United Kingdom
Tour Ireland, from Rural Countryside to Cosmopolitan City
By Valerie Mellema
Mar 6, 2008, 08:28

If you mention traveling to Ireland, most people respond with “Oh, someday I’d love to go there!”  Do you focus on domestic vacation spots and shy away from overseas travel to the destinations you dream of visiting?  There are lots of great places to visit and vacation in the U.S., but if you’ve always dreamed of visiting Ireland, what are you waiting for?

Ireland is a beautiful, welcoming country that features the best of almost anything you could ask for in a travel destination.  There are both ancient and modern historical sites to explore throughout the country, dramatic landscapes and incredible views and a rich and vibrant culture to enjoy.  Whether you like shopping, theater and fine dining or golf, fishing and hiking, you’ll find your favorite activities are within easy reach almost anywhere you stay in Ireland.

Variety is Accessible in Ireland

One of the nicest things about Ireland is the variety of activities you can enjoy due to the relatively small size of the country.  Ireland is approximately the size of the state of Indiana in the U.S., and it is easy to travel throughout the country, passing through cities and very rural settings in just a few hours.  You can leave cosmopolitan Dublin’s City Centre and venture south into the steep mountains and quiet forests of rural Wicklow and Glendalough lakes in about an hour. 

Ireland features approximately 3,000 miles of coastline.  Much of the coastline is accentuated by mountains and breathtaking geographical features.  Unique and dramatic rock formations such as the Cliffs of Mohr and the Burren in County Clare are popular and traditional tourist destinations.  The interior features lowlands, rivers and lakes as well as bogs.  As you travel around Ireland, there is always something interesting to see and photograph, from grazing sheep or goats to rock walls, brooks with waterfalls, lush green forests and old stone building ruins. 

Take a Driving Tour of Ireland

Driving throughout Ireland is well worth the minimal effort it takes to become accustomed to driving on the left.  You can travel throughout Ireland via bus or train, but if you want to explore various parts of the country at your own pace, renting a car is a terrific option.

On their first visit to Ireland, many tourists find it convenient to land in Shannon airport on the west coast, rent a car and make their way east, with Dublin airport serving as their point of departure.  You can visit tourist destinations north or south along the way from Shannon to Dublin and stay in the cities and towns of your choice.  Book reservations for accommodations in advance to ensure you have a comfortable place to stay. 

Countryside Charm and Cosmopolitan Chic

If you plan to explore Ireland’s countryside by car, plan to stay at charming bed and breakfasts at least some of the time.  The comfort and hospitality you will enjoy as a guest at a quality B&B is an experience you won’t want to miss.  Choose to stay for a night or two at a B&B near some attractions that look interesting, and enjoy exploring the surrounding area in your rental car.  Allow yourself plenty of time to be distracted by whatever sites or activities of interest you discover.

Whether you opt for a B&B or chic, modern hotel accommodations, you’ll want to explore one or more of Ireland’s cities as well as the countryside on your visit.  If you do choose to begin your visit in Shannon and depart from Dublin, consider staying a night or two in Galway shortly after your arrival.

Discover Dublin’s Diversity

Leave yourself at least two nights and a few days to explore Dublin, as well.  Dublin is an incredibly vibrant, interesting and entertaining city.  Despite its cosmopolitan nature and growing ethnic diversity, it is a city that is rich in Irish culture.  In Dublin there are chic nightclubs and state-of-the art music and theater venues beside traditional local pubs.  You can enjoy a cup of coffee at the elaborate and exotic French Café en Seine – or a pint of Guinness.  Dine on fine Italian or Indian food or opt for delicious fish and chips or other pub fare.  Whatever you type of dining or drinking experience you are in the mood for, it’s available in Dublin.   

Dublin also features a unique variety of attractions including medieval castles, beautiful cathedrals and churches, a multitude of historical sites and museums, a wonderful zoo and gorgeous gardens.  If you like to shop, Dublin is an excellent choice for everything from high fashion items, exquisite jewelry and fine crystal to alterative street wear, used books and rare CDs.

If you’re interested in Dublin’s medieval history, visit Dublinia and the Viking World exhibit.  Engaging and exciting exhibitions featuring reconstructions, artifacts and interactive displays are located in a neo-Gothic building linked to Christ Church Cathedral by a covered bridge. 

Another exceptional museum to visit in Dublin is the Chester Beatty Library located in Dublin Castle.  The Library’s exhibits contain an elaborate collection of manuscripts, books, prints and other types of artwork from diverse cultures around the world.  Egyptian, Oriental, Turkish and European are just some of the diverse cultures represented in this unique and expansive collection.

Whether you spend your time in the countryside, in Galway or Dublin or in one of Ireland’s other cities, you will enjoy being immersed in Irish culture.  Ireland welcomes tourists and you will feel comfortable as you enjoy exploring areas throughout the country.