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DUBLIN'S DOORSTEP & HIDDEN HEARTLANDS DESTINATION GUIDE

The best things to do in Dublin's Doorstep & Hidden Heartlands

Travel inspiration for Your Dublin's Doorstep & Hidden Heartlands Vacation

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Welcome to Dublin's Doorstep and the Hidden Heartlands! As your Celtic Experts, we’re here to introduce you to the vibrant local restaurants, top sights and best places to stay on your vacation to Ireland. From perfectly-planned guided tours to custom travel packages, we can’t wait to share the traditional experiences of our homelands with you.

Discover Dublin's Doorstep & Hidden Heartlands

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Explore the best places to eat, see and stay in Dublin's Doorstep & Hidden Heartlands

  • Slane Distillery
  • Aimsir, Cliff at Lyons
  • Hill of Tara
  • Athlone Castle
  • Irish National Stud Farm

Top places to eat and drink in Dublin's Doorstep & Hidden Heartlands

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From hidden gems to iconic sights, these are the best places to start your very own Celtic story in Ireland. No matter where you decide to go, you’ll get authentic experiences hand-picked just for you.

Aimsir at the Clië at Lyons

Aimsir, Cliff at Lyons

When you travel to Ireland you can treat yourself to an evening at the Michelin Star restaurant, Cliff at Lyons. The fresh ingredients here have been locally sourced by way of harvesting, fishing and foraging the best components Ireland has to offer. Indulge all of your senses as you enjoy a nice charcuterie plate or glass of wine overlooking the peaceful countryside gardens.

Slane Distillery

Slane Distillery

For the ultimate Irish whiskey experience, visit the Slane Castle Distillery in the mythical Boyne Valley. Housed within the 250-year-old stables of the Slane Castle Estate, these guided tours uncover a history like no other

What sights to see in Dublin's Doorstep & Hidden Heartlands

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Hill of Tara

Hill of Tara

There’s an eerily calm serenity that falls over you at the Hill of Tara. Dubbed the seat of the High Kings, atop the summit of the hill you can see 16 of the nation’s 32 counties; making it a very popular place to have once reigned. Tara consists of countless monuments and ramparts, including a 5,000-year-old Neolithic underground passage tomb.

Exterior of Athlone Castle Westmeath, Ireland

Athlone Castle

On your Ireland vacation you’ll experience an immersive journey through 5,000 years of history at Athlone Castle located on the banks of the River Shannon.

Irish National Stud Farm

Irish National Stud Farm Experience

Spend a day with the family at the Irish National Stud Farm; home to some of the most magnificent horses and lavish gardens to be found anywhere in the world. Meet equestrian legends from breeders to prize stallions. Take in the history at the on-site Horse Museum. Or, let your little ones unleash some energy at the Kid Zone play area. This place has something for everyone.

Best places to stay in Dublin's Doorstep & Hidden Heartlands

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Bishops Gate Hotel

The K Club

The K Club boasts 134-room, a grand Irish country retreat, set amid 550-acres of pristine parkland on a mile long private stretch of the River Liffey.

Ballygally Exteriors

Carton House

A world away and yet just twenty-five minutes from Dublin Airport, Carton House is easy to fall in love with. Queen Victoria knew it well, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier came for a vacation and Peter Sellers and Marianne Faithfull lived here for years – Now it’s your turn to experience it on your trip to Ireland.

Dublin Salthouse

Lough Rynn Castle

Lough Rynn, one of Ireland’s most luxurious castle hotels, was once the ancestral home of the legendary Lord Leitrim. This secluded lakeside retreat offers you contemporary luxury steeped in history. Set inside a 300-acre estate, Lough Rynn offers you breathtaking scenery, lush green pastures, ancient forests and a magnificent Victorian walled garden.

Top trips that visit Dublin's Doorstep & Hidden Heartland

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Colorful Doors in Dublin Ireland

Meet Catherine Reilly

As the head of our Brendan team, Catherine has been making friends with the Celtic community for over 35 years so she's learned a thing or two about where to go and what to do in Ireland and Scotland. Check out her own personally hand-crafted collection of all the can't-miss experiences you can have too.

Colorful Doors in Dublin Ireland

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