Fly-Drive Ierland 2

About the destination: Dublin has been the setting for many novels and it’s no wonder since its written tradition goes back to 800 A.D. with The Book of Kells, which is now on show at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university. The city is the birthplace for many literary figures such as Joyce, Beckett, Yeats, Shawn and Wilde to name a few. The city’s Georgian elegance blends perfectly with the medieval and modern architecture that gives Dublin its distinctive personality. One can’t deny that Dublin is a cultural city; the UNESCO designated Ireland’s capital as the city of literature in 2010. Culture vultures are also spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and galleries. From the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library to the National Gallery and the cute Little Museum of Dublin containing the lecturn that US president JFK used to address the National Parliament in 1963, there is plenty to absorb. Not forgetting of course the magnificent Dublin Castle dating back to the 13th century. Aside from its glorious riches, the best thing about this city is its people. Dubliners are friendly, warm, surprisingly outgoing and witty, even more so after a couple of pints of Guinness. In its more than 1000 pubs one makes friends easily. It should be mandatory for tourists to spend some time in a pub since it is one of the most memorable experiences of a visit to Ireland. Dublin is as well a young city, it has one of the youngest population in Europe, around half of its inhabitants are believed to be under the age of 25. This fact has made the city vibrant, dynamic, energetic and ambitious. Dublin is overflowing with funky bars, sophisticated restaurants and lively clubs, the epicenter being the buzzing Temple Bar area. Live music is a religion in Ireland and Dublin is its mecca. The city’s live music scene is superb and has given the world a number of global musical superstars from U2 and Westlife to The Script and Sinead O’Connor. Everyone is welcome in this nowadays multicultural city, but beware, Dublin, as its people, is so charismatic and infectious that you may never want to leave.

About the destination: County Antrim is one of six counties that form Northern Ireland. Adjoined to the north-east shore of Lough Neagh, the county covers an area of 3,046 square kilometres (1,176 sq mi) and has a population of about 618,000. County Antrim has a population density of 203 people per square kilometre or 526 people per square mile. It is also one of the thirty-two traditional counties of Ireland, as well as part of the historic province of Ulster. The Glens of Antrim offer isolated rugged landscapes, the Giant's Causeway is a unique landscape and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bushmills produces whiskey, and Portrush is a popular seaside resort and night-life area. The majority of Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is in County Antrim, with the remainder being in County Down. According to the 2001 census, it is currently one of only two counties of Ireland in which a majority of the population are from a Protestant background. The other is County Down to the south.

About the destination: Donegal or Donegal Town is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. Donegal sits at the mouth of the River Eske and Donegal Bay, which is overshadowed by the Bluestack Mountains. The centre of the town, known as The Diamond, is a hub for music, poetic and cultural gatherings in the area. Pretty much the entire county is scenic, with stunning sights to be observed along the coast, and in the mountain ranges. Mount Errigal, is a quartzite-topped mountain is in the Derryveagh mountains to the north of the county, with the Bluestack mountains to the south. A preserved railway , with an operative original railcar open for public journeys, is located at Fintown in the centre of the county. An operative corn and flax mill is preserved at Newmills, outside Letterkenny, with the county museum being located in the towns former workhouse.

About the destination: Gateway to Connemara, Galway is a charming and lively port city, located on Ireland’s west coast. During the 14th century, the town was an important trading spot under the Anglo -Norman rule. Extensive trade with Spain led to Spanish flavour of certain architectural remains in Galway. Yet, for all its history of international influence, Galway remains more Irish than other cities in the west. Known as the "city of tribes", Galway is full of rich Irish culture and historical significance. The town meanders between river and sea, full of old merchant houses, odd leaded windows above stone doorways, and aged stone walls set off modern storefronts. Eyre Square is very much the town’s focal point, with scattered monuments to patriots and countless interesting passers-through. Shop Street, the main drag, is always alive with street music and performers. Shop Street also takes you past Lynches Castle, an elegant stone mansion dating from the early 16th century. Walk up the banks of the Corrib River towards Salmon Weir Bridge. Stroll back through the narrow streets to the Spanish Arch, the only surviving gateway to the old trading town and a remnant of the days when Spanish trade flourished and sherry was brought in huge merchant carracks through this arch. Today, Galway is a university town that is always bustling with continuous exhibitions and festivals. Crowds chatting on riverside pubs, enjoying live music. That is the true essence of Galway.

About the destination: County Clare is a county in Ireland, in the Southern Region and the province of Munster, bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Clare County Council is the local authority. Some places of interest are: Places of interest include: Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Inis Cealtra.

About the destination: County Kerry is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and forms part of the province of Munster. A popular tourist destination, Kerry's geography is defined by the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains, the Dingle, Iveragh and Beara peninsulas, and the Blasket and Skellig islands. It is bordered by County Limerick to the north-east and Cork County to the south and south-east.

About the destination: Welcome to Baltimore, a charming village located in West Cork on the southwest coast of Ireland. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich maritime history, and friendly locals, Baltimore is the perfect destination for travelers seeking both tranquility and adventure. Nestled on the edge of the wild Atlantic, Baltimore serves as a gateway to the enchanting islands of Sherkin and Cape Clear, accessible by regular ferry services. These islands offer a glimpse into traditional Irish culture and language, with opportunities to explore ancient ruins, enjoy local crafts, and spot diverse wildlife, including rare seabirds and playful dolphins. Back on the mainland, Baltimore's picturesque harbor is lined with colorful houses, inviting pubs, and seafood restaurants that boast some of the freshest catches in Ireland. Visitors can indulge in mouth-watering dishes such as local oysters and crab claws while taking in the serene views of the ocean. The village also offers a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, from sailing and kayaking to coastal hikes along the dramatic cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way. History buffs will appreciate Baltimore's storied past, particularly the infamous Sack of Baltimore in 1631, where Algerian pirates captured the entire village. The remains of the 13th-century O'Driscoll Castle stand as a solemn reminder of this event and offer panoramic views of the harbor below. Whether you're looking to relax, explore, or simply soak in the beauty of rural Ireland, Baltimore is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience.

About the destination: County Cork is the largest and the southernmost county of Ireland, named after the city of Cork, the state's second-largest city. It is in the province of Munster and the Southern Region. Its largest market towns are Mallow, Macroom, Midleton, and Skibbereen. Tourist sites include the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, Blarney.[39] The port of Cobh in County Cork was the point of embarkation for many Irish emigrants travelling to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa or the United States. Cobh (at the time named 'Queenstown') was the last stop of the RMS Titanic before it departed on its fated journey. Fota Wildlife Park, on Fota Island, is also a tourist attraction. West Cork is known for its rugged natural environment, beaches and social atmosphere.