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When planning a memorable journey to Ireland and Scotland, choosing the right travel specialist can make all the difference. Both Brendan Vacations and CIE Tours have established themselves as leaders in providing authentic, in-depth travel experiences tailored to these enchanting Celtic destinations.
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Adventure for every Generation: Escape to The Lodge at Ashford Castle, a hidden gem on Ireland’s west coast. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich history, enjoy luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining, and outdoor adventures, offering an unforgettable retreat where nature and elegance unite.
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Traveling through Ireland and Scotland can be an enchanting experience, especially when guided by a reputable tour operator like CIE Tours. With decades of experience and a commitment to delivering memorable journeys, CIE Tours offers a range of itineraries that cater to diverse interests and preferences. In this review, we'll delve into the highlights of traveling with CIE Tours, focusing on their tours that capture the essence of both Ireland and Scotland.
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When considering a luxury travel experience, few destinations capture the essence of natural beauty and rich history like Ireland. Luxury Gold's Ultimate Ireland tour offers a 12-day journey through the enchanting landscapes and vibrant cities of Northern Ireland and Ireland, promising an experience that exceeds expectations. This review delves into the highlights of the tour, exploring what makes it truly special and why it's an unbeatable choice for those seeking a high-end travel experience.
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Planning a trip to Ireland can be overwhelming with so many breathtaking landscapes and historical sites to explore. CIE Tours, a leading operator in guided tours, offers an incredible way to experience the Emerald Isle with their Irish Odyssey tour. This comprehensive 12-day journey covers every corner of Ireland, ensuring that you get the most out of your trip. In this review, we delve into the highlights and what makes this tour truly special.
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Ireland, known as the "green of dreams," offers an unparalleled golfing experience with over 400 courses, including 58 true links courses. Among these, seven courses rank among the world's top 100, making Ireland a golfer's paradise. Premier Golf has been arranging tours here since 1988, offering a seamless and luxurious experience.
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With its lush landscapes, breathtaking coastal scenery, and rich history, Ireland is a paradise for golf enthusiasts. Premier Golf, a renowned tour operator, offers bespoke golfing experiences that take you to the heart of Ireland's most exquisite and lesser-known courses. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Ireland's hidden gems promise an unforgettable journey through some of the world's most beautiful and challenging golf environments.
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Ireland is renowned as a golfer's paradise, with its lush landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and world-class golf courses. For those seeking an unparalleled luxury golf experience, Premier Golf offers bespoke tours that cater to every golfer's dream. With its long-standing reputation since 1988, Premier Golf ensures that every aspect of your trip is meticulously planned, from tee times to luxurious accommodations.
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Ireland, often referred to as the "green of dreams," offers an unparalleled golfing experience with its breathtaking landscapes, world-class courses, and warm hospitality. Premier Golf, a renowned golf tour provider, has been crafting bespoke golf vacations in Ireland since 1988, ensuring every traveler enjoys a seamless and memorable journey. In this article, we delve into the highlights of Premier Golf's Ireland golf tours, exploring what makes them truly exceptional and how they can enhance your golfing adventure.
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Brendan Vacations is renowned for its in-depth knowledge and exclusive connections, offering profoundly immersive destination experiences in Ireland and Scotland. With over 50 years of experience, they have honed their expertise in crafting authentic, hand-tailored adventures that cater to every traveler's dream. Their mantra, "taking you personally," is at the core of everything they do, ensuring a personalized touch that sets them apart from other travel companies.
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For those seeking an immersive journey through the Emerald Isle, Brendan Vacations offers an Irish Experience Tour that delves into the heart of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This 11-day adventure is crafted to highlight the best of both worlds, blending history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
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Embarking on an adventure through Ireland with Brendan Vacations is a journey that immerses you in the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of the Emerald Isle. Their Irish Experience Tour is a meticulously crafted 11-day itinerary that guides you through some of Ireland's most iconic destinations, including Dublin, Belfast, Galway, the Ring of Kerry, and Waterford. This journey offers not only a comprehensive exploration of Ireland's majestic landscapes but also a deep dive into its complex past and its people's resilient spirit.
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CIE Tours is renowned for providing exceptional experiences in Ireland and Britain, offering a wide range of tours that cater to various interests and preferences. With a history of excellence in tour operations, CIE Tours delivers high-quality itineraries, accommodations, and tour guides, ensuring that travelers enjoy a seamless and enriching journey. In this review, we delve into the highlights and benefits of choosing CIE Tours for your next vacation.
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For travelers seeking an immersive journey through the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Ireland and Scotland, Brendan Vacations offers a comprehensive range of tours that cater to diverse interests and preferences. Whether you're drawn to the breathtaking natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands or the vibrant cities of Ireland, these itineraries are designed to provide a deep dive into the heart of Celtic culture.
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CIE Tours offers an array of captivating itineraries that delve into the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture of Ireland and Scotland. From the rugged coastlines of the Isle of Skye to the historic charm of Dublin, travelers can immerse themselves in a world of castles, museums, and natural wonders. Here's a detailed look at some of the standout tours that make CIE Tours a leader in travel experiences.
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Dublin and Northern Ireland are two of Ireland's most captivating regions, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. With Europe Express, travelers can embark on an enriching journey through these regions, immersing themselves in iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences.
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Dublin and Northern Ireland are two of the most captivating destinations in the Emerald Isle, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. For travelers seeking an immersive experience, Europe Express's 8-day Dublin and Northern Ireland Highlights itinerary is a must-visit. This customizable journey provides a seamless blend of cultural exploration, historical insights, and natural wonders, ensuring a truly memorable experience for all.
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Brendan Vacations offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and rich histories of Ireland and Scotland. With a focus on delivering exceptional experiences, Brendan Vacations has become a leading expert in Celtic travel, providing guided tours that are both immersive and enjoyable. Whether you're intrigued by the emerald landscapes of Ireland or the rugged beauty of Scotland, these tours are designed to cater to all interests and preferences.
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Brendan Vacations offers travelers a chance to explore the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Ireland and Scotland. With a focus on local guides and tailor-made itineraries, they bring the authentic Celtic experience to life. Whether you're fascinated by historic castles, breathtaking natural beauty, or vibrant city life, Brendan Vacations has something for everyone.
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Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. When planning a trip to Ireland, one of the best ways to experience this enchanting land is with a guided tour. Among the top choices for travelers is CIE Tours, a company renowned for its comprehensive and engaging itineraries. This blog post will delve into the reasons why CIE Tours stands out as a premier choice for exploring Ireland.
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Planning a trip to Ireland is a thrilling adventure, especially when you have the opportunity to explore both Dublin and Northern Ireland. With Europe Express, you can embark on a journey that combines vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history. From the cobblestone streets of Dublin to the stunning natural wonders of Northern Ireland, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience.
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The Emerald Isle, comprising Dublin and Northern Ireland, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an enriching experience. With Europe Express, you can immerse yourself in these enchanting regions, exploring iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and enjoying a seamless travel experience.
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Dublin and Northern Ireland are destinations that seamlessly blend rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. With Europe Express, travelers can embark on an unforgettable journey through these captivating regions, experiencing the best of both worlds. This 8-day itinerary is meticulously crafted to ensure a memorable adventure, filled with iconic landmarks, cultural immersion, and natural wonders.
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Dublin and Northern Ireland are two of the most captivating regions in the Emerald Isle, offering a mix of vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and breathtaking natural beauty. With Europe Express, travelers can embark on an immersive journey through these enchanting destinations, exploring iconic sites and hidden gems alike. This article delves into the highlights of their tour, providing insights into what makes this experience truly special.
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For travelers seeking an enchanting journey through Ireland, CIE Tours stands out as a premier choice, offering a rich blend of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. With a legacy spanning over 90 years, CIE Tours has mastered the art of delivering immersive experiences that leave lasting impressions. This blog delves into the highlights of exploring Ireland with CIE Tours, from their meticulously crafted itineraries to the unparalleled Irish hospitality that sets them apart.
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Brendan Vacations is renowned for offering travelers a deep dive into the enchanting worlds of Ireland and Scotland. With a history dating back to 1920, this family-owned company has perfected the art of crafting authentic Celtic experiences. Their tours are designed to immerse you in the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes of these iconic destinations.
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Dublin and Northern Ireland are destinations that captivate travelers with their rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. Europe Express offers a unique 8-day itinerary that explores the essence of these regions, providing an immersive experience for everyone from history buffs to nature lovers. This journey is customizable, allowing travelers to tailor their adventure to their interests and preferences.
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When planning a trip to Ireland, travelers often seek an experience that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. With its stunning landscapes and rich heritage, Ireland is a paradise for those who wish to explore both Dublin and Northern Ireland's most iconic landmarks. Europe Express offers a unique opportunity to delve into these wonders, ensuring an unforgettable journey through some of Ireland's most breathtaking sites.
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Ireland and Northern Ireland are destinations that seamlessly blend rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making them must-visit places for any traveler. Europe Express offers an immersive 8-day itinerary that delves into the heart of Dublin and the stunning beauty of Northern Ireland. This journey promises a perfect blend of cultural exploration, historical insights, and natural wonders.
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Brendan Vacations offers a unique way to discover the authentic charm of Ireland and Scotland. With a history dating back to 1920 and a deep connection to the local culture, they provide a truly immersive travel experience. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient castles, savoring local cuisine, or simply enjoying the breathtaking landscapes, Brendan Vacations has crafted itineraries that cater to every travel style and preference.
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Traveling through Dublin and Northern Ireland offers an enchanting blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. With Europe Express, travelers can immerse themselves in the rich heritage and stunning natural beauty of these regions. From vibrant city life to serene countryside, every moment is crafted to create lasting memories.
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Ireland, often referred to as the Emerald Isle, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. From the vibrant city of Dublin to the breathtaking beauty of Northern Ireland, each region offers a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary attractions. With Europe Express, travelers can embark on an enriching journey through these captivating destinations, immersing themselves in iconic landmarks and hidden gems. This article will delve into the highlights of traveling with Europe Express in Dublin and Northern Ireland, showcasing why their tours stand out as a premier choice for exploring this enchanting part of the world.
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Ireland and Scotland are two countries steeped in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making them a dream destination for many travelers. CIE Tours offers an array of itineraries that allow you to immerse yourself in the unique heritage of these nations. Whether you're interested in castles, museums, or stunning natural beauty, CIE Tours has something for everyone.
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CIE Tours offers an enchanting journey through Ireland's captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage. With decades of experience, they have crafted itineraries that bring the very best of Ireland to life. For travelers seeking an immersive experience, CIE Tours provides a range of options from the rugged Cliffs of Moher to the vibrant streets of Dublin.
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Planning a trip to Ireland can be both exciting and overwhelming, given the numerous options available. CIE Tours, with over 90 years of experience, offers a unique blend of Irish hospitality and in-depth cultural immersion that makes them a standout choice for exploring the Emerald Isle. This article will delve into why CIE Tours is the best option for your Irish adventure, highlighting their signature tours, unique experiences, and the rich history they share with travelers.
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When planning a trip to Dublin and Northern Ireland, choosing a tour operator that understands the essence of these captivating regions is crucial. Europe Express offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and historical insights that make their tours truly unforgettable. This article delves into the highlights of their Dublin and Northern Ireland tours, showcasing why they stand out as a premier travel partner for those seeking an enriching experience in the Emerald Isle.
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When planning a trip to Scotland and Ireland, choosing the right tour operator can make all the difference. Among the numerous options available, CIE Tours stands out as a premier choice for travelers seeking an immersive and hassle-free experience in these enchanting countries. From the rugged landscapes of Scotland to the charming towns of Ireland, CIE Tours offers a range of meticulously crafted itineraries designed to reveal the rich heritage and breathtaking beauty of both nations.
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When it comes to exploring the enchanting landscapes of Ireland and Scotland, few tour operators offer the depth of local insight and personalized service as Brendan Vacations. Founded in 1920, this family-owned company has grown into a leading provider of Celtic heritage tours, ensuring that travelers experience the authentic charm of these two nations. In this article, we'll delve into the highlights of traveling with Brendan Vacations, providing insider tips for crafting the perfect Celtic journey.
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Golf enthusiasts from around the world dream of playing on the legendary courses of Ireland and Scotland. These two countries are renowned for their picturesque landscapes, challenging links courses, and rich golfing heritage. Premier Golf offers exceptional tours that allow you to experience the best of both worlds, combining world-class golf with stunning natural beauty and cultural richness.
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CIE Tours stands as a premier travel operator, renowned for its commitment to providing memorable experiences across Europe. With a legacy spanning over nine decades, they specialize in crafting journeys that immerse travelers in the rich cultures of Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Iceland, Italy, and Spain. Their tours are designed to offer an all-inclusive, stress-free adventure, allowing travelers to enjoy the best of Europe without the burden of logistics.
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For many travelers, Ireland remains a mystical destination, full of enchanting landscapes, vibrant cities, and a rich cultural heritage. Europe Express offers an extraordinary journey through Dublin and Northern Ireland, highlighting the best of what this Emerald Isle has to offer. This eight-day tour is designed to immerse travelers in the history, scenic beauty, and lively spirit of Ireland, making it an unforgettable adventure.
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CIE Tours offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes of Ireland and Scotland. With their extensive range of tours, travelers can experience the authentic charm of these Celtic nations through meticulously planned itineraries that highlight the most iconic sites and hidden gems. Whether you're drawn to the historic castles, the rugged beauty of the Highlands, or the vibrant culture of Ireland, CIE Tours provides an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression.
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Brendan Vacations, known for offering authentic and immersive Celtic experiences, has been a leader in travel to Ireland and Scotland since 1920. Their tours are designed to provide travelers with unique insights into these countries, showcasing their rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm culture. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient castles, savoring local cuisine, or experiencing vibrant festivals, Brendan Vacations can tailor your trip to ensure it's memorable and fulfilling.
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Golf enthusiasts from around the world flock to Ireland for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and, most importantly, some of the finest golf courses on the planet. Premier Golf offers an unparalleled experience, allowing golfers to immerse themselves in the beauty and challenge of Ireland's celebrated courses. Let's explore the highlights of these tours and what makes them so unique.
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Brendan Vacations offers an unparalleled travel experience that immerses you in the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Ireland and Scotland. Whether you're drawn to the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands or the warm charm of Irish towns, these tours are crafted to make your journey both memorable and hassle-free.
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Traveling to Ireland and Scotland offers a unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Brendan Vacations provides travelers with meticulously crafted itineraries that highlight the best of these Celtic nations. From the emerald hills of Ireland to the rugged beauty of Scotland, Brendan's tours are designed to ignite your senses and leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
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Brendan Vacations offers a unique and immersive way to explore the captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Ireland and Scotland. As a travel business specializing in vacations, we partner with Brendan to deliver authentic, locally planned experiences that bring travelers closer to the heart of these Celtic nations. Whether you're drawn to the Emerald Isle's lush green landscapes or Scotland's rugged Highlands, Brendan's guided tours promise an unforgettable journey filled with history, nature, and warmth.
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Brendan Vacations offers a unique way to experience the enchantment of Ireland, combining stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture in a variety of tours designed to cater to different tastes and travel styles. Whether you're interested in guided tours, self-drive adventures, or private chauffeur experiences, Brendan Vacations ensures that every moment in Ireland is memorable.
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For travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Ireland, Europe Express offers an unparalleled journey through Dublin and Northern Ireland. This 8-day adventure is meticulously crafted to provide a seamless blend of cultural exploration, historical insights, and natural wonders, ensuring a truly memorable experience for all.
Read article →
Dublin and Northern Ireland offer a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making them ideal destinations for those seeking a unique travel experience. With Europe Express, travelers can immerse themselves in these enchanting regions, exploring their iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Whether you're interested in medieval castles, vibrant city life, or breathtaking landscapes, this journey promises to be unforgettable.
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Brendan Vacations is renowned for crafting exceptional travel experiences in Ireland and Scotland, offering a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Their itineraries are designed to immerse travelers in the rich heritage of these Celtic nations, from the lush landscapes of Ireland to the rugged Highlands of Scotland.
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Travelers looking for charm, friendly people, solid service without a "touristy" feel and plenty of places to explore should plan a vacation to Ireland. In addition to pubs and Riverdance-style step dancers, you also can find local musicians, stunning scenery, ruins and historical sites, golfing and other outdoor activities to enjoy at a relaxed pace.
Nearly everyone will find something to enjoy in Ireland, be it the green countryside, Irish whiskey, shopping, bicycling tours or wandering sheep. Traditional culture still thrives, and the Emerald Isle's people and way of life have not been significantly altered by modern trends. Travelers will find good service, lots of accommodation options and little crime aimed at visitors. Even the souvenir shops seem rather low-key.
Once, we asked an old man for the Irish-language equivalent of manana ("tomorrow" in Spanish). He paused for a moment, then took off his cap and scratched his head, pondering the question. Then he took an old, battered pipe from his pocket, a knife from the other and started cleaning out the bowl. When he had done that, he rummaged in his pockets and produced a plug of tobacco. He cut off a few slices and placed them in the pipe, tamping them down with the blade of his knife.
Then he searched his pockets once again, produced a box of matches and proceeded to light his pipe. Once he had it going well he took off his cap and scratched his head once more. Putting the cap back on, he smiled at us and said, "In all truth, sir, I do not think that there is a word in all of the Irish language for expressing such urgency."
Take your time when traveling around the country. Although it's possible to drive the length of Ireland in less than a day and to traverse the width of the country in a few hours, we prefer to settle in and explore a particular region, whether on foot, on horseback or behind the wheel—mindful, of course, of wandering sheep on small back roads.
Ireland is an island off the western coast of the U.K., from which it is separated by the North Channel, St. George's Channel and the Irish Sea.
The coastal areas of Ireland tend to be mountainous and rugged, especially on the western side of the island, which wards off the Atlantic Ocean with an almost unbroken line of cliffs and mountains.
By contrast, the central portion is relatively flat, fertile farmland dotted with bogs.
The genial nature of the Irish is surprising considering their country's history of conflict: The island has drawn wave after wave of invaders.
Celtic tribes from Europe led one of the early onslaughts, arriving around 300 BC and wresting control from the people who were already living on the island. The Celts were gradually converted to Christianity beginning in the AD 300s (St. Patrick being a prime motivator), and during the Dark Ages, scholars based at Irish monasteries helped preserve important writings from throughout western Europe.
Viking plunderers menaced Ireland beginning around AD 700, and some of the Norse invaders eventually settled on the island. Three centuries later, English warriors intervened in a dispute between two Irish kings, beginning England's long involvement in Ireland.
Religion played a key role in the struggles: The majority of the Irish were Catholic, and they were often at odds with their Protestant English rulers. The fiercest and most bitter battles occurred in the mid-1600s, when Oliver Cromwell reasserted English control by shedding much Irish blood, seizing the lands of his opponents and desecrating Catholic cathedrals all across the land.
The horrific potato famine of the mid-1800s killed a million people in Ireland and forced another million to leave the country. It also intensified resistance to English rule, because many believed English leaders should have done more to aid the starving people in Ireland. A long and bloody struggle for independence culminated in the Easter Rising of 1916 and the subsequent Anglo-Irish War, which came to an end in 1921.
As a part of the agreement that ended the war, the majority of the island became an independent country—the Republic of Ireland (Eire). The northeastern sixth of the island, which has a Protestant majority, remained part of the U.K. as Northern Ireland.
In 1973, Ireland joined the European Economic Community (now the European Union), which gave it a tremendous boost through expanded trade opportunities and economic investment. By the late 1990s, when many technology firms opened offices there, it became the fastest-growing economy in the industrialized world.
This rapid rise from poverty to prosperity was known as the Celtic Tiger. Signs of its wealth were evident in the capital and in new construction around the country. In 2002, Ireland adopted the European currency, the euro.
Property development in the boom years had comprised much of Ireland's prosperity, leaving the country vulnerable when housing prices tumbled in the global economic crash of 2008-09. The subsequent banking collapse and debt crisis led to Ireland's becoming the second Euro-zone casualty after Greece, and it received a bailout of 85 billion euros from the EU and IMF in November 2010.
During the resulting period of austerity conditions, Ireland quietly reduced its deficit and improved its exports. Three years later, it successfully exited the bailout, and by 2014, it was once again the fastest growing economy in the EU.
Having recently celebrated the centenary of the Easter Rising (1916) which set it on the road to independence, the country continues to benefit from rising employment and an expanding economy.
The country's main attractions are stunning coastal scenery, charming people, traditional music and dance, excellent golfing, horse racing, fishing, fine theater, bird-watching (for puffins, terns and other northern sea birds), historical sites and ruins, lush gardens, shopping and legendary Irish pubs (where Guinness stout and Irish whiskey flow freely).
Ireland will appeal to almost everyone. However, the same natural elements that make the countryside so green make the weather cool and damp—it rains and mists a lot. The weather, even in summer, can be damp and chilly, but then, no one goes to Ireland for the weather. Although there are beautiful hotels, not all areas have deluxe accommodations.
What's that smell? It's probably the smoke from burning peat, which is still a popular fuel in Ireland. In some rural areas, you may see piles of peat bricks drying beside the bogs where they were cut.
The first Europeans to reach the New World may have been a group of Irish monks in the sixth century, led by St. Brendan the Navigator, who sailed across the Atlantic looking for a new land he had seen in a vision. No archaeological evidence exists, but in 1976 the English explorer Tim Severin made the legendary voyage in a replica of St. Brendan's boat and proved it was possible.
The term "honeymoon" comes from the days when mead—a drink made from fermented honey—was Ireland's favorite alcohol. According to tradition, newlyweds were given enough mead to toast each other until the next full moon.
The former headquarters of the pirate queen Grace O'Malley (Granuaile) is on Clare Island. For 40 years she commanded fleets and armies, leading rebellions against Queen Elizabeth I of England. Defeated, O'Malley was sent to London to pay homage to the queen. The Irish say it was a meeting of equals.
Thousands of people make the pilgrimage to climb Ireland's most sacred mountain, Croagh Patrick (Cruach Phadraig) in County Mayo. The annual climb takes place on Reek Sunday (the last Sunday in July).
County Kerry was the first part of Europe sighted by Charles Lindbergh in his 1927 solo flight across the Atlantic. Using a compass and dead reckoning, the aviator was less than 3 mi/5 km off course after his long ocean crossing.
The Transatlantic Cable, a forerunner of the internet, came ashore at Valencia Island in County Kerry. Because of this, IRA members in New York heard of the Easter Rising in Dublin before the news reached the U.K. government in London.
A list of travel tips and tricks for ireland.
Travelers looking for charm, friendly people, solid service without a "touristy" feel and plenty of places to explore should plan a vacation to Ireland. In addition to pubs and Riverdance-style step dancers, you also can find local musicians, stunning scenery, ruins and historical sites, golfing and other outdoor activities to enjoy at a relaxed pace.
Nearly everyone will find something to enjoy in Ireland, be it the green countryside, Irish whiskey, shopping, bicycling tours or wandering sheep. Traditional culture still thrives, and the Emerald Isle's people and way of life have not been significantly altered by modern trends. Travelers will find good service, lots of accommodation options and little crime aimed at visitors. Even the souvenir shops seem rather low-key.
Once, we asked an old man for the Irish-language equivalent of manana ("tomorrow" in Spanish). He paused for a moment, then took off his cap and scratched his head, pondering the question. Then he took an old, battered pipe from his pocket, a knife from the other and started cleaning out the bowl. When he had done that, he rummaged in his pockets and produced a plug of tobacco. He cut off a few slices and placed them in the pipe, tamping them down with the blade of his knife.
Then he searched his pockets once again, produced a box of matches and proceeded to light his pipe. Once he had it going well he took off his cap and scratched his head once more. Putting the cap back on, he smiled at us and said, "In all truth, sir, I do not think that there is a word in all of the Irish language for expressing such urgency."
Take your time when traveling around the country. Although it's possible to drive the length of Ireland in less than a day and to traverse the width of the country in a few hours, we prefer to settle in and explore a particular region, whether on foot, on horseback or behind the wheel—mindful, of course, of wandering sheep on small back roads.
Ireland is an island off the western coast of the U.K., from which it is separated by the North Channel, St. George's Channel and the Irish Sea.
The coastal areas of Ireland tend to be mountainous and rugged, especially on the western side of the island, which wards off the Atlantic Ocean with an almost unbroken line of cliffs and mountains.
By contrast, the central portion is relatively flat, fertile farmland dotted with bogs.
The genial nature of the Irish is surprising considering their country's history of conflict: The island has drawn wave after wave of invaders.
Celtic tribes from Europe led one of the early onslaughts, arriving around 300 BC and wresting control from the people who were already living on the island. The Celts were gradually converted to Christianity beginning in the AD 300s (St. Patrick being a prime motivator), and during the Dark Ages, scholars based at Irish monasteries helped preserve important writings from throughout western Europe.
Viking plunderers menaced Ireland beginning around AD 700, and some of the Norse invaders eventually settled on the island. Three centuries later, English warriors intervened in a dispute between two Irish kings, beginning England's long involvement in Ireland.
Religion played a key role in the struggles: The majority of the Irish were Catholic, and they were often at odds with their Protestant English rulers. The fiercest and most bitter battles occurred in the mid-1600s, when Oliver Cromwell reasserted English control by shedding much Irish blood, seizing the lands of his opponents and desecrating Catholic cathedrals all across the land.
The horrific potato famine of the mid-1800s killed a million people in Ireland and forced another million to leave the country. It also intensified resistance to English rule, because many believed English leaders should have done more to aid the starving people in Ireland. A long and bloody struggle for independence culminated in the Easter Rising of 1916 and the subsequent Anglo-Irish War, which came to an end in 1921.
As a part of the agreement that ended the war, the majority of the island became an independent country—the Republic of Ireland (Eire). The northeastern sixth of the island, which has a Protestant majority, remained part of the U.K. as Northern Ireland.
In 1973, Ireland joined the European Economic Community (now the European Union), which gave it a tremendous boost through expanded trade opportunities and economic investment. By the late 1990s, when many technology firms opened offices there, it became the fastest-growing economy in the industrialized world.
This rapid rise from poverty to prosperity was known as the Celtic Tiger. Signs of its wealth were evident in the capital and in new construction around the country. In 2002, Ireland adopted the European currency, the euro.
Property development in the boom years had comprised much of Ireland's prosperity, leaving the country vulnerable when housing prices tumbled in the global economic crash of 2008-09. The subsequent banking collapse and debt crisis led to Ireland's becoming the second Euro-zone casualty after Greece, and it received a bailout of 85 billion euros from the EU and IMF in November 2010.
During the resulting period of austerity conditions, Ireland quietly reduced its deficit and improved its exports. Three years later, it successfully exited the bailout, and by 2014, it was once again the fastest growing economy in the EU.
Having recently celebrated the centenary of the Easter Rising (1916) which set it on the road to independence, the country continues to benefit from rising employment and an expanding economy.
The country's main attractions are stunning coastal scenery, charming people, traditional music and dance, excellent golfing, horse racing, fishing, fine theater, bird-watching (for puffins, terns and other northern sea birds), historical sites and ruins, lush gardens, shopping and legendary Irish pubs (where Guinness stout and Irish whiskey flow freely).
Ireland will appeal to almost everyone. However, the same natural elements that make the countryside so green make the weather cool and damp—it rains and mists a lot. The weather, even in summer, can be damp and chilly, but then, no one goes to Ireland for the weather. Although there are beautiful hotels, not all areas have deluxe accommodations.
What's that smell? It's probably the smoke from burning peat, which is still a popular fuel in Ireland. In some rural areas, you may see piles of peat bricks drying beside the bogs where they were cut.
The first Europeans to reach the New World may have been a group of Irish monks in the sixth century, led by St. Brendan the Navigator, who sailed across the Atlantic looking for a new land he had seen in a vision. No archaeological evidence exists, but in 1976 the English explorer Tim Severin made the legendary voyage in a replica of St. Brendan's boat and proved it was possible.
The term "honeymoon" comes from the days when mead—a drink made from fermented honey—was Ireland's favorite alcohol. According to tradition, newlyweds were given enough mead to toast each other until the next full moon.
The former headquarters of the pirate queen Grace O'Malley (Granuaile) is on Clare Island. For 40 years she commanded fleets and armies, leading rebellions against Queen Elizabeth I of England. Defeated, O'Malley was sent to London to pay homage to the queen. The Irish say it was a meeting of equals.
Thousands of people make the pilgrimage to climb Ireland's most sacred mountain, Croagh Patrick (Cruach Phadraig) in County Mayo. The annual climb takes place on Reek Sunday (the last Sunday in July).
County Kerry was the first part of Europe sighted by Charles Lindbergh in his 1927 solo flight across the Atlantic. Using a compass and dead reckoning, the aviator was less than 3 mi/5 km off course after his long ocean crossing.
The Transatlantic Cable, a forerunner of the internet, came ashore at Valencia Island in County Kerry. Because of this, IRA members in New York heard of the Easter Rising in Dublin before the news reached the U.K. government in London.
A list of travel tips and tricks for ireland.
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9/12Thinking about Ireland? Take a closer look at three very different ways to experience the Emerald Isle—and what to consider before choosing your itinerary.
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