Ireland
Destinations in Ireland
Regions
Attractions in Ireland
Ready for an adventure? There are plenty of them in Ireland!
Hiking is the quickest and easiest way to get active outdoors in Ireland. With mild weather and a diverse environment of beaches, moors and rolling green fields, dotted with the odd sheep, it's the perfect way to get up close and personal with the beautiful landscapes of the Emerald Isle.
The combination of sweeping plains and challenging mountain scenery also makes the island ideal for cycling tours. The so-called greenways offer wonderful and, above all, car-free routes for cyclists with views to marvel at around every corner.
Ireland also has plenty to offer water sports enthusiasts. The town of Bundoran in County Donegal is known as Ireland's surfing capital, but Lahinch in County Clare is in no way inferior. Both locations offer optimal surf with huge waves.
Clew Bay in County Mayo is a favourite spot for windsurfing. Kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddling are best practised on the countless lakes and waterways in the heart of Ireland. This is also home to the cosy houseboats, which are licence-free in Ireland and offer a particularly close-to-nature experience from a completely different perspective.
Numerous other sports also have a home in Ireland, such as horse riding, diving, fishing and golf, to name but a few.
Food and drink in Ireland: more than just fish and chips
Typical Irish food is not just about Irish stew or fish & chips - although Ireland has cherished its traditions for generations, a creative and innovative cuisine has now developed from them. The best way to experience it for yourself is at a food festival, on a food trail, in a quaint pub or in one of the many first-class restaurants on the island.
Eating in Ireland is not just about the flavour; it's about the place, the experience, the land, the sea and the people who lovingly prepare the food, which is mostly made from local organic produce.
For example, how about a creamy seafood chowder by the fireside of a cosy pub on the windswept coast, a traditional Irish stew in an 18th century market atmosphere or a stylish afternoon tea in a castle with breathtaking sea views?
Irish whiskey or "uisce beatha" (pronounced: ishka baa-ha) also has a huge following around the world. Some claim that Irish whiskey is spelt with an "e" because it is triple-distilled. Others say that the unusual spelling comes from the fact that Irish whiskey is exceptional. No matter what is true: It's best to try it for yourself - directly on site in one of the island's many distilleries. In many of them, you can learn interesting details about the history and the production process during a guided tour.
Photo: Irish Distilleries International Limited
The real Irish coffee is just as famous: full-bodied coffee, golden whiskey, caramelised sugar and a layer of whipped cream combine to make the perfect Irish coffee. The ideal accompaniment to a cosy spot in front of a crackling open fire!
Last but not least, we should mention the famous Guinness from Dublin, whose history dates back to 1759. This Irish stout is now loved all over the world, but of course it tastes best locally, in a cosy pub, surrounded by new Irish friends and cheerful live music. For lovers of the "black brew", a visit to the Guiness Storehouse in Dublin is definitely worthwhile. Here you can immerse yourself in the history of the world's largest stout brewery, experience the brewing process up close and enjoy a pint with a 360-degree view of the capital in the Gravity Bar.
Culture: The spirit of Ireland cannot be captured - it must be lived!
The stories, landscapes, songs and the very special atmosphere of Ireland keep people coming back. As Ireland is an island, it is no surprise that the culture is closely linked to the sea. From the literature of the Blasket Islands to the tragic story of the Titanic in Belfast, it is the sea that has always shaped Irish life, moulded myths and created over 3,000km of coastline.
Ireland's coastal communities also play a major role in the cultivation of the Irish language. On Achill Island in County Mayo, in Connemara in County Galway or on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, you can still hear the sound of the Irish language spoken by the local population.
For a small island, Ireland's contribution to world literature is also enormous. From playwrights to poets, songwriters and storytellers, Ireland's literary heritage includes four Nobel Prize winners (George Bernard Shaw, WB Yeats, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney) and is still alive today.
Irish music also deserves a mention as it is unlike anything else in the world. The idea of pushing open the old wooden doors of a cosy pub on a cold night and immersing yourself in the warmth of conversation and a rousing folk session makes for a very special experience.
In Ireland, folk music covers the entire spectrum of emotions. Noisy fun or soulful, tragic ballads invite you to dance or cry. Songs such as The Irish Rover, Rare Old Mountain Dew, Raglan Road and Whiskey in the Jar are Irish classics that are known all over the world. So if you're near a pub where a live session is taking place, grab a stool and don't miss out on the experience!
Accommodation in Ireland
The most beautiful and authentic accommodation options - whether close to nature on the beach, near a village or with a view of the starry sky - can be found everywhere in Ireland. A wonderful way to get to know the Emerald Isle and experience it in the truest sense of the word is to spend the night on a beautifully situated campsite, in a glass ball, a holiday home, on a houseboat or in a cosy bed & breakfast with a warm and familiar atmosphere.
This wide variety of accommodation promises direct experiences of nature and intensive personal encounters. Ireland's accommodation options are diverse and varied, from top-class luxury to cosy bed & breakfasts - there is something for every taste and budget!
Climate in Ireland
The temperature differences between the seasons are not so pronounced, making spring and autumn with their mild climate an attractive time for an extended active holiday.
The Gulf Stream has a decisive influence on the climate. Its warm water masses pass by the island, especially on the south and south-west coast. Air temperatures in summer are between 15ºC and 25ºC. Spring and autumn temperatures reach an average of 10ºC, dropping to between 5ºC and 8ºC in winter. Snow is very rare and frost almost never occurs, which means that the grass in Ireland continues to grow in winter, keeping the island lush and green all year round. Gentle rain showers can occur all year round. Even if they are heavy, they tend to be short and often followed by sunshine, as the clouds are quickly blown away by the sea breezes. The right clothing therefore plays a decisive role here, because as the saying goes: there is no such thing as bad weather, there is only the wrong clothing!
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