{"id":27490,"date":"2023-01-28T09:58:21","date_gmt":"2023-01-28T14:58:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=27490"},"modified":"2023-01-28T09:58:22","modified_gmt":"2023-01-28T14:58:22","slug":"new-ways-to-experience-the-island-of-ireland-in-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=27490","title":{"rendered":"New Ways To Experience The Island Of Ireland In 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"
Beyond the Trees Avondale, Co Wicklow (Tourism Ireland)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wherever you go on the island of Ireland, you\u2019re always going to find something new, different and exciting to see and do<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make 2023 the year you explore one of the greenest, friendliest and most beautiful places on earth. Whether its one-of-a-kind attractions, cool new eateries, places to stay or exciting new experiences, Ireland will always surprise you with what it has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experiences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Top of your list has to be amazing new treetop walk Beyond the Trees Avondale<\/strong> in Country Wicklow. Nominated by National Geographic in their \u2018Best of the World for 2023\u2019 list of extraordinary destinations, the magazine praises Wicklow for being \u201ccrammed with mountain trails for hikers and bikers, stately Palladian mansions, wild waterfalls and an underrated coast.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spectacular sights are also a given in the Mourne Mountains<\/strong>, Ring of Gullion<\/strong>, and Strangford<\/strong> and Lecale <\/strong>areas of County Down and County Armagh. The area\u2019s bid to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, Northern Ireland\u2019s second global geopark, has been approved for ratification this May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the high granite peaks of the Mournes and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Ring of Gullion, to the rolling drumlins and rippling shores of Strangford Lough, the region has long been prized for its gorgeous landscape \u2013 all of which has been formed and shaped by various geological processes over millions of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A stay here is a must, for with just a few moments immersed in this landscape you\u2019ll discover why St Patrick chose to settle here. This is also the land that also inspired C.S. Lewis\u2019 world of Narnia and the creators of Game of Thrones\u00ae. Its myths, legends, culture, experiences and giant adventures are sure to inspire you too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Knowth, Co Meath (Tourism Ireland)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Attractions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A trip to the Patrick Kavanagh Center<\/strong> is a must for all lovers of Irish poetry. Kavanagh, who wrote the famous poem \u2018On Raglan Road\u2019, was born in Inniskeen in County Monaghan. A major refurbishment of the center has brought new displays and memory boxes containing personal effects, as well as touch screens and a new event space. A self-guided Kavanagh Trail<\/strong> identifies key landmarks linked to the great man\u2019s poetry, and there is a new Raglan Road Tea Room<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The magnificent Mount Congreve Gardens<\/strong> in County Waterford have also been subject to serious renovations with changes to the gardens, a new caf\u00e9 and a beautiful new gift shop. Described as \u2018a great garden of the world\u2019, this is a haven for plant and history lovers alike, as well as for those simply looking to relax in nature. Its collections feature plants from every continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From March 2023, travelers to the prehistoric passage tombs at Knowth <\/strong>in County Meath will be welcomed with a newly enhanced experience. This major repository of megalithic art, which makes up part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Br\u00fa na B\u00f3inne<\/strong>, contains more than half of the known megalithic art in Europe in one single location. The new Knowth visitor hub is a continuation of the upgrade to the whole Br\u00fa na B\u00f3inne visitor experience and offers a large digital exhibition exploring the rock art of Knowth and accompanied by engaging interactives and audio visuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Patrick Kavanagh Center, Co Monaghan (Tourism Ireland)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Accommodation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Adding to the wonderful array of accommodation options in Northern Ireland, a host of new premium options are available across the region. They include The Regency<\/strong> in Belfast, a stunning 1846-era Georgian building which has been reimagined as six one- and two-bedroom luxury private residences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two luxury Swiss chalet-style getaways located at the foot of Slieve Gallion in Cookstown, County Tyrone, each sleeping two, are also now available. Check into the Letteran Lodges for panoramic views so you can immerse yourself in nature and sleep beneath the starry skies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile Elephant Rock<\/strong>, a four-star family owned boutique hotel in the thriving seaside town of Portrush on the famous Causeway Coastal Route<\/strong> is ready to welcome you. With 18 bedrooms and a new look 30-seater restaurant, the refurbished venue also includes a new terrace and cocktail bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look out also for the Ebrington Hotel and Spa<\/strong> in Derry, set to open in the summer, as well as the \u2018hometel\u2019 concept coming to Belfast in the spring. Room2 Belfast<\/strong> will be completely carbon neutral from its construction to its daily operation and will have 175 studio apartments, events spaces, restaurant, bar, coffee roastery and retail spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New restaurants<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For foodies, a raft of new restaurants have opened in Dublin, including the unique Luncheonette<\/strong>, a long-term art project centered around hospitality and food. It\u2019s opening a new venture in the Hugh Lane Gallery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tables at Library Street<\/strong> have become sought after in city\u2019s dining scene, while Orwell Road<\/strong> is a more casual neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Dublin\u2019s Rathgar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Margadh RHA<\/strong> is caf\u00e9 by day, wine bar by night, and Wildflower<\/strong>, split into three specific dining spaces, has a menu focused on sustainability, fermentation and local produce. Bovinity <\/strong>is serving up Irish ingredients at the heart of their creations in Capel Street, and at the new All Bar Chicken<\/strong> it\u2019s all about cocktails, chicken and \u2018choons\u2019. Karen\u2019s Diner<\/strong>, the restaurant chain infamous for its rude staff and intentionally atrocious service, is also coming to a Dublin location soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also worth heading out on the Dublin Coastal Trail<\/strong>, where you can be sustained with delicious modern European food at Mam\u00f3<\/strong> in Howth and Irish seasonal food at Potager <\/strong>in Skerries. Or just dip into the Goat in the Boat<\/strong> caf\u00e9 and gift shop in Skerries Harbor for the ultimate coffee shop experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit www.ireland.com<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n

Share this:<\/h3>