The country boasts of many kilometres of richly varied coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea and the Celtic Sea. Inland, Ireland offers a wide variety of landscapes, from rolling hills to rugged rocks, from lunar landscapes to picturesque lakes. The cities are well worth a visit too. Here you will find plenty of history, culture and a rich nightlife. The Irish are known for their distinct friendliness and way of life, which they are happy to share with you, adding to the enjoyment of your holiday in Ireland!
Discover the varied nature
Whether you like hiking, riding, cycling, water sports, walking or golfing, you can do it all in Ireland. Beautiful nature can be found in the south and southwest of the country, near Counties Cork and Killarney. Rugged coastlines and wild bodies of water alternate with green meadows with grazing cows. Your trips along the coast will take you to quiet and secluded beaches bordering beautiful bays and past lighthouses and ancient ruins. In the far west lies the tourist harbour town of Dingle. With a bit of luck you can also see dolphins and seals along these shores.
Further north on the west coast is the longest coastal road in the world. The Wild Atlantic Way runs along the rugged Atlantic coast over a length of 2,500 kilometres. This adventurous route has several highlights, such as the Cliffs of Moher in Liscannor, which represent some of the highest cliff coasts in Europe. The Cliffs of Moher are made of limestone and are between 120 and 214 metres high. All along the coast, lovers of delicious mussels and lobster can have their fill, or enjoy other fresh seafood. And for those who prefer meat, almost everywhere you go you'll find lamb, beef and pork of excellent quality on the map.
In the hinterland lakes, rivers, mountains and diverse vegetation create a varied landscape, offering different scenes in every season. The lakes and rivers provide ample opportunities for watersports, and anglers will also enjoy fine fishing. This includes fishing for trout, pike and salmon. And of course there are plenty of opportunities to play golf on the more than 400 courses!
Experience the bustling towns and sleepy villages
Dotted across the landscape are sleepy villages with great cultural and historical wealth. Unexpectedly beautiful castles and ruins from ancient times, a beautiful church, an interesting museum, or a particular pub may surprise you. The larger towns and cities in Ireland are vibrant, offering shopping, restaurants and of course, pubs.
Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is the largest and most modern city in the country. Dublin lies on the east coast and was originally a port city. The old port areas are trendy locations for offices and homes. These docklands with their striking architecture are a landmark. The city is also rich in culture and history. This is where you will find the medieval Dublin Castle, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and Casino Marino in neoclassical style. The second major city in the country is Cork, situated on the coast in the south. Cork Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world and worth a visit for that reason alone. The city is largely on an island in the River Lee. Definitely go see the two cathedrals, two of the most beautiful cultural sights. Cork also offers excellent shopping.
Practical Information
Ireland is bilingual and is part of the Eurozone. That means that you can speak English in Ireland and pay in euros. What is different: people drive on the left! That takes some getting used to and you will need to pay attention, both when you hire a car in Ireland, and when you're walking about or cycling! There is also a time difference; Ireland is one hour behind the Netherlands. Renting a holiday home in Ireland is relatively easy. On our website you will find information on holiday homes in Ireland for large and small groups and for longer or shorter periods and houses in the city or even in the great outdoors. To get to your holiday home in Ireland, you can go by plane or ferry. You can get to Cork, Dublin, Galway or Belfast by plane. The boat takes you to Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, Cork or Rosslare. Direct crossings depart from Normandy and Brittany in France, but you can also hop on a ferry to England and take another ferry to cross over to Ireland. In this way, your holiday starts well before you arrive at your holiday home in Ireland!