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1. Geography
Ireland's 32 countries are divided into four
provinces.
ULTER is positioned in the north and consists of six counties that comprise Northern Ireland: Derry, Antrim, Armagn, Down, Fermanagh, and Tyrone.
In the east, lEINSTER includes 12 counties to include Dublin, Wicklow, Wexford, Kilkenney, Carlow, Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Longford, Meath, and Louth.
MUNSTER is the southern province which is comprised of Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary.
In the west, the province of CONNAUGHT includes the counties of Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Galway, and Mayo.
2. HistoryIreland has a long and detailed history of occupation and struggle. It has been occupied by the Celts, the Vikings, the Normans, and most recently, the British. In 1948, Great Britain declared that Ireland was no longer part of the Commonwealth. From that point on, the state has been called the Republic of Ireland.
The most rememberd piece of Irish history is the tragedy of the potato famine in 1847. The Potato Famine resulted in the death of over 800,000 inhabitants. The majority of the survivors of the famine migrated to the United States, leaving Ireland almost deserted. Today, the effects of the potato famine are still visible in their very young population.
In 1920, Ireland was was divided into two sections: Northern Ireland and the Republic. The violence displayed today between the two groups did not begin until the late 1960s when peaceful protesters were violently dispersed by police. Great strides have been made in achieving peace between the two Irish lands, yet to date, conflict still plagues the region.
3. Politics Ireland remained neutral throughout WWII despite
intense pressure from both Great Britain and the United States. Despite
national neutrality, however, numerous Irish men volunteered in forces for
both countries. Ireland has been a member of the United Nations since 1955.
Throughout its membership, Ireland has contributed to many UN missions to
include Cyprus, the Congo, and Lebanon. Ireland is not a member of NATO,
however. Since Northern Ireland has remained beneath British rule, no Irish
government has authorized NATO involvement. This decision likely stems from
NATO's pledge to guarantee territorial integrity of all its members.
Ireland is a member of the European Union (EU). The country is preparing along side its European neighbors for the integration of European economies planned as part of the EMU. Currently, the nation is attempting to harness its economic climate in order to satisfy the Maastricht criteria for EMU admission. Ireland, like many European countries, us enjoying the benefits while also feeling the sting of unification. Visitors are likely to experience the added benefit of European unification when traveling through Ireland and its neighboring countries such as simplified trade and travel.
4. Culture
The people of Ireland lead a very unpretentious and informal life which makes traveling around Ireland a true pleasure. The pace of life is more relaxed the futher you venture outside of Dublin. Unlike the stereotypes, you will not find a land entirely inhabitated by saints and scholars. What you will find in Ireland is some of the kindest people in the world. In order to take a portion of Irish culture with you, think about purchasing some traditional Irish products.
Aran sweaters are one of Ireland's claims to fame. They
have been made in Ireland since the 9century when fishermen wore them to
protect them against rain and cold. Each stitch represented a different
part of Irish life such as strong rope and stone walls. The combination
of stitches became indicative of a community, thus when a fisherman died
at sea, his body could be returned to his family.
Waterford glass is another great purchase when in Ireland.
Waterford glass is actually fine crystal that is both extroidinary and expensive.
If you are doing much traveling, you may want to have this luxury item shipped
home.
Ireland is also known for its delicate lace. The supplies
of this handmade lace is decreasing by the year as younger generations do
not wish to spend long days preparing the intricately designed lace. Lace
is a wonderful gift, yet is quite pricey as well. Expect to pay about $80
for a handmade lace handkerchief in Limerick.
Of course, when speaking about Irish culture, pubs cannot go unmentioned. Take time to experience the warm personalities of the Irish over a nice guiness. The conversation, music, and atmosphere is definitely a piece of Irish culture that will not be easily forgotten.
5. TransportationGETTING THERE
You can expect to have a touch of jet lag when traveling to Ireland. The trip from New York to Shannon is five hours, and from Shannon back to the United States is six hours. Calculate into that equation a five hour time difference, and you have a classic case of jet lag. Plan accordingly for this "condition" when booking your flights.
For passengers beginning their travels in the UK, Aer Lingus offers the highest frequency of flights from Heathrow to Dublin, Cork, and Shannon.
Aer Lingus has direct flights from many European cities to include: Amsterdam, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Madrid, Milan, Paris, and Rome.
And once your in Ireland, Aer Lingus can provide domestic flights between Dublin and Bristol, Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, and Newcastle.
Aer Lingus: New York (1 800 223 6537); London (181 899 4747)
Delta: Atlanta, Georgia (1 800 241 4141)
British Airways: US (1 800 AIRWAYS); UK (1345/222-111)
You will find when planning your travels to Ireland that there is likely to be a time when you are going to need to take a ferry! Look around before giving up on your plans, you can find a reasonable deal. The key to this venture is patience! Don't get discouraged! Plan on the cost being approximately $32 for foot passengers; $140 for a car with four passengers; and $95 for ferry/rail combination to London. Of course, these prices WILL VARY by season. Consider these options when looking for a ferry:
Stena Sealink provides service from Wales to Rosslare and from Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire. US and Canada (1 800 677 8585); Britain (1233/647-047); Ireland (01 280 8844).
B&I Line provides daily services from Pembroke to Rosslare and Holyhead to Dublin. They often have special package deals....so ask for short break and holiday specials! US and Canada (212 760 0101); Britain (171 491 8682)
Swansea Cork Ferries offers services between Ringaskiddy to Wales. (021/271-166).
You can plan to extend your vacation beyond Ireland into Continental Europe. One way getting to the continent is by ferry. You can expect a ferry ride to be a little bit expensive. In 1995 the rate for foot passengers was $136 and $416 for a car with four passengers. The good news is that Ireland is part of the Eurail system, so there is a reduction if you have enough days on your pass! The trip is long, so be prepared for a journey! 21 hours of sailing to Le Havre and 17 hours to Cherbourg.
Lynott Tours, New York (800 221-2474)
Irish Ferries, Dublin (01/610511)
GETTING AROUND IN IRELAND
By Bus
When traveling throughout Ireland, one option available is a bus trip. The buses in Ireland offer regular commuter services as well as high-speed express coaches between Dublin and other major cities. Plan ahead when traveling by bus because round trip tickets are only marginally more expensive than one way trips.
For more information about bus services in Ireland, contact Ulsterbus (01232/333-000).
Remember, Ireland is connected with the Eurail system, so if you have a pass, you can move freely throughout Europe. If you are planning to do any type of extensive travel of this type, you really need to purchase a Eurail pass. Refer to the Eurail website or contact Eurail at (800-722-7151) for rail options.
Rail Runabout offers a pass valid for seven days of unlimited travel in Northern Ireland only.
Irish Rover covers rail travel in both the Republic and Northern Ireland for five days.
Irish Explorer is a pass that permits unlimited travel within the Republic for five days.
Biking around Ireland is an ideal way to see the beautiful landscapes, the rolling hills, and the fabulous castles. Firm up before you begin your travels, and you will have an unforgettable self guided tour of Ireland!!! The roads of Ireland are relatively traffic free except for the occassional sheep or cow.
Bikes can be rented from over 100 different Rent-A-Bike dealers throughout Ireland. Rates vary, but can be expected to run about 7 Irish punts ($11.20) for a day and 30 Irish punts ($48) for a week. Students receive discounts so make sure you notify the dealer if you qualify for this reduction.
For more information, contact the Federation of Irish Cyclists, Dublin, Tel. (01/855-1522)
6. LodgingHostels
If you are pinching your pennies and would rather see
Ireland than sleep in the lap of luxury....try hosteling it! Hostels are
a great alternative to expensive hotels that provide more pampering than
needed and charge you for it!!!
While praising hostels, there are also some warnings that
go along with hostels. First and foremost, make sure it is for you. You
should be aware of the amenities absent in each hostel, and assess whether
it is suitable for your needs! Saving money is nothing if your trip is going
to be ruined. In many instances, you will be sharing a room with strangers.
That means you need to be very cautious with your belongings. Don't leave
anything you don't mind losing! You will be sharing a bathroom and shower
with everyone else in the hostel. For the most part, this sharing entails
co-ed everything. Each hostel differs, so ask questions and be adventurous!
If you decide that hosteling is a viable option for you and your traveling
companions....purchase your international hosteling card (available at any
travel agent) and try these hostels"
Mainistir House Hostel, Aran Islands, Tel 61169, Price Range (IEP) 10-15
For more information and hostel listings, refer to Ireland: Interactive
7. Restaurants
You can gorge yourself with tantalizing traditional Irish meals at this cozy cafe. The decor is very much like a tea room with deep mahogany tables. Indulge in homemade patries and soups. You may even want to take some for later. Open daily from 7:30 am to 10 pm. 78 Grafton Street. Dublin (tele) 01/677/6761.
Traditional fish and chips are the main order of the day in Leo Burdocks. This family resturaunt is a must while in Dublin. 2 Werburgh St. Dublin. Monday-Friday 12:30-11pm, Saturday 2-11pm. (tele) 01/454/0306.
This resturaunt is a seafood lovers haven. The extensive menu is as fabulous as the atmosphere. This is not an inexpensive resturaunt, so if you are on a budget, you may want to consider another eatery. However, if you are in the mood to endulge, you must try this resturaunt. Glencullen. South of Dublin. Reservations required. 01/295/5647.
While in Ireland, don't confine yourself to only eating in resturaunts....try the pub food as well. You will get a double whammy of culture if you engage in some festive Irish tunes while enjoying a guiness and hot stuffed potato. Be creative with your choices...Ireland has many wonderful things to offer.
8. Museums and MonumentsThe sights of Ireland are some of the most intriguing in all of Europe. This page will not outline all of the great places in Ireland, but will tell you the ones not to miss!
The Blarney StoneEveryone has heard of the Blarney Stone! Don't be turned off by the over publicity of the stone...it is a must see! You can't go to Ireland without kissing the Blarney stone. Of course as the name denotes, the Blarney stone is located in Blarney Village. The Village is situated 9kms of Cork city on route N20.
Pictured to the left is Blarney Castle. Even if the Blarney stone wasn't here it would be worth visiting! So be a tourist...go to Blarney at least for a day!
The Rock of Cashel
Moving beyond the well worn tourist track is the Rock of Cashel. It is one of the most spectacular sites in Ireland. It is found in the outskirts of Cashel sitting atop of limestone. The tower is completely encircled in fortified stone walls, a roofless abbey, a 12th century chapel, and a collection of high crosses. Four edifices comprise the Rock of Cashel: the Cormac's Chapel, the round tower, the cathedral, and the Hall of the Vicars Choral.
The Rock of Cashel was utilized in the 4th century by the Eoghanachta clan from Wales as a base of power. They used the fortress as they conquered most of the Munster region and became kings of the region. The clan was soon associated with the Church when St. Patrick converted their leader in the 5th century. Since the time of Eoghanachta possession, the Rock has been controlled by numerous powers to include the O'Brien tribe in the 10th century, and the Cromwellian army in the 17th century.
The Rock of Cashel is definitely worth the trip to get there! While at the Rock, take advantage of its proximity to the Hore Abbey which is only one kilometer north from the base of the Rock.
The Muckross House
The Muckross House was built in 1843 on the banks of the Muckross Lake. The house was orignally built for Henry Arthur Herbert, the Member of Parliament for Kerry. In 1899, the Muckross House and its estate was bought by the Arthur Guinness Brewing family. The family rented the House to weatlhy parties.
The estate changed hands again in 1911 when Mr. William Bowers Bourn, an American, purchased the house as a gift for his daughter. After the death of the daughter, the house was given to the Irish Nation as the first National Park (1932).
The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are definitely one of the most spectacular sights in Ireland. The Cliffs (shown on the left) stretch over 230 meters high. The Cliffs of Moher sit just north of Obrien's Tower (pictured on the right). The Cliffs promise to be an amazing experience that will not be forgotten soon after your departure from Ireland. The sound of the waves crashing below will resonate in your mind as you recall your visit to the Cliffs of Moher. A word of warning though...while you are being whisked away by your surrounding, becareful that the ground below you does not give way. There are no safety precautions or gates around the edges of the Cliffs, and portions of the cliff often crumble away.
9. NightlifeThere is much to do in Ireland at night, but there is nothing that
can match an evening of traditional Irish dance and music. Venture out on
a Friday or Saturday night, and the you will find amazing performances.
Check with the local tourist office for other hot spots, or try these:
The Piper's Club
32 Belgrave Sq. Monkstown. (tele) 01/800295. admission is approximately $6.
Traditional Irish Pub Crawl
The pub crawl is organized through the disover Dublin (tele) 01/478/0191. Tickets are approximately $10 and can be obtained through the tourist office. The pub crawl allows you to hit some of the greatest pubs in Ireland as well as getting a taste for traditional music.
The Brazen Head
Lower Bridge St (tele) 01/677/9549. Dublin
O'Neills Lounge Bar
O'Neill's is always filled with students and professors from the near by Trinity College. It is always a hot spot. 37 Pearse St.
10. Currency
The unit of currency in Ireland is the Irish punt
(often still called the pound). The punt is divided into 100 pence (p) and
coins are denominated in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 pence and 1 punt. Exchange
rates fluctuate so a traveler should consult current rates before traveling.
The chart below displays estimated exchange rates in relation to the US
dollar.
taxi from airport to the city $20.00 tram discount day pass $3.00 local phone call .30 pint of beer $3.05 coca-cola .70 cup of coffee .70 role of film (36 exposures) $7.25 movie ticket $5.80
