Ireland Destination Guide
A green paradise of coastal mountains and low plains, you don't have to spend much time in the Republic of Ireland to work out how the country got its nickname 'the Emerald Isle'.
With cold winters and a rainy climate, most people sure don't visit Ireland for the weather! Ireland holidays are instead renowned for the country's lush landscape, fascinating history and the contagious Celtic spirit.
There are many different options for Ireland tours but most include a visit to Ireland's UNESCO World Heritage sites Skellig Michael, the Giant's Causeway and perhaps most impressive of all, Bru na Boinne. A complex of Neolithic chamber tombs, the Bru na Boinne site is so old it predates the Egyptian pyramids.
The traditional taste of Ireland is at the pub
Synonymous with Guinness beer, the most popular city for tourism in Ireland is undoubtedly Dublin. Work up a thirst before visiting the Guinness Storehouse, where you can take a tour and sample Ireland's most famous brew straight from the source.
Indeed probably the most important tourist destination in all of Ireland is the local pub. Dublin is a great city for drinking but a worthy competitor is Cork, home to many of the country's best boozers.
Harder and harder to find in Ireland are traditional Irish pubs. Seek one out then order a pint of Guinness (or Murphy's if you are in Cork) along with a bowl of hot Irish stew for a classic local experience. Save room for dessert so you can try an Irish coffee – a mix of strong coffee and Irish whiskey that is sure to warm you up.
Out in the Irish countryside, make a trip to County Donegal, a rather isolated county in the north of Ireland. Known for its stunning beaches, cliffs and hills, it's also home to one of Ireland's most scenic treasures, Glenveagh National Park.
Explore wild and windswept countryside
Elsewhere in Ireland, don't miss a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, Holy Cross Abbey and Blarney Castle, all of which you can find explained in any Ireland travel guide.
A visit to Ireland wouldn't be complete without immersing yourself in the local Celtic culture. Celtic art, music and dance serve to remind you of old traditions and the country's historic crops even influence the food.
From Celtic concerts and traditional breweries, to isolated beaches and jagged cliffs, Ireland has a unique charm and beauty that just begs to be discovered. Getting to the country is a breeze with flights to Ireland frequent from airports throughout Europe and North America.
A variety of airlines offer daily routes to Ireland but Emirates currently has the best connections from Australia. Direct flights from Dubai to Dublin mean you are only one stop away from an unforgettable holiday.
