Are you looking for the next best thing for your family holiday this summer? Maybe you are looking to indulge in something cultural and exciting in a new country you haven’t checked out before? What better way to get involved in the culture of a place than by touring around it and stopping off in some of the local village pubs for musical and food experiences? This is where Ireland really shines. With so many village pubs along every country road just waiting to invite you into its warm and friendly atmosphere, this is the ideal place to explore for those wanting a rich, enjoyable cultural experience.
Why Ireland?
Known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland is awash with rolling green hills dotted with dry stone walls and cottages. Something about the countryside holds a deep and ancient magical feel and it’s easy to get swept away in the romanticism of some of the country’s most unique and beautiful landscapes such as the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare or the rugged coastlines of the Dingle Peninsula or County Cork. Check out some of the truly ‘off the map’ locales of the Black Country in the Ring of Kerry and step back in time atop the Rock of Cashel. For those who like to experience the ‘must see or do’ things on the road, Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone is usually at the top of many visitors to do lists, so be sure to add it to yours.
The Drive
Renting a car in Ireland is easy, so getting your hands on your own is the best way to get around Ireland. Contact Chill Insurance to sort out your affordable car insurance and away you go! Must see locations on your drive include some of Ireland’s best kept secrets such as a small village pub in County Wicklow known as ‘The Meetings’. Be sure to check in advance if adding this to your itinerary as live music only happens on some nights but it attracts many locals from around the area. Other areas to add to the list include the city of Galway where down near the harbour the high amount of pubs within close proximity to each other means that you can go on a foot tour of the live music scene and leave the car for the time being. From Galway, heading north you will eventually come to the town of Clifden, where Lowry’s bar doesn’t just offer great tunes but also hundreds of varieties of whiskeys from around the world as well as world class companionship in the name of locals and foreigners alike sidled up at the bar chatting away.
If you head south you’ll come across the lively and beautiful city of Limerick with a number of pubs offering live music and further to the southwest you’ll find the towns of Kenmare, Cahersiveen, Killarney and some of the most stunning scenery to go well with the Irish Stews and live music you’ll find out in these regions. In truth, most pubs offer live music in many towns and villages, so you’ll have no trouble finding a great place to listen to some real Irish diddies over a pint or two of Guinness.
So if you’re looking for a unique vacation idea for this summer, consider Ireland. You honestly won’t regret it and you might find yourself coming back time and again.