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Dublin Quayside

Ireland, Passage East sits below Crooke village on the estuary.

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Ireland travel guide

Think of Ireland and the stereotypical image of Guinness and Leprechauns tend to spring to mind, but Ireland has much much more to offer

Ireland is often described in stereotypes: Ireland is the Emerald Isle, the land of great craic, Guinness and jolly leprechauns. There’s truth in this: Ireland is well-watered (pack a raincoat) and therefore lush and green, and Irish people are generally convivial and fond of their local pub.

But there’s more to Ireland than clichés. Step away from Ireland’s main tourist hubs such as central Dublin or Blarney Castle’s infamous kissing stone and you’ll find the less slick but more authentic Ireland, as well as some breathtaking landscapes.

Heather-covered bog and rolling farmland cover much of Ireland, coupled with rocky upland (see the primordial Burren), dramatic cliffs and craggy mountain ranges, much of which is encompassed in Ireland’s six national parks. And after a hard day’s walking, kayaking, horse-riding or cycling those landscapes, you’ll have earned yourself a pint of the black stuff.

Wanderlust recommended things to do in Ireland

1. Soak up the literary history, and atmospheric pubs, of Dublin, Ireland’s cool capital city
2. Kayak at night amid glittering bioluminescence in Europe’s only inland marine lake, Lough Hyne, Cork
3. Explore the Celtic heritage and wild landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula, Kerry, by car or on horseback
4. Hike up Carrantuohil (1,039m), County Kerry, Ireland’s highest peak
5. Watch for whales, dolphins and more in the Shannon Estuary (April to October) and along the south-west coast (September to February)
6. Surf off the beaches of Mayo and Donegal – waves are huge and consistent, if a little chilly (bring a thick wetsuit)
7. Hike or cycle the small but perfectly formed Aran Islands, off Galway

Wanderlust tips

Pack a raincoat.

Stay in a hostel/hotel/cottage within walking distance of the local pub – it’s the best place to meet the locals, and you won’t be tempted to drink and drive.

When you arrive in an Irish town, ask around about musical gatherings – certain pubs will host live music on certain nights, perhaps spontaneously: locals will be able to give you pointers.

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