clearly one of…
Dublin, Ireland is gearing up for massive literary festivities this year, as the city celebrates the centenary of James Joyce’s novel, Ulysses, first published on February 2, 1922. Hailed as a masterpiece work of fiction by literary critics everywhere, Ulysses is set in Dublin and revolves around a single day in the life of Leopold Bloom…
Now is the time to start planning your long-awaited trip home to the island of Ireland. There are countless reasons to return to Ireland, but here are eight suggestions to make you want to visit Ireland this summer, fall and beyond! 1. The craic (fun) is still mighty! Replenish yourself with magical days and nights reconnecting…
We’ve spent months binge watching our favorite TV shows and movies but did you know the island of Ireland provides the backdrop to some of your favorite on screen moments? Whether it’s Hollywood blockbusters or smash-hit TV, the beautiful landscapes, streetscapes and architecture of the island of Ireland always shine brightly on the big, small…
Ireland is a moveable feast of delicious home-grown produce, dairy products, meats and fish, all native to the island. Here’s just a sampling of nine cool food treks you can enjoy while also taking in the beauty of coastal fishing ports, cities and tucked-away towns. 1. Moran’s Oyster Cottage, County Galway Located in a 250-year-old cottage…
The City of Tribes. Galway Oysters.Galway Girl. Macnas.Busker Heaven. Brilliantly Bohemian. Visitors love Galway City for a variety of reasons, and 2020 offers one more reason. Galway becomes Europe’s 2020 Cultural Capital, a special designation awarded to a city each year by the European Union (EU). Galway’s term runs from February 1, 2020 to January 31,…
The literary output of writers from Dublin is extraordinary, spawning novelists, poets, songwriters, playwrights, journalists and scholars. It is one reason why Dublin became the fourth city recognized as a City of Literature by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), one of 39 UNESCO Cities of Literature in the world today. With four Nobel…
What does it take to attract over half a million musicians and music-lovers from around the world to descend upon a medieval town in Ireland in the middle of summer? Of course, it is the Fleadh Cheoil na h’Éireann, Ireland’s Festival of Music, which takes place from August 11-18 in the town of Drogheda, County…
HBO’s wildly popular Game of Thrones has thrilled audiences around the world, and even though the last episode was aired on May 18, 2019, the spirit of the show lives on in Northern Ireland. That’s because many of the show’s 72 episodes were filmed there over the past decade, and Northern Ireland’s historic and dramatic scenery is…
Seamus Heaney was welcome everywhere he went. He was the quintessential modern bard, whittling words that moved the spirit, comfortable in the halls of academia, the local pub, or in literary salons from Boston to Belfast. Seamus died in 2013 and chose to be buried in the village of Bellaghy in County Derry, where he…
The Wild Atlantic Way Fresh ocean air and sea breezes, stunning seascapes and rugged coastlines, lush green fields and gently rolling hills, rural back-roads and picturesque villages, hidden lakes and flowing rivers. When you visit Ireland for your trip of a lifetime, why not align your journey with Ireland’s Great Outdoors! It is a perfect way to acclimate yourself…
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Irish Boston Partners
These organizations promote Irish Culture in New England.
