Score free access to some of Ireland’s most-visited landmarks on April 17, including the Cliffs of Moher, King John’s Castle and the Guinness Storehouse.
> TOURISM DAY 2020 WAS POSTPONED DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
If you’ve ever travelled around Ireland, you’d know how easy it is to burn a hole in your pocket visiting some of the country’s popular landmarks.
From Dublin to Cork and Limerick to Galway, it costs a pretty penny exploring old castles, cliffs, prisons and breweries.
But on April 17 – Ireland’s first ever Tourism Day – more than 100 top attractions will throw their doors open to the public for free.
Popular natural attractions like the majestic Cliffs of Moher, where an adult ticket costs as much as €8 at peak times, Spike Island in Cork (€20) and King John’s Castle in Limerick (€11.70 online) are taking part in the promotion.
You can get an inside look at the Long Room at Trinity College, and marvel at the 9th century Book of Kells, without paying a cent. Or step inside the magnificent Dunguaire Castle, on the shores of Galway Bay near the Wild Atlantic Way (above, right).
At Charles Fort – a 17th century star-shaped military fortress at Kinsale, about 25 km south of Cork City (above, left) – free admission also includes a guided tour.
There are dozens of commercial tours as well, like the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin where entry usually starts from €19.50, as well as distillery tours like Jameson’s.
Visitors to the Republic of Ireland can save hundreds of Euros, but you need to register well before April 17, or you’ll miss out.
Be aware that tickets really are limited: there are only 100 free tickets available for the Book of Kells, for instance, and just 50 at Dunguaire Castle. It’s a similar story at other popular locations, so it’s a case of first in first served.
Visit tourismday.ie to search the full list of landmarks and attractions taking part, and register with each one individually.
With tickets at a premium, the most popular attractions will book out early, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
Did You Know
Tourism in the Republic of Ireland generated around €7.5 billion (A$12.6 billion) last year, with almost 10 million international visitors and 12 million domestic and Northern Ireland trips made. "Tourism Day" aims to combat multiple threats facing the sector, including Brexit and the coronavirus.
© 2020 Bernard O’Riordan (Travel Instinct). All Rights Reserved.
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Travel Instinct 
Thank you. Perfectly timed. We’ll be in Dublin in April and will be making good use of this.
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Good for you, it’s a great initiative. Most places have limited free tickets so don’t take too long to reserve yours.
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As you could imagine, our Dublin trip is dead in the water. Pray for the world.
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Ah sorry to hear that Eric. I’ve had to make a similar hard decision given recent events. On the bright side, it will always be there for you. Hope you can get there sometime soon.
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