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Allison Udy: bucket-list Lapland trip, coach drivers and more
GTO Allison Udy on the uniqueness of her group and how a coach driver can make or break a trip.
In celebration of St Patrick’s Day, we’ve pulled together some of the best places for groups to visit in Ireland.
1. National Leprechaun Museum, Dublin
Groups of all ages will enjoy a visit to the National Leprechaun Museum, which is dedicated to Irish mythology, folklore and stories. Visitors can take a guided tour around the museum with a storyteller who will explain more about Irish folklore. Groups are encouraged to interact with the different rooms and engage their senses – one room in particular is filled with oversized furniture that makes for fun photo opportunities.
Adults can also book onto a Dark Land night tour, which is an adult only tour exploring the darker side of Irish mythology.
2. Blarney Castle, Cork
Blarney Castle and Gardens has lots on offer for groups of all ages. The Medieval stronghold is most popular for being home to the Blarney Stone, which is a block of carboniferous limestone built into the castle’s walls. According to legend, whoever kisses the stone receives the gift of the gab.
The grounds also feature the dungeon, the witch stone, wishing steps, and the gardens which include a poison garden, bog garden and Irish garden.
3. Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin
Kilmainham Gaol is the historic former prison that was significant during the struggle of Irish independence. The prison is also features as a location in In the Name of the Father, a film about the Guildford Four.
A 45 minute tour of the prison includes an audio-visual show and visitors can also see an exhibition that details the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration. The tour visits the east wing, west wing and stone breakers yard as well as the museum.
www.heritageireland.ie/en/kilmainhamgaol
4. Croke Park Stadium, Dublin
Sports fans will enjoy a visit to Croke Park where they can book onto a stadium tour and learn about the history of Irish sporting. Groups can enjoy an interactive visitor experience with an access-all-areas guided tour, which includes visits to the changing rooms and bar area, the pitch side and the top tier of the stand – 30 meters above the pitch.
Entry to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) museum is also included in tickets to the stadium tour. The GAA museum highlights the contribution the GAA has made to Ireland’s cultural and sporting heritage since it’s foundation in 1884, and features an interactive games zone.
5. Titanic Belfast, Belfast
This visitor attraction allows groups to explore the shipyard, walk the decks and uncover the legend of the ship Titanic. The attraction features nine interactive galleries, a Discovery Tour which is a one hour walking tour, the remains of a White Star vessel – SS Nomadic, a gift shop and a bistro.
Groups of 15 or more can benefit from discounted entry, a meet-and-greet on arrival and a fast-track into the experience.
The Old Bushmills Distillery
6. The Old Bushmills Distillery, Belfast
Groups can visit this distillery – the oldest working distillery in Ireland – that has hand crafting small batches of Irish whiskey for over 400 years. Distillery tours last around 40 minutes and allows groups to see the process from start to finish. Each tour also includes a tasting at the end.
Groups of 15 or more receive discounted entry.
7. Chester Beatty Library, Dublin
Chester Beatty Library isn’t just a library – it also features exhibitions about different religious and how books were made, free guided tours and an introductory movie. There’s also a gift shop, café and rooftop garden, as well as an extensive collection of books and historic artefacts.
Both history and book lovers will enjoy a visit here, which is entirely free.
Advanced booking is required for groups of over 20 or wanting to book a guided tour.
For more ideas and inspiration visit www.visitireland.com.
