How Irish Bachelor Parties are Celebrated: A Guide from GoIrishTours
Irish stag parties, known for their vibrant energy and rich traditions, offer an experience unlike any other. From lively pub crawls to heart-pounding outdoor adventures, the Irish celebrate the groom-to-be in unforgettable ways. Let’s unravel the charm and uniqueness that define Irish stag parties. Irish Stag Party Traditions A stag party in Ireland is a raucous celebration honoring the groom-to-be’s impending nuptials. Rooted in camaraderie and revelry, these gatherings serve as an opportunity for friends and family to bond, reminisce, and create lasting memories before the groom walks down the aisle: Pub Culture and Fun In Ireland, pubs are the heart and soul of social gatherings, and stag parties are no exception. The lively atmosphere, traditional music, and hearty laughter create the perfect backdrop for celebrating the groom’s last days of singledom. Outdoor Adventures For the adventurous souls, Ireland offers a plethora of outdoor activities to make the stag party unforgettable. From exhilarating cliff walks along the Wild Atlantic Way to adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining and kayaking, there’s something for every groom and his entourage. Traditional Irish Cuisine No stag party is complete without indulging in traditional Irish cuisine. From savory Irish stew to mouthwatering seafood chowder, exploring local delicacies adds a delicious twist to the celebration. Stag Party in Carrick-on-Shannon As one of Ireland’s premier stag party destinations, Carrick-on-Shannon offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and vibrant nightlife. With its picturesque riverside setting and bustling pubs, Carrick-on-Shannon provides an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable stag party experience. Modern Stag Party Trends in Ireland Themed Stag Parties In recent years, themed stag parties have gained popularity, adding an extra layer of excitement and creativity to the celebration. From retro-themed parties to costume extravaganzas, the possibilities are endless. Tech-Savvy Celebrations With the advent of technology, stag parties have evolved to incorporate innovative ideas such as virtual reality experiences and interactive gaming sessions. These modern trends add a contemporary flair to traditional celebrations. Cheers to Our Future Irish Grooms! Irish bachelor parties are a unique blend of tradition, camaraderie, and adventure. From exploring quaint pubs to embarking on thrilling outdoor escapades, the Irish celebrate the groom-to-be in style. Whether they’re planning a stag party in bustling cities or serene countryside, Ireland offers an array of experiences that promise memories to last a lifetime. With its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivities, Ireland remains a top destination for unforgettable stag parties. So gather your mates, raise a toast, and embark on an epic journey to celebrate love, friendship, and the joy of new beginnings.
National Parks and Nature
1. Killarney National Park Tranquility, serenity, flora and fauna all await you in the haven of Killarney National Park. The park covers acres of forestry, lakes and nature, and is a fantastic way to learn more about the botany of Ireland. Take a jaunting car ride through the park and perhaps you’ll see some native deer on the way. A self-drive tour is the best way to see Killarney in all its splendour. 2. Connemara National Park Connemara offers a landscape that is uniquely Irish, strewn with rugged juts of mountainside, lush marshes of bogland and vibrant greenery. The National Park is full of things to see and do, exploring that which makes Ireland so beautiful. It’s one of the most interactive and fascinating places to see in Ireland. Take a luxury tour of the park and learn more. 3. The Burren The Burren is a karst landscape of harsh, unforgiving limestone stretched across the southwest county of Clare. The national park is along the gorgeous Wild Atlantic Way, and is home to a plethora of caves, cliffs, archaeological sites and intriguing rock formations. The jagged landscape provides a unique photo opportunity for those interested in more than greenery. 4. The Giant’s Causeway The most famous of places to see in Ireland and especially in the north of Ireland, The Giant’s Causeway offers a view that’ll sweep you off your feet. The huge expanse of hexagonal basalt columns is buried in folklore and legend. The Giant’s Causeway is an Irish classic and is not to be missed. 5. The Wicklow Mountains The Wicklow Mountains national park is an Irish treasure, stretching across over 20,000 hectares of wild, lush nature. The park is home to native flora and fauna as well as the towering Wicklow Mountains, and provides some excellent photo opportunities. Be sure to stop at Glendalough!
Culture, Arts and Music
1. The Hill of Tara Home to countless Irish myths and legends, the Hill of Tara is rich in folklore and history. The archaeological complex was once the seat of the High King of Ireland, and today is home to many interesting artefacts and historical sites. To learn more, click here. 2. Waterford Crystal The luxurious House of Waterford Crystal specialises in all things sparkly and is one of the most elegant places to see in Ireland. Take a tour of the factory and learn about the history and production of the world-renowned crystal – there’s also a gift shop full of authentic crystal souvenirs. Our array of self-drive tours feature stops at Waterford Crystal. 3. National Stud The National Stud and accompanying Japanese gardens are alive with flora, history and Irish tradition. Take a tour of the stud where many thoroughbred racehorses are bred and cared for. Highlights of the attraction include the tranquil St. Fiachra’s Garden and the immersive Horse Museum. 4. Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) Located in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, IMMA is home to many interesting exhibits, such as Gaze – an exhibition of artist Sigmund Freud’s work. The museum is easily one of the best cultural spots in all of Dublin, and is a must-visit for any art fans. The Historical Ireland tour features an entire day spent in Dublin with time to stop at the museum. 5. Aran Islands The Aran Islands are set off the West coast at Galway. The islands have been a place of cultural significance for many decades, being one of the few places in Ireland where Gaeilge is still the primary language. Explore traditional Irish life, learning about the islands, flora, fauna and history. The Full Circle Tour features a breathtaking trip to the islands.
Castles and Gardens
1. The Rock of Cashel Without a doubt one of the most impressive places to see in Ireland the Rock of Cashel is the stuff of legend. The hulking castle stands glowering over the town of Cashel, with a mythology dating back to the days of St. Patrick. The famed stronghold is a must-visit. 2. Blarney Castle and Gardens Blarney Castle and Gardens is home to the famed Blarney Stone, notable for giving kissers the gift of the gab. The castle itself has plenty to explore, and the gardens are definitely one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Ireland. Go Irish Tours offer excellent self-drive tours featuring a stop at this well-known monument. 3. Kilkenny Castle Kilkenny Castle is definitely one of the most interesting places to see in Ireland. The castle has a rich history and offers a wonderful tour of the stronghold and its grounds. The stunning fortification dates back to 1195 and is definitely worth a visit when on a private escorted tour of Ireland. 4. National Botanic Gardens The National Botanic Gardens are a sparkling gem set in both Dublin and Wicklow. The twin gardens offer an in-depth view of Ireland’s naturally-occuring flora and fauna as well as many other gorgeous plants and ecosystems, all set on a tranquil and artistic landscape. A visit to the Gardens will show you why it’s one of the nicest places to see in Ireland. 5. Trim Castle Set in the heart of the Midlands along the River Boyne, Trim Castle boasts halls and grounds that are bursting with stories and artefacts. One of the oldest places to see in Ireland, the castle even served as the backdrop for the famous film Braveheart. Trim is a must-see stop during a full circle tour of Éire.
Spiritual and Religious Sites
1. Knock Situated in Knock, County Mayo, Knock Shrine is a place of reverence and pilgrimage for many worshippers and visitors. The Shrine offers a museum, daily Mass and other points of interest and faith. Knock is believed to be the site of an apparition of Our Lady. Visiting Knock is one of the most spiritual things to do in Ireland. 2. St. Patrick’s Cathedral The tallest and largest church in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the spiritual center of the city of Dublin. The cathedral features some stunning iconography, Gothic architecture, and religious culture. The cathedral was founded in 1191 and has a rich history, which is illustrated throughout the building. Tours of the Cathedral as well as daily Mass and Eucharist are all to be availed of. It is an essential stop on any spiritual tour of Ireland. 3. Clonmacnoise The Clonmacnoise Monastery is one of the oldest houses of worship on the entire island of Ireland. Founded in 544 AD by Saint Ciarán, the monastery is situated in Co. Offaly and has a closely entwined history with the Kings of Connacht. The site is comprised of Cathedral ruins, seven churches, two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian tombstones in Europe. 4. Trinity College & The Book of Kells The sparkling jewel of Ireland’s historical and spiritual artifacts, the priceless Book of Kells has resided in Trinity College Library for decades. The book is a must-see exhibit, featuring the four gospels of the New Testament and stunning illuminations. Trinity College is also home to the famed Long Library and has plenty of spiritual and historical things to learn.
History & Folklore
1. The Titanic Experience, Belfast This award-winning attraction is the single most immersive walking tour of the history of the Titanic. The tour offers the opportunity to follow the footsteps of the people who built and boarded the doomed ship, learning the history of the shipyard and the region. The museum is an essential stop on our Northern Welcome tour. 2. Poulnabrone Dolmen The portal tomb of Poulnabrone is situated in County Clare. The dolmen dates back to the Neolithic period – somewhere between 4200 BC and 2900 BC – and is one of the oldest archaeological sites on the island. The site is rich with history and also serves as a wonderful spot to observe the stars. 3. Temple Bar The famed Temple Bar area of Dublin is awash in history, folklore and culture. Enjoy a walk through the cobbled streets of the area known as the Cultural Quarter, hearing traditional music, chatter and general liveliness. The area has a rich history dating back to Anglo-Norman times and is an important part of Ireland. Our Historical Ireland Tour features an immersive stop at Temple Bar. 4. Loughcrew Passage Tomb The Loughcrew Passage Tomb, also known as Hill of The Witch, is a collection of ancient cairns dating back to around 3200 BC. The cairns feature intricate carvings and were built to track the passage of time – visiting on an equinox is guaranteed to be a special occasion. 5. Newgrange Newgrange is one of the most easily recognisable historical things to do in Ireland. The prehistoric monument stands proud as a testament to the endurance of Irish history, offering insight and clarity into a part of our ancestry. The building is thought to be older than both Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. Be sure to visit the famed monument during a full circle of Ireland.
Hidden Gems and Curios
1. Aillwee Cave Based in The Burren National Park, the brilliantly strange Aillwee Cave is a great place to spend an hour or two. The Cave consists of weird caverns and oddly-shaped formations and is also home to a Bird Conservation Centre and a Visitor’s Centre. The area has been used to breed and care for endangered red kites and vultures. Contact us today to find out more about tours with stops to this fabulous natural monument. 2. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge Linking the tiny island of Carrickarede to the mainland of Ireland, this famous rope bridge is perfect for adrenaline junkies and curious people alike. The bridge is one of the lesser-known things to do in Ireland but is definitely worth a walk across for the stunning views alone. 3. Belvedere House Belvedere House is a stately house and gardens situated in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The House is rich in history, featuring interesting sites such as the Jealous Wall and the shores of Lough Ennell. The gardens also offer an adventure, rambling through trees and flowers to find swing-sets and streams. Photo courtesy of Belvedere House and Gardens(must credit photographer! Kevin Monaghan) 4. The Long Room Library Nestled in the halls of Trinity College, Dublin, the Long Room Library is a breathtaking stretch of books and culture. The Library is home to marble busts, historic artefacts and relics, and over 200,000 books and documents. A tour of the Long Room Library is one of the more cultured things to do in Ireland on a short break away. 5. Glasnevin Glasnevin is a sprawling cemetery situated in Dublin. The cemetery is the final resting place of hundreds of famed Irishmen and women, including Michael Collins and Charles Stewart Parnell. Tour mausoleums and learn more about Irish history through the extensive and modern on-site museum.
Haunted Hotspots
1. Charleville Castle A Gothic castle hiding in the oak forests of Co. Offaly, Charleville is a favourite spot for ghost hunters and history fanatics everywhere. Tour the eerie halls and learn all the secrets of the fortification, which has a surprisingly spooky past. A chauffeur driven tour to Charleville is a must. 2. Castle Leslie The secluded Castle Leslie estate possesses an eerie beauty and, according to rumours, is home to a friendly ghost. The castle’s famous Mauve Room is said to be haunted by the Lady Leslie, while the Red Room is home to the late Norman Leslie. Be sure to visit to learn more about the spooky inhabitants. 3. Kylemore Abbey The Benedictine monastery of Kylemore Abbey is swathed in stories of hauntings, apparitions and mysterious happenings. It has served as a refuge for Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium during the First World War, while acting as an international boarding school for Catholic girls until June 2010. It is high on our must-visit places to see in Ireland. The Abbey is a great stop on a haunted Ireland tour. 4. Leap Castle Bestowed the title of “world’s most haunted castle”, Leap Castle is guaranteed to give you the willies. The castle has a bloody and wild history spanning centuries, and comes equipped with its own tomb. Legend has it that the mad Captain Darby buried gold in the castle, and killed the two servants who helped him – their spirits reportedly haunt the halls. Be sure to visit during a self-drive tour. 5. Kilmainham Gaol The infamous Kilmainham Gaol is the stuff of horror movies and spooky stories. Not only does the Gaol serve as the backdrop for some of Ireland’s most important history, it also is reported to house several spirits and ghosts. Take a self-drive tour and visit the Gaol to learn more about it.
Food & Drink
1. Galway City Seafood Selection Ireland’s cultural heart is Galway City. Offering a cornucopia of fresh, delicious seafood, the city has endless places to sample native mussels, crab, snapper and more. Make sure to snack on some of Galway’s locally-sourced, fresh seafood during our Irish Gold tour if you want a real taste of Ireland. 2. Kilbeggan Distillery Situated in the Midlands on the River Brosna, sampling locally-crafted whiskey at the Kilbeggan Distillery is one of the tastiest and most interesting things to do in Ireland. The distillery was founded in 1757 and offers a fabulous tour of the building as well as samples and a gift shop. Meet the team and get in touch with us to plan a tour featuring a stop at the distillery. 3. Guinness Storehouse Were you really in Ireland if you didn’t enjoy a taste of the black stuff? The Guinness Storehouse is situated in Dublin City and provides a fantastic tour chock-full of interesting history, culture, and secrets as to what makes Guinness so great. Make sure it’s on your list of things to do in Ireland – were you really ever here if you didn’t have a pint? 4. Irish Breakfast at Taylor’s Three Rock Pub Taylor’s Three Rock is a beloved pub and restaurant situated in Dublin. The quaint, charming pub offers a slice of old Ireland served up next to a traditional full-Irish breakfast, washed down with a pot of tea. The pub is definitely a highlight of many of our private escorted tours. 5. Afternoon Tea For a walk on the more elegant side of Irish life, treat yourself to afternoon tea in any of our cities or towns. Many hotels will put on a fabulous spread of finger foods, cakes, sweets and of course, a big pot of tea to be enjoyed. Take advantage of our hospitality and feel like royalty for an afternoon!
The Top 5 Historical Places in Ireland
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]From the invasion of the Vikings to the present day, the history of Ireland is an endless tribute to the stoic, unbreakable spirit of its citizens. Our little island’s past is rich, diverse and interesting, with a huge treasure trove of historical sites to visit and learn from. Below, we have listed the top 5 historical places in Ireland. These towns are steeped in centuries of history and culture, which makes them a major focal point for tourists to come and learn about Ireland’s diverse past. Read on and educate yourself on some of the key locations of Irish antiquity.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text el_class=”this-class-blogs”]Kinsale, Co. Cork Kinsale is a coastal town in the west of Ireland, in County Cork. The town has a significant past spanning hundreds of years, and has seen some of the bloodiest battles in Irish history. Parts of the Nine Years War (1594-1603) were fought here, between the ruling Irish Chieftains of the time (Hugh O’Neill being the most famous) and the Kingdom of England. The ultimate battle of this war was the infamous battle of Kinsale in 1601. The Spanish allies of Ireland accidentally landed in Kinsale instead of Ulster, and a bloody fight ensued, ending in victory for England. Another important historical event linked to Kinsale is the sinking of the Lusitania. On May 7th 1915 during the First World War, the RMS Lusitania was sank off the coast of Kinsale by German submarines. This event is the reason that the US decided to enter the war. Like the majority of interesting historical places in Ireland, Kinsale’s colourful past is preserved and displayed in the form of tours, museums and attractions throughout the town, such as Charles Fort, Don & Barry’s Historic Stroll Through Old Kinsale, James’s Fort and Kinsale Regional Museum. More info on Kinsale is available here. If you fancy having these historical destinations as part of your vacation in Ireland, please visit our homepage for details. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]Derry/Londonderry City, Co. Derry The city of Derry/Londonderry has seen more than its fair share of conflict, making it one of the more interesting historical places in Ireland. Derry was a backdrop for many important historical events spanning from the 14th century Plantation of Ulster all the way up to the more recent Troubles, and anyone interested in Irish history will know something of Derry. Up until recent decades, Derry’s most well-known attribute was that of a conflict-zone. The 1689 Siege of Derry, the 1920s Irish War of Independence, World War II and the 1969 Battle of the Bogside all had their day in Derry. You can rest assured that this city will not be left out of the history books for many decades to come! Today, the atmosphere in the city is the polar opposite of what it once was known for; in 2013, Derry was named the UK’s 2013 City of Culture. Due to the extensiveness of its back-story, Derry has many historical monuments and attractions to admire. The City Walls, The Peace Bridge, The Museum of Free Derry and many other activities and sights dedicated to telling Derry’s tale. For more info on Derry/Londonderry, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]Wexford, Co. Wexford Wexford was founded by Viking settlers in 800 AD, with the first recorded raid on the town being documented in 819 AD. Since then the town has borne witness to many significant historical events. Besieged by the King of Leinster Dermot MacMurrough in 1169, the town was invaded by the Normans and its Viking-Irish inhabitants were forced to accept defeat. It was sacked and burned by Oliver Cromwell’s men in 1649, and eventually provided the backdrop for the 1798 Irish Rebellion. It’s not hard to see that Wexford’s past is steeped in bloodshed. But it wasn’t all guts and glory – Wexford enjoyed the status of a successful port town, up until the 20th century. It was also the motherland of John F. Kennedy’s paternal grandfather, putting it on a long list of historical places in Ireland that feature the ancestral home of a US President. Naturally, it comes as no surprise that Wexford town today has many historical attractions on offer to visitors, including the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, The 1798 Rebellion Centre, The John F. Kennedy Arboretum and Vinegar Hill. For more info on Wexford town, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]Trim, Co. Meath Trim is a town in County Meath. A town known for its historical connections to both St. Patrick and the Normans, there is no shortage of stories to tell about Trim. At an early date, a monastery was founded in the town by St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. This was left in the hands of St. Loman. The monastery suffered many arson attacks and subsequent rebuildings throughout the 12th and 13th centuries, before it was eventually dissolved by King Henry VIII during the Reformation. Trim went on to become one of the most important Hiberno-Norman settlements of the Middle Ages, and to this day the largest example of a Norman castle in Ireland stands there, making it a very important destination in terms of historical places in Ireland. King John’s Castle was built by Hugh de Lacy in the 12th century. Today, the Castle is open to the public for tours and in recent decades was used as a filming location for the film Braveheart. The Yellow Steeple of the monastery is one of the town’s biggest historical attractions and can be seen for miles around. The Trim Town Walls, a small section of the town’s original walls, also stands today. For more info on Trim, click here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]Soloheadbeg, Co. Tipperary Soloheadbeg is a townland in County Tipperary. Though it may be the smallest town on our list of the top historical places in Ireland, the historical importance and relevance of Soloheadbeg is indisputable, as it was here that the first act of the Irish War of Independence took place. On January 21st 1919, the Soloheadbeg Ambush occurred. A shipment of explosives being
