Dublin

Negotiating Dublin’s traffic isn’t difficult and there are several interesting places worth getting to. ‘Tipple’ is a central theme in Irish lore, and a visit to the Guinness brewery is obligatory. The legacy of this family is found throughout the city. Newbrige house (set in magnificent grounds) and Gaelic Football museum at Croke park are often visited. Ireland’s struggle for independence is well appreciated at the eerie Kilmainham gaol, out of town.

A holiday in Dublin is also an opportunity to see beautiful cliffs and beaches, quaint harbours, rugged mountains and woodland, historic castles and country houses. Alternatively, pursue any number of outdoor activities such as golf, horse-riding, hiking and sailing - all within easy reach of the city. The seaside towns of Howth and Bray are less than an hour away by car, while a daytrip to the magnificent green rolling hills of Wicklow, surrounding the pretty lakeside town of Glendalough, is a lovely way to experience the Irish countryside.

Kilkenny, two hours south, is one of many delightful Irish towns worth stopping in overnight, particularly if you intend stopping in at the historic Rock of Cashel - a central icon in Ireland’s Catholicism heritage.