Jan, one of our team, enjoyed a highly productive fact-finding trip to Ireland recently, exploring Galway, Kilkenny and many other delightful places. Here is her blog about the fascinating visit.

Glenlo Abbey, Galway

A trip to Ireland always excites me, the culture, the super friendly locals, the laid-back attitude, the sights, the food, the Guinness!

My first stop was a couple of days in Galway. I had not visited before and couldn’t wait to experience the city. I stayed at the amazing Glenlo Abbey luxury hotel, which was pure magic! The staff were eager and passionate and thrilled to show me around the hotel. My room was exquisite and looked out over the Pullman restaurant, one of Ireland’s most unique dining experiences: two original carriages from the Orient Express, beautifully restored and set in the grounds of the hotel. 

Glenlo Abbey luxury hotel, Galway

A food tour in Galway is a must do and Galway Food Tours deliver a superb quality tour with food and drink aplenty! The list of tasty offerings is long but some of my favourites were lamb meatballs and potato cakes, cheese, Irish cream ice cream and of course the whiskey! Your local guide lives and breathes Galway and is full of stories and knowledge behind the produce, as well as the myths and history of the city itself. This was one of the best afternoons on my trip.

Kylemore Abbey, a serene beauty amongst the green, tranquil landscape of Connemara. Located just over one hour from Galway City, Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions. The Abbey is the oldest Irish Benedictine Abbey, founded in 1920. Originally called Kylemore Castle, the Abbey was built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman and liberal politician, and was inspired by his love for his wife Margaret. Henry poured his life’s energy into creating an estate that would showcase what could be achieved in the remote wilds of Connemara.

Global Inbound familiarisation trip

Following my visit to Galway, I attended the Global Inbound B2B workshop in Kilkenny, meeting dozens of Irish tourism businesses, which was incredibly useful. I then enjoyed a few days amongst new friends from numerous countries on a spectacular fam trip organised by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Here is a selection of the highlights!

Busy meeting Irish tourism businesses at Global Inbound

Ballyknocken House, Cookery School & Farm – here we met the fabulous Catherine Fulvio and experienced her award-winning cookery school. What fun we had! Kitted out with aprons, we got to work making scones, whilst Catherine did her thing and created some stunning Lemon Meringue Pie ones! You can probably guess who’s were nicer! 

Avondale Treetop Walk - The first of its kind in Ireland, the fully accessible Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower takes everyone to the very heart of the forest at Avondale, and beyond. The tower appears out of nowhere, hidden in the forest and the 38 metre giant beams down on you as you approach. 

I for one am not a fan of heights but when I was told that there was a slide to get back down, my fears were suddenly gone, pushed aside by the child in me and the excitement for the ride! 

Our hotel, Lyrath Estate, was situated close to the medieval heart of Kilkenny, a charming little city, often overlooked. I loved the place and was saddened to only have a day to explore. The Lyrath Estate was decorated head to toe for Christmas, which made it all the more beautiful. We pulled up to the hotel in thick fog and we did not believe our guide telling us that the hotel was appearing just ahead of us! The driveway is long and inviting and the gorgeous 17th century Estate House is set amongst picturesque lakes, historic gardens, and emerald woodlands.

Smithwick’s Brewery – this tour is a real gem and one of the best brewery tours I have been on. Home to the famous Irish Red Ale, 300 years of history combine with extraordinary brewing innovations, to create the Smithwick’s tour – an experience like no other. 

Kyteler's Inn – what a pub this is! Established 1324! We were greeted to our VIP evening by a knight. I was already won over! But then we had live traditional music and an Irish dancer entertaining us whilst we enjoyed a fantastic meal and drinks. A true Irish night was complete with stories down in the cellar… just ask about the resident witch! 

Shenanigans Walks – Nevin, Shenanigan’s owner and guide, is incredibly passionate about his home city of Kilkenny and an absolute joy to get to know and chat to. His walking tours are full of history, compelling stories, fun facts, myths, truths and hilarious comedy. 

Newbridge Silverware – This was an unexpected gem! A spectacular afternoon tea, created by The Best Cafe in Ireland 2024 from Good Food Ireland! Followed by a 45-minute guided tour of one of the last hand-crafted cutlery manufacturers in Europe. 

Windmill Lane Studios – a backstage tour like no other. All your favourites, the musicians that have made you smile, the songs that you have danced the night away to, the lyrics you sing to, the place where it was all recorded. Over the course of its history, the studios have been used by many notable artists including The Rolling Stones, The Cranberries, U2, Simple Minds, Kate Bush, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen and many more. Definitely worth a visit, this is an exclusive, immersive, and highly memorable experience. 

If you or your group would like to follow in Jan’s footsteps on a tailor-made tour of Ireland, enjoying a flavour of the delicious food and drink, experiencing some of the many first-class experiences and staying in fabulous accommodation, please do contact our friendly team today.