You Are Here: Holidays > Ireland

Ireland Holidays

2010 Holidays and more...

Jump to » Ireland Holiday Offers - Tourist Videos - Map of Ireland

Ireland Overview

Ireland Holidays from CheapHolidays.com. Ireland is indeed a green country - so much rainfall must have its benefits - and the people are justifiably renowned for their friendliness. As for the geniuses, well, the Irish will proudly point to their four Nobel Laureates for Literature and declare that the success rate is unmatched in any other country of its size, all the while ensuring that the sacred 'round' system (where everyone buys a drink for everyone else in turn) is strictly adhered to.

Ireland is a small country but has something to offer everyone. Families, couples, singles and groups of friends all visit Ireland and its various cities as everyone is catered for. Ireland is a very green country and locals are renowned for their friendliness. There is also a lot of history to see in Ireland and a number of monuments that are very important to the Irish. There are over 800 hotels in Ireland and all are graded on a 1-5-star basis. Guest houses are also available, as are barges that come in all different sizes. Self-catering is a popular option, although bed and breakfasts can be found as well.Horse-riding is very popular and there are plenty of places to watch it, take lessons or go out on a ride. There are plenty of long distance paths to enjoy where you can go on long walks and take in the scenery around you. Cycling is popular in Ireland and there are plenty of routes to choose from. Grab a rod and try some excellent free coarse fishing. Most Irish fishing occurs on and around the enormous Shannon and Erne river systems, which stretch southward from Leitrim and Fermanagh. County Cavan is known as the ‘Lake County' and is a favourite for anglers. Drink a pint of Guinness, one of the most famous, popular and distinctive drinks in the world, whilst indulging in some craic. Dublin is the ideal city to do this, with a palpable buzz of excitement, not least in the capital's so-called ‘cultural quarter' of Temple Bar. Explore the magnificent Ring of Kerry, a stunning, 180km (112-mile) scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, with numerous diversions along coastal roads and out to islands like Skellig Michael, one of the most ruggedly stunning corners of Ireland.

Ireland – plenty to see and do

Ireland has over 31 designated long-distance footpaths for you to walk along, taking in the sights and seeing various types of wildlife along the way. Cycling is another popular activity as there are a number of easy routes that you can take and it is a perfect way to look round different areas of the country. Bird-watchers will be in paradise, with over 70 reserves full of different species of birds around Ireland. Heading to Dublin is recommended so that you can visit the Guinness factory and enjoy a vibrant nightlife. The various cities and counties in Ireland all offer something to you whether it is sightseeing, activities or a vibrant nightlife. Visit the Guinness Storehouse, part of the world-renowned brewery and Dublin's most visited attraction. Uncover the history of the famous beer and finish off your tour with a delicious pint in the rooftop Gravity Bar. Wonder at the breathtakingly beautiful rare books and artefacts of the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, whose collection include some of the most outstanding examples of decorated Qu'rans in the world as well as one of the world's oldest biblical fragments. Admire the stunning western wilderness of Connemara, including Ireland's only fjord at Killary Harbour and the network of scenic roads and trails through the Twelve Bens, the mountain range that runs through the heart of the region. Tap your feet and lose yourself in the traditional music bars of County Clare: Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna and Corrofin are full of superb pubs where you'll hear Irish music the way it was meant to be heard. Look into Ireland's rich collection of medieval castles, some of which are popular tourist attractions while others operate as luxury hotels, such as Dromoland in County Clare, and Ashford in County Galway.

Ireland – something for everyone

There are so many cuisines and recipes in Ireland that it has recently become a must-visit destination for food lovers. As Ireland is a farming country, a lot of dishes include bacon, poultry and dairy products. Seafood is also a favourite in many restaurants. Dublin has a range of cuisines and restaurants to suit everyone's budgets. Most of the towns in Ireland have clubs, bars, pubs and live music, however Dublin is one of the liveliest, with many nightclubs as well. There are also a few dance halls for you to enjoy, theatres and themed medieval nights at Bunratty Castle. Shopping is good, with jewellery, clothing, bags, shoes, crafts and souvenirs all available for you.

Ireland Weather and Climate

Ireland has warm summers with temperatures ranging between 15-20°C and the warmest months of the year being July and August. Temperatures have been known to reach between 24-30°C in Ireland before, however this is when there is a very hot summer. It does not get truly dark until around 11pm in the summer months so there are plenty of hours of sunshine to enjoy. The coldest months are January and February where temperatures range between 4-8°C. Rain is common in Ireland and can happen at any time of the year. The temperate climate is due to mild southwesterly winds and the Gulf Stream. Summers are warm, while temperatures during winter are much cooler. Spring and autumn are very mild. Rain falls all year.