Ireland Vacations

Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and is divided in two; Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, while the Republic of Ireland is not.

One of the major attractions in Ireland is Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, an old jail that is a historical site. Another, the National Botanic Gardens, is just minutes from Dublin and offers a view of hundreds of plants.

Some holidays that occur in Ireland include St. Patrick's Day on March 17 and May Day on May 1. If you want to avoid crowds, you'll want to visit in the spring and fall. Summer is often crowded with tourists, and the winter is rainy and windy, with many rural sites being closed. Ireland can be chilly any time of the year, so make sure you pack layers of clothing for your trip. Book online at Orbitz.com, and save on your trip to Ireland, no matter when you visit.

Follow the intrigue of Western Ireland as Richard Bangs explores the "Episodes of the Moment" in Connacht - once the edge of the known world, now an enticing glimpse of Celtic legend., From Guinness stout to the extinct brown bear, castles and pirate queens, the hoodwinked falconer to the hard-headed hag of Moher, this is Western Ireland.

Over 10-days in Western Ireland join Richard as he shares the local talents and stories. Learn how to pour the perfect pint at the Quay's in Galway. Discover how Irish bogs are considered the rainforests of Europe. Meet Limerick, a peregrine falcon, who at 240 miles an hour, demonstrates why she's the fastest living thing in the world. Climb a mountain or two as you walk in St. Patrick's footsteps. Make the perfect Irish coffee at the place where it was invented. Is it possibly the best wedding gift ever; a castle on a lake? Discover the love story of Kylemore Abbey. Travel off the coast to the Aran Islands and attempt to unravel the yet unsolved mystery of Dun Aonghasa, an archaic, cliff bound, fortress overlooking the Atlantic. In Westport, step back in time with Ireland's Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley. Pothole your way through underground caverns and waterfalls in Aillwee cave. Off the Cliffs of Moher try and locate the sea hag resting on an cliff face 600 feet above the ocean. Meet Dan O'Hara's descendent as he shares a taste of Irish moonshine and tells Dan's everyman story; who in 1840 was forced to emigrate to the US after he was evicted from his home for having windows that were too big.

It begins, as do all good Irish stories, in a pub. Sitting, Guinness in grip, with old friend Karen Coleman, a radio and television host in Dublin, she effluxes: "You've got to go to the west of Ireland. It's good craic." Read more Huffington Post Article

St. Stephen's Green, Dublin

This beautiful, urban park is the park in "Ulysses," by James Joyce, and it is a lovely place to relax.

The Merry Ploughboy Irish Music Pub, Dublin

This pub is owned and managed by musicians, so you'll be able to hear traditional music from locals.

The Irish Dance Party, Dublin

This local 2-hour event teaches the crowd three dances, and before and between dances, the hosts perform for the guests.

St. Michan's Church, Dublin

This local point of interest is a religious site and architectural landmark.

The Porterhouse Brewing Company, Dublin

You can't miss out on this brewery when you're in Ireland; you'll have a taste of local brews and favorite drinks.