The Island of Ireland is located in the West of Europe, neighbouring Great Britain. The island is made up of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, both of which are members of the European Union, however, due to national differences they share different currencies, laws and other regulations.

Ireland is a small island of approximately 450 km long and 300 km wide, and covers approximately 84,500 sq km.

Ireland’s East Coast

Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland, and lies at the heart of a region that enchants the visitor with a selection of fascinating historical monuments, beautiful natural scenery, thrilling sporting events, and unspoiled lakes, rivers and stretches of coastline.  

Dublin is usually the first port of call for visitors and this energetic, youthful city pulsates with a compelling mix of history, culture, hip bars and pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and some of the country’s most sophisticated restaurants. Cosmopolitan and diverse, Dublin is now one of Europe’s top urban hotspots.  

Beyond Dublin, the East of Ireland tells a different story with the counties of Cavan, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Offaly, Meath, Monaghan, Westmeath and Wicklow offering a contrasting slice of life. This region is famed for its rich natural charms, ancient sites of Newgrange and Clonmacnoise, top golfing and world-renowned horseracing. The county of Kildare, in particular, is home to some of the world’s finest thoroughbreds and the 2006 Ryder Cup. 

But what really defines the East is the unspoiled countryside. With glistening lakes, tranquil rivers, authentic rural life, scenic pastureland, rolling hills and forest parks, this area is a haven for outdoors enthusiasts with cycling, watersports, walking, angling, golfing, horseriding and cruising all in plentiful supply.

Ireland’s West Coast

The West of Ireland is an enchanting place filled with wonderfully atmospheric towns and villages, long stretches of stunning coastline, soaring sea cliffs, and craggy countryside that boasts a uniquely desolate beauty and a vibrant cultural heritage rich in tradition.

Encompassing the counties of Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Offaly and Tipperary, the West gets under your skin like no other place in the world, offering an unparalled experience to all who visit.

The haunting drama of the Donegal landscape includes the enchanting Glenveagh National Park and Castle; Yeats’ County can be viewed from on high with a hike to the table top of Ben Bulben in County Sligo; or you could try a different vantage point with an ocean voyage to the magical Aran Islands in County Galway or Achill Island, County Mayo.

For those with a serious head for heights, nothing rewards more than a stroll along the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, County Clare! A little closer to sea level, picturesque Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon is a haven of tranquility; while the legendary beauty of the majestic River Shannon stretching through the cruising counties of Leitrim, Offaly and Limerick can literally take your breath away.

Serviced by no less than five regional airports, you can hop on a plane to Shannon, Galway, Knock, Donegal and even nearby City of Derry airport to kickstart your holiday! So whether you want to soothe your soul in utter isolation on a remote island or feel the passion at a high-spirited summer festival, the wild and wonderful West has it all.

The Regions of Ireland

The island of Ireland is separated into Regions, each offering the visitor a unique and memorable holiday experience. From breathtaking scenery and village life to the energetic buzz of the larger cities, the island of Ireland is waiting to be discovered.

Ireland’s South Coast

The picturesque South of Ireland is famed for its relaxed pace of life and outstanding natural beauty. Encompassing the counties of Carlow,Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, the South promises a wealth of variety whether you want to chow down on delectable local dishes, tee off on a lush coastal links or take some precious pampering time in a world-renowned spa. 

The south is fast gaining a reputation as Ireland’s top gourmet spot. And with Farmers’ Markets popping up all over the area, you should keep your eyes peeled for foods that have a well-deserved reputation for excellence, such as soda breads, smokehouse specialties, mouthwatering cheeses and an abundance of fresh fish and seafood! 

Each county offers up its own special magic. For pure indulgence, Kerry boasts a wealth of incredible spas Cork replenishes the body with a plethora of critically acclaimed restaurants; while Waterford and Wexford are celebrated for their sun-warmed beaches and adorable coastal villages.

Inland lie the vibrant counties of Kilkenny, Tipperary and Carlow with their ancient heritage, endless festivals, cracking pubs and peaceful riverways. Tipperary, in particular, is the land of the horse, as this is the soil where many of our racing thoroughbreds first found their feet!

Easy to get to by air or sea, Cork, Kerry and Shannon airports, and Rosslare port in County Wexford, can be your ideal starting point for that holiday of a lifetime! And throughout the South, you’ll be thrilled with endless opportunities for sightseeing, exceptional landscapes, great shopping, and some real gourmet delights!

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's beauty is intertwined with turbulent history, rich culture and the renowned friendliness of its people. 

The wild craggy mountains, splendid lakes and sweeping coastline make it an ideal playground for watersports enthusiasts, walkers, cyclists, hikers, rock climbers and sailors. 

But there are lots of things to keep those after a dose of culture enthralled, too. From boisterous oyster festivals to authentic horse fairs, and from ancient castles to elegant country houses, this spectacular part of Ireland is packed with things to do. 

The six counties of Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone are just waiting to be explored.