If you are interested in Ireland, planning a trip around Ireland or visiting the country for the first time, here are 5 of the most interesting places to be for the Summer of 2016. Don’t miss them!

1. The Skelligs, Co. Kerry

Skellig Michael

The Skelligs is truly one of Ireland’s great and most unmissable trips. Bookings on the boats out to the island are often booked out but if you are determined you may catch a last-minute cancellation or book ahead for your slot. This amazing sight, which is now even more famous because of Star Wars, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a well preserved monastic outpost of the early Christian period. Beware that this is not for the faint hearted – the boat trips can be hair-raising and the site is accessed by over 600 steps!

2. Galway – Get There First

Galway Races

In a tightly-fought contest between Limerick and the Three Sisters campaigns, Galway has come out tops and has won the designation of European City of Culture for 2020. Get in there first and you can enjoy racing, the arts and the amazing coastal fresh air and scenery and welcome that Galway is famed for. Go west this summer and have a blast!

3. The Lost Town Co. Kilkenny
Jerpoint Park at Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny is fast gaining prominence as it hosts a monument of national importance in Ireland – the Lost Town of Newtown Jerpoint. Guided Heritage tours take visitors through this amazing deserted town. Newtown Jerpoint was founded in the 12th century and had 27 dwelling houses, a court house, tannery, woolen mill, brewery and over 14 taverns. The Tomb Effigy of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra is also at the site.

4. Heritage Trails of Co. Laois
For those that want to further explore the Heritage Trails of County Laois, which is at the Heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, there is a great free app now available to enable visitors to get all the information they need. Co. Laois is often neglected and not given the focus it deserves, but there are many churches, monasteries and abbeys to explore and a wealth of great restaurants and facilities.

5. Tourin House, Co. Waterford
Anybody interested in Irish whiskey will relish a trip to Tourin House and Gardens. This is near Lismore in Co. Waterford and overlooks the River Blackwater. Sisters Kristin, Tara and Andrea run the house and gardens and there are great sights to see including a walled garden and a 16th century tower house.

See unexpected beauty and experience the best of Ireland for the Summer of 2016.