Explore Ireland

Ireland isn’t called “The Emerald Isle” for no reason—nearly any photo capture of this island depicts gentle grassy hills dotted with trees and flowering shrubs, all in vibrant, vivid green.  But there’s far more to this small Country than peaceful farmland.  A look into their history and folklore will tell you that they love ghost stories, dark fairy tales, and legends of larger-than-life heroes.

The people of Ireland live up to their reputation as gregarious and welcoming to newcomers, willing to share their culture with visitors.  Your visit to Ireland will be full of music, laughter, and what the Irish call “craic” —it’s become synonymous with the word “fun” but it’s far more than that.  It’s community and friendly gossip and socializing.  You can’t have “craic” without friends to help you share it.  And you’ll make plenty of those on your trip, just wait and see.

What To See & Do

You could head deep into the mountains that rise to dominate  Killarney National Park, in which small towns and fields of flowers are nestled amongst staggering views of misty hills and lakes.  You could drive along the coast and encounter small fishing and farming villages that still support the communities around them.  You could head for one of the big cities—Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick—if you’re looking for an urban excursion.

Castles are peppered all over Ireland, the most famous being the Blarney Castle near Cork.  But don’t stop there!  Ashford Castle in County Galway and Doe Castle in County Donegal are not to be missed.  No matter what you choose, you’ll be surprised and enchanted.

What To Eat

Irish food tends heavily toward local seafood and meats paired with farm-fresh produce.  It’s easy to find more variety in larger cities, but you should try a few traditional Irish dishes like colcannon, shepherd’s pie, fresh oysters, and don’t forget to wash it down with an ale or porter if you can.  Ireland prides itself on the production of several high-quality varieties of spirits and beers.

Getting Around

You can easily get from place to place by train.  Ireland has a widespread rail system that will allow you to get all the way from one end to the other in a matter of hours.  But make sure you stop and take time for each destination to steep yourself in the local culture.  Try the local specialty at one of the many pubs and ask about the most interesting sights in town.

Entry Requirements

Keep in mind that the Schengen and UK visas do not apply to Ireland, and you will need to obtain separate permission to enter this country if you hold one of them.  Visitors from many countries do not need to apply for a visa and may enter with a passport.  To find out if your country is one of them, go to this website:

https://www.dfa.ie/travel/visas/visas-for-ireland/

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