The country that made the Guinness Pint part of its cultural heritage offers fantastic tours of its Dublin storehouse, which was established in 1904, closed its doors in 1988 and was reinvented as an attraction twelve years later. The architecture of the facility is a staggering blend of steel and glass, with the center structure designed to mimic an oversize pint glass. Learn all about the history of the company, its founder and the brewing process as you tour the buildings. Tastings are offered and, if you can learn the art of pouring a pint, you'll become certified. Bars and a retail store add to the experience.
Guinness Storehouse
St James's Gate
Dublin 8 Ireland
+ 353-1-408-4800
guinness-storehouse.com
The Sunday Sessions, put on by the famed Sixmilebridge Folk Club, presents authentic, acoustic, Irish folk music in County Clare. The usual venue used for this event is McGregor's Pub and concerts begin at 9:30 p.m. The atmosphere is casual and visitors and musicians are happily received. Besides the Sunday Sessions, the SMB Folk Club also hosts Winter Music Weekend at the Greyhound Bar. The vibe will be at its most low-key during the winter, which is relaxing and intimate; it's a way to escape the winter chill in great company.
Sixmilebridge, Clare
Republic Of Ireland
+353-86-846-4509
Half a million people come to Trinity College in Dublin to see the ancient Book of Kells. This legendary Latin text dates back to the dawn of the 9th-century, with some passages dating back to the 4th-century and is now housed in the country's oldest university. The Four Gospels transform into art across the decorated pages. The Book of Kells is housed in the magnificent Old Library built in the 1700s. The exhibition consists of two stages: the first exhibition is entitled "Turning Darkness into Light" and the second presents two volumes, one showcasing a page of significance and the other turned to two random pages. The pages are turned daily. Be sure to explore the greater library, which is home to rare, historical manuscripts.
The Book of Kells
Trinity College Dublin
College Green, Dublin 2 Ireland
+353-1-896-1000
tcd.ie
