Queen's Ireland Itinerary

When you’re a monarch visiting Ireland – where do you go? What do you see? Well, Queen Elizabeth II certainly doesn’t suffer from indecision, for she has a perfectly precise itinerary laid before her to take in some of Ireland’s finest fancies.

If we’re honest, we’re rather excited about Her Majesty’s impending arrival. So excited in fact, that we’ve been pouring over all of the sites that she’s planning to visit. During her four-day stay here Queen Elizabeth II plans to call on some of Ireland’s most iconic sites ranging from equestrian paradise and foodie heaven to ancient ruins and glorious gardens.

So, if curiosity has the better of you and you fancy following in the footsteps of royalty, then cast your eyes below for Her Majesty’s Ireland itinerary.

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Dublin

Queen Elizabeth’s trip to Dublin promises to be a busy one. One of the world’s friendliest cities, Dublin will offer the Queen a welcome so warm that you could fry an egg on it! Should she need to cool down, she will be suitably placed in the Guinness Storehouse where she will learn of the myriad steps and systems that go into making the world-famous thirst quencher. A stop off at the home of Ireland’s intellectual glitterati at Trinity College is also on the cards, as is a meander at the Garden of Remembrance, a reflective niche in Parnell Square, with mosaic pond and a stunning Children of Lir sculpture. Her Majesty will also reflect on Ireland’s involvement in World War I and the 49,400 fallen Irish soldiers at the poignant National War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge. The gardens are a haven of flora and fauna featuring sunken rose gardens and magnificently manicured herbaceous borders. Names of the fallen soldiers are contained in illustrated Harry Clarke manuscripts found in the garden’s granite bookrooms.

Irish National Stud, Kildare

The prairie-like panorama of County Kildare is established as Ireland’s equestrian heartland. A post-to-post trip around this modestly sized county takes in studs, courses and horses that will be met with knowing nods from tipsters to trainers and – in this case – Her Majesty. Arguably the jewel in Kildare’s equine crown is the Irish National Stud, a lush expanse counting the Japanese Gardens, and the woodlands, wetlands, lakes and mini-islands of the serene St Fiachra’s Garden among its attractions. Now for a visit to the Horse Museum to brush up on the Stud’s horsey history.

The Rock of Cashel, Tipperary

Terming this splendid and stoic slice of Ireland’s religious history a ‘rock’ doesn’t do it justice. Sitting high and handsome on a mound of County Tipperary hillside, the Rock of Cashel is a paean to the beauty of stonework. It was originally the seat of the High Kings of Munster, before the site was given to the Catholic Church. When the Queen visits this awesome pile she will be gazing upon ruins of a chapel, cathedral, a castle, a round tower and high crosses, which date as far back as the 12th Century.

English Market, Cork

Her Majesty’s culinary courtiers may advise her that this famous food market, dating back to 1788, does not actually carry English produce. Instead, beyond the vaulted grandeur of the market’s arched entrance lies aisles of hefty slices of the County Cork’s finest and freshest produce – meat, fish, cheeses, veg and breads from local farmers and suppliers. A sensorial stroll around the stalls will awaken tastebuds to majisterial munchables, such as Gubeen Cheese, Ballycotton Oysters and freshly baked bread. The picnic basket runneth o’er!

Queen Elizabeth II's Ireland Itinerary