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Winter warmers: Ireland’s finest drinks to keep out the cold this November and December

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Now that the nights are drawing in and the weather is turning decidedly chilly, it is the perfect time to enjoy something that Ireland has long been famous for – its array of alcoholic drinks that are designed to warm the soul and keep the cold at bay.

From whiskey to brandy; ale to stout, there is something for everyone’s taste in the Emerald Isle.

Not to mention plenty of places to delve into the history and culture of some of Ireland’s most popular tipples, aperitifs and chasers.

Here are four of Ireland’s favourite drinks and ways to enjoy them over the coming weeks, in the run up to the festive season……

Whiskey

Irish whiskey was one of Europe’s earliest distilled drinks, once crafted by monks in the 11th Century.

The drink cannot officially be called Irish whiskey until it has spent a minimum of three years maturing on the island of Ireland. Unlike Scottish whisky (note the spelling difference), the Irish beverage is made from a mix of malted and unmalted barley that gives it a smoother, more neutral taste (Scottish whisky only contains malted barley).

There are four main types of Irish whiskey – single malt, single grain, blended and single pot still. Whiskey distilleries are situated all over Ireland and can offer a great day out for fans of the beverage, who can be treated to free tastings, given the chance to tour the distillery and invited to buy bottles of whiskey made on the premises.

Irish coffee

This warming mix of Irish whiskey and coffee was first served to a group of weary American travellers delayed by bad weather at Shannon airport in the 1940s by a chef from Northern Ireland.

They appreciated the dual effects of this powerful pick-me-up.

The drink quickly made it across the Atlantic, where it remains popular to this day.

The iconic hot whiskey cocktail is also served in bars and restaurants across Ireland and offers a wonderful way to end a delicious meal.

Irish Coffee can be served with brown sugar, cinnamon and whipped cream on top for added decadence.

National Irish Coffee Day happens annually on 25 January.

Guinness

From its iconic TV advertisements to its familiar rich, dark colour and creamy head, Guinness stout is for many people, the essence of Ireland poured into a pint glass.

The Guiness harp trademark was registered in 1876 and was inspired by Ireland’s national symbol – the only difference is that the Guinness harp has its soundboard on the left, while the Republic of Ireland’s harp sports it on the right. Guiness (or stout) is the base for many cocktails, including Black Velvet (made from stout and Champagne, or sparkling white wine) and Guinness Martini (Guinness, dark rum, cold espresso coffee, crème de cacao, vodka and ice).

Mulled Irish cider

If you are looking for something different for your festive drink of choice this Christmas, why not sample some warm mulled Irish cider?

This is a richly flavoured drink made from warmed cider and a blend of spices, including cloves, cinnamon and allspice.

You can also add brown sugar, orange zest and apple juice to sweeten it if desired.

It tastes wonderfully of Christmas in Ireland and adds a comforting, warm glow to what is seen by many as a lighter, summery drink.

Mulled Irish cider always goes down well at parties and helps get the holiday spirit started, especially at this time of year.

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How to enjoy a summer of Irish culture, music, arts and dance

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Anyone in the market for a relaxed summer break, staying in privately owned accommodation and spending their days enjoying the best that cultural Ireland has to offer is in luck.

From Irish folk festivals to jazz concerts; open air theatre to film, Ireland has plenty to offer music and culture fans this summer.

Wherever an exciting arts event is taking place, there is a Hidden Ireland country house, countryside B&B or cottage within a highly manageable travelling distance.

Spraoi International Street Arts Festival
Waterford, 2 – 4 August

An eclectic programme of street music, theatre and arts events takes place in Waterford at the start of August, culminating in a colourful parade of performers, costumes, fireworks and special effects.

One not to be missed.

A warm and welcoming family festival that really does have something to offer visitors of all ages.

Choose from around 200 acts descending from around the world, all completely free to watch and enjoy. Delicious street food available too, showcasing the best that Waterford has to offer.

Kilkenny Arts Festival
Kilkenny, 8 – 18 August

This popular festival is over 50 years old and still going strong!

Showcasing the very best of choral works, opera, chamber music, dance and theatre, this highly cultural, searingly beautiful programme is sure to have something to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether they lean towards the classical or yearn to experience something more contemporary.

Full programme, dates and booking information online.

Electric Picnic
Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois, 16 – 18 August

Irish arts and music events don’t come much bigger than Electric Picnic. Especially since global pop sensation Kylie Minogue will be headlining, along with Calvin Harris and Kodaline. This annual rock ‘n’ roll festival offers music, comedy, theatre and holistic health in a colourful mix of heady summer fun. Even if you don’t manage to bag yourself a ticket to the main event, the area will be alive with visitors and attractions and you might even be able to spot a famous face or two in town.

Masters of Tradition
Bantry, Cork, 21 – 25 August

For an authentic, traditional Irish music experience, head over to this charming festival in Bantry on Cork’s west coast. Masters of Tradition offers its visitors exactly what you might expect, with lively, beautiful traditional music from talented musicians and singers. Listen to enchanting performances from Celtic instruments such as the concertina, Scottish small pipes, Uilleann pipes and Irish fiddle. Or get lost in the dreamy world of Celtic folksong. Enjoy the ultimate Irish cultural event this summer.

Dublin Fringe Festival
Dublin, 7 – 22 September

Why should Edinburgh be the only place for some Fringe fun? If you are planning a late summer break in Ireland’s capital city this year, take a look at the exciting programme of new and emerging acts making their professional break-through in this multi-disciplinary arts festival. You might be lucky enough to be in at the start of Ireland’s next huge star’s comedy or musical career! Details of acts, dates and venues are available online.

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Ideas for enjoying a family break – things for children to see and do this summer

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Summer is almost here and with it will come the long school holidays, stretching out gloriously in front of us.

If you are planning to spend some, or even all of it in Ireland, then read on for some ideas to help keep children of all ages entertained, active and loving summer in the Emerald Isle.

Active kids

Ireland is blessed with easily accessible, stunningly beautiful coastlines offering a plethora of activities for sporty children.

From paddle boarding, water-skiing and surfing to sailing, hiking and fossil hunting, Ireland’s beaches and coastal resorts are fantastic for keeping the whole family fit all summer long.

Other options for active kids include numerous golf clubs, tennis courts, gyms and leisure centres located across the island and open all summer long.

Historical Ireland

History buffs may well appreciate a look round the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, or the City Sightseeing hop on-hop off bus that shows off the many delights of the Republic of Ireland’s vibrant capital city.

Another historical delight is Blarney Castle and Gardens in County Cork, where, folklore has it, you can also kiss the famous Blarney Stone to receive the gift of eloquence.

Explore Ireland’s links to the tragedy of the sinking of HMS Titanic at the Titanic Experience in Cobh in County Cork.

This moving museum is based in the original White Star Line Ticket Office, close to the departure point for the final group of passengers who boarded the fateful ship in 1912.

Nature fans

Ireland’s diverse nature and expansive countryside is second to one.

Nature fans are spoilt for choice. Ancient forests and woodlands offer fascinating walking and wildlife-watching options with trees for the kids to climb and signposted family trails to keep youngsters amused along the way.

Other options include the many wildlife parks, sanctuaries and nature attractions around the country.

Examples include Dublin Zoo in Dublin, Burren Birds of Prey Centre in Clare, Connemara National Park in County Galway, The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, County Cork, Secret Valley Wildlife park in Wexford and Wild Ireland in Burnfoot, County Donegal.

Adrenaline adventurers

Children will love to let off some steam after months coped up in the classroom.

This can easily be done during a trip to Ireland. Rollercoaster fans will enjoy a trip to Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) in County Meath, which also has a fantastic zoo and lots of space to run around.

The Aqua Dome in Tralee, County Kerry lives up to its name with plenty of pools, wave machines and water slides to explore.

Funtasia Theme Park in Drogheda, County Louth has plenty for adults and children too, including Pirate’s Cove for small adventurers and casinos for the grown-ups.

Great for wet weather fun.

Culture vultures

Ireland is famed for its folk dancing and lively music.

You can enjoy concerts, theatre, comedy nights, outdoor film showings, opera and dance in several different locations.

Look online for full details of music festivals happening too, including the famous Longitude Festival in Dublin at the end of June, All Together Now Festival in Waterford in early August and Electric Picnic in County Laois in mid-August.

Check out Ireland’s links to famous writers and artists too, including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Francis Bacon.

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Gearing up for wedding season in Ireland

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Think of Ireland and images of romance, poetry and beautiful countryside are often not far behind. Ireland makes the perfect destination for a summer wedding, whether you are already a resident or are planning a trip for your special occasion.

Take a look at our Hidden Ireland guide to making the most of your time in Ireland this wedding season.

Logistics and paperwork

In Ireland, you must be over the age of 18 and not be married to anyone else at the time of your proposed wedding. Regardless of whether you live in the country or not, you must give three months’ notice to a registrar of your intent to tie the knot.

You and your partner will also need to meet the registrar in person before the wedding ceremony to sign a declaration stating that you do not know of any reason why the wedding cannot go ahead.

This rule applies to religious, civil and secular marriages. For more details, as well as a list of the documents you will need to bring with you, visit the Irish government’s website at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/ac59d3-get-married-in-ireland

Choosing a wedding venue

There is a huge variety of wedding venues in Ireland., From tranquil churches to chic country house hotels; cool city centre venues to rustic barns, the choice is up to you.

There are a number of Hidden Ireland properties that are licensed to hold wedding ceremonies that will offer couples and their loved ones a warm, Irish welcome. Some can also host wedding receptions too, making transporting guests far easier and giving people longer to party.

If you are opting for a civil ceremony, make sure the venue you choose is licensed for weddings and appropriate for the number of guests and style of ceremony you want. If you can, visit your shortlisted venues in person so you can get a feel for what it is like to spend time there.

Hens and honeymoons

Of course, the actual wedding is not your only chance to kick back and have fun in Ireland. Organising stag and hen parties is part of the fun in the run-up to the big day. Again, there are plenty of options in Ireland for exciting hen and stag mini-breaks. Adventure-seekers can enjoy watersports on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, or party the night away in a vibrant city or town. More peaceful times can be spent in a secluded country cottage, tucked away in the stunning Irish countryside. Walks in the woods and picnics in the garden are the ideal way to decompress before the frenzied wedding day preparations kick in.

Likewise, Ireland offers a huge choice of honeymoon destinations.

Take a look at the list of Hidden Ireland properties to find the ideal match to help you celebrate your perfect union.

Other people’s weddings

Finally, you don’t have to be tying the knot yourself to make the most of a summer 2024 Irish wedding. If you have been invited to a marriage ceremony this season in Ireland, why not turn it into a proper holiday and book yourself some extra nights at a Hidden Ireland cottage, country house or lodge? Bring the family and enjoy a proper break away.

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Flora and fauna: wildlife along the Wild Atlantic Way

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The Wild Atlantic Way stretches along Ireland’s west coast from the Inishowen Peninsular in County Donegal to the north, down to Kinsale in County Cork in the south.

It offers nature lovers 1,600 miles of beautiful coastal walks, fascinating rock formations and diverse wildlife.

Now, that summer is not so far away – and the late spring bank holidays are even closer, this is the perfect time of year to discover some of the many species of birds, insects, mammals and flowers that the Wild Atlantic Way is home to.

How to go wildlife watching

There are many different ways to enjoy discovering wildlife on the Wild Atlantic Way this spring and summer.

From organised wildlife tours to solo walks and rides, the spectacular scenery will reveal plenty of beautiful flora and fauna.

Besides the far-reaching ocean and coastal pathways, you can explore sand dunes, mud flats, wooded areas, forests and farmlands.

Bring appropriate clothing and shoes – western Ireland can still be fairly chilly even in April and May.

Don’t forget your binoculars and camera, as well as some wildlife books or website addresses so you can identify what you see.

Seas and skies

Ireland’s west coast is a great place to spot some exciting sea life.

Certain cliff-top viewpoints can be ideal for watching dolphins, seals and even the odd whale if the conditions are right.

Marine birds are common too, including gannets, shearwaters, oystercatchers, terns and gulls.

Other avian visitors to the Wild Atlantic Way include kingfishers, ravens, kestrels, sparrowhawk and falcon. They share the skies with a myriad of butterflies, bees, dragonflies and moths.

Always look up as you walk along (taking care not to trip over a stray low-lying branch, of course) to see what you can discover flying freely around you and above.

If you head out for a walk after dark, you may be able to hear bats whizzing around overhead.

Plants and flowers

Ireland’s floral symbol is the shamrock, and this pretty plant can be seen growing in many places all over the island.

The three-leaved clover shape was said to have helped St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, to explain the story of the Ho

Mammals

There are many beautiful mammals that are native to Ireland and can be spotted along the west coast.

Some particularly striking examples include red foxes, red squirrels, Irish hares, badgers, seals and red deer.

You might also spot the odd feral goat if you are lucky – these intriguing creatures roam freely in several places, including the aptly named Goat Island at Roaringwater Bay, West Cork. Their impressive horns make them easy to identify, even in silhouette.

Even if you don’t spot the mammals themselves – some can be quite shy – they often leave behind tracks and other signs of their presence in the area.

Tread gently and go slowly if you don’t want to disturb these easily-spooked wild mammals.

Your patience may well be rewarded by some truly magnificent sights as you explore the Wild Atlantic Way.

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A photographer’s guide to springtime in Ireland: how to take pretty seasonal pictures

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Springtime in Ireland is a wildlife and landscape photographer’s dream.

The vibrant colours that return after months of winter and the perfect seasonal lighting make for some beautiful scenes.

Many insects, birds and animals come out of winter hiding too, to add interest to countryside photographs. People also come out of winter hibernation to enjoy Spring breaks in the run up to Easter and beyond.

An Irish break offers the ideal opportunity to take the camera out and get some beautiful pictures to remind you of your stay.

Read on for some more seasonal photography inspiration.

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Despite it being Spring, the weather does not always follow suit, especially in Ireland!

So, whenever you are heading out on a nature walk, or exploring a town and want to take some photos, wrap up warm and think about how you can protect your camera or smartphone against any rain.

Don’t be put off taking pictures in the rain, or when the sun is not quite as bright as you would have liked.

You can get some beautiful effects with softer light, as well as some really interesting close-ups of raindrops on leaves or petals and reflections in puddles.

Patterns, reflections and shapes

Look out for other interesting reflections, not only in puddles, but in lakes or ponds, shop window glass and car mirrors.

You could even see what can be reflected back in your Guinness or whisky glass to extend the Irish theme.

Spring flowers can also offer intricate shapes and patterns, which, combined with pretty colours and green foliage, create really beautiful photographs of Spring in rural Ireland.

Walking along the Irish coastline can also help you discover patterns in the pebbles and shingle and the movement of the sea.

You can also use a polarising filter on your camera lens if you want to increase contrast and help the bolder colours stand out, such as a blue sky or green meadow.

Frame your photos

You don’t have to wait until you return home from your Irish Spring holiday to frame your images nicely.

Look for natural frames to include in the photo itself. Hedges, arches, branches and doorways can all add interest to a Spring photo in Ireland and help draw the eye in towards the centre of the photo.

Use dramatic mountains or interesting horizons to add interest towards the back of the picture too. Change the angle to make the natural ‘frame’ work to your advantage. Get down to ground level, or climb up somewhere high and angle the camera down (carefully!)

Keep it simple

We often crave the simplicity of a quiet break somewhere lovely to get away from the complexity of daily life.

So it can work in the same way when taking photos of an Irish Spring scene. Look for smaller details, rather than trying to capture a wider scene.

Pick out a single flower in a meadow or person in a street scene.

Other ideas could include a log covered in moss, a row of spring daffodils or an especially lovely tree covered in spring blossom.

When you look back at your photographs later, it will often be these smaller details that will trigger a happy memory, or start a conversation that inspires you to reminisce about your time in Ireland.

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Why a rainy day in Ireland could be just what you need

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October in Ireland always brings what you could call a ‘mixed bag’ of weather conditions. This year, however, the month has been more mixed than usual, with some gloriously sunny weekends sitting in amongst the misty mornings and rainy days.

Despite the lingering sunshine providing a welcome extension of summer lasting well into this month, it can also be highly satisfying to enjoy the alternative attractions of a rainy day. Autumn is arguably the most ‘sensory’ season, with gorgeous colours in the trees to look at, the smell of rain in the forests to enjoy and the sound of millions of tiny water droplets hitting the ground in a gently hypnotising rhythm.

If you are visiting one of our Hidden Ireland properties for October half-term week, or are planning an intimate long weekend for two, don’t worry if the forecast is looking like rain. Here are some ways to enjoy your stay, whatever the weather decides to do.

No such thing as bad weather…

There is a lot of truth in the well-known axiom, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing?” The secret to heading out for a rainy day outdoors is to make sure you dress for the weather. Once you have done that, there should be nothing stopping you heading out into the Irish countryside for a forest ramble, bracing coastal hike or long amble across beautiful Irish grasslands. Ask at your accommodation if they have any walking trails that you can try out, especially routes with particularly firm ground underfoot.

Out and about

When you wake up and pull the curtains, only to be greeted by pouring rain, this can present an unexpected chance to pull on your coat and head into a nearby city, town or village. You will find numerous shops, tea rooms, restaurants, museums and other historical buildings to pop inside and wait out the worst of the weather. Take a moment to research the attractions of your local towns and villages – you may stumble across something fascinating that you would never have thought about visiting before.

Get lost in a good story

Ireland has produced a large number of brilliant playwrights, authors, poets, novelists, essay writers and screenwriters. A rainy day offers the perfect excuse to curl up in a library, or your own accommodation, to read a good book with a cup of tea and slice of cake. See if you can find something that is set in the area, or that has been produced by a local writer. Or, visit your nearest cinema or theatre to watch a film or play and immerse yourself in a compelling story while you wait for the rain to pass you by.

Shopping in the rain

Finally, a rainy day can be a great excuse to head for the shops to get ahead on the Christmas shopping, buy a souvenir or two from your stay in Ireland or look for some seasonal fashion ‘finds’ to take you into winter. Spending a couple of hours looking in antique shops can also be a real treat on a rainy day, as can discovering the different types of shops that line the high streets of your nearest town. Bad weather needn’t stop play – get out there and dodge the rain by popping in and out of any shops that take your fancy. Break for a spot of lunch or afternoon tea to make a full day of it. Perhaps you will find yourself a brand new raincoat or umbrella to remind you of how much you enjoyed your rainy day adventures in Ireland this October!

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