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Info Ireland

Ireland is criss-crossed with silver streams, lazy rivers, hidden lakes and still canals. Throughout the country, there's trout and salmon fishing for anglers. Canals, rivers and larger lakes can be explored from the banks or from hired boats. Every bend offers a new scene, a chance meeting or a hidden pub alive with boating and fishing stories. When in Ireland, you are never more than 80 miles from the sea and a coastline offering golden, sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, hidden harbours and bays.  You’ll find beautiful secluded coves as well as larger beaches with windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and swimming. Shore angling and deep sea fishing facilities are available in most coastal villages.

The central plain of Ireland is surrounded by a ring of hills and mountains. Hues vary from the deep purple of heather to the black of turf bogs and vistas range from the gentle slopes of the Slieve Bloom mountains to the steep, wooded valleys of Wicklow and the awe inspiring Cliffs of Moher. They are all there to be explored on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Every day and every season brings new colours: Primroses, bluebells, ferns, autumn leaves and amber sunset. You'll want to photograph it all.

You'll also find colourful characters. From mountain tops to beaches you'll meet people ready to stop and talk - a chat about the weather, a bit of local geography or history and maybe some advice about what you should see next. You won't see it all in one visit, so the sooner you come the sooner you can come back for more.

Whatever type of fishing you enjoy, you've come to the right place. In coastal towns deep-sea fishing trips are available throughout the season. Alternatively, there's beach-casting for a variety of fish from cod to sea bass. It's not hard to understand why coarse fishing and fly fishing are so popular in Ireland. Every lake, river and stream has a prize salmon, trout or pike waiting to challenge your angling skills. Information about boat hire and fishing permits can be obtained from any of the country's hotels or tourist offices

If horse riding is 'the sport of kings' then Ireland is full of monarchs. The country's passion for horses goes back thousands of years and you'll find pony treks, hunts and cross country racing aplenty. It's said, in fact, that there's a horse race for every day of the year in Ireland. The countryside is uniquely suitable for viewing from horseback. Facilities are everywhere available for both beginner and experienced riders.

Ireland has a spectacular variety of golf courses and you'll find local courses near to every town. These include a more than fair share of international courses such as Portmarnock, Mount Juliet, Ballybunion and The Druid's Glen (venue for the recent Irish Open). Details of green fees, par levels and the availability of clubs can be had where you're staying, from the golf clubs or at the nearest Tourist Office.

There is no proper way, no better way and no wrong way. While you're on holiday in Ireland, it's yours to explore.

Pick a region and explore it in detail. Draw up an itinerary and see if you can stick to it without being sidetracked. Take your favourite sport, hobby or interest and see which towns, museums, beaches or golf courses it takes you to.

Trace your family's roots. Take a tour of Irish music venues. Wander with your camera through the lush, green landscape, along the craggy shores or over the purple mountains. Whatever you do, wherever you go, you won't be disappointed.

Overview on arts & culture

Few places on the planet are as crammed with history as Ireland. Everywhere you look there are castles, houses and monuments, some even older than the Pyramids. In Ireland the past is part of the present, part of the people and part of its vibrant culture.

The earliest Irish art is found in carvings on megalithic monuments dating from 2500 - 2000 BC. In early historic times, Celtic art predominated, reaching its peak in illuminated manuscripts such as the Book of Durrow and the Book of Kells. While the basic Celtic patterns remain, European influences such as Viking, Romanesque and Gothic styles are seen in work executed later than the 9th century. The large, distinctly Irish, stone crosses, seen across the country date from the 9th and 10th centuries. From the mid-17th century, decorative arts and large-scale building flourished under the influence of contemporary European trends.  By the early 19th century neo-classicism, romanticism, and later naturalism, were the dominant forces in painting. They were replaced at the end of that century by impressionism. This was a particularly rich period which gave us artists such as Nathaniel Hone, Walter Osborne, John Lavery, William Leech, John Butler Yeats and William Orpen. Modernism was first explored by the painters Evie Hone and Mainie Jellett. A forum for the new movement was provided by the Irish Exhibition of Living Art, founded in 1943. From this emerged internationally influenced artists such as Louis Le Brocquy, Patrick Scott, Michael Farrall, Robert Ballagh and, to a lesser extent, Patrick Collins, Tony O'Malley, Camille Souter and Barrie Cooke.

Monumental sculpture of 19th century is best represented by the work of John Hogan and John Henry Foley whose tradition lasted into the 20th century with such sculptors as Oisín Kelly, Séamas Murphy and Hilary Heron. Contemporary sculptors include Brian King, John Behan, Michael Bulfin, Michael Warran and Eilis O' Connell.

Film in Ireland

During 1996, Ireland celebrated a centenary of film. Over that century, many leading international film makers have worked here. Alfred Hitchcock filmed O'Casey's "Juno and the Paycock" with the Abbey Theatre Players in 1930. John Ford directed "TheInformer" in 1935 and The Quiet Man in 1952. John Huston, who made his home in Ireland, made many films here including his last film, James Joyce's "The Dead" in 1987. David Lean made his epic "Ryan's Daughter" in Co. Kerry in 1970.

Over the last twenty years, however, Ireland has made its own mark on the world of film, with directors like Jim Sheridan and Neil Jordan winning Oscars for films such as "My Left Foot" and "The Crying Game". The wealth of locations and film making skills available in Ireland have brought directors from all over the world to film in Ireland.

Literature in english

The English Language came to Ireland with the Normans in the 12th century. Though the Irish Language survives to this day, Irish Literature written in English has been renowned, since the days of Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels' and Edmund Burke's 'Reflections Upon The Revolution In France'. Maria Edgeworth (1767-1849) was the first to deal specifically with Irish themes. She was followed by 19th century patriotic writers such as Thomas Davis, Samuel Ferguson and James Clarence Mangan. The work of these mid-19th century authors was the precursor to Ireland's most exciting period, known as the Celtic Revival, or Irish Literary Renaissance. Among the best known writers of this period this period were W.B. Yeats, Lady Gregory, James Stephens, John Millington Synge, George Russell and George Moore all of whom lived and worked in the late 19th and early 20th century. Perhaps the most outstanding Irish novelist of recent times is James Joyce, (1882-1941). His novel Ulysses remains one of the most celebrated works of prose fiction of the 20th century. Other distinguished modern Irish writers and poets include Flann O'Brien (1911-1966), Frank O'Connor (1903-1966), Patrick Kavanagh (1904-1967), Louis MacNeice (1907-1963), Mary Lavin (1912-1996), Thomas Kinsella (b.1928), Seamus Heaney (b. 1939), Elizabeth Bowen (1899-1973) and John McGahern (b. 1934).

Ireland's theatrical works have been internationally renowned for even longer than her books. Oliver Goldsmith, Richard Brinsley Sheridan and Oscar Wilde were all luminaries of the London stage as far back as the 18th and 19th centuries. More recently, George Bernard Shaw is regarded as one of the great dramatists in the English Language. John Millington Synge, Sean O'Casey, Brendan Behan, Brian Friel and Hugh Leonard have also achieved international success. But perhaps the most enigmatic figure of Irish letters was the internationally acclaimed dramatist and novelist Samuel Beckett. Beckett, Shaw, Yeats and Heaney were all awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Novelist Roddy Doyle is a Booker Prize winner.

Literature in irish

Written literature in Old Irish dates from the 6th century AD. Heroic sagas depicting the deeds of mythical warriors Cú Chulain and Fionn, along with lyrical and conventional poetry, survive from that time. The early modern period (1250-1650) produced bardic verse and prose but the literary language was then displaced by the vernacular form, which gave rise to an extensive, popular poetic literature.

Modern writers in Irish, such as Patrick Pearse (1879-1916) and Pádraic O'Conaire (1883-1928), opened Irish literature to European influences after centuries of isolation. Distinguished writers and poets of the modern era include Seán Ó Ríordáin (1916-1977), Máirtín Ó Díreáin (1910-1988), Máire Mhac an tSaoi (b. 1922), Liam Ó Flaitheartaigh (1897-1984), Seosamh Mac Grianna (1901-1990), Máirtín Ó Cadhain and Brendan Behan (1923-1964). Among the leading contemporary figures are Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill (b. 1952), Micheál Ó Siadhail (b. 1947) and Liam Ó Muirthile (b. 1950). A significant number of these writers, including Pearse, Ó Flaitheartaigh and Ó Siadhail, have also written important creative work in English. Over one hundred new titles in the Irish language are published annually with books for children proving very popular.

Music

Music has always been important in Irish cultural life. One of the earliest Irish composers whose work has survived is Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738), known as 'The Blind Harpist', who was one of the last in the ancient Bardic tradition. Eighteenth century Dublin attracted many composers and saw the first performance of Handel's Messiah in 1742. John Field (1782 -1837), creator of the 'Nocturne', influenced European composers such as Chopin and Glinka. In more recent times, composers A.J. Potter (1918 -1980) and Gerard Victory (1921 -1995) have been highly influential figures on the contemporary classical music scene. In this century traditional Irish music has inspired modern composers such as Seán Ó Ríada, A. J. Potter, Brian Boydell, Seoirse Bodley, Shaun Davey and Mícheal Ó Súilleabháin, to name but a few. Since the 1960s, traditional Irish music has grown in popularity, both in Ireland and abroad, through groups as diverse as The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners, Clannad, The Chieftains, De Dannan and Altan, who have put traditional music into a modern context without compromising its timeless essence and integrity. Another example of this phenomenon in Irish culture is the international hit show 'Riverdance', which brings together the best of Irish song, dance and music.

Ireland also has an international reputation for other musical styles, with artists like Van Morrisson, U2, Sinéad O' Connor and The Cranberries. New acts are hitting the world stage, such as Therapy, Ash and The Corrs.

Various

Places to stay: The choice is wide when it comes to deciding on a place to stay. Castles, coach houses, cottages and farmhouses vie with hotels and hostels. Prices vary accordingly.

Pursuits and Pastimes: Golf, fishing, horse riding, walking, cycling and water-sports are all extremely well catered for in Ireland. They are also easily accessible. For quieter pleasure there are castles and ancient ruins to explore. Many of Ireland's best gardens are open to visitors.

Capital, Coast And Country: Dublin's Georgian charm can be enjoyed on walks through a city small enough to enjoy without exhausting. To the north of the city are some of the country's most important historic sites, to the west there are the plains of Kildare and to the south the Wicklow mountains.

Southern River Valleys: Ireland's south-east corner is a land of sandy beaches and rolling countryside. Wexford county has seaside resorts with long beaches while Kilkenny is a mediaeval town with fine buildings to explore. In Waterford there is the famous crystal factory to visit. The south-east is an ideal introduction to the gentler beauties of Ireland.

South Coast and Kingdom: The mountains and peninsulas of the south and south west coasts offer breathtaking scenery. Tours of Killarney and its lakes, the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula illustrate its grandeur. Cork, Ireland's second city, is home to Murphy's stout and host to the world-famous Jazz Festival.

Western and Atlantic: Limerick and Galway are the main cities of Ireland's West Coast. The latter is famed for its annual Race Meeting and Oyster Festival, the former as guardian of the mighty River Shannon. Outside Galway city is Connemara, uniquely typical of the western seaboard with its stony land, mountains, rivers and marshes. The Burren, in Co. Clare, is rich in flora and prehistoric monuments. Donegal, on the north-west coast, is one of the least polluted places in Europe and has fine links courses for golfers. To the south is Sligo, Yeats country, where the name places of towns and beauty spots echo the poet's plays and poems.

The Great Shannon Basin: Starting as a pool in the drumlins of Co. Cavan, the Shannon flows through three great lakes to join the Atlantic some 230 miles south. The Shannon basin has no heavy industry and the river carries no commercial traffic. Cruiser hire companies provide boats and riverside facilities for the growing numbers of visitors.

Architecture

The earliest buildings which survive in the Irish countryside are the ring forts, most of which post-date the introduction of Christianity in the 5th century. Hiberno-Romanesque architecture established itself in the 12th century and was superseded by Irish Gothic, which reached its zenith in the 15th century. The introduction of Classicism followed the Cromwellian wars. Most evident, however, are the prime examples of Georgian architecture can be seen in the squares and streets of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Kilkenny and Armagh. The influence of the Gothic Revival can be seen in many churches and public buildings erected in the 19th century. The 20th century has witnessed the rapid expansion of cities and main towns. Contemporary Irish architects are trying to meet the need for new commercial and community facilities without disturbing the integrity of urban environments.

What's the spoken language?

There are two official languages in Ireland: Irish, which is the national language, and English which is the language of the majority of the population. Irish is a Celtic language, closely related to Scottish Gaelic, Welsh and Breton. It was the language of the vast majority of the population until the early 19th century. The shift to English happened quickly and by 1891 it was being spoken by over 85% of the population. The early 20th century saw a national cultural revival as well as the establishment of an independent Irish State. Subsequent promotion of the Irish language by the state has preserved existing usage and increased bilingualism. Latest figures available show that 32% of adults claim a knowledge of the language. Irish is the principle language in areas known as Gaeltachts, situated mainly along the western seaboard. A State authority, Udaras na Gaeltachta, promotes industrial development in these areas. Bord na Gaeilge (the Irish Language Board), also a State agency, promotes the use of Irish throughout the country and as a core school subject up to secondary. A growing number of schools, known as Gaelscoil (all-Irish Schools), offer tuition exclusively through the Irish language. Radio na Gaeltachta broadcasts nationally in Irish and a new Irish language television service, Telifís na Gaeilge was launched in November 1996.

What to buy in Ireland

Ireland offers a wide range of goods which reflect the quality and craftsmanship of her traditional industries. The influence of Irish Celtic art can be seen in many goods such as lead crystal, chinaware and jewellery. Traditional wool and linen skills can be seen in today's knitwear and haute couture. Irish Handwoven tweed, traditionally crafted, is acclaimed for its quality, individuality, versatility and colour blends. It is used in a wide range of clothing as well as soft furnishings. Linen weaving is one of Ireland's earliest crafts. As well as the more traditional bed linen and tableware, fashion clothing now makes up a large part of the linen range. Knitwear has undergone a revolution in Ireland in recent years and has become a flagship small industry. The intricate stitch work of the traditional Aran sweater has been incorporated into a wide variety of stylish designs and patterns. The patterns of the original báinín sweater (so called because of the undyed wool from the Aran Islands which was used to knit them) was unwritten and handed down from family to family. Glass factories existed in many parts of Ireland until the early nineteenth century when heavy duties forced most to close. Today's industry is a restoration of the old craft and glass-cutting companies now produce fine crystal and cut-glass in Waterford, Cork, Cavan, Galway, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Tyrone, Sligo and Dublin. Handblown glass is produced in Jerpoint in Kilkenny as well as in Kerry, Dublin and Tipperary. Pottery The ceramic industry is flourishing in Ireland and factories, as well as studio potteries, produce a variety of designs in ovenware, tableware and decorative items throughout the country. Belleek Pottery, in Fermanagh, is in operation since l857, and is widely acclaimed. Irish porcelain is produced too in Cork, Clare, Galway, Leitrim and Kilkenny. Silver The working of precious metals in Ireland dates from about 2000 B.C. and the tradition of Celtic ornamentation inspires many of today's jewellery and craftworkers. Handwrought jewellery is available from studios and workshops throughout the country. Hand-made chocolates, smoked salmon, preserves and ready-to-wear clothing are also widely available.

the counties of ireland

The following map of Ireland shows the 32 counties on the island of Ireland