Many visitors to Ireland go home with great memories and a deep-set love of this lovely country. Frequently this association with Ireland is so close they return year on year. Here is merely a short collection of my favourite and special places in Ireland "they range from from stately homes to Irish country cottages, and from sea battered cliffs to rolling countryside.
Doolin Village
This little seaside town nestles on the Atlantic coast of County Clare and is a fabulous collection of old fashioned Irish cottages, fishing homes, bars and shops. It is a place for music lovers "Doolin is known for traditional Irish music and the craic. Its setting is stunning lying between the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands and it's the ideal place for quiet daytime walks followed by an evenings of lively traditional music and a pint of Guinness.
Bunratty Folk Museum
It is amazing to step into Ireland's past by strolling around Bunratty Castle and Folk Museum. The castle was built in 1425 and is the most complete medieval castle in Ireland, furnished with 15th and 16th furniture and artefacts. Today the castle stands peacefully in formal gardens but you get a glimpse of trickier times when you see the Irish cottages and crofts of the town folk bunched around the base of the castle walls. There are over 30 buildings in this living museum and there's a real sense of Ireland's history and people. A fabulous experience.
The Aran Islands
These interesting islands are nestled at the mouth of Galway Bay and taking the local boat across the bay sails you back in time. This favorite place is really made from 3 separate islands "Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Thair. All of the islands provide a glimpse into an engaging past with lots of Irish cultural and heritage practices being saved. You may very well hear Gaelic being spoken by the native islanders.
Kinsale
This pretty and historic town on the coast carries its heritage with pride. With cultural influences including French, Spanish, and English, Kinsale was a port of significance for at least 300 years, and still has much of its Victorian and Georgian architecture. But now Kinsale has developed a world wide reputation for amazing food. There's fine dining, haute cuisine, great pub grub and caf cuisine.
Kylemore Abbey
Unlike the name says Kylemore Abbey isn't a medieval ruin. It was initially built as a castle in 1867 and then became an Benedictine Abbey comparatively recently in 1920. Rather than keep this beautiful building behind closed doors the nuns have shared their home, opening their doors and welcome visitors to tour the beautiful grounds, the Victorian walled garden, the gothic church, and several of the abbey's rooms.
Whether you opt to visit a 'favourite place ' or explore new places of your own, Ireland is a magical and beautiful holiday destination. Make sure your experiences are complete by staying in a cottage in Ireland. The traditional Irish cottage has a thatched roof, thick stone walls, small door and windows and a cosy hearth. But if you aren't prepared to let go of today's world just yet there are plenty of modern Irish holiday cottages in towns, on the beach or quiet secluded countryside.
Doolin Village
This little seaside town nestles on the Atlantic coast of County Clare and is a fabulous collection of old fashioned Irish cottages, fishing homes, bars and shops. It is a place for music lovers "Doolin is known for traditional Irish music and the craic. Its setting is stunning lying between the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands and it's the ideal place for quiet daytime walks followed by an evenings of lively traditional music and a pint of Guinness.
Bunratty Folk Museum
It is amazing to step into Ireland's past by strolling around Bunratty Castle and Folk Museum. The castle was built in 1425 and is the most complete medieval castle in Ireland, furnished with 15th and 16th furniture and artefacts. Today the castle stands peacefully in formal gardens but you get a glimpse of trickier times when you see the Irish cottages and crofts of the town folk bunched around the base of the castle walls. There are over 30 buildings in this living museum and there's a real sense of Ireland's history and people. A fabulous experience.
The Aran Islands
These interesting islands are nestled at the mouth of Galway Bay and taking the local boat across the bay sails you back in time. This favorite place is really made from 3 separate islands "Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Thair. All of the islands provide a glimpse into an engaging past with lots of Irish cultural and heritage practices being saved. You may very well hear Gaelic being spoken by the native islanders.
Kinsale
This pretty and historic town on the coast carries its heritage with pride. With cultural influences including French, Spanish, and English, Kinsale was a port of significance for at least 300 years, and still has much of its Victorian and Georgian architecture. But now Kinsale has developed a world wide reputation for amazing food. There's fine dining, haute cuisine, great pub grub and caf cuisine.
Kylemore Abbey
Unlike the name says Kylemore Abbey isn't a medieval ruin. It was initially built as a castle in 1867 and then became an Benedictine Abbey comparatively recently in 1920. Rather than keep this beautiful building behind closed doors the nuns have shared their home, opening their doors and welcome visitors to tour the beautiful grounds, the Victorian walled garden, the gothic church, and several of the abbey's rooms.
Whether you opt to visit a 'favourite place ' or explore new places of your own, Ireland is a magical and beautiful holiday destination. Make sure your experiences are complete by staying in a cottage in Ireland. The traditional Irish cottage has a thatched roof, thick stone walls, small door and windows and a cosy hearth. But if you aren't prepared to let go of today's world just yet there are plenty of modern Irish holiday cottages in towns, on the beach or quiet secluded countryside.
About the Author:
If you want a choice of over 1500 self-catering Irish Holiday Cottages Imagine Ireland offers the widest choice. Visit our site to see more on my favourite places in Ireland. Ian works with ImagineIreland.com in the United Kingdom - helping build sales for their web site.
