Discovering Ireland

© Tourismireland

This island in northeastern Europe still shelters some places where time seems to have stopped. This country surrounded by ancient myths and legends is a place of discovery and encounter. Its magnificent landscapes are worth the detour as well as its particularly welcoming inhabitants.

It is not for nothing that Ireland came out on top in 2009 in the ranking of countries offering the best welcome to its visitors!

. Dublin

© Tourismireland

Ireland has two capitals: Dublin and Belfast!
The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin, is located in a region of exciting historical sites and exciting sporting events.

Dublin is often the first contact of visitors with Ireland. This cosmopolitan city is one of the most dynamic cities in Europe with its astonishing mixture of history, traditions, culture, elegant architecture, trendy bars and pubs .

. Belfast

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Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is now an important center of attraction, with its shops, fashionable bars and Victorian architecture making it one of the most popular destinations in Europe!

Just a stone's throw from Belfast, do not miss a trip to County Antrim (pictured). You will be charmed by this region which has one of the most impressive natural sites in the world: the Giant's Causeway. Its stunning coastline, historic castles and nine panoramic glens will leave you with an unforgettable memory.

. The spectacular landscape of the west coast

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Ireland is perhaps known as the land of the 40 shades of green, but not all the remarkable natural sites of the island shine with this emerald hue.

Formed nearly 340 million years ago, the Burren, for example, is an astonishing region that stretches along the western coast of Ireland, northern Clare County to the south of Galway County. This spectacular landscape, unique, is spread over kilometers of a limestone plateau, intersected by winding streams and lakes, labyrinthine grottoes and covered with rich flora, representing more than 70% of the native flora of the island .

Rich cultural heritage, the Burren contains more than 500 circular forts and more than 80 Neolithic tombs.

. Aran Islands

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The islands of Ireland, far from the world, resonate with mythical beauty. They are a dream retreat for anyone who aspires to be away from it all. Many of them did not have electricity until the 1970s and the genius of the island culture is still very present there.

The inhabitants of the three islands (Inishmore, Inishmaan, Inisheer) live throughout the year of traditional fishing, but summer tourism accounts for a significant part of their income. Inishmore is the largest island and has a port where the ferry comes from the mainland. On the island, several forts date from the Iron Age. The island played an important role in the spread of early Christianity in Ireland, as evidenced by many church ruins.

. The Irish coast

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Ireland has a spectacular coastline that stretches over 1,448 km, beaten by the powerful waves of the Atlantic in the west and the Irish Sea in the east. The Irish coast has a thousand treasures: steep cliffs, crystal-clear streams, pristine sandy beaches, fishing villages where you can taste some of the best seafood in the world.

It is also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Not to be missed: Kinsale in County Cork, Kerry, Dunmore East in Waterford County, Roundstone in County Galway, Cushendun in County Antrim and Kilcar in Donegal.

. The People's Republic of Cork

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Located on the southwest coast of Ireland, County Cork is the largest of Irish counties and certainly one of the most varied. Anchored in more than 4,000 years of history, Cork today offers visitors a real wealth of culture and tradition.

The County of Cork is the region of colors, contrasts and grandiose landscapes.
Cork's lively and reassuring streets, the wild beauty of the west, the peaceful grace of the north and the holiday atmosphere of the east make up a mosaic of attractions that are only to be discovered and appreciated !

. Wexford, the sunny south-east of Ireland

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You will not want to leave this county with the sunny beaches and the littoral enamelled of pretty villages such as Courtown, Curracloe and Duncannon ...

Nothing presses in the sunny south-eastern part of Ireland. Explore the botanical garden, picturesque villages, beautiful castles, abbeys and mansions, as well as the oldest lighthouse in the world, at the tip of Hook Head.

And if you like ornithology, you will be filled: the region indeed has a great diversity of birds.

. Saint Patrick

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Astonishing as it may seem, the famous patron saint of Ireland was not born in Ireland. Saint Patrick was indeed abducted in Great Britain by Irish pirates and brought to Ireland where, sold as a slave, he had to work as a shepherd. Having escaped, he returned to the British island, where God appeared to him, and commanded him to return to Ireland as a missionary.

Recognized today as the evangelizer of Ireland, Saint Patrick is the object of many places of pilgrimage, where are preserved relics dating from that time.

One of the most famous places is the Croagh Patrick Mountain in Mayo County, where Patrick fasted for 40 days in the year 441. Each year, on the last Sunday in July, pilgrims ascend the sacred mountain. The remains of St. Patrick would be buried at Downpatrick Cathedral, County Down.

. Irish Pubs

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The traditional "pub" is the heart of cultural, social and musical life in Ireland! We do not go to an Irish pub just for a drink. You can philosophize on the meaning of life, exchange great political ideas, listen to poetry readings, tap a traditional music tune, savor a plate of mussels or simply enjoy a pint of Guinness in front of a Good fire crackling.

Sit at the bar if you want to chat with the locals, or sit quietly in one of the small private corners, which were originally intended for ladies.

. Irish gastronomy: traditional and innovative

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Gourmets and gourmets can sample the best of Irish cuisine in each region. A tour of Ireland can indeed be done under the sign of gastronomy! The number of traditional dishes is difficult to enumerate, but they all have one common datum: the ingredients of Irish cuisine come from Ireland itself.

The most typical dish is probably the Irish Stew (pictured): a lamb stew, served with potatoes, carrots, onion and parsley.

Another authentic dish is the Champ, appreciated especially in winter. It is a mixture of pureed potatoes, green onions, butter and milk.

Contemporary Irish cuisine could be described as "variations on the same theme" in which chefs transform traditional dishes into quality modern gastronomy!

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