From the wild Atlantic West Coast to the Capital city of Dublin, Ireland is an ancient land dating back to around 8000BC just waiting for you to explore it. Blessed with mile after mile of lush green countryside and craggy coastline it is a true beauty to behold and boasts exquisite UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Skellig Michael and Brú na Bóinne. Situated just off the West coast of the UK this rich cultural hub is also a deeply religious country too with around 90% of the population Catholic. Music and Dance play a major part in Irish life and you won't have to travel far to come across an energetic Ceili dance or a traditional folk music sing-a-long! Sample tradtional and folk music at the Temple Bar TradFest which hosts the very best in local music in some of Dublin City's most distinctive venues during January. Summer brings warmer weather to Ireland and the Galway International Arts Festival in July is sure to spread a bright smile across your face with its eclectic mix of arts and productions! Stews, Hot Pots and plenty of hearty meals are all on the menu to give you a taste of the Irish Cuisine whilst this wonderful land is also famed for its drinks with Whiskey, Irish Coffee and of course Guinness amongst the favourite tipples. So whether it be a dash of culture, singing and dancing your way through the cobbled streets of Cork, shopping and swigging the Guinness in Dublin or simply exploring the Connemara, Ireland is definitely a breath of fresh air for the inquisitive traveller.
Ireland's Capital city presents the perfect opportunity to anyone looking for a city break with the ability to escape to the countryside at a moments notice. Boasting all the attractions of a modern city, Dublin also provides a prime location for you to explore the Wicklow Mountains and the kite-surfing, white water rafting and mountain biking trails available there! Strike a balance between the city and countryside with a stay at the Fitzpatrick Castle Holiday Homes located a mere 30 minute-drive from Dublin City Centre. Regarded by UNESCO as a World City of Literature, Dublin has produced and been graced by some of the most famous writers and musicians from Oscar Wilde to Bono. The proud home of Ireland's favourite beer, Dublin's Guinness Storehouse gives a fascinating insight into this 250 year-old tipple and with one pub to every 100 citizens there's no shortage of places to have a pint! Visit Dublin's National Museum and Gallery and you'll encounter a marvellous collection that tells the story of Ireland's past and helps to show where this great country is going. Discover Dublin by boat with a cruise along the River Liffey and remember to bring your camera along as you'll be passing the Ha'penny Bridge and Jeanie Johnson Tall Ship too.
Heading to the Western side of Ireland that is met by the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the real, rugged side to Ireland presents itself. Dubbed a “savage beauty” by Oscar Wilde, Connemara is a true natural beauty that is serenely quiet yet remains in touch with modern Ireland. Take a walk through its well-loved gardens, skim stones on the deserted beaches or simply find a local pub to lap up the romance. The traditional feel of this region has been well maintained in the Connemara Country Cottages which provide a timeshare sanctuary to return to year after year. Dating back to 1500AD is the Aughnanure Castle which is very close to the Connemara Cottages and is one of the more well-preserved Irish Tower Houses for you to explore. If you wish to experience city life on this coastline then head into Galway which is home to the historic St Nicholas’s Collegiate Church, built in 1320, which is reported to have been visited by Christopher Columbus in 1477. Horse racing is a favoured sport in Ireland and the Galway Race track plays host to a Summer Festival which is sure to tickle the fancy of those looking for a thrill and a flutter too!