Visitors looking for things to do that are not often in many guidebook Top 10 lists may find these 7 new attractions in Ireland of interest.
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1. Game of Thrones Studio Tour, County Down
Not necessarily new (the attraction was officially opened in February 2022 and the Game of Thrones series ended five years ago), it's one that still captures the imaginations of GOT fans.
The Game of Thrones Studio Tour, located in the Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, County Down, is not far from where much of the series was made.
Visitors can see the show’s original sets, costumes, props, and set pieces, bringing them close to the imaginary Seven Kingdoms storyline.
Purchase Your Game of Thrones Studio Ticket
2. Mount Congreve Gardens, County Waterford
In 2023, the beautiful Mount Congreve Gardens in County Waterford reopened after a €7 million investment, with the launch of a state-of-the-art visitor center, a children’s playground, and three new garden trails.
On the premises is a new restaurant called The Stables Café, where you can avail of delicious food, including a really good Sunday carvery containing farm-to-table ingredients.
Work at this attraction continues, including extensive work on the Georgian glass house and walled gardens.
Last year, a beautiful 18th-century gate lodge was restored on the estate, and this year, two more of its gate lodges are open, along with five forest cabins.
The estate also hosts the annual Restival, a weekend of Pilates, yoga, wellness talks, and more. This year, it takes place Aug. 10-11.
Purchase Your Tickets to Mount Congreve Gardens
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3. The International Rugby Experience, Limerick
When many tourists think about Limerick, they’re not sure what the city has to offer. In fact, there are a few attractions that are most definitely worth seeing.
Among them are King John’s Castle and the Hunt Museum.
In May 2023, Limerick welcomed The International Rugby Experience, an attraction that will no doubt be a draw for Irish rugby fans but for those who have no knowledge of the game, too.
Set in a custom-designed, red-brick building on O’Connell Street, the attraction has several immersive installations and an interactive skills floor, where visitors can measure their talents against that of the professionals.
Purchase Your Tickets to the International Rugby Experience
4. National Surf Centre, County Sligo
Sligo is among the counties in Ireland that is well known to surfing enthusiasts, which is why the National Surf Centre in Strandhill is a welcome addition to the region.
Before it opened in 2023, surfers were forced to change outdoors near their vehicles, but now they can head into the €3 million surf center and avail of a hot shower or rent boards if they wish.
The state-of-the-art space is also used for surf class training and demonstrations.
5. St. Declan’s Way
A pilgrim route known as St. Declan’s Way, while not brand new, will be of interest to tourists seeking out spiritual-themed journeys in Ireland.
The 115-km (71-mile) walking route links the ecclesiastical center in Ardmore, County Waterford and another in Cashel, County Tipperary, following a path that Declan would have taken to meet St. Patrick in Cashel during the 5th century.
Some consider this trail the “Irish Camino” in the same vein as the Camino de Santiago in Spain, which encompasses several routes in Spain, France and Portugal and is considered among the great pilgrim trails in the world.
Declan was the founder of a monastery in Ardmore, which is named after him. It contains the remains of the monastery, as well as a cathedral, and is known as a National Monument.
Many scholars believe that he preceded Saint Patrick in bringing Christianity to Ireland.
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6. The Mayo Velo Rail
A new railway-themed activity opened in Kiltimagh, County Mayo, in 2023 that is sure to satisfy families with young children.
Called The Mayo Velo Rail, this slow tourist attraction involves the use of velo bikes that are fixed to old train lines with chair-style seats instead of saddles.
Departing from the refurbished Kiltimagh train station, users can travel north or south through the surrounding countryside.
All that is needed is a pair of riders, one over the age of 18 to lead the ride and one under the age of 16 to assist so that the rail bike can be propelled sufficiently over the length of the journey.
Purchase Your Tickets for the Mayo Velo Rail
7. Beyond the Trees Avondale, County Wicklow
A new treetop attraction in County Wicklow called Beyond the Trees Avondale is sure to excite individuals and families looking for something cool to do in Ireland in 2024.
The highlight of the attraction located in the beautiful Avondale Forest Park, is a fully accessible, 1.3-km (0.80 miles) tree canopy walk that includes a 12-story wooden viewing tower where visitors can get fabulous views of the surrounding countryside and where thrill-seekers can slide their way down to the forest ground.