The island of Ireland is divided into two countries; the southern and northwestern regions constitute the Republic of Ireland, an independent, democratic country. The northeast is Northern Ireland and presently is a part of the United Kingdom. Historically, Ireland is divided into four ancient provinces, LEINSTER, MUNSTER, CONNACHT and ULSTER. There are thirty-two counties within those provinces.

Throughout the entire island of Ireland are thousands of lakes and rivers that are natural wonders. In addition, Ireland’s ancient past makes it an archaeological paradise, with many sites dating back thousands of years. There is so much to explore and experience, that no matter where you travel in Ireland, it will be a fantastic exploration,with unsurpassed hospitality.

The scenery is ever changing, simply spectacular, and literally unfolds before your eyes. All over Ireland you can enjoy the outdoors from fishing to golf, horse riding to water sports. Local eateries offer a wide range of food from simple to fine dining. However, whether plain or fancy, the fare is usually fresh, often home grown, and absolutely fantastic. A wide variety of accommodations await you and there are many modes of transportation throughout, including rental cars, chauffeur drive, motor coach, boats, trains, and even planes from one part of the country to another.

The universal language of music is performed in local pubs, large concert halls, on the street with buskers, or in the parlor with your hosts. Anywhere and everywhere there is music, from traditional to contemporary. Listen to the songs of Ireland and you can learn much of her history!

Irish Culture

A Mission in Ireland allows one to experience a culture deeply steeped in history. This history is reflected in the warm hospitality, underrated delicious traditional dishes, brilliant music, and beautiful landscape. Whether enjoying a morning breakfast at a B&B, experiencing a traditional Irish pub, the local artists, or hiking along a seaside cliff, it is hard not to feel a part of the dramatic culture and rich history that is Ireland.

Understanding the history of Ireland allows for a deeper appreciation of the ancient monuments found there today, as well as reasons for the heartache of contemporary disputes. The story of Ireland is an ancient tale, older than the pyramids of Egypt, and full of more turmoil, upheaval, and romance than any daytime drama.

The Climate in Ireland is unique and is a perennial subject of conversation. There is an old saying, “You don’t go to Ireland for the weather”. However, the weather in Ireland can be quite pleasant. The temperature remains relatively moderate throughout the year, never getting too hot or too cold. Temperatures typically range between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to10 Celsius) in the winter months and 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 21 Celsius) in the summer months.

It rains a lot, and seldom snows. Accumulations are greatest in the West and least in the East and occur most frequently in the summer months. Storms can blow in from the Atlantic without notice. It can be sunny one minute and raining the next. It can be sunny, quickly shower, and once again become sunny. A few moments later, you would never know it rained at all. Often the rain does not last long and comes as soft showers or a fine mist. They often produce absolutely spectacular rainbows.

During the summer months daylight can last well into the late evening, and the nights can be described more like twilight than darkness.

The Midlands, East Coast and Lakeland’s Region

A region of great contrasts, the long flat East Coast, the plains of Kildare and Meath, famed for horse breeding, and the mighty River Shannon. The immense beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, to the Slieve Bloom Mountains and the Cooley Mountains to the southwest and the northwest, the region has many surprises. It is historic in myth and legend, holding many relics of bygone days, from the High Kings of Ireland to the saints and scholars who transformed the shores. There are a wide variety of good quality accommodations at various price ranges, along with excellent dining. All eight counties are within a two-hour drive from Dublin.

In this region there are many heritage towns and villages whose origins date back centuries to the Celtic monasteries, or Viking and Norman invasions. Some were market towns or seaside locations where people liked to bathe. Their architectural styles, the presentation of their history, the various tours within the towns, and their individuality have designated this honor. These heritage towns are noted after the counties.

The Sunny Southeast

Encompassing five counties, and is an area rich in historical remains that recall the passage of the Celts, Vikings, Normans, and Anglo-Saxons. This is a land of fertile valleys and glens, and beautiful white sandy beaches stretching from Arklow Head to Youghal Bay. This area has some of the finest castles, monastic remains, churches, and archaeological sites. Each county has its own character, with most towns hosting a museum of sorts and larger towns having a heritage centre detailing their history.

Transportation to the Southeast varies depending on your origination. From Europe there are the car ferries and air transportation to Waterford Regional Airport. Within Ireland there are trains, buses, and car rentals.

The Irish love sports. There is nothing quite like games of Rugby, hurling and Gaelic football. Skill and speed are the prerequisites. The games are thrilling, exciting, and fun to watch. Horse riding is available from approved stables and riding schools, which range from one hour to a whole day excursion. Along the coast and the river valleys are every conceivable water sport – swimming, sailing, and canoeing.

Fishing for brown trout, pike, breem, rudd, perch, salmon, and other kinds of fish are available in the finest waters. Sea fishing is available as well. A state license is required for salmon fishing, available at most tackle dealers. Trout or course fishing does not require a state license, but a permit is required from the fishing club on whose property you plan to fish. The season for salmon fishing begins February 1st, trout season begins March 1st, and both end September 30th.

Golf courses range from championship to pitch and putt. The Southeast, or sometimes referred to as ‘The Sunshine Circuit’, boast 25 golf courses with various levels of challenge. There are additional par three courses and pitch and putt.

If you enjoy horse riding, there are many equestrian centers that offer such variety from beach treks, cross-country events, horse racing, and shows, to hunting, polo, and advanced instruction.

The West

Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the banks of the River Shannon, embracing Counties Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon. It is a rugged terrain of rock and stone, inlets and coves along the coastline, and many golden beaches. There are mountain ranges and woodlands of rowan, beech, sycamore, and wild rhododendrons. The Lough’s (lakes) Corrib, Mask, and Conn divide the counties. Throughout the region there are prehistoric sties, monasteries, fortifications, and castles. Each county offers a variety of attractions, accommodations, sport activities, and a variety of entertainment and festivals, especially in the summer.

County Cork

The largest county in Ireland. It sports the name ‘The Rebel County’. The magnificent, rugged coastline is the Atlantic Ocean, with a variety of natural harbors. The early part of Cork’s history centered on religion and politics. Moving into the 17th Century it shifted to trade and commerce. Cork was one of the principal ports for exporting its many commodities and importing non-indigenous products.

Cork City, Ireland’s second city dating back to the seventh century is split in two by the River Lee, where there are several bridges, quays, and walkways. There are many interesting sites within the city, including the churches. Destroyed in the 1690 siege of Cork, Shandon Church was rebuilt in 1722. The church tower offers a panoramic view. Here the famous Shandon Bells are located. There are a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, accommodations and golfing within the city.

The Tudor style village of Blarney is five miles from Cork City. It is situated on a wooded countryside and has developed around the square. Saturated in history, Blarney is home to Blarney Castle, a 15th Century castle built by Dermot McCarthy, from one of the most powerful of ancient clans.

The legend of kissing the Blarney Stone began in 1800 when the first trickle of visitors came to this ancient place and bestowed a kiss upon it. From there the legend grew that anyone who kissed the Blarney Stone was endowed with the gift of eloquence of Irish talk. The Blarney Castle Estate is situated on 1,130 acres, of which 400 acres are parkland, with The Rock Close nearby. It contains a collection of boulders and passages dating b

Dublin

The capital of Ireland, with history over a thousand years old, is located in the Province of Leinster, at the mouth of the River Liffey, on Dublin Bay, an inlet of the Irish Sea. Dublin in Irish is Dubh-linn meaning Black Pool. Its current official Irish name is Baile Atha Cliath, meaning Town of the Ford of the Hurdles.

St. Patrick converted the people of Dublin to Christianity in the fifth Century. In the ninth Century the Vikings invaded and conquered, then eventually developed the town into a major port and trading centre. In the 12th Century, the Anglo-Normans invaded Ireland. The country was under English rule until 1921, when Ireland was partitioned. The southern portion of the island became a Free State encompassing 26 counties. The northeast of Ireland, with six counties, came under British rule.

Northern Ireland

Stretching from the Mourne Mountains, up the Glens of Antrim, to the Giants Causeway, and across to the walled city of Derry, lies the northeastern land of Ireland. Northern Ireland has an ancient history filled with myths and legends. This one of the most beautiful parts of the island to visit.

Prior to the 12th Century, the northeast of Ireland was inhabited by the Celts, and the chieftains ruled the land. Later, they converted to Christianity. When the Anglo-Normans invaded, life changed drastically. Eventually English and Scots Protestants, who took over the land, in what was called the Ulster Plantation, supplanted the indigenous Irish.

Partitioned from the Republic of Ireland in 1921, Northern Ireland is still under English rule, in some categories. Since the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998, a First Minster, Deputy First Minster and a cross community Ministerial Council have some governing responsibility. Those categories include agriculture and rural development, culture, arts and leisure, education, employment, enterprise, trade and investment, environment, health, social services and public safety, and regional and social development. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is still responsible to the United Kingdom Cabinet in matters of policing, security policy, prisons, criminal, justice, international relations, taxation, national insurance, regulation of financial services, and the regulation of telecommunications and broadcasting.

There are a variety of sites and attractions, preserved by the National Trust of Northern Ireland which are of splendid beauty or historical interests throughout the North. The roads are in excellent condition and all parts of NI are within one-hour drive of airports and seaports. There are many outdoor activities to enjoy; the rivers are full of fish, there are championship and links golf courses, equestrian centres, walking, hiking, and cruising on the marvelous waterways.