Bibliophiles and literary aficionados head to the James Joyce Centre in Dublin. The center is dedicated to "promoting an understanding of the life and works of James Joyce," as stated on the James Joyce Centre's website. Joyce is considered one of Ireland's most important writers, and the center takes you through his various works, his life, and the affect Joyce had on Irish culture and the literary world at large. During December, the center is sometimes transformed into a Dickensian-era winter wonderland.
James Joyce Centre
35 North Great Georges Street
Dublin 1, Ireland
+353-878-8547
dublinevents.com
Head out for a taste of Irish whisky with local expert Heidi Donelon. Tasting tours are anywhere from one-half hour to two hours, depending on group size. Custom tours and tastings are available and can be arranged via the website or by phone. Try the premium tasting, which features six Irish whiskys in a comparative tasting where you'll learn the difference between Irish, Scotch and Bourbon whiskys. A chocolate and whisky tasting is another tempting option. After the tastings, receive a personalized Irish Whisky Tasting Certificate to show your friends back home.
Irish Whisky Tastings
011-353-86-858-0630
irishwhiskeyevent.com
No trip to Ireland is complete without a tour of Blarney Castle and kissing the famed Blarney Stone. Tour the castle with local guides who narrate the history of the castle and explain how the legend of the Blarney stone came to be. To be gifted with eloquence, lean over and kiss the Blarney Stone, according to legend. Other highlights at the castle include the Rock Close gardens and the Badger's Cave.
Blarney Castle
Blarney
Co. Cork, Ireland
011-353-21-438-5252
blarneycastle.ie
