Europe
Ireland
Continent
Best States to Visit
- Galway
- Dublin
- Cork
- Limerick
- Waterford
Best Cities to Visit
- Sligo
- Carlow
- Belfast
- Dundalk
- Wexford
Size
14,130 KM2
Population
1,800,000
GDP
$38,869
Spending Budget
$6,000 - $7,000
Famous For
- Landscape
- Irish hospitality
Best Time to Visit
- January
- March
- April
- May
- September
- October
- November
History
The emergence of Ireland as an independent country is a fairly recent phenomenon. Until the 17th century, political power was widely shared among a rather loosely constructed network of small earldoms in often-shifting alliances. After an unsuccessful uprising in the early 17th century, Ireland effectively became an English colony. It was formally incorporated into the United Kingdom in 1801. A 1914 Home Rule Act was passed but never implemented due to pro-union militancy in the north, the onset of World War I, and the subsequent Irish War of Independence. In 1920 the island was effectively partitioned with the creation of Northern Ireland, a six-county area with devolved powers within the United Kingdom, whereas under the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December 6, 1921, the other 26 counties became the Irish Free State, a self-governing dominion within the British Commonwealth and Empire. In 1937 the southern state passed a new constitution that offered a more robust expression of sovereignty, and in 1949 it formally left the Commonwealth as the Republic of Ireland.
Present Day
Ireland, country of western Europe occupying five-sixths of the westernmost major island of the British Isles.The magnificent scenery of Ireland’s Atlantic coastline faces a 2000 mile wide expanse of ocean, and its geographic isolation has helped it to develop a rich heritage of culture and tradition that was linked initially to the Gaelic language. Washed by abundant rain, the country’s pervasive grasslands create a green-hued landscape that is responsible for the popular sobriquet Emerald Isle. Ireland is also renowned for its wealth of folklore, from tales of tiny leprechauns with hidden pots of gold to that of the patron saint, Patrick, with his legendary ridding the island of snakes and his reputed use of the three-leaved shamrock as a symbol for the Christian Trinity. But while many may think of Ireland as an enchanted land, the republic has been beset with perennial concerns—emigration, cultural and political identity, and relations with Northern Ireland. Ireland’s capital is Dublin, a populous and affluent city whose metropolitan area is home to more than one-fourth of the country’s total population. The city’s old dockside neighbourhoods have given way to new residential and commercial development. Cork, Ireland’s second largest city, is a handsome cathedral city and port in the southwest.
Future
Transport will be the clear winner. There will be a big change. People will have more transport options. More children will have access to safe cycling, which has the knock-on effect that they will be healthierThe experts say that Ireland needs something other than wind or solar power to reach the Government’s target of 70 per cent renewable by 2030. It will have more wild spaces in restored bogs, peatland and natural reserves which will be great for biodiversity. Bord na Mona will diversify into areas such as forestry. In the midlands, restored boglands will become public amenities. When you throw safe cycling into the mix, it will be a perfect tourist destination for those seeking active holidays.It is predicted that the stuff of science fiction will begin to be a reality. For example, advances in materials will change everyday items. In the drive for more renewables, it will have solar farms everywhere.More offshore wind farms will join the Arklow Bank. New build homes will not have fireplaces as we move away from burning stuff. Heat pumps will do the job there.
Causeway coast
The Giant’s Causeway has long been a top attraction on the tourist trail of Ireland. Nestled on the Antrim Coast, the one and only UNESCO Heritage site in Northern Ireland continues to lure visitors from around the globe who come to marvel at the incredible puzzle-like formation of interlocking rocks.
Cliffs of Moher
Silver-screen stardust and the magic of Ireland meet once again at the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. These extraordinary sheers are featured in some spectacular scenes in the 2009 movie adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’.
Connemara
Escape the chaos of city life here in one of the most charming places in Ireland. Irish traditions remain strong here with many of the residents of Connemara using Irish as their first language rather than English
Dingle
National Geographic once described the Dingle Peninsula as “the most beautiful place on Earth”; high praise indeed for such a humble little place on the far southwest corner of the Emerald Isle. Visitors to Dingle surely won’t be disappointed by the spectacular views and a scenic drive around the coast of Kerry.
Malin head
At the most northern tip of the Emerald Isle is Malin Head. Surrounded by the wild waters of the Atlantic, this rugged landscape on the Inishowen peninsula is best known for its fantastic coastal scenery and birdlife
Slieve League
Slieve League in Donegal is not as easy to get to, but because of that, those who are daring enough will get to enjoy the highest sea cliffs in Europe in relative solitude. You should be aware it may prove a little challenging to get to without the sign posts and car parks of its rival.
Wicklow
English writer Edward Dubois first referred to Ireland as “God’s Country” in 1807. Specifically, he was referring to the Wicklow Mountains. Oddly though, Wicklow is often overlooked on a visit to the Emerald Isle, which is a shame because many people will miss out on one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. If you want to see the rugged beauty the country is famed for, Wicklow is a must-see on your itinerary.
Derry
Northern Ireland’s second-largest city was a much-divided one for many years. However, the improving political landscape in the past generation has led to a change in fortunes for the city with two names. While the unionist-enforced moniker of Londonderry is legally correct, the original name of Derry is widely-used.
Doolin
The unofficial capital of Irish traditional music is little more than a small, single street and a couple of little pubs and yet, more often than not visitors find themselves captivated, ensnared by its charm and reluctant to leave too quickly. The village is the postcard-perfect ideal of Irish countryside with narrow rural roads twisting and turning through rolling green meadows and stone walls, passing stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the west coast.
Dublin City
The capital city of Ireland is home to some 2 million people, most of which live in the suburbs outside the thriving, but compact centre. Visitors to Dublin will find a cosmopolitan city flushed with international residents, university students and high-flying business types alike
Galway
Outside of Ireland, the big cities of Dublin, Cork and Belfast are the most well-known. Those from foreign shores may struggle to name any other places of note on the island, but if there is one that pops up more than most, it’s Galway. The truth is, everyone should know about this city.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a large town on the River Nore that was an abundant source of black, polished marble in years gone by. In recent years, it has earned a big reputation for weekend getaways and stag parties due to its lively nightlife scene under the shadow of an impressive 12th century castle perched high in the city. But there is more than a castle and some beer in ‘The Marble City’.
Kinsale
Hiding in an estuary of the River Bandon, Kinsale is a picturesque port village that has been enticing tourists to venture to the bottom of the island for many years. Its scenic harbour is guarded from the open sea by a pair of forts that were once the scene of a monumental battle for the Irish army in 1601. Their surprise defeat of the English siege brought an end to the ancient Gaelic aristocracy of Ireland.
Ashford Castle
This medieval castle is by far one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland. It has been standing for over 800 years and once belonged to the Guinness family. Over the centuries it has sprawled with its extensive grounds, now including gorgeous gardens, ponds and lakes.
Belfast
The capital city of Northern Ireland earned a notorious reputation in the later part of the 20th century as a hotbed of violence and hostility for the unwelcome British military presence in the country. Having spent the past 20 years trying to shake its fearsome reputation for bombs and bullets, Belfast is a city somewhat undiscovered by the larger tourist population.
Blarney Castle
The small town of Blarney is best known as the home of this castle, which was occupied around 1446 by Cormac MacCarthy, the King of Munster. While the castle ruins are little to behold, inside is the legendary Blarney Stone, which has drawn people from all over the planet for over 200 years. By kissing the stone, you can gain the gift of eloquence, or as the Irish say, ‘the gift of the gab’.
Croagh Patrick
You don’t have to be Irish to have heard of St. Patrick. The former shepherd and renowned snake-hater went on to become the patron saint of Ireland, and is now a major influence for global binge drinking on March 17th every year. Back in his heyday, St. Patrick climbed the 2,500 feet to the summit of this mountain and spent 40 days there, fasting and praying
Arab Islands
While some little villages, such as Connemara and Doolin, will have you thinking you’ve found the most clichéd place in Ireland, there is a way you can outdo them all. A short ferry ride from the mainland, you can find the small and rocky islets known as the Aran Islands, and a visit there is like getting in a time machine and going back to Ireland in the 1800s.
Waterford
A lesser-known area of Ireland that many visitors skip on their travels here is the medieval city of Waterford. If only they knew what they were missing out on. While a lot of people may have heard of the brand name Waterford Crystal, surprisingly not so many seem to have made the connection to realize it originated in Ireland.
Bundoran
Bundoran is somewhat like an English seaside town in many ways, from its architecture to the prevalent amusement arcades and touristy seaside resorts and eateries. This is a great starting point for people who wish to travel the Wild Atlantic Way down the western shores, and it has long been popular for beach holidays.
Carlingford
The Ancient East Coast of Ireland is abundant with attractive scenery, but there are very few areas as picturesque as Carlingford. This former Viking fjord is nestled on the coast just across the Irish border, with the Mourne Mountains on one side and the looming peaks of Slieve Foy on the other.
Cuilcagh Mountain Park
Ireland has sometimes been referred to as a bog land; a term we care little for though it must be admitted, there are some pretty big bogs on the island. One of the biggest areas of blanket bog in the north is found at the border, where counties Cavan and Fermanagh meet at the Cuilcagh Mountain.
Glenveagh National Park
Home to yet another castle, Glenveagh is one of the most visited places in Donegal. The castle grounds boast brilliant gardens and tours of the Scottish-style castle are available, although you’re not allowed to use your camera in the building. Worry not though, as the real photo opportunities are waiting outside.
Killarney
If you were short on time and could only visit one area of Ireland, then this should be it. Killarney has so much on its doorstep that it is the perfect base for visitors who want to experience everything that Ireland is famed for.
The Mourne Mountain
Packing in 28 peaks into a relatively small area along the southern coast of County Down, The Mournes are one of Northern Ireland’s favorite tourist attractions. The Mourne Wall, a landmark in its own right, runs through the mountain range for over 35 km, connecting 15 summits, including the highest peak in Northern Ireland, Slieve Donard.