Ireland

Reasons to visit Ireland

Everyone wants to come to Ireland, and it's not hard to see why. If you're a descendant of the great Irish diaspora, this is coming home. And if you're not, well it still feels like coming home: Ireland is so welcoming.

When it comes to scenery, Ireland is at the forefront. There are lakes and mountains galore, and softer, greener valleys too, but the wild Atlantic coast is the jewel (it must be an emerald, of course!) in the crown. All the way from Rathlin Island and the Giant's Causeway in the north, via the Cliff of Moher, Bantry Bay and the Fastnet Rock to Cork in the south, Ireland is pounded by the Atlantic Ocean as it looks out over thousands of miles of water to America. It would take a lifetime to explore all the headlands, islands and bays and learn about the history that has made them.

The two capital cities of Ireland, Dublin and Belfast, are great places to visit for culture, concerts, museums, food and drink, and much, much more. Each one hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year. Dublin the birthplace of Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett, while Belfast was the birthplace of the Titanic.

Ireland is notably famous for "the craic"; that exuberant geniality that is fuelled by music and lubricated by whiskey and Guiness. There may be "Irish pubs" all over the world, but the only truly Irish pubs are in Ireland. Don't miss out!