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Visit Ireland: 6 Of The Best Irish Weekend Breaks

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Separated by nearly 5000 km of Atlantic ocean, who would have thought the U.S and Ireland would have such a strong connection.

This historical relationship goes way back, and so today, you’ll find Americans with Irish ancestry in every single county in the U.S.

Although not quite as large as the U.S, you’ll find nearly 15 percent of Canadians claim an Irish heritage as well.

Given that connection to Ireland and its legendary beauty, it is no wonder more than 500,000 Americans visit Ireland every year.

Of course, for many, a trip to Ireland is either a business trip or part of a bigger trip to the U.K and even onto Europe.

That means the time you have to explore Ireland may be limited.

Visit Ireland: 6 Of The Best Irish Weekend Breaks

In this article, we’re going to talk you through 6 of the best Irish weekend breaks.

Reading this will make you fall in love with the Emerald Isle even more. 

1. Lots To See in Dublin

Dublin is great fun as a city break; there’s no shortage of things to see and do. However, at the top of the list as an absolute essential is to take a Guinness tour.

Ireland, and especially Dublin, is home to the famous black stuff. 

You can go to the Guinness Storehouse and see this legendary drink being made.

The museum, with its numerous exhibitions, will take you on a journey into old Ireland and the birth of a major cultural drink.

At the end of the tour, you’ll even get the chance to pull your own pint.

Another must-see is Trinity College on College Green. Would you believe the writer of Dracula, Bram Stoker, studied at Trinity along with other greats like W.B Yeats and Oscar Wilde?

The beautiful buildings and timeless libraries are a treat to be explored.

2. Medieval Galway

Galway itself is a beautiful city with all the crack of Ireland you’d expect.

Head to Quay street for lively bars, restaurants, coffee shops and be thoroughly entertained by the Irish spirit.

Being in Galway allows you to be within striking distance of areas of stunning natural beauty.

One of the attractions of Ireland is the rugged coastline facing the wild ocean. Dramatic and romantic. You can take a tour of the Cliffs of Moher, located in Burren, which is part of the Wild Atlantic Way. 

Just the name inspires the imagination.

Spending time in Galway and getting out into these rugged rural areas will give you a taste of authentic Ireland.

Visit Ireland: 6 Of The Best Irish Weekend Breaks

3. Take a Walk in Cork

When you visit Cork and see its rugged, wild, and natural beauty offset by cliffs, thunder, and stormy skies, you’ll see why Ireland has inspired so many legendary folk tales.

These beautiful places have to be not only seen but must be experienced.

That’s the opportunity Cork offers.

The very southwesterly tip of Ireland juts out into the sea at Mizen Head.

The weather battered cliffs are unmistakable and a must to go and see in Cork. Another beautiful find is the tranquil Gougane Barra.

It’s a little Island off Cork that you can enjoy as a day trip. There you will find an ancient Church and an eerie sense of stillness. You’ll love the beauty and peace.

4. Seaside Sligo

Like many Irish cities, you’ll find enchanting nooks and crannies everywhere.

Sligo is no exception, but the real treat is getting into the great outdoors. In the case of Sligo, that means going to the beach.

True, you don’t associate Sligo with a sun-tan, but the beaches are stunning nonetheless.

They are long, wild, white, and captivating. If you’re able, an unforgettable experience is to go horse riding on the white sands of Dunmoran. 

Once you’ve tired yourself out exploring the city and the beach, you should head to Jameson’s factory to see where the famous whiskey is made and take a tipple or two.

5. Dramatic Donegal

Pictures do not do this place justice. The color, smell, and wild sensory experience you get from Donegal is almost a window into the pride and passion of being Irish.

There is an endless trail of natural beauty to see amidst amazing cliffs, mountains, and coastline. 

You should definitely see An Grianán of Aileach, a stone ringfort that dates back nearly 3000 years.

To stand on the site, take in the wild oceanic view, and contemplate the passing of centuries will be deeply gratifying.

Visit Ireland: 6 Of The Best Irish Weekend Breaks

6. Legendary Waterford

This quaint place is famous for its crystal. You can learn about the craft and its historical development.

Yet, the most compelling reason to go to Waterford has to be its connection with the Vikings.

They arrived in Waterford in the 9th century.

You can tour the area known as the Viking Triangle, an ancient medieval part of the city with narrow, cramped, and twisting streets full of history and atmosphere.

There are numerous other things to do, so click here for more ideas.

Plan to Visit Ireland 

In this article, you’ve read about 6 of the best Irish weekend breaks. Even if you don’t have any Irish heritage, you should plan to visit Ireland.

This beautiful country, rich with history, culture, and personality, will steal your heart.

A weekend break in Ireland will seem too short. Use this article and plan well so that you can make the most of it.

In the meantime, you can check out other articles on my site to inspire passion for life and making every precious moment count.

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