The Best Way to See Ireland

Ireland is a charming and breathtaking country. It is full of cultural heritage, historical sites, adventures, sporting events and performing arts. The best way to see Ireland is a combination of walking, hiking, car, train, boat and bus tour. There are parts of Ireland that can only be seen by taking a walking tour such as a pub crawl, or a hiking tour to see the Causeway. If you enjoy fishing or cruising on a boat, Ireland has a lot to offer. Rent a car to tour the countryside, and visit the small towns. Join a bus tour to kiss the Blarney Stone, see ancient castles, and learn about the rich history of the Emerald Isle. Plan to visit Ireland, the land of 100,000 welcomes

Things You'll Need
Walking shoes
Rail smart card
Maps

Tips For You

1. • 1
     
     

     Cobble stone streets require good walking shoes.

     
     

     Take a walking tour through the cities and towns. Choose between a guided tour and an independent walking tour. Join a pub-crawl to enjoy the flavor and sounds of Ireland. Take a shopping stroll down Grafton Street in Dublin to see street entertainment and fine shopping. Wear comfortable shoes that can handle cobblestone streets. Enjoy a hike at the Causeway Coast in Belfast. Prepare for walking adventures before you leave home by exercising and increasing your walking endurance.
   • 2
     
     

     Drive on the left side of the road.

     
     

     Rent a car and plan a driving tour of Ireland. Study the driving regulations and learn the rules of the road before driving. Obtain an international driving license. Check your insurance policy for overseas driving coverage. Purchase maps to use for navigation. Use a GPS to find locations. Enjoy the freedom of stopping at small pubs, shops and views of the scenic countryside.
   • 3
     
     

     Take a tour off the beaten path.

     
     

     Take an escorted coach tour to see the sites and attractions of Ireland. Choose a tour that meets your interests. The trip could focus on history, themes, social excursions, golf, performing arts, heritage or general. Study the various tours available for Ireland and schedule part of your vacation to be an escorted tour. If your group is large enough, hire a coach for a private tour.
   • 4
     
     

     Scenic ocean views

     
     

     Escape from the crowds by taking a boat excursion. Cruise to the islands, down the rivers or through the waterways. Hire a fishing boat to try ocean fishing.
   • 5
     
     

     Views from the train

     
     

     Sit back and enjoy Ireland while traveling by train. Plan which cities and stops you want to make. Reserve a space on the train at the Irish rail website. Purchase a rail smart card if you plan to use the train for many short trips.

Read More ..... »

What Are Ireland's Highest Cliffs?

Ireland's dramatic coastal geography, battered by rough Atlantic seas into a series of soaring cliffs and jagged outcroppings, has captured the human imagination since the area was first settled. Among these cliffs, some -- literally -- stand out from the others. A jaunt around the western periphery of the Emerald Isle reveals rock formations that stretch to dizzying heights.

Croaghaun

• The country's highest cliff was carved by thrashing Atlantic waters from the rock of Achill Island, one of Ireland's westernmost promontories. The enormousness of the 2,192-foot Croaghaun cliff face is not evident from the landward side, where the mountain seems to rise smooth and green from Achill's verdant inland. Visitors must either approach by boat, hike around to the bottom or actually summit the mountain to view the cliffs properly. Predictably, the views from Croaghaun's lofty heights are are breathtaking, encompassing a large swath of coastal western Ireland. Visitors cannot reach the cliffs by car. Begin a walking approach from the parking lot at the Keem beach or hail a boat ride from the Keem docks.

Slieve League Cliffs

• County Donegal's Slieve League cliffs enchant with the scope of their almost 2,000-foot elevation and in more subtle ways. When the sun sets, it streaks the vast panel of west-facing rock with shades of of red, amber and ocher that scintillate as the light moves across variations in the geology. Visitors to the cliffs, if they're brave enough to approach the edge, catch terrific views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains and the boats skimming across Donegal Bay. A walking approach affords the finest views. Leave your car at the visitors' parking lot and trek the few scenic miles to the cliffs. Adrenaline-seekers looking for the most epic vantage point may venture beyond the trail's marked viewpoint onto the stomach-fluttering ledges of One Man's Pass, which loops around to become Pilgrim's Path -- the footpath that climbs west and up to the highest point of the cliff face.

Cliffs of Moher

• Just over 700 feet tall, the Cliffs of Moher -- the third-tallest in the country -- may not have the sheer elevation of Croaghaun or Slieve League, but they make up for it in the quality of your experience. A designated UNESCO Geo Park, the Cliffs of Moher stretch for 5 miles along the seam of the Atlantic Ocean and County Clare. Notably, the Cliffs of Moher were Ireland’s 2011 national submission for the global online campaign to establish the "New 7 Wonders of Nature." If you're not paralyzed by heights, walk the paved footpaths to the highest point -- near O'Brien's Tower -- and check out the massive colony of seabirds that nest in cavelets in the predator-free safety of the vertical rock face.
  More traveler-friendly than some other sites, Moher has a visitor center that looks something like a space-age hobbit house built directly into the grassy hillside, providing welcome shelter from the coast's constant rain. The center's restaurant gives you a warm, dry spot to check out views of the cliffs and Liscannor Bay.

Warning

• Ireland's terrain, in general, is made very slippery by constant rainfall. Watch your footing near the cliffs as though your life depended on it -- it certainly does, in these circumstances -- and never walk cliff faces alone.

Read More ..... »

Ireland Climate Averages

Ireland is often referred to as the Emerald Isle because of its lush green valleys and hills. The beauty of its countryside is largely due to its temperate climate and frequent rainfall. In general, both north and south Ireland endure chilly winters but enjoy balmy summers. However, the only thing you can guarantee with the weather is that it will be unpredictable.

Atlantic

• The Atlantic Ocean determines Ireland's climate -- both in the north and south. The moderating effect of the Gulf Stream, and prevailing winds from the southwest Atlantic, means that it has a mild climate, without the extremes of other counties at similar latitude. The weather is characterized by relatively gentle winters and changeable summers. While the island may be split into Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland, the weather sees no borders and both countries share similar climatic conditions.

Temperatures

• The average annual temperature is in the region of 48 degrees Fahrenheit. January and February are the coolest months with July the warmest. In winter the average is 45 F, while that can rise to 61 F during a couple of months in summer. Very rarely, temperatures can reach 86 F. The middle and east of the country have slightly more extreme swings, which can mean average variations of between 36 F in winter and 66 F in summer. The temperature falls below 32 F for about 40 days annually inland, but only 10 days on the coast. While the east coast will only experience snow or sleet an average of 10 days per year, the mountains may experience more than a month of icy conditions.

Sunshine

• Those in search of sunshine should visit in May and June, when Ireland gets between 5 and 6 1/2 hours of night, with 18 hours of daylight. December is the dullest month with bright sunshine of less than two hours. The country gets an average of between 1,100 and 1,600 hours of sunshine a year with the southeast blessed with the most rays. The annual average is around 3 to 4 hours of sunshine a day.

Rain

• Rain is a common complaint in Ireland, with showers between half and two thirds of the year. The west experiences the most wet days, especially on higher ground, with an average of 225 a year recording at least 0.04 inches of rain. In the east, rain falls an average of 150 days a year. Average annual rainfall varies between 30 inches in the east to 110 inches in the mountains. The wettest months tend to be December and January, while April and June are the driest. The rain is rarely heavy, ranging from 0.04 inches to 0.08 inches an hour, though the odd thunderstorm can take that up to a rare 10 inches an hour.

Wind

• Ireland, like any island, tends to have its blustery days by the sea. Average annual wind speed varies from a gentle 9 mph in the east and middle of the country, to a breezy 16 mph in the northwest. Strong winds tend to be more frequent in winter than in summer. The coast is buffeted by the strongest gusts, particularly in winter, but the hills and mountains near the sea provide shelter for those inland. Gales only hit inland areas an average of twice a year, though some coastal areas, particularly in the north, can endure as many as 50 days a year.

Read More ..... »

The Most Sunny Month in Ireland

Finding the sun in Ireland has more to do with luck than planning but, while a clear day is never a given, some months promise more sunny days than others. For the best chance of sun, travel to Ireland in summer, and to maximize your chances of good weather, head to the southeastern part of Ireland. Bright days make travel fun, but don’t ignore the shoulder season when Ireland rewards visitors with fair weather, flowers and festivals.

Sunniest Months to Visit

• If you want to maximize your chances of sunny weather on your trip to Ireland, go during the sunniest months in May, June and early July when days average five to 6.5 hours of sun a day. By going early in May and June, you can find sunny days and avoid the peak season for tourism during July and August. Temperatures are warmest during July and August with average temperatures in the 60s F and highs in the mid 70s F but you might find more wet days in late July and August.

Head South for the Sun

• Southeastern and southern Ireland around County Wexford, County Waterford and County Kilkenny have the driest and sunniest weather, with up to seven hours of sun on average per day during May and June. Rosslare, in County Wexford, is considered the sunniest and driest place in Ireland. This coastal town in southeastern Ireland has been a resort town for more than 100 years. In western Ireland’s County Kerry on the Atlantic Ocean, expect the wettest Irish experience.

Shoulder Season Glory

• The seasons right before and after summer make for some good travel experiences in Ireland, though the weather is often more inclement. Head to Ireland in April and May to see the wildflowers, and garden flowers in full bloom. By September and October, the festival season is in full swing with lots of activities to enjoy. The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival in Cork happens every year in late October and seafood lovers won’t want to miss the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival in late September.

Prepare for Rain Even in Summer

• The dawn breaks clear and sunny and you head out for a day of sightseeing, dressed optimistically in sandals and a sun hat. The clouds start gathering by 11 a.m. and soaking rains fall through lunch. By afternoon, the sun reappears glistening through the rain-damp country. Bring an umbrella or a rain slicker on all your daily activities so you’re not caught in the rain like a tourist. Get an umbrella or rain coat that folds up small so you can easily tuck it in your day pack when the sun is shining.

Read More ..... »

Rope Bridges in Ireland

The legendarily resourceful fishermen of windswept Northern Ireland had a quandary: their village was separated from an extraordinarily productive fishing spot -- a rocky island -- by a tumultuous channel more than 50 feet wide. Fishing rope was their only resource to bridge the gap. Rising to the challenge, these fishermen built Ireland's only permanent rope bridge: Carrick-a-Rede. The legacy of that construction is a modern rope bridge where thrill-seekers can catch a different perspective on the coast.

Location

• Carrick-a-Rede sits along the legendarily scenic Causeway Coast, near the town of Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Hikers may access the bridge, just 7 miles from Giant's Causeway, from the North Antrim Coastal Path. The Guardian lists the path as one of its "Top 10 UK Walks." Notably, this unique spot is the only place permanent rope bridges have been constructed in Ireland.

Historical Rope Bridges

• Fishermen first constructed a rickety rope bridge at the site in the 1700s, according to the National Trust, which manages the maintenance of the bridge and its surrounding land. The bridge allowed the fishing community to access the best places to catch migrating salmon on the move from the deep northern oceans to the north-coast rivers where they spawn. As each bridge wore out, a new one was constructed to replace it.
• Modern Times

• Due to environmental shifts, the salmon changed this longstanding route in the year 2002, and the fishing opportunities disappeared. Though no fishermen remain, the National Trust has carefully fortified the bridge to serve as safe passage for tourists, maintaining the original construction material: thick fishing rope supporting a wood-slat walkway.

Measurements

• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, constructed in 2008 by a big-city construction company, is 65 feet long. It rises almost 100 feet over the water and rocks below. It's strong, too: in 2011, the bridge was crossed by approximately 250,000 visitors; the following year, its most famous crossing was made by the Olympic Torch.

Safety Concerns

• As of the time of publication in 2014, no one had ever fallen off the Carrick-a-Rede bridge. Despite that perfect safety record, the vulnerable openness of the rope construction and the gentle swaying motion of the span can be spine-tingling. The National Trust reports that "many visitors who walk across simply can’t handle the return and have to go by boat."

Read More ..... »

Beautiful Cathedrals in Ireland & England

Stand in the awe-inspiring Gothic nave of Canterbury, look up St. Paul's Baroque dome and ponder the complex history behind Dublin's Christ Church to feel the breath of the ages and the sheer sense of majestic beauty send shivers down your spine. The best of English and Irish cathedrals combine historic significance with visual appeal and technical achievements. Some Baroque and modern gems are dotted all around the British Isles, but Gothic predominates among the best buildings.

London

• Next to the Gothic Revival pile of the Houses of Parliament you'll find the beautiful, history-laden Westminster Abbey, a must-see for the majesty of its 12th-century early English Gothic and for the events that it has witnessed and commemorated. English monarchs have been crowned here since William the Conqueror in 1066, and many are buried in the Abbey. Nods to illustrious commoners include tombs of Chaucer, Dickens, Hardy, Kipling, Newton and Handel and memorials to Shakespeare and Austen. It's impossible to imagine London's skyline without the dome and towers of St Paul's, built to Christopher Wren's design after the 1666 Great Fire of London. The prime example of English Baroque, the cathedral is ornate and monumental but understated and elegant in comparison to Italian Baroque frenzies. Inside, climb the 99 feet up to the Whispering Gallery at the base of the dome, then up a claustrophobic staircase to the 280-foot-high Golden Gallery for views of the City and beyond across London.

South and West of England

• If you want to see just one cathedral in England outside London, make your way to Canterbury, in Kent, an hour-and-a-half's train journey or drive from London. The site has been associated with Christian worship for close to 1,500 years, its history intimately connected to the history of Britain. A place of pilgrimages since the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170, Canterbury has been the a spiritual center of the Anglican denomination since its foundation. The magnificent, tall nave, with light streaming in through multi-colored stained glass windows, is just one of the highlights of the whole cathedral complex. Similar distance from London, but to the west, Salisbury Cathedral is a true English Gothic gem, best known for its spire scraping the sky above the flat of the Salisbury plain, the tallest surviving medieval structure in Britain. Also west of the capital, Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest medieval churches in the world, with a 530 feet long nave surrounded by ornate chapels and exceptional wood carvings.

Midlands and the North

• One of the two British cathedrals inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Durham Cathedral and castle complex dominate the skyline of that northern industrial city, the pile of brownish-red stone with square towers rising on the steep banks of the River Wear. The cathedral dates to 11th and early 12th centuries and is one of the best examples of Norman Gothic extant. Inside, thick pillars decorated with severe, geometric grooves line the majestic nave. York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps, dazzles with its stained glass, the light flooding in to light up the golden stone of the interior. Don't miss the climb to the tower for the view of the jumble of medieval alleys of the old town. German air raids in 1940 destroyed the Gothic cathedral of Coventry. Instead of reconstructing it, a new church was built at the site, incorporating what was left of the original structure -- the building's roofless shell and spire -- into a modern steel and concrete design by Basil Spence. Originally very controversial, St Michael's of Coventry quickly became a symbol of reconciliation, forgiveness and resurrection. Built in the 1960s to the unashamedly modernist, circular design by Frederick Gibberd, the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool features the world's largest stained glass window encircling the lantern and bathing the interior in blue light.

Ireland and Northern Ireland

• If you are in Belfast, Northern Ireland, make a side trip to Armagh, 40 miles away, a small city that boasts two cathedrals, both dedicated to the patron saint and the founder of Irish Christianity. Both built in the Gothic Revival style, the more modest but more attractive Catholic one and the huge Anglican one eye each other from their hilltops. The Republic of Ireland's capital, Dublin, is also a two-cathedral city. Despite Ireland being largely Catholic, both medieval Dublin cathedrals belong to the Anglican Church of Ireland. St Patrick's marks the spot where its patron baptized first Irish converts and is one of the oldest medieval buildings in the city. The oldest surviving structure in Dublin is, however, the crypt of the other cathedral, Christ Church. While there, don't miss the creepily fascinating “Tom and Jerry,” mummified cat and rat with Joycean associations.

Read More ..... »