SUSTAINABILITY

UNESCO World Heritage Ireland

6 minute read
Jane Freemand

Embark on a journey through time and discover the enchanting world of Ireland’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the awe-inspiring Skellig Michael to the unique geological formations of the Giant’s Causeway and the ancient wonders of Brú na Bóinne.

The island of Ireland is home to several UNESCO sites that are rich in history and culture. From tales of giants to sun worship and Norse royalty, these sites have a unique story to tell.

Welcome to the magical world of Ireland’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the awe-inspiring Skellig Michael to the ancient wonders of Brú na Bóinne and Newgrange, these sites are steeped in history, myth, and legend. Dream Escape will arrange a tour for you to uncover the fascinating stories behind these iconic landmarks and experience the rich cultural heritage of this enchanting island. As you explore these sites, you can feel the cool breeze on your face and sense how time has shaped the landscape around you. The air is filled with the taste of history, and every step you take is a journey through time.

Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael is a breathtakingly beautiful and historically significant location that was home to devout Christian monks seeking extreme isolation between the 6th and 8th centuries. Consisting of Skellig Michael (Sceilig Mhichíl) and its smaller sister, Little Skellig (Sceilig Bheag), the Skellig Islands are Europe’s second-most westerly point, surpassed only by the Blasket Islands. Over the years, Skellig Michael has attracted visitors from all over the world, including Norway’s first king, Olaf Tryggvasson, who was reportedly baptised on the island. Literary legend George Bernard Shaw also visited Skellig Michael and described it as an “incredible, impossible, mad place” that was “part of our dream world.” For a magical, private sandy-beach experience with picturesque views, Dream Escape will arrange a riding tour along the water’s edge at Rossbeigh Strand. 

Located on the Ring of Kerry and accompanied by our favourite local guides, you will take a ride along the six-mile-long Rossbeigh Beach, known as a trekker’s paradise, just 30 minutes from Killarney town. Whether you’re exploring the stunning surrounding scenery on a trail ride or enjoying a gentle trot along the beach, the views are sure to leave you awestruck. Another interesting experience that Dream Escape will arrange for you is a sheepdog demonstration in Killarney. You’ll have the opportunity to join a local farmer for a ‘day in the life’ of working with his Border collies as they herd sheep. During this experience, you’ll witness firsthand how well-trained Border collies can help the farmer with his agricultural activities. You’ll also get to watch a spectacular demonstration as the sheepdogs respond to their individual whistles, showcasing their intelligence, skill, and obedience.

The Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is a unique geological formation located on the Causeway Coast in Antrim, Northern Ireland. While there are many myths surrounding this oddity, the facts behind it are even more impressive. The basalt columns that make up the Giant’s Causeway emerged over 60 million years ago due to intense volcanic activity. These octagonal stepping stones, also known as ‘giant’s eyes’, are not the only curious stone creations along the coast. Other notable formations include the Organ, the Giant’s Harp, and the Honeycomb. 

This UNESCO site is in close proximity to other popular tourist attractions in the area, such as the sea-spanning Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the town of Bushmills, known for its whiskey distillery and award-winning Bushmills Inn. Dream Escape will arrange a private tour of the Causeway Coastal Route, including exclusive access to Glenarm Castle, Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, and Dunluce Castle. With a personal storyteller to guide you, you will be transported to a place in the past and experience the lives of those who lived in this unforgiving but unforgettable part of the world. 

The Giant’s Causeway is an extraordinary national nature reserve, stretching over two miles and made up of approximately 40,000 basalt columns. On a private tour, a knowledgeable guide will take you on a journey through these unique geological formations and offer a “140-year and counting” personal insight from their family’s history, making for an authentic storytelling experience. 

Another exclusive guided tour in Northern Ireland is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, originally constructed in 1755 to connect the mainland to the island of Carrickarede. This iconic bridge is a symbol of Northern Ireland and an important landmark for many. Dream Escape will arrange exclusive access to the island cottage and the opportunity to hear stories from the fishers and their industry while enjoying a specially prepared Causeway Coast picnic hamper filled with locally sourced produce.

Brú na Bóinne and Newgrange

If you’re looking for Ireland’s most famous passage tomb, then look no further than Newgrange. Its pagan architects crafted a building that predates even the pyramids at Giza, and while its grass-covered exterior is stunning, what’s truly exciting is what’s inside. On the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year in Northern Europe) on December 21st, a beam of sunlight enters through a roof box, creating a beautifully illuminated inner chamber and one of the world’s oldest sun celebrations. If this sounds like an experience you’d like to have, you’re not alone. The audience permitted to view the winter solstice inside Newgrange is selected by lottery due to the modest size of the inner chamber and the high level of interest. However, visitors can still gather on the hill and watch the sun illuminate this Neolithic monument, just as it has done for over 5,000 years. 

Dream Escape will arrange a private guided tour of Slane Distillery and Castle, where you can see the work of some of the most renowned architects of the time and learn about the Conyngham family, who have resided there since the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Discover the iconic rock-and-roll artists who have performed at Slane rock concerts, and get lost in the rich equine heritage developed by the Slane estate. 

Set against the backdrop of the River Boyne, it exudes a mystical quality that is steeped in history. Slane Castle has been the Conyngham family’s home since 1703 and became a renowned Irish concert venue in 1981 when Irish bands Thin Lizzy and U2 performed there for the first time. Since 1981, Slane Castle’s grounds have hosted numerous rock concerts, thanks to its 80,000-person-capacity natural amphitheatre. Some of the performers who have headlined Slane concerts include The Rolling Stones, U2, Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queen, David Bowie, Neil Young, Bryan Adams, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Robbie Williams, Madonna, R.E.M., Foo Fighters, Celtic Woman, and Oasis, among others.

The Castle’s original stable block houses the adjacent Slane Distillery, which opened in 2017. The tour of the world-class distillery culminates in a tasting of their signature triple-casked Slane Irish Whiskey.

IMAGE CREDITS: ©Getty images / iStock Photos / Failte Ireland / Tourism Ireland 

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