Ireland belongs. trip to ireland

Ireland is fantastically popular among European tourists.

There is a whole range of pleasures that curious guests need - a great excursion program, luxurious untouched nature, impressive history and wonderful beer. The popularity of Ireland among Russian vacationers is already beginning to wake up. Partly due to the fact that only recently a direct flight from Moscow to Dublin appeared -. Prior to this, air communication was difficult due to the need for transfers. Partly also due to the fact that Turkey and Egypt have finally become boring to many and they want a more sophisticated holiday. The country is also popular among students, for whom all conditions are created here to study English.

The amazing beauties of Ireland fall in love literally from the first seconds. The majestic northern beauty will appeal to lovers of secluded relaxation. But those who like crowded parties will also like it here. Huge stadiums with constant rock concerts, which take place almost non-stop in Limerick, are known throughout the world. To all this, it is worth adding the incredible, simply amazing love of locals for visiting tourists. Literally every citizen here considers it his duty to help and prompt a confused guest. It is worth stopping in the middle of the street for just a minute to admire the beauty, as one of the locals will immediately come up to you to ask if you need help. Also, anyone can ask -? Everyone will say.

Interactive map of attractions:

Main cities and regions of Ireland

A story about this northern and diverse country should begin with the majestic capital - a city called Dublin.

A capital with a long history and sincere people - that's how you can characterize this place. Although such a description would be suitable for most cities in Ireland. - tourists often ask.

• Dublin is one of the most visited capitals in the world. This is the largest city in the country, most of the attractions are concentrated here, as well as in the surrounding areas. What will especially please tourists is free entry to a good half of the popular tourist places.
• Cork is the second largest city in Ireland by area and population. This place surprisingly harmoniously combines day business style and active night life. Lots of modern nightclubs and stylish pubs. During the day, cultural businessmen and businesswomen “make money” here, and at night in the clubs beer and stronger alcohol flows like a river and courage and fun continue until the morning. How these people manage to work again after another stormy night remains a mystery to everyone. If you want to have a great time and experience the nightlife of Ireland, then you definitely need to go to Cork.
• Waterfort is the oldest city in what is now Ireland. Founded by a group of Vikings in 914, it once represented the most important port in Europe. Those wishing to learn more about the Vikings and touch the ancient history of the city founded by legendary warriors will definitely find something to do here.

The most important attractions in Ireland

Ireland is full of all sorts of attractions. No matter what region of the country you go to, there is something to see everywhere. But some objects do stand out.

• One of the places that is definitely worth a visit in this country is Dublin Castle. It was built in the thirteenth century and has survived to our times almost unchanged. Once the castle was a bulwark of protecting the region from the attacks of unfriendly Normans, and today important people from other countries meet here. At the same time, the ancient building is open to the public, and for only four euros you can walk around almost all the halls. The building is huge, and it will take a whole day to inspect it, but, nevertheless, the Birmingham Tower, located in the chapel, is worth highlighting, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding area and the Arts Center. If the walk is tired, then right there, without leaving the castle, there is an opportunity to have lunch, and do not be embarrassed by the fact that the cafe is located in the dungeon of the castle - it is very cozy and excellent cuisine. Hospitality is reminiscent of a place.
• Speaking about the sights of the country, one cannot fail to mention the largest cathedral in Ireland - St. Patrick's Cathedral. Once upon a time, even the famous writer Jonathan Swift managed to visit the rector of the temple. The cathedral has a unique Victorian architecture of the twelfth century. Huge windows, magnificent tiles decorating the floor, carved chairs and a huge organ. All this, almost unchanged, came to us after more than 750 years. Of course, cosmetic restoration was carried out, but in general, the cathedral has not changed since its construction.

What places to visit and see in Ireland

While in Ireland, it is impossible not to visit the museum of the most legendary and famous beer in the world - Guinness. The brand of beer appeared in 1752. For over two hundred years, the brewing business has been passed down from generation to generation between sons, starting with founder Arthur Guinness. The museum, by the way, is a functioning brewery, and the building was erected in the form of a branded glass. The museum is located on seven floors, and, going from the first to the last, you can find out the whole history of the formation of the legendary brand. And for those who survived the entire tour, a surprise awaits on the seventh floor in the form of a chic Gravity pub. Here you will be exchanged your entrance ticket to the museum for a pint of the freshest beer, which you can drink while sitting on a magnificent platform, which offers, perhaps, the best panorama of Dublin.

If we talk about natural attractions, here, among the many luxurious places, one of the most luxurious in Ireland stands out - the Cliffs of Moher. Two-hundred-meter steep cliffs, more than eight kilometers long, off the coast of the formidable Atlantic Ocean. Sheer cliffs conceal many caves with ancient burials, castles and towers. Once upon a time, the warriors from these towers successfully repelled attacks from the sea and defended the entire region. The rocks keep the history of all the bloody wars that took place on this territory, because, according to geologists, they are no less than six thousand years old.

How to plan the perfect holiday in Ireland

In this country, everyone chooses something for themselves, because in any case it will not be possible to see all the sights at once. But if you want to touch the mysteries of history and the blood-stirring secrets of civilization, then you need to visit Newgrange and personally look at the Book of Kells.

• Newgrange is the oldest building on Earth. The cult building of stone, wood and clay was not known to anyone until the seventeenth century. By a strange coincidence, no one saw a huge structure, even though this area was constantly inhabited by people. But after its discovery, there were even more mysteries. It is still not known for certain what role the building played. There are many versions put forward and one contradicts the other. Of the main versions, scientists distinguish three: it is a tomb or an observatory, or a place for a ritual cult meeting. The huge mound is surrounded by 97 vertical blocks of stone. There are many ancient rock carvings inside and outside. Most of the stones are "written" with ancient Celtic messages, which have not yet been deciphered by the best minds of mankind. On the day of the winter solstice, only once a year, only one room inside the building receives light for exactly twenty minutes. The amazing, mysterious structure, which is only a few centuries older than the Egyptian pyramids, is definitely worth a look to understand how little we know about our ancestors.
• The Book of Kells is generally a complete mystery to modern scientists. Almost nothing is known about her. It is not clear why the colors on the book, created back in 800, are in excellent condition today and do not fade. The book contains a collection of four gospels. She was repeatedly abducted and more than once tried to restore. During one of the restorations, some of the images disappeared in an incredible way. Today the book is in Trinity College, which is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.

Irish Cuisine

The national cuisine of this country, although it looks simple, has its own uniqueness. Many dishes have passed into the cuisine of modern Ireland from the Vikings. They were warriors, and a warrior must always be fed. And what can you quickly get enough of?

That's right, fried meat. Meat here is traditionally fried on an open fire, but peat is used everywhere instead of firewood and coal. Most often cooked lamb and pork. Of the side dishes, the most popular are potato and cabbage dishes.

Most often it is stewed potatoes and stewed cabbage with an abundance of black pepper. As for spices, they are not held in high esteem here. Only pepper and salt are used, apparently - a tribute to traditions.

From drinks, the Irish prefer beer, certainly dark viscous Guinness.

Do not forget that restaurants will add 10 to 12 percent service charge to the bill. And in roadside cafes, it is not customary to leave a tip.

Transport Ireland

More recently, the vast majority of major motorways and smaller local roads have been upgraded. And in this regard, the Irish have lost interest in the previously popular air travel within the country. Air travel is now only between Kerry, Donegal and Dublin.

Air transport has been replaced by a large bus network. The Irish Bus company covers almost all, even the smallest, settlements. All buses here are double-decker, and therefore very roomy. There are no problems with tickets at all, because they are sold directly by the driver at the time of boarding. However, monthly tickets are offered at a significant discount, so if you are staying in Ireland for a long time, it makes sense to purchase such a ticket.

The railway is also developed here, you can get on it, again, to almost all corners of the country. Trains and carriages are modern, well-maintained and with wonderful service. Two types of tickets are sold for each train: standard and super standard. For all students there is a 50% discount on buses and trains, for this you need to issue a special card, which is issued upon presentation of a student ID.

The west coast of Ireland, which consists of many small islands, can be reached with the help of numerous ferry crossings.

What the traveler should know

• To visit the country you need to apply for a visa.
• You can import any amount in any currency, but you will be allowed to take out no more than the amount indicated in the declaration upon entry. It is allowed to take up to two hundred cigarettes (50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco), a liter of strong alcohol (two liters of medium strength drinks) and 50 ml of perfume (250 ml of eau de toilette) with you.
• Transportation of media containing horror scenes and pornography is prohibited. This includes video cassettes, dvds and print media. You can only bring medicines across the border if you have a prescription signed by a doctor.
• Entry into the country with animals can only be done with the permission of the local veterinary service and only with a certificate of vaccination against rabies. The vaccination must be done at least seven months before crossing the border.
• Tourists should remember that smoking in any public places in Ireland is strictly prohibited, including restaurants. If you break the law, you will have to pay a substantial fine.

Republic of Ireland.

The name of the country comes from the Irish Eire - "western country".

Capital of Ireland. Dublin.

Ireland Square. 70285 km2.

Population of Ireland. 3841 thousand people

Location of Ireland. The country is located in the northwest and occupies five-sixths of the island of Ireland. Washed by water.

Administrative divisions of Ireland. Ireland includes the provinces of Leinster, Munster and Connaught, as well as part of the province of Ulster. Most of Ulster belongs to Northern Ireland, which is an integral part. It is divided into 26 counties. The cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Dun-Lary are separated into independent administrative units.

Ireland's form of government. Republic.

Head of State of Ireland. President elected for a term of 7 years.

Ireland's highest legislature. bicameral parliament.

Ireland's highest executive. coalition government.

Major cities in Ireland. Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford.

Official language of Ireland. Irish (Gaelic - the revived language of the country's indigenous inhabitants, which is still spoken by a minority), English. Religion. 93% -, 4% - Protestants.

Ethnic composition of Ireland. 98% Irish, 2% English, Scottish.

Currency of Ireland. Euro = 100 cents.

Rivers and lakes of Ireland. Due to the large territory of Ireland, a dense network of rivers has formed, and. The most significant river is the Shannon, which crosses the country from east to west. do not freeze, full-flowing and navigable.

Landmarks of Ireland. In Dublin - the National Museum with exhibits from the period of early Christianity, the National Gallery, the castle of the 12th century, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Gothic church of Christchurch of the 11th-13th centuries, the famous Blarney stone, kissing which, according to legend, you can get a special gift of seduction of persons of the opposite sex.

Useful information for tourists

Alcoholic beverages, including beer, are sold only in outlets that have special licenses for this (“Off Licence”).

Airports and train stations in Ireland are not served by porters.

Hotels and restaurants, as a rule, add 10-12% to the bill to pay for services; in establishments of a lower class, tips are usually not given. Car traffic is on the left.

Dublin buses are double-decker and painted green. Tickets can be purchased from the driver, and various discounts are offered on pre-paid tickets for periods ranging from one day to one month, as well as on the number of trips. There are also special discounts for train and bus tickets, with such a ticket you can travel around Ireland for 5-8 days on both buses and trains.

Where is Ireland located?
Ireland is a country located on the island of the same name, which is located to the west of the island of Great Britain. The island of Ireland is the country of Ireland and part of the United Kingdom - Northern Ireland. The independent Republic of Ireland occupies 70,285 square kilometers out of 84,423 (the total area of ​​the island).

Who discovered Ireland?
Ireland did not become part of the Roman Empire, but it is mentioned by some Roman historians. This means that in the Roman Empire it was known about it, and, consequently, before the arrival of the Romans, there was a civilization here. Thus, it is extremely difficult to establish for certain who discovered Ireland now.

What historical facts are known about Ireland?
In Irish, the name of the island sounds like "peace", and later "western island". The ancient Irish lived in tribes ruled by chiefs. The population was engaged in cattle breeding. In 432, Christianity entered Ireland from Britain. Since the 6th century, Ireland has become the center of Western learning. Until the 11th century, the Vikings with their raids interfered with the peaceful development of the peoples living here. At the end of the 12th century, the British captured part of what is now Ireland. In 1541, Henry proclaimed Ireland a kingdom and himself its king. For the next hundred years, England established its control over Ireland, but Protestantism never took root there. In 1921, an agreement was signed between Great Britain and Ireland, according to which Northern Ireland became part of the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland became an independent country.


Which city is the capital of Ireland?
The capital of Ireland is the city of Dublin, which is also the main port of the country. It lies at the mouth of the River Liffey, which flows into Dublin Bay on the Irish Sea. There are approximately 480 thousand inhabitants in the city, and together with the suburbs - 911 thousand people. It is known that a city was built on the site of Dublin, the first mention of which dates back to about 140 BC. The word "Dublin" itself comes from the phrase "Dubh Line", which means "black harbor".

What attractions are there in Ireland?
Dublin is one of the oldest cities in Europe, which was destroyed several times and then rebuilt, so the atmosphere of the beginning of the century is intertwined with modernity. The labyrinth of streets around Temple Bar is one of the most ancient and interesting parts of the city. The Dublin Mountains are located near the capital, next to them is the tower of Fort Martello and the James Joyce Museum. At the bend of the Bouan River, there is a place Brou-en-Bouan, where several interesting archaeological finds were found, indicating human settlements in these places as early as 5,000 years ago. There are legends that tell that in the north of the country in County Donegal, a headless horseman, Dalahan, often appeared. At night, he allegedly pursued travelers who had lost their way.

What animals live in Ireland?
Ireland is home to martens, deer, hares, wolves and stoats, as well as red foxes, hedgehogs, badgers and wild boars. There are no snakes here, but there are lizards. You can watch entire colonies of birds. Human activity in general and animal husbandry in particular have led to the fact that there are very few wild animals left in Ireland.

Who are the original inhabitants of Ireland?
The first man appeared on the territory of Ireland around 8000 BC, when the climate became habitable after the melting of the glaciers. The inhabitants of these areas gradually joined the Celtic population and adopted their culture.

What language is spoken in Ireland?
The most used language until recently was English. But the government came to the conclusion that it was necessary to replace English with Irish, since it was the native language of the Celts. In 2005, the government passed legislation requiring all English-language signs on the country's west coast to be replaced with Irish-language signs. Henceforth, all information was to be presented in Irish Gaelic. Despite the fact that only a few villages in the west of the country speak this language, it is planned to give it the status of a state language. Public and private television and radio programs are broadcast in Irish.

Ireland is considered to be one of the most picturesque countries in the world. Its islands, immersed in malachite greenery, attract travelers from all over the world. Moorlands and peat bogs, crystal lakes and expressive coastlines - the beauty of these places is unparalleled. Friendly residents of the country are always happy to have guests.

Ireland on the Atlas of the World and Europe

Ireland occupies most of the island, the territory of which it shares with another no less colorful state.

Where is?

Republic of Ireland or Eire- an island state that has spread its territories in the boundless waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The main island on which the country is located has the same name - Ireland.

It is adjacent to a number of smaller islands. Ireland is washed by the waters of several world reservoirs at once: the Irish and Celtic seas, the North and St. George straits, from the north and west - by the waves of the Atlantic.

Who does it border on?

The state borders only with, namely, with, a country within the United Kingdom of Great Britain. On the other sides it is washed by the seas.

Climate

temperate marine The climate creates favorable conditions for living in this area. here are quite mild, the temperature never drops below 10°C. cool and fresh, not sweltering with heat. The average temperature of the warm season is around 20°C.

How to get from Russia?

There are no direct flights from Ireland. Most convenient fly through the UK. There are many planes leaving for Ireland every day. Also, between Foggy Albion and Eire, water communication is well established.

From other countries, you can also fly to Ireland, but the number of flights limited. The need for a transit visa depends on the time of your stay in a particular country during connecting flights and the general conditions of the visa regime of a particular state.

Read also why the UK and Ireland are not on the list of Schengen countries.

You can buy a plane ticket to the points closest to Ireland using this search form. Enter departure and arrival cities, date And number of passengers.

Detailed map of the state with cities in Russian

The Republic of Ireland is divided into 4 provinces:

• Ulster;
• Leinster;
• Munster;
• Connacht.

The provinces, in turn, are divided into counties, in total there are 26 counties in the state.

Capital

Dublin- Irish capital and main port of the country. A significant historical heritage of Ireland is concentrated in this city, which makes Dublin the largest tourist center. The most famous fort in the capital is Dublin Castle. This ancient palace served as a protective fortress and the residence of kings.

Another popular place Trinity College. The educational center was founded at the end of the 16th century and produced many significant world-class people. The city has many museums and old houses. But the heart of Dublin is its emerald parks. The largest arrays are Phoenix Park and Herbert Park.

Large settlements

Tourism in the country

Most often, travelers come here who have already heard about local traditions and who are eager to see all the delights of the country with their own eyes.

Things to do?

Any country is famous for its folk "highlights". Ireland has several of them:

• Pubs- to visit Ireland and not taste the most delicious ale would be an unfortunate omission;
• Irish establishments are ready to treat the visiting guest with delicious dishes, accent cuisine is made for meat;
• Bagpipes- the main folk instrument of the country, making the music of Ireland so cheerful. Be sure to listen to this music and don't forget to give a "penny" to the numerous street musicians;
• souvenir shops and shops are ready to offer you the most popular goods: shamrock - a symbol of good luck and prosperity, and, of course, elite alcohol - Irish whiskey and the world-famous Baileys liquor.

What to see?

They go for color. Ancient fortresses in the middle of luscious green valleys - what could be better? There are many of them in this country. The tourist is recommended to draw up a trip program in such a way as to see the most majestic buildings of a bygone era. The museums of the country are ready to replenish your “Irish baggage of knowledge” and surprise you with Celtic paraphernalia. A particularly interesting program National Museum of Ireland.

And yet, the soul of Ireland is hidden in its amazing nature. Be sure to wander through the endless wastelands and valleys, go to the coast and visit the country's reserves, for example, glenveh national park.

Holidays in Ireland will certainly leave indelible mark in your memory. Have a nice trip!

The famous Russian poetess Zinaida Gippius once, although she had never seen Ireland, called it "a foggy country with sharp rocks." Now the island of Ireland, on which, in fact, the Republic of Ireland is located, is called the "Emerald Isle", because. trees and plants are green almost all year round. However, tourists in Ireland will be interested not only in nature, but also in numerous medieval castles, as well as other attractions, traditional festivals and local alcoholic drinks (Irish whiskey, beer and ale).

Geography of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is located on the island of Ireland, in northwestern Europe. This country has a land border only with Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. The island of Ireland is washed on all sides by the Atlantic Ocean (the Celtic Sea in the south, the St. George Canal in the southeast and the Irish Sea in the east). The total area of ​​this country is 70,273 sq. km. The highest peak in Ireland is Mount Carantwill, whose height reaches 1041 m.

Capital

The capital of Ireland is Dublin, which now has a population of about 550 thousand people. Historians claim that a Celtic settlement on the site of modern Dublin existed already in the 2nd century AD.

Official language of Ireland

Ireland has two official languages ​​- Irish and English. However, only 39% of the population of Ireland knows the Irish language.

Religion

About 87% of the inhabitants of Ireland are Catholics belonging to the Roman Catholic Church.

State structure

According to the Constitution, Ireland is a parliamentary republic, the head of which is the President, who is elected for a 7-year term.

The executive power belongs to the bicameral Parliament - Oirakhtas, consisting of the Senate (60 people) and the House of Representatives (156 people).

The main political parties are the Labor Party, Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, the Workers' Party of Ireland, and the Socialist Party.

Climate and weather in Ireland

The climate in Ireland is determined by the Atlantic Ocean and the warm Gulf Stream. As a result, the climate in this country is temperate maritime. The average annual air temperature is +9.6C. The warmest months in Ireland are July and August, when the average air temperature reaches +19C, and the coldest months are January and February (+2C). The average rainfall is 769 mm per year.

Average air temperature in Dublin:

• January - +4C
• February - +5C
• March - +6.5C
• April - +8.5С
• May - +11C
• June - +14С
• July - +15С
• August - +15С
• september - +13C
• october - +11C
• November - +7С
• December - +5C

Seas and oceans

The island of Ireland is washed on all sides by the Atlantic Ocean. In the south, Ireland is washed by the Celtic Sea, and in the east by the Irish Sea. In the southeast, the St. George Canal separates Ireland and Great Britain.

Rivers and lakes

Many rivers flow through Ireland. The largest of these are Shannon, Barrow, Shur, Blackwater, Bunn, Liffey, and Slaney. As for the lakes, of them, first of all, the following should be mentioned: Loch Derg, Loch Mask, Loch Neagh, and Killarney.

Note that Ireland has an extensive network of canals, most of which were built more than 100 years ago.

Story

The first people on the island of Ireland appeared 8 thousand years ago. Then, during the Neolithic, Celtic tribes from the Iberian Peninsula arrived in Ireland. The spread of Christianity in Ireland is associated with the name of St. Patrick, who arrived on this island around the middle of the 5th century.

Since the 8th century, Ireland has been subjected to a century-long invasion of the Vikings. At this time, the country is divided into several counties.

In 1177, a significant part of the territory of Ireland was captured by English troops. In the middle of the 16th century, the British tried to impose Protestantism on the Irish, but they could not do it completely. Thus, to this day, the inhabitants of the island of Ireland are divided into two religious concessions - Catholics and Protestants (in the Republic of Ireland, the majority of the population are Catholics).

In 1801 Ireland became part of Great Britain. It wasn't until 1922, after the Irish War of Independence, that most of Ireland seceded from Great Britain, forming the Irish Free State (but which was part of the Commonwealth of Great Britain). Only in 1949 did Ireland become truly independent. However, Northern Ireland, where the majority of the population is Protestant, is still part of the UK.

In 1973 Ireland was admitted to the EU.

Culture of Ireland

Despite the fact that the British for many centuries tried to include Ireland in their empire, the Irish still managed to maintain their national identity, as well as traditions and beliefs.

The most popular festivals in Ireland are the St. Patrick's Day Festival and Parade, the Galway Oyster Festival, the Cork Jazz Festival, the Bloomsday Festival, and the Dublin Marathon.

Kitchen

Traditional products in Ireland are meat (beef, pork, lamb), fish (salmon, cod), seafood (oysters, mussels), potatoes, cabbage, cheese, dairy products. The most famous Irish dish is Irish stew, which is made from lamb, potatoes, carrots, parsley, onions and cumin.

Another traditional Irish dish is boiled bacon with cabbage. Ireland is also famous for its traditional soda bread and cheesecake.

Everyday non-alcoholic drinks in Ireland are tea and coffee (think of the famous Irish coffee, which includes whiskey, brown sugar and whipped cream). As for alcoholic beverages, the Irish prefer whiskey, beer and ale.

Landmarks of Ireland

Despite the fact that Ireland is a small country, it still has a lot of interesting sights. The top ten of them, in our opinion, are the following:

Cities and resorts

Ireland's largest cities are Cork, Limerick and, of course, Dublin. The largest of them is Dublin, which is now home to about 550 thousand people. In turn, the population of Cork is more than 200 thousand people, and Limerick - about 100 thousand people.

Souvenirs/Shopping

Tourists from Ireland usually bring traditional Irish sweaters from the Aran Island (we recommend buying white Aran sweaters, not colored ones), Waterford Crystal glassware, tweed suits, linen, CDs of Irish music, fishing tackle, and, of course, Irish whiskey.

Office Hours