Enjoying the Emerald Isle – How to Get the Most Out of a Visit to Ireland

Are you planning on visiting beautiful Ireland? If so, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your time there.

Explore the Breathtaking Scenery

Ireland is called the Emerald Isle because of its immense greenery. In fact, among the countryside, farmland, and national parks, you will find some of the greenest hills on the planet. So, to get the most out of a visit to Ireland, you should undoubtedly travel around the island’s breathtaking scenery.

You might be so impressed with the greenness of the Emerald Isle that you even decide to buy emerald rings at Diamondere upon your return to commemorate your visit and remember your vacation warmly whenever you wear your emerald ring. But first things first. There are multiple places to visit in Ireland where you can marvel at its bright and majestic landscapes. For instance, you could travel to the spellbinding Cliffs of Moher, the dramatic Cuilcagh Mountain, or the stunning Killarney National Park.

You are sure to also enjoy the wonderful sea views that Ireland has to offer. One of the best ways of seeing the coastline is to drive along the picturesque Wild Atlantic Way, which takes in over 1,550 miles of Ireland’s western coastline.

Along the way, you can explore rugged cliffs, hidden-away beaches, and quaint seaside towns. You could even watch dolphins at Dingle Bay.

Discover Both Quaint Villages and Cosmopolitan Cities

You should definitely see both rural and urban Ireland. So, in addition to strolling through idyllic, postcard-perfect villages like Adare in County Limerick or Cong in County Mayo, both of which feature brightly painted houses and charming thatched cottages, you should explore vibrant cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway.

Get Acquainted with Ireland’s History

To really appreciate the Emerald Isle, you should delve into its history. Ancient sites are scattered all across the country, such as the Stone Age passage tomb at Newgrange (which predates both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids!), as well as sites of interest like Dublin’s medieval castle, the Grianan of Aileach hillfort, and the hilltop complex the Rock of Cashel.

You can also visit museums like The Medieval Museum, The Hunt Museum, and the four premises of The National Museum of Ireland.

Sample Local Food and Drink Delights

To get to know any country better, you should sample its local cuisine. In Ireland, you should try tasty delights like boxty, soda bread, and colcannon. You will also want to indulge in a famous Irish stew.

There are some wonderful restaurants and eateries throughout Ireland. Also, traditional Irish pubs offer hearty meals, which come with added rustic charm and warm hospitality.

You might also like to consider visiting the world-famous Jameson Whiskey Distillery or the Guinness Storehouse. Both offer tours where you can learn about making their alcoholic beverages and view brewing or distilling processes up close.

Delve into Traditions

Cultural exploration should not be overlooked when visiting the Emerald Isle. In addition to sampling local food and drink at traditional pubs, you could attend a Ceilidh (pronounced “Kay-lee”), which is a cheerful social gathering with Irish folk music and lively dancing.

You could also attend storytelling events and folklore evenings or pop into some of Ireland’s many famed artisan craft shops.

Visit Literary Landmarks

Lastly, if you love literature, there are several places in Dublin (which is a UNESCO City of Literature) that you might like to visit. For instance, you could visit literary landmarks like The James Joyce Centre and Oscar Wilde House.

It is also worth visiting the majestic Trinity College Library, which houses the Celtic Gospel book the Book of Kells, and the Yeats Memorial Building, which is dedicated to W.B Yeats.