Introduction
Known for its gorgeous green landscapes, rich Celtic culture and welcoming pubs and population; Ireland really is a treat to visit. Long a popular tourist destination, the small island certainly packs a punch with crumbling castles and charming towns dotted about its fertile fields, valleys and along its craggy coastline.
Surrounded by the wild waters of not just the North Atlantic but the Irish and Celtic seas too, the Emerald Isle lies right in the northwest of Europe. Made up of both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom’s Northern Ireland, it mainly consists of endless farms and fields with lazy rivers, low-lying mountains and pockets of woods and patches of bogs lying here and there.
Most people’s first port of call is of course the Republic’s capital Dublin which is known for its rich literary heritage and historical attractions such as Dublin Castle and Trinity College. After exploring Temple Bar’s lively pubs and excellent eating options, Cork and Galway are the most popular cities to hit up thanks to their great food, brilliant live music scenes and all the stunning scenery nearby.
Aside from Killarney and Kilkenny’s atmospheric historic centers and brooding Belfast’s attractions related to both the Troubles and Titanic, it is the island’s captivating countryside and sublime nature spots that attract most visitors. While both the famous Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway make for spectacular sights, the picture-perfect Dingle Bay, striking Skellig Michael and haunting, barren landscapes of The Burren are all equally special.
In addition, Ireland is home to all kinds of amazing ruins, castles and monastic complexes with sites at Glendalough, Newgrange and Dun Aengus counting among its most impressive. Not to be missed are the important historic castles of both Blarney and Kilkenny and the attractive Kylemore Abbey.