Heritage travel in Ireland: our highlights for a classic tour

If there’s anything that draws people far and wide to Ireland, it’s the rich, centuries-old heritage that permeates every port, pub and village. The captivating Emerald Isle is brimming with music, art, history and folklore from both past and present, and it’s a country as deeply proud of its culture as it is welcoming to visitors.

As Ireland’s personality is woven into everything – from its ancient stone circles, to its buckets of oysters, to the quirky name of the local boozer – there are so many places that allow you to get under the surface, and we’ve named just a few in this article. Get in touch with our locally-based travel experts to include any of them on your own bespoke tour of Ireland. Do note that our partners offer tours in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, so we’ve covered both below.

Republic of Ireland

Sip a Guinness in dynamic Dublin

What list of Irish heritage destinations would be complete without Dublin – Ireland’s compact but beguiling capital? Historic cobbled streets exist alongside contemporary bars and cafes, a convenient tramway system takes you swiftly between neighborhoods, and a youthful crowd mingle among old school, long-term Dubliners. You’ll easily be drawn into conversations, whether it be on transport, at the bar or sheltering in smoking areas. 

As well as admiring Dublin’s architectural trove of castles, churches and classic Georgian squares (a highlight is Trinity College and its Book of Kells), visitors in search of ‘old Ireland’ tend to head to the home of its chocolatey beacon – the Guinness Storehouse. Here you can learn the story of the iconic drink and sample a smooth pint with a panoramic view of the city. 

The American-Irish history between Wexford and Cork

In the south, Wexford is a coastal gem and home to the picturesque Hook Lighthouse – but those interested in Irish-American history will love the route from Wexford to County Cork. 

On the way, there’s the former Kennedy Homestead, the very place from which John F. Kennedy’s ancestors emigrated to the United States. When JFK himself visited in 1963, he hugged the owner’s grandmother in what was considered a rare display of affection for the president. 

Nearby, the Dunbrody Famine Ship offers profound insight into one of Ireland’s harshest periods. This replica ship tells the story of the thousands of Irish emigrants who escaped the Great Famine for a chance in the “New World” of the Americas. Visitors can step aboard and get an immersive representation of what the trip was like for the determined emigrants at such a key point of Irish history. 

The homegrown cuisine of Kinsale

Known as the ‘Gourmet Capital of Ireland’, Kinsale is a charming port town where you certainly won’t run out of things to eat. There’s an abundance of exquisite eateries here thanks to the city’s proximity to the freshest seafood and most flavorful of local ingredients; and artisanal cheese-makers, chocolatiers and bakeries abound. 

As well as a glut of world-class restaurants (Fishy Fish and Jim Edwards are recommended for local dishes), food events are frequent affairs, such as Kinsale Gourmet Festival. Here you can try the town’s local specialties – mostly seafood such as crab, oysters and lobster – as well as heritage favorites such as Irish stew, soda breads and hearty lamb dishes. What’s more, Kinsale is a historical town with gorgeous architecture; you’ll often be sat in a hundreds-year-old building while tucking into a plate of homegrown treats.

The coastal scenery off the Ring of Kerry

A very well-trodden route but for excellent reason, the Ring of Kerry is a beautifully scenic journey that passes through parts of Killarney National Park and along immense coastal landscapes. Along the way, witness pristine beaches, the dramatic cliffs of the Skelligs, the glacial valleys of Moll’s Gap, and stunning views towards the Beara Peninsula. 

There is a plethora of intriguing sites en route; the early monastic site of Skellig Michael, for instance, is one of Christianity’s oldest settlements; there’s also Staigue Stone Fort, towns and villages such as Killarney and Cahersiveen, the colorful buildings of Sneem, and Waterville – the preferred Irish getaway of Charlie Chaplin.

The literary landscapes of County Sligo

Scores of renowned writers come from the Emerald Isle; James Joyce, Edna O’Brien, Bram Stoker, to name a few – and a region of County Sligo in the northwest of Ireland is affectionately known as ‘Yeats Country’ in honor of Irish poet, William Butler Yeats. 

Yeats’ birthplace was Dublin, but he spent much of his early life in Sligo, and his poetry was greatly influenced by the glorious natural surroundings of his home region. Much of his work refers to local landmarks – such as the mountain Ben Bulben, and the lake Lough Gill – and is woven with themes of folklore and mysticism inspired by the ancient hills.

The street performers of Galway

Get a dose of bohemian Ireland with the quirky magic of Galway. Its music-laden culture and young, artistic inhabitants give the atmosphere a peppiness that is truly catching. 

Brightly-painted pubs and shops make for vibrant streets, rife with street performers and buskers; it’s impossible not to slow down and people-watch. This contemporary energy complements the city’s long history – as Galway was one of the most important port cities of the Medieval period. Its burly city walls were constructed by 13th-century ruler Richard Óg de Burgh; including the striking Spanish Arch, where moored merchant ships were protected.

As you make your way around this jubilant fishing port, make sure you leave time to try some of Galway Bay’s famous oysters; whatever your opinion on this briny delicacy, connoisseurs say they’re some of the world’s best.

The rugged beauty and folklore of the Burren

In County Clare on the west coast, be astounded by the unspoilt natural beauty of the Burren. Characterized by rugged landscapes, including stark limestone formations and an array of rare and unusual plants, it’s the perfect place to get lost in the mythical wonder of Ireland. 

Folklore springs easily from the Burren as it’s rich with archeological sites and megalithic tombs, and lots of Christian monastic settlements. The name ‘Burren’ comes from the Irish word ‘Boirean’, which roughly translates as ‘rocky place’, where fairies and fanciful creatures are said to hide and find a home. Locals have superstitions about disturbing ‘fairy folk’ in dwellings and caves, while the legendary ‘Hag of Beara’ is said to have control over the weather. 

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a whole different country to Ireland, but it makes sense that you might visit when on a tour of the Emerald Isle. There is so much to discover here, and visiting both is an enlightening way to experience a comprehensive view of Ireland and Northern Ireland’s turbulent past. 

If you’re on a tour of Northern Ireland, remember to be respectful of the country’s violent history and the complex dynamic between the two Irish nations. They are very different culturally, including how local people identify themselves – and political tensions do still exist to some degree.

The resilience of Belfast

Start by soaking up the playful atmosphere of Belfast. The fast-evolving capital, once at the center of such tumultuous political events, is now a thriving city with a great food, arts and bar scene alongside its engrossing historical landmarks. On a black cab tour you can track the story of ‘The Troubles’ by passing an array of murals and street art pieces, significant neighborhoods of the time, and the peace walls – a moving tribute to an area which once saw immense violence.

Elsewhere, the cultural excursions are endless; an absolute must is the Titanic Belfast, an absorbing museum situated at the slip road where Titanic set off. In CS Lewis Square, statues of the writer’s most famous characters – a striking Aslan the Lion among them – sets a dream-like scene in the midst of the city’s hubbub. Finally, you can finish the day with a delectable pack of fish and chips (they’re above-par in coastal Belfast), and sit back to watch a local folk band in one of multiple live music venues.

The myths of Giant’s Causeway 

One of the most famous natural marvels of Northern Ireland is the phenomenal Giant’s Causeway, an incredible geological wonder that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though the official story is that the huge hexagonal basalt columns are a result of volcanic activity occurring several million years ago, local legend dictates that they were put there by a giant called Finn McCool; hence its namesake. 

As you wander the spectacular, step-like rock formations on the many foot trails, backed by the ocean that surrounds them, you might personally settle on which origin story you prefer. 

Make it happen

If you’re captivated by the idea of a multi-stop trip to Ireland, get in touch with our locally-based travel experts. They’ll listen to your priorities for a trip and build an itinerary that’s completely tailored to you.