This land has inspired hundreds of songs, poems and stories, and lives up to its reputation as a place of beauty, friendliness and legend. The country’s compact size means you can spend as little or as long a time as you wish here and still see a plenty of the country. But be prepared, you will want to come back over and over again!
History & culture
This is a country with more than its fair share of history. The island is dotted with a wealth of relics, each as magical as the folk stories that accompany them, from awesome prehistoric monuments to ancient Roman and Norman ruins, to medieval monasteries and castles. There are also more sober signs of the past such as Great Famine sites prized by anyone with Irish ancestry and the must- see Belfast murals, markers of Ireland’s infamous civil war. Ireland’s history can be seen everywhere and is part of the country’s great allure.
An important and necessary part of Irish culture is ‘craic’. This roughly translates as ‘good fun’, and it certainly seems to sum up these wonderful people to a tee. The Irish deserve their reputation as some of the friendliest people in the world and getting to know them is like making a friend for life.
A great Irish experience is undoubtedly a visit to a traditional Irish pub – think pints of Guinness, warming Irish food and traditional live music. A trip to Dublin will leave you spoilt for choice. Davy Byrnes is one of the most famous pubs in Dublin, hosting regular live music performances, both modern and traditional Irish, it’s almost impossible to leave without a jig or two. Peter’s Pub is a great local secret in Dublin, its small and cosy interior, perfect for a long pint and an even longer chat.
No trip to Belfast is complete without a visit to the city’s oldest and most-loved landmark, the Crown Liquor Saloon. The beautifully-restored extravagant Victorian interior will please the eye as much as its beverages please the taste buds.
Natural wonders
Ireland is a dream for walkers and hikers. There are dozens of spectacular walks, hikes and marked trails, linked with bed and breakfasts and villages, throughout the country. A walking tour is also a great way to spot some of Ireland’s many species of birds, some of which are rare and even endangered.
Absorb the magic of Ireland at your own pace – driving along dramatic coastlines, past serene lakes, over wild mountain terrain and green rolling hills, all the while enjoying the infectious friendliness and humour of the people you meet along the way. The Causeway Coastal route, which meanders along the northern coast and takes in the World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway, is one of the most scenic coastal drives in Europe.
The Dingle, Iveragh (Ring of Kerry) and Beara peninsulas are loaded with stunning scenery and picturesque villages. The windswept beauty of the west coast will touch your heart, as will the stark beauty of the Burren, near Doolin, and the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Or witness the heathlands of Connemara National Park, the view from Lugnaquilla Mountain in the Wicklow Mountains or the superb vistas surrounding Galway’s Maumturk Mountains.
Dining
Gone are the days when ‘the spud’ was the highlight of the Irish menu. In fact, Ireland has become quite the gourmand’s paradise. Discovering Ireland through its local produce is undoubtedly one of the most satisfying ways to explore the country, meet interesting people, visit out-of-the-way places and indulge in Ireland’s tempting tastes. Enjoy award-winning restaurants and stylish bistros in towns and cities throughout the island, or seek out gourmet hot spots all over the country. And don’t leave Ireland’s shores without sampling the smoked salmon or trout and the range of farmhouse cheeses.
Ireland is heaven for beer lovers. From traditional ales and lagers to the heavy stouts – the most famous being Guinness – there’s a beer for every day of the week in Ireland, and then some. The Irish have also long been a dab hand at distilling whiskey. In fact Bushmills in Northern Ireland is the world’s oldest whiskey distillery.
Shopping
From breathtaking Waterford crystal, to Irish linen, lace, beautiful hand-knitted sweaters, Ireland is a phenomenal place to shop. Traditional Claddagh rings also make great souvenirs, and for the tipplers, there’s always a bottle of Irish Whiskey or, naturally, some Irish Guinness. Dublin’s vibrant shopping precincts are alive with designer finds, both foreign and local, and just a few minutes’ walk across the river will discover the secrets of both north and southside strips.
For lovers of antiques, Dublin’s Francis Street is the place to be. Cork city, Castlecomer, Kilkenny, Galways and Limerick also boast wonderful antique boutiques and stores – even window shopping is a delight.
Get in the know ...
As a visitor to Dublin, one of the most important pieces of paper to get your hands on is a three-day bus/rail pass or a Day Bus Rambler. Not only are passes excellent value, but this way you don’t need to fumble around looking for the right Euro coins, you can dodge any queues for the bus by entering at the right-hand side of the door and you can jump on any bus that comes your way.
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