Touring Ireland
Touring in Ireland is more than getting from A to B - you are never far from an ancient monument, a historic site or unique landscapes. Pick a tour that will accommodate your interests, take your time and above all be prepared for short excursions en route. Trying to see "everything" will not succeed, but with a bit of planning Ireland's most important sights and places are well within the reach of the average visitor.
Irish Monasteries You Should Not Miss
When Saint Patrick introduced Christianity to the Irish, he often founded a monastery to keep the flame alive. And from 432 to the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII monasticism flourished in Ireland. First in a specific "Celtic" way, later spearheaded by the European orders. Ruins and remains of monasteries still are numerous in Ireland - and I encourage you to include a few…
When Saint Patrick introduced Christianity to the Irish, he often founded a monastery to keep the flame alive. And from 432 to the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII monasticism flourished in Ireland. First in a specific "Celtic" way, later spearheaded by the European orders. Ruins and remains of monasteries still are numerous in Ireland - and I encourage you to include a few…
Signature Buildings of Ireland
"Signature buildings"? They are buildings that you forever connect to one country or area in the world. Think India and the Taj Mahal, Egypt and the pyramids, China and the Great Wall, Germany and romantic castles. Are there any such buildings or artifacts in Ireland? You bet there are ...
"Signature buildings"? They are buildings that you forever connect to one country or area in the world. Think India and the Taj Mahal, Egypt and the pyramids, China and the Great Wall, Germany and romantic castles. Are there any such buildings or artifacts in Ireland? You bet there are ...
The Seven Natural Wonders of Ireland
Before Ireland had any man-made wonders, Mother Nature (or maybe a higher being) created her natural wonders. Of which there are many more than seven. But as seven is the classic number, here they are ...
Before Ireland had any man-made wonders, Mother Nature (or maybe a higher being) created her natural wonders. Of which there are many more than seven. But as seven is the classic number, here they are ...
The Seven Man-Made Wonders of Ireland
Ireland has some man-made wonders in addition to its natural wonders - some ancient, some medieval and some quite modern.
Ireland has some man-made wonders in addition to its natural wonders - some ancient, some medieval and some quite modern.
Ireland for Kids
While you are enjoying the slower pace on Irish roads, questions like "are we there yet" come from the backseats. And while you enjoy the view to the craggy Blaskets the only comment is "Booooooooring!" How to make an Irish vacation exciting for children is a major task - but it can be done. Without resorting to bribes or the often plain corny and ridiculously overpriced "amusements" on offer.
While you are enjoying the slower pace on Irish roads, questions like "are we there yet" come from the backseats. And while you enjoy the view to the craggy Blaskets the only comment is "Booooooooring!" How to make an Irish vacation exciting for children is a major task - but it can be done. Without resorting to bribes or the often plain corny and ridiculously overpriced "amusements" on offer.
Irish Oddities
Ireland is full of oddities - from the quaint habit of allowing people to drive after they have failed their driving test (just scrapped in late 2007) to saying things twice for emphasis, "to be shure to be shure". Some of these oddities will be noticed by visitors. Others will be obvious. And some Irish oddities should be actively sought out. To spice up your travels and to have some really good…
Ireland is full of oddities - from the quaint habit of allowing people to drive after they have failed their driving test (just scrapped in late 2007) to saying things twice for emphasis, "to be shure to be shure". Some of these oddities will be noticed by visitors. Others will be obvious. And some Irish oddities should be actively sought out. To spice up your travels and to have some really good…
Tours of Dublin
When visiting Dublin you have several methods to explore the city at your disposal. The best way to get to know Dublin without too much hassle and with a knowledgeable commentary thrown in is a tour. You actually have a choice of several.
When visiting Dublin you have several methods to explore the city at your disposal. The best way to get to know Dublin without too much hassle and with a knowledgeable commentary thrown in is a tour. You actually have a choice of several.
Driving Tips for Ireland
Driving a (rental) car in Ireland does not need to be difficult or even dangerous - as long as you stick to the rules of the road and some basic advice. Let your About Guide Bernd Biege show you how to enjoy a driving holiday in Ireland without any hassle.
Driving a (rental) car in Ireland does not need to be difficult or even dangerous - as long as you stick to the rules of the road and some basic advice. Let your About Guide Bernd Biege show you how to enjoy a driving holiday in Ireland without any hassle.
Renting a Car in Ireland - What to Consider
Renting a car in Ireland for a week or two is no problem - thanks to the Internet it can be done from the comfort of your home and within minutes. But actually getting the right car for your needs can be difficult. Be aware of what to look out for when planning a touring vacation in Ireland.
Renting a car in Ireland for a week or two is no problem - thanks to the Internet it can be done from the comfort of your home and within minutes. But actually getting the right car for your needs can be difficult. Be aware of what to look out for when planning a touring vacation in Ireland.
Around Ireland Without a Car
The best way to travel around Ireland is by car - no contest. But what if a visitor does not want or simply cannot use a car? There are alternatives available, none of them perfect, but a combination of road and rail travel is an interesting option.
The best way to travel around Ireland is by car - no contest. But what if a visitor does not want or simply cannot use a car? There are alternatives available, none of them perfect, but a combination of road and rail travel is an interesting option.
Ireland's Top Ten Sights - Picking the Best of the Best
What to visit in Ireland? Your About Guide to Ireland, Bernd Biege, picks the Top Ten Sights for you, places you should not miss.
What to visit in Ireland? Your About Guide to Ireland, Bernd Biege, picks the Top Ten Sights for you, places you should not miss.
Overrated Attractions and Tourist Traps
Every country has them, those tourist traps that are more hype than substance. Or those attractions that do not seem so attractive any more close up. Ireland is no exception.
Every country has them, those tourist traps that are more hype than substance. Or those attractions that do not seem so attractive any more close up. Ireland is no exception.
Festivals in Ireland
Ireland has literally hundreds of festivals, but where should a visitor go? Find out more about the best festivals in Ireland.
Ireland has literally hundreds of festivals, but where should a visitor go? Find out more about the best festivals in Ireland.
The Best of Ireland in Two Weeks
A tour of Ireland - Dublin, the West and the South-West in two weeks. Twelve days in Ireland plus one or two days for getting there will give you a good idea of the magic to be found on the "Emerald Isle".
A tour of Ireland - Dublin, the West and the South-West in two weeks. Twelve days in Ireland plus one or two days for getting there will give you a good idea of the magic to be found on the "Emerald Isle".
Touring Northern Ireland in a Week
Why not explore Northern Ireland for a change? Seven days are enough to get there, to see a representative selection of attractions and landscapes and to still have time to relax and enjoy.
Why not explore Northern Ireland for a change? Seven days are enough to get there, to see a representative selection of attractions and landscapes and to still have time to relax and enjoy.
Touring in Saint Patrick's Footsteps
Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, is commonly known as the man who in 432 singlehandedly brought Christianity to the Irish and drove the snakes out of the Emerald Isle. While both these claims are suspect, the historical Patrick seems to have been a very successful missionary in the northern part of Ireland. A tour in his footsteps makes an interesting departure from the beaten track.
Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, is commonly known as the man who in 432 singlehandedly brought Christianity to the Irish and drove the snakes out of the Emerald Isle. While both these claims are suspect, the historical Patrick seems to have been a very successful missionary in the northern part of Ireland. A tour in his footsteps makes an interesting departure from the beaten track.
Touring Lough Erne by Car
Lough Erne has long been a favorite with people taking a cruising holiday on Ireland's inland waterways, but even if you do not want to ride the waves, a tour of this Northern Ireland lake is well worth the time and effort. Depending on how many detours you want to take or attractions you want to enjoy this might be a day tour or keep you busy for longer ...
Lough Erne has long been a favorite with people taking a cruising holiday on Ireland's inland waterways, but even if you do not want to ride the waves, a tour of this Northern Ireland lake is well worth the time and effort. Depending on how many detours you want to take or attractions you want to enjoy this might be a day tour or keep you busy for longer ...
The Cinematic Drives of Wicklow
Any drive through the Wicklow Mountains never fails to impress, but how doe the thematic "Movie Drives" fare? Landscapes can be seen in movies like "Excalibur", "Michael Collins" and "Braveheart". But is it worth taking the drive if you are a fan of these blockbusters?
Any drive through the Wicklow Mountains never fails to impress, but how doe the thematic "Movie Drives" fare? Landscapes can be seen in movies like "Excalibur", "Michael Collins" and "Braveheart". But is it worth taking the drive if you are a fan of these blockbusters?
Sights and Attractions of Northern Ireland
An image gallery of sights and attractions in Northern Ireland - from the Giant's Causeway to Bogsite Murals, from cathedrals to steam railways.
An image gallery of sights and attractions in Northern Ireland - from the Giant's Causeway to Bogsite Murals, from cathedrals to steam railways.
Accommodation 101 - What to Expect and What to Consider
Choosing accommodation for your stay in Ireland can be tricky. Visitors are faced with a host of options ... the choice is yours, but what should you consider? Unless you are pre-booking a tour you will have to decide how to spend your nights in Ireland. Of course a lot will depend on your budget. Let your About Guide Bernd Biege help you with the decision process.
Choosing accommodation for your stay in Ireland can be tricky. Visitors are faced with a host of options ... the choice is yours, but what should you consider? Unless you are pre-booking a tour you will have to decide how to spend your nights in Ireland. Of course a lot will depend on your budget. Let your About Guide Bernd Biege help you with the decision process.
Northern Ireland - A Dangerous Place?
Many visitors to Ireland are wary of going into the six counties of Northern Ireland. Is it still a dangerous place? Not really - if you just use common sense.
Many visitors to Ireland are wary of going into the six counties of Northern Ireland. Is it still a dangerous place? Not really - if you just use common sense.
Automobile Association Route Planner
A web-based and constantly updated planning tool free from the Automobile Association (AA).
A web-based and constantly updated planning tool free from the Automobile Association (AA).