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The Emerald Isle Spend St. Patrick.s Day this year where the holiday actually originated - in the beautiful country of Ireland! It.s not hard to understand why it is nicknamed .The Emerald Isle.. The land is well-known for its rich, fertile green country sides, rolling hills & cultivated gardens. And it offers many more treasures than just healthy foliage. Ireland.s centuries-old castles pay homage to past royal inhabitants, & its historical landmarks date as far back as the Neolithic (Stone Age) period. It.s impossible to explore the endless wonders, cultural traditions & great attractions of Ireland in one trip! But this guide can help you get started. |
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Getting There, Getting Around Most visitors to Ireland travel via England, although both Shannon & Dublin Airports have flights directly from the USA. The best way to see Ireland is by car, especially because many sights of interest are not served by public transport. However, car rental is expensive (& good luck driving from the opposite seat), so it would make good sense to arrange a package deal which includes bus or train passes, especially if you travel to the Emerald Isle during the peak tourist season between July & Sept. Apart from Ireland's wealth of walking & hiking routes, cycling is a great way to get around, too. For more info. on transportation, call My Guide Ireland at 800-255-9302. |
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Beaghmore Stones, Tyrone County Seven stone circles, dating back to 1,500 BC. Theories about their purpose range from burial markings to astronomical observations.
Blarney Castle, Cork County Built in 1446, it is home to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend says if you kiss the stone, you.ll never be at a loss for words.
Giant.s Causeway, Antrim County Naturally made hexagonal-shaped columns. Legend says giant Finn McCool built these .stepping stones,. leading from Northern Ireland to the Isle of Staffa.
Leap Castle, Offaly County Originally an O.Carroll family residence, it is one of the most haunted castles in Europe today, known for its eerie apparitions! |
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Other Sights to See: |
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Dublin - The Fair City Ireland.s capital of Dublin, also known as .The Fair City,. can trace its origins back over 1,000 years, from a small Viking settlement to one of Europe.s top urban hotspots. It.s a relatively small, safe & accessible city, enough to get around by foot. Dublin.s Luas tram system & the DART suburban railway both provide excellent transportation, as well. While in Ireland.s capital, a great place to visit first is the Dublin Tourist Center, where you can get maps & information to help you plan your journey around the city & country. Whether you prefer to stay in a bed & breakfast inn or a 5-star hotel, Ireland.s Capital offers lodging for any budget. View Dublin travel tips. |
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Newgrange Tomb, Boyne Valley |
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St. Patrick.s Cathedral, Dublin |
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Newgrange, Knowth & Dowth Passage-Tomb If you have only one day to sight-see while visiting Ireland, go to the mound-shaped Neolithic passage-tombs of Newgrange, Knowth & Dowth in Meath County.s Boyne Valley. Built from stone & earth around 3,200 BC - 600 years before Egypt.s Pyramids of Giza - the structures are among a group of the most important pre-historical monuments in the country. The only access to the ancient tombs is by shuttle bus from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Center, which will give you an extensive exhibition of Newgrange, Knowth & Dowth. It would be wise to pre-book your guided tour through these spectacular Boyne Valley monuments, as it.s an extremely popular attraction. For info. on reservations & fees, e-mail the visitor center at brunaboinne@opw.ie. |
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Designed by Cynthia Nord, 2008 |
