Founded in 1888 as a scholarly journal, National Geographic is an American publisher that explores the globe across the areas of geography, history, nature, science, world culture and, of course, travel.
This week, the site turned its eye to the Emerald Isle, with writer Pól Ó'Conghaile asking some well-known locals for their top tips on where to go, where to eat, what to do, and where to learn their cúpla focal.
Touting our island nation's dramatic coasts, country roads, and historic cities, the piece is a celebration of local gems ranging from mountain hikes in Waterford to delicious food trucks in Kerry.
Where to walk
Meeting with John G. O’Dwyer, author of 50 Best Irish Walks, the author recommends a "moderately challenging" hike that leads to Coumshingaun, a lake hidden in County Waterford’s Comeragh Mountains, where 18th-century highwayman William Crotty is said to have stashed his treasure.
Where to eat
When it comes to the vast array of food trucks that Ireland has on offer, food writer Ali Dunworth recommends pop-ups like Caitlin Ruth at Levis’s Corner House in Ballydehob, County Cork, and Cáis (Irish for cheese) at Dick Mack’s pub in Dingle, as well as the famous Misunderstood Heron which overlooks Connemara’s Killary fjord.
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Where to learn a cúpla focal
Manchán Magan, author of Thirty-Two Words for Field, suggests taking a beginner's course at Oideas Gael in Glencolmcille, County Donegal, or Oidreacht Chorca Dhubhne, in County Kerry. Alternatively, Pádhraic S. Ó Murchú’s Turas Siar cultural center in Belmullet, County Mayo, accepts drop-ins.
Where to drink*
Quincey Fennelly, managing director of Wicklow Wolf nods to Doheny & Nesbitts as "a great traditional Irish bar" in Dublin. Elsewhere, in Bray, County Wicklow, Harbour Bar brings "a bit of everything with great music, great food in the Fish Bar and of course, great beer".
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Where to spot puffins in the wild
Bird watchers may be lucky enough to spot puffins in the wild from the months of May to July at County Wexford’s Saltee Islands bird sanctuary and County Kerry’s Skellig Michael.
If you want to capture the moment for the 'gram, you can easily take a smartphone but if you want next level detail, photographer Valerie O'Sullivan suggests bringing lenses like a 24-70mm or 24-105mm and 70-200mm. "That will safeguard you for a lot of things," she insists.
