Breathtaking sites; fun, ancient culture and don’t forget its connection to hit shows like Vikings and Game of Thrones.
It may not be number one on every Australians’ bucket list just yet, but it is definitely climbing the ranks.
According to the country’s Australian representatives, there’s a ‘strong connection’ between Australia and Ireland – a connection that saw Aussie and New Zealand arrivals grow from 156,000 in 2012 to 188,000 last year.
Australia and New Zealand are now the country’s ninth largest inbound market, making up 2.7 percent of overall arrivals. An increase from 2.4 percent in 2012.
But aside from booking pre-planned tours of staying with family (did you know two million Aussies have Irish ancestry), what are Aussies doing in Ireland?
Wild Atlantic Way drive is a popular choice amongst Aussie self-drivers.
Well according to the bureau they’re staying for an average of 12 nights.
During that period they’re happy and comfortable enough to hire a car and explore on their own.
They’re also hiring cars to see as much of the country as possible.
A popular route taken by Aussie explorers is the Wild Atlantic Way – a road stretching 2,500 kilometres along Ireland’s western seaboard.
The road takes travellers from the southern point in Cork to the northerly tip in Donegal.
Along the way holidaymakers can visit up to 156 discovery points in the majestic regions of Kerry, the Burren, Galway Bay and Connemara.
Another popular route Aussies like to take is the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland.
Rated as one of the ‘Top Five Road Trips’ around the world, it travels from Belfast to Lough and combines three areas that have been designated ‘Outstanding Natural Beauty’. They include the Causeway Coast, the Causeway Coast and Glens.
Pretend you’re a Stark in Winterfell aka Castle Ward
Of course, another popular route by Australian travellers is the Game of Thrones self-drive itinerary.
The tour showcases Northern Ireland’s rugged landscapes, which is used as one of the show’s primary filming locations.
The drive can be done in three days and even has signage placed in key locations from the series to make it easier on drivers.
The itinerary takes self-drivers to the ‘Seven Kingdoms’ where they can pretend to be part of the bloody battles and betrayals.
Remember the scene where the ‘Red Witch’ Melisandre gave birth the shadow baby? Yeah, that took place in the Antrium – 400 million year-old Cushendun caves.
Londonderry’s Mussendum Temple fans can visit Downhill Beach, otherwise known as Dragonstone where Stannis Baratheon watched the Seven Idols of Westeros burn.
The tour isn’t complete without pretending you’re a Stark at the 18th century Castle Ward in County Down aka Winterfell!
For more examples on how popular culture and shows check out our stories on Unbroken and Pirates of the Caribbean.