The Emerald Isle, as Ireland



is commonly known, is a vacation destination where the people are incredibly friendly, the landscapes are stunningly beautiful, and the entire holiday will be memorable. The country is rugged for sure, but is a deep and rich shade of green thanks to the abundant vegetation. The people of Ireland, however, are one of the major attractions for many travellers. There is nothing quite like settling into an Irish pub to soak up authentic Irish music and hospitality. Be careful, though, because you are liable to make friends quickly!

Beauty and majesty

Ireland has long been admired for its beauty and majesty. The western part of the country is quite wild and rugged, as seen clearly on the spectacular coastline of Kerry. Venture to Mayo and you will find lands that are nearly pristine and mostly unspoiled, while Connemara in Galway is home to many mountains, lakes, and bogs. And if the name "Connemara" sounds familiar to you, it is because of the sturdy breed of horses from this region. Connemaras are strong, smart, and hard working. You can find many breeding farms all over Galway and beyond where the Connemara breed continues to thrive.

To see Ireland with a totally different eye toward beauty and majesty, explore the country via the traditional horse drawn caravan. This unusual holiday transportation mode is a terrific way to slow down, relax, and get to know Ireland and its people more intimately. If a more traditional tour is more to your liking, there are many tour operators who will take you on golf, fishing, hiking, or diving tours in prime spots across Ireland.

History and modern life

Ireland has along and rich history, which is easy to see and experience right alongside the modern Irish lifestyle. For example, in the capital city of Dublin you can find examples of Irish heritage and history and then turn around to find a cosmopolitan café, nightclub, or shopping mall. Some of the "must see" sights in Dublin include the historic Temple Bar, the river Liffey, and the National Museum and National Gallery. Trinity College, which dates from the 16th century, is another famous landmark, and houses the illuminated manuscript the Book of Kells.

Everyone has a bit of the blarney in them, and when you visit the Irish city of Cork, you can get right up close to the world's most famous bit of blarney - the legendary Blarney Stone. You will find this unique and delightful piece of Irish heritage in Blarney Castle, a favorite destination for tourists and travellers. Ireland abounds with castles of all shapes and sizes, some of them dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Amazingly, Malahide Castle located just north of Dublin was built all the way back in the 12th century. Truly, the castles of Ireland are enduring and magnificent to explore.

Accommodations and climate

The accommodations in Ireland range from luxury and boutique hotels in the main cities, to self-catering holiday apartments and accommodation in traditional B&Bs, pubs and farms in the rural areas. If you choose accommodations in a rural area, come prepared with sufficient clothing, sturdy footwear, and a willingness to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. There really is something to fit every traveller's wants, needs, and budget when you vacation in Ireland.

As for the climate, there is a reason why Ireland is so lush and green. The rain falls in plentiful quantities year round, so a waterproof outer layer and sturdy shoes are an absolute necessity on your vacation there. Despite the abundant rain, though, the temperatures in most parts of the country are relatively mild and temperate. Summers are warm, winters are cool, and the weather is a constantly changing show of nature.