Ireland may be small, but she is mighty. Consisting of a central plain surrounded by mountains and hills, this lovely country offers tourists some of the most wide-ranging and untarnished scenery in all of Europe. Among other delights, you will can find quiet beaches, semi-tropical bays, and stunning, rocky cliffs.
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 quite popular in Ireland, and there is a number of horse riding facilities all over the country. Walking is another favorite. With its mild climate, Ireland?s mountains are accessible all year long, and that makes them perfect for walking and hiking. Cycling is also quite a popular way to get around the countryside. Of course, we cannot forget the fishing. If you like fishing, you are in the right place. Due to its miles of rivers and streams, and an extensive coastline, angling is a year-round pastime.
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.
Another of Ireland?s favorite cities is Cork. The second largest city in Ireland, Cork is home to the famous Ballymole House, in Shanagarry. Built into the ruins of a medieval castle in the’th century, the house is now an inn. Also, be sure to catch the Shandon Bells at Saint Anne?s Church, the Cork Harbor, and Blackrock Castle, which is currently a robotic astronomical center. Of course, you simply cannot miss kissing the Blarney Stone. Blarney Castle is just a thirty minute drive from Cork.
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.
The Emerald Isle is a holiday destination that offers incredible variety, lovely scenery, and disarming charm. No wonder it is a big favorite with holiday travelers.
Graham McKenzie is the content coordinator for the leading UK Flight Comparison website, which offers detailed information on Booking a Flight.