Ireland At A Glance
Capital: Dublin
Currency: Euro (I euro is equal to 1.17 USD)
Language: Irish and English
Climate: Dublin’s average temperature in January is 43 °F, 60 °F in July
Popular Cuisine: Beef and Guiness Pie, Irish Brown Bread, White Pudding, Boxty, Soda Bread, Irish Breakfast, and Irish Stew
Our Favorite Destinations:
Trim Castle
Trim Castle was built in the 12th century by Hugh de Lacy and is the largest Cambro-Norman castle in Ireland.
Galway
Galway was first settled in 1124 around Dun Gailimhe. Destinations in the city include the medieval city, the Galway market, Athenry Castle, Aughnanure Castle, Ballycurrin Lighthouse, and Brigit’s Garden.
The Burren
The Burren is a karst landscape on the west coast of Ireland that covers 200 square miles. Despite the large amount of rock, there is still a remarkable amount of plants and animals.
Cliffs of Moher
These sea cliffs are about 9 miles long and peak at 702 feet above the ocean. They are one of Ireland’s most popular destinations. Visitors can embark on an 11 mile Cliff Walk.
Blarney Castle
The castle was first built in 1210 and was rebuilt in 1446. It is most well-known for the Blarney Stone, which lies at the top of the castle and is said to make the one who kisses it more eloquent. The castle also features natural rock formations and a poison garden.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny was built in 1195 by Norman occupiers. It features a number of historic buildings such as Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, Rothe House, Shee Alms House, Black Abbey, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny Town Hall, St. Francis Abbey, Grace’s Castle, and St. John’s Priory.
Dublin
The capital of Ireland is on a bay on the east coast and is estimated to have first been settled in the 7th century. Places to visit include the Guiness Storehouse, Malahide Castle and Gardens, The Irish Emigration Museum, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.