Lonely Planet Ireland (Travel Guide)

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NEW top experiences feature- a visually inspiring collection of Ireland’s best experiences and where to have them Hurling is Ireland’s ‘official’ sport and most fans swell with pride when talking about the thrilling mix of speed and skill that makes it such an exciting game to watch.

The excellent 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour is led by Trinity graduates, who give you the lowdown on where, why, and how the 1916 Rising took place. Then there's the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, where actors escort you through a selection of the city's most renowned literary boozers – with plenty of hilarious bits acted out for good measure. Music fans will enjoy the Dublin Musical Pub Crawl, which explores the history of Irish traditional music and its influence on contemporary styles in a number of Temple Bar pubs. An imposing grey building, built in 1796, it's played a role in virtually every act of Ireland's painful path to independence, and even today, it still has the power to chill. Sometimes referred to as "The Bastille of Ireland", Kilmainham Gaol was decommissioned in 1924 and is now a museum with an enthralling exhibit on the history of Irish nationalism. With endless gems on this route, it will be hard to narrow down an itinerary. If you want something different, skip crowd favorites like the Cliffs of Moher and instead hit up the Fanad Head in Donegal. Climb up the 76 stairs by Fanad Head Lighthouse to get the most breathtaking view of the wild Atlantic Ocean. 2. Indulge in a seaweed bath Ireland is just the place for anyone seeking adventure and a few drinks in between. While it may be small, it’s a country full of incredible attractions.Choose 3, 4, 5, or 7 top Dublin attractions and enjoy great savings with Go City. Taste the world-famous Irish drink at Guinness Storehouse, enjoy the sights on Big Bus Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, or discover Dublinʼs oldest building, Christ Church Cathedral - the choice is yours!

Spike Island has an interesting history that includes monks, heroes, sinners and convicts. Once a remote 6th-century monastic settlement, this star-shaped fortress became the largest prison in the world during the Victorian ages. Enjoy the stunning view of Cork harbor as the ferry takes you to this historic island, then spend a few hours regaled with intriguing stories about the island’s past by the guides. Planning tip: Grafton Street shopping area and The Little Museum of Dublin are both located right beside the park, so there are plenty of other things to do nearby. 13. Visit the free National Museum of IrelandO’Connell Street is Dublin's main thoroughfare and it houses numerous sculptures, monuments, shops and historic buildings. One of the widest streets in Europe, it is home to The Spire (Monument of Light), a large needle-like monument that stands 120m (394ft) high and is the city's most visible landmark. Notable statues include those of political leader Daniel O’Connell, Sir John Gray, James Larkin and Charles Stewart Parnell. NEW pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' cardwith wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel Statues and public artworks are found at every turn, and there is a playground and garden designed especially for people who are visually impaired.

Lough Ouler is known as the "Love Heart Lake", so you can probably guess why it’s the ultimate hike to go on a date. This trail is the best place to catch an epic sunrise with your significant other, but of course you don’t need to go as a couple. Ireland is in holiday mode. Seaside towns and tourist centers are at their busiest as the country looks to make the most of its time off. When you've worked up an appetite, enjoy a picnic in the People’s Park, which has been open to the public since 1890 and hosts a popular farmers market every Sunday. It features fine examples of Victorian architecture with the Gate Lodge and the Tea Rooms, a bandstand with the original gaslight standards and a playground. Ireland’s National Maritime Museum is housed in the 180-year-old Mariners Church, and no visit to Dún Laoghaire would be complete without a trip to Teddy's Ice-Cream for a 99 cone. Dublin isn’t that big, so a straightforward sightseeing tour is only really necessary if you’re looking to cram in the sights or avoid blistered feet. What is worth considering, however, is a specialized guided tour, especially for those with a culinary, historical or literary bent.Planning tip: There's a farmers market in the grounds of Farmleigh House at the weekends. 7. Learn some recent history at Kilmainham Gaol Local tip: Rinroe, a secret cove north of Erris, has caverns that offer a good photo op. 3. Kilkenny Another looped road trip from the south of Ireland makes it onto this list, and it is quite literally a stone's throw away from the Ring of Kerry – just one peninsula over. Planning tip: The Storehouse offers a range of experiences, including the Behind-the-Gate tour, which brings visitors to parts of St James's Gate that were previously off-limits to the public. 5. Get to know the city through a Talking Statues tour Detour: While you’re already on the road, you should add one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes – “the Conor Pass” – to your list. Located just outside of Dingle town, it’s a great addition to the Slea Head Drive road trip. 7. The Ring of Beara