Ireland occupies much of a large island to the west off the English coast. The north-eastern part of the island is attached to Great Britain. It is a land of bogs and lakes, with mountains of low altitude. Central Ireland is watered by the Shannon River which flows into the Atlantic by wide estuary. The coasts are sandy to the east, steep and cut to the west. The sea penetrates inland through fjords and multiple bays.

The climate is temperate and influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Winter is rainy, while summer is sunnier, despite frequent sleet. Consequently, the months of June to October are the best times for a stay in Ireland. Inhabited by the Celts, Ireland has many megaliths and archaeological sites. Shattered cliffs or meadows lined with dry stones are as many wild landscapes pleasant to traverse. The human warmth of the Irish is legendary.

If you arrive from Dublin, walk the streets of the city centre with its pubs and pedestrian streets with colourful buildings that will put you in the mood. A visit to the National Museum will give you elements to understand the origins and history of the country. The capital is crossed by several parks such as the Iveagh Gardens or St. Paul. St. Stephen's Green where you can relax. To see: Dublin Castle, seat of British power until the 19th century, Christ Church and St Patrick Cathedrals. Visit the brewery founded in the 18th century by Arthur Guiness, you will see the manufacturing processes of the national drink.

An excursion north of Dublin will allow you to see Malahide Castle dating back to the 12th century and its magnificent park of 100 hectares. The fishing port of Howth is a pleasant stopover for fish tasting, but also for the gardens of Howth Castle which offer a beautiful view over Dublin and the sea. In the direction of Cork, do not miss Cahir Castle (12th century), one of the largest and best preserved in Ireland and St Kevin's Monastery in Glendalough.

Sue the south coast, Cork is a starting point to visit the coast, its sumptuous panoramas, small fishing ports (Baltimore and Kinsale, among others) and its fortresses. In Barryscourt, you can see the thick walls of a 16th century fort. Blarney Castle, a few kilometres from Cork, is even older: it was built in the 11th century. Don't miss to tour the magnificent Dingle Peninsula with its impressive landscapes. A little everywhere, you will be able to see many huts in dry stone. On the island of Skellig Michael, monks built their houses on the rocks. The site, preserved by its difficulty of access from the mainland, is classified as a UNESCO world heritage site.

In Caherciveen, walk through the remains of an 8th century fort and the ruined but very suggestive castle of Ballycarbery: you would think it was haunted. Change your ideas by visiting the civilized manor house Bantry House, a beautiful 17th century residence furnished and equipped with a pleasant park. The castle of Bunratty (15th) is a square building built on a site occupied by the Vikings near the mouth of the Shannon. A park around it recreates a traditional Irish village with thatched houses. The Cistercian abbey of Corcomroe (7th century), particularly well preserved, is worth a visit.

To the west of Ireland lies the Connemara region with its lakes and hills. A large mountainous part of the territory is classified as a national park. The wild ponies evolve in complete freedom. In Northern Ireland, Belfast, the capital and Derry (also called Londonderry) are worth a visit. Finally, the landscape of basalt columns on the north coast, called the Giant's Causeway, classified as Unesco World Heritage.

The Irish have an early dinner, starting at 6:00. So if you go out to dinner at 8 p.m., you may not find any kitchens open. There are no longer any formalities for moving from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland (the Eire) and vice versa. The physical boundary has disappeared. So, quickly a flight to Ireland to discover this beautiful country.

Art and culture in Ireland
Irish traditional music, melodies and ballads are known throughout the world and have inspired many artists. You are spoilt for choice: the Feile an Phobail is held in July in West Belfast, the Galway Racing Festival (or Puck Fair) in Kerry. Many music festivals take place in summer: the Oxegen Festival, Tennents Vital Belfast or Electric Picnic. Dublin celebrates the show with the Dublin Theatre festival and the Fringe Festival. For shellfish lovers, Clarenbridge Oyster Festival in Galway. Roscommon harp festivals and fairs for ponies and ponies.