Ireland Tourism | Travel to Ireland | Complete holidays information on Ireland

Ireland holds the distinction of being the third largest in Europe. It is home to one of the most expensive cities in the world today. The music of this region is very distinct and lively, full of cheer and spirit. Ireland, today, is divided into two parts- the Northern region which is called North Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, with the capital at Belfast. The rest of the region is called the Republic of Ireland, is a sovereign state with the capital at Dublin.

Ireland used to be covered entirely with ice. However, the ice later began to melt away and after 8000 BC, the first few inhabitants of the Mesolithic Age, began to settle in the land. The earliest inhabitants found the land perfect for animal rearing and agriculture, and the tradition has continued to this day. Ireland however, found itself in the midst of an internal rife, with the advent of Protestantism, in the 17th century.  Today too, one can see that the Irish are strong believers of their faith be it Catholicism or Protestantism. In 1800 however, Great Britain decided to merge with Ireland, a move that gave rise to strong feelings of patriotism among the Irish, resulting in many rebellions against the English, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1949, finally Ireland declared itself to be a Republic, while North Ireland remained as part of the United Kingdom.

Ireland may be small in terms of population, but its contributions to literature and the arts, are by no means small. Eminent writers such as Jonathan Swift- a satirist who gave us ‘ Gullivers Travels’, was Irish. George Bernard Shaw, playwright Samuel Beckett, poets Yeats and Seamus Heaney, were all from here. James Joyce, often hailed as one of the best writers of the 20th century was Irish too. Archaeologists have often spoken about the keen sense of art that the Irish have had since the Bronze Age. Their skill and eye for visual beauty has been proved in the carvings found at sites such as Newgrange, and other Bronze Age artifacts. Many ornamental gold carved objects, and other religious carvings have been excavated too. The contributions in the later centuries continued with William Orpen, Jack Yeats and Louis le Brocquy.

The attractions in Ireland are many for tourists to visit and enjoy. Tours usually begin in the capital and then extend to the other attractions in other places-

Dublin – This city has gone through many changes over the years, and is today famed also for the pubs, restaurants, high standard of living etc. A famous college here called the Trinity College, is an important landmark here. Students will find that the library contains many important manuscripts and old books. The Dublin Castle nearby, is an important landmark here. The city gets its name from the Black Pool- Dubh Linn, which used to be in the castle gardens. The State apartments here today are the venue for state functions, Presidential Inaugurations and so on. Merrion Square, full of Georgian houses, was the residential area of many writers such as Yeats, Oscar Wilde and so on. The National Gallery in the city center was first opened in 1864. More than 13,000 works of art are here, with a collection that extends beyond the Irish to European also. Lovers of art should not miss this out. There is even a Dublin Writers Museum, , featuring the lives and works of Dublin’s famous literary figure such as Shaw, Wilde and Joyce.

East Coast and Midlands – Lofty mountains, rugged coasts, legends, historical sites, are just a few attractions one can find here. In Louth and Meath, one can see the prehistoric burial sites of Brú na Bóinne, which are older than the pyramids themselves. Kildaire, houses the famous St Brigid’s cathedral, which contains a large number of Renaissance tombs, and has an external staircase too. Wicklow, is known for its scenic beauty which is unparalleled. The Wicklow Historic Gaol, has been home to many personalities and has many legends about it. Glendalough, a glen of two lakes, is a pilgrim’s delight because of the St Kevin monastery built in 570 AD.

South East – Wexford is famous for the Irish National Heritage Park, consists of 17 sites, which link the history of Ireland from prehistoric times to the medieval. Waterford is an old Viking town, which today has a beautiful coastline full of fishing villages. Kilkenny is another old county, which has different architectural styles. Dunmore Cave located here is famed for its beauty. Jerpoint Abbey, is a Cistercian ruin with tomb carvings dating from 1158.

West – In Clare, the Burren Coast is famous for its landscape and geology. Galway, is a must to visit as the scenic beauty here is what a tourist would hope to see. Long valleys, the hills and golden beaches are what describes this place best. Roscommon famous for the ruins of a Norman Castle, and for its numerous lakes, is a quiet country here.

North West – Leitrim, is the best getaway spot if all you want is a quiet holiday. Hills and rivers divide this county, and is famed for the Manorhamilton Hills. Donegal is another county here, which is surrounded by sea and high cliffs. The rocky landscapes and moorlands are really beautiful to see. Donegal castle is also worth a visit and forms an important part of the background. The Glenveagh National Park is a region of peat hills that embrace the Glenveagh Castle and Gardens.

In the SouthWest, County Cork, is the largest country in Ireland. The landscapes here, are so breathtaking that it is a joy to go for walks, or for a car ride, to take in the beauty.

Ireland is famous for the events that it hosts too. The Dublin Film Festival held in Dublin attracts a worldwide audience. Probably no other country celebrated St Patrick’s Festival and Day, the way the Irish do. Local cultural specialities and other events are held to showcase Ireland. The Irish spirit of having fun, and living in the moment can be felt and see wherever one goes.

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