Welcome to the island of Ireland, a place where every step unfolds layers of history, culture, and natural beauty. For
the Irish diaspora and first-time visitors alike, embarking on a journey
through the country promises countless experiences waiting to be discovered.
Across each these distinct regions, you’ll uncover the essence of Ireland in
ways that will surprise even the most seasoned travelers.
Dublin
Dublin is a city that’s as intimate as a village and as friendly as an Irish
pub. Framed by mountains, centered on a river and edged by a beautiful bay,
the city’s streets and alleys are filled with vibrant art and historic
buildings,
hip cafés and traditional “old man” pubs, as Dubliners call them.
Walk the streets
and you’ll feel the energy of over 1,000 years of history, as echoes of the
Vikings mix with buzzing boutiques, cobbled streets reverberate with the
sounds of buskers, and 18th century parks play host to festivals, film and
food markets.
Brian Morrison/Tourism Ireland
Temple Bar, Dublin
Dublin is a resoundingly social place, packed with culture, creativity and
craic (fun). You’ll see it in the busy pubs, in the rolling nightlife scene,
in the music and in the chat. But this ancient gem basks in natural beauty,
too. Head out beyond the city, and the UNESCO Biosphere of
Dublin Bay
opens up with coastal walks, little villages, wide sea views and rugged
mountain backdrops. Take to the
Dublin mountains
for a hike, go rock-climbing in Dalkey Quarry, walk the cliff path at Howth
or join the Dublin hardcore who sea-swim whatever the weather. There’s an
adventure around every corner.
Ireland’s Ancient East
At first sight,
Ireland’s Ancient East
is a tranquil and beautiful land of rolling green hills, charming towns and
quiet waters, all framed by the River Shannon and the Irish Sea. But dig a
little deeper and you’ll discover a
region that ripples with over 5,000 years of history. There are compelling characters and ancient mysteries, hidden stories and
millennia-old myths.
Courtesy/Spike Island Management
Spike Island
There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get as you step inside a
5,000-year-old monument. Or the jaw-dropping coastal view from the top of a
13th century lighthouse. But this is what Ireland’s Ancient East is all
about: experiencing history from the inside out. Ride the waves across to
Spike Island
in Cork, known as Ireland’s Alcatraz, and once the largest prison in the
world. Walk in the footsteps of the Vikings through the narrow streets and
medieval treasures of
Waterford. Or take a moment on top of the mystical
Hill of Tara
in Meath, dwelling place of the gods. A trip around Ireland’s Ancient East
brings history to life against a backdrop of unforgettable scenery.
Wild Atlantic Way
Enjoy a journey of a lifetime as you travel the 1,500-mile-long coastal road
known as the
Wild Atlantic Way. From the wind-whipped tip of Malin Head in County Donegal to the balmy
beauty of Kinsale town in County Cork, the west of Ireland will wow you with
its epic landscapes and charm you with its quiet moments. This is a place
that has inspired dreamers and drifters, poets and painters, with a
landscape laced with dry-stone walls, thatched cottages, brooding mountains
and deserted beaches. Escape, explore and enjoy an off-the-beaten track
adventure on the very edge of Europe.
Brian Morrison/Tourism Ireland
The Kerry Cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way .
It’s easy to feel the wild that defines this coastline; it’s everywhere,
from
sheer cliffs that plunge into crashing Atlantic waves
to remote, weather-beaten islands. But the west of Ireland is about more
than that, it’s about moments of connection. It’s the chat from locals, the
warmth of a fire-lit pub, the tapping feet of a traditional
music session. From the elemental weather to the oak-smoked salmon, the essence of the
Wild Atlantic Way runs deep.
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
Defined by its connection to both water and land and heralded for its pure
beauty, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is a destination that basks in nature,
with
under-the-radar experiences
that feel like you’re getting to the real heart of Ireland.
Kerry Kissane/All Around Ireland
Ireland’s Hidden Hearlands
Amidst a natural wonderland of rivers, canals and lakes, the world slows
down. Calm your soul with
a paddle along glass-blue rivers, lakes and canals;
walk centuries-old canal paths
once used for horses drawing barges; cozy up over candlelit dinners in
waterside thatched pubs; and unearth thousands of years of history in heritage parks, historic
abbeys and monasteries. In Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, it pays to take it
slow.
Northern Ireland
When it comes to accolades, Northern Ireland has it covered. Come here and
you can experience what’s been called “one of the greatest drives on earth”
(The
Causeway Coastal Route), “the best place to spend Halloween”
(Derry~Londonderry),
and Golf Digest’s number one golf course in the world
(Royal County Down).
Chris Hill/Tourism Ireland
Royal County Down Golf Club in Northern Ireland
But there’s more to Northern Ireland than epic sights and world-class
experiences – there’s a spirit. This is a land that resounds with myths from
the Sperrin Mountains to the Giant’s Causeway. It’s a place of unbridled
creativity, from the
music scene
in Belfast to
literary greats
both, past and present. And it’s
hub of great food, with cutting-edge restaurants and cosy old pubs.
In Northern Ireland, you’re never far from a memory in the making. Walk the
16th century walls of Derry~Londonderry. Paddle through the inky waters of
Lough Erne, studded with islands where Celts, Vikings and Christian monks
have all left their mark. Or discover Westeros on a
Game of Thrones® tour
of iconic filming locations. But, remember, for every show-stopping sight,
there’s a quiet moment that will stay with you forever. If you’re looking
for somewhere to nourish your spirit, Northern Ireland is it.
Plan Your Ireland Adventure
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your homeland to spend time with
family and friends, or you’re ready to discover the magic of Ireland for the
first time, now is the perfect time to plan your vacation.
Here’s
a roundup of great offers on everything from accommodation to activities, attractions and transportation
to help you find the best value – and enjoy the best trip of your life!
Tourism Ireland
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