The Emerald Isle didn’t get its nickname by accident – this is a place of lush green hills, oxbow lakes and atmospheric forests and woods. You can choose to stay away from the cities in favor of an entirely rural trip, but you’d be missing out, because Cork and Dublin are fascinating places to visit.
Dublin out of the dark ages
The cobbled streets glow with the light from many welcoming hostelries across Dublin, and this is just one part of the character and atmosphere that makes the city such a magnet for tourists. Dublin is where recent history is easily discovered and a long, long past is waiting to be uncovered. To begin that journey, visit the Old Library, which was built in the early 18th century. Walk around the long room – one of the finest libraries in the world – and check out The Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript pieced together painstakingly by monks, which dates back to the dark ages. As well as exploring Dublin’s engrossing, story-riddled city center, you should also make time for the National Museum and Trinity College.
An island within Ireland
Ireland’s second city, Cork, has a center built on an island surrounded by the serene River Lee. Even just strolling aimlessly around the city, watching the pretty buildings reflecting in the water, is a pleasure. However, if you do have a plan in mind, make sure it includes St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Architectural purists may scoff at its mixture of Gothic and other styles, but it’s undeniably unique – with a lavish interior, mosaics and a bishop’s throne. There are a couple of dozen festivals a year in Cork, including ones dedicated to film and jazz, so time your visit for one of those. Definitely check out the eclectic food scene – Electric is a modern classic that does tasty local seafood.
Of heather and hills
A long drive around the splendor of rural Ireland is both bracing and beautiful. The west coast is a place of crags and inlets, mist forming over hills, and quiet places perfect for contemplation. Head for Bantry Bay or the peninsula at Dingle – and if you do go to Dingle, check out Murphy’s handmade ice cream. You can get the most delicious flavors made with Kerry cow milk, including Caramelized Brown Bread, which is a thing of wonder.
South of Dublin you’ll find the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Park up and hike your way through the peaks strewn with heather, cross tiny streams to find tucked away waterfalls, or explore tranquil Glendalough – the Valley of the Two Lakes. There are plenty of organized tours you can join, and activities galore, but if you prefer the unscripted approach, simply dawdle through this outstanding area of natural beauty, keeping an eye out for Peregrine Falcons and rare types of orchid.
With ancient castles, great golf courses, the humbling Giant’s Causeway and so much more to see and do, car rental in Ireland is essential if you’re to make the very most of your visit to this special part of the world.