What to see in Hidden Ireland’s university towns and academic hotspots

Posted on 24/09/202424/09/2024 by hiddenireland-admin

Whilst the main summer holiday season may have come to an end, there are still plenty of reasons to visit Ireland this autumn.

September and October are traditionally the time of year when university and college students return to their classrooms, laboratories and lecture halls.

Ireland has much to offer the academically inclined.

There are many prestigious universities, as well as lots to see and do that will appeal to students of all kinds of subjects, from history and geology to music and art.

Here are some ideas to help activate the brain cells.

Dublin

Home to one of Ireland’s top universities, Trinity College, the Republic of Ireland’s capital city has a great deal to offer students and other visitors seeking out academic stimulation.

As well as stunning architecture and beautiful grounds to explore, Trinity College also houses the world-famous Book of Kells in its Old Library – an illuminated Latin manuscript of the four Gospels of the Bible’s New Testament that is more than 1,200 years old.

The city is also famous for its links to literary giants, Oscar Wilde and James Joyce.

Belfast

Some of the most sought-after Irish universities are located in Belfast, including Queen’s University and St Mary’s University.

Belfast is fascinating for students of politics and 20th-century history, with many of the iconic Peace Walls erected during the unrest that began in the late 1960s still standing as permanent reminders of that troublesome time.

RMS Titanic was built in Belfast in the early 1900s and a museum tells the story of the doomed ship. Narnia author, C S Lewis was also born in the city and lived there as a child.

Giant’s Causeway

Giant’s Causeway, now owned by the National Trust, has some truly fascinating geological features and attracts many students of physical geography and lovers of nature every year.

It is located around 60 miles from Belfast and well worth the trip for an educational experience like no other.

Guided tours and audio guides introduce the area to newcomers and you can enjoy amazing views out to sea.

Even if you are not a geographer, the natural tranquility is the perfect way to unwind after a heavy study session.

Kilkenny

This medieval town is all about history, with its 13th-century Kilkenny Castle and abundance of medieval architecture and Normal streets to explore.

Kilkenny is also home to Maynooth University and many other respectable academic institutions.

There are also lots of arts and crafts to enjoy, plus the student essential that is vibrant night life and plentiful entertainment.

There is even a spooky Kilkenny ghost tour to enjoy with friends after classes at the end of the day.

Wexford

Formerly Ireland’s leading fishing port, this friendly coastal town boasts a rich maritime history in the guise of Hook Lighthouse and Wexford Harbour, as well as plenty of culture for music and arts students – the 73rd Wexford Festival Opera takes place this October.

Wexford Vocational College, New Ross Vocational College and South East Technological University all call this very welcoming town home.

Letterkenny

Located on the scenic Wild Atlantic Way, Letterkenny is the largest town in County Donegal and home to the beautiful St Eunan’s Cathedral – a must-see for students of religion and architecture.

Geographers and botanists will love the proximity to the natural landscapes and coastal interest of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Historians are not neglected in this market town, with the beautiful Glenveagh Castle just waiting to be explored during a free hour or two.

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Gearing up for wedding season in Ireland

Posted on 27/05/202427/05/2024 by HIBlog

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

Posted on 22/03/202422/03/2024 by HIBlog

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.

Weather proof photography

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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How to plan the perfect Irish country house weekend

Posted on 01/08/202301/08/2023 by hiddenireland-admin

Now that summer is well underway, many people’s thoughts turn to spending time away with friends and family.

When planning your next Irish country house weekend, it’s important to consider what everyone wants to get out of it – fun with friends? Sporting activities? A chance to escape the rat race for a while?

Whatever you decide to do, you will get the most out of it with a bit of prior planning.

Here are four top tips to help you enjoy the perfect country house weekend in Ireland.

Do your research

As with so many things, a little prior knowledge can make an experience so much more enjoyable. So, while you are preparing to go away, take a look ahead at what you might be able to visit, do and eat when you get there.

Read what your accommodation’s website or social media says about the area.

Check opening dates and times for local attractions – some places only open during tourist seasons. Work out whether you and your guests want to eat out or stay in. Does your accommodation offer in-house dining?

This can be a real treat for the whole party, when chefs use locally-sourced ingredients to provide delicious, authentically Irish meals.

Stay flexible

Plan a loose agenda if you wish, but don’t insist on your guests following it too rigidly.

Create lists of options for people to choose from, grouped under headings like ‘active’, ‘touristy’, ‘outdoorsy’ or ‘chilled’. While some things do need to be fixed, such as arrival and departure times or pre-ordered dining arrangements, everything else can be moved around to suit those present.

Keep an open mind – you may discover new things to do once you settle in.

Pack with precision

Don’t leave packing until the last minute.

The more time you devote to it, the less likely it will be that you will forget anything vital.

You can find packing lists online if that would help.

Some Hidden Ireland properties are located in quite rural settings without walking distance access to local shops, so the more prepared you can be with what you bring with you, the more relaxing your country house weekend will be.

Of course, you can always order anything online that you can’t be without for delivery to your holiday accommodation if you are going to be away for long enough.

Read – and leave – reviews

Always read the reviews for anywhere you are staying or planning to visit during your country house weekend in Ireland.

Not only will they tell you what other visitors have enjoyed doing and seeing, they can also provide other useful information.

For example, if previous guests mention the amenities available in your accommodation, you know what you do and do not need to bring with you.

Return the favour if you can – if you appreciated a place or an event local to where you have been staying, leave them a review to say so and share your good experiences with others.

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