Ireland travel guide : discover history, culture and must-see destinations

Essential Ireland travel information

• Official name: Republic of Ireland (Éire)
• Capital: Dublin
• Population: About 5 million people
• Official languages: English and Irish (Gaelic)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Government: Unitary parliamentary republic

Ireland's rich history: from ancient celts to modern Europe

Ireland has one of the most fascinating histories in Europe. Here's a simple timeline:

Ancient times

The island of Ireland was settled around 8000 BCE, with Celtic tribes arriving around 500 BCE. These Celts, known as Gaels, developed a rich culture and language that continue to influence Irish identity today. Unlike much of Europe, Ireland was never conquered by the Romans, allowing its Celtic civilization to flourish independently.

Medieval Ireland

Christianity arrived in the 5th century with Saint Patrick and others, establishing monasteries that became centers of learning during Europe's Dark Ages. The medieval period saw Viking invasions, followed by Anglo-Norman conquest beginning in 1169, which established English influence in Ireland. By the 16th century, the entire island came under English control.

The Great Famine

One of the most devastating events in Irish history was the Great Famine (1845-1849). Potato blight destroyed the main food source for millions, resulting in approximately one million deaths and forcing another million to emigrate. This catastrophe permanently altered Ireland's population, culture, and relationship with Britain, fueling the push for independence.

Modern Ireland

After centuries of British rule, Ireland achieved partial independence in 1922 following the War of Independence, though six counties in the north remained part of the United Kingdom. The Republic of Ireland was declared in 1949. Ireland joined the European Economic Community (now EU) in 1973. The late 20th century saw economic transformation, with Ireland evolving from one of Western Europe's poorest countries to one of its most prosperous, earning the nickname "Celtic Tiger" in the 1990s.

Irish culture & traditions every traveler should know

Irish Language

While English is universally spoken, Irish (Gaelic) remains the first official language and an important cultural touchstone. About 40% of Irish people report some ability to speak the language, with road signs and official documents appearing in both languages. Gaeltacht regions, primarily along the western seaboard, maintain Irish as their primary language.

Art & literature in Irish culture

Ireland has produced a remarkable number of literary giants despite its small population. Writers like James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and W.B. Yeats helped create the Irish literary revival. More recently, authors like Seamus Heaney, Roddy Doyle, and Sally Rooney have continued this tradition of literary excellence. Traditional Irish visual arts include Celtic designs, illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Kells, and modern interpretations of these ancient motifs.

Irish cuisine: What to eat & drink

Irish food celebrates fresh local ingredients with both traditional and contemporary preparations:

• Irish stew (hearty lamb and vegetable dish)
• Boxty (traditional potato pancake)
• Colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage)
• Soda bread (quick bread using baking soda as leavening)
• Full Irish breakfast (featuring black and white pudding)

Ireland is famous for its drinks, with Guinness stout being the most internationally recognized. Irish whiskey has experienced a renaissance, with numerous new distilleries opening in recent years. Traditional Irish coffee, combining coffee, whiskey, sugar, and cream, provides both warmth and celebration.

Music & Performance in Ireland

Music lies at the heart of Irish culture, with traditional sessions in local pubs offering authentic cultural experiences. Famous Irish musicians and bands include U2, The Cranberries, Van Morrison, and The Chieftains. Irish dance gained international recognition through shows like Riverdance, showcasing the distinctive style where dancers keep their upper bodies rigid while performing intricate footwork.

Top places to visit in Ireland

Dublin: Essential sights in Ireland's capital

The capital city offers a perfect blend of historical sites and contemporary culture:

• Trinity College and the Book of Kells: Ireland's oldest university houses this 9th-century illuminated manuscript, one of the world's most beautiful medieval texts.
• Guinness Storehouse: Ireland's most-visited tourist attraction tells the story of the famous brew, culminating with a pint in the rooftop Gravity Bar.
• Kilmainham Gaol: This former prison offers a moving window into Ireland's struggle for independence.
• Temple Bar: A lively cultural quarter filled with pubs, restaurants, and nightlife.
• St. Patrick's Cathedral: The national cathedral of Ireland, dating from 1220.

Galway: Ireland's cultural heart

This vibrant west coast city is known for its artistic spirit, traditional music scene, and position as gateway to the wild landscapes of Connemara. The colorful Latin Quarter and Shop Street offer endless entertainment, while nearby Claddagh village gave birth to the famous Claddagh ring design.

Cork

Ireland's second-largest city offers a proud, independent spirit and foodie credentials with the English Market (dating from 1788) as its culinary epicenter. Nearby attractions include Blarney Castle, where kissing the famous stone supposedly bestows the "gift of eloquence."

Killarney

Located in County Kerry, Killarney serves as the gateway to the spectacular Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Killarney National Park features mountains, lakes, forests, and the 19th-century Victorian mansion Muckross House surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Belfast

The capital of Northern Ireland (part of the UK) has transformed itself from its troubled past. The city's Titanic Quarter includes the world-class Titanic Belfast museum on the site where the famous ship was built. The city offers a distinct character from the Republic, with its blend of Victorian, industrial, and modern elements.

Natural wonders & landscapes of Ireland

• Cliffs of Moher: These dramatic sea cliffs rise 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean and stretch for 14 kilometers along the coast of County Clare.
• The Giant's Causeway: Located in Northern Ireland, this UNESCO World Heritage site features 40,000 interlocking basalt columns created by volcanic activity.
• The Burren: A unique karst limestone landscape in County Clare where Arctic and Mediterranean plants grow side by side.
• Ring of Kerry: A 179-kilometer circular route through stunning coastal and mountain landscapes.
• Connemara: A wild region of mountains, lakes, and peat bogs offering Ireland's most untamed scenery.

Fascinating Facts About Ireland

Ireland is the only country in the world with a musical instrument as its national symbol – the harp.

St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, wasn't Irish but likely Roman-British, and was brought to Ireland as a slave.

Ireland has more than 30,000 castles and castle ruins scattered across the countryside.

Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season.

The Irish diaspora is estimated at 70 million people worldwide, including approximately 35 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry.

Irish contributions to world culture

• Modern horror literature (through Bram Stoker's "Dracula")
• The submarine (invented by John Philip Holland in 1878)
• Color photography (developed by John Joly)
• The modern tractor (Harry Ferguson's three-point linkage system)
• The hypodermic syringe (created by Francis Rynd)