Made up of four provinces, with stunning landscapes, historic cities and vibrant culture, Ireland is full of interesting places for groups to visit year-round.
1. Arigna Mining Experience
Located in a beautiful scenic location in County Roscommon overlooking Lough Allen, the Arigna Mining Experience is a community inspired initiative that preserves the 400-year coal mining heritage of the area, and allows visitors an insight into coal mining life as it was in the Arigna Valley for centuries.
The visit to the museum includes access to an exhibition area where there is a presentation and authentic photographic display. The highlight is an underground tour with a former miner as your tour guide; groups are brought to the mine’s coal face and lighting and sound effects add to the reality of the experience. Tour guides tell poignant and often unheard stories of how miners and their families lived and survived in Ireland’s rural hills.
2. EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum
Discover 1,500 years of Irish history and explore 20 galleries at your own pace or on a guided tour at EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum. The museum, based at Custom House Quay in Dublin tells stories of what it means to be Irish including language, literature, art, music and politics.
Highlights include the Rogues’ Gallery, containing stories of the good, the bad and the infamous, and the Whispering Library featuring some of the world’s most famous authors. Groups of more than 16 can take advantage of discounts and tailored itineraries.
3. Kilkenny Castle
Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, groups can uncover the 800-year-old history of Kilkenny Castle at the heart of the city. From the Victorian-style rooms, which have been faithfully brought back to life, to 21-hectares of walled demesne parkland and the south and a formal terraced Rose Garden to the north, the castle offers a great summer day out, with guided and non-guided visits available.
4. Brú na Bóinne
Brú na Bóinne is famous for spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowthbuilt which were built circa 3200BC and are among the most important Neolithic sites in the world.
The World Heritage Site in County Meath features an interactive visitor experience exploring the Neolithic culture, landscape and monuments. Special rates are available for groups and visits must be pre-booked.
5. Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Located 30 minutes from Belfast, group tickets for the Game of Thrones Studio Tour are available for parties of eight to 24 people to discover how the series was brought to life on screen.
Explore the iconic scenes from Westeros, including Winterfell, King’s Landing, Dragonstone and Castle Black. Go behind the scenes and see more than 150 costumes, how every set and sigil was created and the wide range of special effects and props.
For more ideas and inspiration for group trips to Ireland, visit www.tourismireland.com.
