A journey to the Isles Land- Ireland

                                                             A journey to the Isles Land- Ireland

If you are a wander lust at heart and have an eye for history, rich culture and beauty, then there is one country in the world map that deserves a visit. Known as the Republic of Ireland – this is one of the most beautiful and picturesque countries in the European Continent.  With hundreds of islands and small islets making up this country, Ireland is a rich store house of the unusual and unique. A country easy to reach, fun to explore, interesting to know welcomes you with a big smile.

The Republic of Ireland is divided largely within two halves and forms the island of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Hailed as a Republic in political terms, the common name for this island destination remains to be nothing but only Ireland with the famous city of Dublin as the capital. Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom has as its capital, Belfast. Geographically, the island of Ireland is counted as the third largest island in Europe. Great Britain, separated by the Irish Sea, is the eastern neighbor of Ireland. The country derives its name form the amalgamation of two words- the Old Irish word ‘Eriu’ is added to another word ‘land’ which is of Germanic origin to form the charming country. The presence of early inhabitants is believed to date back to 6000 B.C. However, with the blessings of the patron Saint Patrick and the Almighty, Ireland has come a long way in time to become a buzzing cosmopolitan.

Natural beauty of Ireland

A nature lover’s paradise, the beauty of Ireland cannot be expressed in words. Divided among cities and counties, Ireland is a country that abounds in natural beauty. The historical cities like Dublin, Lisbon, and Londonderry with their share of churches, museums and cathedrals put up a sharp contrast to the lush green meadows, the hill sides, the blue sky, open farmlands and the innocent countryside. The colorful flora and fauna of Ireland captures the attention of the visitors and simply bewitches them with their diversity. A wide range of wild flowers, lustrous green pastures and trees suited to the temperate climate are a treat to the eyes. 

Blessed for being an island, Ireland boasts of its long coastline and lovely towering cliffs that looms over the sea. With the waves of the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean washing the beaches, the coastline is home to a number of small villages which greatly thrives on the riches of the sea. The fresh haul from the sea is the source of some of the spicy and delicious sea food delicacies for which Ireland enjoys world wide fame. The innumerable islands are great crowd pullers. These romantic and mysterious getaways, charming in their own way are perfect for that serene and calm holiday you had long wished for. Some of the well known names include the Aran Islands, Tory Island, Clare Island and Coney Island.

Other natural wonders include the Burren, a landscape made of limestone layers. Part of the country’s cultural heritage, this is home to some of the Neolithic tombs, ring forts and a large species of the country’s flora. The Giant’s Causeway is yet another important landscape feature and is believed to be the outcome of volcanic activity.

The Shannon River, known to be the longest river in the British Isles gives rise to the Shannon Erne Waterway. Meandering through mighty mountains, valleys and slopes, this waterway is famed as the longest navigable waterway in the continent and gives the tourist a taste of Venice holiday.

Visa to Ireland:

Getting a visa to Ireland is easy. The legal hassles are minimal and that makes traveling to this country a lot easier. Visa requirements however vary for different nationals. For example citizens of the European Union, United States might not require a visa to visit Ireland. Some of the countries which require a visa are India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Zambia, Russia, China, Pakistan, Cuba, Philippines. Special Transit visas are required by nationals from Cuba, Iran, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Ghana, Nigeria and some other countries.

The documents required to gain entry consists of a valid passport, a round trip ticket and papers to prove the presence of sufficient finance to support you during your visit.

The cost of acquiring a visa may range from 10 days to 12 weeks. The cost may vary depending upon the nature of your journey.

Traveling to and within Ireland:

Ireland and Northern Ireland is served by a number of airports which handles international flights to other European Countries as well as other continents. Regional flights are also available. Ireland is served by three major airports which include the Dublin Airport, Cork International Airport and the Shannon International Airport. Northern Ireland is supported by three airports. The major one is the Belfast International Airport. The two smaller ones include the City of Derry Airport and the George Best Belfast City Airport.

Train services are operated from Dublin and links the major cities and towns. Ferry and Bus services are also present and make traveling within the country easier.

What to Speak in Ireland:

English being an international language is spoken and understood in Ireland. However, the mother tongue, Irish gains prominence and is the most common one in practice. Polish is the third most known and spoken language in the country.

Attractions in Ireland:

Once here, tourists will never run out of places to visit. A country of great poets and dramatists, Ireland boasts of its collection of attractions to be toured which accounts for a number of castles, museums and beautiful gardens. Bearing the marks of royalty are the castles which includes names like Avery Castle, Adare Castle, Ballymoon Castle, Blarney Castle, Charles Fort, Conna Castle, Donore Castle and many more. Among the gardens the worth mentioning ones are the Belfast International Rose Garden’s, Fernhill, Fota Island, Annes Grove and Tully Japanese. Famous museums include Cork Museum and The Spanish Armada Centre. Other prominent landmarks worth a visit include the Trinity College in Dublin, Walled City of Derry, Dublin Zoo, Hill of Tara, Cliffs of Moher and the Knock Shrine.

Shop till You Drop!

Shopping destinations can be found in plenty in Ireland. Whether you are looking for designer labels or a cheap market, the shops and the street stalls and the fashion malls are all there to woo the shopper. So keep your credit cards clicking and the cash flowing and pay a visit to the City Square Shopping Centre in Waterford, Eyre Square Centre in Galway. However the real shopping destination is Dublin with its famous Grafton Street, Georges Street housing some of the country’s largest and best shopping centre’s and malls. A must visit for the die hard shopper include the St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Georges Street Arcade and the Jervis Street Shopping Centre located on Henry Street in North Dublin.

Entertainment in Ireland:

A number of fairs and festivals are the source of entertainment in Ireland apart from the country’s music, film and sport extravaganzas. Festivals in Ireland not only reflect the cultural aspect of the country but are great international fiestas. Attracting crowds from all over the world some of the festivals of Ireland are the Halloween Festival of Londonderry, Puck Fair in Killorglin, and Open House Festival in Belfast, Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Wexford Opera Festival, Dublin Theatre Festival and Aspects Literature Festival in Bangor.

A place to call home!!!

Known to be a hospitable country, tired souls can find a number of accommodations in Ireland. Depending upon the budget, visitors can take their pick from the number of resorts that dots the country. From country houses to castles, accommodation ranges from luxury to homely ones. Some of the well known dwelling places are the Ballyvolane House, Buttermilk Lodge, Ross Castle Accommodation, Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Chestnut Cottage Self Catering Holiday and Killarney Lodge Guesthouse.

With the rooms offering all the modern facilities and amenities, a stay at any one of them is guaranteed with success. Hotel Amenities and Services are charted out with great care and caters both to the needs of the holiday makers and the business travelers.

A great place for a family holiday, adventure outing or a romantic honeymoon- Ireland presents you with enormous opportunities and activities that is surely going to keep you busy for a very long time.