Ireland Travel Guide
Ireland is the third largest island in Europe and is divided into the Republic
of Ireland which has 26 counties, and Northern Ireland which has six counties
and is part of the
United Kingdom.
Ireland is located in Northwestern Europe and surrounded by the United Kingdom,
the Irish Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a land steeped with history
and is known for its lush green countryside, legends and folklore and warm and
friendly locals.
Dublin is the capital city of Ireland and offers a number or tourists
destinations. The city is littered with museums, bookstores, theaters as well as
parks, pubs and many historical sites. On the north bank of the River Liffey
stands the Four Courts designed by the famous architect James Gandon. On the
south side of the river you'll find a concentration of churches, castles,
museums and public buildings in a small area. The oldest university in Ireland,
Trinity College is also located in this area.
Some say that Galway is one of the liveliest cities next to Dublin. It has
everything that a major city has to offer but in a more laid back environment.
It is a city bustling with cultural energy with thriving theaters, arts and
music scenes. It plays hosts to a lot of international events and festivals
during the year. Off the coast of Galway you can schedule a trip to the Aran
Islands and ride the Galway Hooker, a famous type of boat, from Claddagh. Walk
the Salt Hill Promenade and take in the spectacular views of the sea. Don't
forget to visit Eyre Square which is the most famous landmark in Galway.
Limerick is the third largest city in Ireland and is home to the river Shannon
which runs under three beautiful bridges. The city contains a mixture of
medieval and Gregorian architectures which makes it an interesting city to tour.
Limerick is home to King John's castle built between the 12th and 16th century,
the St. Mary's Cathedral which was built in 1172. Don't forget to visit the
Bunratty castle and folk park which is one of Ireland's foremost tourist
destinations.
One of the most beautiful cities in Ireland is Kilkenny, located in the south
western part of the country. It is a picturesque medieval city with a majestic
castle on top of the hill, the Kilkenny Castle. It also houses the Kyteler's Inn
where Alice Kyteler was convicted of witchcraft and was burned along with her
family and staff. The narrow streets and city filled with quaint little bed and
breakfast inns for any type of budget, makes Kilkenny a worthwhile traveler's
destination.
For those who want a peaceful and quiet time with family, Inis Meain is the city
for you. Crime is almost non-existent on the Island and the lack of vehicular
traffic makes the roads safe for your kids to run about. It offers beautiful
sceneries, fishing, diving and excellent food. Prices and relatively cheap
compared to the other cities and there are plenty of rooms and cottages
available for visitors.