5 Things to Do in Ireland

Kiss the Blarney Stone

• Situated near Cork, Blarney Castle is a medieval fortress that is home to what is arguably the most famous attraction in Ireland. The Blarney Stone is a block of bluestone that is built into the castle wall and according to legend, it has the power to bestow the "gift of gab" (eloquence) on whomever kisses it. Kissing the Blarney Stone may not be for everyone, as visitors need to quite literally bend over backward to do it, but if eloquence is not something you lack, you may consider skipping this ritual of questionable origins and tour the castle's extensive grounds, caves and gardens instead.

  Blarney Castle

  Blarney

  Co. Cork

  Ireland

  001-353-21-438-5252

  blarneycastle.ie

Scale the Giant's Causeway

• According to legend, it was built by one giant and destroyed by another. In reality, it was formed by volcanic activity some 60 million years ago. Regardless of its origins, the Giant's Causeway is a must see for anyone visiting Northern Ireland. The natural formation of basalt columns has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, and as of 2010, it is on the shortlist of candidates to be named one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.

  Giant's Causeway Tourist Information Centre

  44 Causeway Road

  Bushmills

  County Antrim

  BT57 8SU

  Ireland

  011-353-28-2073-1855

  giantscausewayireland.com

Explore Ancient Newgrange

• Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated in Eastern Ireland, ancient Newgrange is a prehistoric tomb built some 5,000 years ago. The ancient complex is famous for the artwork that adorns its walls, but also for the structure's alignment, intended to catch the first rays of light on the Winter Solstice (December 21), so that the tomb's passageway is engulfed in light. Only guided tours are available, so get there early.

  Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre

  Donore

  Co. Meath

  Ireland

  011-353-41-988-0300

  newgrange.com/visitor.htm

Drink Whiskey

• No visit to Ireland would be complete without a glass (or three) of whiskey, and there's no better way to celebrate Ireland's "water of life" than with a tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery. Bottling whiskey since 1608, which makes it the oldest continuously operating licensed distillery in the world, Old Bushmills offers single, group and even family tours. See every part of the distillery process, and then have a glass in the company's restaurant or just take a bottle back to the hotel.

  Old Bushmills Distillery

  2 Distillery Road

  Bushmills

  Co. Antrim

  Northern Ireland

  BT57 8XH

  011-353-44-28-207-33218

  bushmills.com

Visit Dublin

• The capital of Ireland and home to such prominent literary figures as James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde, Dublin ranks among Europe's most vibrant cities. Whether your pace is that of a voracious tourist or a casual traveler, there's no shortage of things to do. For those not satisfied with Old Bushmills Distillery, there's the seven-story Guinness Storehouse or the Temple Bar quarter, both excellent places to imbibe. If shopping is on your mind, then head over to the famous Grafton Street for intimate boutiques and vast department stores. If you have the energy for more sightseeing, try one of Dublin's many museums, Dublin Castle or beautiful Trinity College.