May 16, 2018
Starting May 18, you can travel straight from the Emerald City to the Emerald Isle, as Aer Lingus begins direct flights to Dublin, with connections to Shannon, and Belfast as well as 16 other cities in Europe. Seattle’s strong ties to Ireland brought many immigrants during the Gold Rush. We think you're overdue for a visit! There are hundreds of reasons for a visit to this beautiful land (and now it’s even easier with Aer Lingus) — and our top 10 favorites are below.
1. Convenient and direct flights between Seattle and Europe
Not only is it a direct and shorter flight to Europe, the flight out of Dublin is precleared. That means on your way home, U.S. customs is handled in Ireland and you skip the stop at Customs at Sea-Tac.
2. Have a pint of history
The Guinness brewery started production at St. James's Gate in 1759, and the original brewery and its iconic artwork (plus samples) is definitely worth a visit. And learn about how the Guinness Book of World Records started. They say the distinctive taste of Guinness consumed in Ireland comes from the water piped in from the nearby Wicklow Mountains. But we’ll leave it up to you to decide.
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3. Peek over the Cliffs of Moher
Inch (carefully) to the edge of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. With a precipitous drop of 214 meters to the sea, these are not for the faint of heart or unstable of foot. Better yet, just look at the dramatic view and search for surfers on Eileen’s Wave, one of Europe’s largest surf breaks.
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4. Visit an ancient church
The Gallarus Oratory was built before the eighth century and is the best preserved early Christian church in Ireland. Built from dry stone using Neolithic construction techniques, it resembles an upside-down boat. Legend has it that anyone who crawls out of the 12 centimeter-wide window will have their soul cleansed!
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5. Hit the links
Playing golf on some of the most challenging and beautiful courses in the world, you’re one with nature’s immense power on Ireland’s rugged coastlines, with humpback whales splashing in the swirling waters, swooping seabirds and scampering hares.
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6. Get the gift of gab
Legend has it that hanging upside down and kissing the Blarney Stone will make you more eloquent. It could be fact or fiction, but in those moments we're tongue-tied, we figure we could use the help.
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7. Walk the green coast
Join a walking festival or make your own adventure by hiking through some of the most scenic and rugged coastline in the world. Guaranteed there’s a pub along with the way with the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet.
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8. Drive with giants
Drive the Causeway Coastal Route, a glorious mix of pretty villages, pristine beaches, and exhilarating clifftop walks. Don’t miss the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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9. Hang ten in Ireland
Surfing in Ireland? Yep, it’s possible (and not too cold) on the gorgeous beach of Lahinch, with a large crescent beach that stretches 1.6 kilometers with waves for surfing and kiteboarding. Or, sit and watch the wave warriors with a bowl of mussels and a pint.
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10. Take a drive on the wild side
Drive the Wild Atlantic Way, the world’s longest defined touring route along the rugged West coast of Ireland. A sensational journey of soaring cliffs, buzzing towns, hidden beaches, and epic bays.
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Explore direct flights and special offers from Seattle at the Aer Lingus site.
