With its signature combination of emerald landscapes, rich history and famously warm & welcoming population, Ireland is always atop the wish list of travelers.?
While much of the appeal of the Emerald Isle is rooted in enduring experiences and classic sights, the island is also constantly evolving. Not a year goes by without at least a few new things emerging for travelers to experience, and 2024 is no exception.?
No matter where on the island you visit this year, you won't be far from a cultural attraction, opening or outdoor experience that's new on the scene. The following are some of the most notable.?
A Trail Gets the Green Light
For years, Irish outdoor lovers and visitors alike have carefully followed the progress of the South East Greenway, a "rails to trails" project that promises a blissful escape in the so-called Ancient East of Ireland. When complete, the trail will stretch approximately 15 miles through the picturesque landscapes of Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford counties, connecting the appealing small riverside town of New Ross to vibrant Waterford city alongside the idyllic River Barrow.?
The inaugural leg is now open, so you can now take a scenic journey along a 3.7-mile stretch, tracing the path from New Ross to Glenmore, taking in vistas of the Pink Rock region and marveling at the majestic silhouette of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge.?
Inside The Derry Girls Experience. (Photo Credit: Tourism Northern Ireland / Brian Morrison)
New Museums and Exhibitions in Ireland
No visit to Ireland would be complete without a stroll through a museum or an exhibition, and this year will see several 2023 debuts on the cultural scene hit their stride.?
Set-jetting shows no signs of slowing down, and in Northern Ireland, Derry Girls?is driving more and more people to check out the walled city of Derry-Londonderry. Fans of the show are in luck as the Derry Girls Experience has proven so popular that it has been extended through the rest of the year and beyond. Visitors can join a full-on celebration of the beloved comedy series at the exhibition, reveling in the nostalgia of the '90s and delving into the captivating storylines of the show, brought to life through authentic costumes, meticulously crafted sets and props. Eye rolls are optional.?
County Waterford saw the opening of the Irish Wake Museum last summer, the first of its kind in the nation. Located in a 15th-century former Almshouse (the oldest urban domestic building in the country), the museum is dedicated to the Irish Wake, one of the most unique cultural rituals in Ireland. Featuring entertaining guides and a captivating audio-visual presentation, the museum shines a light on the superstitions and customs of the Irish Wake, from early Christian times to the modern day.
Rugby is wildly popular in Ireland, and in Limerick, you can now dive into its history and see if you've got what it takes to be part of the Irish national team at the recently opened International Rugby Experience. From feeling adrenaline-fueled anticipation in the locker room to unraveling the sport's storied history, you'll love getting an insider's perspective into the captivating world of Irish rugby.
The Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College Dublin. (Photo Credit: Zoe Ardiff)
In Dublin, change is afoot at Trinity College Dublin's legendary Old Library. The venerable 18th-century institution is undergoing a transformative conservation project, which will see over 200,000 volumes removed from its hallowed shelves. Despite these changes, visitors can still marvel at the library's pièce de résistance: the Book of Kells. Rest assured, the 9th-century gospel manuscript is still on display, and in addition, you can now admire the addition of the Gaia, a luminous sculpture by artist Luke Jerram that poignantly underscores the wonder and vulnerability of our planet.
Afterward, you'll be able to embark on a second experience, a 360° immersive one loaded with stunning digital recreations. This new experience traces the remarkable odyssey of the Book of Kells over 1,200 years from the windswept shores of Iona in Scotland, across the Irish Sea to the quaint town of Kells, and on to bustling Dublin in the present day.
Malin Head on the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland (Photo Credit: Tourism Ireland / Gareth Wray Photography)
Wild Atlantic Way Turns 10
Has it only been a decade? One of the most instantly successful tourism trails in recent memory, the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way is the perfect time to re-familiarize yourself with the splendor of this coastal route. Spanning a breathtaking 2,500 kilometers from the picturesque town of Kinsale in County Cork to the rugged beauty of Malin Head in County Donegal, the Wild Atlantic Way is already an icon.?
Sculpture on the Sperrins Sculpture Trail (Photo Credit: Tourism Northern Ireland / Brian Morrison)
Where the Wild Sculptures Are
For outdoor art lovers, another trail worth traveling down in 2024 is the captivating Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail. The three monumental sculptures were created by artist Thomas Dambo and serve as storytellers of the Sperrin Mountains. From Nowanois the Storyteller at the former Sperrin Heritage Centre to Darach the Guardian atop Mullaghcarn Mountain and Ceoldán the Stargazer at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, each sculpture invites visitors to delve into the region's lore and mythology.
Hook Lighthouse in County Wexford, Ireland (Photo Credit: Tourism Ireland / Outlier)
A Hotel Star Rises in the Southeast?
The deep southeast of Ireland flies under the radar of many travelers. But the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford is sure to be in the spotlight later this year due to a much-anticipated hotel opening. Historic Loftus Hall has picked up a reputation as one of the most, shall we say, "spirited" lodgings in Ireland for rumored hauntings, but the forthcoming rebrand as Ladyville House is sure to have heads turning for a different reason. Perched overlooking the sea—a stone's throw from the legendary Hook Lighthouse—the hotel will be home to elegant rooms, an outdoor pool and access to a local beach.?
Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland (Photo Credit: Tourism Ireland / Aervisions)
New Festivals in Ireland in 2024
A few new festivals will debut this year, with the YES Festival (June 13-16) bringing one of the most anticipated. This event will pay homage to the indomitable spirit of Molly Bloom immortalized in Ulysses by James Joyce, and will see women artists from across Europe converge upon Ireland, gracing the streets and venues of Derry-Londonderry and north Donegal with their creative talents. Expect to see dance, theater, visual arts, film, photography, textiles, music, circus acts and more.?
Nestled within the storied walls of one of the finest hotels in Europe, the 2024 Ashford History Weekend (April 19-20) will focus on the enduring connection between Ireland and the United States. Expect the fun & educational gathering to feature esteemed historians, political writers and broadcasters and to leave enchanted by the superb Ashford Castle.?
The skyline of Belfast. (Photo Credit: Tourism Ireland / Christopher Heaney)
A Big Year For Belfast?
Last but not least on the list, Belfast will hold a year-long celebration called Belfast 2024 featuring the themes of Our People, Our Place and Our Planet.
The event will be an exhilarating journey through projects that honor the city's rich tapestry, ignite creativity, embrace the natural world and shine a spotlight on Belfast as a cultural powerhouse. Think art installations, immersive light shows, music festivals, and outdoor dance & puppetry.?
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