Ireland

Ireland is the third largest island in Europe. Politically it is divided into the Republic of Ireland. The name 'Ireland' derives from the name Ériu (in modern Irish, Éire) with the addition of the Germanic word 'land'. The Irish tradition of folk music and dance is also widely known. Ireland's biggest selling female artist is Enya; she is also the second biggest selling Irish act in history. Irish music has shown an immense inflation of popularity with many attempting to return to their roots. Some contemporary music groups stick closer to a "traditional" sound, including Altan, Gaelic Storm, Lúnasa, and Solas. Others incorporate multiple cultures in a fusion of style, such as Afro Celt Sound System and Canadian Loreena McKennitt.
For an island of relatively small population, Ireland has made a disproportionately large contribution to world literature in all its branches, mainly in English. Poetry in Irish represents the oldest vernacular poetry in Europe with the earliest examples dating from the 6th century. The early history of Irish visual art is generally considered to begin with early carvings found at sites such as Newgrange and is traced through Bronze age artifacts, particularly ornamental gold objects, and the religious carvings and illuminated manuscripts of the mediæval period.

Dublin: Modern day Dublin is one of Europes most cosmopolitan cities. Its an exciting and dynamic city with a young population and multicultural mix of people. The energy in the capital is unmistakable. Dublin has an excellent nightlife and some of the best pubs (and Guinness) in the world. Its also complimented by a fantastic selection of restaurants, art galleries, cinemas and countless other attractions.

Cork: Its the second City of the Irish Republic. The name Cork comes from the Irish word Corcaigh which means marsh - the city is built on an island on the River Lee, close to Cork Harbour. Cork is a lively city with a buzzing nightlife, large student population and plenty of new restaurants, shops and bars and clubs. The surrounding countryside is stunning. Cork people (with their funny accents) have a great sense of humour and are always up for a good night out.

Galway: Galway in western Connemara, is one of the most vibrant cities in Ireland. It’s a bohemian mecca, with a wealth of shops, pubs, clubs and restaurants. And like any other great Irish city, it caters for every taste and tipple as far as the pubs are concerned. It has the best of both worlds - all the charms of a modern, youthful and cosmoplitan city along with some of the most spectacular surrounding landscape on the Island. Places like Killary Harbour, Carrarroe, the Twelve Bens and Maam Cross, are all just a short drive away. 40 muinuetes on a boat and your on the romantic and isolated Arran Islands. Every year, one of Ireland’s biggest festivals is held here - the Galway Arts Festival.

The Guinness Brewery: The manufacturing home of Guinness for over 200 hundred years, it has now been turned into a museum detailing the history of Guinness. Here you can purchase much sought after Guinness souvenirs and taste a complimentary pint of Guinness.
The Ring of Kerry: This beautiful peninsula stretches from Killorglen to Killarney and is one of the most visited regions in the country. Offering breath taking coastal scenery as well as attractions which include the renowned Muckross House and Kate Kearney’s Cottage it is a tour well worth including on your visit to Ireland.

The Cliffs of Moher: Nearly 100 square miles of Karst region spanning nearly one third of the Clare coastline. Further down the coast you will find the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, standing at some 700 feet, you will definitely feel dizzy.

County Wicklow: Within close proximity to Dublin, Wicklow, also known as the Garden of Ireland, is a county dominated by mountains, rivers, and lakes making it the perfect stop off for all of you who want to see the real Ireland outside the capital. It is also home to several of the country’s top tourist attractions including the famous monastery at Glendalough, Powerscourt House and Gardens and the meeting of the waters at Avoca.

Aran Islands: The three Aran Islands, Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer are about 15 miles west of the Galway/Clare Coast. A visit to the Aran Islands will be a rare chance to experience rural life and sheer raw beauty.

Blarney Stone: Situated five miles North West of Cork city, this little village is home to the Blarney Castle which was built in 1446. And, on the top story is the world famous Blarney Stone said to give the ‘gift of the gab’ (eloquence) to all who kiss it. So, if you feel you don’t have enough to say or can’t think of the right way to say it, head to Cork and do as hundreds of thousands have done before you.