A lush, green garden full of surprises, Garnish is on an Island in the Gulf Stream off the coast of Cork. Its unique climatic conditions mean it grows plants and trees not seen elsewhere in Ireland, many normally more at home in the tropics.
The Island is reached by boat, an adventure in itself, and you’ll almost certainly spot seals basking on the rocks on the short journey from Glengarrif.
Picking the right tour company to organise your trip to Ireland is the first major decision you take when planning your vacation – and possibly the most important.
This isn’t an descision you can just throw money at, here are good, mediocre and poor operators at all levels of the market – these tips will help you pick the one that’s right for you.
This small tower in a secluded location was once home to the poet William Butler Yeats, who restored it as a home for his family.
Following his death it fell into disrepair (as he predicted) but has now been returned to the way it was when the Yeats family lived there in the early part of the 20th century.
The Barrow Valley is a quiet and unspoiled area, much loved by walkers and little visited by tourists.
The river that meanders though is popular with cruise boats but also means there are miles of riverside paths waiting to be explored.
This walk takes you on a stroll around Dublin to places associated with James Joyce or with characters from his books or short stories.
Although it’s primarily aimed at Joyce fans, those walking with them will not be bored as it includes some of the most interesting places to visit in Dublin along its route.
These are hotels that will make you feel pampered and special and lucky in locations you are quite likely to visit on a tour of Ireland.
Naturally they all have the great accommodation, service and facilities but they also have that extra ‘something’ that makes a good hotel a truly great one.
Irish crystal is renowned for its quality and clarity as well as its beautiful design, and modern styles are now joining the traditional ones we all know.
Crystal is expensive, but its special and will last a long, long time so choosing what to buy and where to buy it is important.
WB Yeats is one of the most romantic poets ever and this is his ancestral home, a place he dearly loved and where he is buried.
Add lovely unspoiled countryside, good places to stay and eat and not too many tourists and it’s the perfect recipe for a romantic getaway.
Now uninhabited, Scattery was lived in from the time St Senen established a monastery there in 534 until the last Islanders left in 1978.
It fascinating history encompasses monsters, Vikings, the Spanish Armada, invasions that never happened and a small Island community who had a unique approach to death. Not many people go there – you should.
When choosing the best time to visit Ireland you need to take account of the weather, but since nobody comes here for sunshine the more important things to consider and prices and what special events will be on during your trip.
We look at the pros and cons of visiting at various times of the year and how your interests will be best served by choosing the right time of year for your trip.
People in Ireland are generally pretty laid back and casual but it is useful for visitors to know how a little about to behave in social situations.
There is info here about meeting and greeting, how to behave in pubs, tipping in Ireland and a little about both religion and profanity.
A branch of the National Museum, which concentrates on clothing, tools, toys and other household items giving an insight into day to day living in Ireland’s past.
There is a year round schedule of events here which makes it an always lively and interesting place to visit. Kids, even those not normally enthused by museums, love this one.
