Ireland

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Popularly known as "The Emerald Isle," the Republic of Ireland is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the English-speaking world. After all, the culture of Ireland has been spread around the world by wide-ranging migration, so there are plenty of people with an interest in checking out their roots in the home country. That applies as much to such unexpected places as Spain or Portugal as it does to the U.S. or Australia. Others are attracted by its rich history, charming culture and engaging scenery.

Ireland has a long history, starting with Stone Age antiquity. Megalithic sights like the Beaghmore Stones or the passage tomb at Newgrange might seem crude, but one has to remember that they were built using only stone tools, muscle power, and a very limited understanding of engineering. Anyone who finds a place like Stonehenge inspiring or interesting will find plenty of sites in Ireland to tickle their fancy. Then came Ireland's role as one of the few enclaves of the Celtic world to stand unconquered by the Romans, so it was as Celts that they built fortifications like the tower at Kells to protect themselves from the Vikings. After that came the Normans, and with it Ireland's (often unwanted) connection to the English and all the castle-building that went with it.

Untouched by the Second World War, Ireland is dotted with excellent castles, representing a mixture of mouldering ruins and preserved or converted buildings. County Antrim has two great examples. First is Carrickfergus Castle, a 12th century fortification that has seen a lot of bloody action through its long history. It has been besieged by the Scots, the English, the French, and by the Irish themselves. Nearby is Dunluce Castle, which is supposed to have been the inspiration for C.S. Lewis's Cair Paravel in the Chronicles of Narnia.
Ireland is perhaps most famous around the world for its drink, being a producer of first-rate beer and whiskey. Plenty of people make the journey of Ireland to do the Whiskey Tour of the three best-known distilleries of the isle: Cork's Old Middleton Distillery, Dublin's Old Jameson Distillery, and Antrim's and the Bushmills Distillery. Most famous of all is the Guinness Storehouse, located in Dublin. Hardly anyone visits the capital of Ireland without taking a tour of the home of one of the world's most famous beers, and then washing it down with a pint in good cheer and to good health afterwards. As the saying goes, a Guinness a day keeps the doctor away.

The Emerald Isle is also well-known for particular gastronomic treats, although these might not be the first thing to come to mind when one is plotting a trip in Ireland. The countryside is one of lush, grassy pastures, and that means the dairy and cheese industry in Ireland is outstanding. Visitors should keep their eyes out for chances to try craft or farmhouse cheeses with names like Durrus, Coolea, St Tola and Gubbeen. The same pastures also produce great mutton and beef. Ireland is a wet country, with many lakes and streams, so the trout is not to be missed. It is also famous for its smoked salmon and mackerel. Finally, who could pass on a chance to try the favorites from every Irish pub around the world: corned beef and cabbage or shepherd's pie with some soda bread on the side.

For the more adventurous of spirit, there are plenty of options for getting out into the countryside and taking Ireland under your own steam. The hills of Ireland will make for a tough ride, but there are mountain bike and road cycling tour routes for Ireland, with options for either self-guided or guided rides. The same applies to trekking. There are scenic loop walks everywhere for day hikers, and cross-country routes for those who want to see Ireland on foot.

Surrounded by the Atlantic and the Irish Sea, and criss-crossed by rivers, there are plenty of water sports in Ireland as well. Few think of Ireland as a surfing destination, but there are some good waves and great breaks for those who don't mind the chilly water. There is also sailing at sea and kayaking and rafting on the inland waterways. The water might be a murky 10 or 12 meters visibility, but there are plenty of things underwater for scuba divers to see and explore. There is also fishing at land and at sea, including the challenge of landing an Irish pike. Finally, while Scotland might be the birthplace of golf, Ireland's green grass and scenic terrain has created some excellent courses.

Offering good food, great drink, rich culture, and plenty of adventure, Ireland is one of those places that truly offers a little something for everyone. Friendly and accommodating, it is an enchanting island and an easy, pleasurable holiday experience.

You can search for hotels by clicking on the towns on the map below and we have some places to stay just below the map which have been submitted by the owners themselves. You can book all of them direct. You can also use Skyscanner to find your cheap flight to Ireland. In the first box change UK for your departure location.

Cheap Flights to Ireland