The Ireland visitor is welcomed warmly to the magical Green Island which attracts the visitors with a breathtaking nature...
The capital Dublin is perfect spot to get a first impression of Ireland. Many Georgian buildings, the Custom House and the traditional Irish pubs give the city its unique flair. Do not miss its famous Trinity College founded in 1592. The university complex consists of wonderful old buildings and exhibits the Book of Kells, a richly decorated manuscript from around AD 800. More impressive buildings in Dublin are probably the Bank of Ireland and St Patrick's Cathedral, where St. Patrick supposedly baptized people. Most most bustling area for vacationers is the Temple Bar district with its many restaurants, pubs and trendy shops. Dublin hosts the finals of the national sports of hurling and football in September . You should try to get one of the tickets.
Besides Dublin there are some other notable cities. To start with: Cork City. It is a beautiful place on an island between the two banks of the River Lee. On the south bank of the river, the traveler finds a range of attractions, including the St Finbarr's Cathedral and the Cork Museum, which is dedicated to the struggle for Irish liberation in which Cork played an important role. Another day trip to the nearby Blarney Castle holds some interesting with its the world-famous Blarney Stone. If you kiss the stone, you may be given the gift of speech. Cork is also a good stop for diving and sailing. On the west coast there are some of the best diving sites in Europe, particularly in Bantry Bay and Bay Dunmanus. Among the most popular sailing areas visit Cork Harbour and the Dingle Peninsula.
After Cork City take a turn to Limerick with its ancient buildings such as King John's Castle (13th century) and St. Mary's Cathedral (12th century). Take part in medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle which is held regularly.
Are you even more into the Middle Ages? Then head towards Waterford City with its the city walls, narrow alleyways and a Norman tower called the Reginald's Tower. The city's is famed for Waterford Crystal which is manufactured in a factory 2 km outside the city where you can buy a nice souvenir.
Another exciting city on the west coast is in Galway. The city has narrow streets, old stone storefronts and provide popular pubs. In Galway the university attracts a lot of artistic people that you meet in the evening in pubs. Lynch's Castle and the Spanish Arch, a remnant of the old city wall absolutely worth seeing. Galway is also famous for its many cultural festivals such as the Jazz Festival in February, the Easter Festival of Literature at Easter and the Galway Arts Festival in July.
Tthe County Clare represents a wonderful nature experience and is situated in the northern coast. Such lovely places can be found here as Burren with its typical underground caves and limestone surface for miles in all directions. The idyllic fishing village of Doolin is a popular center of Irish music and the attractive Ballyvaughan, anyone should glance at the gardens providing an impressive variety of Mediterranean, Arctic and Alpine plants. With a little luck you can see the extremely rare pine marten. The silent witnesses of history are the megalithic tombs from the Iron Age. The many ruins of the medieval landscape amke the picture complete.
A special natural spectacle is the Cliffs of Moher. About 200 meters down the steep cliffs plunging into the sea. Thousands of seabirds nest on the cliffs that run 8 km along the sea.
Beside picturesque landscapes there are spiritual place is Ireland such is Clonmacnoise monastery site in County Offaly. The monastery contains many century-old churches, high crosses, round towers and graves. In the museum you can visit grave stones, crosses and other artifacts that were found during excavations. Since Clonmacnoise is not accessible by public transport, you should take a taxi from Shannon Bridge.
Let's go hiking. This can be done in Ireland in the beautifully picturesque hiking trails such as the Kerry Way or the Ulster Way. Also Connemara, a wild and barren region northwest of Galway is with bogs, lonely valleys, mountains and lakes, a paradise for hikers. The highlight is the mountain hikes on the Summit of the Twelve Bens with breathtaking views to the ocean.
YOu can experience all these attractions but make sure that you book accommodation in Ireland. |