Discover Ireland

A unique short break with character - in the friendliest destination in the world, according to the Lonely Planet 2008.

It's a country with music around every corner, art on the streets, and characters in every pub. There are thousands of festivals and events throughout the year, from huge theatrical parades to seafood festivals in villages.

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Follow the Titanic trail in Belfast, walk the walls of Londonderry, take a Rock and Stroll Tour in Dublin, go wild at Fota in Cork, live it up in Limerick, or go in search of some traditional music sessions in Galway.

And the food...! Meet artisan producers at local markets, dine like a king in Michelin restaurants, or just enjoy the home baking of a traditional Irish breakfast.

And it’s so cheap and easy to get to, with over 100 air routes taking you right to the heart of the island.

Dublin

Dublin ranks among the top tourist destinations in Europe, and this vibrant city hums with a tangible sense that it is creating a new cultural heritage. The lively, friendly and buzzing capital city is set on the banks of the River Liffey. The area of Temple Bar is a throng of pubs and bars, bustling with people at night. Stroll through streets of Georgian buildings, or enjoy a bus tour of the city’s sights, including Dublin Castle, Trinity College, the zoo...and the Guinness brewery.

To see comedian Andrew Maxwell’s video about his hometown of Dublin, click here

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Must See: Guinness Storehouse – pour your own pint at the Gravity Bar with its incredible view, or visit Trinity College and view the illuminated Book of Kells.

How to see the city – explore Dublin’s elegant Georgian architecture on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, or take to the river and roads in a WW2 amphibious vehicle on the Viking Splash Tour.

Shopping - visit the bustling Grafton St, enjoy the Powerscourt centre, or simply head out on the Luas to Dundrum and hit Harvey Nicks!

Nightlife - discover the places that shaped bands such as U2 and the Thrills. Catch some live music at Crawdaddy, head for chic cocktails in The Marble Bar at The Westbury, or nip out of town for a night to Johnny Fox’s – the highest pub in Ireland.

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Belfast

An exciting, dynamic city with a great vibe.

City break or longer stay, Belfast offers the buzz and vibrancy of a capital city whilst being a gateway to the rural retreat of Northern Ireland.

At the head of Belfast Lough, the city is compact and easy to get around, whether by car or by foot. Belfast offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all pockets, from cosy B&Bs around the University, to well appointed riverside self-catering establishments, to city centre boutique hotels.

Belfast is teeming with a multitude of stylish bars, gourmet restaurants, trendy clubs and some of the best shopping in the UK. Visitors can enjoy traditional Irish music in a local pub or dance the night away to the latest vibes – the choice is theirs!

To see Andrew Maxwell’s hilarious video on Belfast, click here

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Must do: Black taxi cab tour – visit the Falls and Shankill Roads as the cab driver takes you on a guided tour of the murals, the peace wall, and the former trouble spots which are now areas of regeneration.

Food & Cocktails – sample the local produce as you wander through St George’s Market, and enjoy fine dining at Paul Rankin’s restaurant Cayenne, or treat yourself at the Michelin starred Restaurant Michael Deane.

Giant’s Causeway – take a day trip from Belfast to see where the mythical giant Finn MacCool built a causeway to cross to Scotland.

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Cork

The ‘People’s Republic of Cork’ – the locals are fiercely proud of their city and rightly so, with a great buzz, fantastic food and easy access to scenic spots.

Cork is also known as the gourmet capital of Ireland. This region is famous for its food, in particular the cheese and the seafood. The English Market isn’t just the place to pick up organic cheese and ‘buttered eggs’ – you can also try the food in the Market Café upstairs.

To see comedian Andrew Maxwell’s video on Cork, click here

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The city has many art galleries to peruse but one of the highlights is the Crawford, a beautiful building dating back the the 18th century and packed with important pieces. And it’s a great place for a coffee stop and some carrot cake too.

If you fancy a trip out of Cork city, there are lots of easy to reach spots. Visit Blarney Castle, kiss the famous Blarney stone and get the gift of the gab. Go on safari to Fota Wildlife park, or head for the open seas and discover one of Cork’s many unspoilt beaches.

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Limerick

A compact medieval city on the River Shannon, nestled in between areas of outstanding beauty from the Burren in the north, to the Ring of Kerry to the south.

Culture vultures should head for the Hunt Museum, packed with international and Irish art (including Picasso & Yeats), then on to King John’s castle to explore the 13th-century fortifications.

Races – the races take place all year round. Why not make a night of it at one of the themed nights and music events that follow some race-nights?

To see Andrew Maxwell’s irreverent video on the Limerick region, click here

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Galway

Punching far above its weight in terms of size, Galway is the arty, bohemian city at the centre of the West of Ireland.

Quirky & characterful, Galway hosts a range of festivals, the Galway Arts Festival, Galway Oyster Festival, and Galway Races among them, as well as year-round theatrical events. The city is also a hotbed of music, with traditional sessions and live rock all around the city. Cobbled alleyways and coloured shopfronts add to the charm.

To see comedian Andrew Maxwell’s brilliant video on Galway, click here

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This region has some of the best seafood on offer. Be sure to try the smoked salmon, seafood chowder, and of course the oysters – when there’s an ‘r’ in the month!

Head out for the day to the Aran Islands and blow away the cobwebs. Stare down the sheer cliffs of Dun Aengus, the clifftop fort, or hire a bike to explore the island’s prehistoric sites and dramatic scenery. Alternatively, make for Connemara, a strikingly beautiful part of the island with bright blue seas and empty valleys.

For more information about Galway, click here

Londonderry

The oldest walled city in Europe is packed full of history, both ancient and modern.

Take a walking tour along the city walls; enjoy the stunning view over the River Foyle and visit the many galleries and theatres nestled in the walls themselves.

To view Andrew Maxwell’s irreverent video on Londonderry, click here

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