IRELAND TRAVEL GUIDE
An island filled with natural and cultural attractions, Ireland is made up of two countries - the Republic of Ireland in the south (prices are in Euros) and Northern Ireland (part of Great Britain, the £ is used here). Despite political, religious and economic differences and a turbulent past, the two parts of Ireland share many similarities and cultural traits, co-exist harmoniously today and offer opportunities for a great holiday.
As tourist destinations, both countries have much to offer. Dublin and Belfast, their respective capitals, are both lively cities offering a pleasing mix of cultural heritage and 21st century amenities. For sightseers, there are opportunities to visit old castles, churches and museums as well as appreciate the stunning natural beauty that is on offer in destinations such as Killarney, Limerick and Derry and marvel at wonders such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway.
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IRELAND WEATHER - When To Go
The climate across the island is similar to that experienced by mainland Britain, but it tends to be warmer here due to the influences of the Gulf Stream and the Atlantic Ocean. The summer, when temperatures hover in the low 20s (°C), is the best season to take a holiday here, but expect occasional showers. Winters can be chilly while spring and autumn are transitional months.
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IRELAND HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
- Dublin: the capital of the Republic of Ireland is a vibrant and charming city with 1,000 years of history behind it. Attractions are many, including everything from museums and landmarks to picturesque natural scenery and a lively evening entertainment scene. From the UK, the city is easily reached by plane, making it an attractive option for a weekend break.
Exploring the city on foot, visitors can enjoy sights such as the historic Dublin Castle, the medieval Christchurch Cathedral, the grand colonial Post Office and the magnificent Trinity College, home of the famous Book of Kells.If museums are your thing, then top choices are the National Museum, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Dublin Writers Museum. Literary enthusiasts, meanwhile, should not miss out on the James Joyce Museum, a visitor centre with a collection comprising personal possessions, photographs, letters and book drafts related to the famous writer.
For the essential Irish experience, a pint of Guinness in one of the city’s many pubs is a must (or head to the Guinness Storehouse). The Temple Bar district is an especially good area to head if you want to sample traditional Irish hospitality and spend time soaking up the jovial atmosphere created by the locals. Many pubs offer traditional Irish music – not to be missed.
- Cork: just less than three hours by train from Dublin is Cork, the Republic’s second largest city. The destination is crammed with attractions but for many visitors a trip to nearby Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone is at the top of their itinerary. Cork sightseeing highlights include St Finbarrs Cathedral, Cork City Gaol, St Anne's Church and Jameson Heritage Centre. For culture seekers, Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, Cork Butter Museum and Cork Opera House are on hand. With a large student population, you can be sure that the city has some lively evening entertainment venues.
- Galway: mixing modern amenities with traditional Irish heritage and charm, Galway is a popular visitor destination, reachable in three hours by train heading west from Dublin. Top sightseeing attractions include Portumna Castle, Lynch’s Castle, Thoor Ballylee and the Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre, while for daytrips Galway Bay and Athenry are not to be missed. The city has a thriving performing arts scene with venues such as the Taibhearc Theatre and Siamsa Tire Theatre presenting varied programs of cultural entertainment.
- Killarney: lush greenery and scenic natural landscapes are among the biggest appeals of this popular destination in County Kerry. The city is famed as the starting point of the 170km Ring of Kerry, a trail that encompasses a large collection of both natural and manmade sights including Muckross House, Ross Castle, St Mary's Cathedral, Torc Waterfall and the Blue Pool. Renting a bicycle and cycling around the Killarney National Park is a popular activity among those visiting in summer. The city is a 3-hour, 30-minute train journey from Dublin.
- Limerick: natural beauty and friendly locals are among the chief appeals of the capital of County Limerick in the Shannon region. Take a self-guided tour of the city and be sure to include King Johns Castle, Glin Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral or take a daytrip to County Clare to see the Cliffs of Moher, a popular natural attraction offering some of the most spectacular views to be found anywhere in the country. For a spot of culture, the Limerick City Gallery of Art and the Hunt Museum are both well worth visiting. From Dublin, Limerick is 2 hours, 30 minutes by train.
NORTHERN IRELAND
- Belfast: the capital and largest city in Northern Ireland has taken significant steps to improve its image since the establishment of peace. While Belfast isn’t blessed with a great number of touristy sights, there’s certainly enough to keep you busy for 48 hours. Queen’s University, Ulster Museum and the Botanic Gardens in the city centre along with the City Hall (and big Ferris Wheel next to it) are perhaps the most essential sights. An essential experience is a Black Cab Taxi Tour – organise one through your hotel or the Tourist Information Centre. Basically this is a 2-hour tour around different parts of Belfast in a black taxi, with a knowledgeable driver who will explain Belfast’s turbulent political past and areas of trouble. You’ll see plenty of interest including plenty of political wall murals and the tours are not expensive – highly recommended for any first time visitor to Belfast. Lively nightlife and great shopping and dining options contribute greatly to the city’s appeal. Make sure you pop in to the Crown Liquor Saloon for a drink, opposite the Europa Hotel, the most bombed hotel in the world (don’t worry, it’s safe to stay there now)!
- Derry (aka Londonderry): Northern Ireland’s second largest city can be reached by train in around 2 hours from Belfast and offers a good mix of both modern and historic attractions. The city is surrounded by impressive wall fortifications – it’s essential to walk along at least part of the wall! For architectural enthusiasts, the Guildhall and St Columb’s Cathedral are worth checking out while for nature lovers, Creggan Country Park, St Columb’s Park and the Amelia Earhart Centre and Wildlife Sanctuary are among the must-sees. From Derry, it’s possible to make a day-trip to the famous Giant’s Causeway, an area that features around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that are the result of a volcanic activity millions of years ago.
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IRELAND HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
- Food and Eating Out: Irish cuisine is not all potatoes and bacon, although it’s the former is still the chief ingredient in many a popular dish. Traditional Irish creations to try include soda bread, Irish stew, coddle, colcannon and champ. Dining out, there are as many opportunities to enjoy international cuisine as there are local fare. Guinness is the drink of choice so don’t miss a pint of this dark and creamy brew – it tastes better here than in your local pub.
- Entertainment and Nightlife: You can be sure of a great atmosphere in pubs throughout Ireland. Dublin and Belfast are both packed with bars and nightclubs, while the smaller rural towns offer charming little water holes where you’ll feel like a local within five minutes of ordering your first drink. Make sure you see some live music.
- Accommodation: there are plenty of places to stay, with the big cities such as Dublin, Cork and Belfast of course offering the best selection, especially when it comes to upmarket establishments. Rural towns and villages may offer a single bed and breakfast venue with simple rooms, but with a level of hospitality and friendliness that can’t be beat. Try Booking.com for hotel deals in Ireland.
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