Set at the western side of the United Kingdom, with the Celtic Sea to the south and the North Atlantic Ocean to the west, the island of Ireland (and Northern Ireland) has many treasures packed into its compact territory. Its magnificent natural landscapes are strewn with spectacular Nordic castles and gorgeous Georgian country houses. Its vibrant heritage includes a lively traditional dance and music culture, a rich literary tradition, and some of the world’s cosiest pubs. The bustling capital of Dublin offers up an exciting nightlife scene, stately architecture and quaint riverside charm, while beyond the cities, the countryside boasts vast areas of unspoilt wilderness. Add the country’s famously hospitable and humourous locals and it’s no wonder that Ireland appeals to travellers of all ages and from all walks of life.
Stretching along Dublin Bay on the east coast of Ireland, County Dublin is home to the vibrant city of Dublin, the country’s colourful capital. Aside from the lively capital, the county features rolling green hills scattered with a collection of character-filled villages, an array of beautiful beaches and a rich history. Visitors can enjoy an iconic black beer - the traditional Guinness; learn about Viking history at the Dublinia, a fascinating heritage centre; and discover the seaside towns of Malahide and Howth, which both offer scenic coastal paths to explore. Other highlights include the Ardgillan Castle and Demesne in the seaside town of Balbriggan, the charming seaside town of Skerries, and the bustling town of Swords.
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy offering four fascinating countries all rolled into one easily accessible and remarkably diverse island nation. Comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK contains more heritage, per square mile, than any other nation in the world. It is also blessed with vast, sprawling areas of picturesque countryside, long stretches of rugged coastline, and some of most the dynamic, multicultural cities in the world. With the quaint medieval villages of the Cotswolds, the impressive architecture of the Canterbury Cathedral, the endless cultural delights of London and Edinburgh, and the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK offers enough variety to satisfy travellers from all walks of life. Whether you are keen to explore massive national parks such as the Yorkshire Dales or Dartmoor, the charming seaside resorts of Blackpool and Bournemouth, or the unlimited supply of wonderful British pubs, there is plenty to keep you blissfully engaged during your time in this extraordinarily diverse nation.
Ideally located at the mouth of the River Lagan on Northern Ireland’s east coast, the bustling capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast, is full of surprises. Discover this charming city, brimming with quaint Victorian shops and pubs, innovative and trendy restaurants, and grand architecture. With its booming traditional music scene, a thriving creative community, and a slew of impressive museums, including the Ulster Museum, set in the lush Botanic Gardens, this city has plenty to thrill even the most avid culture lover. Alive with culture and entertainment all year round, travellers can visit the internationally renowned Belfast Titanic Centre; the ‘Cathedral Quarter’ centred around the magnificent St Anne’s Cathedral; and The Waterfront Hall, Belfast's impressive concert venue offering some of the best performance hall acoustics in all of Europe.
Set at the western side of the United Kingdom, with the Celtic Sea to the south and the North Atlantic Ocean to the west, the island of Ireland (and Northern Ireland) has many treasures packed into its compact territory. Its magnificent natural landscapes are strewn with spectacular Nordic castles and gorgeous Georgian country houses. Its vibrant heritage includes a lively traditional dance and music culture, a rich literary tradition, and some of the world’s cosiest pubs. The bustling capital of Dublin offers up an exciting nightlife scene, stately architecture and quaint riverside charm, while beyond the cities, the countryside boasts vast areas of unspoilt wilderness. Add the country’s famously hospitable and humourous locals and it’s no wonder that Ireland appeals to travellers of all ages and from all walks of life.
Situated in Ireland’s scenic County Clare, Dromoland is the site of numerous attractions. Visitors can enjoy a luxury stay in a perfect piece of history, the 16th-century Dromoland Castle, which dates back to ancient Gaelic Irish royalty. Soak up the royal elegance of this famous site, which features a blend of old-world charm and modern-day comforts. The Dromoland Castle Golf Club boasts an 18-hole parkland golf course, where sports enthusiasts can enjoy a leisurely round. Other popular activities include horse riding, archery, clay pigeon shooting, and fishing. Further afield, travellers can also look forward to exploring Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher, and soaking up the remarkable natural beauty of the famous Burren.
Resting on the scenic shores of Lough Leane Lake in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry, the town of Killarney is surrounded by spectacular scenic landscapes. The countryside is dotted with cascading waterfalls, sparkling rivers, lush woodlands, glittering lakes, and soaring peaks. It makes for the perfect stopover for visitors road-tripping along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Killarney offers visitors a variety of comfortable accommodation, quaint traditional Irish pubs and excellent restaurants. Visitors can view the 19th-century St. Mary’s Cathedral; hike the 200-kilometre Kerry Way walking trail, which starts and ends in Killarney; and explore the Killarney National Park, the first national park in Ireland. Other popular attractions in the area include: the 15th-century Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall and the ancient ruins of the Innisfallen Abbey, a 7th-century monastery situated on Innisfallen Island.
As previously described
