Ireland Vacation Planning
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Irish Destinations
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Ireland offers the traveler myriad choices for a vacation full of nights on the town, world-class seafood, relaxing with a pint in a pub, high-end shopping, fly fishing or meandering walks. If you like an urban vacation full of shopping, pub crawling and museums, choose Dublin. Like seeing ancient ruins? Visit the island of Inishmore. Enjoy quaint villages and bike riding? Try West Cork. And if you thrive on taking the road less traveled, head north to Belfast and Londonderry in Northern Ireland. They all represent a special sampling of the best Ireland has to offer.
Dublin
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Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and its largest city. Travel to Dublin can range from extravagant luxury--such as a stay at the Westbury off Grafton Street--to low-end budget at a youth hostel. Dublin's favorite literary sons include James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, William Butler Yeats and George Bernard Shaw, and taking a tour based on their works and old haunts is an engaging way to get to know the city. Shopping along Grafton Street, strolling along historic McConnell Street, picnicking in Phoenix Park, learning how stout is made at the Guinness Brewery or grabbing a pint at Temple Bar--there is much to do in the bustling Irish capital.
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County Galway
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If you're looking for a little less hustle and bustle, head to the West of Ireland to County Galway. The city of Galway is like a quainter version of Dublin with a decided maritime feel. Consider staying in the stunning Connemara area of County Galway at the Abbeyglen Castle above the town of Clifden. Or check out the Dun Aonghasa, the ancient ruins off Galway on the island of Inishmore. You're bound to hear some Irish (Gaelic) spoken in this county as the language is still frequently spoken.
County Cork
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County Cork, in the very southern end of Ireland, boasts picturesque rolling hills and stunning coastal views, and is home to one of Ireland's most famous attractions: the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. If you kiss this block of stone near the top of castle, per the legend, you will be given the gift of gab. In West Cork you'll meander through small fishing villages and marvel at the drop-dead gorgeous ocean scenery. The port town of Kinsale is world-renowned for its restaurants and yachting.
Northern Ireland
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A visit to the north of Ireland isn't always on everyone's Irish itinerary. With its history of political strife or what is locally called "the Troubles," it has been less visited than other Irish destinations. With the IRA declaring an end to its campaign in 2005, peace has prevailed and tourists are making their way back. Londonderry, more commonly known as Derry, is a walled city with lovely Victorian and Georgian architecture. The walls were built between 1614 and 1619 and following their thick circumference provides a lovely walk around the small city. Amelia Earhart landed near Derry on her first transatlantic flight and you can now find a small museum about her maiden voyage.
Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital city, is a vibrant city with a dark recent history. Try one of the Black Taxi tours, which are led by cab drivers who worked in Belfast in its rough years, and hear their very colorful stories. Belfast also has the distinction of being the town where the "Titanic" was built. You can still visit the shipyard where the ill-fated ship was made.
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