Ireland is a country which is famed for its beauty and luscious green countryside that led to it being poetically referred to as the ‘Emerald Isle’. The country is also of course famous for it’s capital city Dublin, home of the delicious beer Guinness and a plethora of historical landmarks such as Dublin Castle and Trinity College. If you stay in a luxury self-catered cottage in the east of Ireland, you will have the best of both worlds, as you can relax in the the peaceful countryside in the day and then venture into the vibrant city of Dublin in the night. Be sure to spend at least one evening in one of Dublin’s fantastic pubs where you can chat to the locals and enjoy some of the local cuisine.
Further to the west of Ireland is the city of Galway, known for its festivals and for being the country’s ‘Cultural Capital’. There is always something going on in Galway and you can also use it as a base for exploring the rest of West Ireland. The stunning Aran Islands are reachable by ferry from Galway and they are home to some of the world’s most beautiful scenery. Rent a bike or simply walk around the islands and discover the sights on offer in this beautiful part of the country. Have a look at our range of luxury self-catered cottages in Galway and enjoy a holiday full of beauty and excitement.
Head further south and you will find yourself in the counties of Cork and Kerry, home to the popular Ring of Kerry and Blarney Castle. County Kerry is visited for its natural beauty and the Ring of Kerry is the best way of seeing all the best sights. Cycle clockwise around the ring if you want to take your time exploring the area or go on one of the many tour buses and get a detailed explanation of everything that you see. Blarney Castle can be found in the village of Blarney in County Cork and is famous for the Blarney Stone, which supposedly gives those who kiss it the ‘gift of the gab’. The surrounding areas of the castle are truly stunning so it is definitely worth a visit, even if you are not interested in giving the stone a kiss!
To the east of Cork and Kerry are the counties of Waterford and Kilkenny. Waterford is home to the Waterford Crystal Factory where you can see where the famous crystal was made and you can then take in your glorious surroundings by hiking in the Comeragh Mountains. With hikes suitable to both beginners and experienced hikers, the mountains provide a picturesque view of southeast Ireland. County Kilkenny is also home to some stunning countryside and its capital city is where you will find the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, which is held annually in June.
Have a look at our selection of luxury self-catering accommodation in Ireland and enjoy a spectacular holiday on the Emerald Isle. There really is nowhere more beautiful.