Ireland Travel Tips

Ireland is a small island, but it packs a very big punch. Consisting of a central plain surrounded by mountains and hills, Ireland offers tourists some of the most assorted and untarnished scenery in all of Europe. Not only does it offer gently rolling, green hills, but you will find quiet sandy beaches, semi-tropical bays, and rocky cliffs, as well.

Ireland was first inhabited about 6000 BC, by a mid-Stone Age people, then approximately 4,000 years later, tribes from Europe established a Neolithic culture. The most famous Neolithic sites in Ireland are in County Meath. Built around 3200 BC, the megalithic passage tombs of both Newgrange and Knowth are older than Stonehenge. They?re even older than the Pyramids of Giza.

Equestrianism is quite popular in Ireland, and there is a number of horse riding facilities all over the country. Walking is another favorite. With its mild climate, Ireland?s mountains are accessible all year long, and that makes them perfect for walking and hiking. Cycling is also quite a popular way to get around the countryside. Of course, we cannot forget the fishing. If you like fishing, you are in the right place. Due to its miles of rivers and streams, and an extensive coastline, angling is a year-round pastime.

Golfing is another tourist draw for the Emerald Isle. The Golfing Union of Ireland runs about 350 golf courses, and many folk plan their entire vacation around golfing. Over 80 million people, worldwide, claim some tie to Irish heritage. This makes genealogy quite popular in Ireland, and genealogical centers are everywhere. Staff is more than willing to help people trace their family heritage.

Ireland?s capital, Dublin, is quite a lively place. Most tourists find themselves here at some point in their vacation. Dublin is the home of writers the likes of Joyce, Yeats, Beckett, and Shaw. It is also home to the famous Guinness Brewery, which was established in 1759. Dublin is perfect for touring on foot. Be sure to catch such favorites as St. Patrick?s Cathedral, the Temple Bar district, the National Galley, Phoenix Park, Whitefriar Street Carmelites, and St. Isolde?s Tower, as well as the Literary Pub Crawl on Grafton Street.

Cork, Ireland?s second largest city, is quite popular with tourists, and the famous Ballymole House, can be found here. The house was built into the ruins of a medieval castle, but the 19th century build is an inn now. The Shandon Bells at Saint Anne?s Church, which date from 1722, the Cork Harbor, and Blackrock Castle, which is now a robotic astronomical center, are all popular with visitors. Of course, you must kiss the famous Blarney Stone, located thirty minutes from Cork.

Nature lovers will find themselves entranced with the beauty of Donegal, and in particular, the Glenveagh National Park. Then, of course, Limerick is a must-see on most itineraries. Given that Vikings founded the city in the 9th century, the area rich with history. In fact, it has the largest concentration of castles in Ireland.

The Emerald Isle is a tourist destination that delights and inspires. With its variety, superb scenery, and endearing charm, it is little wonder Ireland is a favorite vacation site.