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Holiday Ideas
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Ireland has a relaxed and clean environment characterised by an unhurried pace of life and beautiful landscapes. Visitors also travel to Ireland to avail themselves of the wide range of sporting and recreational facilities and events. Golf, angling, walking, cycling, equestrian, cultural and heritage are all easily accessible alongside some of the highest standards of accommodation, food and hospitality, often in a pre-dominantly rural setting. Meanwhile, Dublin has established itself as a vibrant destination in its own right, competing with Europe's renowned capital cities, in particular for short-break business
West
The West of Ireland is an enchanting place filled with wonderfully atmospheric towns and villages, long stretches of stunning coastline, soaring sea cliffs, and craggy countryside that boasts a uniquely desolate beauty and a vibrant cultural heritage rich in tradition.
Encompassing the counties of Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Offaly and Tipperary, the West gets under your skin like no other place in the world, offering an unparalled experience to all who visit.
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The haunting drama of the Donegal landscape includes the enchanting Glenveagh National Park and Castle; Yeats’ County can be viewed from on high with a hike to the table top of Ben Bulben in County Sligo; or you could try a different vantage point with an ocean voyage to the magical Aran Islands in County Galway or Achill Island,
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County Mayo
For those with a serious head for heights, nothing rewards more than a stroll along the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, County Clare! A little closer to sea level, picturesque Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon is a haven of tranquility; while the legendary beauty of the majestic River Shannon stretching through the cruising counties of Leitrim, Offaly and Limerick can literally take your breath away.
Serviced by no less than five regional airports, you can hop on a plane to Shannon, Galway, Knock, Donegal and even nearby City of Derry airport to kickstart your holiday! So whether you want to soothe your soul in utter isolation on a remote island or feel the passion at a high-spirited summer festival, the wild and wonderful West has it all.
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East & Dublin
The Republic’s capital city lies at the heart of a region that enchants the visitor with a selection of fascinating historical monuments, beautiful natural scenery, thrilling sporting events, and unspoiled lakes, rivers and stretches of coastline.
Dublin is usually the first port of call for visitors and this energetic, youthful city pulsates with a compelling mix of history, culture, hip bars and pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and some of the country’s most sophisticated restaurants. Cosmopolitan and diverse, Dublin is now one of Europe’s top urban hotspots.
Beyond Dublin, the East of Ireland tells a different story with the counties of Cavan, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Offaly, Meath, Monaghan, Westmeath and Wicklow offering a contrasting slice of life. This region is famed for its rich natural charms, ancient sites of Newgrange and Clonmacnoise, top golfing and world-renowned horseracing. The county of Kildare, in particular, is home to some of the world’s finest thoroughbreds and the 2006 Ryder Cup.
But what really defines the East is the unspoiled countryside. With glistening lakes, tranquil rivers, authentic rural life, scenic pastureland, rolling hills and forest parks, this area is a haven for outdoors enthusiasts with cycling, watersports, walking, angling, golfing, horseriding and cruising all in plentiful supply.
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Northern Ireland
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Northern Ireland's beauty is intertwined with rich culture and the renowned friendliness of its people. Northern Ireland has grown a lot over the years. For those looking for a dose of culture, you can choose from boisterous oyster festivals to authentic horse fairs, and from ancient castles to elegant country houses. But escaping to the great outdoors is where this spectacular part of Ireland really comes to life.
Take the Causeway Coastal Route, for instance. Voted one of the best scenic drives in the world, it takes in the magnificent Giant’s Causeway, with its 40,000 basalt stone columns that step into the Irish Sea. Those looking for exceptional vistas and panoramic views would do well to visit the slopes of Slieve Donard in the magical Mourne Mountains; pleasure seekers should take a trip to the glistening Fermanagh Lakelands where watersports and bankside strolls go hand in hand; or maybe you could take a hike across the Sperrin Mountains, which stretch from the shores of Lough Neagh in County Tyrone to south of beautiful County Londonderry.
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Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is alive with energy and making your way round is easy, as the city is split into four equally distinct quarters – the cathedral quarter, the Queen’s Quarter, the famous Titanic Quarter and the Gaeltacht Quarter. The walled city of Londonderry, meanwhile, is rich in heritage and walking these magnificent ancient structures that stretch 1.5km around the outskirts is an ideal way to appreciate the historic cityscape and the shimmering River Foyle at their very best.
Christian heritage is strongly embedded in Northern Ireland, too, with the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of St Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. Maybe pay a visit to 5th century St Patrick’s church in Armagh City while you’re here, or take a trip to his burial spot, which is reputed to be in the grounds of Downpatrick Cathedral, County Down. Whatever you do, and wherever you go, you’re bound to find something to keep you enthralled in Northern Ireland.
The six counties of Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone are just waiting to be explored.
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South
The picturesque South of Ireland is famed for its relaxed pace of life and outstanding natural beauty. Encompassing the counties of Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, the South promises a wealth of variety whether you want to chow down on delectable local dishes, tee off on a lush coastal links or take some precious pampering time in a world-renowned spa.
The south is fast gaining a reputation as Ireland’s top gourmet spot. And with Farmers’ Markets popping up all over the area, you should keep your eyes peeled for foods that have a well-deserved reputation for excellence, such as soda breads, smokehouse specialities, mouthwatering cheeses and an abundance of fresh fish and seafood!
Each county offers up its own special magic. For pure indulgence, Kerry boasts a wealth of incredible spas; Cork replenishes the body with a plethora of critically acclaimed restaurants; while Waterford and Wexford are celebrated for their sun-warmed beaches and adorable coastal villages.
Inland lie the vibrant counties of Kilkenny, Tipperary and Carlow with their ancient heritage, endless festivals, cracking pubs and peaceful riverways. Tipperary, in particular, rings out the land of the horse, as this is the soil where many of our racing thoroughbreds first found their feet!
Ridiculously easy to get to by air or sea, Cork, Kerry and Shannon airports, and Rosslare port in County Wexford, can be your ideal starting point for that holiday of a lifetime! And throughout the South, you’ll be thrilled with endless opportunities for sightseeing, exceptional landscapes, great shopping, and some real gourmet delights, of course!
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