As part of our Irish Icons series, we’re taking a look at Phoenix Park, an oasis of calm and nature in Dublin and one of the biggest city parks in Europe. Across its 1,752 acres, visitors go to Phoenix park for Dublin Zoo, horse riding, polo, cricket, organised model airplane flying, running and rock concerts […]
Irish weather might not always be perfect, but our climate is great. In other words, while it can get damp or chilly, it rarely gets too hot or too cold to venture outdoors. This changeable, relatively mild weather also means that we have a rich, wild and beautiful landscape. Unfortunately, it also brings muddy, slippery […]
Not many capital cities offer such easy access to the countryside, but Dublin residents are often just minutes away from some incredibly beautiful hills and mountains Here are some of our favourites, from the handy loop trails to places of historical interest to the most epic views. Looped Walks Dalkey and Killiney Hill Killiney attracts […]
We love winter walks. The air is fresh, many trees and plants take on a beautiful new appearance, and the sunlight and exercise can keep the winter blues away Here, we’ll take a look at some charming trails suited to winter walking, and then give tips on how to take the best pictures and keep […]
Irish history could comfortably be described as “eventful”. In fact, “tragic,” “dramatic” and “gothic” would also frequently apply Combine our eventful past with our powerful weather, inspiring landscapes and then our love of storytelling, and it’s no surprise that we have a disproportionate number of ghost stories and spooky sites. Halloween is a perfect time […]
There’s a simple thing that Irish people often miss when they move abroad – seasons Watching plants transform to dramatic shades of red, brown and yellow, before disappearing and returning, is magical, eternal and reassuring. Those of you with long memories might remember the term “deciduous” from primary school. Deciduous, as opposed to evergreen trees, […]
At first glance, camping and Ireland might not go hand in hand: The weather (as you might have noticed!) can be cold and unpredictable, leading to a bracing encounter with the elements if you don’t have the right tent or camping gear. However, Ireland is also legendarily scenic, and we have an abundance of camping-friendly […]
It makes sense that much of Ireland’s landscape has a colourful story behind it. The land is inspiring and diverse; and it’s always had a disproportionate number of poets, songwriters and storytellers. So, it’s perhaps inevitable that Ireland has produced a rich tradition of folklore that flourishes to this day. And, as you might expect, […]
Ireland should be better known for its beaches. Yes, it’s well-established that we don’t enjoy the balmy sunshine of other famous sandy locations, like Spain or the Seychelles. But what we lack in guaranteed sun, we make up for with stunning vistas, unusual landscapes and rich variety (in everything from sand quality to landscapes to […]
A thick, soft blanket with an ugly pattern; a flask filled with tea; “sangwiches” in tinfoil; biscuits, both fresh and soft; and an Irish summer’s day. We all know the ingredients for a great Irish picnic, but where are the best spots to eat? Ireland has an abundance of lovely places to picnic, from parks […]