Ireland Travel - By Category
Images of Ireland - Irish Impressions
Images of Ireland - endless green fields dotted with sheep, high cliffs straight down into the Atlantic Ocean, old world charm and modern art, colorful details or the almost monochrome landscape of the Burren. Get a first taste of Ireland with some Irish impressions.
Preparing Your Trip
These are the basics for an enjoyable and uncomplicated visit to Ireland - general information on Ireland, how to get to Ireland and how to get around once you are in Ireland. Included are notes on passport, visa and vaccination requirements as well as safety and security. Plus recommendations for some further research.
Touring Ireland
Touring in Ireland is more than getting from A to B - you are never far from an ancient monument, a historic site or unique landscapes. Pick a tour that will accommodate your interests, take your time and above all be prepared for short excursions en route. Trying to see "everything" will not succeed, but with a bit of planning Ireland's most important sights and places are well within the reach of the average visitor.
Dublin and Leinster
Leinster tends to be dominated by Dublin City, but the capital city is just part of the historic province. Here the visitor will also find the ancient monuments of Newgrange and Knowth, the royal seat on the Hill of Tara, the site of the Battle of the Boyne and the monastic site of Glendalough. Dublin alone is worth a few days for exploring the museums and historic sites - as well as savouring the shopping, the music and the nightlife.
Cork and Munster
Munster is the southwestern province of Ireland, reaching out into the Atlantic. Here some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery can be found, along with subtropical gardens and rugged mountains. Exploring Munster and the City of Cork is a must for visitors. Several coastal tour routes are clearly marked. Especially the Ring of Kerry, the less known Ring of Beara and the short Slea Head Drive will take you to some of the most stunning and historic places in Ireland.
Galway and Connacht
"To Hell or to Connacht" was Cromwell's alternative for the Irish. Experiencing the natural beauty of the Irish west today one can hardly imagine this to be a harsh treatment. From the bustling university city of Galway to the bleak Burren, from Achill Island to the Shannon, Connacht is one of the most unspoilt areas of Ireland. Visitors can still sleep in traditional cottages with a view of the Atlantic - but with all modern conveniences and a good infrastructure.
Belfast and Ulster
Belfast and the Province of Ulster are plagued by misconceptions. Many visitors deem this part of Ireland to be unsafe due to the "Troubles". The nine Ulster counties, three of which are actually in the Republic of Ireland, are well worth a visit. And travelling is as safe there as in any other part of Ireland. In fact crossing from the Republic into Northern Ireland is hardly noticeable, being as uncomplicated as driving from Florida into Georgia.
Where to Stay
The choice of accommodation available in Ireland can be overwhelming. From modern hotels in or near city centers to haunted castles in the middle of nowhere. Most visitors prefer to stay in a traditional "B&B" (short for bed and breakfast) or a small guesthouse. There are also hostels for the budget traveller and, on the other end of the scale, some of the most luxurious country hotels you can imagine.
Where to Eat and Drink
While most visitors enthuse about Irish drink, the cuisine of Ireland is much maligned. Mostly due to unrealistic expectations - outside the major urban centers cooking tends to be parochial and down to earth. But tasty! And if you had your share of stew, coddle and boxty there are always European and ethnic restaurants to be found. As well as convenient snack bars, takeaways and fast food outlets.
Experiencing Ireland’s Past
Visitors with an interest in history will find Ireland to be a veritable goldmine of historic places and museums. From pre-historic earthworks and passage tombs to Belfast's troubled recent past, from early Christian monastic life to the centuries of struggle for independence. Touring the country or even staying in one area only will usually give ample opportunity to experience this history hands-on.
Entertainment, Nightlife, Festivals and Events
Ireland is not a dusty museum, Ireland is alive. So much alive that you will be hard pressed to decide between the numerous fairs, festivals, pageants and patterns on offer especially during the summer months. From matchmaking in Lisdoonvarna to bluegrass music in Omagh, Ireland will have something for you! The ancient "pattern days", during which the local patron saint is honored, are still observed. But modern additions like Dublin's St. Patrick Festival tend to steal the limelight for the casual observer. Or simply drop into the nearest pub ... for live music or "the craic".
Shopping In Ireland
You can actually shop until you drop in Ireland - rural arts and crafts centers will entice you to spend some money, so will some of the largest and most modern malls in Europe! Find out where to shop, what to look out for and how to strike a bargain. Be it typical souvenirs or the latest European fashions.
Special Interest Holidays
Ireland has to offer numerous opportunities to indulge in special interests. Whether you are interested in ancient pilgrims' routes or wreck-diving, long-distance hiking or golfing - Ireland is the place to go. Find out more about holidays off the beaten track.
Irish History and Culture
Every visitor to Ireland should have some background information on the history and culture of the island. This will not only help to make sense of it all, it will also lead to a much deeper appreciation and more enjoyment of the visit.