Heritage

Go off the beaten track and discover some of the island of Ireland’s lesser-known castles and abbeys and their magical tales. There is a castle or abbey, intact or in ruins, around every corner on the island of Ireland. The best-known ones are magnets for visitors meaning it’s often hard to get the time and space to soak up their...

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Boyne Valley in County Meath is to become Ireland’s seventh National Park. The new National Park in Ireland’s Ancient East will stretch over 550 acres (223 hectares) and will be a unique place where history, heritage, nature and culture collide. The park will be situated in the eighteenth-century Dowth demesne, which overlays...

Derry-Londonderry declared a United Nations International City of Peace Derry-Londonderry, a city steeped in history, culture, and reconciliation, has been honoured with the prestigious designation of UN City of Peace. The United Nations International City of Peace program acknowledges cities worldwide that have demonstrated outstanding efforts in fostering peace, tolerance, and cooperation among their diverse communities. Derry-Londonderry's transformation into a symbol...

Explore the island of Ireland’s awesome UNESCO sites The island of Ireland’s UNESCO sites are destinations of world-class natural and cultural heritage that should top your to-do list. Despite being small, the island of Ireland looms large when it comes to the number of UNESCO designated sites and cities it harbours. From ancient geological phenomena to vibrant cities steeped in culture,...

The annual Spanish Armada festival returns this September for the 14th consecutive year and will take place in Grange, Streedagh, Cliffoney and Sligo Town. With lots of events taking place covering arts, history, culture, music and the spoken word, Remembering the Armada is a great weekend event for all to enjoy this 14th-17th September 2023. Three Spanish Armada ships sank...

Minister Catherine Martin awards over €620,000 in funding for After Hours at the Museum Grant Scheme and announces a new pilot Night-Time Economy initiative aimed at young people. - €620,000 awarded to support over 220 night-time events in 51 museums and galleries across the Country. 29th August 2023 The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin...

Simple, splendid, traditional, contemporary, quirky or quintessentially Irish, there’s a perfect self-catering home from home waiting for you on the island of Ireland. Self-catering is a great way to holiday, offering maximum freedom and flexibility. And on the island of Ireland, you can make your break truly memorable with a stay in a castle, cottage, beach house, historic tower or...

10 more places to visit on the island of Ireland Even if you’ve been to Ireland before, there’s always something new to enjoy. Here are 10 recently opened attractions you should add to the to-do list. 1 Derry Girls Experience, Tower Museum, County DerryThe walled city of Derry has a new attraction for fans of the award-winning TV sitcom Derry Girls. An...

Autumn is the ideal time to explore the island of Ireland’s fabulous landscape and enjoy the rejuvenating power of nature. Autumn on the island of Ireland offers the perfect combination of bright, crisp days and cosy evenings. As the leaves turn to red and gold, the landscape takes on a vibrant hue that is a gift to photographers and artists...

In August there is a wealth of wonderful events to enjoy across the island of Ireland from festivals and fairs to top sporting shows. Féile an Phobail 3–13 AugustThis is the biggest community arts festival in Ireland. It’s packed with over 300 eclectic events ranging from concerts, lively discussions, comedy and art exhibitions to massive community and sporting events showcasing...