Ireland Vacations

The Guinness Storehouse pays homage to one of Ireland’s most successful and famous exports. Visitors on a self-guided tour make their way up seven floors surrounding an atrium in the shape of a giant pint. At the top is the Gravity Bar, which offers spectacular views of Dublin and a pint of the creamy black stuff.

Built around 3200 BC, Newgrange is a prehistoric monument that’s older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. The circular stone mound is perfectly aligned with the rising sun, which floods the inner chambers with light for 17 minutes on winter solstice. So coveted is a spot inside on this day that a lottery is held to decide who gets in.

The Blarney Stone’s special power was revealed to the King of Munster in 1446 by the goddess Clíodhna. Since then, millions have pressed their lips against it, hoping to be granted the gift of great eloquence.

For a spectacular view of Galway Bay and the refreshing spray of cool Atlantic mist, tourists get as close as they dare to the heart-stopping drop over the Cliffs of Moher. Not too close though—unfortunately, people have gone over.

With a 300-year history, O’Neill’s Pub in Dublin’s city centre is neither fancy nor modern, but its generous helpings of Irish classics like Guinness stew make any tourist feel like a true Celt.

Dublin’s Michelin-starred Chapter One combines impeccable haute cuisine with welcoming Irish hospitality. It’s widely considered the best restaurant in all of Ireland.