Ireland is an amazing land, full of ancient history and charming people – making it the ideal location for an incredible road trip adventure!
Explore smaller towns on your own or by bus tour; alternatively combine this with travel by train or ferry.
History
Ireland stands out among Europe’s smaller island nations for its distinct culture and deep historical roots, making its identity uniquely Irish. Ireland has maintained close ties to Britain both economically and culturally for many reasons that have had profound influences over time, yet these connections alone cannot define Ireland’s long and varied history as an island nation.
Ireland was long known as one of Europe’s poorest regions, prompting mass migration during the 19th century. Today, over 40 million Americans can trace their ancestry back to Ireland, and millions visit it each year as an ancestral homeland.
George Bernard Shaw, William Butler Yeats and Samuel Beckett all helped form Modernist literature during the 20th century. Irish musicians Thin Lizzy, Horslips and Van Morrison popularised elements of traditional Irish music into rock, while Sinead O’Connor, Clannad and the Cranberries have continued this musical genre today.
In December 1918, Sinn Fein won three-quarters of all seats in a national election and established Dail Eireann as the first Irish Republic Parliament. De Valera then introduced a new constitution, dispensing with “Free State” terms altogether and simply calling Ireland Eire or Ireland and asserting sovereignty over all its territory. World War Two passed without significant violence on Irish territory; many citizens joined Allied forces while many more opted for neutrality while fighting continued postwar until an agreement on power sharing between those wanting a united Ireland and those advocating parting ways was eventually achieved until 1999 power sharing agreements could be agreed upon between these factions that resulted in power sharing agreements that allow power sharing agreements on both sides that was implemented after World War Two had ended – although violence between those wanting remain part of Britain and those advocating united Ireland continued until an eventual power-sharing deal had been agreed upon between these groups and finally reached!
Culture
Ireland boasts an enduring cultural identity despite decades of emigration. With rich literary and musical traditions that span generations and dramatic landscape features that can be found throughout its towns and cities as well as folk festivals across its landscape, Ireland has an immense cultural presence that often exceeds its size.
Irish citizens enjoy an extensive civil society. Numerous nongovernmental organizations exist that cater to classes, regions, occupations, religions, charitable causes and other interests of Irish society; there is general respect for rules and laws while public morality remains an important cultural concern. Crime rates tend to be higher in urban areas due to poverty and levels of discontentment with society at large.
Ireland was an island nation divided into small territories (tuatha), marked by martial traditions and difficult climate. These conditions made it extremely challenging for the English Crown to exert full control of all parts of Ireland; at the same time they allowed its culture to develop independently of any foreign rule.
Irish culture encompasses Gaelic as their official language, along with an exceptional literary tradition that boasts four Nobel Prize winners for poetry: William Butler Yeats (1890), Edna O’Brien (1923), Seamus Heaney (1995) and John Montague (1985). Many Irish writers have achieved international renown through prose as well, such as George Moore, Elizabeth Bowen Flann O’Brien James Joyce Roddy Doyle John McGahern William Trevor to name but a few. Ireland boasts an energetic folk culture where thousands participate annually in musical and dance events organized across its borders.
Weather
Ireland is notoriously unpredictable when it comes to weather; one minute it could be bright sunshine outside your window, then moments later raindrops could fall from the sky. Luckily, rain doesn’t often last too long (leading to spectacular rainbows!) before giving way to sunnier conditions once again.
Dublin and its environs enjoy some of the country’s warmest and driest summers and most stunning beaches and charming coastal towns, while other areas around Ireland experience variable weather – western regions experience relatively cooler summers as well as longer rainy periods from November through January.
Though most visitors come during the peak season (May to September), fall and spring can also be wonderful times to explore this country. With milder temperatures and fewer travelers to contend with, you’ll get to experience popular cities and natural landmarks at their most tranquil.
As leaves turn golden and orange in fall, nature erupts with new life in spring: Emerald Isle blooms into gorgeous green landscapes where baby lambs play in fields. And fans of James Joyce can join Bloomsday celebrations on June 16 in Dublin — an event commemorating his groundbreaking novel Ulysses!
Food & Drink
Irish cuisine reflects its diverse heritage. Irish culinary practices take advantage of the abundance of locally produced ingredients found both on land and sea; Irish cooking also incorporates herbs, spices and vegetables for maximum flavor impact.
Prior to the 19th century, many in Ireland lived on subsistence level incomes and the economy depended heavily on an array of potatoes and meat crops. To diversify this diet, Irish farmers created traditional foods from their gardens and fields – these included various sausages made with pork, beef and lamb as well as black pudding – as well as barmbrack bread studded with fruit.
Irish seafood has long been a key staple of its cuisine due to the temperate ocean waters and access to the salty Atlantic. Popular choices for Irish cuisine include prawns, oysters and mussels as well as cod, trout and salmon fish species.
Sheep-breeding country New Zealand also produces an assortment of lamb dishes, including shanks served with potatoes and mint sauce. Thanks to lush green pastures, New Zealand excels at producing top-quality lamb. Grass-fed beef is another specialty here as are Comber potatoes; for dessert try Mikado traybake featuring two lines of pink coconut-speckled marshmallow piped between soft ginger biscuits for dessert; otherwise there’s always Irish coffee which always features generous servings of double cream!
Shopping
Be it souvenirs or fashion, Ireland offers plenty of shopping opportunities. Home to both independent shops and major brand stores alike – as well as some unique specialty boutiques and markets that specialize in everything from artisan yarn to classic Irish literature – Ireland provides plenty of shopping experiences that will be sure to please.
Blanchardstown Centre is an elegant and modern shopping destination offering everything from high street fashion stores and restaurants, to movie theater viewing. Additionally, major department stores, boutiques, sports shops and supply shops can be found here.
Penneys (Pennys), one of Ireland’s best-loved stores, is beloved among residents as a go-to shop for low-cost clothing and accessories. Indeed, when complimented on their outfits many Irish people respond “Thanks, Penneys.”
In Ireland during the 1940s and ’50s, large shops first appeared, such as one of Europe’s first department stores: Clerys. By 1960s out-of-town shopping centres featuring large supermarkets were being established; such as Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt.
Westbury Mall is located off Grafton Street and boasts an upscale selection of boutiques and specialist stores, from linen, tweed, wool clothing from Stable of Ireland or iconic herringbone and tartan coats beloved by Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga etc at Paula Rowan to niche fragrances at Parfumarija or first edition books at Solomon Fine Art – there’s sure to be something perfect!
Transportation
Ireland provides many transportation options ranging from walking and cycling to driving a car, with public transport being offered by Bus Eireann which serves every town and city in Ireland as well as Dublin LUAS which covers two metro lines throughout Dublin City Center.
Bus travel in Ireland can be costly, but Leap Cards offer significant discounts on fares. Another cost-cutting strategy is booking organized tours – especially those for attractions requiring access by car (such as Ring of Kerry or Bru Na Boinne complex).
Renting a car in Ireland is easy and cost-effective; however, it is essential to keep in mind that highway safety has become a concern here; Irish drivers rank near the bottom in Europe in terms of accident rates. Furthermore, drinking while driving is illegal here with an upper limit set at 0.5 milligrams per liter for driving within Republic of Ireland territory.
When renting a vehicle, be mindful to factor all taxes, such as Value-added Tax (VAT), breakdown assistance, unlimited mileage and collision damage waiver (CDW). These extras can quickly add up, and may not always be included in rental prices. Also keep in mind parking regulations vary between municipalities; double yellow lines indicate no stopping or parking anywhere except certain designated zones in town.