There’s an old saying: “Even if you are securely on the right track, you will still get run over if you stop.” In the fast-moving world of tourism, innovation is key and very often it is necessary to run hard just to stay where you are.
Irish tourism has had a lean time since the pandemic, but the industry is nothing if not dynamic and has rapidly recovered from previous steep downturns. Investment is accelerating again and new attractions are opening like flowers in spring. Here are some of the most compelling to enjoy this year.
World of Illusion, Dublin
Looking for an exhibition that is genuinely different? Then Dublin’s new World of Illusion makes the grade. Ideally located near College Green, the exhibition offers 70 illusions and interactive exhibits designed to meddle with your senses and have you seeing what isn’t really there. The perfect visit for memorable selfies, it includes a gravity-defying room, with an impression of floating above a great void, along with a series of infinity mirrors. There is a vortex tunnel, which will have you convinced that the ground is shifting beneath your feet – the challenge is to get through the tunnel without becoming disorientated. After experiencing World of Illusion, it is likely you will never again ascribe the same certainty to the phrase: “I saw it with my own eyes.” worldofillusion.ie
Ormond Castle, Co Tipperary
The castle is a stunning edifice on the banks of the river Suir, and is justifiably described as one of Ireland’s hidden gems. It was the principal stronghold of the powerful Butler family before the family seat was moved to Kilkenny in the 17th century. A manor house was added to the existing defensive towers in the 15th century by Black Tom Butler, 10th earl of Ormond. This was in the hope that his cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, would come to visit. Conscious, perhaps, of the turbulent times in Ireland she never did, but Ormond Castle remains the finest Irish example of an unfortified Elizabethan manor. Restoration and conservation has been ongoing since 2014 with the entire building now returned to its Tudor pomp. The outer appearance of the castle was lovingly reinstated to its original form using a traditional lime render, while a new interpretative exhibition recounts the close relationship that developed between Black Tom and Queen Elizabeth in a visitor-friendly way. heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit
Midleton to Youghal Greenway, Co Cork
Over the past two decades, greenways have been sprouting across rural Ireland like buds in May. The latest addition is the 23km Midleton-Youghal Greenway, which follows the track bed of a disused railway. For a perfect day out, you can bring your bike free of charge to Midleton Railway Station (some restrictions apply regarding times). Then, cycle the very doable 23km to the charming coastal town of Youghal. Here, there are opportunities to enjoy a seafood lunch on the waterside at the Quays Bar and Restaurant before returning to your start point. Alternatively, you could cycle 13km to Killeagh village and have lunch in the Old Thatch Bar, Ireland’s oldest thatched pub. As an alternative to bringing your own bike, you can hire one in Midleton from corkbikehire.com. midletongreenway.com
Killarney Brewing & Distilling Co, Co Kerry
Perched on the edge of a stunning national park, Killarney is all about the outdoors. Until recently, however, there weren’t many attractions for inclement days apart from a visit to Muckross House. This is now changing, and the coming of Ireland’s largest independently owned brewery and distillery is of huge benefit. It is in an iconic building on the Ring of Kerry Road about 7km west of Killarney, with panoramic views to the renowned Lakes of Killarney and the Gap of Dunloe. Immersive tours of both the Brewery and Distillery, including product tastings. killarneybrewingdistilling.com
Vee Valley Loop, Co Tipperary
The area around the Vee Valley of the Knockmealdown Mountains is “God’s own country” for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from easy rambles to challenging hikes. A circular walking route has recently been added that sublimely captures the best of the hills above Clogheen village. With a lovely mixture of woodland trails and open mountain terrain, this 9km loop starts from Killballyboy car park, signposted off the R668 south of Clogheen. Late May to early June is a great time to complete the walk, as the rhododendron plants that populate the area are in full bloom. Walkers should note, however, that while the walk is fully waymarked, there are challenging underfoot conditions in places. Boots are essential and walking poles are an advantage. sportireland.ie
Grand Canal Way, Co Offaly
Our canals, built exclusively for commercial purposes, have in recent years morphed seamlessly into splendid recreational waterways. The latest iteration is the new waterside walk along a 70km section of the Grand Canal through Co Offaly. It has just been opened and links Edenderry with Shannon Harbour by way of a superb 70km waterside cycling and walking trail. When fully complete, the new route will link Ringsend in Dublin to the river Shannon with spurs connecting it to Lough Boora Discovery Park and the Royal Canal Blueway. A nice way to explore this new greenway is to bring your bike by train to Tullamore and then cycle the 40km to Shannon Harbour or the 30km to Edenderry. Enjoy lunch and then bike it back to Tullamore. Users should note, however, that part of the Grand Canal Way is shared with vehicular traffic. greenwaysireland.org
Barryscourt Castle, Co Cork
Tower houses were built by the Normans to consolidate their hold over captured territory. If you want to see what these edifices looked like in medieval times, Barryscourt Castle is the place to head for. It is in Carrigtwohill to the east of Cork city, and is about to reopen after 10 years of painstaking restoration. It was built by the Anglo-Norman Barry family and is one of the best examples of an Irish tower house with a protective bawn surrounding it. The huge building has been extensively conserved, with much of the interior restored and its period furnishings reinstated. Barryscourt is scheduled to reopen in April, with guided tours and a coffee franchise on-site. heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit
Roddy McCorley Republican Heritage Centre, Belfast
In times past it is unlikely a heritage centre dedicated to republicanism would have been funded by the Northern Ireland exchequer. Times have changed, however, and there is a new political reality north of the Border with the result that republican stories can now be celebrated in west Belfast. McCorley is a good choice to headline the centre since he allegedly fought at the 1798 Battle of Antrim, where Protestants, Dissenters and Catholics came together to fight for the cause of an Irish republic. The exhibition tells the story not just of McCorley but charts the republican struggle for independence from the 1798 rebellion, through the revolutionary period and later into the Troubles before ending in the peace process. Even for those not taken with republicanism, the centre is worth a visit since it is on the edge of the Belfast Hills and offers panoramic views over the city from a rooftop terrace and restaurant. roddymccorley.com
Sperrin Sculpture Trail, Co Tyrone
The Sperrin Sculpture Trail, designed, perhaps, with the selfie market in mind, is a new and innovative art installation in the Sperrin Mountains showcasing the heritage of the area. Be warned, however: the three giant sculptures that form the experience are a long distance apart, and this isn’t a mountain trail in any real sense. For an enjoyable hike, the best one is Darach: The Guardian, which is near the summit of Mullaghcarn Mountain. There is a nice but somewhat strenuous 4½-mile there-and-back hike where you follow purple arrows along a well-maintained forest path to the summit sculpture. A couple of nearby communication masts take a little from the spectacle, but looking in all other directions offers a wonderful mountain panorama with views over much of Northern Ireland. If you want an easier-to-reach selfie point, the other giant sculptures of Nowanois (the storyteller) and Ceoldán (the stargazer), at Glenelly and Davaragh Forest, are easily accessible by driving to the nearby car parks. discovernorthernireland.com
