Ireland is in an age of economic growth and prosperity that has transformed Dublin into one of the leading cities in Europe. Outside of Dublin though, Ireland maintains its traditional character, culture, and charm. The landscape is very picturesque in many areas.
Dublin is a culturally vibrant city with its trendy Temple Bar district, the retail-oriented Grafton Street, and (of course) the Guinness Brewery. Dublin is packed with history too, with the famous Trinity College (educating Ireland’s finest) and the fantastically illustrated Book of Kells. Dublin also has a fine National Museum and its own Castle, as well as the historic Kilmainham Gaol.
In the Irish countryside, visitors can experience traditional Irish life (as well as archaeological sites and natural beauty) in places such as the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. Partake in pub crawls (there is a very high pub to person ratio) and listen to traditional folk music. A pint of Guiness anyone?!
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the top Irish attractions with its towering vertical 200 meter high cliffs and outstanding views. Parts of the cliffs may fall into the waters below occasionally, but that doesn’t prevent visitors from going to the edge and peering down at the depths. Other attractions include Kilkenny and Blarney Castles (with its famous Blarney Stone), the Neolithic tombs and standing stones of Bru na Boinne, and the beautiful Killarney National Park. You can also explore some of the little populated
areas of Ireland, where you can find scattered stone houses that were abandoned during the horrendous mid 19th century Great Irish Famine.