In Ireland, the past is a living spirit. You'll see it everywhere and hear it from the people you meet. Ancient relics remind you of a thrilling Celtic age of warriors and myth. Stately homes and medieval monasteries tell stories of times gone by.
The Irish culture has taken thousands of years to develop, dating back to 6 000 BC, so cherish every moment of your cultural discovery as getting to know the Irish is like finding a friend for life.
For such a small island, Ireland has a huge amount to offer visitors in terms of things to do and see. Enjoy an entertaining tour of the historic Guinness Brewery. Follow the trail of the Tain - Ireland's ancient epic tale and recall the Ulster legends that shaped the folk-memory of the nation.
There are also a wide variety of historic houses and gardens open to visitors, ranging from large old castles to smaller gardens and national parks - there really is something to suit everyone.
Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and is a cosmopolitan city that buzzes with energy.
However, the great thing about Dublin is that just half an hour's drive outside the city centre is a quieter more relaxed place which will take you to mountain walks, beautiful homes, gardens and fishing villages. The city is a great centre for culture and you will be spoilt for choice with all the fine museums, art galleries and theatres. Dublin is also a shopper's delight.
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and is beautifully located on the coast below the Cave Hill and the Black Mountain. Here, great ships of the past, such as Titanic, were built and launched - and the world-famous Irish linen is still available. Sample fine cuisine and immerse yourself in sparkling nightlife. The city of Belfast is brimming with cultural vibrancy.
Northern Ireland has a stunning coastline, a wealth of castles and ancient forts and is a land of myths and legends. From the wild and rugged beauty of the Sperrin Mountains and the majesty of the Giant's Causeway to the magnificent Fermanagh lakes, one of the most unspoilt landscapes in Europe. Northern Ireland offers a wide range of activities from horse riding and golf to fishing the unspoilt waters.
The Midlands offer everything from sports and historical monuments to walking trips through its stunning countryside. The natural beauty of the Midlands will truly astonish you and a stroll beside one of the area's many lakes or rivers is a breathtaking experience.
The south east is said to be the sunniest spot in Ireland. The forests, farmland, hills and rivers provide the perfect place to relax. The South East is home to Waterford Crystal and the lively town of Kilkenny, with its mediaeval castle and monastery as well as Dungarvan with its glacial mountains overlooking the sea.
The north west has majestic mountain ranges, hidden glens and beautiful lakes. If you are interested in poetry, the North West is a must, as it is the birthplace of one of Ireland's greatest poets, WB Yeats. You can visit the Yeats building and also visit his grave at Drumcliff churchyard.
The south west is washed by the warm Gulf Stream and in its mild moist southerly winds, palm trees and bamboo flourish. The whole of the south west of Ireland is one of the most popular holiday areas in Ireland and is a region of scenic contrasts.There are more than 100 heritage and cultural sites in the region.
Shannon and the West take their names from the majestic River Shannon. The region is bordered by a dramatic Atlantic coastline. Ireland west is warm, wild and wonderful and is a land of history and heritage, of character and charm with landscapes to capture your heart, embracing stunning Connemara and the breathtaking cliffs of Moher.
So go on, catch a flight to Ireland and experience the magic for yourself!
St Patrick's Day - did you know?
St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Wales in about AD 385.
Patrick was abducted when he was 16 and taken to Ireland where he was sold as a slave. He worked as a shepherd on Slemish Mountain in County Antrim for six years. Saint Patrick is most known for driving snakes from Ireland. However, snakes are a symbol of paganism and, as Patrick brought Christianity to the island, it is a metaphor for him ridding Ireland of pagans.
Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day.
The biggest celebrations on the island of Ireland outside Dublin are in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, where Saint Patrick was buried following his death on March 17, 493.
St Patrick's Day is the one national holiday that is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other.
St Patrick's Day is the day when everyone wants to be Irish!
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