Ireland Travel Tips And Ideas

Ireland is a small island, but it packs a very big punch. Consisting of a central plain surrounded by mountains and hills, Ireland offers tourists some of the most assorted and untarnished scenery in all of Europe. Not only does it offer gently rolling, green hills, but you will find quiet sandy beaches, semi-tropical bays, and rocky cliffs, as well.

Ireland is thought to have been inhabited since about 6000 BC, by a mid-Stone Age people. About 4,000 years later, European tribes established a Neolithic culture. The best known of these Neolithic sites in Ireland are found in County Meath, where you will find a megalithic passage tombs. Older than Stonehenge, or the Pyramids of Giza, Newgrange and Knowth are two of these sites.

Equestrianism is a favorite pastime in Ireland, and that is certainly reflected in the large number of horse riding facilities you can find all over the country. The stunning countryside is also perfect for walkers. Because of Ireland?s mild climate, the mountains are accessible year around, making them ideal for ambitious walkers and hikers. Cycling is another great way to get around the countryside, and the valleys and gently rolling central plain make it and ideal mode of transportation. Fishermen love Ireland, with its miles of rivers and streams, and extensive coastline. There is no closed season for angling.

Golfing is another tourist draw for the Emerald Isle. The Golfing Union of Ireland runs about 350 golf courses, and many folk plan their entire vacation around golfing. Over 80 million people, worldwide, claim some tie to Irish heritage. This makes genealogy quite popular in Ireland, and genealogical centers are everywhere. Staff is more than willing to help people trace their family heritage.

Ireland?s capital, Dublin, is quite a lively place. Most tourists find themselves here at some point in their vacation. Dublin is the home of writers the likes of Joyce, Yeats, Beckett, and Shaw. It is also home to the famous Guinness Brewery, which was established in 1759. Dublin is perfect for touring on foot. Be sure to catch such favorites as St. Patrick?s Cathedral, the Temple Bar district, the National Galley, Phoenix Park, Whitefriar Street Carmelites, and St. Isolde?s Tower, as well as the Literary Pub Crawl on Grafton Street.

Ireland?s second largest city is Cork. If you stop here, visit the Ballymole House, in Shanagarry. Built into the ruins of a medieval castle, this 19th century house has been turned into an inn. Other sites to see in Cork include Shandon Bells at Saint Anne?s Church, the Cork Harbor, and Blackrock Castle, which is presently a robotic astronomical center. With a thirty-minute drive from Cork, you?ll reach Blarney Castle. Of course, you know you?re going to kiss that famous Blarney Stone!

Nature lovers will find themselves entranced with the beauty of Donegal, and in particular, the Glenveagh National Park. Then, of course, Limerick is a must-see on most itineraries. Given that Vikings founded the city in the 9th century, the area rich with history. In fact, it has the largest concentration of castles in Ireland.

Truly, the Emerald Isle offers variety, exquisite scenery, and endearing charm.