Today, vacationers and those who just want a quick get-a-way for a weekend or so are coming to Ireland to experience the old town charm mixed with what the thriving metropolis has to offer. There is something to do for everyone between the ages of 1 and 101, and there’s always more to come back to.

Dublin, with almost 500,000 people, is the capital of Ireland. Belfast, again close to 500,00 is the capital of Northern Ireland. Both of these huge cities began as shipping ports, through the Irish Sea, way back around 488AD, so they are filled with the charm and character of an old town while being able to offer you all the comforts of a bustling city.
There are cultural villages strewn throughout the country that offer experience, culture, and very wonderful foods! Museums, theaters, and sporting events Plenty of shopping is available as well. And, it is some of the best that you will do anywhere. With the mass transit system, you and your family can easily reach any destination, or tour the town. The system itself is a thing to see and experience. Restaurants and outdoor pubs spring up everywhere, so you can always stop in to one of these friendly taverns and get refreshments. Children are welcome almost everywhere, and casual attire is accepted. Of course, if you want to go out to a fine restaurant for dinner, and then go dancing till dawn, there is nightlife for you as well.

Ireland has the most beautiful beaches, and Galway County on Galway Bay is a great place to enjoy surfing. Since Ireland is an island, there are a lot of sandy shores to see, but remember that the summer season is only from June to August, and then a light jacket might be necessary as you walk the shoreline. The waves, sun, and sand are enticing, though, and the kids will just love to just go and have fun! So, make sure to make at least one of your days in Ireland a beach day!

Then at the end of the day, what could be better than a fresh seafood dinner prepared specially for you, in any one of the many oceanside restaurants that line the coastal towns. You could drive from Dublin to Galway City in a matter of a couple of hours, and with the Atlantic ocean on the west side of Ireland, and the Irish Sea bordering the east side, you had better believe that the best in North Atlantic seafood is available for you!

The variety and charm of Ireland make it the best get-a-way for your whole family, or just for two. Come and enjoy!

Many visitors see Ireland as a leafy green island, full of pubs, clubs, and thatched cottages. And to be honest- they’re not far wrong. The more west you travel, the more remote it becomes, with a stunning landscape running the entire west coast.

Starting at the Ring of Kerry and running north for 470 Miles (approx), ‘till you enter the splendid Co Donegal, the battered west coast remains unspoiled with towering cliffs and sandy beaches.

Three weeks ago, I traveled this journey, starting in Killarney, Co Kerry, and ending up in Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal. This twelve-day trip brought me to many remote areas, including some of the more well-known sites: Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and Connermara to name a few.
Ireland has the lowest population density in Europe so there is lots of room on the roads, which makes driving these remote areas a pleasure.
For the more adventurous there are several boat trips along the coast to some of Ireland’s most remote islands. The coastline and the islands are littered with a wide range of fauna – a perfect habitat for so many different species.

The most popular months for visiting Ireland are between June and September, but don’t let this turn you away from a winter break. Ireland doesn’t have an extreme climate: the weather is normally mild throughout these winter months.

The harsh Atlantic Ocean hammers the west coast most of the year-round. While not renowned for water sports, the Atlantic waves make this region of Ireland attractive to the brave surfer.

If you do have time to spare, a tour of the west of Ireland should take three weeks at the very least. You could spend weeks in Killarney alone, but if time allowed you, it’s well worth spending a day there, at the very least.

With such a wide variety of places to visit along the coast, a quick break here is a must for a person in love with the great outdoors. The Irish landscape is one of Ireland’s greatest attractions. Magnificent scenery has attracted many visitors to this part of Ireland for years, some traveling for the scenery, and more traveling for the song and dance. Whether you‘re looking for excitement or just want to sit back and relax in the lush countryside – coastal Ireland has it all.

Most guided tours of Ireland will have you fly into Shannon. This is a small airport on the western side of the island, and it’s close to many attractions you’ll see. Your first stop will be the village of Adare, famous for its thatched roof cottages and quaint charm. This is your first stop along the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland’s most beautiful natural area.
You’ll see dramatic mountains, green fields, and many archeological sites.

As for your next stop, guided tours of Ireland may take you to some sites or a pub in the Dingle Peninsula. You may choose to go dolphin-watching at specified places along Peninsula road. Soak up the beautiful scenery and eat some of the hearty local dishes. After that, you’ll travel to Killarney and visit the Gap of Dunloe, a four-mile gulch carved
out by glaciers.

Guided tours of Ireland would be remiss if they didn’t take you to the infamous Blarney Castle. While much of the castle is in ruins and it doesn’t have a roof, visitors will be amazed by the ancient architecture and will be given a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone—a feat which is done while lying on your back. Afterward, you’ll likely go to the picturesque town of Kinsdale, within County Cork. Visit one of their gourmet restaurants and walk along the cobblestone streets.

The next logical stop for guided tours of Ireland is the town of Cobh, the departure point for many emigrants to the US and the last port of call for the Titanic. Visit the local graveyard where many of the Titanic’s passengers are buried. From there, travel to the medieval town of Kilkenny, famous for its cathedrals and its history of witchcraft.
Often, guided tours of Ireland will then bring you into Dublin where there are numerous sites to see, including the site of Ireland’s first Parliament and the famous Guinness Brewery. Taste some of Ireland’s finest beer and stay at the Cabra Castle, complete with a golf course, gardens, and beautiful walking paths.

To get the most out of guided tours of Ireland, you’ll continue to visit Carrick-on-Shannon, a scenic boating haven, and Boyle, the site of some lovely abbey ruins. After touring this area, you’ll likely move on to the County Mayo. In Mayo, you’ll walk the streets of Westport and see its seashore, dotted with some tiny islands. Shop along with the traditional
Irish shops and take in the quaint nature of this lovely town.

Guided tours of Ireland rarely miss Galway, the cultural capital of Ireland. Take in some traditional Irish music by visiting one of the town’s several pubs. After that, you’ll visit the Aran Islands, the place where the famous Irish Aran sweaters originally came from. These islands will take you back in time as little has changed over the years.

Most guided tours of Ireland will let you see and taste and listen to Ireland at every possible chance. It’s a beautiful country with lovely people, and it will be an experience you’ll never forget.

Ireland is a destination that can match any in the world. It has an ancient culture full of life and tradition. This culture is growing and changing almost daily. A visitor to Ireland, ‘The Land Of A Thousand Welcomes’ will witness this change from an ancient culture of tradition filled with myths and legends, superstition, and religious fanaticism to a modern culture that is still deeply religious and respectful of its traditional heritage, but now tempers this with the high standard of education the young people get today.

What is there to see?
Ireland has a great tradition in theatre. We are not short of theatres in Ireland though of course, we can always use more. I just want to highlight some of what I think are the more interesting ones.

The Arts Festivals and Music Festivals are not to be missed. The Arts Festivals are a coming together of all the best of Irish Arts including but not limited to theatre, spectacle, street art, music, comedy, literature, music, and more, with many participants visiting from other countries. The Galway Arts Festival (recommended) goes from July 13th to July 30th.

The scenery in Ireland is famous throughout the world, and with places like Roundstone in Galway, the Ring of Kerry, and the cliffs of Moher in Clare on your itinerary, you cannot go wrong. There are old castles and traditional stately homes like Bunratty Castle and Westport House and Ashford Castle and Clonalis House. For those who like that sort of thing, there is a long list of them beautifully restored and looking at least as good as they did when they were in use. Many of them even offer accommodation usually to a standard difficult to match anywhere in the world.

No matter what part of Ireland you visit now, you will find a shopping experience that will impress you. The large multi-national companies seem to have a local branch almost everywhere, alongside the indigenous shops who have a more traditional offering. Small country towns still have old-style shops where you can get almost anything and some of them even still have a pub behind the shop. There are many show farms to visit, hurling matches to see, and people to talk to.

The traditional Irish thatched cottage is still in use by ordinary people in many parts of Ireland. Though they are seen by many to be old and dated, they are admired and appreciated by as many more.

There are many islands around Ireland. But, if you are heading west, I recommend that you visit The Aran Islands. You can fly or sail as there are now some companies running boats several times a day. They will give a view of Ireland and an insight into our culture not found anywhere else in the country.

If you don’t have enough reason to visit Ireland now, I don’t know what to say. Good luck and God bless.

Many top universities are found in Ireland. People attend them to pursue many areas but mainly science and medicine. The study of literature and the arts is also something that many people take part. Many individuals enjoy traveling to Ireland due to the history of the area. There are many museums and places of interest out there to explore. Many castles from medieval times are also still standing in parts of Ireland.

Ireland is also commonplace to go for various outdoor activities. There is plenty of rich open land to go exploring. There are sporting events that you can watch regularly. Many people love to play on the golf courses in Ireland too, as they are said to be some of the most beautiful ones in the world.
Tourism is popular throughout areas of Ireland. In most places, people speak English, so that is another reason why people like to travel there. It can be hard to go to another country where you can’t speak the language. The primary language of Ireland, though, is Irish.

Many individuals find it interesting that the current President of Ireland is a woman. Her name is Mary McAleese. She took over as President in 1997 from the first female President here. Each person elected can serve a total of two terms, every seven years in length. McAleese was re-elected in 2004 and is currently serving her second term through 2011.

The continued economic development of Ireland means the people can live a fairly decent lifestyle. There has been the introduction of more industry in the past decade. As a result, there are many more jobs for people to take advantage of.