As individuals all over the world gather to indulge in the festive celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day, our hearts turn toward the Emerald Isle itself, where misty moors and grassy knolls stretch as far as the eye can see. Ireland is filled with culture, history, and indescribable beauty. In this exclusive web feature, we share a handful of our favorite destinations across its lands, from Dublin to Belfast and beyond.
Castle Leslie
A thousand years of recorded annals trace the Leslie family’s influence in Irish history—a narrative that still thrives within the walls of this grand and glorious castle nestled beside the village of Glaslough.
Crom Castle
A patchwork of verdant fields blankets the hills of Northern Ireland, high above the country roadsides. Sunlight dapples through gray skies that turn a brilliant blue as the road bends and the breathtaking coastline appears. Nearby, in the heart of Ireland’s Lake District, is Crom Castle. The historic seat of the Earls of Earne for more than 350 years, it carefully safeguards history within its perimeter walls. The grounds, now parkland, invite visitors to picnic, walk throughout hazy meadows, and explore the noble surroundings.
Waterford
Situated just inland from Ireland’s southern coast, the ancient city of Waterford owes its founding to Viking adventurers who were drawn to the area’s lush, river-nourished lands and prime position for trade. The city honors its founders with a designated heritage area that includes several curated institutions, collectively called the Waterford Treasures, while also celebrating its English connections and independent Irish spirit. Ruined castles sprinkled about the area speak to other eras in Hibernian annals, allowing visitors the chance to roam in the midst of legends and lore.
Adare Manor
Surrounded by 840 acres, including formal gardens and pristine parklands, this Gothic Revival gem abounds with rich heritage. With its soaring ceilings, walls draped with tapestries, and stained glass windows tracing the noble lineage of those who formerly inhabited Adare Manor, the space balances monumental scale and exquisite detail.
Ashford Castle
Gazing up at the imposing gray façade of Ireland’s Ashford Castle, one inevitably feels a sense of history imbedded in the ancient fortification’s weather-worn stones. Constructed in 1228, today the inside of the castle is far from the typical drafty quarters of yore. More than a hundred crystal chandeliers shower light upon opulent interiors, where richly hued carpets cushion footfall, and eyes are drawn up to ornately carved oak ceilings.
The Merrion Hotel
A sojourn to Ireland would not be complete without a stay at The Merrion hotel, a welcoming destination brimming with centuries of history, artistic style, and amenities unlike any others found in the fine city of Dublin.
To discover more beloved destinations on the Irish isle, collect your copy of the March/April 2023 issue, available on newsstands and at victoriamag.com.
