Ireland
Visiting Ireland is actually visiting two countries : The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (which is part of the UK). On one luscious "Emerald Island" you get different sites, different currencies, and famously different religions. And while in the past these differences led to discord and often violence, a long term peace now makes both sections of the island welcoming and worth it to every tourist.
In the North
Northern Ireland is less visited than The Republic and we can't figure out why! Its home to Bushmills - yes that one! - the Carrick-a-rede bridge - a rope bridge that has been in place for hundreds of years - and the Giant's Causeway one of the few sites on Earth with stunning interlocking basalt columns. If you're a Game of Thrones fan, the majority of the North will feel familiar as it served as the backdrop for the sites of The North. Visit Castle Ward, Castle Dunlace, and Gosford Castle to name a few. And it would be a shame to miss Belfast with its world class culture and museum scene including the famous Titanic experience.
In the South
Ireland is famous for Homestays. B&Bs dominate whether they be a small room in a Farmhouse that has been in the same family for 700 years, or the private floor of a castle you'll be welcomed into someone's home, fed rich and traditional breads, soups and sausages, and you'll learn the stories of the area. Its almost (almost!) silly to plan Ireland carefully because you'll be talked into ditching your plans to explore something with your host. Whether its the Book of Kells in Dublin, shopping in Galway, sailing the Aran Islands, or kissing the Blarney Stone, there are plenty of Bucket List sites to tick off and just as many (or more) off the radar spots.
Irish Theme Trips
Craft an entire trip around visiting Castles! How about Irish Whiskey or Beer sampling from North to South? Or dig into your Irish Ancestry and structure a trip through the counties from which you hail - even meet a distant cousin. Irish Dance, Irish Dog Breeds, Irish Wool - There are countless ways to build a great Irish Itinerary around the things you love in their homeland.
