Ireland | 07 Nights

About the destination: Dublin has been the backdrop for many novels and it's no surprise given its written tradition dates back to 800 A.D. with The Book of Kells, which is now on display at Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university. The city is the birthplace of many literary figures such as Joyce, Beckett, Yeats, Shawn and Wilde to name but a few. The city's Georgian elegance blends seamlessly with the medieval and modern architecture that gives Dublin its unique character. One can't deny that Dublin is a city of culture; the UNESCO designated Ireland's capital as the city of literature in 2010. Culture enthusiasts are also spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and galleries. From the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library to the National Gallery and the charming Little Museum of Dublin housing the lectern that US president JFK used to address the National Parliament in 1963, there is plenty to take in. Not to forget of course the magnificent Dublin Castle dating back to the 13th century. Aside from its splendid riches, the best thing about this city is its people. Dubliners are friendly, warm, surprisingly outgoing and witty, even more so after a few pints of Guinness. In its over 1000 pubs one makes friends easily. It should be compulsory for tourists to spend some time in a pub as it is one of the most memorable experiences of a visit to Ireland. Dublin is also a young city, it has one of the youngest populations in Europe, around half of its inhabitants are believed to be under the age of 25. This fact has made the city vibrant, dynamic, energetic and ambitious. Dublin is brimming with trendy bars, sophisticated restaurants and lively clubs, the epicentre being the buzzing Temple Bar area. Live music is a religion in Ireland and Dublin is its mecca. The city's live music scene is superb and has given the world a number of global musical superstars from U2 and Westlife to The Script and Sinead O’Connor. Everyone is welcome in this now multicultural city, but be warned, Dublin, like its people, is so charismatic and infectious that you may never want to leave.

About the destination: Gateway go Conamara, is cathair chabhsaí ghalánta agus bheoga í Gaillimh, atá suite ar chósta thiar na hÉireann. Le linn an 14ú haois, bhí an baile tábhachtach mar áit trádála faoi riail Anglo-Normannach. Thug trádáil leathan leis an Spáinn blas Spáinneach ar chuid de na seandálaíochtaí atá fágtha i nGaillimh. Agus sin ráite, in ainneoin a stair de thionchar idirnáisiúnta, tá Gaillimh níos Gaelaí ná aon chathair eile san iarthar. Ar a dtugtar "cathair na dTreabh", tá Gaillimh lán de chultúr Éireannach saibhir agus tábhacht staire. Téann an baile idir an abhainn agus an fharraige, lán de theachtaí trádálacha sean, fuinneoga luaidhe aisteacha os cionn dorais chloiche, agus ballaí cloiche aosta a chuireann béim ar shiopaí nua-aimseartha. Is é Cearnóg an Fhómhair bunús an bhaile go deimhin, le leachtanna scaipthe i gcuimhne laochra agus go leor daoine suimiúla ag gabháil thart. Tá Sráid an tSiopa, an príomhshruth, i gcónaí beo le ceol sráide agus le taibheoirí. Téann Sráid an tSiopa thú thart ar Chaisleán na Loingsigh, teach mór cloiche galánta a dátaíonn ón 16ú haois luath. Siúil suas bruach na Coiribe i dtreo Droichead na Bradán. Siúil ar ais tríd na sráideanna cúnga go dtí an tArcaí Spáinneach, an t-aon gheata atá fágtha go dtí an seanbhaile trádála agus iarsma ó na laethanta nuair a bhí trádáil leis an Spáinn ag bláthú agus sherry á thabhairt isteach i gcarracaí móra trádála tríd an arcaí seo. Sa lá atá inniu ann, is baile ollscoile í Gaillimh atá i gcónaí gnóthach le taispeántais agus féilte leanúnacha. Sluaite ag caint i dtithe tábhairne cois abhann, ag baint taitneamh as ceol beo. Sin é bunús fíor Ghaillimh.

About the destination: Killarney is a wee town of great tourist interest situated at the entrance to Killarney National Parklands. This reserve, brimming with lakes and forests, is the beginning of the Ring of Kerry, a circular tourist route perfect for unwinding amidst nature. Like most towns in Ireland, Killarney is rich in architectural and historical sights. The town boasts charming architecture and style reminiscent of the late 19th century. The town's main monument is St. Mary’s Cathedral, adorned with mosaics and frescos, it's considered one of the most important and best Gothic Revival churches of the nineteenth century in Ireland. A mere 5 minutes from Killarney Town Centre, you'll find the beautifully restored 15th Century Ross Castle, home to the legendary Gaelic Chieftain O’Donoghue Ross. It overlooks the Lower Lake, the 7th century monastery and a 12th century oratory on Innisfallen Island, situated in the middle of the lake. Take a short dander from the castle on Ross Island and visit the site of the old copper mine shafts. Or simply wander around the picturesque town. Discover its beautifully maintained and colourful shops. When you need a break there's plenty of tea shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs for a drink, meal or snack. The locals are welcoming and friendly, always ready to help and give advice to any visitor. Killarney, with beautiful flower arrangements and freshly painted shop fronts gleaming proudly from every street, is a truly beautiful place simply created for rest and joy.

About the destination: Dublin has been the backdrop for many novels and it's no surprise given its written tradition dates back to 800 A.D. with The Book of Kells, which is now on display at Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university. The city is the birthplace of many literary figures such as Joyce, Beckett, Yeats, Shawn and Wilde to name but a few. The city's Georgian elegance blends seamlessly with the medieval and modern architecture that gives Dublin its unique character. One can't deny that Dublin is a city of culture; the UNESCO designated Ireland's capital as the city of literature in 2010. Culture enthusiasts are also spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and galleries. From the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library to the National Gallery and the charming Little Museum of Dublin housing the lectern that US president JFK used to address the National Parliament in 1963, there is plenty to take in. Not to forget of course the magnificent Dublin Castle dating back to the 13th century. Aside from its splendid riches, the best thing about this city is its people. Dubliners are friendly, warm, surprisingly outgoing and witty, even more so after a few pints of Guinness. In its over 1000 pubs one makes friends easily. It should be compulsory for tourists to spend some time in a pub as it is one of the most memorable experiences of a visit to Ireland. Dublin is also a young city, it has one of the youngest populations in Europe, around half of its inhabitants are believed to be under the age of 25. This fact has made the city vibrant, dynamic, energetic and ambitious. Dublin is brimming with trendy bars, sophisticated restaurants and lively clubs, the epicentre being the buzzing Temple Bar area. Live music is a religion in Ireland and Dublin is its mecca. The city's live music scene is superb and has given the world a number of global musical superstars from U2 and Westlife to The Script and Sinead O’Connor. Everyone is welcome in this now multicultural city, but be warned, Dublin, like its people, is so charismatic and infectious that you may never want to leave.