County Mayo - Awe-inspiring scenery and historical attractions

Get ready for awe-inspiring scenery and a wealth of historical attractions

 

Mayo stands out as one of Ireland’s most scenic counties. But while you may gasp in awe at the craggy coastline that’s been lashed by the powerful Atlantic, make sure to remember that there’s a lot more going on in Mayo in the  West of Ireland.

Ceide Fields are the oldest known field systems in the world (almost 6000 years old), Croagh Patrick is where Ireland's patron saint fasted for 40 days in 441AD, and Achill Island is a stunning spot on the edge of Western Europe bursting with history and awe-inspiring sights.

And if all that wasn’t enough, there’s an abundance of charming villages to visit from beautifully situated Westport to the peaceful town of Cong.

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County Tyrone

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Northern Ireland’s largest county

Tyrone is the largest county in  Northern Ireland and one of the most beautiful thanks to the heatherclad Sperrin Mountains. These lush, sparsely populated mountains are another world with endless charm and ever-changing natural tones of yellow gorse and emerald green.  

Omagh, is Tyrone’s largest town and makes a great base for touring the county and visiting the nearby Ulster-American Folk Park, one of the island’s top attractions. 

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County Fermanagh

Take to the water in Northern Ireland’s very own lakelands county

The silent waters of the Fermanagh Lakelands have a romantic beauty that has captivated generation after generation of visitors. Tranquil, glassy and utterly beautiful, Lough Erne and the surrounding lakes are Fermanagh’s star attraction, but the flat green patchwork of fields that makes up much of the county’s countryside equally deserves a look.

With forests, beautiful vistas, old country houses, excellent restaurants, intriguing caves, castles and canoeing, Fermanagh is one of  Northern Ireland’s best-kept secrets.

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County Armagh

Explore Ireland’s oldest city in the heart of Northern Ireland’s Orchard County

In the historic county of Armagh in Northern Ireland lie some of Ireland’s most fascinating sights. The ancient capital of Ulster, Armagh is also know as the City of St Patrick, and was the birthplace of Brian Boru as well as being the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland.

Modern Armagh now offers the visitor a whole host of attractions from historical sites to lively pubs. Step beyond the city and you’ll enter into Orchard County – a fantastic area filled with acres and acres of apple trees, which blossom a spectacular shade of pink.

County Armagh is also packed with National Trust properties, kids’ attractions, museums, country parks and cultural events.

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Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland packs in the attractions with a rich cultural heritage, striking scenery, world-class golf and a sweep of stunning coastline

Northern Ireland's beauty is intertwined with tragic history, rich culture and the renowned friendliness of its people.

The wild craggy mountains, splendid lakes and sweeping coastline make it an ideal playground for watersports enthusiasts, walkers, cyclists, hikers, rock climbers and sailors.

But there are lots of things to keep those after a dose of culture enthralled, too. From boisterous oyster festivals to authentic horse fairs, and from ancient castles to elegant country houses, this spectacular part of Ireland is packed with things to do.


The six counties of Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone and two major cities, the capital Belfast and Londonderry City are just waiting to be explored.

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County Meath - Ancient Sites and Pristine Countryside

Expand your mind with ancient sites and pristine countryside in the very delightful County Meath

Ancient, majestic and rich in unspoiled scenic pastureland, Meath is the perfect place to escape the stresses and strains of modern life.  Situated in Ireland’s  Midlands and known as the Royal County, Meath was once the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, and is one of Ireland’s most historic counties with an overwhelming array of mind-blowing sites. These include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Newgrange and the Hill of Tara, which was the traditional seat of the High Kings. If you can bear to drag yourself away from the abundance of spectacular sites, you’ll find Meath to be a chilled-out, laid-back county with charming gardens, pastoral countryside, and a whole host of leisure activities from angling to golf.

Visit County Meath in Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations!

County Carlow Basks in History

With a great location in the sunny South East, Carlow basks in rich history

Carlow, Ireland’s second smallest county, is a glistening jewel in the heart of the sunny  South East.
The rich pasturelands, green countryside, colourful mountains and tranquil River Barrow lend a scenic air to a county that is stepped in pre-Celtic heritage. Whether you long to let your imagination run wild over ancient dolmens, or you dream of gliding peacefully along deserted riverways on your very own barge, Carlow is an inspirational destination.

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Visit the Picturesque South of Ireland

Discover food as fresh as the air in the picturesque South of Ireland. Famed for its relaxed pace of life and outstanding natural beauty, the South offers endless opportunities for exceptional landscapes and mouthwatering gourmet delights.

The picturesque South of Ireland is famed for its relaxed pace of life and outstanding natural beauty. Encompassing the counties of Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, the South promises a wealth of variety whether you want to chow down on delectable local dishes, tee off on a lush coastal links or take some precious pampering time in a world-renowned spa.

The south is fast gaining a reputation as Ireland’s top gourmet spot. And with Farmers’ Markets  popping up all over the area, you should keep your eyes peeled for foods that have a well-deserved reputation for excellence, such as soda breads, smokehouse specialities, mouthwatering cheeses and an abundance of fresh fish and seafood!

Each county offers up its own special magic. For pure indulgence, Kerry boasts a wealth of incredible spas; Cork replenishes the body with a plethora of critically acclaimed restaurants; while Waterford and Wexford are celebrated for their sun-warmed beaches and adorable coastal villages.

Inland lie the vibrant counties of Kilkenny, Tipperary and Carlow with their ancient heritage, endless festivals, cracking pubs and peaceful riverways. Tipperary, in particular, rings out the land of the horse, as this is the soil where many of our racing thoroughbreds first found their feet!

Ridiculously easy to get to by air or sea, throughout the South, you’ll be thrilled with endless opportunities for sightseeing, exceptional landscapes, great shopping, and some real gourmet delights, of course!

Visit the picturesque south of Ireland with Celtic Tour World Vacations. Start planning your Irish vacation today!

Top 6 Most Surprising Movies Filmed in Ireland

Here are the top six most surprising movies filmed in Ireland.

1. Braveheart
Following this Mel Gibson Hollywood blockbuster the tourism industry of Scotland recorded a boost of over 100 percent. Little did the tourists know that most of the battle scenes were filmed in Ireland.

All scenes depicting London were shot at Bective Abbey, County Meath. The Battle of Stirling Bridge was filmed on the Curragh Plains, County Kildare and the scenes set in York were actually filmed at Trim Castle, County Meath.

2. Saving Private Ryan
The famous opening twenty minutes of “Saving Private Ryan”, which is set on D-Day on Omaha beach, were actually filmed in County Wexford.

Filming lasted for two months and took place on Ballinesker Beach, Curracloe Strand. The Irish Defense Forces supplied 2,500 men to act as extras.

3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
In this number six of the eight films there’s a dramatic scene when Harry Potter and Professor Dumbeldore are battling with evil. The camera swoops in towards some cliffs (the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare) and then we spot our two heroes standing on a rock (Lemon Rock, County Kerry).

4.The Princess Bride
This 1987 fairy tale tells the story of heroes whose goal is to rescue a beautiful princess, Buttercup. They are followed by a masked man in black across the sea and up the Cliffs of Insanity (again the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare).

This film is a childhood favorite of million with a star studded cast including Mandy Patinkin, Cary Elwes, Andre the Giant, Peter Cook, Billy Crystal and many others.

5.The Italian Job
In this 1969 classic, staring a very young Michael Caine, all of the jail scenes were actually filmed in Kilmainham Jail, in Dublin.

This is a hugely historically important location for Ireland. This is where many leaders of Irish rebellions were imprisoned and some executed in the prison by the British and latterly in 1923 by the Irish Free State.

6. King Arthur
This 2004 incarnation of the legendary tale of King Arthur and round table was mostly filmed in Ireland. The movie starred Clive Owen, Ioan Gruffudd, Ray Winstone and Keira Knightley.

Britain’s beautiful old buildings and structures were in fact mostly filmed in Ardmore Studios, County Wicklow. What might have seemed to be Hadrian’s Wall was in fact Ballymore Eustace, County Kildare and the Luggala and Powerscourt Estates in County Wicklow were also used.

Visit these famous filming locations on your next self-drive vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Waterford - Sublime Scenery

Great beaches, pretty villages and sublime scenery make Waterford a top choice

Waterford might be renowned the world-over for its exquisite crystal, but there’s a lot more to this county than just cut glass. With an ideal mix of mountain, beaches and urban excitement, Waterford is a county unlike any other in Ireland.

Its superb position on Ireland’s sunny  south east coast means that beaches are a real highlight in Waterford, with clear pristine waters and spectacular surroundings.  

Many of Waterford’s prettiest villages sit perched on the edge of beautiful bays, while the towns of Lismore, Cappoquin and Ballymacarbry are nestled into quiet, tranquil Nire Valley. 

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Get lost in Donegal!

Lose yourself in some of the finest scenery Ireland has to offer

If you long to get away from it all, then Donegal is the perfect spot. With soaring sea cliffs that plummet 300 metres, deserted white sandy beaches, jaw-dropping landscapes, excellent seafood and quiet cosy pubs, Donegal forces you to sit back, slow down and admire the view.
But whether you want to opt for long rambling walks over rugged terrain, laze around on a scenic beach, or explore an ancient site, this spectacular county in Ireland’s  North West corner is hard to beat.

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Giant's Causeway

Marvel at the wonders of nature at the Giant's Causeway in North Antrim. No trip to Northern Ireland would be complete with a stop to Northern Ireland's most popular tourist attraction. The Giant's Causeway is known for its hexagonal shaped basalt columns formed by intense volcanic activity formed in the area some 50 to 60 million years ago.

Visit the Giant's Causeway on your next tour of northern Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Beara Peninsula - a completely different world

A remote peninsula stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean, the Beara Peninsula is steeped in myths and legends. The mountains and valleys are rich in archeaological sites such as stone circles, wedge graves and other relics of the past. Travelers will find lakes cradled by gorgeous mountains and a rugged coastline with lots of great fishing spots; an amazing unspoilt landscape. Though only a few miles south of the more popular Ring of Kerry, the Beara Peninsula is a completely different world.

The Beara Peninsula is considered a best kept secret of tourists making it less visited by tourists then the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry. However the minor roads can be more taxing on the driver. When traversing the Beara Peninsula, prepare for a nostalgic and somewhat slow drive across narrow roads, idyllic landscapes and picture-book villages.

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Discover Doolin!

Discover Doolin this year! A small fishing village, set at the foot of the Cliffs of Moher and mere footsteps to the Burren, Doolin is known not only for its majestic beauty and outdoor activities. Doolin is world-renowned for its wealth of traditional Irish music. Making Doolin the perfect base for which to explore the scenic and historic County Clare.


Attracting visitors of all ages and walks of life, Doolin's rich musical heritage spans many decades. This is thanks to the earlier generations of musicians from the area. Most famous of these perhaps is the Russell brothers Micho, Gussie and Pakie.The very fabric of this largely gaeltacht community was formed from centuries of singing, dancing and storytelling. Today you will find a lively pub culture in one of the three music-pubs in Doolin: McDermott's, McGann;s and O'Connor's.  You will find music nightly in all the pubs during the summer months.

Apart from the musical heritage, Doolin is a perfect base for exploring County Clare. Here are a couple of the must-see's nearby:

Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher, in County Clare, are one of Ireland’s top Visitor attractions, with close to 1 million visitors per year. A visit to this majestic natural wonder will and you’ll know why. The Cliffs stand 702 feet high at its highest point, stretching roughly 5 miles, offering breathtaking views of the beauty of Ireland’s west coast and the sheer power of the Atlantic Ocean. Even on a calm day, the great ocean waves ceaselessly pound the shore with white surf continually showing white surf at the base of the cliffs.





Aillwee Cave
Ireland's Premier Showcave is an experience which should be a part of everyone's visit to Doolin. Not only is it a stunning walk, Aillwee Cave is also home to Ireland's largest display of Falcons, Harris Hawks, Owls, American Kestrels and White Tailed Sea Eagles.

The Burren
The Burren is one of Ireland's most outstanding landscapes: a place of great beauty and fascination, steeped in history, teeming with wildlife and blessed with a rich culture and strong sense of community.

Activities
Explore the breathtaking scenery around Doolin with outdoor activities. Horse back riding, caving, cycling, golf, sea kayaking, walking, caving and diving are just a few of the activities you can do.

Take a day trip to Galway or hop on a boat to the Aran Islands for a day. As you can see, Doolin is a perfect base to explore County Clare. Experience this wonderful fishing village in Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Did Saint Brendan Discover America First?

The Navigator, the Voyager, the Bold; Saint Brendan is known as one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. Much of his life is shrouded in intrique and mystery.

Saint Brendan the Navigator was born in what is now County Kerry, Ireland more than 1500 years ago in 486 AD. He is known as a traveler and a founder of churches and monasteries. His most famous was Clonfert Cathedral in County Galway. The original monastery was founded here by Saint Brendan 563 AD and it is here that the great navigating saint is buried. Little else in known of the famous Irish Saint, save for what has been recorded in Irish annals, genealogies and a strange tale called "the Voyage of St Brendan the Navigator," written down in the ninth century and rewritten with various changes in several later manuscripts.

According to the medieval legend, St. Brendan and his band of monks embarked on a small boat upon a long Atlantic voyage in search of the Promised Land, the "Isle of the Blessed," a garden of Eden. A spirited 7 year journey ensues, complete with stormy seas, mythical creatures, many strange and wondrous sights. Eventually they landed on the fabled Isle of the Blessed, seven years west of Ireland. Though it is hard to tell which island this hero's journey landed in, many modern historians and scholars believe it is America.

Saint Brendan the Navigator is one of the most famous of Irish saints, but whether he discovered America has remained one of the continuing Irish mysteries. Journey to the birthplace of Saint Brendan, walk in the footsteps of saints and scholars, visit Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

10 reasons to visit Kerry in 2013 - The Gathering, Ireland

Kerry is known around the world for its stunning scenery and amazing natural amenities, which include the likes of Skellig Michael, Killarney National Park and Carrantoohil. But there are many other reasons to visit the region, especially with a whole host of events planned for The Gathering Ireland 2013. 

The Gathering Ireland 2013 - 10 reasons to visit Kerry in 2013

Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match - The Gathering, Ireland

Each September, thousands of single people flock to the small town of Lisdoonvarna in Co Clare in the hopes of meeting their match at the long-running Matchmaking Festival. Some simply move and mingle at the day-long dances, but others prefer to put their fate of finding a plus-one in the hands of a professional. 

The Gathering Ireland 2013 - Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match

The Gathering Ireland 2013 - Welcome to Dublin Town

From the friendly people and one-of-a-kind establishments to the city centre buskers and loads of green spaces, there are a million reasons why Dublin is a great place to be, even if it’s just for a day or two. 

The Gathering Ireland 2013 - Welcome to Dublin Town

96 reasons to be proud of your heritage: Connacht and Ulster

We’ve all read the school history book – words on a page about ‘what’s-his-name’. We’re asked to memorise dates and places and learn off parts of our history that are explained in a few hundred words. If you’re lucky, you might see a drawing of a battle or a painting depicting a King in all his regal finery. Learn More: The Gathering Ireland 2013 - 96 reasons to be proud of your heritage: Connacht and Ulster

The Gathering Ireland 2013 - All about trad

What makes Irish music so celebrated worldwide? Why is chancing upon an evening of informal music in a pub often the highlight of a visitor's trip to Ireland? And why is breaking into song the Irish response to almost any event, whether it’s the joy of friends getting together, the sadness of friends parting, or the extremes of sporting success and failure? Learn More: The Gathering Ireland 2013 - All about trad