Ireland

Ireland leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits. An air of optimism and positivity can be felt throughout its charming small towns, along its rugged, dramatic coastlines, and when interacting with the locals. Sit next to an Irish person at the local pub, and you’ll make a new friend in 5 minutes.

Ireland is famous for its lush green landscapes, warm hospitality, leprechauns, and Guinness – but look further beneath the surface and you'll find a country full of surprises. Ireland has won the Eurovision Song Contest 7 times - more than any other country – and while that may not be the complete measure of musical greatness, Ireland’s proud musical sons and daughters include Sinead O’Connor, The Script, and one of the world’s most successful bands of all time, U2. Ireland and music go hand in hand, with the country home to a long list of poets and the unmistakable sound of traditional Irish folk music.
 
Visitors are drawn to Ireland for many reasons; one such reason being the cause for its nickname: the Emerald Isle. Ireland’s climate means plenty of rainfall and mild temperatures, which allows the grasses and mosses to thrive. So, when the drier months of Spring and Summer roll around, Ireland shimmers in a verdant hue unlike anywhere else.

The landscapes of Ireland also feel wild and untamed – particularly along the Wild Atlantic Way where the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash upon the Irish coast. It’s also a land of history, with the first human settlements arriving in approximately 6,000 BCE, during the Mesolithic period. The ancient settlement at Lough Boora is a prime example of Mesolithic peoples in Ireland. 
 
Modern-day Ireland is home to some of the most vibrant cities in northern Europe. Places like Dublin, Galway and Cork are bursting with life, and offer travellers the perfect mix of historical charm blended with a modern vibrancy. It also helps that the Irish people are of a warm and friendly temperament, with a strong sense of community. Often known for their hospitality, they tend to go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome, and their friendliness is captured perfectly by the Celtic phrase céad míle fáilte, which means ‘a hundred thousand welcomes’. 
 
Ireland is also well-known for its literature, dancing and storytelling. The Irish are also known for their love of literature, with a rich literary heritage that includes writers like James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Samuel Beckett. Traditional Irish music and dance, often performed with a fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán, is a key part of Irish life and can often be heard in pubs and festivals around the country.
 
When you visit Ireland, you’ll probably notice how life tends to revolve around a deep connection to the land, a love for storytelling and tradition, and a welcoming spirit that makes every visitor feel like they’ve found a second home. Whether exploring ancient ruins, enjoying the lively pub culture, or soaking in the breathtaking scenery, Ireland offers an experience that is both timeless and deeply enriching. And with the help of dnata Travel, organising a custom trip to Ireland that lets you go smarter has never been easier.