8 minute read
UNESCO World Heritage Ireland
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 get a sense of 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 secondmost 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 in Rossbeigh Strand.
Located on the Ring of Kerry, and accompanied by our favourite local guides, you will take a ride on the six-mile-long Rossbeigh Beach, which is known as a trekker's paradise and is only 30 minutes away 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 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 welltrained 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 Carricka-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 cottage on the island and the opportunity to hear stories of 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 oldest sun celebrations in the world. If this sounds like an experience you'd like to have, you're not alone. The audience permitted to view the winter solstice from inside Newgrange is selected by lottery, due to the modestly sized inner chamber and the vast 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 works of some of the most renowned architects of the time and learn about the Conyngham family's history, 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 that the Slane estate has developed.
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, given 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.
Music, Literature and Film
THREE UNESCO CITIES
BELFAST
Awarded the prestigious UNESCO City of Music title in 2021, Belfast has a buzzing music scene. From intimate gigs and traditional jams to world-famous names, great music is celebrated in all forms.
DUBLIN
Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature and it’s easy to see why: home to three of Ireland’s four Nobel Prize winners for literature, the city is synonymous with literary giants. Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde and James Joyce all cite Dublin as their inspiration.
GALWAY
Galway City is a busy economic and artistic hub. Galway's tight streets and winding canals are a hive of creative activity, with film audiences heading to the Pálás, and bustling film festivals throughout the year.
Did you know?
MYTH OF THE GIANT'S CAUSEWAY
As legend has it, Northern Ireland was once home to a giant named Finn McCool. He created a causeway to get across the Irish Sea to face his rival Benandonner.
However, Benandonner is a massive giant, much bigger than Finn! In order to save himself, Finn retreats to Ireland and is disguised as a baby by his quick-thinking wife. When Benandonner arrives, he sees Finn disguised as a baby and realises that if a mere baby is that big, the father must be far larger than Benandonner himself! Following this realisation, Benandonner rushed back to Scotland, ripping up much of the Causeway as he fled back to Scotland, leaving what you see today, and thus, the myth of the Giant’s Causeway was born.
Holly Mackie Owner & Director
Ireland is truly a land of enchantment, with its rich history of myths, legends, and folklore. The stunning Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast are perfect examples of this magic. My recent visit with my family only reinforced how lucky we are to have such a unique destination on our doorstep. The breathtaking views, coupled with the rich cultural heritage, make this destination a mustvisit for travellers of all ages. With its numerous set-jetting connections, families can follow in the footsteps of beloved Star Wars and Game of Thrones characters, making for an unforgettable and engaging experience that will leave you with a lifetime of memories.
Words | Jane Freeman
