Why Ireland is the perfect travel destination

Here at Keogh we run private tours across Ireland using our own fleet of mini buses. Below are just some examples of tour destinations we have taken visitors to.

Why has Ireland become the most popular tourist travel destination in recent years ? Thinking of the place brings to mind thoughts of an ancient land filled with magical, roaming hills of lush green fields and ancient history. A place where the people are friendly and welcome visitors with a broad smile and will make sure you return home with a warm and inviting memory of Ireland which will stay with you for the rest of your life and for generations to follow.

Experience the incredible and ancient wonder of the mythical Celtic druids at UNESCO heritage sites, ramble through the awe-inspiring mountains and valleys of Ireland’s rugged western cape or simply sit and watch the world go by in a 100-year-old pub in Dublin. We take a look at some of the reasons Ireland should be top of your list for your next vacation.

1. IRELAND’S ANCIENT HISTORY

Ireland’s ancient past is one of the most fascinating and unique things about the country. The World Heritage site at Newgrange is a thousand years older than the pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. The fascinating insight gained from visiting these surviving treasures of the past is an experience not to be missed and to always be remembered. After gazing at the neolithic period, you can fast-forward to the medieval ages and spend time in one of the 340 different castles dotted throughout the Irish countryside, some of which you can actually stay in and others which you can explore and live out your own ancient adventure. Inside an Irish castle, you can bring out your inner John Snow or bring history to life!

In Ireland, you are never far from an interesting piece of history. Trinity College in Dublin was founded in 1592 and is home to the Book of Kells, written in 800 AD, which is regarded as Ireland’s finest national treasure and is on display here. In Ireland, you never have to look far to witness 5000 years of history.

2. PUBS

No article about Ireland would be complete without mentioning the traditional Irish pub. From New York to Newfoundland, and from Singapore to Saigon, you will find an Irish bar where you can have a pint of ‘The Black Stuff’ . In Ireland, you will find the original and best places like the Brazen Head in Dublin, titled ‘The Oldest Pub in Ireland’, where rebel leaders would hold secret meetings, plotting against British occupation. The pub has been part of the same family for generations. When you drink in a pub in Ireland, you aren’t just remembering history; you become a part of history. Time spent in an authentic Irish pub is time spent becoming a part of something bigger, bolder and more profound than time spent anywhere else.

With almost 14,000 places in Ireland to have a drink, it won’t be too difficult to see why the rest of the world is fascinated with the simple Irish Pub. Find food, friendly folk and fun all over Ireland in a warm and cosy atmosphere. Where better to have a pint of Guinness than in its home, where heritage meets fine living in the most welcoming and safe of settings?

3. IRELAND’S SPECTACULAR NATURAL LANDSCAPES

With over 82% of Ireland’s visitors travelling for the scenery alone, it is beyond doubt that when you view its natural splendor, you will understand why. You are in for what could only be described as natural perfection, from the rugged coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean to the limestone cast region of The Burren and on to the magnificence of Glendalough. It is easy to understand the obsession of people from all over the world come to witness these sights for themselves.

See for yourself why so many film studios choose Ireland as a premier filming location. From Braveheart to Star Wars and hundreds in between, filmmakers chose Ireland as the backdrop to their films.

A lifetime could never be enough to truly appreciate and understand all of Ireland’s landscape without even considering visiting the islands off its west coast. To get there, why not visit the Cliffs of Moher, the Doolin and Aran Islands?

4. SPORTING TRADITION AND HERITAGE

Ireland has always been a sporting nation. From grassroots all the way to the highest level, our sportspeople have competed in the center stage and held their heads high. In Ireland, why not take time to visit our national stadium, Croke Park, one of the biggest stadiums in Europe? See a game of Gaelic Football and Hurling or watch our valiant Rugby Players take on the world. In Ireland, there is no shortage of historic sporting battles to get involved in and learn about.

If you would prefer to play a sport, there is abundant opportunity. Golf clubs like the K Club and Carton House are world-class and have hosted major international tournaments such as the Ryder Cup.

The water may not be the warmest, but there is nowhere better in the world to surf. The big waves you find in the Atlantic are hard to beat and the craic to be had after could never be better. If it’s a fun-filled time you’re after, there’s nowhere better than Ireland.

5. IRELAND’S BEAUTIFUL AND FRIENDLY PEOPLE

What is a country without its people? As the ancient Gaelic proverb says, “A light heart lives long”. More true words have never been spoken about the unwavering and warm-hearted Irish people. The sense of togetherness through years of hardship and struggle has made these beautiful souls the most welcoming of hosts.

One of the most famous Gaelic phrases, “Tír Míle Fáilte”, means ‘Land of a Thousand Welcomes’ and this has run through for centuries. The very real sense of camaraderie this instills in people means it is one of the safest locations anyone could be, and you will be sure to find yourself immediately at home here from the moment you step foot on Irish soil until the time your plane sets off on your journey home.