Ireland
Discover Ireland, where home-made bread, famous beverages and awe-inspiring landscapes are all at your fingertips.
When to visit
Ireland is a great place to visit at any time of year, however summer with its early sunrises and late sunsets make this more bang for your buck to fit in the most per day. With this also comes large crowds, however the Irish are a welcoming people, so there’s nothing that a little planning ahead won’t take care of.
Where to visit
There are more than sufficient attractions (discovered and undiscovered) to keep the average visitor occupied for six months or more; however here are a few highlights:
- Clonalis House in County Roscommon should be one of your stopovers as you traverse through Ireland by car, coach or bus. And if you find you might be too far from your accommodation – why not live like gentry for a night and book a short stay there to put the icing on the cake (literally and figuratively) on your trip.
- The Boyne Vaalley, home to the Boyne Palace. This is a World Heritage site in whuch the tombs and graves found there harp back to ancient times.
- If you are intrigued by beautiful architecture which is also connected to fascinating snippets of history, then find your way to St.Patrick’s Cathedral, the oldest church in Ireland, where services take place each and every day.
- The Guiness Storehouse in Dublin is a fascinating place to visit for those familiar with the Guiness Stout beverage. There, you can trace the history of the drink and the journey it has taken to becoming one of the most popular export items in the world.
- Arrange a Tour to the Ring of Kerry in Kilarney, a location which is said to be one of the most scenic places in the world. Imagine making your way along rugged cliffsides, wandering through quaint, unspolit towns and villages, seeing miles and miles of beautiful gardens, in which can be found many monuments and romantic castles.
What to eat
There are countless delis in Ireland, where one can try fresh cuts; and the most amazing bread of all sizes and shapes are found in the many bakeries. The Irish are said to be some of the most amazing cake makers so put their light fruit cake on your list! Don’t leave before trying the “blaa”. This is a melt-in-your-mouth white roll which can be found almost everywhere and eaten at any time of day. With fish available fresh out of the Atlantic Ocean, salmon is top of choice, however one can also find cockles, mussels and oysters. Take time out for a fish crab sandwich or for some of their outstanding smoked salmon or trout.
Need stamina to get you through all the things you want to do while in Ireland? The answer: try a famous Irish stew and eat heartily like an Irishman. Onions, potatoes carrots and lamb all boiled together with salt, pepper and parsely. You’ll be ready to take on the world.
What to do
Go walking in the mountains, visit a park, sit and observe the beautiful foliage and flowers in the botanical gardens. The historic castles all throughout Ireland are outstanding architectural structures. Wander through the mountains and vales on rented bicylces, go off the beaten track and explore on your own or keep on the cycling trails – either option will invigorate your spirit. If something more sedate is your preference – take a ferry trip or a day bus tour to one of the many sites.
And did you know you can surf in Ireland? Never fear if you can’t travel with your board or even if you want to try it for the very first time – surf shops offer them at a reasonable fee. There are outdoor farmers markets – where both fresh produce and cooked items can be purchased in an atmostphere of blazing colours and total bustle and excitement. There are as many festivals as counties in Ireland, so if this appeals to you check out the Taste The Wild Atlantic Way Street Food Festival,in the city of Kinsale which is generally held in the month of April.
Take advantage of the opportunity to create an amazing travel experience in Ireland by consulting with your trusted travel advisor. Contact Going Places Travel to book your trip today.
