Revel in the spectacular Irish landscape with an experienced guide as you hike your way to hidden gems in the unspoiled countryside. Take in the glorious views across the Three Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House and the highest mountains in Ireland. Hear stories of the surroundings and learn about the flora and fauna, while finishing your hike at the magnificent Muckross Estate & Gardens. This experience will help make a positive impact on the local community and support the UN’s sustainable development goals

Stand on the shoulders of the past and sink into stories from a guide who channels the spirit of the seanchaí on this walking tour of the majestic Giant’s Causeway. With a backdrop of craggy castles and jutting landscapes, the Giant’s Causeway is nature at is wildest. Rumored to be forged by a legendary giant, the Causeway has been carved into history. Walk the basalt etchings, soak in majestic views, and identify wildlife as you learn the secrets of the Causeway from a tour guide who has grown up here. This experience will help make a positive impact on the local community and support the UN’s sustainable development goals.

You will be welcomed into Tracey’s 18th century thatched cottage touching the shores of Strangford Lough and only half an hour from Belfast. Here you will enjoy homemade food and drink, and all ingredients are from within 10 miles of Tracey’s home. Roll your sleeves up and to make traditional Northern Irish breads - Soda, Wheaten and Potato breads which you can take away or eat around the table. You will also take home a copy of the recipes so that you can impress your friends back home!

The perfect mix of vibrancy and quiet charm, Galway is a coastal town on the west of Ireland where locals and tourists mix to make unforgettable memories. As with any great city, an impressive repertoire of gourmet food and drink is at the center of Galway’s appeal – and the Galway Food Tour brings it to the fore. You’ll meet artisanal producers and sample produce from around the globe, try drinks and tasters from different eateries – and all while enjoying Galway’s standout sense of calm and frivolity. This experience will help make a positive impact on the local community and support the UN’s sustainable development goals.

Map of Haunted Sites in Ireland

Did you know that the origin of Halloween comes from the Festival of Samhain in Ireland’s Celtic past? This festival marked the end of the summer and signified the beginning of a new year. As the end of the year, it was believed that souls of the departed would return to their former homes on the 31st of October. Given the Celtic roots of this holiday steeped in tradition, the Irish have developed many customs for Halloween over the years. Here is our list of 6 Irish Halloween traditions you never knew.

Anti-fairy Measures

Not all fairies are as sweet and friendly as those on the Irish Fairy Door Trail in Dublin! Some fairies and goblins are said to try to collect as many souls as they can at Halloween, but if they met a person who threw the dust from under their feet at them, they would have to release any souls they were holding captive.

Colcannon for Dinner

Colcannon is the traditional dinner to have on Halloween night before you head out for an evening of fun! It is a simple dish made up of boiled potatoes, curly kale, and raw onions. Traditionally, coins were wrapped in pieces of clean wax paper and slipped into the children’s colcannon for them to find and keep. Sometimes you may even find a ring in your portion of colcannon! If you do, it is believed that you will be married within the year.

The Ivy Leaf

Each member of the family places a perfect ivy leaf into a cup of water and it is then left undisturbed overnight. In the morning, if the leaf is still perfect and has not developed any spots, then that person will be assured 12 months of health until the following Halloween.

Jack-o-Lanterns

There story of the Jack-o-Lantern is based in Celtic tradition. In order to carry home an ember from the communal bonfire, people would carve out a turnip so they could place a flame inside and walk it home. When the Scot-Irish emigrated to America, they adapted the tradition and used pumpkins instead, as they were easier to find than turnips. Some even still use turnips instead of pumpkins to page homage to this Celtic Tradition.

Bonfire

During Samhain, it was said that this was the one day of the year that spirits could walk the earth. The community would gather together on the 31st of October and light a bonfire to ward off bad fortune and evil spirits in the coming year.

Snap Apple

Snap apple is essentially the Irish version of bobbing for apples with a bit of a twist. An apple is suspended from a sting and you are blindfolded with your arms tied behind your back. The first one to get a decent bite of the apple gets a prize! Apples are associated with love. It is said that whoever gets the first bite will be the first to marry.