The Emerald Isle is one of Europe’s most delightful destinations – a compact country with gorgeous landscapes, rich traditions, a lively music scene and the world’s best pubs. Its vibrant cities are packed with historical highlights, but it’s in the countryside where Ireland really comes into its own. Here you’ll find rolling hills painted infinite shades of green, sleepy hamlets straight off a 19th-century postcard and a stark coastline that ranks among the world’s most beautiful. Forget the pot o’ gold at the end of the rainbow – Ireland’s treasures are everywhere you look.

Key Highlights

Dublin’s friendly locals have an overwhelming joy for life, something that never fails to rub off on visitors to Ireland’s fun-filled capital. Visit the fascinating Dublin Castle and Trinity College or enjoy a taste of Ireland’s legendary liquid exports at the Guinness Brewery and Jameson Distillery.

Set on the River Lee, Cork delights visitors with a rich artistic culture, beautiful old buildings, quaint 17th-century alleyways and a healthy selection of pubs and restaurants. Not far from the city lies Blarney Castle, whose famous stone is said to grant the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it.

Located on a scenic bay, the lively town of Galway is the perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of western Ireland. The nearby Cliffs of Moher are guaranteed to impress, measuring up to 214 metres high and housing a plethora of different seabirds. Just offshore from Galway lie the windswept Aran Islands, a picturesque stronghold of traditional culture where Irish is the main language spoken.

Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford was an important Viking settlement, but is better known today as the home of Waterford Crystal. Splendid Georgian homes and a state-of-the-art museum make this historic seaport well worth a look.

In Depth

The Ring of Kerry is one of Europe’s loveliest drives – a 170 km circuit of lakes, mountains and glorious coastal scenery. Join a bus tour or rent your own car to meander along the dramatic Iveragh Peninsula and through charming villages such as Waterville and Irish-speaking Sneem.

Many of Ireland’s most magnificent landscapes are found in the Connemara region. Its intricate Atlantic coastline offers a succession of small inlets, quiet fishing villages and tranquil islands while the interior is a scenic cornucopia of valleys, lakes and peat bogs.