Ireland Travel: Vacation Guide and Resources
In the past, waves of Irish emigrants settled in the United States and other countries. More recently, many Irish are returning home. The one thing that doesn't change is the popularity of Ireland travel. People flock to Ireland for golf, sightseeing and Irish history. This Web Guide can help you plan an Ireland vacation, from making travel reservations to arranging castle stays. Ireland travel will introduce you to “craic,” a celtic term referring to good music, good drink and good people—in other words, a good time. Our Web Guide will show you how to start planning your Ireland vacation.
Expand All Guide SectionsIreland Tourism Resources
The Republic of Ireland includes 83 percent of the country and 26 counties, while Northern Ireland ... read more »
Irish Language, Culture, and Travel Requirements
Before traveling anywhere, you'll want to know a bit about the culture, customs, and health and ... read more »
Getting to Ireland
Making travel arrangements, particularly booking flights, may seem inconvenient and tedious, but ... read more »
Ireland Hotels and Other Accomodations
Ireland offers hostels, hotels, B&Bs, and yes, even castles as possible accommodations. Below, ... read more »
Getting Around in Ireland
It may ease travel anxiety to have a general idea of how to get around in Ireland before you ... read more »
Dublin, Galway and Other Irish Cities
Ireland boasts a landscape of vibrant cities and magnificent natural features, amid quaint villages and rolling countryside. Each Irish metropolis presents a unique character, often centering around a university, but tempered by the presence of life-long residents. This section outlines Ireland's coveted locales.
Dulcinea's Insight
- There is plenty to experience outside the pubs as well, such as the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) area of Connemara, west of Galway. Here, you'll find many road signs written in Gaelic. As Ireland is notorious for its confusing (or missing, in the case of rural roads) road signs, visit Do chara (described further below) for a bit of clarification.
- Ireland's cities all have well-trodden tourist attractions, but venturing off the path often yields rewards. For example, Limerick is known for King John's Castle and The Hunt Museum, but lesser-known Cratloe Woods is a great, low-cost family activity with an obstacle course for kids.
- Limerick is sometimes referred to as "knife city," and has a reputation for crime. However, the two universites are growing, lending a friendlier atmosphere and plenty of pubs to this charming city.
- Galway is said to be the fastest growing city in Western Europe, and has an exciting international scene. Plenty of cafes and the quiet harbor give the backpacker-laden city a more relaxed vibe than Dublin.
Dulcinea's Picks
For Dublin ...
Visit Dublin
looks slightly like an ad-only site, but do not be deterred; it has a wealth of information, whether you're a first-time visitor or a veteran traveler of Ireland. The site offers an iWalk tour of the city, with free podcast audio guides featuring the voice of Dublin author, historian, and artist, Pat Liddy. You can also book a trip, review attractions and learn of upcoming events.
The New York Times
presents updated advice on how to spend "36 Hours in Dublin." Discover an alternative to Guinness stout, learn where to get the tastiest brunch and which music landmark not to miss, and get the scoop on how to spend your days (bookstore browsing) and nights (dancing) in this increasingly sophisticated metropolis.
For Galway ...
Discover Ireland
paints a vivid picture of the rugged landscape, lakes, and people that make Galway such a memorable destination, and the university that lends vibrancy to the city. You'll find contact information for the Galway Tourism Office, which is conveniently located just across the street from where Bus Éireann drops off passengers traveling from Shannon airport to Galway.
Galway.net
outlines the waterways of Galway with photos and details of the navigational and drainage schemes. You'll also learn which industries thrived along each waterway from the 1860s through today.
Do Chara
has details of the Galway Cathedral, with historical information and insight into the building's architecture and interior art, as well as a map showing where the Cathedral is located.
For Cork ...
Cork City
presents a thorough travel guide, including "The Top Ten Must-Do's in Cork," a look at the local vocabulary and history, maps, photos and more. The site also offers a comprehensive explanation of Cork's buildings and tourist attractions, which any visitor should find helpful.
The Cork-Guide
Web site is not very attractive (you'll have to ignore flickering ads and navigate long lists), but offers plenty of information. Stick to the visitor attractions, accommodation, and pubs and restaurants sections for the best results on this site. Historical background is included in descriptions of parks and castles, and you can link directly to numerous B&Bs and holiday cottages.
For Limerick ...
Limerick Leader
updates you on the local news and happenings, whether you're preparing for your trip or you've already landed. Don't miss the community forum to learn what Limerick natives like best about their town.
Limerick's Life
presents history, amusing anecdotes and vintage photographs of the third largest city in Ireland. Browse the collection of maps from today and yesterday, or read the "Old Newspaper Extracts" or "Tragic Stories" for a bit of authentic Irish lore.
For Adare ...
Adare Heritage Centre
is devoted to Adare, known as the prettiest village in Ireland. The Norman Castle is only one of the town's attractions (open from July through the end of October). Though the site content is spare, you'll find links to Web sites for lodging, restaurants and activities in the area.
For Malahide ...
Visit Malahide
is an independent tourism Web site for the small town, 30 minutes north of Dublin. Find accommodations, and learn about the town's attractions, including water sports and golfing, and find eateries and pubs. Consider planning a day trip from Dublin, utilizing each category presented on this site.
Malahide Online
provides a vivid selection of photographs of the small town, including views of the water, a charming pottery shop and classic pubs.
For Connemara ...
Connemara Ireland
explains the geography of this area in the western part of the county of Galway, and details the island's regions. Click on each region name for historical background and notable attractions, as well as links to maps and to "more information," where you'll find nearby accommodation options.
Connemara.net
caters to locals with a message board of local news and events, but it also offers an interesting and comprehensive history of Connemara. There are some beautiful photos available on the site as well.
Connemara Tourism
will help you discover different regions and accommodation options, including hostels, hotels and guesthouses. You'll also find links to local arts and crafts shops, as well as bars and restaurants.
For Glendalough national park ...
Heritage Ireland
has travel information for Glendalough, including details from the visitor center of this glacially-carved, early Christian ecclesiastical settlement, founded in the 6th century. Get information on tours of the monastic remains, and contact information for the visitor center.
For islands and scenic attractions ...
AranIslands.com
features an interactive map, and accommodation and tourism information for the three Aran Islands: Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr. For the most authentic Aran Islands experience, visit Inis Meáin, the least frequented of the three and the best example of what the islands were like before tourists arrived. If you travel to Inis Mor, be sure to visit the Aran Heritage Centre, which gives guided tours explaining the islands' history. For location and hours, see the Centre's site.
The Cliffs of Moher
are among Ireland's most enchanting scenic attractions. Rich with history and folkore, the cliffs also serve as a bird sanctuary and provide a natural perch for visitors wanting to relax and take in the splendid panorama. Get driving directions and a calendar of events, and take a virtual tour of the area on this site.
Entertainment in Ireland
It's no challenge to go out and have a good time in Ireland, whether over a pint, to a backdrop of ... read more »
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