Find the best Ireland Hotels

The northwest European nation of Ireland is filled with ancient ruins, emerald green landscapes, medieval castles, and friendly locals. People have lived in Ireland since 8,000 B.C. Ireland has overcome centuries of war, poverty, and British rule to become one of the continent's most popular tourist destinations. There are no non-stop flights between Dublin and Bangkok, so it takes about 14 and a half hours to travel the 9,880 km.

Ireland's oceanic climate is rarely too unpleasantly cold or hot, but many say all four seasons can happen at once in this notoriously rainy country. Autumn, however, is Ireland's rainiest season of all. Summer is the country's hottest and busiest tourist season. Spring (February to April) is the best time for visitors wanting to save money or avoid summer crowds. St Patrick's Day, which spreads over three March days in Dublin, is undoubtedly Ireland's most famous festival.

The Brú na Bóinne burial site collection north of Dublin, the country's capital city, is over 5,000 years old. St Patrick's Cathedral is conveniently located in a relatively small area near the River Liffey. No Dublin visit would be complete without touring the St James’ Gate Brewery where Ireland's most famous beer, Guinness, is made. Kilkenny's ancient Black Abbey castle is just one of many historic venues where all sorts of artists display their work during the August Kilkenny Arts Festival.

Carvery lunches at Irish pubs are the best options for feasting on traditional meals of meat, cabbage, and potatoes. White or black pudding, eggs, sausages, and bacon are all a part of a typical large and filling Irish breakfast. Most rural Irish restaurant menus include bacon and cabbage, Irish stew, soda bread, and a cabbage and mashed potatoes dish called colcannon. Kinsale, a small community close to Cork, has become one of Ireland's leading dining destinations, while Dublin's Temple Bar district is one of the world's legendary drinking and partying spots.

Ireland is small enough for tourists to drive around its rugged Atlantic Ocean coastline in seven hours, but it takes between seven to 10 days to truly take in most of the country's sights. One of Ireland's legendary road trips is the narrow Ring of Kerry, which travels through stunning Killarney National Park. Another epic Irish road trip is the Wild Atlantic Way, where the towering Cliffs of Moher, Dursey Island, and Mizen Head are among the sights visitors will see between Donegal and Cork.

O'Connell Street, on the River Liffey's north side, is Dublin's main shopping thoroughfare. The Powerhouse Townhouse Centre is best known for antiques and shoes, while George Street Arcade is great for vintage clothing and jewellery. Newmarket Square, Blackrock Market, and Cows Lane are Dublin's liveliest markets. Belleek porcelain, lead crystal, and Aran knitwear are among Ireland's most valuable souvenirs.