Things to do in Ireland

Dublin, the capital, is a literary city of Georgian squares, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, historic cathedrals and pubs full of music. Day trips reach the Wicklow Mountains, the monastic site of Glendalough and the ancient passage tomb of Newgrange.

To the west, the Cliffs of Moher rise from the Atlantic, the Wild Atlantic Way winds along the coast, and Galway is a city of buskers, music and festivals. The Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula offer mountains and sea views, Killarney its lakes and national park, and Cork its covered food market and nearby Blarney Castle. The basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway lie on the island's north coast.

Stew, seafood chowder, soda bread and smoked salmon are the comforts of the Irish table, with stout and whiskey in the pub. The weather is mild and changeable, with rain possible at any time; late spring and summer bring long days, and St Patrick's Day in March is celebrated with parades.