Ireland is a country of amazing natural beauty. It’s also home to some of the most spectacular World Heritage Sites. 

World Heritage Sites are cultural or natural landmarks from all over the globe that are deemed to be so important we should look after them forever. They are recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for having outstanding universal value. 

While two of Ireland’s most extraordinary places, Brú na Bóinne and Skellig Michael, received the acclaimed status in the 1990s, a further three locations have recently been added to Ireland’s tentative list which features locations that are being considered for nomination. 

Explore these unique destinations and immerse clients and delegates in the history and culture of the island with an unforgettable itinerary that they will be speaking about long after they’ve departed. 

Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry 

Featured in recent Star Wars films, Skellig Michael must be seen to be believed. Wow clients and delegates with an unforgettable day trip to one of the most spectacular places in Ireland. Skellig Michael, or Sceilg Michíl as it’s known in Irish, was the second location in Ireland to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.  

The mystical island can only be accessed by helicopter or boat, which merely adds to the island’s sense of wonder and mystery. Take in the breathtaking views as you journey from the coast of Kerry across the Atlantic Ocean, and keep your eyes peeled for colourful colonies of puffins that spend their summers on the remote island.  

Once there, visitors can climb the 500 steps that wind around the cliff edges and see the stone beehive huts where Early Medieval monks once lived and prayed centuries ago. If you’re planning an incentive programme in Kerry or the Wild Atlantic Way, Skellig Michael is truly a one-of-a-kind business tourism experience.   

Brú na Bóinne, Co. Meath 

Discover Ireland’s Ancient East and its Neolithic past at Brú na Bóinne in Meath. Regarded as one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in the world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of three magnificent passage tombs which were built 3,000 years before the Egyptian pyramids and 1,000 years before Stonehenge. 

Brú na Bóinne, which means ‘palace’ or ‘mansion’ of the Boyne, is worth visiting any time of year but it’s particularly special during the winter solstice when the morning sun shines through a small roof box to illuminate the main chamber of the most well-known passage tomb, Newgrange. Although access to this annual event is granted through a lottery system, visitors can witness a realistic simulation of the winter solstice on guided tours throughout the year. 

Located just 50 km north of Dublin, Brú na Bóinne is the perfect destination to visit on days off between meetings and events in the capital. 

The Passage Tomb Landscape of Co. Sligo 

On Ireland’s tentative list for world heritage recognition, Sligo’s dramatic landscape of passage tombs is a sight to behold. The stone monuments tell the story of Ireland’s ancient burial traditions, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. 

While visiting the Wild Atlantic Way, take some time to explore the extraordinary collection of dolmens, tombs and stone circles said to be more than 5,000 years old.  

Royal Sites of Ireland

Inspire high-achieving clients and delegates with a mesmerising journey of discovery through the Royal Sites of Ireland. Explore the royal seat of the legendary Queen Maeve in Connacht and visit the former seat of the High Kings of Ireland in Meath. The Royal Sites of Ireland is a group of six sacred places of royal inauguration where High Kings and Queens once ruled. Complete the royal treatment with overnight stays in some of Ireland’s magnificent castles which are sure to impress. 

Valentia Island Transatlantic Cable Station, Co. Kerry 

Kerry presents the perfect opportunity for island hopping as the region is home to a second UNESCO site on Valentia Island, just north of Skellig Michael. The first successful transatlantic cable was laid under the sea over 150 years ago, connecting Valentia Island’s cable station with a cable station in Canada. 

The so-called Eight Wonder as it was once known is said to have changed the world in 1866 when it reduced the time it took to send a message across the Atlantic Ocean from weeks to minutes! The historic site was recently added to Ireland’s tentative list for world heritage recognition. While there, check out the nearby dinosaur footprints which are thought to be at least 350 million years old. 

The Meet in Ireland team is ready to help you create memorable experiences for your incentive programme, drawing on the unique beauty and attractions of Ireland. Contact us today for expert advice and assistance.