Ireland has been voted as one of the top ten countries to visit in 2015 by influential travel guide Lonely Planet. Ranking fifth on the list, Ireland has been described as “stunningly scenic”.
Meanwhile, Tourism Ireland has said 2015 will be a huge year for travel in Ireland with the plan to bring in 7.74 million visitors, particularly from North America, the UK and Europe.
We look at upcoming events and five reasons to visit Ireland in 2015.
1. Irish Design 2015
This is a great year for anybody with an interest in design to visit Ireland. The Irish Design 2015 initiative will feature an extensive program of events across the island of Ireland celebrating Irish designers and design. There will be design masterclasses, sewing sessions, exhibitions, short films, lectures and family days. Ireland has been named World Design Hub 2015 by the International Association of Designers, so visitors will be exposed to be best of Irish design wherever they go throughout 2015.
2. Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is a way to see Ireland as never-before, traveling along the west coast and seeing incredible scenery and this year there will be even more activities along this route. This route covers the entire West Coast of Ireland from Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry and Cork and the best way to decide on the best route for you is to check what festivals and events are happening in each area at the times you are thinking of traveling and in addition to the geographical wonders that you will see, you can build in some local culture also.
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| Cliffs of Moher |
3. Tiger Dublin Fringe
Dublin’s Fringe Festival, Tiger Dublin Fringe, is celebrating 21 years this year and the Festival is an ideal time to visit the city. Taking place over fourteen days, from September 7th to 20th, there will be theater, dance, music, comedy, spectacle at venues across Dublin. This multi-disciplinary festival focuses on new and innovative approaches to the arts and is a must-see for anybody interested in the new and the next. It’s a must-see for 2015.
4. Game of Thrones Tour
Fans of the hit HBO series Game of Thrones now have their own dedicated three day tour in Ireland showcasing the scenery from Northern Ireland that provides the backdrop. This exciting three day trip brings visitors in to the heart of the Seven Kingdoms and along the route travelers will pass through the most memorable locations from the show where the wicked Lannisters, honorable Starks and all the rest play out their parts. The tour covers Tollymore Forest Park in County Down in to Belfast City; Inch Abbey to Castle Ward, County Down and Strangford Lough and Titanic Studios where many of the interior scenes were shot. Visitors will also see the Cushendun Caves, Ballycastle and Ballintoy Harbour in Antrim and Downhill Strand in County Derry / Londonderry.
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| Castle Ward |
5. Saint Patrick’s Festival
The only place to be on Saint Patrick’s Day is Ireland and this year the four day Saint Patrick’s Festival takes place from 14th to 17th March. In addition to the huge Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin city starting at midday on the day, there will be parades and events across the country from music, to walking tours, treasure hunts, ceilis and street performances to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint and turn the country green.
2015 – there’s never been a better time to visit Ireland.