The island of Ireland is a beautiful, green country with plenty to see and do. But you may have a hard time deciding where to go.
Ireland is divided into two regions–Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Its history has been influenced by a complex mix of political, economic, and religious factors.
Donegal
Donegal is a remote Atlantic fringe county of immense beauty with a rugged indented coastline of 400 miles. It’s home to the Slieve League cliffs (among the highest in Europe) and Malin Head, the northernmost point on the Irish mainland and starting point for the Wild Atlantic Way.
Donegal has a long and varied cultural heritage. From the Glencolmcille Folk Village in the Gaeltacht to St Conall’s Museum and Heritage Centre in Letterkenny, there’s plenty to see and do here.
Donegal has a rich natural environment with mountains, lakes and bogs. It’s also home to a number of large fjords and innumerable smaller inlets and islands, such as Arranmore Island.
Cavan
Cavan is a region in Ireland that offers visitors a chance to enjoy a cultural experience. The county has a rich history and is known for its traditional music and dance.
One of the best things to do in Cavan is attend a traditional Irish music session at a local pub. These sessions are often lively and include audience participation.
Another great activity is to visit Drumlane Abbey, a historic ruin dating back to the 6th century. It is a significant site for anyone interested in Irish history and architecture.
You can also explore Killykeen Forest Park, a beautiful natural park that is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. It is a place that will not only take your breath away, but will also give you a chance to see some of the wildlife that calls it home.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a great place to experience the best of Ireland’s food culture. It’s known for its fine cuisine and has a huge number of high-end restaurants to choose from.
One of the most famous of these is Langtons on John Street Lower, a sophisticated restaurant that showcases both traditional Irish and international cuisine. If the weather is good, you can dine on an outdoor terrace.
A short drive from Kilkenny city is Dunmore Caves, one of the most impressive caves in Ireland. Here you can learn about Viking history and myths from 928AD and marvel at calcite formations that have formed over millions of years.
Kildare
Located west of Dublin, land-locked Kildare offers bucolic landscapes and a wide range of outdoor activities. The county also offers many historic sites for travelers to explore.
The name of the county is derived from the church and monastery founded by St Brigid in the fifth century. It was a centre of learning during medieval times.
It was shired in 1297, and assumed its present borders in 1832 following amendments to remove a number of enclaves and exclaves.
The county is home to the Irish National Stud, a fascinating insight into the highly evolved business of horse breeding. It’s also home to a variety of other attractions such as Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park and the Donadea Forest.
Dublin
Dublin is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant social and cultural scene. Home to many of Ireland’s leading universities, it also hosts an array of international financial services firms.
It’s a walkable city with a mix of public transport options, including buses and ferries to neighbouring countries. It’s best explored on foot, although cabs and bike hire are also available.
Grafton Street is one of the main shopping thoroughfares in the city and has a smattering of department stores, high-end brands and local boutiques. The street is lively and a popular destination for buskers, flower stalls and street food vendors.