Ireland

Ireland is an island of green countryside, lakes and a long Atlantic coast, dotted with castles and country houses in their own parkland. Dublin, the capital, lies along the River Liffey: Georgian squares with their colourful doors, Trinity College and its historic library, St Stephen’s Green and the National Gallery of Ireland, and a lively food, pub and music scene. Howth and Dublin Bay make easy day trips.

Ireland’s Ancient East holds the Rock of Cashel, the monastic valley of Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains, medieval Kilkenny and estates with celebrated gardens. In the South-West, Killarney National Park and its lakes, the Ring of Kerry and Kenmare Bay lead to the Dingle and Beara peninsulas and Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Wild Atlantic Way runs north past the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren to Connemara, Lough Corrib and Galway. Castle estates offer falconry, fishing, horse riding and some of Europe’s finest golf; the table brings seafood, farmhouse cheeses, whiskey and Guinness.

The climate is mild and changeable all year, rarely very cold or hot, with rain possible in any season. Roughly May to September is the main season, with long, light summer evenings. Ireland suits couples, golfers and food lovers and is made for castle-and-countryside stays, while a Dublin city break pairs easily with the West.