Destination overview

Perched on the north-west tip of Europe, this is the one place in the world where even time getting lost will be worthwhile. With ancient myths and legends to uncover, amazing landscapes to explore and locals who will be more than happy to reveal the country’s hidden gems, just go where the island of Ireland takes you. Whether it’s having a beer in one of the many pubs, exploring the cultural gems the country has to offer, or trekking the picturesque countryside, you will find that this is one part of the world that is different to anywhere else.

Dating back as far as 6,000BC, Ireland has bizarre lunar landscapes, the mighty Atlantic Ocean, labyrinthine caves and crystal clear waterways and diverse landscapes that will take your breath away. The coastal beauty is the stuff of legends, with shorelines trimmed by golden sands and rocky outcrops. Inland, the lake lands and rural idylls are equally as varied as they are tranquil.

With more history than you can poke a stick at, the Department of Irish Folklore at University College Dublin has over 100,000 tales, myths and legends on record - the largest collection of its kind in the world.

The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, and you will find that the people are quite literary with a real passion for music, dance and, of course, conversation. If there are more than two people in a room, then there's more than enough to have a party in Ireland.

The pub lies at the heart of cultural, social and musical life in Ireland. Not just a place to have a drink, in an Irish pub you can philosophise on the meaning of life, ruminate on global politics, listen to a poetry reading, tap your feet to a traditional musical session, feast on delicious food or just enjoy the quiet settling of a pint of Guinness in front of a crackling fire. Sit at the bar if you fancy chatting to the locals, or hole yourself up in one of the old snugs – private little spaces, which were historically designed just for the ladies.

The Irish love traditions. So much so, in fact, that the country is full of them – from eating colcannon (a mixture of cabbage and mashed potatoes) on Hallowe’en to wearing something green on St Patrick’s Day. Two of the most enduring and internationally-famed, however, are traditional music and Irish dancing. Traditional music can be heard all over the country from city centre pubs to rural festivals.

Ireland has two capital cities. Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is one of Europe’s coolest capital cities. The city pulsates with energy thanks to its excellent restaurants, chic boutiques, legendary pubs, beautiful art galleries, verdant urban parks, elegant architecture, fascinating and turbulent history, plus its unique scenic location perched at the edge of the Irish Sea.  Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, meanwhile, is legendary for its excellent nightlife – this is one city that knows how to have a good time. But beyond the pubs, bars and nightclubs, Belfast is also one of Europe’s most exciting city break destinations with critically acclaimed restaurants, smart boutique hotels and top shopping.

Belfast

This great city blossomed from very humble beginnings, starting out as a small hamlet with fertile land along the mouth of the Lagan. Belfast today is packed with history, culture, exciting events, great food, fabulous shopping, and you might even spot a ship or two.

Like a lot of historic cities, Belfast grew up around its cottage industries. These industries were situated in locales or ‘quarters’, from the old French term ‘quartier’. Weavers gathered with other weavers, tanners with tanners and butchers with butchers. Most had a local church that often became the trade guild church. There are still remnants of four quarters in Belfast - Cathedral, Queen’s, Titanic and Gaeltacht Quarters. All four are rich in history, culture and full of local ‘craic’ (or ‘good times’ to the uninitiated).

Northern Ireland boasts four incredible cities outside of its capital, Belfast. You just have to take a trip to wonderful Londonderry and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the only completely walled city in the UK to understand its enduring appeal. From the award-winning Tower Museum to the excellent restaurants, lively pubs, great shops and scenic views across the River Foyle, Londonderry is simply breathtaking. Armagh is the ancient capital of Ulster and is also widely regarded as the City of St Patrick, with heritage sites reflecting over 6,500 years of the island’s history.

Newry has a distinguished history, with a fine selection of both civic and religious buildings. But the real joy of this city is how easy it is to work your way from urban delights to exhilarating outdoor activities nestled on the doorstep of the city limits. And Lisburn, the newest of them all, was awarded city status in celebration of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002. A picturesque city, it has a natural beauty thanks in no small way to the meandering Lagan Valley and its elegant heritage sights.

Northern Ireland packs in the attractions with a rich cultural heritage, striking scenery and a sweep of stunning coastline. Its beauty is intertwined with tragic history, rich culture and the renowned friendliness of its people.

The wild craggy mountains, splendid lakes and sweeping coastline make it an ideal playground for water sports enthusiasts, walkers, cyclists, hikers, rock climbers and sailors.

But there are lots of things to keep those after a dose of culture enthralled, too. From boisterous oyster festivals to authentic horse fairs and from ancient castles to elegant country houses, this spectacular part of Ireland is packed with things to do.

Dublin

Dublin has it all, a charming mix of medieval, Georgian and modern architecture, a wealth of history and culture, a legendary literary tradition, wonderful shopping, dining, nightlife and of course fantastic characters! There's so much on offer that it's impossible to discover everything in just one visit. An amble through the landscaped parks corralled by the city’s rich heritage is enough to make anyone’s head turn, while even half a peek at the city’s myriad cultural offerings will show that it has pedigree too; these days expressed as much through its recently acquired multicultural cosmopolitanism as through its own traditional forms.

Kildare

County Kildare offers a rich heritage of landscapes, habitats and historical sites. Close to the capital, visit a county that has all the outdoor and cultural experiences that Ireland is famous for. Take in views across grasslands and boglands, explore rivers and canals or ascend from woodlands to uplands. Reconnect with nature's habitats and eco-systems or explore a wealth of architectural and archaeological gems that are unique to the region's ancient times. Discover country houses and demesnes, ecclesiastical buildings, industrial heritage and some remaining thatched cottages.

Galway and Limerick

The wild west’s two fabulous cities are brimming with atmosphere.  Galway city is not only one of the prettiest in Ireland, it’s also one of the most social. With a laid-back bohemian vibe, and an utterly unique atmosphere, this urban beauty in the west of Ireland wins out with its combination of wonderful pubs, fabulous scenery, excellent festivals and fabulous seafood restaurants. The Vikings also had a hand in the heritage of Ireland’s third largest city, Limerick. As well as the city’s atmospheric medieval quarter, the wonderful King John’s Castle and the Limerick Museum, Limerick is also famous for the excellent Hunt Museum, home to Ireland’s largest private collection of art and antiquities.

Wherever you can get to during your trip to Ireland, make sure you pack in as much as you can. The experiences you will have in this magical country will last you a lifetime.