Our Ireland Tours and Vacations

Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic to the west of Britain from which it is separated by the Irish Sea. Politically, Ireland is divided into the Republic of Ireland, which covers five-sixths of the island and Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom which covers the remaining area and is located in the northeast of the island. The island's geography comprises relatively low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain with several navigable rivers extending inland. The island's lush vegetation, a product of its mild climate and frequent rainfall, earns it the name the Emerald Isle, to be experienced on Ireland vacations.

Why Consider an Ireland Vacation?

Ireland is known for its lush, green countryside, its friendly people, its special folk music and its colourful history and legends, all of which can be enjoyed on Ireland vacations. But there is an awful lot more to experience. Although not that large in area, it is packed with exciting destinations. You will always receive a warm welcome be it in the cities or the countryside and, although they have their own Gaelic language, everyone speaks English. Irish culture is very unique and has brought to the world’s attention, many great writers in the literary field.  The island's geography comprises relatively low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain with several navigable rivers extending inland. The island's lush vegetation, a product of its mild climate and frequent rainfall, earns it the name the Emerald Isle, to be experienced on Ireland travel packages. And there is no shortage of traditional Irish pubs where you can enjoy good conversation with the locals on Ireland Travel Packages.

Ireland Travel Highlights

There are many. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ireland, the River Boyne, Skellig Michael, an island in the Atlantic and the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim in the north. However, let’s not forget to visit the Blarney Stone, the Ring of Kerry and have a pint of Guinness in a typical Irish pub.                                                  

Best Cities to Visit in Ireland

Explore Dublin – The Friendliest City in Europe

The most visited place in Dublin, a city of some considerable charm. It has a major university, Trinity College where the Book of Kells is situated, a richly illustrated manuscript of the four Gospels of the New Testament created around AD 800 by monks. The city is home to Dublin Castle, a complex of buildings within its walls which include two museums, a conference centre, two gardens and the prestigious State Apartments. The Guinness Brewery, the most visited tourist attraction on guided tours of Ireland as well as independent travel, is where you can learn about the history of Ireland’s most famous drink through a series of exhibits and learn how Guinness is made followed by a free pint of Guinness. Yes, you will never see so many bars and pubs all crammed into one urban area. There is an Irish word, “craic”, which translates loosely as news, gossip, fun, entertainment and enjoyable conversation. The Museums and Art Galleries of Dublin are numerous. Check out the Little Museum of Dublin which tells the story of the city and its people, the National Gallery of Ireland, home to some of the most important works of Irish art and the Dublin Writers Museum where you can learn about the lives and works of famous Irish writers such as James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Becket and Oscar Wilde

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Discover Cork

Ireland’s second-largest city is Cork with its grand Georgian avenues side by side with narrow 17th Century passageways. It is fairly compact so walking around the centre is not difficult on Ireland tours. The English Market here is the place to purchase local specialties from the 50-plus stalls selling produce. You can visit the Cork City Gaol where you can take a tour through its cells and corridors. One of the main art galleries in the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery with its permanent collection of Greco-Roman sculptures together with Irish paintings ranging from the 17th Century to the present day. The Elizabeth Fort in Cork was built almost 400 years ago and was used right up to the Irish Civil War of the 1920s. You can walk along the ramparts and enjoy the best views anywhere in the city. Some nearby attractions include the port of Cobh, an attractive seaport which was the last port of call of the Titanic and Blarney Castle with its dungeons and famous Blarney Stone which when kissed, as every visitor does, gives the gift of the gab or, in simpler words, the ability to talk eloquently.

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Iconically Irish – Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a small but charming city offering Ireland tours a mixture of vibrant nightlife, beautiful streets, great shopping opportunities and rich cultural heritage. It is especially known for its medieval buildings. The two major attractions are Kilkenny Castle, a spectacular Norman castle which dominates the city and the impressive St. Canice's Cathedral, built over 800 years ago.

Ireland’s Historic City - Waterford

Waterford is world-famous for its glassware/crystal. It is the oldest city in Ireland with a long medieval history. A large portion of the city walls still stands today. Highlights include the Bishop’s Palace, a magnificent Georgian residence offering an authentic example of the 18th Century lifestyle and the Waterford Crystal Factory which is well worth visiting on an Ireland vacation. You will see everything from glass tumblers to chandeliers.

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Gateway to Atlantic Coastal Scenery - Killarney

Killarney is an attractive town and one of Ireland’s leading tourist destinations due to its proximity to the Killarney National Park. It is a good place to visit some castles and stately homes. The town has many narrow lanes in which you can sometimes easily get lost. Many restaurants and craft shops are hidden down these lanes. 

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Limerick -  Gateway to Western Ireland

Limerick is Ireland’s third-largest city.  In the centre is Pery Square with its fine Georgian terraces dating back to 1835. Another landmark is the 13th Century King John’s Castle with its vast walls and towers built on the instructions of King John of England around 1200. The Hunt Museum in Limerick has one of Ireland’s best private collections of art and antiquities (over 2000 items) ranging from the Neolithic Age to the 20th Century. St. Mary’s Cathedral is Limerick’s oldest and most historic building founded in 1168. Just outside Limerick is the magnificent Bunratty Castle, probably Ireland’s most renowned castle dating back to 1425 and the best-preserved medieval fortress in the country. There are mediaeval banquets at which certain guests can be banished to the dungeons below.

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Galway – The City of Culture

Galway is known as a city of art and culture with its lively atmosphere. If you enjoy visiting typical Irish pubs on an Irish vacation, this is the city to meet friendly locals. A landmark is the lively Galway street market, a local gathering place selling farm-fresh produce, arts, crafts and snacks. The imposing Galway Cathedral is exceptionally beautiful with its decorated dome, lovely mosaics and rough-hewn stonework emblazoned with stained glass. The Spanish Arch is an extension of Galway's medieval city walls, designed to protect ships moored at the nearby quay. Lynch's Castle, built in the 15th Century, is a good example of the Irish gothic style of architecture.

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Best things to see in Northern Ireland

The Ancient Walled City of Londonderry 

Londonderry, also known as Derry, is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland. It is in fact, the only remaining, completely intact walled city in Ireland. The city is renowned for its architecture with its collection of late Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian buildings. Historic buildings within the city walls include St Augustine's Church which sits on the city walls close to the site of an original monastic settlement, the 1633 Gothic cathedral of St Columb, the copper-domed Austin's department store which claims to be the oldest such store in the world and the imposing Greek Revival Courthouse.

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The Amazing Mysterious Giant’s Causeway

County Antrim is where you will find the Giant’s Causeway on Northern Ireland tours, made up of a collection of gigantic stepping stones, the tallest measuring 12 metres/39 feet in height. It runs from the coast, under the sea, eventually appearing on the east coast of Scotland. There are about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns which were formed as a result of an ancient volcanic eruption. The name itself comes from myths and legends which have been passed down over time.

Unique Belfast

Belfast, once a troubled city, is today, a destination on Northern Ireland tours that has totally reclaimed itself. The architectural style of Belfast's buildings ranges from Edwardian, like the City Hall, to modern, like the Waterfront Hall. Some of the main attractive buildings include the City Hall completed in 1906 whose grounds contain a memorial to the victims of the Titanic and Stormont where the Northern Irish parliament sits. Many of Belfast’s oldest buildings are to be found in the Cathedral Quarter area, the city’s main cultural and tourist area which also contains many cafés, bars and interesting buildings. Belfast is known for its parks and gardens as there are more than 40 public parks in the city, popular places for picnics, walking and running. Titanic Belfast houses the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience and features over six floors, nine interpretive and interactive galleries which bring to life the history and story of this iconic ship launched in Belfast in the early 1900s.

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You can access more information on Northern Ireland vacations and tours here

The Best Castle Tours, Stately Homes, Museums and Art Galleries to see in Ireland

As you might expect, Ireland has its fair share of castles which can be visited on Ireland tours. There are even castles which provide accommodation. Consider one of the following.

Kilronan Castle – County Roscommon       Markree Castle – County Sligo

Bunratty Castle - County Clare                   Dromoland Castle - County Clare

Many stately homes are open to the public. Ownership has been passed down over generations resulting in having invaluable artifacts on display. There are so many museums and art galleries all over the country to satisfy every cultural interest on guided tours of Ireland.

When is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Ireland?

Ireland has been called the “Green or Emerald Island” and this may cause you to think it rains all the time. This can happen but it doesn’t last long and the sun can come out at any time. The sunniest region in the extreme southeast. The climate in Ireland is fairly temperate which makes it a year-round destination.

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What Languages are Spoken in Ireland?

Ireland is a very multi-cultural destination, hence many native and adopted languages are spoken across the country. The two most common languages are Irish and English. Irish is the official national language of Ireland, however, the dominant language spoken is English. This has been the case since the 19th century. 

What Should I Know Before Going to Ireland?

Did you know that the human settlement of Ireland can be traced back to approximately 10,000 years ago? Find out more about the History of Ireland and some Country Quick facts.

Do you need a Visa to travel to Ireland? Find out by visiting our Travel Tips, Visas and Health page

 "Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Enjoy the Ultimate Comprehensive Tour on an Ireland Vacation

Dublin’s Fair City is a Must on Ireland Vacations

Sleep In a Castle in Ireland (Castle Hotels)

Don’t Wait to See Ireland!

Unearthing the Legendary Tales of Ireland’s Ancient East

Extend your Stay

Consider an additional stopover to your Ireland vacation at one of Goway's other European destinations. You can choose from a Paris vacation, a London vacation or an Amsterdam vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from Ireland.