Ireland

Ireland

• About Ireland

  Renowned for the friendliness and 'gift of the gab' of the locals is a country rich with history, literature, music and a landscape which will make your jaw drop. Sure it rains from time to time but witnessing that emerald green countryside and those rolling hills is worth an occasional dowsing; and there is always a friendly pub to pop into. Most visitors find the 'craic' to their liking.

• Weather

  July and August weather is usually warm and sunny although Spring and Autumn can be a charming time to visit benefiting from smaller crowds. Winters are wet but still a wonderful experience as well as an excellent opportunity to stock up on the Guiness.

• Places To Visit

  From Stone Age monuments and quaint villages to modern city life there is something for everyone in Ireland.

  Galway

  This relaxed city is known for its world class art scene. The summer contains a flurry of festivals and there is no more perfect place to enjoy a pint and take things easy. Try wandering the medieval streets and soaking up the spectacle of Galway's markets and lively music scene.

  Limerick

  The Republic of Ireland's third largest city Limerick's ancient streets are packed with excellent shops, restaurants and bars. It's sited on one of Ireland's most beautiful rivers, the Shannon.

  Cork

  2005 European Capital of Culture - Cork is a lively city with an excellent array of restaurants, modern bars and traditional pubs plus some excellent summer festivals.

  Dublin

  One of Europe's most popular capital cities Dublin is a lively place with lots to see and do but which somehow retains a friendly, easy atmosphere.

  Londonderry

  A mixture of old and new awaits in Londonderry, one of Northern Ireland's popular destinations. Historic city walls, the fascinating Tower Museum, great bars and restaurants are all on offer as well as some pleasant views of the River Foyle.

  Belfast

  Belfast in Northern Ireland is emerging from decades of the troubles into a modern, lively city increasingly at ease with itself. Great, affordable pubs and shopping combine with beautiful Victorian architecture to offer a satisfying holiday location. Numerous historical and cultural sights compete for your attention not least the famous docklands.

• Regions

  Shannon

  Includes County Clare, Limerick, South Offaly and North Tipperary as well as the breathtaking River Shannon and the Atlantic coastline, with Europe's most westerly beaches. The landscape is wonderful including the rugged plateau of the Burren in North Clare and beautiful Lough Derg, Ireland's major pleasure lake.

  Western Ireland

  Simply stunning scenery and an array of international arts festivals means The West of Ireland is a major international tourist draw. Includes the counties of Galway, Roscommon and Mayo. This is the Ireland you have always dreamt of.

  Southern Ireland

  Striking hills, immaculate beaches, pretty towns and villages. Lively arts and music and fascinating ancient treasures including medieval abbeys are on offer. In fact, Southern Ireland provides countless remote treasures to explore. The South East includes Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. The South West offers the counties of Cork and Kerry.

  East Coast And The Midlands

  Lovely coastlines, pretty scenery and historical sights are plentiful. The Midlands is also Irish horse country. The Horse Museum and National Stud can be found in County Kildare.

  The North West

  More stunning landscape including charming coastlines, rolling hills, striking mountains and lakes. Includes counties: Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo.

  Northern Ireland

  Northern Ireland offers rich beauty. Mountains, lakes, castles, country houses and beautiful coastline combine to make an ideal holiday destination. Includes the counties of Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone.

• Accommodation

  In Ireland you should find exactly the type of accommodation to suit your needs. From holiday cottages and camping sites to hotels, hostels, apartments and bed and breakfast accommodation places to stay are often desirable and affordable.

• Activities

  As well as tremendous pubs and fabulous Irish music, golf, fishing and horse-riding are some of the activities waiting for you in Ireland. Ireland also provides perfect opportunities for watersports, walking, cycling, hiking and rock climbing.

• Recommended Attraction

  Hunt Museum, Limerick

  A first rate art collection including works by Picasso and Renoir.

• Ireland Key Facts

  • Full Name - Éire (Republic of Ireland)
  • Capital City - Dublin
  • Population - 3,970,000
  • Time Zone - GMT
  • Languages - English/Gaelic
  • Religions - Roman Catholic, Protestant
  • Currency - Euro