Ireland
The top sights and landmarks in Ireland combine dramatic coastlines, historic castles, and lively cities. The capital Dublin is known for Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar, while the wider island offers the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, ancient monastic sites, and rolling green countryside.
General information
Ireland, the "Emerald Isle", is a green and windswept island on the north-western edge of Europe, famous for its dramatic Atlantic coastline, rolling pastures, warm hospitality and lively pub culture. Ancient castles and monastic ruins dot a landscape of stone-walled fields and misty hills, while its cities buzz with traditional music, literature and craic (good-natured fun). Compact and easy-going, Ireland pairs big-hitting scenery like the Cliffs of Moher with the friendly welcome for which the Irish are known worldwide. English is the main language (alongside Irish/Gaelic), and the Republic of Ireland uses the euro.
Transport and how to get there
The main gateway is Dublin Airport (DUB), with further international airports at Cork (ORK) and Shannon (SNN) in the west; ferries also link Ireland with Britain and France. Trains and Intercity buses connect the main cities, but to explore the wild coasts and countryside a rental car is ideal — remembering that the Irish drive on the left. Dublin and other city centres are compact and walkable.
Prices
Ireland is upper-priced, with Dublin accommodation in particular often expensive and in high demand. Expect roughly 110-220 EUR per night for a mid-range hotel in the capital (less in the countryside), with hostels from about 25 EUR. A casual pub meal runs around 15-25 EUR and a pint of Guinness 5.50-7 EUR. Intercity trains and buses are reasonable, and many highlights — wild coastlines, national parks — are free, while paid sights typically cost 10-20 EUR. Prices are approximate and vary by season.
Main attractions
Dublin offers Trinity College and the illuminated Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse and the pubs of Temple Bar. The scenery, though, steals the show: the towering Cliffs of Moher, the scenic Ring of Kerry, the fjord-like landscapes of Connemara and the whole Wild Atlantic Way along the west coast. Kiss the Blarney Stone near Cork, explore ancient sites like Newgrange, and settle into a rural pub for a night of live traditional music. In the north, the basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway are an easy add-on.