Ireland’s appeal is obvious. Picturesque landscapes combined with a rich heritage and society attract countless visitors each year. The magic of the Irish ‘craic’ – that’s ‘fun’ or ‘good times’ to the non-Irish speakers – is intoxicating for many. Music and pints in an Irish pub, outdoor adventures up mountains or in coastal waters, and ancient historical wonders all combine to ensure a visit to the Emerald Isle really is one of variety and unique experiences.
For those who are interested in a flutter – that’s a ‘bet’ to the uninitiated – Ireland is also an enticing prospect. With a rich heritage in horse and greyhound racing, a visit to Ireland can be combined with a day out at one of the iconic sporting venues that host such events. Or, for those inclined, bookmakers’ shops dot every main shopping thoroughfare with an opportunity to lay a wager on one of the many popular sports in the country. Ireland, in case you didn’t know, is sports mad, with a long and established legacy in a number of major sports including horse racing (Ireland is a world leader in this particular sport and there’s always something on), golf, soccer or rugby. And then there are the intriguing native Gaelic sports of hurling, camogie or football which are a must to check out for the intrepid traveller. The options abound.
Yet for those who are interested in such things, there is another, lesser-known pleasure to access: one of Ireland’s many popular casinos.
Physical premises
There are a number of physical casinos in Ireland, of course varying in size and quality, as all things do. Dublin, as the country’s capital and by far the largest urban centre, boasts the most, and a fun-filled evening exploring the capital’s nightlife can often be capped with a late-night visit to one of the capital’s many casinos. And as these establishments tend to stay open later than regular bars, they are a great option for those true night owls.
Yet other smaller cities and towns in Ireland also boast casino premises, with Cork, Limerick and Waterford all possessing multiple options. But there aren’t just casinos. For those who prefer something with a little bit more of a local flavour, bingo is a popular attraction for natives, with opportunities to play at dedicated bingo halls or simple community centres throughout the land. Lotteries are also beloved of Irish people, and there are multiple options to play and tickets are available at most convenience stores around the country.
Online options too
As a technology-rich modern society, Ireland now offers gaming experiences from wherever you may be, even from one of its many charming yet remote locations that naturally won’t feature a physical casino environment. Indeed, much of Ireland’s beauty and appeal lies off the beaten path, with wild beaches, rugged coastal paths and remote villages offering up unique visitor experiences that could not be replicated elsewhere. And at the end of an adventurous day outdoors in the Irish elements, it’s nice to seek refuge in a warm and cosy Irish pub, where the music is playing and stout (that’s the local ‘black’ beer) is flowing. And should it float your boat, good quality internet access, even in remote areas, offers up the opportunity to access your favourite Irish casino online games, such as card games, slots or whatever it may be.
Travel in Ireland is usually slow going, especially in the more rural areas. So a ponderous bus journey can soon be sped up with access to your favourite casino moments through a remote device. That’s if you can take your eyes off the stunning Irish landscapes for long enough, of course. Yet sometimes the fast falling Irish mist and rain can render a view meaningless as visibility deteriorates. Again, online access can be a salvation here. There are not many parts of the world where you can feel the pleasure of utter solitude and remoteness, yet still enjoy all the pleasures that a robust internet service can bring.
Where modern life and rural charm combine
Ireland may have long appealed to you as an enticing travel destination. Or indeed, it may not have been on your radar at all. But one thing is for certain, this is a destination that caters for every taste, perhaps other than someone looking for long tanning sessions on the beach. Indeed, Ireland is not known for its crowd-pleasing weather, but the inclement conditions mean that local Irish culture has developed many interesting pursuits, with the Irish love of a wager (bet) being just one example. Modern Ireland is a true treasure trove of opportunities, whether that’s to the explorer, literary buff or gambler. And with a rich heritage of sports and creative wagers, the delights of Ireland’s on and offline casino and betting culture may just be one aspect of visiting Ireland that you hadn’t considered. Until now that is.