IRELAND
Ireland provides a complete holiday package for tourists who want to soak themselves up in the most peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. They can experience splendid nature with a slow pace of life away from their hectic and stressful routine. Being the third largest island in Europe, Ireland is politically divided into Northern Ireland (part of United Kingdom) and the Republic of Ireland (sovereign state of Ireland).
HISTORY
The history of Ireland dates back to 8000 BC inhabited both by Vikings and Normans in the middle ages. About 4000 years later, Neolithic culture was established by the tribes arrived from Southern Europe. The megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth in County Meath are the oldest Neolithic sites built around 3200 BC. These famous sites are known to be older than Stonehenge in England and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Ireland became a part of Great Britain in 1801. In 1921, an Anglo-Irish treaty was signed creating the independent Ireland and Northern Ireland. The independent Ireland became a republic in 1949. St. Patrick, famous patron saint of Ireland is credited of introducing Christianity in Ireland though he doesn’t originally belong to Ireland.
ECONOMY
Irish economy is one of the leading economies in the European Union driven by the tertiary sector known as “Celtic Tiger”. Financial services, call centres, catering and tourism are the major industries of this sector. The tourism industry alone employs 100000 people in Ireland. In 2005, Economist magazine ranked Ireland as the best place to live in the world as per the quality of life. The global recession has hit Ireland too like many other countries bringing its unemployment rate to 12.2% in 2009, but its fundamentally strong economy will help to overcome it. Irish economy is mainly dominated by industry and exports in the modern times though traditionally it is an agriculture oriented economy. Ireland is proud to have fourth highest per capita GDP in the world out of which tertiary sector has contributed about 49%.
Currency of Republic of Ireland is Euro after joining the European Union though the currency of Northern Island is Sterling pound being a territory of Britain. Also the UK visa is valid for Northern Ireland whereas a separate visa is required for the Republic.
TRAVELLING
Ireland is well connected through air, road, railways and ports. Although trains are more popular in Ireland, the country is well linked with the world by five main international airports i.e. Dublin Airport, Belfast International Airport, Cork Airport, Shannon Airport and Ireland West Airport. There are several small regional airports also. The main cities of Ireland are easily accessible by the extensive railways. One can travel to Ireland by a standard Eurail Pass which can be used to travel throughout Europe. This is the most inexpensive, reliable and convenient way for tourists to get across the countryside with minimum hassle. Britrail pass is another cost effective way to travel in Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland. Ireland has an extensive road network with developing motorways connecting all the major cities of the island. Many travellers choose to purchase Irish Rambler pass which allows unlimited access to any of Ireland’s buses. Some travellers having a valid driving license of their country also prefer to hire cars and drive themselves to enjoy the countryside but they should be cautious regarding the driving rules and regulations.
ACCOMMODATION
The hospitality industry has blossomed in Ireland providing a wide range of choices of lodging to attract a growing number of international tourists. Ireland has a wide collection of modern boutique hotels, cosy welcoming B&BS to lavish country houses and opulent castles. So there is ample availability of housing suiting to any budget and needs of the traveller. Hostel facilities are also offered for young travellers who do not intend to spend much time in their rooms. They are clean, cheap and safe and provide a great opportunity to interact with other adventurous travellers. Bed and Breakfast provide a wonderful experience of dining home cooked meals and living in a friendly and peaceful atmosphere. It is advisable to get a reservation in advance if one is planning a holiday in the busy summer.
ACTIVITIES
Visitors have loads to do in Ireland from golfing, fishing, water based activities to adventure holidays. Tourists having affinity for water can go about surfing, sailing and scuba diving in the Atlantic Ocean. Canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and wake boarding are also offered for tourists who can experience some adventure in Ireland’s waterways. Paragliding, zorbing and sky diving provides an opportunity to the travellers to have a breath taking experience. Hiking and cycling are other favourites among the visitors who want to enjoy the sparsely populated countryside of Ireland. Visitors who are in pursuit of Irish culture can take classes in traditional Irish music, go for archaeological walks around Celtic sites or can take up courses on prominent figures like Oscar Wilde and WB Yeates.
DUBLIN
This capital city of Ireland is the largest and most popular with the tourists. The visitors favour its vibrant art and culture, warm, friendly people and pulsating streets with theatres, cafes, pubs and other activities. Dublin is also home to several top attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse and Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating from around 800 AD, making it one of the oldest books in the world. Dublin Castle is another preferred destination which includes the Dublin museum and the Chester Beatty Library. Dublin’s City Hall exhibits a terrific 18th century architecture which attracts tourists from many countries and also serves as Dublin’s City Council. In summers the visitors can enjoy and celebrate the magic of Midsummer-the longest day of the year in the Temple Bar along with lively music and the yummy chocolate festival. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral and antique shopping on Francis Street are other favourites among the visitors. A four day St. Patrick’s Day Carnival, the Viking Splash tours and the Heineken Green Energy Festival are famous among party lover vacationers. At night, tourists enjoy the clubs, pubs and the hilarious comedy shows happening in the city. Guinness Brewery serving world renowned beverage still remains the crowd favourite. Stand up at the Bankers is the new upcoming night club in Dublin which brings the best comedy talent. The vacation to Dublin is incomplete without a visit to the authentic, jolly Irish pub.
WICKLOW
The country town of Wicklow dominated by Sugar Loaf Mountain is amusingly a relaxing place having comforting seaside resort (Bray) with National Sea Life Centre. Wicklow Historic Gaol is the main attraction depicting events of Irish history. Glendalough having a round tower and stone churches is a famous ascetic site. The highest waterfall in Ireland, Powers court has a pleasurable footpath to provide a good view to the visitors. Killruddery House Gardens, Mount Usher Gardens and Glen Cormac Gardens offer splendid formal paradise for plant lovers.
CORK
Cork is Ireland’s largest county where tourism related activities has formed a major part. It has a combination of glorious mountains with rich agricultural land, main seaport and romantic castles. St. Anne’s Church is the main local landmark and tourist attraction of Cork. It is famous for its chime of 8 bells and the spectacular view of the city. The Woollen Mills and Blarney House along with Blarney Castle are worth seeking out places in Blarney. St. Colman’s Cathedral dominates the city centre of Cork. The history of Ireland’s main port Cobh and its luxury liners (including the Titanic) is narrated in Cobh heritage centre. Bnatry House and Gardens along with Armada Exhibition Centre are both entertaining and educational which makes it a perfect location for the entire families. Gougane Barra a famous place for pilgrimage consists of outdoor activities like cycling, fishing and walking. Cork is also known for its English market where the food loving travellers can tour and taste the fresh local produces of the country. Patrick Street, Grande Parade, Princes Street and Oliver Plunkett Street are definitely a place to visit.
KERRY
Kerry traditionally known as ‘kingdom’ is blessed with grand scenic beauty from giant crags of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks to the serene Killarney Lake. Carrantoohill, the highest mountain of Ireland provides an exciting stroll to the top of the hill. Most of the area of this county is untouched and unexplored. The Skelling Islands give a thrilling experience of inaccessible rocks and life on island where an old Christian monastery is situated. The Ring of Kerry provides a spectacular drive along the coast and to the island of Skelling. Many tourists are attracted to this unspoilt area for outdoor activities, water sports and fishing and for an amazing insight to its ancient heritage. Crag Cave, Gallarus Oratory and Blennerville Windmill are some other stimulating attractions in Kerry. Killarney National Park, the first national park of Ireland provides spectacular view of moor land, waterways, parks and gardens.
CULTURE
Irish people are known for their fun and friendly nature. They celebrate all their festivals great pomp and show which is a must watch for the tourists. The Irish Independent Event Industry has awarded St. Patrick’s Festival as ‘Best Entertainment Event’ attracting tourists all over the globe. Ireland is also known for its traditional Irish music, theatre, cinema and visual arts which present the best insight to the Irish culture. Irish are born to be writers having a unique way with words. John McGahern, James Joyce and William Trevor are some of the prominent Irish writes putting a feather in the cap of Irish literature. Irish food has specialities of Dublin Bay prawns, Oysters and Irish stew which is a must try for all food lovers. Irish coffee and Guinness are the most popular drinks in Ireland.
The vacationers hence should pack their bags and get ready to experience the wonderfully wild island of Ireland. Trip to Ireland is a perfect holiday for all kinds of travellers offering exceptional experience. Being the 31st economic power of the world, Ireland enjoys the richly textured natural beauty along with the modernization of a developed country.
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