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BUCKETLIST 2017: 5 awesome things to do in Ireland

Ireland is shaping up to become one of the biggest travel hotspots in 2017 for pop-culture fans thanks to the ever-growing popularity of Game of Thrones with the green island is continuing to draw Australian travellers.

Ireland is shaping up to become one of the biggest travel hotspots in 2017 for pop-culture fans thanks to the ever-growing popularity of Game of Thrones with the green island is continuing to draw Australian travellers.

Leading travel brands CostSaver and Trafalgar have reported a 78% and 63% increase respectively of guests travelling on its guided holidays throughout Ireland in 2016, with the growth in passenger numbers influenced by the desire for experiential travel experiences and value-based holidaying.

From Celtic castle stays to foraging for food on the Wild Atlantic Way, Trafalgar has listed five key experiences you need to have on your next visit to the Emerald Isle.

 

1) Dress like GOT’s Jon Snow for the day

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Jon Snow from Game of Thrones. Image Source: GQ India

A trip to Ireland wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the filming locations of Game of Thrones. On Trafalgar’s Celtic Filmscapes trip, you’ll have exclusive access to Castle Ward – the filming location of Winterfell.

You’ll explore the Whispering Woods and recognise key scenes including Robb Stark’s Camp, the Baelor battle and when Brienne confronts the Stark men.

However the highlight experience is being able to dress up in the original costumes from the hit TV show and fire live arrows in a replica of the Winterfell Castle archery range.

This 11-day drama-based trip is priced from $3995 per person – twin share and visits various filming locations from Outlander, James Bond, Cloud Atlas and Chariots of Fire.

 

2) Explore Lough Corrib in style

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Lough Corrib. Image Source: Fine Art America

One of Ireland’s oldest and prettiest lakes, Lough Corrib is located in the West of Ireland and is the inspiration behind William Wilde’s, father of Oscar Wilde, book, Lough Corrib: Its shores and islands. Drift along its shimmering waters on-board ‘The Isle of Inisfree’ with Captain Patrick, Ashford Castle’s Local Specialist.

He’ll share with you his local knowledge of the lake and its surroundings as you glide through the peaceful waters on what is considered one of the country’s finest passenger ships before a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge to Ashford Castle.

This magical cruise is just one of the experiences you can have on Trafalgar’s Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle guided holiday priced from $3150 per person – twin share.

 

3) Forage on the Wild Atlantic Way

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The Wild Atlantic Way. Image Source: Mens Journal

Ireland has never made it high on the list of getaways for gastronomes.

Yet the countryside’s rich soil and regular rain makes for fertile growing conditions, producing an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Trafalgar offers guests the opportunity to forage for fresh produce on the wild beaches of the Atlantic Edge with a local horticultural tutor, Oonagh.

She’ll take you to meet her friend, Theresa, who cooks you a delicious meal prepared from the food you’ve scavenged. Situated overlooking Liscannor Bay, this authentic Be My Guest will change the way you think about Irish cuisine.

This foodie adventure is available on the Best of Ireland guided holidays priced from $2675 per person – twin share.

 

4) Stay in a Celtic castle

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Image Source: Rachel Gaffneys

There aren’t many people who can claim they’ve stayed in a royal residence. But with approximately 1,000 castles dotted throughout Ireland and no royalty left to reign, this incredible experience is now within reach.

A number of medieval castles across Ireland have been converted into hotels.

Most recently is Ashford Castle, a magnificent property set on 350 acres on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib. Following extensive refurbishment, rooms have been restored to their regal best.

Fine dining, luxurious spa options and activities such as falconry and equestrian on offer all add to Ashford’s royal opulence.

Live like a King and Queen on Trafalgar’s Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle and experience a complete circle of Ireland including its fairy-tale castle stay.

 

5) Learn Ireland’s poetic history over the dinner table

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Lough Gill. Image Source: Wikipedia

A dining experience that will merge Irish history, culture and delectable cuisine in the one sitting – this is one travel experience you won’t want to miss.

Trafalgar invites its guests into the rustic home of Damien and Paula Brennan in a Be My Guest experience that overlooks Lough Gill.

Paula, a noted chef in the community, will serve you up a traditional feast; while Damien, a Local Specialist on poet Williams Butler Yeats, will share the inspiration behind some of the lyrical lines penned by W.B Yeats.

This special experience is available to travellers exclusively on the 8-day Secrets of Ireland priced from $3495 per person – twin share.

For more information, visit www.trafalgar.com.

Have you been to the Emerald Isle? Share your travel experience with us in the comment section below…