Lonely Planets Discover Ireland

DISCOVER IRELAND

TOP SIGHTS, AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Welcome to Ireland

Dont think the Ireland of postcards is just a two-dimensional fi ction: it very much exists. Youll fi nd it along the peninsulas of the southwest, in the brooding loneliness of Connemara and the dramatic wildness of the Aran Islands.

Ireland has modernised dramatically, but some things endure. Brave the raging Atlantic on a crossing to Skellig Michael or spend a summers evening in the yard of a thatched-cottage pub and youll experience an Ireland that has changed little in generations.

History presents itself everywhere: from the breathtaking monuments of prehistoric Ireland at Br na Binne, to the fabulous ruins of a rich monastic past at Glendalough and Clonmacnoise. Irelands more recent history is visible in the Titanic Quarter in Belfast and the forbidding Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin.

Throughout your travels you will be overwhelmed by the cultural choices on offer see a play by one of the theatrical greats in Dublin, experience a traditional music session in a west-Ireland pub or attend a rock gig in a Limerick saloon. The Irish summer is awash with festivals celebrating everything from flowers in bloom to high literature.

OLIMPIO FANTUZ/4CORNERS

.

1 hours; or 1 hours

Head southwest for a day spent discovering the medieval delights of .

3 hours; or 2 hours

A car allows you to visit the impressive Rock of Cashel before staying overnight in , Irelands gourmet capital. Spend next morning in the city followed by an afternoon at Blarney Castle.

2 hours; or 1 hours

ULTIMATE IRELAND ITINERARY PLAN YOUR TRIP

From Cork head west to and base yourself in Killarney for three days while exploring Killarney National Park and making day trips around the scenic Ring of Kerry and Dingle peninsulas. Pray that good weather allows a boat trip to unforgettable Skellig Michael.

4 hours; or 3 hours

Travel north to , where four days will allow you to enjoy the citys lively pubs, and make day trips to County Clare, Connemara and the Aran Islands (drivers can take in Clare on the way from Killarney to Galway).

5 to 6 hours; or 4 hours

ULTIMATE IRELAND ITINERARY PLAN YOUR TRIP

Its a long haul from Galway via Dublin to to the Giants Causeway.

2 hours; or 2 hours

Finish your grand tour of Ireland back in , and if time allows make a day trip to the prehistoric splendour of Br na Boinne.

IRELANDS TOP 12 PLAN YOUR TRIP

A filigreed coast of tiny coves and beaches is the beautiful border of the and the wild waters of the Atlantic. Wandering characterful roads bring you from one village to another, each with trad pubs and restaurants serving seafood chowder cooked from recipes that are family secrets. Inland, the scenic drama is even greater. In desolate valleys, green hills, wildflowers and wild streams reflecting the blue sky provide elemental beauty.

IRELANDS TOP 12 PLAN YOUR TRIP

St Kevin knew a thing or two about magical locations when he chose a remote cave on a glacial lake nestled at the base of a forested valley as his monastic retreat. He inadvertently founded a settlement that would later prove to be one of Irelands most dynamic universities and, in our time, one of the countrys most beautiful ruined sites.

IRELANDS TOP 12 PLAN YOUR TRIP

is the name of both the picturesque peninsula jutting into the Atlantic from County Kerry, strewn with ancient ruins, and its delightful main town, the peninsulas beating heart. Fishing boats unload fish and shellfish that couldnt be any fresher if you caught it yourself, many pubs are untouched since their earlier incarnations as old-fashioned shops, artists sell their creations (including beautiful jewellery with Irish designs) at intriguing boutiques, and toe-tapping trad sessions take place around roaring pub fires.

IRELANDS TOP 12 PLAN YOUR TRIP