There’s greenery everywhere the eye can see in Ireland, a small island that leaves a big shadow when it comes to culture, art, and history. You’ll receive a warm welcome from its famously friendly residents, while enjoying dramatic landscapes at every turn from Donegal to Cork. This is a land of legend, whether it’s the Blarney Stone that gives you the ‘gift of gab’ or the Giants’ Causeway in Northern Ireland. Visit Dublin’s museums or enjoy spirited live music and dancing in cosy pubs, a great way to experience local cu...
Nestled along the southwest coast of Ireland, Cork is a pretty university city known for its Victorian architecture including the Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral and covered English Market. The city centre is compact - traditional pubs host live music, while students gather in the area’s trendy bars and coffeeshops. Cork City Gaol could be mistaken for a stately castle, but it once held Australia-bound prisoners!
Dublin’s exuberant spirit makes visitors to this Irish capital feel at home. Buildings like the 13th-century Dublin Castle bring a sense of grandeur, while its Guinness Brewery and Temple Bar entertainment district offer vibrant nightlife. Relax on St Stephen’s Green or tour the famous library at Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells. The River Liffey runs through the city, framed by Georgian architecture.
There’s a reason why Ireland is so green – it’s the frequent rain, so don’t even try to avoid it! In fact, the west coast usually experiences over 200 days of rain out of the year. Plan ahead with a waterproof jacket, plenty of layers and sensible shoes, and you’ll have a grand time. That said, some times of year are more hospitable than others. The summer brings lengthy daylight hours, so you can pack more sights into your itinerary as the sun doesn’t set until 10pm in July. Winter is cooler and can be rainy, but it rarely snows and Dublin’s Christmas markets are very festive!
Dublin is Ireland’s capital city and a highlight of any trip to the country, home to popular attractions like the Guinness Storehouse and Trinity College. Yet for many visitors, it’s the swoon-worthy countryside that makes Ireland such a popular destination, like the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and Galway coastline. Tour along the Ring of Kerry to tick off all your top Ireland sights – you’ll see windswept castles, lush gardens, rugged coastline and charming villages. You can kiss the Blarney Stone in its namesake castle, and visit Country Meath to tour ancient megalithic tombs, older than Egypt’s Pyramids and England’s Stonehenge.
Traditional Irish food is hearty and satisfying, making use of local seafood and produce. Oysters are an ubiquitous delicacy here particularly when they’re in season in September, and you can also enjoy clams, cockles and mussels throughout the year. Soda bread is something you’ll find everywhere, whether it’s made with honey and fruit or a sprinkling of seeds. Enjoy a slice alongside your Irish Stew, made with mutton or lamb, potatoes and onions. Potatoes are a staple of the Irish diet, and one of the most delicious ways to enjoy these is in colcannon. This dish serves them mashed with cabbage and cream or butter.
St Patrick’s Day is one of Ireland’s most famous exports, celebrated in countries around the world. However, it’s more meaningful in its country of origin, where you can join in the festivities. Just remember to wear green! Ireland is one of the best places in Europe to spot whales and dolphins, with 24 species found in these waters. The west Cork seas are your best bet for spotting these majestic sea creatures frolicking in the water, particularly during the summer months when humpback, fin and minke whales make it their feeding spot of choice. Ireland’s dramatically beautiful west coast must be seen to be believed, and a highlight is the Cliffs of Moher area. These imposing cliffs stretch over a space of five miles, jutting out from the Atlantic and giving way to spectacular views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. (These islands are also well worth a visit for their scenery and folklore). Whether or not you’re much of a beer drinker, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is a top attraction. Learn how this famous export is made, as you wander through the building with a pint glass-shaped core. Naturally, you’ll receive a complimentary pint at the end of the tour.