You may have heard Ireland called the Emerald Isle and
there's a reason for this. It's more about the natural richness
of the area and the people more than actual emeralds. Then
again, it could have to do with the lush, green countryside
that's quite a sight to see up close. Today, the nation is split
between Northern Ireland, which is under British control, and
the Republic of Ireland. Either side you travel to, as an
outsider you're going to be safe. Things have really cooled down
since the mid and late 20th century, but you should be aware of
local customs and show respect for both sides of the conflict.
Places to Go in Ireland
Dublin - The largest city
is also the capital of Ireland.
Galway - Located on the
West Coast, if you're into festivals and Irish cheer, this is
the place to go.
Killarney - For some
reason, this is one of the most popular destinations for
tourists within Ireland. If you want to avoid the crowds, you
may want to avoid this area during peak holiday season.
Waterford - This port city
is the oldest in Ireland. If you want to see a glimpse of the
past, traveling here is a good idea.
County Kerry - This area of
Ireland has a lot of popular destinations including the Ring
of Kerry and Skellig Michael.
Cliffs of Moher - This is
another area that is a big draw for tourists. When you see the
location you will know why.
Traveling to Ireland
Weather - The climate is
generally mild, but it does change quite a bit. It is quite
common to go through all the seasons in a single day
sometimes. That said, there are some better times for you to
travel there depending on your climate preferences.
Language - Irish is the
official language, but English is pretty much spoken
everywhere in Ireland these days. Irish is actually a Celtic
language, which may or may not be interesting to you.
Money - The Euro is
accepted throughout Ireland, with ATMs readily available.
Eating - Even for Europe,
food can be quite expensive in Ireland, so if you're traveling
here for the first time, be prepared to pay a little extra for
food. It will be worth it, though.
Drinking - As with food,
alcohol is expensive in Ireland. If you want to drink, you'll
want to scope out the nightlife a little before deciding on
your favorite watering hole. That said, there are a lot of
great pubs and taverns to be discovered all over Ireland.
Your Irish Adventure Awaits
If you are looking for a vacation that includes adventure,
romance and beautiful scenery then Ireland should be on the top
of your list of possible destinations. The food is great as
well, especially if you like "hearty" eating - i.e. lots of meat
and potatoes. Things may be a little more expensive across
Ireland, but if you can afford a trip there, you're not going to
go broke buying food. The people of Ireland are great as well -
if not a little bit temperamental at times. Still, they welcome
outsiders that are paying to visit their fine country. The Irish
are a proud people, but they do welcome visitors who show
respect of local customs and don't bring up religion or politics
at the dinner table.
