Destination information Ireland

History

Ireland’s history goes back to 6000 B.C., which is exactly the reason why this country is so fascinating and interesting.

Ireland has been colonized by tribes from the Middle Stone Age around 6000 B.C. About 4000 years later, tribes from southern Europe arrived and they brought a Neolithic culture with them. The most famous Neolithic sites in Ireland are the megalithic ‘ passage tombs’ in Newgrange and ‘Knowth’ in County Meath. Both were built around 3200 B.C. making them older than Stonehenge in England and the pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

The famous Saint of Ireland was not an Irish man. St. Patrick was brought to Ireland by Irish rovers, they took him from England where the Saint was a shepherd. Patrick escaped and went back to England. On his arrival in England he suddenly had a vision. God was telling him in his vision that he should return to Ireland as a missionary. People assume that this is the reason why he brought Christianity to Ireland. St. Patrick as a person and memories about his time are still very much alive in Ireland today. You will see him everywhere. The most famous statue is Croagh Patrick in County Mayo. Patrick has fasted here for 40 days in the year 441. Still many pilgrims climb this mountain yearly on the last Sunday of July. Supposedly, St. Patrick is buried at the Downpatrick Cathedral, County Down.

In the year 795, the Vikings attacked Ireland for the first time. In the year 837,65 Dublin was occupied by the Vikings for a longer period of time already. Though the Irish stood up against them and made sure the Vikings were dislodged. 17 Years later they returned to Ireland again, led by Olaf de Witte, and the Vikings settled in Dublin once again. Their Royal Palace was once in the place where you will find the Dublin Castle now. Parts of the defenses they built can still be seen at the Undercroft of Dublin Castle

The country

Ireland is known for its beautiful nature, rough coastlines, and picturesque villages.

The spectacular coastline of Ireland is 1,448 kilometer long and is lined by the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish sea. The great cliffs, clear water and sandy beaches create a relaxed atmosphere.
A great visit to escape the city life.

The spectacular coastline offers great opportunities for water sports. Did you for example know that Ireland has some great surf spots? If you don´t care that much about water sports, then you can always visit a restaurant in one of the many villages that lie on the coastline, who serve beautiful fresh caught fish!

De Burren is a beautiful part of Ireland which extends along the west coast from County Clare till Galway. This region originated below sea level and consists of many small creeks, rivers, caves, and lakes. 70% of the Irish flora, more than 80 tombs and more than 500 ring forts can be found in this region. An absolute must see area in Ireland!

Last but definitely not least is the Shannon River. This might just be the most beautiful river of Europe. The River flows towards the ocean and along the way habitats much aquatic life. The Shannon River is a true paradise for nature lovers, sport fanatics and people searching for tranquility.

The climate

The best months to travel to Ireland are May, June and July. These are the months that most tourists visit Ireland so be aware that prices are also at their highest. These months also have the warmest temperatures, though it is really hard in Ireland to predict what the weather is going to be like. Sometimes the sky can turn blue in the morning and grey in the afternoon. We advise you to always have rainwear with you when you are on a day trip. The average temperature in summer lies between 17° and 24°.

Spring is very popular because of its festive season.Winter can be cold though offers great landscape sights as at the West coast and North-West of the country. Keep in mind that it turns dark at 5 p.m. in the winter season.

Ireland is also known for its rainfall every year. Some parts of the country are mostly affected by it like the county Kerry, the South-East is the driest part of the country.

The culture

The Irish are well known for their story telling and one-liners. The Irish love to joke, laugh and tease.This is part of the Irish daily life. It will not surprise you that there are a lot of younger Irish comedians who get more and more popular all over the world. If you would like to visit a true comedian festival you can go to Smithwicks Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in Kilkenny or the Bulmers Comedy Festival in Dublin. By the way the Irish word ´Craic` represents fun and entertainment. People will start a conversation with `Whats the Craic?`, to ask you what you have been up to or what is going on.

The Irish have many traditions. Traditional Irish music is played in all pubs, city centers and festivals. The Bodhrán, a traditional hand-drum, is the most popular instrument for Irish music after the violin and the ‘tin whistle’.
Irish dancing, which often goes hand in hand with Gaelic music or traditional music, is carried out in pubs, but also in competitions.

The Irish pub is the centre of all social activities in Ireland. This is a place to talk about life, hopes and dreams and of course to drink a pint. Pubs often invite musicians, writers and poems to perform at the pub. Sláinte, is the word the Irish use to say Cheers.

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