Ireland is aptly christened the “land of saints and scholars” for its rich cultural heritage. As the third largest island in the European continent, it also abounds in natural beauty. For this reason thousands of tourists flock to Ireland each year.
Planning a trip to Ireland may become a daunting task. Not because of inadequate and poor-grade tourist facilities, but because there is so much to see and do that you will be confused where to start and how to go about arranging the tour.
Right here in this section you can get a glimpse of the best of Ireland.
Ireland is located in the North Western region of Europe. To the east is the island of Great Britain separated by the Irish Sea. Ireland is divided into two political bodies – Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland makes up 5/6th of the total land area while the Northern Island makes up the remaining 1/6th. Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom.
Top 5 Destinations in Ireland
1. The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most magnificent coasts in Europe. Standing tall at 702 feet the undulating landscapes (limestone and shale rock covered with bright green moss) borders the Atlantic Ocean. The Cliffs extend over 5 miles on the west coast of Ireland. From the Cliffs of Moher, one can see the Aran Islands, the Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains and a lot more.
2. The Hill of Tara is another specimen of pristine natural beauty. The Hill of Tara is ancient, almost 5000 years old, and used to be the seat of power of the high kings of Ireland. The architectural structures, although in ruins, stand to symbolize the rich Irish mythology and heritage. There is an audiovisual presentation that you can make reservations for.
3. The Trinity College is a site for lovers of learning. The Trinity College was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. It is not only the oldest university in Ireland but also boasts of students who went on to become great personalities – Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and Jonathan Swift.
4. The Giant’s Causeway has attracted attention for its unique geological formations. Situated in Northern Ireland, the structure features around 40,000 polygonal columns of layered basalt rock. In 1986, the tourist spot was designated a World Heritage Site.
5. The National Museum of Ireland is an architectural beauty and historical treasure. The Victorian Palladian Style building was built around the 1880s and thrown open to the public in 1890. This national institution houses over 2 million valuable artifacts belonging to prehistoric and medieval times.
When is the best time to visit?
The Emerald Isle enjoys temperate maritime climate owing to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, one can visit Ireland at any time of the year. However, summer is the peak season. The sun is warm and bright, but not scorching hot. Spring may see a few showers and winters are bleak and severe.
How to get to Ireland?
There are two major modes of transport to get to Ireland – plane or ferry. Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports offer a great choice for those wishing to fly to Ireland. There are plenty of cheaper flights from budget airlines from the UK, France, Spain and other European countries.
Ferry services to Ireland are an economical choice, especially for those wishing to take a car, or those traveling in larger groups. There is a wide choice of ferry routes, especially from the United Kingdom, such as from Liverpool, Holyhead, Pembroke or Fishguard.