Ireland’s top ten travel tips - see gallery

Just ten of hundreds of great experiences to be had in the Emerald Isle

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Giants Causeway, County Antrim

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4. Take a Medieval Break

For an old world atmosphere, all roads lead to Kilkenny (www.kilkennytourism.ie), Ireland’s medieval city, a charming and easily walkable maze of narrow streets, cobbled lanes and ancient slipways. The centerpiece is Kilkenny Castle (www.kilkennycastle.ie), dating back to 1192, with a striking façade of huge towers and battlements edging the banks of the River Nore.  At the opposite end of town is St. Canice’s Cathedral (www.stcanicescathedral.com), founded as a monastery in the 6th century and re-built in the 13th century. It is the second-longest of Ireland’s medieval cathedrals. More information: www.discoverireland.ie/Southeast.aspx

5. Kiss the Blarney Stone

“Did you kiss the Blarney Stone?” is a question that you will likely be asked if you visit Ireland. It is one of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions, so be sure to include it in your plans.  Head to Blarney Castle (www.blarneycastle.ie) at Blarney, County Cork, Ireland’s largest county, on the southwest coast. Located five miles west of Cork City, Blarney Castle was built c. 1446 and the famous stone is at the top of the square keep (via over 120 curved stone steps). In order to kiss it, visitors must climb the steps and then lie down on the parapet and bend backwards. It sounds dangerous but the area is fully protected and a trained guide directs all the kissing. The hardest part is climbing up and down the steps.  But, if you do, legend says that you will receive the gift of eloquence! More information: www.discoverireland.ie/southwest.aspx

6. Ride in a Jaunting Car

For an Ireland experience you’ll never forget, hop on board a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car (www.killarneyjauntingcars.com) in the Killarney National Park (www.killarneynationalpark.ie), a 25-square-mile area of unpolluted lakes and car-free unspoiled scenery. The jaunting cars, which travel on off-road designated paths, are synonymous with Killarney (www.killarney,ie), sort of what cable cars are to San Francisco or gondolas to Venice. The driver, known as a jarvey, is both a guide and storyteller (and with encouragement, he’ll sing you a song as well).  Besides the clip-clop of the horse and the jarvey’s gentle voice, all you’ll hear is the birds and the whisper of the wind. Killarney is one of Ireland’s great beauty spots - edged by the Atlantic, surrounded by Ireland’s tallest mountains, and warmed by the Gulf Stream breezes of the southwest coast. More information: www.discoverireland.ie/southwest.aspx

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