Hiking holidays in Ireland

Ireland is an island nation in Western Europe and was historically known as an impoverished country. Ireland is now considered a particularly modern and progressive industrial country and, according to a study from 2018, the second richest country in all of Europe, and even the fifth richest in the world. The country is also rich in wonderful natural landscapes, imposing coastline, wonderful hiking routes and the particularly inviting warmth of the locals. All these things make the country a perfect destination for our Eurohike hiking holidays. Experience the most beautiful hiking paths and routes of the island state, spend the night in hotels and accommodation with a special feel-good factor and enjoy the best of Ireland’s cuisine. Due to the year-round mild temperatures, Ireland is a popular hiking destination and the months from March or April until October offer particularly wonderful conditions for a successful hiking holiday.

Traditional symbols, local music or dances, as well as myths and stories are abundant in Ireland. For example, the shamrock is one of the typical symbols of the country. Saint Patrick used it to explain the Holy Trinity consisting of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost to the converted Celts. That brings us to a very famous holiday in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. This special day celebrated the Irish Bishop Patrick, the first Christian missionary in Ireland. Two other essential components of Irish tradition are music and Irish dancing, which can be wonderfully combined. People dance wearing special shoes and the form of dance is similar to the tap dance. Irish folk music is played by traditional instruments such as the bagpipes, a violin or ‘fiddle’ or an accordion and can be experienced in numerous pubs in Ireland. Another important element in Irish history are the sagas and folk stories that the Irish love to tell and were a popular way of telling stories in the past. Numerous international writers and authors have Irish roots such as Oscar Wilde, Cecilia Ahern and Marian Keyes.

Down-to-earth, hearty, regional – Irish cuisine is based on these characteristics. Formerly known as cuisine for poor people, the cuisine in Ireland has now grown with a few delicacies and specialities. Typical Irish dishes include Irish stew, a stew with meat, potatoes, carrots and onions, Shepherd’s pie, minced lamb meat with mashed potatoes on top or Seafood chowder, a stew of fish and seafood. For the Irish, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and is enjoyed with bacon, eggs, sausages, baked beans and black pudding – very hearty. Teatime with black tea and delicious scones is also typically Irish. Afterall, Ireland is considered to be the country with the highest tea consumption in the world. Another delicacy is Irish smoked salmon, which is excellent, especially along the coast. Typical drinks include not only Guinness beer, but also Irish coffee, a coffee with whiskey, sugar and whipped cream. You should also try an Irish whiskey on your hiking holiday.