Things to do in Ireland

A visit to Malahide Castle and Gardens is a great day out for the family as there is just so much to see and do. Take a guided tour around the Castle which was originally built in the 12th century and see its lavish interior. Be transported back in time and see the wonderful examples of craftsmanship. The ornamental gardens will inspire you with over 5,000 different species of plants. Look out for the classic walled garden and the Discovery Room.

Located in the beautiful Killarney National Park with its famous Lakes of Killarney and surrounded by mountains and woodland, Muckross House and Gardens couldn't be in a more perfect setting. Muckross house is a fine example of a 19th century Victorian mansion and visitors can get a taste of what life was like for both the Herbert family who lived there and their staff.

Newgrange is a passage tomb and ancient temple constructed in the Neolithic period (New Stone Age), around 3,200 B.C, or over 5,000 years ago. This dates the structure as being older than the Great Pyramids in Egypt and older than Stonehenge in England. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its inner chamber is illuminated by the rising sun at the winter solstice via a roof-box opening. This, together with the design and scale of the construction, suggests a well-organised society.

A must-see for the whiskey connoisseur or anyone interested in the process of whiskey distilling. This old distillery has been in operation for over 400 years. Guided tours are given.

Powerscourt House and Gardens is a magnificent place to visit. The house, built in 1741 is full of Palladian character and today houses several shops offering the best of Irish design in fashion, jewellery, furniture and giftware, as well as a food hall and terrace café. Powerscourt Gardens is a collection of gardens including an Italian garden and a Japanese garden. A lovely walking trail offers visitors the chance to stroll around the gardens, take in the fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty.

The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster for hundreds of year until the Norman invasion. Few remnants of the early structures survive, with the majority of buildings dating from the 12th and 13th centuries and these have some unique features.

This is a small, family-run chocolate factory. It makes a delicous range of chocolate bars, clusters, boxed chocolates, and chocolates for special occasions. Visitors can view the chocolates being made, and taste some chocolate samples, although currently there is no guided tour, as such.

Discover not only how Smithwick's Ale is brewed, but also about the history of Smithwick's and of the ale brewing history which predated it in Kilkenny. It is a story of triumph of people over adversity and the role which ale has played in that struggle.