Ireland is a land of unparalled scenic beauty with diverse yet spectacular landscapes - the mystical charms of its ancient past, the unique personality of its towns and villages and the warmth of its people. Add to this, ample shopping, vibrant nightlife, amazing cuisine, famous Irish breweries and you have the makings of a perfect destination. To experience Ireland as a whole, you must visit Dublin, Killarney, Cork, Belfast and Galway.
Dublin’s famous tourist attractions include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Old Jameson Distillery, and the Guiness Storehouse. A city tour of Dublin will take you to the north side of the River Liffey where great striking monuments such as the GPO, the Custom House along the quays, the Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe. Visit the more sophisticated south side with its vast Georgian squares, such as Merrion Square, where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found. Take a look at the house of Bram Stoker, the author of “Dracula” on Kildare Street. Visit the famous Trinity College where the famous book of Kells is permanently exhibited in its library, the Dublin Castle and the Anglican Cathedrals, the Garden of Remembrance and the Guinness Storehouse, Europe’s largest stout producing brewery where you can discover what goes into the making o f a pint of Guinness. The ideal way to explore the city is on an Open Bus Tour.
The Wicklow Mountains, Valley & Lakes Tour takes you on the scenic route through the Blessington Lakes and the Wicklow Gap. Continue to the pretty village of Avoca and visit the Avoca Hand weavers and its craft shop, reputed to be the oldest weaving mill in Ireland. On to the highlight of the tour, Glendalough (glen of the two lakes), home to the impressive 10th century Round tower.
The best way to explore the ancient city of Galway, also known as the City of the Tribes, is to sit back in the double-decker vintage bus and hear of the city’s great past and varied history. The tour takes you through the streets of Galway and includes Court House, Cathedral, University College Galway Salthill, Galway Bay, Claddagh village, Wolfe Tone Bridge, Spanish arch and O’Briens Bridge.
Travel through the Burren to one of Ireland’s most famous sights – Cliff of Moher. The Burren is a limestone plateau occupying an area of over 100 square miles in North Clare and an area of scenic attractions. Continue to the Cliffs of Moher – rising 214 meters out of the Atlantic Ocean and stretching 8 kms, the Cliffs afford extraordinary views of County Clare. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and loop head to the south.
Drive through Connemara, one of the most romantic areas in Ireland and through the town of Clifden, which houses a number of craft stores. Enjoy the rugged scenery of Connemara, the barren landscape and lakes dispersed through the countryside.
In Killarney, enjoy the bustle in the town centre or take a Jaunting Cart ride from the hotel to Killarney National Park. Visit the Muckross House which are furnished in period style and see exhibitions and displays illustrating various aspects of the lifestyle and crafts of the people of Kerry. Enjoy a day of splendid scenery as you tour the Ring of Kerry which is said to contain some of the most magnificent scenery in Ireland.
Discover the treasures of Cork as you tour the city on board a double-deck open air bus. Valid for the day, this tour allows you to hop on and off around the city. Major attractions include the St. Finbarr’s Cathedral, St. Anne’s Shandon, Cork City Goal, English Market, Grande Parade, Custom House, City Hall, Tourist Office and more.
In Belfast, visit the many famous sights such as the amazing wall murals, the botanic gardens, Belfast City Hall, the Albert clock and many more. Enjoy a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giants Causeway. The Giant’s Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Resulting from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, this is the focal point of a designated area of outstanding Natural Beauty and has attracted visitors for centuries. Enjoy wonderful views and coastal scenery from the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. If theatre and opera is your thing, do catch a show at the Grand Opera House or the Lyric Theatre.
To get the best of your Ireland holiday, visit www.coxandkings.com or call 1800221235, 18002090400, 9867565599.
Source: Cox and Kings
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