Nestled in the heart of Ireland's most scenic countryside, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, woodlands and lakes, Killarney has been immortalised as Beauty's Home, Heaven's Reflex. Killarney's tradition of entertaining visitors began over to hundred and fifty years ago. Tales of the legendary lakes and mountains surrounding the town initiated a wave of tourism that continues to this day. Killarney is an ideal base for touring the Ring of Kerry, Dingle and Tralee.

If you stroll across from the Killarney International Hotel you can explore the 25,000 acres of Killarney National Park, home to thousands of Sika and red Deer. There are endless walking trails through the park, there is no difficulty with access so this is a walker's paradise. Try to climb Carrauntoohil-at 1041 meters, the average time to summit Ireland's tallest mountain is 4 hours and depending on the approach you take, it can be as leisurely or as challenging as you feel up to. Be sure to get expert guidance and good navigational skills are mandatory. Delve into the history of Killarney with a visit to Muckross House situated on the shores of Muckross lake. Visit The Gap of Dunloe. This amazing sight was forged by shifting Glaciers during the Ice Age and is rugged and wild. We can arrange for you to travel through the Gap and to finish your trip by boat.

One of the most authentic modes of travel Ireland has to offer has to be the Jaunting Car. This is the perfect option to show you the hidden delights of Killarney that will forever captivate you by their beauty and charm. The starting point for all journeys is no more than 20 metres from the door of the International Hotel Killarney. With many of Killarney's most wonderful sights hidden in the woodland of Killarney's 25,000 acre National Park, you would be well advised to consider hiring one of these horse drawn carriages.

One of the most famous tourist trails in the world, the spectacular Ring of Kerry, boasts Beaches, Landscape and an ancient heritage found nowhere else. Whether you choose to tour the Ring of Kerry by Car or Coach this trip is a definite "must". Another must when in Kerry is a visit to the Dingle Peninsula, a quaint charming town where the locals still converse in Gaelic.

Visiting golfers must be thankful for the high precipitation levels which helps maintain some of the finest Golf courses in the world. Killarney itself is home to numerous excellent golf courses including 3 championship courses in the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club-Killen, Mahony's Point & Lackabane. The Ross, Beaufort and Dunloe Golf Clubs are also in Killarney so you will never have to travel to hit the ball. These courses offer all you could desire in parkland or links golfing and you can be assured that everything you need from tee-time reservations to drying rooms will be provided by the staff of the International Hotel.

Sightseeing in Killarney is endless with amazing attractions such as Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, Ladies View and Dunloe Castle. For those wanting an active break, the South West of Ireland has some of the best Hill Walking, Climbing and Fishing in Europe. The International Hotel is well serviced by transport - bus, train, and the nearby Kerry Airport. Killarney is a definite place to visit if you are discovering Ireland.

By: Sabrina Horgan
Sabrina is Marketing Manager for the International Hotel Killarney. This deluxe hotel is located in Killarney town centre and is the ideal location to begin your exploration of Kerry, Ireland. Please follow the link for more information about Things To Do In Killarney.

Submitted by:
George Snedrow
Reverse Address Directory

Ireland's greatest resource is its people and, like any visit to another country, it pays to discover a little about them before you leave. You will find them courteous, gentle, excellent conversationalists, helpful and engaging. Providing you have time and the patience to listen, you will learn a lot. While the official language of the Republic of Ireland is Irish (Gaelic) and learned by everyone at school, the most common language is English and you will have to travel to the more remote regions to hear native speakers. By European standards the speech rate is quite fast, but don't be afraid to politely ask someone to repeat himself or herself more slowly. There are many other commonalities with the majority of visitors such as currency (the Euro), culture and customs (although there is a rich and interesting tradition, influenced by religious rituals). Travel is relatively easy; there is a good network of public transport between and within the major cities. If you intend to visit the more remote areas, then a car is useful although not essential.

Recent years have seen a major economic boom, resulting in a huge increase in jobs. The result is that many people in the accommodation and retail industry (such as employees of the hotel in which your tour is staying) are no longer Irish-born, and these positions have attracted many non-nationals. In times past you would always meet a large number of Irish workers in your hotel but this is no longer the case, so you need to look further afield.

While you will still find plenty of Irish people working in the major cities, the most interesting folk are found in the rural areas where their culture has not been so affected by the economic boom. One of the best ways to meet such people is by staying at rural bed and breakfast establishments, rather than at hotels. While you might not receive the luxury of a hotel room, most bed and breakfasts are extremely comfortable, each room typically having its own shower/bath and toilet ('en suite') and television. More importantly, they bring you into contact with natives, most of whom are interested in your origins and heritage. Do not be offended if they ask where you were born or where you live - these are central questions to a nation with a deep interest and pride in its heritage. Once they are satisfied that they know something about your lineage (and have established that you are not related to them), you can ask your own questions. Bed and breakfast owners are great sources of local knowledge, such as the best restaurants, visitor attractions, walks, drives and (most importantly) pubs.

I would encourage you to strongly consider a self-guided tour. You can stay, visit and go where you want, choosing your accommodation when you feel like stopping. There is a large selection of bed and breakfast houses in Ireland; many can be pre-booked but it is more fun to arrive in a town or village and pick your own. You can still visit the major cities and join a guided tour or hop on a tour bus if you like but I suggest that your best memories will be those where you met genuine Irish people over the breakfast table, bar or restaurant.

By: Dr Peter J D Scott
http://www.hidden-dublin.com
Dr Peter J D Scott is a musicologist by profession, specializing in Renaissance music. He writes two travel guide in his spare time; the Dublin guide contains hundreds of unique pages of tips, advice and pictures. Additionally, there is a free newsletter and Dr Scott is happy to provide impartial advice on visiting Dublin and Ireland. The Italian guide provides an alternative look at the more unknown and undiscovered regions of Italy.

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What do Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, and WB Yeats all have in common? Apart from the obvious, this library of literary talent and nobility all hailed from the same place. Dublin.

Dublin is the largest city and the capital of The Republic of Ireland. In the past, the Emerald Isle was a huge drawcard for visitors from The States, exploring their Irish family heritage and ancestry. The Macs, The Flynns, The Murphys are still more than welcome, but there’s a new crowd in town. Thanks to the economic upsurge of past decade, Dublin has grown into one of the coolest destinations to shop, sightsee and stroll. No longer the land of potatoes and beer, its designer names, world-class bands and iconic style have made it the place to be seen.

Today, young visitors flock from all over Europe keen to explore this great city, its arts and vibrant culture. Dublin also has one of the youngest populations of any of Europe’s major cities, a fact reflected in its energy and buzz. Fashionable boutiques, ethnic cuisines and bustling street markets have all contributed to its newfound trendy status.

Places to stay

Dublin is spread over the valley of the River Liffey, with the Wicklow Hills sheltering it on the south. The city is an architectural delight with a rich heritage of 18th century buildings. Fine Georgian mansions and terrace houses, many of them with historical association, lend an elegant air to the city's boulevards and spacious squares.

Accommodation-wise, you’ll find plenty of choice in Dublin. There are international luxury hotels, mid-size motels and plenty of smaller establishments, priced to suit your travel budget.

Where’s the craic?

You’ll hear the word “craic” a lot. (No, it’s completely legal.) Craic is the Gaelic word for fun and enjoyment, especially when there’s a song, a pint of Guinness and a pub involved. Live music is also huge feature of Dublin’s nightlife – from street busking to mainstream concerts and traditional live music in “the singing pubs.” With more than 900 pubs dotted around the city, you’ll never go thirsty or be far from a great “craic.” (It is said that "God created alcohol to prevent the Irish from taking over the Earth"!)

Temple Bar

Temple Bar is in the heart of the City. The hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. At night, it’s filled with crowds enjoying some of Dublin's hottest spots and sounds, dotted through the narrow, cobbled streets running between the Bank of Ireland and Christ Church Cathedral. It’s top of the list for a great night that can easily last until the next day, ending with latte and a full Irish breakfast.

Europe’s unique arts centre for children. The Ark.

If you’re travelling with children, Temple Bar is also home to The Ark, the unique cultural centre. It made headlines as Europe's first custom-designed arts centre for 3-14 year olds and has been a magnet for visitors since opening in September 1995. Each year some 20,000 children and 5,000 adults take time out to participate in the programmes. Exciting, engaging, enthralling – The Ark is the place that excites young minds with a meaningful Irish arts experience.

Walk through the past

Dublin’s turbulent past can be greatly enjoyed on foot. There are castles and museums, grand houses and stately buildings. While there are plenty of commercial-type walking tours, but why not plan one for yourself. Retrace the steps of the flamboyant Oscar Wilde or James Joyce, visit their houses, their hang outs and of course, where they enjoyed a drink.

On a historical note, why not explore the streets and landmarks where the1916 Rebellion took place. The Easter Uprising was an attempt by militant Irish republicans to win independence from Britain by force of arms. It helped create the foundation of the Irish State in the early 20th century. In many ways, Dublin’s past is very accessible, even if you’re on a short visit.

The Book of Kells at Trinity College

Ireland’s most famous college, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Former alumni include playwrights Oliver Goldsmith and Samuel Beckett . Trinity's lush lawns and cobbled quads provide a peaceful haven in the heart of this dynamic city. Make time for a visit, especially to see the spectacular Book of Kells, housed in the Old Library. The Book of Kells is an ornately illustrated manuscript, produced by Celtic monks around AD 800. It is one of the more lavishly illuminated manuscripts to survive from the Middle Ages and is considered the zenith of Western calligraphy and illumination.

Cheers. The Guinness®Storehouse

A trip to Dublin is not complete without a visit to the Guinness® Storehouse. Here you can discover every drop of information about the world’s most famous dark beer. The Storehouse was originally built in 1904 to house the fermentation process. In November 2000, a spectacular new addition opened its doors.

The core of the new Storehouse building is modelled on a huge pint glass, stretching up from reception on the ground floor to The Gravity Bar in the sky. If filled, this huge space would hold approximately 14.3 million pints of yes, you guessed it, Guinness.

Souvenirs? Let’s go shopping

Dublin can offer some wonderful retail therapy and window shopping. On the Southside of the city, Grafton Street, between Trinity College and St Stephen's Green is the smarter shopping area with fashionable stores and designer boutiques featuring local and international names. On the Northside, Henry Street has more department stores and popular shops. On Moore Street, you’ll find the well-known outdoor food market, a place that’s always worth a visit for bargains.

In general, stores are open from 9am and 6pm Monday – Saturday. Late night shopping in the city is on Thursday until 8pm, while the suburban shopping centres usually open late on Friday. More of the larger chain stores now open on Sunday from 12.00 noon to 6pm.

Ireland enjoys a well deserved reputation as a warm and welcoming country, a place that’s as generous with hospitality as it is with its national drink! I’ll leave the last word to the Irish and this saying. “May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.” A visit to the new Dublin is one thing you’ll want to do, more than once. To be sure.

By: Matthew Lawson
Matthew Lawson heads up Hotel.com.au in Australia and is an avid traveler. If you're visiting Ireland, check out the great deals at http://www.Hotel.com.au/Dublin

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