3 Reasons To Visit Ireland
With a population of around five million people, there are many reasons to visit Ireland, a friendly, mystical country just off the west coast of England. Cultural traditions and customs abound on the Emerald Isle but there’s also a contemporary side to the country where visitors can indulge in great shopping, art, culture and a thriving foodie scene. There are so many things to do in Ireland – here are three reasons to visit:
1. The scenery
If you’re in West Ireland, don’t miss driving the incredible Wild Atlantic Way, eating your way around Galway or exploring the coastline and friendly town of Westport. Or head south to the pretty fishing town of Kinsale where you can wander the narrow streets packed full of colourful shops and houses.
In Northern Ireland you can still see the Peace Walls that divide Belfast, walk the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit Titanic Belfast to trace the history of the place where the Titanic was designed, built and launched. The rest of the country offers endless opportunities to explore and immerse yourself in nature with lakes, cliffs, forests, national parks, mountains, cliffs, beaches and vast landscapes that have inspired authors, filmmakers and poets.
2. The food
The Irish are proud of their food and drink, and rightly so. On a recent trip to West Ireland I sampled Smoked Salmon and Sea Salt from Achill Island at Savoir Fare in Westport, cheese from Inagh and organic fruit and vegetables from Lough Boora Farm at Kai in Galway, Barry’s Tea and hearty Irish breakfasts.
Irish hospitality is welcoming, generous and abundant. If you want to eat at Michelin starred restaurants in Ireland, there are plenty to choose from. Or maybe you prefer home cooked pub food, street food or eating in the best independent restaurants in Ireland. Whatever you want and whatever your budget, you won’t go hungry.
3. The pubs
There are said to be over 7,000 pubs in Ireland. But they’re not just regular pubs. When you walk through the door of a pub in Ireland you’re likely to find live music on most afternoons and evenings, friendly bar staff serving creamy pints of Guinness, welcoming locals who like to chat and traditional, cosy interiors that make you feel right at home.
If you’re in search of the best pubs in Ireland you don’t need to look far, just walk along any High Street or town centre and listen out for the music. The Temple Bar in Dublin is probably Ireland’s most famous pub but other towns that have a strong pub culture include Waterford, Cork, Sligo, Dingle, Kilkenny and Galway. Plan a pub crawl to take them all in or choose one you like the look of and watch the night unfold.
Plan your individual Ireland Itinerary
And if you haven’t read the book ‘Round Ireland With A Fridge’, order it today. It’s a brilliant travelogue that perfectly captures the country and its generous inhabitants.
If you feel inspired to visit Ireland, get in touch with me to chat about your ideal itinerary. I can help you build a holiday to remember with the best hotels and restaurants, things to do and off the beaten track finds. Email me at info@travelyoutopia.com.