Attractions
Boyne Valley
North of Dublin lies the historic town of Boyne Valley. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. In 1690, the Irish suffered a sensitive defeat in the Boyne Valley, which decided the succession to the British throne. That defeat is still the cause of triumph for Northern Irish Protestants today. Stretching 15km along the River Boyne is Europe’s largest concentration of ancient cultural monuments. Forts, monoliths and ring walls line the way. The most important are the Neolithic passage tombs at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. They are up to 5000 years old. At the solstice, sunbeams flood the 19 meter long corridors.
- Topschoolsintheusa: Guides to study in Ireland, including geography, climate, economy, and tourism of the country.
Irish islands
Windblown, the islands off the west coast tell a thousand-year history. Some islands are connected to the mainland by bridges, such as Achill and Valentia. The formerly isolated location offers characteristic dialects and traditions. Nature lovers will enjoy unspoiled landscapes and, with a bit of luck, whale watching. From the northwestern most inhabited island, Tory Island, to the southern island of Skelling, each island offers visitors a charm all of its own.
Cork
Cork, Ireland’s second largest city and European Capital of Culture in 2005, is located on Ireland’s southwest coast. The city’s landmark is St. Finbarre’s Cathedral with its 40 meter high tower. Cork gained prosperity through butter exports. The Cork Butter Museum impressively describes the history of Ireland’s traditional butter trade. A chilling sight is the Cork City Goal. This former Victorian prison is now a museum. An audio tour shows how tough the penal system was back then: Many were imprisoned for stealing bread. The nightly tours on Thursdays are not for the faint-hearted: the former prisoners haunt the old walls as ghosts and visitors have to walk past the sadistic-looking guards. Don’t worry, they’re just wax figures.
Tralee Bay Wetlands Center and Nature Reserve
The Tralee Bay Wetlands Center and Nature Reserve covers an area of ​​approximately 2500 hectares and is located near the town of Tralee on the south west coast. Here activities are combined with nature experiences. Visitors can take a guided boat safari through reed and freshwater canals, or take a tour of a jetty through swamp and reeds. The microcosm of insects and plants is experienced up close. The Wetland Center opened in 2012 and offers exhibitions and a 20 meter high observation tower.
Beaches
Ireland has over 80 blue flag beaches. To the southwest is Garrylucas, a sandy beach with partial swells. In North West Donegal, Carrickfinn Beach near the town of Annagary is popular. The Irish chose Inch Beach on the Kerry Peninsula as the most beautiful sandy beach. More information about water quality, among other things, can be found at www.blueflag.org and in the current report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) on the water quality of European bodies of water.
Golf and fishing
Lush green meadows invite every golfer to practice the Irish national sport on one of the numerous and good golf courses in the country. Particularly beautiful golf courses are the Druids Glen in Wicklow, which is situated in a gorge, or the Portmarnocks Links in Dublin, designed by Bernhard Langer. Three of the best courses in the world can be found in Tralee, Waterville and Ballybunion. The huge water world with its rivers, lakes and coasts offers anglers the best conditions. Whether pike, salmon or deep-sea fishing, you can rarely enjoy nature as undisturbed as in Ireland. Visit www.angelninirland.info for more information.
Culinary
Ireland is known for agricultural produce such as meat, bacon, poultry and dairy. Salmon, trout, lobster, crab, oysters (served with Guinness and whole wheat bread), mussels and periwinkles are all caught in the sea, rivers and lakes. The local dishes are mainly served in the restaurants of the rural areas, e.g. B. Corned beef and carrots, cooked bacon and cabbage or Irish stew, a one-pot meal. Crubeen (pork knuckle), Colcannon (potatoes and cabbage), Soda Bread (brown bread) and Carrage also frequently dish up a meal of sandwiches, cakes and pastries. Drinks: Pubs are called bar, lounge or pub. Table service is unusual, you get food and drinks at the counter. Spirits are generously served. Irish coffee is a popular drink (hot coffee, brown sugar, whiskey and cream). Almost all drinks are imported, but Irish whiskey (with an ‘e’ in Ireland) and stout (dark, strong beer) are world-renowned Irish products. Irish whiskey that has matured in wooden casks for at least seven years has a very special, mild taste. Jamesons, John Powers Gold Label, Paddy, Tullamore Dew, Old Bushmills, Middleton, Reserve and Hewitts are the most well-known brands. Guinness, the most famous stout and one of the most drunk beers in the world, and Murphy’s are available almost everywhere. Stout is available either on tap or in bottles. Light ales such as Smithwick’s or Harp Lager are also available. Liqueurs like Irish Mist and Bailey’s are made with whiskey.
