Ireland is known for its rolling hills, friendly people, and a rich and varied history. It is located off the coast of Great Britain.

History

Ireland is likely to be the country that even to this day has several of its historic sites intact. All through the Irish landscapes you will find the intermittent scattering of castles that are representative of the early architecture using wood and simple earth materials. The most attractive of these is the Blarney Castle that attracts many visitors due to its historical significance.

Local Features

Ireland is also known as the Emerald Isle. It can easily give the impression of being mostly rural in its makeup and that modern civilization has yet to reach this wonderful country. However, that is merely a mistaken perspective as Ireland is one of the world's largest exporters of computer software and certainly has its share of technological advancement.

The official language of Ireland is Gaelic and while it is taught in most schools, you will rarely find it spoken as English has been quietly replacing it for a long time in day-to-day usage.

What to do

If you are the outdoor type then you will fall in love with Ireland immediately after landing there. There are many types of outdoor adventures that one can enjoy in Ireland in addition to the numerous mountains and green hills. Golfers will be thrilled to know of the more than 400 golf courses spread across Ireland and offer a spot for amateurs and seasoned players.

If you are into horse riding then there are a whole slew of equestrian rides for you, so enjoy the scenery while you are on horseback.

Or perhaps you prefer to go cycling. Well, in Ireland you can do some real vertical mountain biking if the fever catches you. The world famous Esker Riada route is found in Ireland.

Finally, there is fishing. Throughout the many freshwater and saltwater locations in Ireland, angling is always enjoyable.

Whatever else you are doing, please do not ignore the Irish cuisine. Irish stew is made of beef, vegetables, and potatoes and is a staple diet over there that can be found in almost every place. If you are into chocolate then the world renowned Butlers brand can be enjoyed in one of the many Butler Chocolate Cafes in Dublin and Cork City.

What to see

Besides all the castles, mountains, and general scenery there are places, like Castle town in County Kildaire, that display the architectural art of the 17th and 18th century Ireland. There are also many old Christian and Pagan religious sites that are worth a visit, and not just for religious reasons. The famous Stone Henge structure from the old Celtic days stands in Ireland. Then there are the Catholic and Protestant cathedrals as well as the abbeys and monasteries since St. Patrick's time.