| 1. The clean fresh air of Ireland! Ireland doesn't | | | | plenty of summer festivals that are well worth |
| have the warmest climate of Europe - with | | | | checking out, including the Puck Fair Killorglin. There |
| temperatures in the summer months rarely | | | | are also a number of food festivals held in the |
| averaging above 22°C. Getting off the | | | | country. The Galway International Oyster Festival |
| beaten track in Ireland, to the rural areas of the | | | | is held in September every year, and shortly |
| country is the best way to enjoy the fresh air | | | | after Kinsale hosts the Gourmet Food Festival. |
| and enjoy beautiful scenic drives and walking | | | | 7. Ireland's History and Strong Heritage. Ireland |
| routes. West Cork and Kerry, the Connemara | | | | has a wide and varied heritage. The magnificent |
| region of Galway and North West Clare (around | | | | Book Of Kells, which was drafted by Celtic Monks |
| Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher) are some of the | | | | in the ninth century AD, is located at Trinity |
| best places you can go to enjoy the open air. | | | | College, Dublin. Other marvellous places to visit |
| 2. The Warmth and Friendliness of the People. It is | | | | include Newgrange in County Meath, a burial |
| often said that you should never forget to bring a | | | | chamber and tomb, which predate Stonehenge |
| smile to Ireland, as it will be returned a hundred | | | | and the Egyptian Pyramids at Giza. The Burren |
| times to you. Irish people are generally very | | | | Area of North County Clare is well worth visiting, |
| friendly and helpful, and will have the time always | | | | not only for the strange rocky landscape, but also |
| to give you directions, and advice as how to get | | | | for the prehistoric dolmen burial tombs. |
| to your destination and help you on your way. | | | | 8. Sports and Leisure. It is estimated that Ireland |
| 3. Ease of access to Ireland. Ireland is no longer | | | | has the highest golf course per capita in Europe. |
| an expensive place to get to - you have great | | | | 2007 saw the Ryder Cup hosted at the K Club in |
| options to get to Ireland, whether by air or sea | | | | Kildare, and golf courses at Lahinch, Doonbeg, |
| carriers. Ryanair and Aer Lingus offer competitive | | | | Portmarnock and the Island Golf Course at |
| rates to get to Ireland and you have plenty of | | | | Donabate are well worth exploring for a few |
| choice when selecting a travel method/route to | | | | rounds with a stunning backdrop of scenery. You |
| Ireland. Today Ireland is easy to get to and get | | | | can also try your hand at some of the outdoor |
| around. So book that car rental and get exploring | | | | pursuits in Ireland, such as horse riding, walking, |
| the Emerald Isle! | | | | mountain climbing to name but a few! The National |
| 4. Irish Food and Drink. It's fair to say that Ireland | | | | Games of Ireland, Gaelic Football and Hurling are |
| is not blessed with the culinary delights of France, | | | | played with passion and pride, and the Gaelic |
| Spain or Italy, but you have a huge selection of | | | | Athletics Association (The Body for Administrating |
| international dineries in most large towns, with | | | | and Promoting Our Games) is celebrating its 125th |
| Chinese restaurants prominent for example. If | | | | Anniversary this year. All 32 counties of Ireland |
| dining in an Irish restaurant, you will certainly enjoy | | | | have county and club teams, and the atmosphere |
| by the taste of Irish cuisine, Irish stew made with | | | | at these games is just scintillating with great |
| lamb or beef is one dish, another is bacon and | | | | excitement. Croke Park, the home of the GAA is |
| cabbage. These are the traditional foods enjoyed | | | | one of the largest stadiums in Europe. Make sure |
| by the people! Seafood such as Oysters and Irish | | | | to try and catch a GAA match. |
| Salmon are dishes that are well worth tasting. | | | | 9. Culture - Irish Music and Dance. Wherever you |
| Why not wash them down with a pint of one of | | | | are in Ireland, traditional foot tapping music will be |
| Ireland's famous exports, a pint of the black stuff, | | | | played at informal sessions in original Irish pubs. |
| Guinness. | | | | You will be enthralled by the wonderful skill of the |
| 5. Stunning Irish Scenery. If its stunning views and | | | | Irish dancer! The passion of Irish music passes |
| scenic drives you are looking for, then you are | | | | from generation to generation, and its high |
| spoilt for choice in Ireland. From the Giants | | | | esteem in the hearts of Irish people and the |
| Causeway in County Antrim to the Cliffs of | | | | visitor will never die. |
| Moher to Connemara and the Lakes of Killarney | | | | 10. Modern Cities. Another reason to plan a visit to |
| there is so much to see and do in Ireland. | | | | Ireland for a vacation is its modern cities. Dublin, |
| 6. Festivals in Ireland. Nobody enjoys a party | | | | Belfast, Cork, Galway and Limerick are all home |
| better than the Irish! The St.Patrick's Day Festival | | | | to stylish shopping malls and boutiques, chic |
| in Ireland is a stunning annual event, and most | | | | nightclubs, tourist attractions and excellent |
| towns and cities have their own Festival that | | | | restaurants. |
| commemorates Ireland's patron Saint. There are | | | | |