Festivals in Ireland

6. Festivals in Ireland. Nobody enjoys a party better than the Irish! The St.Patrick's Day Festival in Ireland is a stunning annual event, and most towns and cities have their own Festival that commemorates Ireland's patron Saint. There are plenty of summer festivals that are well worth checking out, including the Puck Fair Killorglin. There are also a number of food festivals held in the country. The Galway International Oyster Festival is held in September every year, and shortly after Kinsale hosts the Gourmet Food Festival.

7. Ireland's History and Strong Heritage. Ireland has a wide and varied heritage. The magnificent Book Of Kells, which was drafted by Celtic Monks in the ninth century AD, is located at Trinity College, Dublin. Other marvellous places to visit include Newgrange in County Meath, a burial chamber and tomb, which predate Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids at Giza. The Burren Area of North County Clare is well worth visiting, not only for the strange rocky landscape, but also for the prehistoric dolmen burial tombs.

8. Sports and Leisure. It is estimated that Ireland has the highest golf course per capita in Europe. 2007 saw the Ryder Cup hosted at the K Club in Kildare, and golf courses at Lahinch, Doonbeg, Portmarnock and the Island Golf Course at Donabate are well worth exploring for a few rounds with a stunning backdrop of scenery. You can also try your hand at some of the outdoor pursuits in Ireland, such as horse riding, walking, mountain climbing to name but a few! The National Games of Ireland, Gaelic Football and Hurling are played with passion and pride, and the Gaelic Athletics Association (The Body for Administrating and Promoting Our Games) is celebrating its 125th Anniversary this year. All 32 counties of Ireland have county and club teams, and the atmosphere at these games is just scintillating with great excitement. Croke Park, the home of the GAA is one of the largest stadiums in Europe. Make sure to try and catch a GAA match.

9. Culture - Irish Music and Dance. Wherever you are on vacation in Ireland, traditional foot tapping music will be played at informal sessions in original Irish pubs. You will be enthralled by the wonderful skill of the Irish dancer! The passion of Irish music passes from generation to generation, and its high esteem in the hearts of Irish people and the visitor will never die.

10. Modern Cities. Another reason to plan a visit to Ireland for a vacation is its modern cities. Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Galway and Limerick are all home to stylish shopping malls and boutiques, chic nightclubs, tourist attractions and excellent restaurants.