With lush, beautiful countryside, a fascinating history, vibrant cities and a youthful exuberance, Ireland offers many options for a memorable journey. Those who embark on an Irish vacation will discover a thriving, interesting country where centuries-old castles and Stone Age artifacts are juxtaposed with the excitement of Dublin and one of Europe’s most compelling music scenes.

Dramatic landscapes are a highlight of any Ireland vacation. An Ireland travel itinerary often includes visits to the Cliffs of Moher in west Clare, the highest cliffs in Europe; the limestone-layered fields of Burren in North Clare and South Galway; and Killarney National Park, with its lakes, craggy hills and rocky mountains. Historical attractions also abound, with the 600-year-old Blarney Castle (where visitors can kiss the Blarney Stone) and the Passage Tomb at Newgrange in County Meath, built around 3200 BC, just two examples. Dublin, the Republic’s capital, offers loads of attractions, including Trinity College, home of the Book of Kells; the Guinness Storehouse; and the narrowed, cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district, home to many restaurants and pubs. Active travelers will also find plenty to do on a vacation in Ireland, with a golf game on one of the country’s legendary links courses a popular choice. An Ireland family vacation offers an excellent opportunity for those with Irish heritage (estimated to be 80 million people worldwide) to explore their ancestry.

By booking your holiday to Ireland through your local Travel Counsellor you will benefit from local expertise too. Travel Counsellors’ agents in the U.S. can ask questions of their counterparts in Ireland to make sure they are choosing exactly the right vacation for you.

U.S. citizens require a valid passport to enter Ireland. Ten major airports in the U.S. offer nonstop service to Ireland. It’s easy to fly, drive, or take a train or coach when traveling within the country. Car rentals are readily available. A U.S. driver’s license is required. Be aware that driving is on the left, many cars are manual transmission, and road signs in the Gaelic-speaking part of Ireland are in Irish/Gaelic. Ireland has a mild, temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 40°F in the winter to 70°F in the summer. Currency is the euro in the Republic of Ireland and the pound sterling in Northern Ireland. For more information on travel to Ireland, log on to www.discoverireland.com, Tourism Ireland’s website.