A Luminous Beauty

Ireland A Luminous Beauty

Ireland’s natural beauty is undeniable - however its history is just as rich and aweinspiring.

Journey to a land of stunning natural wonders, ancient clifftops, impossibly beautiful towns and villages amongst vast, undiscovered peninsulas where iconic castles and ancient bog land create a compelling landscape. There’s even a ‘magic road’, as coined by the locals.

Ireland may not boast the expansive sandscapes of the Arab world, but it has over 3,000 kilometres of coastal paradise peppered with pristine white beaches at every turn.

Described as a land of impossible beauty, Ireland offers an excellent quality of life, with low crime rates and excellent healthcare and education systems. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low compared to other Western European countries. It is the only English-speaking nation in the EU and home to many of the world’s top companies, an ideal partner for business. When planning a visit to Ireland the weather is often a talking point. Visitors expect to be pummelled with constant rain, but this is not necessarily the case. While The UAE is a sub-tropical desert climate, Ireland enjoys cool temperate climes, which means extremes of temperature are rare. The country generally experiences warm summers and mild winters due to the protection of the Atlantic Ocean, warmed by the Gulf Stream all year. That said, it does rain, often out of the blue and thunderously, but this creates the 40 shades of green and a thriving agricultural industry.

EPIC LOCATIONS The entire country offers a colorful palette of natural hews in a completely raw environment. The aptly named Wild Atlantic Way on the western Atlantic seaboard boasts 1,600 miles (2600 km) and is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. It winds its way along the west coast of

Sliabh Leag Boat Trips, Co Donegal

Dolphins, Malin Head, Co Donegal Ireland from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north down to the picturesque town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south. From sheer cliffs that plunge into crashing Atlantic waves to remote, weatherbeaten islands, ‘wild’ aptly defines this coastline.

Off the coast of County Kerry, an ancient monastery towers over the sea. On the summit of the awe-inspiring rock of Skellig Michael is St Fionan’s monastery, one of the earliest foundations in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monks who lived there prayed and slept in beehive-shaped huts made of stone, many of which remain to this day.

There is an incredible wealth of birdlife on and around Skellig Michael and little Skelligs. Puffins arrive on the island in late spring and by April, they have covered every available ledge. Visitors marvel at these adorable birds, known as the clowns of the sea. Puffins mate for life, and a couple can stay together for over 20 years.

Yet another awe-inspiring cliff attraction is the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland. It boasts epic sights that are famous the world over, including the Hexagonal basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway – another UNESCO World Heritage Site - and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The perilous 100-foot drop under the bridge that divides the mainland from the tiny island of Carrigarede, near Ballintoy, is a sight to behold. First erected by salmon fishermen more than 250 years ago, the bridge spans 20 metres and is suspended 30 metres above the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. The narrow rope bridge provides an adrenaline-charged passage across the sea to the calm of tiny Carrick-a-Rede Island, home to a single fisherman’s cottage. The crossing is not for the faint-hearted, yet it offers the chance to surrender to the mercy of the elements and experience a unique view of the dramatic Antrim coastline.

A MAGICAL PLACE Secret wonders abound all over the Island of Ireland. Meander from Donegal to Down and discover the clear skies of Donegal, offering views of the Aurora Borealis; or visit Kerry’s Dark Sky Reserve, where the lack of light pollution offers wonderful views of the constellations, the Milky Way, falling stars, faint meteors and zodiacal light.

The Silent Valley reservoir is a magnet for busy minds yearning solitude at the shimmering heart of the Mourne Mountains. This is the place to go if you want to get away from it all. Ringed by mountains, the man-made lake isn’t called ‘silent’ for nothing. The tranquillity here makes it a perfect spot for some quiet reflection.

Skellig Michael, Iveragh Peninsula, Co Kerry

Ireland is an island surrounded by water – an element with natural calming properties. In fact, the mere sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness and relaxation, which may explain why so many of us seek out beaches and watery destinations for vacation.

Of all the European countries, Ireland particularly lends itself to water-based activities with deepsea loughs, spectacular glacial lakes and majestic rivers. Cruising is a glorious way to explore the Island and soak up the scenery at a leisurely pace. Whether it be a bird’s eye view of the Cliffs of Moher – but from the bottom up - to cruising the Shannon waterways, the entire country is crisscrossed by a dense network of rivers, streams and creeks. The longest river on the island, the Shannon, meanders 360 kilometers from the Cuilcagh Mountains in the north of the country County Limerick in the southwest. There it flows into the Atlantic Ocean in an estuary more than 102 kilometres long.

WHALE WATCHING Few experiences can match the excitement of a close encounter with one of the largest creatures on the planet. In 1991, Ireland’s biologically diverse waters were declared a whale and dolphin sanctuary, the first of its kind in Europe. Since then, 25 species have been recorded, ranging in size from the small harbour porpoise to the giant fin whale. The Atlantic Ocean, which runs along the western coastline, acts as a superhighway where countless cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises) spend months travelling north to south and back again, always on the lookout for a good meal.

Spring and summer see large numbers of Risso’s dolphin, minke whales and basking sharks. Autumn and winter are referred to locally as ‘Big Whale Season’and see the arrival of large baleen whales. Fin whales arrive in late summer or early autumn, while humpbacks typically arrive in autumn.

Regardless of what ‘pops up’ to say hello and wherever you sail from, the views of the Wild Atlantic Way are guaranteed to make the trip worthwhile.

NATURAL STORYTELLERS Ireland’s Ancient East is renowned for its long history of amazing stories – ask any local about the area you’re in and you’ll see what we mean. But one particular spot in County Louth takes the crown for quirky stories.

Dating back to the 6th century, Sceilg Mhichíl is an outstanding and unique example of an early religious settlement deliberately sited on a isolated pyramidal rock in the ocean.

The ‘magic road’ is legendary among locals in Jenkinstown, and rightly so. Take a car to this unassuming little spot, stop at what is affectionately known as ‘the Big Mushroom’, shift gear into neutral and prepare to defy gravity – literally – as the car rolls uphill!

The Irish place great store on the spoken word and have created a unique and beautiful language. Stories and storytelling are embedded into the heart of the Irish, and as many say, they have ‘the gift of the gab.’

In the Arab world, the Halawani, or storyteller, was a treasured source of entertainment who attracted everyone to sit and listen eagerly to meaningful stories with universal wisdom. Similarly, in Celtic tradition, the storyteller was revered and had a sacred place in society. They memorized poetry, songs, and practices which were then acted out. In the absence of the written word, their poems and songs were often the only way of preserving and passing down historical records. These latter-day bards evolved into storytellers called ‘seanchaí’ who wandered from town-to-town entertaining and regaling with their tales and embellishing them along the way. They could call up history and recite it whenever it was called for – a ‘Google’ of ancient times.

Without doubt, people fall in love with the Island and the people of Ireland. In the pretty little spa town of Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, you will find the world’s oldest (offline) matchmaking festival. It started as a means for bachelor farmers to find a wife many moons ago, but it has since ballooned into a week of dance, song and downright fun. The man behind Europe’s biggest and most famous singles event is matchmaker Willie Daly, the third generation in his family to continue this age-old Irish tradition. He has set up a whopping 3,000 marriages in his fifty years of matchmaking.

Whether you wander through 5,000 years of history in Ireland’s Ancient East, discover the breathtaking west coast along the Wild Atlantic Way, embrace the giant spirit of the Causeway Coast, or enjoy the unspoiled majesty of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, do so in the knowledge that when you book a trip to the Island of Ireland, a warm welcome awaits and the craic, as they say, will be mighty.

Ireland’s Ancient East is renowned for its long history of amazing stories – ask any local about the area you’re in and you’ll see what we mean.

Treasures of Ireland

Discover the remains of prehistoric tombs. Imagine the thrill of defending a castle. Wander through medieval halls. Soak up the serenity of historic gardens and the splendour of great estates.

The Office of Public Works aims to inspire passion from Ireland’s past by managing and promoting many of its most famous historical attractions to domestic and overseas visitors. With over 90 unique places to visit, you’ll never be stuck for adventure. Follow in the footsteps of voyagers on a journey through Ireland’s epic past.

Many heritage sites are open all year round, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brú na Bóinne, Rock of Cashel, Dublin Castle and hidden gems such as Jerpoint Abbey or Portumna Castle. With local expert guides available to give guided tours, exhibitions, events and unique historic collections, there is something for everyone.

At each site, expert guide staff, horticulturalists, librarians and curators deliver unique visitor experiences at the many national monuments and historic properties that feature on www.heritageireland.ie. The website offers excellent value with online booking available at busy sites, reduced rates and benefits for tour operators to an annual Heritage Card giving unlimited free admission to the visitor attractions.

Even more sites are coming on board with new experiences for the visitor in 2023. Amongst those that have recently been redeveloped with interactive exhibitions and facilities is The Great Blasket Island Visitor Centre in County Kerry. Further north along the Wild Atlantic Way is the Neolithic landscape of the Céide Fields Visitor Centre on a stunning cliff-top location. The OPW is continuously expanding the diversity of historical places to visit and can now invite visitors to the recently opened Custom House Visitor Centre in Dublin’s docklands, a new visitor experience in one of Dublin’s iconic Georgian buildings.

Knowth National Monument Line Ken Williams

An OPW Heritage Card gives you unlimited access to all OPW heritage sites countrywide.

Ceide Fields ©Failte Ireland. Alison Crummy

PARKS & GARDENS Restoration works continue apace on many other historic buildings and gardens such as Emo Court, County Laois and the Record Tower at Dublin Castle.

The OPW is justifiably proud that 11 historic parks and gardens are part of the Green Flag Awards, administered by An Taisce in the Republic of Ireland, which recognises and encourages the provision of good quality parks and green spaces managed in environmentally sustainable ways. The awards are judged on eight criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement. Visitors can now enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Altamont House & Gardens in County Carlow, the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre in County Meath, Castletown Demesne in County Kildare, Derrynane Historic Park in County Kerry, Fota Arboretum & Gardens and Garinish Island in County Cork and Grangegorman Military Cemetery, Irish National War Memorial Gardens, St. Stephen’s Green Park, The Iveagh Gardens and The Phoenix Park in Dublin.

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL For those looking for something extra special, a ‘Unique Experience’ can be booked at any of these four historic locations:

Castletown House, Ireland’s first and finest Palladian style mansion, was built in the 1720s for William Conolly, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons. Castletown House was constructed to exemplify its owners’ influence and immense wealth. Here guests can go ‘behind the rope’ on a private viewing of an Irish portrait collection of miniatures on loan from the Irish Georgian Society in the Lady Kildare Room. The miniatures and silhouettes were personal items, often given as a gift and, in an age before photography, were often used as a visual memorial of a loved one to be carried on the person as jewellery. A personal expert guide takes visitors on a journey of discovery through Irish history from the turbulent seventeenth century, through the opulence of enlightenment Ireland in the eighteenth century and to the eventual decline of the ‘Big House’. On this experience, visitors can discover insights into the estate’s history, its owners (the Conolly family), as well as architectural and decorative art gems.

Kilkenny Castle stands strategically above the River Nore, in twenty-one hectares of rolling parkland and formal gardens and is located in the heart of Kilkenny City. Visitors are warmly greeted by the Events Manager and experienced guides, who enthrall guests with wonderful stories of the powerful and influential Butler Family. Some very special pieces from the Ormonde Collection are available for viewing in the Duchess Closest of the west wing. Guests have the opportunity to handle some pieces, which may include weaponry, family photographs, unique family pieces and even some children’s toys from the 19th-century nursery.

Farmleigh House and Estate, is located in an estate of seventy-eight acres situated to the northwest of Dublin’s Phoenix Park. Farmleigh provides accommodation for visiting dignitaries and guests of the nation, including Queen Elizabeth II in 2011, the Emperor of Japan in 2005 and Prince William and the Princess of Wales (then Duchess of Cambridge), in 2020. Here you can soak up the smell of leather and old books while an expert librarian showcases the world-class collection of rare manuscripts and books of Benjamin Guinness. This collection is as beautiful as it is educational and entertaining.

In Dublin Castle, a personal guide and expert curator takes visitors through the exquisite interiors of the State Apartments to the soaring interior of the Chapel Royal. See behind closed doors for an exclusive visit to the gallery, with its velvet furnishings, jewel-like stained glass windows and an array of sculptural ornament. Along the way, hear first-hand about the detailed research and conservation work that helps to safeguard these national treasures and bring their stories to life. As a memento of the visit, guests are invited to choose a personally signed and dedicated copy of one of the curator’s Dublin Castle publications.

MAKING MOVIES From classic artwork to moving pictures, Ireland’s relationship with cinema runs deep. ‘Moving pictures’ were first shown in Ireland in 1896, and just a few months later, cameramen working for the Lumières filmed the first footage of the country. Since then, filmmakers have flocked to Ireland, drawn by the diversity of its landscape, the mild climate that enables year round filming and above all, by a 5000-year history visible across the land. From Brú na Bóinne to Bantry Bay, the Irish countryside is filled with Neolithic passage tombs, Augustinian monasteries, Medieval castles, Elizabethan manor houses, Palladian mansions, parks, gardens and monumental forts with most of these sites being maintained and managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW).

For those who love to visit movie locations, Ireland has much to offer. Nestled at the heart of a town rich in Medieval architecture, Trim Castle is one of Ireland’s most spectacular castles. Built on the banks of the River Boyne at the end of the twelfth century, it is the largest Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland. Many of the original Medieval features are intact, including the monumental three-storey keep at its centre (all but impregnable in its day), the gatehouse and the curtain wall. A magnificent setting that made the castle the perfect stand-in for the city of York in Braveheart.

Standing proudly on a rocky island in the River Suir, Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s most significant, best-preserved, and authentic castles. Built in the Middle Ages for the powerful Butler family, the castle was at the cutting edge of defensive castle design. Much of the original structure remains, including the keep and tower. Rising above the River Suir, the castle is spectacular from every angle. With its superb location (just off the M8 and within easy reach of Kilkenny, Cork and Dublin) it is no surprise that the castle has featured in major film and TV productions over the years. To name but a few, Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel and David Lowery’s The Green Knight were filmed here, with Green Knight crowned winner of EUFCN European Location Award 2021.

Located in the heart of Dublin, Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe and one of Ireland’s most iconic sites. Here successive generations of Irish rebels were held, from the 1798 Rebellion to the War of Independence in 1921. And it is here that the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed.

Kilmainham is steeped in Irish history and has featured (as itself) in several historical dramas. It was the setting for Michael Collins and The Wind that Shakes the Barley, but the magnificent east wing of the gaol, with its classic ‘panoptic’ design based on Pentonville Prison in London, has stood in for prisons all over the world in films like The Italian Job.

Throughout the year OPW sites host many cultural and historical events, from garden walks to spooky events during Halloween, there’s always something going on. Cahir Castle, “The Green Knight” A24 and Screen Ireland

Trim Castle, Tony Pleavin and Tourism Ireland

Ireland is easily accessible by air and sea, and with over 70 heritage sites managed by the Office of Public Works across the country, there is something to visit, whatever road you take.

Couples from far and wide choose Ireland as the location for their wedding. Make it even more special by choosing from several unique locations. Picture tying the knot against a fantasy backdrop of a Palladian mansion, an Elizabethan manor house or even a seventeenth fort, there are many approved venues for a civil or secular ceremony. Alternatively, all OPW sites are available for corporate events, meetings and conferences, offering stunning locations against inspirational backdrops.

Find out all about Ireland’s unique heritage sites and hidden gems on heritageireland.ie

A Personal Touch

One of Kildare Village’s proudest launches this year has been the launch of three new Personal Shopping Suites, exclusively designed by international interior designer David Thomas.

Building on the success of the Personal Shopping service to date, the new suites are a haven of quiet luxury designed to elevate the personal shopping experience to a new level of comfort and delight. Their launch and development positions Kildare Village as a market leader in this personalised service in Ireland. Offering a 360-degree lifestyle shopping experience, the new development is a popular ‘added value’ service for new and repeat guests in The Bicester Village Shopping Collection worldwide.

THE SPACE Designer David Thomas started his career at Ralph Lauren, where he stayed for nine years. Since creating David Thomas Design in 1998, his creative team have designed for some of the most high-end brands in the world, including Manolo Blahnik’s NYC headquarters and Goyord’s Los Angeles flagship store on Rodeo Drive. The Personal Shopping Suites at Kildare Village are decorated with soft tones of blush, deep sea blue and terracotta in luxurious materials for soft furnishings, curtains and wallpaper. The artwork has been specifically curated for the space and includes black and white photography, paintings and limited-edition prints. Irish artists represented include Martina Furlong, Karen Hickey and Derval Freeman.

PERSONAL SHOPPING: A FIVE STAR SERVICE Personal Shopping at the Village’s new suites is overseen by Clara Halpin, Deputy Director of Personal Shopping. Internationally trained

An immersive sensory experience, the suites boast tunable lighting technology allowing customers to visualise their outfits in day and evening light.

Personal Stylists Jess Colivet, Sinéad Kelly and Cathy O’Connor complete the team, with new stylists to be welcomed in the coming months. Each Personal Shopper is an expert in their field, taking care of guests’ sartorial needs in everything from their colour profile to occasionwear advice.

Alongside the opening of the Personal Shopping Suites, Kildare Village’s brand mix has also evolved, offering an even broader choice of brands from which the Personal Shopping team are able to curate new and inspiring looks for guests. A personal shopping appointment in Kildare Village is an immersive sensory experience, unlike anything that can be experienced online. New innovations within the suites include tunable lighting technology, allowing customers to visualise their outfits both in daylight and evening light.

As part of the Personal Shopping experience, a number of new services is available too. For those in a hurry, the ‘Perfect Palette’ service offers expert colour analysis during a 40-minute appointment, which includes an individual seasonal colour swatch for each guest. Another option is ‘Style Saturday’, during which guests can enjoy prebooked style masterclasses – an ideal way to celebrate a birthday or special occasion, catering for groups of up to six people.

There are many reasons why guests choose to enlist the advice of the Village’s Personal Shopping team: from discovering new brands and fitting styling into a busy lifestyle, through to finding the right outfit for a new job or special occasion. Personal shopping not only allows guests to achieve put-together looks and save valuable time, it also means maximising their own selfconfidence and organising their wardrobe to meet their lifestyle needs. Today’s wardrobe demands hard-working pieces for office life, working from home, special occasions, weekends away, working out and travel.

EXPLORING KILDARE VILLAGE Kildare Village is home to a unique edit of more than 100 fashion and lifestyle brands offering savings of up to 60% on the recommended retail price, all year round. Set in the beating heart of horse-racing country, the Village is located just an hour south-west of central Dublin and perfectly situated for routes to important tourist destinations in the region including Cork, Limerick, and Galway. A bastion of Irish talent, Kildare Village strikes an astute balance between gentle regional charm and an artful spread of homegrown and international brands.

Services available at the Village include a tourist information centre, a private lounge, Handsfree Shopping and Personal Stylists. A range of restaurants and cafés invite guests to unwind and enjoy the celebrated Irish hospitality. Learn more about Kildare Village, a member of The Bicester Village Shopping Collection, at KildareVillage.com