Ireland Travel Guide

Ireland is an island in north-western Europe across the Irish Sea from the United Kingdom. Its western coastline looks out over the Atlantic Ocean. The island has been politically divided since 1920 into Ireland and Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom.

The centre of the island consist of low plains which are surrounded by coastal mountains. Its lush vegetation has earned it it’s name the ‘Emerald Isle’.

Ancient castles, Celtic culture, Guinness, leprechauns and friendly, welcoming people draw visitors.

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Dublin & Midlands

The east coast of Ireland, particularly the capital city of Dublin, is often the first stop for many visitors. Nestled at the mouth of the River Liffey, Dublin is steeped in history and culture, home to landmarks such as the 13th-century Dublin Castle, 12th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and 16th-century Trinity College. The city’s old cobbled streets and expansive parks beyond the Grand Canal echo the lushness of the Irish countryside.

Yet, Dublin is more than its historic sites. It has recently flourished in commerce and culture, rivaling other European capitals. The city center buzzes with life each evening, filled with people enjoying lively conversations, music, and plenty of Guinness. A visit to the Guinness factory, where you can enjoy a pint after a comprehensive tour, is essential, as is a visit to the nearby Jameson distillery. James Joyce famously quipped, “Ireland sober is Ireland stiff,” highlighting the spirited local atmosphere.

To the east, the Midlands region, making up about 10% of Ireland’s total area, offers a quieter retreat. Dominated by a fertile valley with numerous lakes and rivers and cut through by the Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, the Midlands are ideal for those looking to escape the bustle of Dublin. Here, you can enjoy excellent fishing, scenic boat rides on the Shannon, and explore significant sites like the 12th-century Birr Castle and the ancient monastic ruins of Clonmacnoise.

Dublin & Midlands

Dublin

Northern Ireland

Encompassing the counties of Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone, this region is renowned not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its culturally and historically rich cities, including Derry and Belfast. Once marked by conflict, Northern Ireland is experiencing a renaissance.

Belfast honours its complex past without being defined by it. Belfast’s streets are adorned with political murals commemorating those lost during “the troubles”—the prolonged conflict between different religious and political factions. One of the city’s most captivating experiences is a black-taxi tour, where drivers who witnessed the historical strife serve as guides through the neighborhoods impacted by decades of violence, from the 1960s to the 1990s ceasefire.

Beyond its historical narrative, Belfast boasts a vibrant entertainment scene. Peace over the past two decades has fostered a flourishing cultural hub, featuring live music venues, historic pubs like Kelly’s Cellars and the Crown Liquor Saloon, and an innovative dining scene that serves both modern and traditional Irish fare. Maritime enthusiasts will find the Titanic Belfast particularly compelling, located at the very shipyard where the ill-fated ship was built.

However, Northern Ireland’s allure extends beyond Belfast. The north coast’s County Antrim is home to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, famous for its roughly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that create an almost surreal landscape. Nearby, the historic city of Derry, known for its significant stone walls dating back to 1610, offers a glimpse into the past. Further south, the Mourne Mountains beckon hikers with their scenic trails and status as the highest peaks in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland

Belfast

North West Ireland

Nestled in the northwest of the Republic of Ireland, just shy of Northern Ireland, County Donegal remains one of the last wild frontiers of the country, relatively untamed even in the interconnected age of the 21st century. With Ireland’s second-longest stretch of coastline, Donegal’s rugged shores battle constantly against the fierce winds and waves, offering breathtakingly beautiful beaches that attract surf enthusiasts from around the world. Known as the unofficial surf capital of Ireland, Donegal’s surf centers and ideal conditions make it a hidden gem for wave riders.

Traveling south to County Sligo, the surf culture continues to thrive, particularly in the town of Sligo, celebrated for its rich surf scene and impressive waves. Further south lies County Mayo, a region that combines rocky coastal cliffs with vast expanses of peatland and the ruins of ancient villages, adding a mystic and haunting quality to the landscape. The well-preserved Georgian town of Westport in County Mayo, with its stone bridges and 18th-century architecture, caps off this evocative and unforgettable part of northwest Ireland.

North West Ireland

Sligo

West Ireland

County Galway, a gem along Ireland’s western seaboard, offers diverse attractions, from the rugged Connemara Peninsula to the vibrant Galway City. In Connemara, activities abound with options like hiking the heather-laden hills, exploring the peaks of Connemara National Park, or fly-fishing for salmon and trout in the abundant lakes and rivers. Horseback riding along secluded sandy beaches offers a unique perspective of the dramatic coastline.

Galway City, beloved for its village-like ambiance combined with a dynamic food scene, lively nightlife, and bustling shopping districts, represents a meeting point of Ireland’s youthful spirit and rich traditions. In this colorful harbor town, the sounds of guitars and the songs of street performers fill the cobbled streets, while pubs brim with locals dancing to traditional music on the weekends.

If Ireland’s captivating coastal scenery leaves you wanting more, a brief 40-minute ferry ride from Galway City will transport you to the Aran Islands. These islands embody a wild, mystical, and untouched charm, renowned for their dramatic 300-foot cliffs and ancient archaeological sites like the UNESCO World Heritage site, Dún Aonghasa. Here, time seems to stand still, with locals continuing to speak Irish amidst ancient churches, and modernity barely making an imprint. It’s an ideal escape for a romantic weekend in a quaint B&B, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

West Ireland

Galway

Walking Tour of Galway

Lower Shannon

The Shannon Region encompasses counties Clare, North Kerry, Limerick, South Offaly, and North Tipperary, offering diverse attractions from the lunar-like Burren plateau to the serene waters of Shannon’s Lough Derg, ideal for water sports and relaxation. County Clare boasts the iconic Cliffs of Moher, towering 702 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, featured in the film “The Princess Bride”. This county is also renowned for its traditional Irish music, showcased during frequent festivals throughout the year. Neighboring County Limerick features Limerick City, nestled on the River Shannon, adorned with Georgian townhomes and medieval architecture, including the historic King John’s Castle dating back to the 13th century.

Discover Ireland’s west coast with its dramatic Atlantic coastline, golden beaches, and secluded coves, perfect for outdoor activities such as golf, fishing, horse riding, cycling, and more. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich heritage of South East Ireland on a journey you won’t forget.

Lower Shannon

Limerick

South East Ireland

The sunny southeast of Ireland comprises Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford, each offering unique highlights. Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city founded in 915 by Vikings, is renowned for Waterford Crystal. Wexford boasts seaside resorts and an Opera festival, while Carlow showcases Celtic relics. Kilkenny, a medieval city, features the well-preserved Kilkenny Castle amidst the Golden Vale landscape of Tipperary, home to the Rock of Cashel.

Visitors flock to the southeast for its picturesque views of green countryside dotted with rural farms, leading to a coastline of long, sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs comparable to those in the southwest. Kilkenny, steeped in medieval heritage, is anchored by the imposing Kilkenny Castle, built in 1195 along the River Nore.

Venturing south to Waterford and Wexford, travelers encounter the Viking-founded city of Waterford, part of the Viking Triangle along with Wexford and Kilkenny, reflecting their Nordic heritage. This region is a paradise for castle enthusiasts and beach lovers alike, offering a blend of ancient history and stunning coastal scenery.

South East Ireland

Kilkenny Waterford

Cork & Kerry

In the southwest corner of Ireland, County Cork and County Kerry are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Both counties are influenced by the warm Gulf Stream and southerly winds, fostering lush landscapes where palm trees and bamboo thrive.

Cork, the largest county in Ireland, includes Cork City, once the European Capital of Culture in 2005. Cork, known as the “gateway to the southwest coast,” stands out as Ireland’s second-largest city. It pulses with modern cultural vibrancy, hosting world-class events such as film and jazz festivals annually. It boasts a thriving university culture and is a gastronomic hotspot, anchored by the renowned English Market. Visitors can also explore the lush gardens and historic Blarney Castle, famous for the Blarney Stone.

Approaching County Kerry from any direction, one is captivated by Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, home to Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak at 1,039 meters. Kerry is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, embodying the iconic “40 shades of green” that symbolize Ireland’s natural beauty.

For those seeking respite from tourist crowds, the scenic N70 and N71 highways wind through the Iveragh Peninsula, renowned for its picturesque vistas. Nearby, Killarney National Park offers serene landscapes dotted with historic sites like Ross Castle. A quieter alternative to Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, offers rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches ideal for day trips. This region is a bastion of Irish language and culture, its lanes lined with traditional hedgerows.

Further southwest lie three additional peninsulas: Beara, Sheep’s Head, and Mizen Head. Beara, adjacent to the Ring of Kerry, offers beaches and Ireland’s only cable car to Dursey Island. Sheep’s Head provides unspoiled landscapes perfect for hiking, while Mizen Head offers dramatic coastal cliffs at Ireland’s southernmost tip.

Cork & Kerry

Cork Killarney Cobh Dingle

Cork, Free Self-guided Walking Tour (with Map)

Tours and Activities from Ireland

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