Rich in history and culture, and with a beautiful natural environment, the Republic of Ireland has in recent years become one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Although the picturesque west-coast counties of Kerry, Galway, Mayo, and Donegal remain a highlight, increasingly it is Ireland’s culture—her music and art, but also the warmth of her people—that is drawing growing numbers of travellers.
For most visitors Dublin, the capital, is their introduction to the republic, and the city’s Georgian architectural heritage, fine art collections, and vibrant pub nightlife are all well worth exploring. Dublin is also a good departure point for popular destinations such as Kilkenny, a well-preserved medieval city, Waterford, a bustling commercial centre, and Cashel, dominated by the striking ruins of the Rock of Cashel.
Topographically, Ireland is rather like a saucer—a central, watery depression producing the famous peat bogs is surrounded on all sides by modest highlands. Ireland’s Atlantic location, influenced by the Gulf Stream, makes its climate damp and mild, and while the south-east is the driest area, rain is a regular feature of Irish weather. The climate does, however, produce the many shades of green that have led to the epithet the “Emerald Isle”. Ultimately it is the landscape that dominates impressions of the country—but not simply the dramatic cliffs, seascapes, mountains and lakes. The remains of the many civilisations that have flourished in Ireland—the ancient burial sites, abbeys, monasteries and castles—are also an integral part of the environment.

Events

Ireland’s calendar includes a number of festivals that may be worth planning a trip around. There are massive popular fiestas such as the Rose of Tralee International Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors every year to the Kerry town. Authentic traditional music and dance has a vast annual showcase—with up to 5,000 traditional musicians wielding their bodhrans and uillean pipes—in August at the Fleadh Ceoil na hÉireann. The Wexford Opera Festival, held in October and November, is the jewel of a whole series of internationally respected festivals of classical music. In early November, the Belfast Festival, with concerts, film, opera, and theatre, is a serious rival to its Edinburgh cousin. Among a mixed bag of other festivals and events stand out the Dublin Horse Show in August, an international equestrian event and one of the highlights of the Irish social calendar, the famous Lisdoonvarna Folk Festival, and the various local events held around Saint Patrick’s Day (17 March).

Climate

Warmed by the Gulf Stream, Ireland has a mild climate. The south-east of the country gets the most sun and also experiences the least rainfall.

Language

The first official language is Irish, which can be heard mainly in the gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas of Donegal, Galway, North Mayo, Kerry, Cork, and Waterford. However, English is the language of everyday life.

Eating Out

Breakfasts in Ireland tend to be fairly substantial and may include such Irish specialities as kippers (smoked herring), black and white pudding (a form of blood sausage) and porridge (cooked oatmeal). For lunch and dinner, pubs are a good place to stop for a traditional, inexpensive meal. Outside the main tourist areas and large towns, restaurants are less common. Note that small family-run restaurants in rural areas tend to close from one to two days a week, often on Sunday and Monday.

Public Holiday's