The Rough Guide to Ireland (Travel Guide eBook)

By Rough Guides

The Rough Guide to Ireland

Make the most of your time on Earth with the ultimate travel guides.

Discover Ireland with this comprehensive and entertaining travel guide, packed with practical information and honest recommendations by our independent experts. Whether you plan to drive the scenic Wild Atlantic Way, explorie the delights of Dublin's architecture and dance along to traditional Irish music in one of the plethora of pubs in the country, Rough Guide Ireland will help you discover the best places to explore, eat, drink, shop and sleep along the way.

Features of this travel guide to Ireland:
- Detailed regional coverage: provides practical information for every kind of trip, from off-the-beaten-track adventures to chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas
- Honest and independent reviews: written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, our writers will help you make the most from your trip to Ireland
- Meticulous mapping: practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys. Find your way around Dublin, Belfast and many more locations without needing to get online
- Fabulous full-colour photography: features inspirational colour photography, including the historic campus of Trinity College and Glendalough Scenic Park
- Time-saving itineraries: carefully planned routes will help inspire and inform your on-the-road experiences
- Things not to miss: Rough Guides' rundown of the best sights and top experiences to be found in Cork, Kerry and Sligo
- Travel tips and info: packed with essential pre-departure information including getting around, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, sports and outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, shopping and more
- Background information: comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter provides fascinating insights into Ireland with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary

- Covers: Dublin; Around Dublin: Wicklow, Kildare and Meath, Louth, Monaghan and Cavan, The Midlands: Westmeath, Longford, Offaly and Laois, Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford, Waterford and Tipperary, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Clare, Galway and Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon, Donegal, Belfast, Antrim and Derry, Down and Armagh, Tyronne and Fermanagh

You may also be interested in: Rough Guide to Scotland

About Rough Guides: Rough Guides have been inspiring travellers for over 35 years, with over 30 million copies sold globally. Synonymous with practical travel tips, quality writing and a trustworthy 'tell it like it is' ethos, the Rough Guides list includes more than 260 travel guides to 120+ destinations, gift-books and phrasebooks.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Insight Guides
• Release date: Dec 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781789197310

Rough Guides

Rough Guides are written by expert authors who are passionate about both writing and travel. They have detailed knowledge of the areas they write about--having either traveled extensively or lived there--and their expertise shines through on every page. It's priceless information, delivered with wit and insight, providing the down-to-earth, honest read that is the hallmark of Rough Guides.

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Contents

Introduction to Ireland

Where to go

When to go

Author picks

things not to miss

Itineraries

Basics

Getting there

Getting around

Accommodation

Food and drink

The media

Festivals and events

Culture and etiquette

Sports

Outdoor activities

Travel essentials

Dublin

The Southside

The Northside

West of the centre

The northern suburbs

South Dublin coast

Around Dublin: Wicklow, Kildare and Meath

The Wicklow coast

The Wicklow Mountains

County Kildare

County Meath

Louth, Monaghan and Cavan

Drogheda and around

The Cooley Peninsula

Monaghan town

County Monaghan

Cavan town and around

West Cavan

The Midlands: Westmeath, Longford, Offaly and Laois

Mullingar and around

Castlepollard and around

Athlone and around

Clonmacnois

Birr

Slieve Bloom

Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford

Kilkenny city and around

Southern Kilkenny

Carlow

Wexford town

Around Wexford town

Hook Peninsula and the Barrow estuary

Waterford and Tipperary

Waterford city

Waterford’s coast

Northern Waterford

The lower Suir valley

Cashel

Cork

Cork city

East Cork

Kinsale and around

Clonakilty and around

Skibbereen

Baltimore

Clear Island (Oileán Chléire)

The Mizen Head Peninsula

The Sheep’s Head

Bantry

The Beara Peninsula

Kerry

Killarney and around

The Iveragh Peninsula: the Ring of Kerry

Kenmare

South of Kenmare: the Beara Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula

North Kerry

Limerick and Clare

Limerick city and around

Southeast Clare

Ennis and around

East Clare

Southwest Clare

West Clare

The Burren

Galway and Mayo

Galway city

East Galway

The Aran Islands

Connemara

County Mayo

Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon

Sligo town

Around Sligo town

North Sligo

West Sligo

South Sligo

Carrick-on-Shannon and around

Boyle and around

The Arigna Mountains

Strokestown and around

Donegal

South Donegal

Southwest Donegal

Central Donegal

The Dawros Head Peninsula and around

The Rosses

Gweedore and Tory Island

The Derryveagh Mountains and Glenveagh

The north Donegal coast

Letterkenny

The Inishowen Peninsula

Belfast

The city centre

South Belfast

East Belfast

North Belfast

West Belfast

Antrim and Derry

North from Belfast

The Glens of Antrim

The north Antrim coast

Northern County Derry

Derry

Southern County Derry

Down and Armagh

Hillsborough

East of Belfast

Strangford Lough

The Lecale region

Newcastle

The Mourne Mountains

Newry

South Armagh

Armagh city and around

Tyrone and Fermanagh

Omagh and around

The Sperrin Mountains

Eastern Tyrone

Enniskillen and around

Lough Erne

Western Fermanagh

Contexts

History

Traditional music

Literature

Books

The Irish language

Glossary

Small print

Map symbols

Rough Guide credits

Publishing information

Help us update

About the authors

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Introduction to Ireland

Over the past three decades, Ireland has transformed itself with quiet determination. Gone – or certainly on its way out – is the image of a conservative, introspective, dourly rural nation, while the infamous unrest and violence of the Troubles has, mercifully, faded away. An outward-looking Ireland has stepped forward, energized by rejuvenated cities, where the fresh ideas introduced by immigrants and returnees during the Celtic Tiger years of the 1990s are maturing nicely. Of course, it’s not called the Emerald Isle for nothing and Ireland’s physical appeal endures clear and true as a jewel – but it’s by no means a blanket of green. From the Burren’s grey limestone pavement and the black peat bogs of the Midlands (where some of the prehistoric gold ornaments on show in Dublin’s National Museum were dug up) to Connemara’s gold- and purple-tinged mountains, Ireland’s smouldering – even unnerving – good looks can send a shiver down your spine. And when the sun is shining the sky throbs bluer than anywhere else on earth – or so the Irish would have you believe.

While Dublin, Belfast and the other cities are cranking up the cosmopolitan – from hipster coffee shops to edgy, internationally relevant arts scenes – their on-message worldliness is not the be all and end all: traditional culture is cherished by even the most city-slicking of the Irish. Moreover, as Northern Irish historian J. C. Beckett (1912–96) noted, his homeland has no natural focal point, no great crossing-place of routes, no centre from which influence spreads naturally. The lay of the land and the road network lend themselves to a democratic exploration, with each part of the country fair game, and you’re unlikely to feel swallowed up by the cities’ gravitational pull. In rural areas, switch modes to walking boots or two wheels (motorized or otherwise) and you’ll be in no great hurry to return to the urban sprawl, however vibrant.

In some areas public transport coverage fades to black, and you have no choice but to feel your way – the perfect opportunity to get to grips with Ireland’s rich textures. The west coast is famous for its long beaches and windswept cliffs with views of the western islands; the drama of the landscape here is awe-inspiring, not least to the surfers who flock to Donegal and Galway. In the east, outside Dublin, the crumpled granite of the Wicklow Hills sits in stark contrast to the lush central plain just a few kilometres away. Cross the border into Northern Ireland and it is a short journey through rolling hills – known locally as drumlins – to the spectacular coast road that leads to the geological wonder of the Giant’s Causeway.

Scattered across these landscapes is an abundance of historic sites. The very earliest of these include enigmatic prehistoric tombs, stone circles and hill forts. It is possible to trace the history of successive waves of immigration, whether Christian pilgrims, Viking raiders or Norman settlers, through the stone churches, distinctive round towers and high crosses strewn across the landscape. Ireland’s monasteries were important centres of Christian learning during the Middle Ages, and the monks’ elaborate craftsmanship is preserved in surviving illuminated manuscripts, such as the Book of Kells, held at Dublin’s Trinity College. Doughty castles and tower houses record the twelfth-century Anglo-Norman invasion, while numerous stately homes from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries attest to the wealth and political power of the Protestant Ascendancy both north and south. A remarkable aspect of Ireland’s landscape is the tendency for physical features to have sacred associations – few counties do not shelter a pile of stones called Diarmuid and Gráinne’s Bed, where the star-crossed lovers are said to have slept together on their flight from the great warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill.

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The rocky shore at Dunaff in County Donegal

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Inseparable from Ireland’s history is its cultural heritage, a happy coming together of millennia and myriad influences from home and abroad. Here you have the richest store of mythological traditions in northern Europe, folkloric associations at every turn and world-famous literature and poetry. But there are a couple of elements you’ll likely encounter in vivid form on a daily basis – particularly if you’re a pub-goer. First you have traditional music, with its ballads and sean-nós (old-style Irish-language singing) recounting tales of love, history and humour. Then there’s the craic, the talking therapy of Ireland’s pubs, a combination of unlikely yarns, surreal comedy and plain old chatter and gossip. Dublin, which has long enjoyed a reputation as a culturally rich city, remains the epicentre of artistic activity. The Republic’s capital is justifiably proud of its literary tradition, which takes in (among countless other luminaries) Oscar Wilde, Flann O’Brien and James Joyce, whose famously complex and experimental Finnegans Wake is – besides its many other triumphs – a worthy encapsulation of the sheer weightiness of Irish culture.

Ireland is rightly renowned for the welcome extended to visitors, and the tourist sector is, unsurprisingly, at the centre of its plans for lasting economic recovery. Northern Ireland and Belfast, in particular, have taken full advantage of the sudden influx of visitors previously deterred by the Troubles. What they will encounter is an Ireland where, finally, the past is significant for its cultural riches rather than the shadow it casts – and where the future is all about that big blue sky.

Fact file

Ireland is the third-largest island in Europe. The landmass has a total area of 84,412 square kilometres, with its coastline stretching for 3152km.

Its longest river is the Shannon (358km), largest lake Lough Neagh (387 square kilometres), highest point Carrauntoohil in Kerry (1038m) and its deepest cave is Reyfad Pot in Fermanagh (193m).

The Newgrange Passage Tomb in County Meath dates back to 3200 BC, making it around a thousand years older than Stonehenge.

The island is made up of the Republic of Ireland, consisting of 26 counties, and Northern Ireland, subject to devolved British rule, which comprises six counties.

The Republic’s population is roughly 4.4 million, with 1.7 million residing in the Greater Dublin area. Northern Ireland’s population is approximately 1.8 million, with some 650,000 occupying the Greater Belfast area.

Irish is the national language of the Republic, according to the constitution, with English recognized as a second official language. However, only around fifteen percent of the population has a good competence in Irish.

Ireland is the only country in the world with a musical instrument, the Irish harp, as its national emblem.

Where to go

Dublin is the Republic’s main entry-point, a confident capital whose raw, modern energy is complemented by rich cultural traditions, and which boasts outstanding medieval monuments and the richly varied exhibits of the National Gallery and National Museum. South of the city, the desolate Wicklow Mountains offer a breathtaking contrast to city life.

If you arrive on the west coast at Shannon Airport in County Clare, Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes are within easy reach. Clare’s coastline rises to a head at the vertiginous Cliffs of Moher, while inland lies the Burren, a barren limestone plateau at odds with the lush greenery characteristic of much of Ireland. To Clare’s south, Limerick’s Hunt Museum houses one of Ireland’s most diverse and fascinating collections. The Wild Atlantic Way, meanwhile, is a scenic west coast driving route launched in 2014 that encourages exploration on this side of the island.

County Kerry, south of Limerick, features dazzling scenery, an intoxicating brew of seascapes, looming mountains and sparkling lakes. Though the craggy coastline traversed by the Ring of Kerry is a major tourist attraction, it’s still relatively easy to find seclusion. In County Galway, to Clare’s north, lies enthralling Connemara, untamed bogland set between sprawling beaches and a muddle of quartz-gleaming mountains; in contrast, university cities such as Galway and Limerick provide year-round festivals and buzzing nightlife. Further north, Donegal offers a dramatic mix of rugged peninsulas and mountains, glistening beaches and magical lakes.

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Winter at Belfast City Hall

Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

Dotted around the west coast are numerous islands, providing a glimpse of the harsh way of life endured by remote Irish-speaking communities. The Arans are the most famous – windswept expanses of limestone supporting extraordinary prehistoric sites – but the savagely beautiful landscape of the Blasket Islands, off Kerry’s coast, is equally worthy of exploration. Achill Island, the largest and accessible by bridge, is home to five spectacular blue flag beaches.

On Ireland’s southern coast, Cork’s shoreline is punctuated by secluded estuaries, rolling headlands and historic harbours, while Cork city itself is the region’s hub, with a vibrant cultural scene and nightlife. Nearby, the pretty seaside town of Cobh (previously called Queenstown) is renowned as the departure point for over 2.5 million Irish immigrants bound for North America after the Great Famine, and as a port of call for the ill-fated RMS Titanic in 1912. To Cork’s east, Waterford city houses the wondrous Viking and medieval collections of Waterford Treasures, while, in Ireland’s southeastern corner, Wexford’s seashore features broad estuaries teeming with bird life and expansive dune-backed beaches.

Inland, the Republic’s scenery is less enchanting, its Midland counties characterized by fertile if somewhat drab agricultural land, as well as broad expanses of peat bog, home to endangered species of rare plants. However, there is gentle appeal in Ireland’s great watercourse, the Shannon, with its succession of vast loughs, and the quaint river valleys of the southeast.

The best pubs for Traditional Music

If the Irish didn’t invent the pub, they’ve certainly espoused its cause with great vigour. Indeed, alongside the local church and the betting shop (for men), the pub retains a pivotal place in Irish society. It’s the place where stories are narrated, deals and pacts are made, jokes are told and traditional music is heard. During the 1990s, the Irish pub concept (albeit with authentic period decor manufactured in Dublin) spread to far-flung points of the globe. Yet experiencing the real thing on its home turf to a live soundtrack of traditional music is still an unbeatable experience. With a pint of the black stuff in hand, here are some of the best, entirely authentic pubs to get you started on a lifelong love affair with bodhráns, tin whistles, pipes and fiddles:

Buckley’s Killarney (see page 231)

De Barra’s Clonakilty (see page 212)

The Five Points Whiskey & Alehouse Belfast (see page 371)

O’Donoghue’s Dublin (see page 103)

Reel Inn Donegal Town (see page 336)

Seán Og’s Tralee (see page 246)

Tigh Coili Galway City (see page 279)

Numerous historic and archeological sites provide fine alternative attractions. The prehistoric tomb at Meath’s Newgrange and the fortress of Dun Aengus on Inishmore are utterly mesmerizing; County Cork features many stone circles; and there’s a multitude of tombs and ring forts across the west coast counties. Stunning early Christian monuments abound, too, including those located on Skellig Michael and the Rock of Cashel and atmospheric sites at Clonmacnois, Glendalough and Monasterboice. Of more recent origin, the Anglo-Irish nobility’s planned estates, developed during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries around impressive Neoclassical mansions, are visible across Ireland.

Much of Northern Ireland’s countryside is intensely beautiful and unspoiled. To the north are the green Glens of Antrim and a coastline as scenic as anywhere in Ireland, with, as its centrepiece, the bizarre basalt geometry of the Giant’s Causeway. The Antrim Coast Road, meanwhile, is one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. In the southeast, Down offers the contrasting beauties of serene Strangford Lough and the brooding presence of the Mourne Mountains, while, to the west, Fermanagh has the peerless lake scenery of Lough Erne, a fabulous place for watersports, fishing and exploring island monastic remains. Evidence of the Plantation is also provided by planned towns and various grand mansions, often set in sprawling, landscaped grounds.

To get to grips with the North’s history, a visit to its cities is essential, not least for their tremendous museums: Belfast, with its ship-building past and grand public buildings, built on the profits of industry; Derry, which grew around the well-preserved walls of its medieval antecedent; and the cathedral town of Armagh where St Patrick established Christianity in Ireland.

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Crohy Head Sea Arch

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When to go

Whenever you visit Ireland it’s wise to come prepared for wet and/or windy conditions, especially along the west coast, which faces the Atlantic, the source of much of Ireland and Britain’s weather. On average (see page 66), it rains around 150 days a year along the east and southeast coasts, and up to as many as 225 days a year in parts of the west and southwest. April is the driest time across most of the island, while December and January are the wettest. Whatever the case, the weather is very changeable and you’ll often find a soggy morning rapidly replaced by brilliant sunshine in the afternoon. Most years also see long periods of gorgeous weather, though predicting their occurrence is often well nigh impossible. Generally, the sunniest months (see page 66) are April, May and June, while July and August are the warmest with temperatures sometimes reaching as high as 25ºC. Overall, the southeast gets the best of the sunshine.

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Author picks

Our author recommendations don’t end here. We’ve flagged up our favourite places – a perfectly sited hotel, an atmospheric café, a special restaurant – throughout the Guide, highlighted with the ê symbol.

Our authors scoured every inch of the Emerald Isle to bring you these hand-picked gems, from the best of Dublin’s pubs to the glories of taking to two wheels in Co. Mayo.

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Rathlin Island

Bernie Brown/Tourism Ireland

Ticking off Dublin’s pubs In Joyce’s Ulysses, Leopold Bloom queried whether it would be possible to cross Dublin without passing a pub – and with more than seven hundred dotted around the city, it would be a mean feat indeed. A cliché it may be, but there’s something very special about a perfect pint of Guinness in a Dublin pub – The Palace Bar (see page 102) offers you this and gorgeous interiors to boot.

Twitching on Rathlin Island Hop on board the Rathlin ferry from Ballycastle (see page 383) for the short crossing to Northern Ireland’s only inhabited island. It’s home to a colony of seals and an RSPB nature reserve attracting guillemots, puffins, razorbills and the red-billed chough.

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Cycling the Great Western Greenway

Failte Ireland

Live like royalty in Ashford Castle The former home of the Guinness family, this 800-year-old castle (see page 297) is the definition of luxury. The majestic lakeside setting amid 350 acres of ancient woodland is a world away from the usual tourist hubbub.

Bag a bargain in Belfast From snazzy boutique clothes shops to quirky independent bookstores, many a pleasant afternoon can be spent indulging in some retail therapy in resurgent Belfast (see page 373).

Cycle the Great Western Greenway Opened in 2011, this glorious 42km route (see page 299), along a former railway track in Mayo, is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland. Broken down into three easy-to-manage sections, it’s a favourite with families: Achill to Mulranny (13km), Mulranny to Newport (18km) and Newport to Westport (11km).

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25

things not to miss

It’s not possible to see everything that Ireland has to offer in one trip – and we don’t suggest you try. What follows, in no particular order, is a selective and subjective taste of the country’s highlights: from geological wonders and ancient ruins to activities and experiences both on land and at sea. All highlights are colour-coded by chapter and have a page reference to take you straight into the Guide, where you can find out more.

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1 Wild Atlantic Way

See page 47

This coastal drive covers 2500km from Donegal to Cork and takes in some of the most rugged and awe-inspiring scenery in Europe.

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2 Trinity College, Dublin

See page 76

Wonder at the ninth-century Book of Kells, housed in the Old Library, before wandering through the city-centre campus, taking in the best of Dublin’s architecture.

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3 Titanic Belfast

See page 362

Taking pride of place in the heart of Belfast’s newly developed Titanic Quarter, this interactive museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the city’s maritime heritage and the story of the ill-fated RMS Titanic.

Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

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4 Traditional music

See page 446

Often loud, often raucous and always fun, traditional Irish music can be heard in many pubs and at dedicated festivals such as the Willie Clancy Festival in Miltown Malbay every July.

Failte Ireland

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5 Surfing at Tullan Strand and Rossnowlagh beach

See page 332

Thunderous waves roll in at Ireland’s surfing capital, attracting fans from around the globe.

Failte Ireland

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6 Brú na Bóinne

See page 127

This extraordinary ritual landscape is simply one of the world’s most important prehistoric sites.

Failte Ireland

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7 Garnish Island

See page 219

Sail across from Glengarriff Pier, past the basking seals, to discover these magical, otherworldly gardens.

Chris Hill/Tourism Ireland

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8 Bantry House

See page 218

A magnificent setting for some lavish artworks, among formal gardens overlooking Bantry Bay.

Chris Hill/Tourism Ireland

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9 Skellig Michael

See page 235

A remarkable and inspiring early Christian hermitage clinging to a mountain summit on a wild, bleak island.

Valerie O’Sullivanf/Fáilte Ireland

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10 The Rock of Cashel

See page 191

Rising high above the Golden Vale, the Rock features an entrancing group of early ecclesiastical remains.

Failte Ireland

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11 Kilmainham Gaol

See page 91

A grim encounter with the Spartan conditions experienced by those deemed enemies of the state, with superb displays on Irish political history and the gaol’s restoration.

Chris Hill/Tourism Ireland

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12 The Burren

See page 266

A barren expanse of cracked limestone terraces stretching towards the Atlantic, peppered with a multitude of fascinating megalithic remains.

Chris Hill/Tourism Ireland

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13 Glendalough

See page 116

Often referred to as the valley of the two lakes, this wonderfully remote and beautiful mountain valley also shelters an atmospheric monastery.

Failte Ireland

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14 Kinsale

See page 207

Imposing forts and some of Ireland’s finest cuisine – particularly during October’s annual Gourmet Festival – in a glorious bayside setting.

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15 Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

See page 258

Unashamedly touristy, this superbly restored medieval castle sits at one end of a fully replicated nineteenth-century Irish village. One of the best family days out in the country.

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16 Killarney National Park

See page 228

The grandeur of the lakes and mountains has been drawing visitors to Killarney for over three centuries.

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17 Horn Head

See page 346

Possibly the most magnificent of County Donegal’s numerous rugged peninsulas, with plenty of exhilarating cliff-top walks, guillemots, gulls and puffins.

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18 The Gobbins cliff path

See page 380

One of the most hair-raising walks in Europe, this guided 2.5 hour walk crosses spectacular bridges, climbs jagged rock staircases, and follows a narrow path along a breathtaking cliff-face.

Stefan Schnebelt/Tourism Ireland

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19 The Giant’s Causeway

See page 384

Marvel at the eerie but entirely natural basalt formation of the Causeway and discover the myths and legends that surround it in the award-winning visitor centre.

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20 Derry’s City Walls

See page 390

A visit to Derry is incomplete without a stroll around the ramparts of the only completely walled city in Ireland.

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21 Kylemore Abbey, Connemara

See page 295

One of Connemara’s most historic sites, the spectacular Kylemore Abbey comes with a beautifully restored walled garden and Neogothic church.

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22 Dun Aengus

See page 285

The spectacular cliff-edge Fort of Aonghas is the Iron Age capital of the Aran Islands.

Gareth McCormack/Failte Ireland

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23 Galway Bay Oysters

See page 274

Galway lays claim to Ireland’s finest oysters – try your hand at a shucking competition during the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival every September.

Failte Ireland

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24 Dublin pubs

See page 101

Feel the heartbeat of the city’s social life, with over seven hundred venues to choose from, fuelled by perfect pints of Guinness and healthy doses of craic.

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25 Croagh Patrick

See page 299

It’s a steep two-hour climb, but the fine views across Clew Bay, and the mountain’s religious and historical resonance, make it all worthwhile.

Gareth McCormack/Failte Ireland

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Itineraries

Create your own itinerary with Rough Guides. Whether you’re after adventure or a family-friendly holiday, we have a trip for you, with all the activities you enjoy doing and the sights you want to see. All our trips are devised by local experts who get the most out of the destination. Visit www.roughguides.com/trips to chat with one of our travel agents.

Ireland is compact but it packs an awful lot in. Five days on the Wild Atlantic Way guarantees a host of unforgettable vistas, while a few days in the southwest will introduce foodies to a feast of local delicacies. The coastline around the Giant’s Causeway in the North is simply one of the world’s great road trips – at 120 miles (190km) it can easily be driven in a day, though you’re bound to want to slow down and savour the ride.

A southwest Foodie trip

Allow three to four days to cover these 140km, sampling some of the finest produce the island has to offer, from seafood to superb cheeses.

1 Kinsale The southwest’s culinary honeypot boasts a beautiful harbour setting. For seafood lovers, the pick of the crop is the Fishy Fishy Café and Restaurant, serving up the freshest catch from the morning’s haul. See page 207

2 Clonakilty Heading west, you’ll come to the source of the famous Clonakilty Black Pudding, sold at traditional butcher’s Twomey’s. Enjoy fine local produce for dinner at the Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa, which overlooks the beach just outside of town. See page 211

3 Baltimore Further southwest lies the small harbour village of Baltimore where the award-winning Rolf’s makes a perfect leisurely lunch stop – it serves delicious local and organic lunches during the summer months. See page 214

4 Schull Continue onto Schull where the Ferguson family produce their excellent Gubbeen cheese and meats. They sell at various local markets, including the Sunday morning Schull Market (Easter to Sept). See page 216

5 Durrus The beautiful village of Durrus has an excellent option for dinner. In the evening head to the fabulous Blairscove House & Restaurant, with its impressive choice of Irish meats cooked over a roaring fire. See page 217

6 Bantry Finish off your gastronomic gallivanting with a trip to Bantry Market, one of West Cork’s largest. Located in the main square, it runs every Friday morning from 9.30am–1pm. See page 217

Causeway coastal Route

The distances are short but the views are immense on this spectacular road trip.

1 Carrickfergus From Belfast, head north on the M2 to Carrickfergus, home to a twelfth-century Anglo-Norman castle, complete with cannons, portcullis and ramparts. See page 379

2 The Glens of Antrim A drive through the Glens of Antrim guarantees waterfalls, forests, glacier-gouged valleys and the pretty villages of Carnlough, Cushendall and Cushendun – Game of Thrones fans might recognize some of the location backdrops en route. See page 380

3 Rathlin Island Explore the market town of Ballycastle before hopping on the ferry to craggy Rathlin Island, which offers fantastic birdwatching and nature walks. Get some rest at the Manor House, a charming, National Trust-owned B&B. See page 383

4 The Giant’s Causeway Channel your inner Indiana Jones at Carrick-a-rede rope bridge before continuing on to the Causeway, with its world-famous rock formations. See page 384

5 Bushmills Continue along the coastline to Bushmills for a tour (and a dram) at its famed whiskey distillery before booking in to the cosy Bushmills Inn. See page 385

6 Portstewart Explore ruined Dunluce Castle (believed to have been the inspiration for Cair Paravel in C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia) then continue, via the classic seaside town of Portrush, to picturesque Portstewart, with its 3km stretch of golden sand. See page 387

7 Roe Valley Country Park Sample Roe Valley Country Park’s riverside walks, ending your trip at the Green Lane Museum. See page 388

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Ireland’s Ancient East

Become immersed in Ireland’s fascinating history, from ancient burial sites to Norman castles and Viking towns.

1 Greystones Forty minutes south of Dublin, this picturesque seaside village is full of great places to eat and boutique shops. See page 113

2 Powerscourt Estate Explore the most fabulous garden in Ireland on the grounds of a lavish eighteenth-century mansion. See page 115

3 St Kevin’s Way Follow the path of medieval pilgrims on this 29km trail that ends in the stunning monastic settlement of Glendalough. See page 117

4 St Canice’s Cathedral Just over an hour south of Wicklow, Kilkenny city is a rambler’s dream, full of winding medieval streets and historical distractions. At its heart is the magnificent St Canice’s cathedral and round tower. See page 164

5 Dunbrody Famine Ship On the way to Waterford it’s worth the detour to visit this incredible reproduction of an 1840s emigrant vessel. With a guided tour, costumed performers, and fine exhibitions, it provides a unique insight into the lives of the many Irish forced to leave the country during the Famine. See page 175

6 Viking Waterford Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford recently celebrated its 1100th anniversary. Take a walk through the old city (the Viking Triangle) and soak up the history. See page 179

The WILD ATLANTIC WAY

At over 2500km, the Wild Atlantic Way is the world’s longest defined coastal touring route. Stretching the length of the rugged Atlantic coast, from the Southern Peninsulas to the Northern Headlands, it’s an unforgettable way to explore the west of Ireland. Although it’s possible to travel the route by bus (and even bike), it’s more relaxing to rent a car and enjoy it at your own pace. With so many tempting detours and unmissable sights, it can be a daunting task even choosing where to begin. These itineraries pick out some of the highlights on the route, starting in Cork and winding all the way up to Malin Head – the country’s most northerly point. For more routes, interactive maps and a host of other resources visit http://wildatlanticway.com.

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The Haven Coast

Day one

Starting in the handsome heritage town of Kinsale (see page 207), head south to the Old Head of Kinsale – a remarkable little peninsula with great views looking back on the town and the surrounding countryside. Continue west along the R600 to the pleasant town of Clonakilty (see page 211) to spend the night.

Day two

After sampling some of the famous Clonakilty black pudding, pay a visit to Inchydoney Beach (see page 211). Just south of the town, it was recently voted best beach in Ireland – quite an achievement considering the competition. Get back on the winding road and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Haven Coast, stopping for lunch in Rosscarbery. From there it’s a short trip to the Drombeg Stone Circle (see page 211), an ancient circle of seventeen large standing stones, believed to be over 2000 years old. Continue on to Skibbereen (see page 212), home to a fantastic heritage centre with a Great Famine commemoration exhibition.

Day three

From Skibbereen it’s a twenty-minute drive to Baltimore (see page 214), an idyllic village and the perfect place to do a spot of whale-watching. Humpback whales, basking sharks, and Risso’s dolphins can all be seen here. Finish the day with a fantastic meal in Rolf’s restaurant and a few pints with the locals.

Southern Peninsulas

Day one

Starting in Killorglin (home of the Puck Festival; see page 230), it should take just under an hour to reach Cahersiveen (see page 232), a small town overlooking Valentia Harbour. From the town it’s worth the fairly steep walk to the summit of Beentee Mountain to enjoy the panoramic views. Next visit Valencia Island (see page 233), a place of enduring traditional Irish culture. End the day in Portmagee (see page 233), a town of great pubs and even better seafood.

Day two

A visit to Skellig Michael (see page 235) is a must (although increased popularity due to the Star Wars film means advance booking is essential). A UNESCO World Heritage site, the island is home to a 1300-year-old monastic site, reached by a precarious ascent up an ancient stone stairway.

The Cliff Coast

Day one

Spend the morning exploring the utterly unique and otherworldly landscape of the Burren (see page 266), calling into the Burren Nature Sanctuary in Kinvara. From there it’s an hour’s drive to the charming little village of Doolin (see page 265). Either head to the impressive Doolin Cave or catch one of the many trad sessions in the local pubs. Next it’s a short drive to one of the highlights of the whole Wild Atlantic Way – the Cliffs of Moher (see page 265). Whether experienced on a clear day or in blustery rain, these magnificent cliffs are truly a sight to behold. It’s then a fifteen-minute drive to Lahinch (see page 265), a lively town full of surfers and great places to eat and drink.

Day two

Leaving Lahinch, head for the Loop Head peninsula (see page 264), just over an hour away. The drive itself is stunning but be sure to climb the famous Loop Head lighthouse and take in the magnificent views that stretch from Kerry back up to the Cliffs of Moher. Finish the day in John. B Keane’s in Listowel (see page 247), where you can learn the fine art of pulling the perfect pint of Guinness.

Donegal

Day one

From Buncrana (see page 352) it’s a 25-minute drive to the ancient site of Grianán Ailigh (see page 352). This stone fort sits majestically on the Inishowen Peninsula, and the panoramic views are breathtaking. Afterwards continue up to Malin Head (see page 353), the most northerly point in Ireland. Enjoy a blustery walk around Banba’s Crown before heading back to Buncrana for the night.

Day two

Everything that makes the Wild Atlantic Way so special is distilled in this drive around Donegal’s Northern Headlands – stunning vistas, great food and drink, and a palpable connection to the past. Starting again in Buncrana, this time head for the village of Rathmullan (see page 347), from where the Flight of the Earls took place in 1607. Push onward to Fanad Head (see page 347), stopping along the way to enjoy some incredible beaches and coastal viewpoints. Pop into The Singing Pub (see page 347) for lunch before heading to the gorgeously picturesque Glenveagh National Park & Castle (see page 344).

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Basics

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Dublin’s modern take on the traditional Georgian door

Corrie Wingate/Apa Publications

Getting there

Dublin is the Republic of Ireland’s main point of arrival, Belfast that of the North, while Shannon, near Limerick city in Co. Clare, is the major airport giving direct access to the west coast. There’s an ever-changing route map of flights between Britain and Ireland – book early to get the best price. Train–ferry and bus–ferry combinations are kinder to the environment and generally cheaper, though of course they take longer. For those bringing their own car, there’s a wide range of ferry routes from southwest Scotland, northwest England and Wales to Northern Ireland, Dublin and Wexford. North American visitors can fly direct to Shannon, Dublin or Belfast, but those from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand have to travel via Britain, Europe or the Gulf. If you’re thinking of booking an organized tour, there are plenty of interesting options based in Ireland that have an online presence.

Flights from Britain

It’s never been easier or cheaper to fly from Britain to Ireland. There are dozens of routes available, with new destinations regularly appearing and unsuccessful routes being phased out. With so much competition, prices can be ridiculously cheap, especially if you book online. The secret is to book as early as possible: the biggest carrier, Ryanair, for example, offers fares of under £20 one-way if booked well in advance, but these can rise to over £150 one-way if left till the last minute. Flight time between London, for example, and any airport in Ireland is between one hour and one hour thirty minutes.

Flights from the US and Canada

From the US and Canada, Aer Lingus, the national airline of the Republic, offers the widest choice of routes, including nonstop flights from Boston, Chicago, New York, Orlando, San Francisco, Toronto and Washington to Dublin, and from Boston and New York to Shannon. If booked well in advance, their low-season fares from New York (JFK) to Dublin start at around US$600 return (including taxes), from San Francisco around US$950 and Can$660 from Toronto. In high season fares rise to US$1070 from New York, US$1400 from San Francisco, Can$1110 from Toronto. Flying time to Dublin, for example, is around six hours thirty minutes from New York and Toronto and ten hours fifteen minutes from San Francisco.

Flights from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa

Travel from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa is generally via London, or one of the other European or Gulf cities such as Frankfurt or Abu Dhabi which have nonstop flights to Ireland. From Australia and New Zealand, it takes over twenty-four hours to reach Ireland, from South Africa at least thirteen hours. Fares (including taxes) to Dublin from Sydney start at around A$1500, from Auckland around NZ$1750, and from Johannesburg around R6000.

Ferries

Ferry routes to Ireland are detailed below, along with the length of each voyage; http://aferry.com will give you an overview of what’s currently available and allow you to compare prices. High-speed catamarans (which also take cars) operate on some of these routes (see page 54), though some don’t run in the winter and in bad weather they’re more likely to be cancelled than regular ferries.

Prices vary hugely according to the time of year, and even the day and hour you travel. Most ferry companies have peak seasons of July and August and may charge higher fares around public holidays; generally, it’s cheaper to travel midweek, and to book online and in advance. As an example of prices, Stena Line’s single fares for a car and driver from Holyhead to Dublin Port cost from around £80 off-peak (Tues & Wed) to around £160 at peak times (weekends); additional passengers cost £30 per adult, while foot passengers are charged £35 per adult, plus £10 per bicycle.

Trains

Combined train and boat journeys from Britain generally use one of three routes across the Irish Sea: Cairnryan to Belfast, Holyhead to Dublin or Fishguard to Rosslare. Journey times are generally quicker than by coach: London to Dublin, for example, takes around eight hours, Glasgow to Belfast as little as four hours fifty minutes.

Ticket prices are calculated partly on a zonal basis, but also depend on which boat you take and whether you book in advance. For Dublin, they range from £38 single from Manchester, for example, including the cost of a boat from Holyhead, while from London they start at £47; add around £18 one-way if you’re continuing by train to Cork, for example. Online, you can book train–boat tickets through Raileasy or Irish Ferries. Otherwise, you can book tickets in person at most railway stations in Britain, including through-tickets to other places in Ireland.

Buses

The main bus services to Ireland are provided by National Express and Bus Éireann, under the brand name Eurolines, crossing the Irish Sea via Cairnryan, Holyhead and Pembroke. They can be cheaper than travelling by train if booked well in advance, but take far longer. The daily through-service from London to Dublin, for example, takes around twelve hours thirty minutes and costs £69 for a standard return. Direct coaches also run between other major cities in Britain and Ireland; a standard return ticket from London to Cork can cost £48, for example. Cheap advance offers, known as funfares, can be accessed online, and reductions are also available for anyone under 26 or over 59. Tickets can be booked at any National Express agent, by phoning 08717 818178, or online at http://eurolines.co.uk.

Airlines

From Britain

Aer Lingus http://aerlingus.com

British Airways http://britishairways.com

Cityjet http://cityjet.com

easyJet http://easyjet.com

Jet2.com http://jet2.com

Ryanair http://ryanair.com

From the US and Canada

Aer Lingus http://aerlingus.com

Air Canada http://aircanada.com

Air Transat http://airtransat.com

American Airlines http://americanairlines.com

Delta http://delta.com

Lufthansa http://lufthansa.com

United http://united.com

from Australia, New Zealand and south africa

Air New Zealand http://airnewzealand.com

British Airways http://britishairways.com

Emirates http://emirates.com

Etihad Airways http://etihad.com

Lufthansa http://lufthansa.com

Qantas http://qantas.com

Singapore Airlines http://singaporeair.com

South African Airways http://flysaa.com

Ferry and catamaran contacts

Irish Ferries 08717 300 400, http://irishferries.com. Holyhead to Dublin Port (3hr 25min, catamaran 1hr 50min); and Pembroke to Rosslare (4hr).

P&O 01304 448888, http://poferries.com. Cairnryan to Larne (2hr); Liverpool to Dublin (8hr 30min).

Stena Line 08447 70 70 70, http://stenaline.co.uk. Fishguard to Rosslare (3hr 30min); Liverpool to Belfast (8hr); Holyhead to Dublin Port (3hr 15min); and Cairnryan to Belfast (2hr 15min).

Rail contacts

The Man in Seat 61 http://seat61.com

Raileasy http://raileasy.co.uk

Agents and operators

Bunk Campers Northern Ireland, 028 9081 3057, http://bunkcampers.com. Campervan rental in Belfast and Dublin.

Extreme Ireland Republic of Ireland, 01 907 3265, http://extremeireland.ie. Hiking and adventure multi- and one-day tours all around Ireland; activities include kayaking, horseriding, mountain-climbing and cycling.

Go Visit Ireland Republic of Ireland, 066 976 2094, http://govisitireland.com. Small-group, customized and self-guided walking, cycling and hike-and-bike tours mostly on the west coast, as well as horseriding and kayaking.

Ireland Walk Hike Bike Republic of Ireland, 087 250 2434, http://irelandwalkhikebike.com. Kerry based outfit offering a wide range of guided and self-guided walking holidays in the region, as well as self-guided cycling holidays.

Irish Boat Rental Association Republic of Ireland http://boatholidaysireland.com. Umbrella association of companies who rent out cruisers for holidays on the Shannon. See http://iwai.ie or http://waterwaysireland.org for fuller listings across the country.

Irish Cycling Safaris and Irish Ways Republic of Ireland, 01 260 0749, http://cyclingsafaris.com and http://irishways.com. Long-established and well-regarded companies, based at University College Dublin, offering guided and self-led cycling and walking tours all over the country, with accommodation and luggage transfer covered.

Irish Horse-Drawn Caravans Federation http://irishhorsedrawncaravans.com. Companies in Wicklow, Laois and Mayo offering horse-drawn caravan holidays, driving and sleeping in traditional, wooden covered wagons.

Getting around

It’s easy to travel between the Republic’s larger towns and cities by public transport. However, it’s common for small towns and villages to have just one or two bus services per week, often geared towards market days. Transport in Northern Ireland is equally sparse in rural areas, with just a few train lines across the region, though the bus network is pretty comprehensive. Renting a car is perhaps the easiest way to explore rural and remote areas across Ireland, though traffic has become increasingly heavy on major routes. Picturesque areas are particularly enjoyable on a bike, though you may need to bring your own as rental outlets have dried up in rural areas. If you want to travel quickly from Dublin or Belfast to outlying areas, it’s also worth considering the internal flights available.

By rail

Train services in the Republic are operated by Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail; http://irishrail.ie). Prices are usually higher than taking a coach, though journeys are often much quicker – for example, the train from Dublin to Killarney can take at least two and a half hours less than the bus. Most of the lines fan out from Dublin towards the southern and western coasts, but there are few links between them, and some counties (such as Donegal and Cavan) have no rail links at all.

Tickets come in a variety of formats – single, day return, open return, family day and open returns, and student tickets. However, bear in mind that a standard single is much more than half the cost of an open return ticket – for example, a standard single from Dublin to Killarney is €68.55, a return €89.75. Tickets booked online in advance for specific trains are generally much cheaper – as little as €24 for a Dublin–Killarney single; if you miss your train, you can pay an extra €10 at the ticket office to get on a later service, if seats are available.

The only line operating between the Republic and the North is the Dublin–Belfast Enterprise service. The North’s rail service is operated by Translink (http://translink.co.uk) and restricted to just a few lines running out of Belfast. Services are generally efficient and the rolling stock has been recently updated. Fares are pretty reasonable – for example, travelling from Belfast to Derry costs £13 single and £19.50 day return – and often comparable with bus services.

You can also transport bikes on trains (see page 55).

Rail and bus passes

Although rail passes for travel within the Republic represent reasonably good value, a combined bus and rail pass, such as the Irish Explorer, is probably more useful owing to the limitations of the rail network. Passes are available at all major train and bus stations.

The Trekker ticket (€110) allows unlimited travel over the Republic’s rail network for four consecutive days. The Irish Explorer pass (€160) covers five days’ rail travel out of fifteen consecutive days, though you can extend this to cover both rail travel and bus travel on Bus Éireann services for eight days out of fifteen days (€245).

For travellers just visiting Dublin, it can be worthwhile investing in a Leap Visitor Card, which offers unlimited travel on bus, DART, and Luas services. A one-day pass costs €10, three days costs €19.50, and seven days €40.

Bus Éireann offers an Open Road pass for travel on buses within the Republic, which can be purchased online (http://buseireann.ie). Three days’ travel out of six, for example, costs €60, with the option to extend it for €16.50 per day.

In the North, Translink’s Rambler ticket (£9.50) provides unlimited travel around the bus network after 9.15am on Sundays and during school holidays (including July and August). Families can take advantage of a variety of day passes for trains and/or buses.

If your visit to Ireland is just part of a grander European trip, it’s well worth investigating the range of different passes on offer, such as InterRail (http://interrail.eu) and Eurail (http://eurail.com).

By bus

Bus Éireann (http://buseireann.ie) runs express coach and slower local services throughout the Republic. Ticket prices are generally far more reasonable than trains and you can often snap up cheap deals, especially between Dublin and Cork. Timetables and fares (including special deals) for the major routes can be found on the website. The majority of buses show destinations in both Irish and English, but some in rural areas may only display the former.

A vast number of private bus companies also operate in the Republic, running services on major routes, as well as areas not covered by the Bus Éireann network (especially Co. Donegal). The names, contact details and routes of these companies are listed in the Guide, where applicable. These can sometimes be cheaper and quicker than Bus Éireann, but are usually very busy at weekends, when advance booking is advisable.

In Northern Ireland, Metro (Belfast city buses), Ulsterbus (local buses) and Goldline (long-distance), all part of Translink (see page 54), run a pretty comprehensive network of regular and reliable services across Northern Ireland.

You can transport bikes on buses (see page 56).

By car and motorcycle

Travelling by car or motorbike is the ideal way to explore at your leisure, especially in remote areas. You might be tempted to take on the Wild Atlantic Way, a signposted route around the west coast all the way from west Cork to Donegal (see page 47) – and if you enjoy that, you could keep going along the Causeway Coastal Route, which runs from Derry to Belfast for over 300km, mostly along the N2. If you bring your own vehicle, it’s essential to carry its registration document and certificate of insurance – and make sure that your existing policy covers you for driving in Ireland. Whether bringing your own vehicle or renting one on arrival, you’ll need to be in possession of a valid driving licence (and should carry it with you – a photocopy is insufficient). A driving licence from any EU country is treated like an Irish licence, while all other visitors are allowed to drive on a valid non-EU licence for a stay of up to 12 months.

In the Republic, unleaded petrol costs around €1.40 a litre; the equivalent price in Northern Ireland is about £1.25.

Rules of the road

The fundamental rule of the road in Ireland, both North and South, is to drive on the left. Wearing seat belts is compulsory for drivers and passengers, as is the wearing of helmets for motorcyclists and their pillion riders. The Republic’s speed limits are 50–60km/h in built-up areas (though in some parts of inner-city Dublin it’s 30km/h), 80km/h on rural roads (denoted by the letter R on maps and signposts), 100km/h on national roads (denoted by an N, and a green colour scheme on signposts) and 120km/h on motorways (M roads, with a blue colour scheme on signposts). Maximum speeds in Northern Ireland are 20–40mph in built-up areas, 70mph on motorways and 60mph on most other main roads. Minor rural roads in the Republic are generally poor in quality, often potholed and sometimes rutted – a situation notably different from the North where the overwhelming majority of roads, of all categories, are well maintained. Signposts in the Republic generally provide place names in both Irish and English, though in the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking areas) you’ll generally only encounter signposts in Irish. Virtually all signposts in the Republic provide distance information in kilometres; in the North distances are given in miles.

Parking

Throughout Ireland many town centres require payment for on-street parking, either using ticket machines or a disc or card parking scheme (discs or cards can be purchased in adjacent shops). If you don’t display a ticket or disc you may end up with a parking fine or, particularly in Dublin, Cork and Galway, your car being clamped or towed away.

Car rental

Outlets of multinational car rental companies, such as Avis and Hertz, can be found at airports, in the cities and in some tourist towns. Rental charges are fairly high – expect to pay around €35/£30 per day plus insurance – though prices are often much cheaper in the Republic than in the North, with the best offers garnered if you book well in advance, especially via the internet. Sometimes smaller local firms can undercut the big names.

In most cases, you’ll need to be 23 or over (though some companies may accept younger drivers with a price hike) and able to produce a full and valid driving licence, with no endorsements incurred during the previous two years. Considering the nature of Ireland’s roads, it’s always advisable to pay for extra collision damage waiver (CDW). The daily rate for this from the car-rental companies is usually at least €10/£7, or you can buy it more cheaply in advance from specialist insurance agencies (such as http://icarhireinsurance.com), but it guarantees that you won’t be liable for a hefty bill if you suffer an accident or any other damage. If you’re planning to cross the border, ensure that your rental agreement provides full insurance; in some cases, you may need to pay extra.

Booking a car prior to your journey saves time when you arrive in Ireland and provides the chance to shop around on the web for the best deals. We’ve listed the main brokers and agencies below.

car-rental agencies

Argus http://arguscarhire.com

Auto Europe http://autoeurope.com

Avis http://avis.com

Budget http://budget.com

Car Rental Ireland http://carrentalireland.com

Dan Dooley http://dan-dooley.ie

Europcar http://europcar.com

Great Island http://greatislandcarrentals.com

Hertz http://hertz.com

Holiday Autos http://holidayautos.co.uk

Nova http://novacarhire.com

Thrifty http://thrifty.com

By bike

Apart from some steep ascents, occasional poor road surfaces and an unpredictable climate, Ireland provides ideal territory for cycling, one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the country’s often stunning scenery. The tourist board’s website, http://ireland.com, details waymarked trails across the island (see page 63), as well as specialist cycling-tour operators.

If you plan to bring your own bike, note that some airlines will transport bicycles for free as long as you keep within your weight allowance, but it’s always worth checking with them well in advance.

Across the island, minor roads in rural areas are generally quiet, but major roads are well worth avoiding due to heavy traffic. Bikes are easy to transport over long distances by train, but less so by bus. In the Republic, the cost of taking a bike on a mainline train is €6 (free on Dublin–Belfast trains) and is most easily booked online. On DART and commuter services you can take bikes with you for free but only at off-peak hours. Folding bicycles incur no charge and can be carried on any service.

Bus companies will generally allow bikes to be carried for a fee, as long as there is room in the luggage compartment. In the Republic, prices vary according to the company but can come to over €10 for a long journey. Folding bicycles can be brought at no extra cost. In the North carrying a bike is free on Ulsterbus and Goldline services and on the trains, but is only permitted on the latter at off-peak hours.

Bike rental

Thanks to a rise in insurance premiums, far fewer places in the Republic now rent out bikes – though Dublin now has a city bike scheme (see page 95) – and there are still just a small number of outlets in the North, meaning that it’s always wise to book your wheels well ahead. Rental rates are generally around €20 per day, €120 per week, with an extra charge of €5 per day or €20 per week for hiring panniers, though a helmet is usually included free. A deposit of anything from €100 to €200 is also required. When collecting your bike, check that its brakes and tyres are in good condition, and make sure that it comes equipped with a pump and repair kit. If you’re planning on cycling in upland areas it makes sense to rent a bike with at least sixteen gears and preferably 24.

By air

The quickest way to reach outlying areas is to take a scheduled flight to one of the regional airports dotted around the country. Aer Lingus operates the largest network. Prices can be as little as €40 one-way, if booked online well in advance, and much time can be gained; for instance, the flight from Dublin to Donegal takes only an hour, compared with at least four hours on the bus.

Domestic airlines

Aer Lingus http://aerlingus.com

Ryanair http://ryanair.com

Accommodation

You’ll find accommodation to suit most budgets across Ireland, from swish city hotels and luxurious converted castles to historic country houses and B&Bs. There are also plenty of hostels, varying hugely in quality and atmosphere, but all providing a bed and usually a kitchen; lots offer much more. Finally, there are well-run campsites and, for the hardy, the chance to pitch a tent in a farmer’s field or on common land.

You’ll need to book your accommodation well in advance over St Patrick’s Day, Easter, summer public holidays (see page 68), and during all of July and August. Accommodation is at a premium in Dublin throughout the year, especially at weekends, and may be booked out in places such as the Aran Islands, Belfast, Cork, Derry, Dingle, Galway city, Kilkenny and Killarney, and during major festivals elsewhere (see page 61). Be aware that during busy periods or popular events (concerts, rugby matches, and so on) prices can be hiked to eye-wateringly exorbitant rates. Many establishments close over the Christmas period.

Accommodation prices

Throughout this book, for hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, we’ve noted how much you can expect to pay for a double room in high season. Unless otherwise indicated, breakfast is included, but do check this at the time of booking. For hostels, we’ve given a per-adult price for dorms in high season and, where appropriate, a per-room price for double or twin rooms. For campsites, we’ve noted the price for two adults and a tent in high season.

Some establishments provide single rooms, but, in most cases, single travellers will occupy a double room. In hotels, there may be no discount on the room price at all for single occupation. You’re more likely to get a good deal at traditional B&Bs, where the single rate may be around 25 percent higher than the cost of a double per person.

Accommodation contacts

Adams & Butler http://adamsandbutler.com. A selection of mostly rural and historic houses and castles across Ireland for luxury self-catering.

B&B Ireland http://bandbireland.com. The major B&B association in the Republic (plus a few members in the North), with over a thousand tourist-board-approved members and booking available on its website.

Good Food Ireland http://goodfoodireland.ie. This network of high-quality food purveyors includes a large number of good hotels where the emphasis is on cuisine.

Hidden Ireland http://hiddenireland.com. Over thirty B&Bs in private homes, mainly in the Republic, most of which are selected for their historic nature or architectural merit, as well as a similar number of self-catering properties.

Ireland’s Blue Book http://irelands-blue-book.ie. Upmarket country-house hotels and B&Bs, as well as restaurants, both North and South.

Irish Farmhouse Holidays http://irishfarmholidays.com. More than 300 farmhouse B&Bs, some in exquisite rural locations.

Irish Hotels Federation http://irelandhotels.com. Covering numerous hotels and guesthouses across Ireland, with a comprehensive listing, direct booking and special offers available on the website.

Irish Self Catering Federation http://letsgoselfcatering.ie. Tourist-board-approved site, a good starting point for finding your preferred holiday home.

Northern Ireland Hotels Federation http://nihf.co.uk. Smaller than its equivalent in the Republic, but still offering an extensive range of around a hundred hotels and guesthouses.

B&Bs and guesthouses

The overwhelming majority of B&Bs and guesthouses across Ireland are welcoming family homes and provide clean and cosy rooms, usually with en-suite facilities. Most B&Bs in the Republic, and virtually all in Northern Ireland, are registered with the official tourist board, but many other places open their doors during local festivals or high season. Registration is usually a guarantee of well-maintained standards and good service, though non-registered places are not necessarily of lower quality. Most B&Bs and guesthouses serve mammoth breakfasts (see page 60).

Hotels

In most areas hotels are usually the most expensive option, particularly in cities such as Dublin, Galway and Belfast which provide high-end boutique accommodation as well as the big chains such as Sheraton and Radisson. Offering more character are Ireland’s country houses, mansions and castles, offering sumptuous rooms in astonishingly