Places in Ireland

The grass really does grow greener in Ireland – it’s not called the ‘Emerald Isle’ for nothing, although the rain-drenched verdant pastures alternate with plains of grain, bleak and rugged hills, mountains and soggy bogs. The quick-changing sky adds to the drama of the encounter between land and sea. You will never be further than 115km (70 miles) from Ireland’s dramatic coastline. 

There are, of course, two Irelands: the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland (éire) and the six counties of Northern Ireland. This gives the island two capitals: Dublin and Belfast. In Dublin, a lively city of broad avenues, green parks and harmonious, ordered terraces, there is more in the way of museums, galleries and other cultural attractions than in many cities of comparable size, plus a delightfully subversive sense of humour that some would say conceals a deep sense of fatalism. In contrast, Belfast is Ireland’s only industrial centre and its energy is more grounded and less subtle than Dublin’s.

What would you like to see in Ireland?

Ireland is a country of infinite variety and whether you want to immerse yourself in the famous Irish craic to be found in the country's main cities, or to lose yourself in the stunning landscape dotted with ancient castles and geological wonders, or a combination of both, Ireland has a whole host of attractions to tempt you.

Vibrant cities

For a bustling city with both a historical and a modern face, Dublin is hard to beat. The Georgian architecture, literary heritage and friendly locals are very hard to resist. Cork’s medieval streets and Victorian harbour help to make the city a good base for exploring the southwest. Belfast has a volatile history but this has not dampened its spirit; people travel for miles to experience its outstanding nightlife.

Breathtaking scenery

The scenic coast of west Cork and Kerry to the Dingle Peninsula has some of the most incredible landscapes in Europe. Further north, visits to the Cliffs of Moher and the strange limestone plateau known as the Burren in County Clare will blow the cobwebs away. Explore the ‘castle country’ around the Shannon Estuary, visiting Adare, Limerick and Bunratty, and verdant County Wicklow (an easy day trip from Dublin) for beautiful ruins and stately homes. 

Across the border, Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway still marvels thousands of visitors every year.