Why you should travel to Ireland?
This country is a unique place with a rich culture and a strong emphasis on the arts. Irish literature, music, poetry, and dance have a unique perspective that can best be described as "poignant." You'll find it hard to go more than an hour without hearing traditional Irish music somewhere in Ireland!
If you visit Ireland, you ought to be sure to rent a car and explore the country! Although Dublin has an excellent public transportation system (including buses and trams), the small towns outside the city pave roads don't always lead into it; thus, if you want to explore the countryside, you must at least rent a car.
You should also plan your trip around festivals like Saint Patrick's Day (March 17th), the Galway Oyster Festival (August 31st-September 3rd), and the Rose of Tralee International Festival (August 14th–20th).
If you visit Ireland, you ought to be sure to rent a car and explore the country! Although Dublin has an excellent public transportation system (including buses and trams), the small towns outside the city pave roads don't always lead into it; thus, if you want to explore the countryside, you must at least rent a car.
You should also plan your trip around festivals like Saint Patrick's Day (March 17th), the Galway Oyster Festival (August 31st-September 3rd), and the Rose of Tralee International Festival (August 14th–20th).
Where and when to travel to Ireland
For the best of both worlds, you can't go wrong with Dublin. It's a vibrant city with excellent museums, churches, and pubs. Some of the most famous are the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College Library (in which parts of the movie "Harry Potter" were filmed), St Patrick's Cathedral, The Book of Kells Exhibition at Trinity College Library, The National Leprechaun Museum, Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral. . . the list goes on!
If you love nature, it's worth visiting County Clare in the West of Ireland. Here you can see the Cliffs of Moher--the cliffs are 14 stories high and are found along a 1.5 mile stretch of coastline.
If you're into history, then Northern Ireland is the place for you! Its capital city, Belfast, was once known as "the sick man of Europe" but has since managed to clean up its act and now has a thriving music scene among other things.
When to travel to Ireland:
The most popular times are during the summer months of July and August--however, you can expect higher prices and busier roads. If you want a more peaceful experience with fewer people around, we recommend traveling in September or October. The weather should still be warm and dry enough for pleasant outdoor experiences!
If you love nature, it's worth visiting County Clare in the West of Ireland. Here you can see the Cliffs of Moher--the cliffs are 14 stories high and are found along a 1.5 mile stretch of coastline.
If you're into history, then Northern Ireland is the place for you! Its capital city, Belfast, was once known as "the sick man of Europe" but has since managed to clean up its act and now has a thriving music scene among other things.
When to travel to Ireland:
The most popular times are during the summer months of July and August--however, you can expect higher prices and busier roads. If you want a more peaceful experience with fewer people around, we recommend traveling in September or October. The weather should still be warm and dry enough for pleasant outdoor experiences!
Popular Irish dishes that are worth trying out while visiting the country!
Potatoes are traditionally eaten with most meals. The most popular dish that uses potatoes is Irish stew, where they are boiled then combined with beef, onions, and vegetables (seasoned with salt and pepper).
Bread, tarts, scones, pancakes, and french toast are often eaten for breakfast. Common desserts include apple tarts, fruit pies (especially rhubarb), barmbrack (bread soaked in malt whiskey), and brown bread ice cream.
While visiting Ireland it's worth trying bangers (sausages) and bechamel sauce which is a cheese-based sauce made from milk or stock which is thickened with flour--also known as white sauce. This dish can be served alongside potatoes or vegetables or as a sauce for other dishes.
Bread, tarts, scones, pancakes, and french toast are often eaten for breakfast. Common desserts include apple tarts, fruit pies (especially rhubarb), barmbrack (bread soaked in malt whiskey), and brown bread ice cream.
While visiting Ireland it's worth trying bangers (sausages) and bechamel sauce which is a cheese-based sauce made from milk or stock which is thickened with flour--also known as white sauce. This dish can be served alongside potatoes or vegetables or as a sauce for other dishes.
Top 5 things to do when you're in Ireland
Visit the Cliffs of Moher: These cliffs are 14 stories high and can be found along a 1.5 mile stretch of coastline.
Explore the country: If you want to explore the countryside, you must rent a car. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the quaint towns outside Dublin and offers more freedom than public transportation.
Visit Belfast: Belfast was once known as "the sick man of Europe" but has managed to clean up its act and now has a lot going for it; we recommend visiting before it's too late!
Watch a Guinness factory tour: The Guinness Storehouse is one of the most popular museums in Dublin and provides a fascinating insight into the history of Guinness. As well as being fun, it's also free!
Visit the Aran Islands: Although Irish people are fiercely proud of their heritage, many have never visited some parts of Ireland. This includes the Aran Islands in Galway Bay--here you can see ancient forts and early Christian remains.
Explore the country: If you want to explore the countryside, you must rent a car. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the quaint towns outside Dublin and offers more freedom than public transportation.
Visit Belfast: Belfast was once known as "the sick man of Europe" but has managed to clean up its act and now has a lot going for it; we recommend visiting before it's too late!
Watch a Guinness factory tour: The Guinness Storehouse is one of the most popular museums in Dublin and provides a fascinating insight into the history of Guinness. As well as being fun, it's also free!
Visit the Aran Islands: Although Irish people are fiercely proud of their heritage, many have never visited some parts of Ireland. This includes the Aran Islands in Galway Bay--here you can see ancient forts and early Christian remains.
Ireland's rich history and vibrant culture
Ireland is a small, independent country located in Western Europe. It's known for its rural landscape, Gaelic culture, and rich history. In many ways, it acts as a bridge between the cultures of Ireland and mainland Europe.
It has a long and interesting history- spanning from ancient Celtic times through to Celtic Christianity during the Middle Ages. Ireland was also an important land for Viking settlements for a long time until they were eventually driven out by the Irish themselves!
Ireland became fully independent in 1922 after over 1,000 years of British rule. This has led to an interesting mix of cultures--while the traditional Irish culture is alive and well, its role has been taken over by modern pop culture including music, art, literature, etc.
Ireland's location between Europe and North America also means that it's influenced by a lot of different cultures--it's a common meeting point for people from all over the world.
It has a long and interesting history- spanning from ancient Celtic times through to Celtic Christianity during the Middle Ages. Ireland was also an important land for Viking settlements for a long time until they were eventually driven out by the Irish themselves!
Ireland became fully independent in 1922 after over 1,000 years of British rule. This has led to an interesting mix of cultures--while the traditional Irish culture is alive and well, its role has been taken over by modern pop culture including music, art, literature, etc.
Ireland's location between Europe and North America also means that it's influenced by a lot of different cultures--it's a common meeting point for people from all over the world.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why you should travel to Ireland, but if you're looking for a few specific things worth doing while visiting the country, we recommend checking out our Ireland travel guides and blogs. Whether you want ancient culture or modern pop culture, there's something in Ireland that will suit your tastes (and interests) no matter what they may be.
