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.
Irelands history could be termed "troubled" at the best of times - unrest from within and the threat of invasion were always there. Keeping the peace was not helped by the fact that most natives wanted the peacekeepers out and actively supported invaders at the drop of a hat. Hence a number of interesting fortifications that still dot the landscape ...
You will find castles in Ireland - many in a state of disrepair, but impressive still. Some heavily (and often heavyhandedly) converted to more luxurious dwellings. And some even in official use today. Go and visit, Irish castles can make a vacation a truly historic trip.
Irish hauntings tend to be seen as being a bit whimsical, from Hollywood movies depicting the Irish afterlife (like "High Spirits" and "Darby O'Gill") to Oscar Wilde's very own Canterville ghost. And it is also said that where other countries have ghosts and ghouls, the Irish have fairies. The …
Irish X-files are a non-starter if you trust TV shows - neither Mulder nor Scully ever hopped over the ocean into the "old country", to confront banshees, ghosts and aliens. But maybe they should have? There is more to Ireland than meets the eye of the sceptic beholder. And if you do not fancy the idea of spending a night in a haunted room, maybe you'll relish cruising in pursuit of lake monsters…
So you want to strip off and go naked in Ireland? No problem - just be sure to do it in the privacy of your own room and only observed by consenting family and friends. Otherwise you might have a run-in with the law. But naturists take note - while nudism may not be legal, there are zones of toleration.
On Friday, the 13th of October, 1307, French men-at-arms took the Knights Templar of Paris into custody. It was the start of the end for the "warrior monks". Soon after the events in Paris the Templars in Ireland were also arrested under suspicion of heresy. Their empire crumbled - but are there still traces to be found on Irish soil? A few ... if you know where to look!
Literally hundreds of tourists cross Lough Ree, part of the Shannon, every week on cruisers - looking out for shallows and rocks, at the same time enjoying the unspoilt landscapes. Seldom do they give a second thought about what might lurk beneath, watching and waiting ...
Ireland has long been known as the island of saints and scholars - and it has even been suggested that it was the Irish that saved civilization when Rome crumbled. And while most of the Irish saints were never canonized and are barely remembered, some even today manage to stick out.
Many visitors to Ireland are drawn towards the megalithic and prehistoric monuments on the island. Built a few thousand years ago by persons unknown with an intention we know nothing of they still hold a certain fascination today. Be it because of the sheer impact of the building works necessary or the (supposed) mystical background. But what actually are the best monuments to visit?
Some people like to go to the ends of the world. Find the geographical extremes of Ireland and try to cover them all.
Ireland offers some unique ways to say "Be my Valentine" and maybe to pop the question. Here are some suggestions for that special Valentine's Day in Ireland.
Ireland offers some unique ways to say "I Love You" and maybe to pop the question. Here are some suggestions for that extra-special day in Ireland.
Cycling through Ireland can be a rewarding alternative for anyone moderately fit and with a willingness to invest their own muscle-power into getting from A to B. It is, however, not as idyllic as described in many brochures - Ireland has changed immensely in the last few years.
Hiking through Ireland can be a rewarding alternative for anyone moderately fit and with a willingness to invest their own muscle-power into getting from A to B. Several way-marked routes are available for long-distance hikes and shorter routes are identified locally.
Ireland is not only surrounded by water, it also has an amazing 9,000 miles of waterways and around 800 sizeable lakes. As many of the lakes are interconnected by rivers and canals a veritable network of navigable waters exists. Cruising on Ireland's inland waterways is a very popular option for a really relaxing vacation.
Ireland is not only surrounded by water, it also has an amazing 9,000 miles of waterways and around 800 sizeable lakes. As many of the lakes are interconnected by rivers and canals a veritable network of navigable waters exists. And several companies offer boats for hire. Cabin cruisers of varying size and technology, but all designed to provide transport and accommodation in one. Cruising on Ireland's inland waterways is a very popular option for a really relaxing vacation.
When in Ireland, do as the Irish do! And one thing the Irish are certainly fond of are sports. At least in the role of a spectator. Here are the ten most popular spectator sports:
Forget Beckham, forget the Superbowl ... for any true-blooded Irishman football is nothing but Gaelic Football. Often compared to Association Football (or "soccer" to you and me) or to Rugby. But maybe the origin of both these sports.
Hurling is regarded as one of the fastest ball-games in the world - and to the uninitiated a first encounter may also beckon forth the attributes "chaotic" and "brutal". Sometimes hurling is confused with hockey. At least until the game starts ...
Handball may be the strangest Gaelic Game and is not really a big hit with the crowds. A friend of mine once described it as "squash without rackets". He was basically right ...
Three major zoos and wildlife parks are open to the public in Ireland. The zoos in Dublin and Belfast and the extensive park in Fota are home to a variety of species. From big cats to small monkeys, from colorful exotic waterfowl to large South-American rodents, from the common to the unusual. And with some surprises thrown in.
Ireland can be a golfer's paradise - if you are prepared for changing weather, strong winds and challenging courses. Choosing the perfect courses for a golfing tour of Ireland is a hard task. Find the Top Ten Irish Golf Courses with About.com.
Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, is commonly known as the man who in 432 singlehandedly brought Christianity to the Irish and drove the snakes out of the Emerald Isle. While both these claims are suspect, the historical Patrick seems to have been a very successful missionary in the northern part of Ireland. A tour in his footsteps makes an interesting departure from the beaten track.
Ireland has long been a country where cinemas were an important part of popular culture - indeed the Irish are regarded as some of the most enthusiastic cineasts of Europe. But Ireland has also a tradition of film production. Many major movies were filmed here, find the places where this happened ...
Any drive through the Wicklow Mountains never fails to impress, but how doe the thematic "Movie Drives" fare? Landscapes can be seen in movies like "Excalibur", "Michael Collins" and "Braveheart". But is it worth taking the drive if you are a fan of these blockbusters?
Ireland, known as the island of saints and scholars, is dotted with church buildings - from small, early medieval oratories to Byzantine extravaganzas. Here are ten churches I would recommend for a visit and which would give you a fair impression of the different styles.[/p]
The round towers are a unique Irish form of architecture - and have been puzzling antiquarians for centuries. See some of the remaining towers in a gallery put together by your About Guide Bernd Biege.
Irish vacations for couples in love ... on About.coms Honeymoons site.
Travel to Ireland and have a game of golf on world-famous links.
Tourist information for golfers from Fáilte Ireland.
Special website prepared by Fáilte Ireland to promote genealogy as a holiday pursuit - giving you valuable hints on how to research your Irish roots.
Website aimed at tourists who want to experience a holiday with an equestrian theme - including trailriding, cross country, dressage, hunting and trekking.
Complete information on all horse racing festivals.
Information on coarse, sea, pike and flyfishing in Ireland stright from the Central Fisheries Board.
Website of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland with valuable information on boating in Ireland.
Comprehensive information on this major pilgrimage site in County Mayo.
The Burren Yoga Centre offers retreats and yoga instructions on all levels.
Get away from it all on the "Hare Krishna Island" - you may even become a monk for a weekend here!
