A new UNESCO Geopark, huge renovations to a landmark museum, and the starring role in award-winning The Banshees of Inisherin. Here's all the reasons why the Emerald Isle should be on your radar in 2023...
Banshees of Inisherin was filmed on Achill Island (Shutterstock)
We predicted set-jetting would be a top travel trend for the year ahead, and Ireland is the perfect example. The Emerald Isle’s rugged and wild landscape has been the star of the big (and small) screen recently, with County Wicklow providing the backdrop in the Netflix hit movie The Wonder, starring Florence Pugh. But the film which has grabbed the attention of the world is multi-award winning The Banshees of Inisherin, stealing three major awards at the prestigious Golden Globes and nominated for many more. Starring Colin Farrell and Brenden Gleeson, the story is set on a fictional island called Inisherin, however it was actually filmed on Achill Island and Inis Mór, both situated along the Wild Atlantic Way. Although some very strange characters in this tragic yet laugh-out-loud tale, we’re sure this iconic movie has attractted even more travellers to Ireland’s spectacular coastline and islands.
Titanic Belfast in the evening light (Shutterstock)
In 2012, the Titanic Belfast first opened its doors, marking a century since the legendary ship sank in 1912. Why is the museum here? Belfast is known for its maritime heritage, but more importantly the Titanic was built in the city at an industrial shipyard named Harland & Wolff. The museum is dedicated to telling the story of the Titanic from its beginning, right up to the preserving of its wreckage in the present day. Now, Titanic Belfast is closed until 28 February 2023 as its exhibition undergoes a multi-million-pound refresh. Its new experience named ‘The Pursuit of Dreams’ includes immersive light and sound installations to bring the ship’s powerful and emotive story to life. If this isn’t enough, continue your Titanic-themed trip with a visit to the whiskey distillery site at the former historic Titanic Pumphouse, opening later in the year.
Mourne Mountains (Shutterstock)
Just a one-hour drive away from Belfast, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are soon merging to become one UNESCO Global Geopark. In May 2023, the Ring of Gullion, the Mournes, and Strangford Lough and Lecale will combine to create the Mourne-Gullion-Strangford park, and together are home to 400 million years of geological history. Beyond attracting visitors for its archaeology and heritage, the region is home to a natural landscape calling out to be explored. Whether hiking, climbing, cycling, horseriding or canoeing; there’s an outdoor adventure for everyone. Expect to come across ancient shores, medieval monasteries, castles and town houses. You may even find a few familiar from starring in the hit series Game of Thrones.
The Victorian Dun Laoghaire Baths before its refurbishment (Alamy Stock Photo)
It’s been a quarter of a century since the Dun Laoghaire Baths were last open to the public. These historic baths that date back to 1843 have undergone a significant restoration process, breathing life back into the Victorian pavilion structure with a new exhibition space, plus a café and studio. Its garden has also had its Edwardian gazebo refurbished, and a 35-metre-long swimming jetty added. The baths will once again offer a great base to for wild swimmers to relax pre and post dip, as well as being another attraction for visitors to see along the Dublin Coastal Trail which launched in May 2022.
Bushmills Distillery is part of the new Northern Ireland Spirit Trail (Shutterstock)
New for February 2023 is the Northern Ireland Spirit Trail. Those who love their local gin and whiskey can follow this route that links 10 family-run distilleries: The Belfast Artisan Gin School, The Copeland Distillery, Echlinville Distillery, Rademon Estate Distillery, Hinch Distillery, Killowen Distillery, Woodlab Distillery, Boatyard Distillery, Wild Atlantic Distillery and Gin School, and Bushmills Distillery. When taking on the trail, visitors will be given a special passport that should be stamped at each distillery visited. Once all ten stamps have been collected, they will receive a mystery present. More details on the trail are yet to be announced!
Avondale House, pictured from the treetop walkway (Shutterstock)
Travellers will now have more reason to visit 2022's new attraction, Beyond the Trees, the UK and Ireland's longest treetop walkway located in County Wicklow. In 2023, Avondale House hidden within the forested estate will finally allow visitors inside the historic home. The property once belonged to politician Charles Stewart Parnell, a nationalist and politician who was pivotal in the story of Ireland. He and his family resided at the country estate during the nineteenth century, and visitors will now get an insight into their life on a guided tour of the Avondale's rooms. The 'At Home with the Parnells' experience is expected to launch early in the year.
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