Vacations to Ireland

• Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin (Príosún Chill Mhaighneann) is a former prison now a museum where many of the leaders of rebellions in Ireland were executed. It is said to be haunted by both former inmates and wardens
  
• Leap Castle in County Meath has had many reported incidents of haunting since a grizzly murder in what is known as the 'Bloody Chapel'
  
• Kytlers Inn, County Kilkenny is one of the oldest inns in Ireland and it is believed that the ghost of Alice de Kyteler is present there. She was accused of Witchcraft and sentenced to burn at the stake, she managed to flee the country never to return in her lifetime!
  
• Renvyle House Hotel, Connemara, County Galway was chosen by W.B.Yeats for his honeymoon and during one of his many visits here he experienced the ghostly presences
  
• Malahide Castle, County Dublin. It is believed that five different ghosts haunt the grounds of this castle
  
• Grace Neill's Pub, County Down. The happy lady who ran this pub is believed to haunt Ireland's Oldest pub. Many unexplained events have been reported and Often the smell of pipe smoke can be detected around the bar despite there being a smoking ban in public places in Ireland. Unusually for a woman, Grace smoked the pipe!
  
• Harleville Forest Castle, County Offaly is situated in one of Ireland's ancient primordial oak woods. It has been featured on several TV shows and is often visited by psychics and paranormal investigators
  
• Grand Opera House, Belfast. Actors have reported seeing a ghostly figure wearing a long, dark robe roam
  
• Ross Castle, County Meath. This castle is visited by the ghost of a young girl called Sabina who is believed to be looking for her drowned lover Orwin
  

Vacations to Ireland- Croagh Patrick
Reef Sunday, also known as Garland Sunday is a yearly pilgrimage held in Ireland on the last Saturday in July. Pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick which means Patrick's Mountain (after St Patrick). Croagh Patrick is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland and can be found in County Mayo. Tourists to Ireland who intend to follow this pilgrimage or indeed climb an mountain in Ireland or embark on any mountain walk should be aware of the changeable Irish weather.

Vacations to Ireland - Picture of Croagh Patrick in County Mayo

Ireland Vacations - Tips for Walkers
Ireland has a wealth of natural beauty and is the ideal location for ramblers and hill walkers of all abilities. Road signs all over the countryside guide walkers to unspoilt walks, a fantastic way to discover the real Ireland. Sensible precautions should be taken when walking in Ireland.

• Dress appropriately, the weather in Ireland is extremely changeable and you really can experience 'Four seasons in one day'!
  

• Ensure you have proper walking boots (Gaelic: broga siuil)
  

• Take a proper map with you and a compass
  

• You will need a First-Aid Kit
  

• Have emergency contact details and a mobile phone but be aware that some remote areas particularly hilly areas may not have phone signal
  

• Tell somewhere where you are going and when you are expected to return
  

• Ensure you have a supply of food (high energy snacks are ideal) and water
  

• Plastic bags are recommended for rubbish but they are also useful to place inside your rucksack for your equipment (rucksacks are not always completely waterproof)
  

Ireland Vacations - Road Sign for Hill Walkers in County Donegal

Vacations to Ireland - Blarney Castle
Blarney castle in County Cork is a huge visitor attraction and a great place to visit on your next vacation in Ireland. It is visited by thousands of people each week who come to kiss the famous Blarney stone in hope that they receive the 'gift of the gab'! The Blarney stone is built into the battlements of the castle and kissing it is no easy job! After climbing to the top of the castle you then need to lean backwards over the parapet, a castle assistant is available to help but it not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights!

Vacations to Ireland - Blarney Castle

 

Vacations to Ireland - Facts

• The most famous castle in Ireland and the place everyone should visit on their vacation. It is the home of the blarney stone. Kissing the Blarney Stone bestows the 'gift of the gab' or the ability of  great eloquence on the kisser, a must see attraction of the list of anyone who plans a tour of Ireland!
  

• The island of Ireland comprises four provinces; Ulster, Connaught, Leinster and Munster
  

• Ulster is made up of nine counties (Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Monaghan, and Tyrone)
  

• Leinster is made up of  twelve counties (Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow)
  

• Connaught is made up of  five counties (Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo)
  

• Munster is made up of  six counties (Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford)
  

• There are a total of 32 counties in the island of Ireland. 26 in the republic and 6 in Northern Ireland. Often Northern Ireland is referred to as 'The Six Counties'.
  

• The highest point in Ireland is Carrauntoohil in County Kerry, it is over 1,000 m high and features a 5 metre high metal cross on the summit
  

• The Ha'penny Bridge across the River Liffey is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dublin! The pedestrian bridge was built in 1816
  

• Belfast City Airport was renamed to George Best Airport in 2006 in memory of the world famous football player who was born in Belfast
  

• Bord Failte, the Irish tourist board is established in 1952 hoping to encourage tourism to the Republic of Ireland
  

• The Titanic Experience was opened in Belfast in 2012, the one hundredth anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, it has rapidly become a must see tourist attraction of any visitor who takes a tour of Ireland
  

• Croagh Patrick in County Mayo is considered to be the holiest mountain in Ireland, an annual pilgrimage takes place there on the last Sunday of July, known as Reek Sunday

Vacations to Ireland - Stunning View from County Donegal