Ireland and Northern Ireland

 

 

 

 

I reland has a special mystique for many travelers. In fact, for many Irish-Americans, a visit to Ireland is more of a pilgrimage than a trip.

The island of Ireland — both the Republic and Northern Ireland — is charming, not only because of its bucolic beauty, but largely because of the Irish themselves, a witty, down-to-earth, fun-loving people. And since the onset of its economic woes over the best few years, it’s become one of the bargain spots of Europe.

Dublin, the cultural and political capital of the country, is a mix of traditional Georgian architecture, lively pubs, serene squares, good restaurants and plenty of green space. Beyond the capital the countryside remains much as it has been over past centuries.

While many travelers spend most of the time in the west in the traditional tourist spots – Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula and beyond – there’s much to do and see in other areas, as well.

South of Dublin visit Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny, the latter Ireland’s best medieval city. To the west are Galway, Westport and the Connemara Peninsula. In these areas, as all over the countryside throughout Ireland, you’ll find the the people to be friendly and engaging and always willing to chat.

In Northern Ireland, with the political turmoil long a thing of the past, there’s Belfast, and the Giants Causeway, one of the great attractions in the area.

But if you’re adventurous and really want to experience Ireland at its best, just go wherever the road takes you. You may not find that pot of gold at the end of its many rainbows, but you’ll certainly find experiences that will last a lifetime.

Top Experiences

Dublin – friendliest of capitals
Kilkenny – the best of the inland cities
Northern Ireland – overlooked but beautiful
Galway – lively Quay Street
Connemara – bogs, mountains and a beautiful abbey
Killarney – yes, lots of tourists, but still a “must see”

Good to Know

The Connemara Peninsula
Few places in Ireland seem as desolate and wild as the Connemara Peninsula, that dramatic, nearly treeless spit of land jutting out into the Atlantic.

Clonmacnoise
A former monastery dating from the 6th century, Clonmacnoise is a collection of ruins that provides insight into the ancient life of the island of Ireland.

Temple Bar Is Not a Pub
When people talk about Temple Bar in Dublin they’re usually not talking about a pub, although in Temple Bar there is a pub named “The Temple Bar.”

Where to Find A Good Author in Dublin
For a city of its size, Dublin has produced an inordinate number of world-renowned writers. Many people don’t realize this until they visit the Writers Museum.

Finding Modern Irish Food in Dublin
Dubliners have become more sophisticated in their choice of good restaurants. The BBC lists its favorites to help you track down top Irish nosh all over town.

Transportation

There are regular scheduled flights from the USA to Dublin Airport, as well from several European nations. There are also ferries from the UK and France. Rail service in Ireland is only to larger towns and buses connect most towns and cities. Car travel is one of the best, and most popular, ways to see the Emerald Isle.

Hotels

Ireland offers the traveler a tremendous variety of accommodations ranging from Bed & Breakfast on a farm to a luxurious castle, as well as everything in-between.

Food

Once known primarily for meals of meat and potatoes and Shepherd’s Pie, Ireland has morphed into one of the culinary capitals of Europe, with a wealth of options for all budgets.

Quality of Medical Care (Good/Fair/Poor)

Good