IRELAND
Inspire / plan / Discover / experience
Contents
Discover Ireland
Welcome to Ireland
Reasons to Love Ireland
Explore Ireland
Ireland Itineraries
Ireland for Natural Beauty
Ireland for History Buffs
Ireland on Tap
Ireland for Music Lovers
Ireland for Families
Ireland for Outdoor Adventures
Ireland for Bookworms
Ireland for Sports Fans
Ireland for Foodies
A Year in Ireland
A Brief History of Ireland
Experience Dublin
3 Days in Dublin
Dublin: Southeast
Dublin: Southwest
Dublin: North of the Liffey
Dublin: Beyond the Centre
Experience Ireland
Southeast Ireland
Cork and Kerry
The Lower Shannon
The West of Ireland
Northwest Ireland
The Midlands
Northern Ireland
Need to Know
Before You Go
Getting Around
Practical Information
KEY TO MAIN ICONS
PRICE GUIDE
KEY TO MAPS
Acknowledgments
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price guide
Throughout the guide the following price categories have been applied:
On a budget
Mid-range
Splurge
] ]] On a budget
]] ] Mid-range
]]] Splurge
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DISCOVER IRELAND
t The Ring of Kerry, from Valentia Island
Welcome to Ireland
Reasons to Love Ireland
Explore Ireland
Ireland Itineraries
Ireland for Natural Beauty
Ireland for History Buffs
Ireland on Tap
Ireland for Music Lovers
Ireland for Families
Ireland for Outdoor Adventures
Ireland for Bookworms
Ireland for Sports Fans
Ireland for Foodies
A Year in Ireland
A Brief History of Ireland
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Welcome To
Ireland
t Mussenden Temple at sunset, perched on a cliff edge along Northern Irelands north coast.
Rugged coastlines and lush green landscapes. World-class museums and cosy pubs packed with locals only too happy to prove that their reputation for Celtic charm is well deserved. Culture and craic; the Emerald Isle provides both in spades. Whatever your dream trip to Ireland includes, this DK Eyewitness travel guide is the perfect companion.
Ireland is a small island, but a spectacular one. Divided since 1921 into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, there are dazzling locations aplenty across both countries, from the famed Cliffs of Moher to Antrims stunning Causeway coastal route, one of Europes most dramatic drives. Hollywood agrees, and visitors may recognize Irelands natural beauty from the sets of Star Wars and Game of Thrones.
The cities, too, will not disappoint. Once battle-scarred, Belfast today is a rejuvenated place, with a fast-developing foodie scene and Cathedral Quarters impressive array of quirky bars and nightlife. In Dublin, trace the footsteps of the citys most famous literary sons, from James Joyce to Oscar Wilde, or spend an afternoon exploring the lush expanse of Phoenix Park. In the west, Galways colourful streets always offer a lively welcome, while Cork city counts picturesque waterways and the nearby Blarney stone among its many attractions.
Small enough to travel easily around, Ireland can still overwhelm with the sheer number of unmissable sites on offer. Weve broken the island down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge and colourful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether youre staying for a weekend, a week or longer, this DK Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best Ireland has to offer. Cad mle filte a hundred thousand welcomes from one of the friendliest islands on earth. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Ireland.
St Colmans Cathedral rising above the colourful fishing boats moored in Cobh harbour, County Cork.
Ornate, tight-packed graves in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.
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Reasons To Love
Ireland
Its scenery is spectacular. Its people are great craic. Its history is emotive. Ask anyone from Ireland and youll hear a different reason why they love their country. Here, we pick some of our favourites.
The craic
t Roughly translated as good times with friends, this is at the very root of Irish friendliness. An indefinable and irreverent humour, it prompts many a return visit to Ireland.
Discover Reasons to Love Ireland
Screen-worthy landscapes
t From Spielberg to Kubrick, and Star Wars to Game of Thrones, Irelands jaw-dropping landscapes have long been fertile ground for filmmakers.
Discover Reasons to Love Ireland
Newgrange
t Explore , older than Egypts pyramids and just as mysterious. It's one of the world's most important prehistoric sites, and the oldest known solar observatory.
Discover Reasons to Love Ireland
The Giants Causeway
t Visit Northern Irelands only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the surreally beautiful , formed from thousands of interlocking basalt columns.
Discover Reasons to Love Ireland
Two capital cities
t Barely a two-hour drive apart, visitors to Ireland are easily able to experience the pleasures of both each offering their own rich history.
Discover Reasons to Love Ireland
Burgeoning local food scenes