Features

  Celebrate spring in Ireland, where ancient Celtic rituals and Christian traditions meet modern festival culture In the depths of winter, spring is the light up ahead that offers hope, renewal and abundance, and in Ireland its arrival has been celebrated down through the millennia. In ancient Ireland each of the four seasons was marked by a great fire festival:  Imbolc in...

Few experiences capture the heart and soul of Ireland quite like a game of hurling or Gaelic football. From the lightning speed to the high drama, it’s one of the best ways to enjoy Ireland at its most authentic   On the island of Ireland, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) isn’t just a sports organisation; it’s the cultural heartbeat of thousands...

  The historic city of Armagh celebrates its Georgian heritage in an award-winning festival full of spectacle and immersive fun.   The annual Georgian Festival (27–30 November) transforms Armagh into a late eighteenth-century city with costumed characters roving its historic streets, and tours, talks, theatre, music and foodie events delving into all aspects of Georgian life. Armagh is Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital and its...

   A Round-Up of the Best Christmas Events, Hotel Stays and Experience Gift Ideas Across Ireland If you are looking for festive inspiration on things to see, do and gift, we have a round up of magical events happening across the country, along with unique Irish experience gifts, and luxurious hotel stays, that your friends and family will really love! Cork: Visit...

  Get the inside track from local experts on the best things to do, see and experience in Dublin this winter, from cosy Sunday lunches to cold-water plunges   There’s nothing quite like winter in Dublin. As soon as the temperature starts to drop, the city hits peak cosiness, with smouldering fires in old pubs, restaurants serving up warming comfort food and...

Three days of festivities and an electrifying line-up of live entertainment promise an unforgettable New Year experience.   Ireland’s biggest New Year celebration, NYF Dublin, runs from 30 December 2025 – 1 January 2026 and features a packed programme of spectacle, music, and events to suit all ages. For three days the city becomes a stage for fabulous entertainers, and the skies...

Lahinch Golf Club, Co. Clare The Irish are passionate about sport – watching, playing or just talking about it is a favourite national pastime. Avid golfers will tell you it’s one of the best places in the world to play golf, rugby enthusiasts will say there is nowhere with more passionate fans, and that’s before we even mention Gaelic games,...

  As the autumn days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the lure of an open fire in a cosy pub and a creamy pint of stout becomes irresistible. And if any further excuse were needed to hole up in a Dublin snug, International Stout Day (6 November) provides the perfect reason to meet up with friends to raise a glass...

Ireland’s greenways offer travellers a wonderful chance to enjoy the island’s gorgeous scenery in a safe and sustainable way. Experienced on foot, or on pedal bike or ebike, the greenways combine fresh-air fun with fabulous views and fascinating historical and cultural sites. At the recent European Greenways Awards, which promotes examples of best practice, Ireland’s Great Western Greenway won a special green award...

Twinkle Town in Smithfield Square will bring the Christmas cheer this winter Article credit; Irish Independent Liam Coates Fri 17 Oct 2025 at 16:18 A collection of Christmas-themed attractions will be coming to Smithfield Square in the heart of Dublin from the end of November. The ‘Twinkle Town’ event, which is to include family-friendly attractions like a ‘Santa Panto’ and a ferris wheel,...