Ireland may look amazing in the postcards, but wait until you travel to Ireland to see it in person: you might not believe your eyes. Much of the country's incredible landscape looks almost like a painting, and the sheer beauty of it all will stay with you even after you get home.
Most visitors start their Ireland vacation in one of the larger cities, such as Dublin. Home to a raucous nightlife scene as well as a number of world class restaurants, the capital city is so charming you'll never want to leave. Historic attractions that are centuries old, beautiful architecture, and a charming river-side atmosphere give Dublin, like many Irish cities, a cosmopolitan vibe balanced with a relaxed small town feel.
But heading out of the cities and into the countryside is when magic really starts to happen. Whether it's the snow capped peaks or the broad, empty beaches, Ireland has some of Europe's most iconic natural landscapes. Rivers run clear and clean, hiking trails pass waterfalls and plunging cliffs, and no matter what the weather, the views are so rich and colorful you just will not believe it.
Strangely enough, Ireland's small villages and towns share a similar vibe to the big city - that's because you can always find plenty of hospitality as well as home-cooked food and local drink. And even in towns that are nothing but a crossroads, you often can find a historic church or other landmark, a reminder of many tribes and people that have crossed this island over the centuries.
There are so many ways to explore when you travel to Ireland. Follow the highways and byways on a self-drive tour. Go walking or hiking and explore the natural beauty of the hills and mountains, horseback riding, boating or sailing. Tee off on Ireland's 300 world-renowned golf courses or see why it is still an angler's paradise. It's one of those places where it is hard to have a bad vacation, and it's an experience you'll never forget.
