A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Ireland’s four liveliest cities – the culture-packed hubs of Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast – teem with fascinating museums and galleries, fabulous food and drink scenes, and legendary live music and nightlife. Once you’ve experienced all the urban excitement, escape into glorious landscapes featuring ancient sites, picturesque towns, and traditional Irish villages just outside city limits.
Ireland is a stunning place to explore and the kind of place that’s got a little something for everyone. From its incredible castles, cities like Dublin, and some of the most dramatic landscapes, Ireland is an incredible spot to visit. This is especially true for Galway on the west coast. Honestly, there are so many stunning places and a heap of the best things to do in Galway that you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Here are 15 fairy-tale castles that you can visit in Ireland.
1. Introduction: Discover Ireland’s highest peaks, ideal for hill walking and mountaineering enthusiasts.
With parts of Ireland experiencing more than 225 days of rain a year, the Emerald Isle boasts a stunning array of greenery accompanied by spectacular water features. Some counties, likeCounty Cavan, are so abundant with lakes that you could visit a different one every day for a year. Other locations, such asDublin, thrive because of the rivers that traverse them.
Did you know that two of Ireland’s top attractions, the Hill of Tara and Glendalough, are actually free to visit? The entrance fee applies only to the local heritage center, not the attraction itself. This might not be immediately obvious to most visitors, serving as one of the best-hidden secrets of the Irish tourism industry. Moreover, a brief exploration of the area could save you several Euros.
The best things to see along Ireland’s most infamous drive
There is no shortage of dreamy castles in Ireland, with medieval towers and stone ruins scattered throughout the lush countryside. Staying in Dublin does not mean giving up on experiencing the country’s regal history. Fortunately, you can discover some of Ireland’s finest castles just a short journey from the capital.
Ireland on a budget can indeed be complicated. After successfully catching up with other developed nations in terms of prosperity, the Irish are nearly accustomed to higher prices. Consequently, tourists may find themselves shocked when evaluating restaurant bills, especially when converting to dollars. So, is low-budget travel to and throughout Ireland still feasible?
All You Need to Know About Ireland’s South-West
This small archipelago of three rocky islands lies at the mouth of Galway Bay off the west coast of Ireland. The Aran Islands are renowned for the prehistoric ruins found there, including the remains of ancient forts like Dún Chonchúir on Inishmaan (the largest island in the chain). The archaeological sites here are among the oldest in Ireland, featuring a 14th-century castle alongside stunning natural beauty. Approximately 1,200 people reside on the Aran Islands, which is positioned in a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) region. To access these islands, ferries depart from Rossaveal, Doolin, and Galway Harbor.
Visiting County Wexford? This beautiful area in the Irish Province of Leinster offers a plethora of attractions and intriguing sights that are slightly off the beaten path.
Walking is a popular activity in Ireland, enjoyed by both locals and tourists. Here, you will discover seven of the best walking routes, including six well-known long-distance paths and a suggestion for two-day trips up Ireland’s iconic mountains. Always prioritize safety and be sure to wear appropriate walking gear.
Just under 7,600,000 visitors are on domestic trips (Irish and Northern Irish vacationers), and just under 6,400,000 foreign visitors add to the throng.
Killarney, Ireland is one of the most picturesque towns in the country’s beautiful South-West. Consequently, it ranks high on the list of must-see destinations for many visitors. This enchanting Irish town attracts numerous larger tour groups, resulting in a bustling atmosphere. However, this should not deter you from visiting Killarney; despite the crowds, the town offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm, especially when planned for outside the peak tourist season.
Planning to visit the central County Westmeath in Ireland? Even if you are just passing through Athlone, this part of the Irish Province of Leinster has numerous attractions waiting for you, along with some intriguing sights that are slightly off the beaten path. Therefore, consider taking a day or two to immerse yourself in the wonders of County Westmeath while visiting Ireland.
Irish wildlife may not be as diverse as one might hope, with fewer than thirty native mammals, leading to limited opportunities for animal encounters. However, this does not mean there aren’t worthwhile attractions to explore across the emerald isle.
Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, is commonly known as the man who in 432 single-handedly brought Christianity to the Irish and drove the snakes out of the Emerald Isle. While both these claims are suspect, the historical Patrick seems to have been a very successful missionary in the northern part of Ireland.
Explore the majestic monasteries of Ireland, rich in history and breathtaking landscapes. This guide highlights essential sites that offer a glimpse into Ireland’s spiritual past.