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8 quirky experiences you'll only find in Ireland

St Patrick’s Day, probably the most famous Irish celebration, falls on Sunday 17 March this year. For those embarking on a jolly jaunt to The Emerald Isle or planning a future visit, many legends, leprechauns and unique experiences await. By Jenna Berndt

1. Kiss the Blarney Stone

Where else in the world would bending backwards to kiss a cold block of limestone carved into the battlements of a castle appear normal? Only in Ireland, it seems, and it’s a tradition that dates back more than 200 years. Legend has it, after locking lips with the stone, visitors will receive ‘the gift of the gab’ or, in other words, find themselves gifted with eloquence and persuasiveness. 

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2. The Book of Kells 

“Ireland presents you with amazing, unique and quirky experiences you simply couldn’t find anywhere else,” says Teresa Richardson, Managing Director of The Travel Corporation South Africa.

The Book of Kells is one such unique treasure. “As the most famous medieval manuscript in the world, queues to see the book can understandably be quite long. However, Trafalgar guests get priority access to view it; just one benefit of travelling on a Trafalgar guided holiday.”

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3. Settle into Irish country life

“A highlight for Trafalgar guests is the Be My Guest experience, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year,” adds Richardson. “Be My Guest takes travellers into the heart of a local’s home to dine, laugh and learn from them.

"Our Ireland trips include a visit to the Quilles Farmhouse, a working farm in Muckross since the 1930s, that is set against the backdrop of the stunning lakes of Killarney. Guests can learn about traditional farming methods, such as churning butter, and enjoy hearing the stories and music from the hosts.”

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4. Foynes Flying Boat Museum

Nestled in County Limerick, the only dedicated flying boat museum in the world transports visitors back to the 1930s and 40s where the first transatlantic crossings by air took place. The area was the central aviation transport hub, and today the museum is home to the world's only full-size replica of a B314 flying boat. 

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5. Irish coffee

The little village of Foynes also claims to have invented the famous Irish coffee, that more-ish mix of hot coffee, whiskey, sugar and cream. The story goes that a plane bound for New York had to turn around due to bad weather conditions. Faced with a shipload of weary passengers, the chef at the terminal's restaurant dropped a dash of Irish whiskey into coffees as a heartwarming treat, and that's how the Irish coffee was born. 

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6. Remote Black Valley 

Nestled in a remote valley in the mountains of Kerry, the tiny village of Black Valley was the last place in Ireland to be supplied with electricity and telephone networks. Only in 1976 did the village catch up with the modern conveniences of the time. Those in the know say reception is still very poor, so for travellers looking to escape from daily life and hike in the area’s outstanding natural beauty, it is just the remote wilderness you’ve been looking for. 

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7. The Ring of Kerry

A 179-kilometre-long circular tourist route, the Ring of Kerry is another of Ireland’s most famous attractions and boasts some unique, typically Irish experiences. The Rose of Tralee beauty and talent concert, held every August, dates back more than 60 years. The entire town comes alive with street performances and activities, and it’s the perfect spot to soak up that Irish craic. 

Adventurous travellers can make their way to the jagged island of Skellig Michael, made famous in recent Star Wars movies, where visitors can walk amongst puffins or even join in for some seaweed foraging. The landscape has also inspired many writers, poets and creatives. 

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8. Leprechaun Museum

Of course, Ireland was going to house the world’s first leprechaun museum. Step into a world dedicated to Ireland’s most famous mischievous export, the leprechaun, at the Dublin-based museum, and explore the myths and folklore that created Ireland’s mystical heritage. 

Travelling through Ireland, you’ll hear locals say: “If you’re lucky enough to be born Irish, you’re lucky enough.” But even if you’re not quite lucky enough to be journeying through the Emerald Isle this St Patrick’s Day, keep an eye out for green-themed celebrations held locally. Many restaurants have special events and themed menus. Sláinte!

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Start planning for next year! 

There's no place like Ireland to don green and down a Guinness for St. Paddy's! Take advantage of Trafalgar's unique Be My Guest experiences to see a side of the Emerald Isle that most tourists don't get to see. Ask your nearest Sure Travel Agent for a quote, or call  +27 (0)861 47 48 49.

7-day Irish Highlights  |  from R22,900 per person sharing

Valid for travel between 28 April and 22 September 2019.
Share a pint and some craic with new friends and you'll wish you'd stayed longer on the Emerald Isle. From cathedrals and castles to Waterford crystal, there's a lot to say sláinte about.

Package Includes:

  • Airport transfers on first and last day of the tour*
  • 6 nights’ hotel accommodation
  • 6 hot buffet breakfasts
  • 3 dinners (Including Be My Guest) with local wine
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach
  • Expert Travel Director
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
  • Local Specialist 
  • Must-see sights with VIP entry and queue jump 
  • Unique Insider Experiences
  • Traditional Irish fare with an Italian twist is served up at Glenealy Farmhouse near Dublin with the charming Fulvio family on hand to share their story (Day 6)


14-day Amazing Ireland  |  from 45,900 per person sharing

Valid for travel between 28 April and 29 September 2019
Enjoy a leisurely exploration of Ireland, from Waterford in the south to the northern mythical land of Finn MacCool, the giant whose 'causeway' enjoys World Heritage Site status.

Package includes:

  • Airport transfers on first and last day of the tour*
  • 13 nights’ hotel accommodation
  • 13 hot buffet breakfasts
  • 5 dinners (Including Be My Guest) with local wine
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach
  • Expert Travel Director
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
  • Local Specialist 
  • Must-see sights with VIP entry and queue jump 
  • Unique Insider Experiences
  • Traditional Irish fare with an Italian twist is served up at Glenealy Farmhouse near Dublin with the charming Fulvio family on hand to share their story (Day 12)

Go there!

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