You might not know how to find it yet, but it will find you. Your place in Ireland. It might be a mood that comes over you, all of a sudden, as you wander through the workshop of a candle maker in Oughterard, join in a traditional music session in Kerry, finish off the perfect round of golf in Kildare or enjoy a bracing walk through the panoramic landscape of the Sperrin mountains. And the people you meet, with their curious tales, captivating conversation and unique way with a phrase – before you know it, they’ll be having you in for a cup of tea and a chat.
But to appreciate the astonishing diversity of this island, all you really have to do is to look around you. Everywhere you go, you’ll find spectacular scenery – from the Cliffs of Moher to the Fermanagh lakes, from the glories of West Cork to the sublime beauty spot of the Sally Gap – that will stay with you long after you’ve gone home.
Time may stand still in Ireland, but whatever season you arrive, there’s always time for a special moment. And no matter where you go, there’s a full choice of accommodation, restaurants and things to do. Every season brings its own wonders.
The Guinness Brewery, Dublin
The manufacturing home of Guinness for over 200 hundred years, it has now been turned into a museum detailing the history of Guinness. Here you can purchase much sought after Guinness souvenirs and taste a complimentary pint of Guinness.
The Ring of Kerry
This beautiful peninsula stretches from Killorglen to Killarney and is one of the most visited regions in the country. Offering breath taking coastal scenery as well as attractions which include the renowned Muckross House and Kate Kearney’s Cottage it is a tour well worth including on your
visit to Ireland.
The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
Nearly 100 square miles of Karst region spanning nearly one third of the Clare coastline. Further down the coast you will find the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, standing at some 700 feet, you will definitely feel dizzy.
County Wicklow
Within close proximity to Dublin, Wicklow, also known as the Garden of Ireland, is a county dominated by mountains, rivers, and lakes making it the perfect stop off for all of you who want to see the real Ireland outside the capital. It is also home to several of the country’s top tourist attractions including the famous monastery at Glendalough, Powerscourt House and Gardens and the meeting of the waters at Avoca.
Aran Islands, County Galway
The three Aran Islands, Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer are about 15 miles west of the Galway/Clare Coast. A visit to the Aran Islands will be a rare chance to experience rural life and sheer raw beauty.
Trinity College, Dublin
Another of Dublin’s must see attractions, Trinity College is renowned world wide primarily because of the contents of The Old Library. Home to the eighth century Book of Kells and the seventh century Book of Durrow, the college attracts thousands of visitors every year just to see two pages of the priceless Irish manuscripts.
Galway City
Ireland’s student capital, Galway is also the country’s party capital. The city comes to life after dark with traditional music emanating from every corner. It is also the friendliest city in the country attracting backpackers in their thousands every year. A particularly good time to visit is when the Arts festival is taking place in July.
Blarney Stone, County Cork
Situated five miles north west of Cork city, this little village is home to the Blarney Castle which was built in 1446. And, on the top story is the world famous Blarney Stone said to give the ‘gift of the gab’ (eloquence) to all who kiss it. So, if you feel you don’t have enough to say or can’t think of the right way to say it, head to Cork and do as hundreds of thousands have done before you.
Newgrange, County Meath
Even older than the pyramids, Newgrange is one of the world’s finest examples of a Neolithic Passage Tomb. Unique in that the only day sunlight shines into the main chamber is on the shortest day of the year, the tomb offers the visitor a fascinating display of the artistic abilities of Neolithic man. Located nearby is the Hill of Tara the residence of the ancient kings of Ireland and also worth visiting while you are in the region.
Yeats County, County Sligo
Whether you’re a fan of his poetry or not, a visit to the region which inspired a great deal of W.B. Yeats’ work is a memorable experience. A mélange of mountain, lake and coastal scenery bring you rural Ireland at its best and you get to visit the lake-isle of Inisfree, the island made famous by the poem of the same name. The county also has some of Ireland’s best beaches and is particular popular with the surfers among you.