Take it slow around Ireland
Authentic culture and traditions are revealed on unrushed itineraries around the island of Ireland
For clients caught up in a fast-moving world, what better way to unplug than by slowing down and taking a deep breath of Ireland’s clear air? Slow travel in Ireland allows guests to explore beyond the surface and connect with the people, culture and spirit of the country. From windswept coastlines and ancient ruins to fireside chats in cosy pubs and tasting fresh local fare, let clients immerse themselves in the day-to-day magic of the island of Ireland.
Step into a fairytale at McDermott’s Castle on Lough Key, County Roscommon.
4 places to slow down in Ireland
1. Wild Atlantic Way
Stretching along the rugged western edge of Ireland between County Donegal and County Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way is perfect for slow exploration. Encourage clients to stop for drinks or live music at a pub such as the famous Matt Molloy’s, where they can also enjoy local storytelling and hearty cuisine. Irish ingredients are as fresh as they come – clients can even try their hand at seaweed foraging along Kerry’s coastline. And in the city of Galway, it’s not all buzz – clients can take a boat trip on Galway Bay or spend a day on the Aran Islands of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr, where perfectly preserved historic forts and remote beaches are waiting to be discovered.
2. Ireland’s Ancient East
History is woven into Ireland’s core, so send clients on a deep dive into the past in Kilkenny, a medieval city on the water. A guided walk will bring tales of battles, monks and witches to life at sights such as Kilkenny Castle and along the Medieval Mile, which takes in 800 years of history. Elsewhere in the east is the prehistoric site of Newgrange, a Unesco World Heritage Site older than the pyramids, while in the old Viking settlement of Waterford, a laid-back visit to the Medieval Museum or Bishop’s Palace transports clients through the ages. Suggest they soak up the heritage with afternoon tea at Waterford Castle, a historic hotel that sits on a private island just outside the city.
3. Dublin
Dublin’s allure lies in its contrasts: while lively nightlife and busy streets are what the capital is known for, it has a calmer, slower side that’s easy to experience. Exploring on foot will lead clients through cobbled Georgian streets, in the footsteps of famous writers and along the peaceful banks of the River Liffey. Visitors can make like the locals with coffee and pastries at laid-back cafes or explore hidden bookshops as a follow up to a literary walking tour. Meanwhile, off the beaten path, visitors can head to a multitude of distilleries and follow expert-led foodie trails to try unique homemade produce. On the outskirts in Dublin Bay, a cool breeze and salty air accompany visitors past limestone cliffs towards slow lunches at seafood restaurants and culinary adventures in the charming village of Howth.
4. Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
The quiet centre of Ireland makes it easy to take a pause. Far from the crowds, the region is perfect for gentle cycles along greenways, refreshing cold water dips and slow mornings in family-run guesthouses. For active clients, kayaking along the Shannon has clients paddling through the landscapes around Carrick-on-Shannon, fuelled by homemade food at waterfront eateries. Meanwhile, Athlone also has water at its heart, with places for wild swimming, paddleboarding and boat cruises, which should be followed by a drink at one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, Sean’s Bar. Make sure to add a visit to County Roscommon to clients’ routes, to visit the fairytale McDermott’s Castle in the middle of Lough Key.
Find out how your clients can take it slow in Ireland: tourismireland.com/trade
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