Ireland Travel Planner

Is there anywhere quite like Ireland? The land that has inspired a thousand songs, stories and poems, lives up to its reputation as a place of immense beauty and legend.

Ireland's compact size means you can spend as little or as long as you wish here and still see a great variety of the country. But be prepared to want to come back, again and again!

Irish charm

The Irish deserve their reputation as some of the friendliest people in the world and getting to know them is like making a friend for life. There is a sense they don't take themselves too seriously and they expect the same in others.

An important and necessary part of Irish culture is 'craic'. This roughly translates as 'good fun', and it certainly seemsto sum up these wonderful people to a tee.

History and heritage

This is a country with more than its fair share of history. The island is dotted with ancient Roman and Norman ruins, medieval monasteries and castles. Then there are the more sober reminders of the Great Famine that forced millions to leave their homeland forever and violent civil war that has divided the country to this day. Ireland's history can be seen everywhere and is part of the country's great allure.

Gourmet Ireland

Gone are the days when 'the spud' was the highlight of the Irish menu. In fact, Ireland has become quite the gourmand's paradise in recent years. With hundreds of kilometres of coastline and rich farmland, visitors can expect some of the best natural produce in Europe.

Discovering Ireland through its local produce is undoubtedly one of the most satisfying ways to explore the country, meet interesting people, visit out-of-the-way places and indulge in Ireland's tempting tastes.

The glorious renaissance of Irish food has brought traditional Irish cooking into a new age and ignited the imagination of a new generation of local chefs. Enjoy award-winning restaurants and stylish bistros in towns and cities throughout the island, or seek out gourmet hotspots all over the country.

Thirst quenching

Ireland is heaven for beer lovers. From traditional ales and lagers to the heavy stouts -- the most famous being Guinness -- there's a beer for every day of the week and then some. The Irish have also long been a dab hand at distilling whiskey. In fact Bushmills in Northern Ireland is the world's oldest whiskey distillery.

The great outdoors

Ireland is a dream for walkers and hikers. There are dozens of spectacular walks, hikes and marked trails linked with bed and breakfasts and villages, all throughout the country. A walking tour is also a great way to spot some of Ireland's many species of birds, some of which are rare and even endangered.

This is a beautiful (and cheap!) way to experience Ireland's glorious and often dramatic scenery. The Dingle, Iveragh (Ring of Kerry) and Beara peninsulas are loaded with stunning scenery and pictureseque villages. The windswept beauty of the West Coast will touch your heart, as will the stark beauty of the Burren near Doolin and the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Or witness the heathlands of Connemara National Park, the view from Lugnaquilla Mountain in the Wicklow Mountains or superb vistas surrounding Galway's Maumturk Mountains.

The Causeway Coastal route which meanders along the northern coast and takes in the World Heritage site, the Giant's Causeway, is one of the most scenic coastal drives in Europe.

Shopping

All those sheep actually do come in handy after all. Ireland is the place to buy beautiful hand- knitted Aran sweaters, as well as wonderfully soft scarves, shawls and blankets. Good quality Irish linen and lace are popular gift ideas, as is Waterford crystal and pottery, beautifully decorated with Celtic designs. Traditional Claddagh rings also make great souvenirs. Then for the tipplers, there's always a bottle of Irish Whiskey or, naturally, some Irish Guinness.

Pub culture

A great Irish experience is undoubtedly a visit to a traditional Irish pub -- think pints of Guiness, warming Irish food and traditional live music. A trip to Dublin will leave you spoilt for choices. Davy Byrnes is one of the most famous pubs in Dublin, hosting regular live music performances, both modern and traditional Irish. Peter's Pub is a great local secret in Dublin, its small and cosy interior, perfect for a long pint and an even longer chat. No trip to Belfast is complete without a visit to the city's oldest and most-loved landmark, the Crown Liquor Saloon. The beautifully-restored extravagant Victorian interior will please the eye as much as its beverages please the taste buds.