8 GREAT REASONS TO VISIT IRELAND!

Now is the time to start planning your long-awaited trip home to the island of Ireland. There are countless reasons to return to Ireland, but here are eight suggestions to make you want to visit Ireland this summer, fall and beyond!

Rock of Cashel, Cashel, Co. Tipperary

1. The craic (fun) is still mighty! Replenish yourself with magical days and nights reconnecting with family and friends. Savor home-cooked meals and enjoy the kind of nostalgia-fueled, laughter-filled chats that make visiting Ireland so special. Discover anew why the Irish are considered the most hospitable, witty and engaging people you'll ever meet.

Galway City Pub

2. Take to the open road. Check off your Irish bucket list by winding your way along the Wild Atlantic Way, from Kinsale's world-class restaurants to the spectacular Ring of Kerry and enchanting Connemara. Or head up north to cruise the Causeway Coastal Route and take in the magnificent views at Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway.

Dunluce Castle, Co. Antrim

3. Get out into nature. Experience Ireland's Great Outdoors and be inspired by the beauty and serenity of the coastlines, mountains and rural byways. Hike up Croagh Patrick, play a round at Royal Portrush Golf Club, take a dip in the Irish Sea at Dublin's Forty Foot or cycle the 28-mile Waterford Greenway.

Royal Portrush Golf Club, Portrush, Co. Antrim

4. Tickle your tastebuds. Ireland's green pastures, deep valleys and pure waters have helped infuse outstanding natural flavors in home-grown food. Take a foodie tour around Cork City, chat to artisan producers lining the colorful stalls at local famers' markets, or go fishing off the Causeway Coast and catch your own breakfast.

The Happy Pear, Greystones, Co. Wicklow

5. Enjoy star attractions. Ireland has so many iconic destinations, from the Cliffs of Moher, Mourne Mountains and Killarney National Park to the Rock of Cashel, Kylemore Abbey and the Dark Hedges. Now is the perfect time to visit these iconic spots and you'll quickly remember what all the excitement is about!

Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare

6. Make a break for the cities! Storied history, amazing architecture, delicious cuisine and cultural riches, you'll find all that and more in Ireland's cities. Explore Dublin, Europe's most exciting and youthful city or dine on award-winning farm-to-table cuisine in Belfast. Enjoy thrilling traditional Irish music in Galway and wonderful art in the museums of Derry-Londonderry.

Dublin City

7. Only in Ireland. There are some experiences that only Ireland can offer! Cycle the Aran Islands, meditate at the monastic village of Glendalough, visit the film locations for Game of Thrones and Star Wars or check out the Book of Kells. Just take the time to be a tourist. You won't regret it.

The Long Range, Killarney, Co. Kerry

8. Make it Your Own! Whether it's the perfectly poured pint at the local pub, your Nana's famous currant cake, or the quiet road leading to your ancestral home, make sure you cherish your personal experience of Ireland! Home is home, and the memories of Ireland will keep you going until the next time you visit.

You can learn more about these and other great Ireland destinations here.

Click here for more Ireland trip ideas.

ireland.com

Click here for more fun things to do in Ireland>>>>>