Ireland, Europe

 

It is not the prospect of a classic beach holiday which every year attracts more and more holidaymakers to the Ireland. Visitors to Ireland are more likely to come for the fabled clear waters, the fresh air and the unspoilt natural landscape with its sumptuous green meadows and hills. Ireland is a leading holiday destination for walkers, anglers and golfers.

Its numerous footpaths lead through wild romantic and everchanging landscapes, past druid stone circles and stone forts overgrown with moss. The climate is ideal for outdoor sporting activities - not too hot in summer, nor too cold in winter - and wherever you are, on a footpath or golf course, there is moderately priced accommodation, be it Bed & Breakfast, guest houses, or small farm homestays.

Hotels an holiday rentals in ireland

A stay on the island would not be complete without sampling its extraordinarily charming natural scenery. In spring the island is quite simply a sea of flowers, with wild rhododendron bushes and majestic fuchsias. The raw Atlantic coast to the southwest has one of Europe´s most beautiful coastlines, the Ring of Kerry, running for around 150km with craggy stone cliffs, sandy beaches with deserted coves, bird populations and forests. Every corner of the island has its own individual charm, from the rather stark charm of the craggy stone cliffs where screeching birds soar over precipitous drops, to the lush high moorlands and meadows.

Folklore tells accurately of the forty or more shades of green to be found on the island. For those not already sated by Ireland´s natural beauty, there are many cultural highlights to be enjoyed on this island of poets and artists. Some of its medieval churches and castles, and many old manor houses have been renovated for use as hotels. Burial chambers from the bronze age and remains of Norman buildings are attractions for those visitors interested in the country´s cultural heritage. And whilst life runs at a relaxed pace in the inland areas, the the heart of modern cultural beats strongly in the country´s larger towns: Limerick, Cork, Galway and of course the capital Dublin.

In 2005 Cork was crowned European Capital of Culture, which prompted numerous ambitious cultural projects. Why not pay a visit to Cork´s picturesque old town, the Jazz Festival or the Cork Film Festival. Limerick, on the banks of the beautiful river Shannon, also boasts the famous Hunt Museum and King John´s Castle. In Dublin itself literary enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to Dublin Writer´s Museum or the James Joyce Museum. Lovers of modern art will probably prefer the Museum of Modern Art. Whatever you choose to do by day, you will be well catered for by night: in Dublin´s old town there are numerous pubs and bars where you can see the day out over a good irish whisky, an irish coffee, a Kilkenny or a Guinness. Party animals have the run of the top clubs and lounge bars, and a particular experience is the five-day long St. Patrick´s Festival, which turns the city into a colourful party whirlwind. As far as accommodation is concerned, the choice is yours: small, peaceful Bed & Breakfasts and guest houses in the rural areas, holiday homes and hotels of all types in the cities.

 

picture source: Cliffs of Moher

 

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