Holidays in Ireland

Why should you come to Ireland for your holidays? Traditionally, visitors came to Ireland for the laid-back and friendly attitude of the people and that still survives to this day, but more obviously away from Dublin. Dublin is a thriving metropolitan city as is befitting of a major European capital. There are hundreds of hotels, restaurants and bars to visit and many tourist attractions. You must visit the Guinness Storehouse which gives wonderful views across the city as well as having Guinness on tap.

Away from Dublin, there are many smaller towns and cities and hundreds of small villages. Many are off the beaten track and are a reflection of life as it used to be when people cared about each other. Getting around Ireland on your holiday is easy with many new motorways to cover the long distances and good B roads to get the final few miles. But the most important thing to remember on a holiday in Ireland is that there is no hurry - it's not going to go away.

And if you come to Ireland for your holidays, you are going to want to do things - fun as it is to sit in the pub all day and watch the world go by, many of us are more interested in activities. Horse-riding, sailing, walking, cycling, angling, kayaking......the list is endless. As it rains occasionally, there are plenty of water-based activites on the thousands of lakes and rivers - particularly in the middle of the country which is remarkably flat.

Access to Ireland for a holiday is now cheaper and easier than ever before. All the low-cost airlines fly to Dublin from the UK airports and from many airports in Europe. There is a good bus and train network in Ireland and car-hire is relatively easy. Navigation is also easy as it is not far from one town to the next. Many visitors stay in a Bed and Breakfast as they are great value and a real insight into Irish culture - and you will get the traditional Irish Fry for breakfast with Potato Bread and Soda Bread which will have you all ready for the day.

We, of course, are biased and think the best way for you to see the real Ireland on your holiday is from the deck of a Carrickcraft cruiser. The Shannon runs through what we call "Old Ireland" which has not been dramatically changed by the modernisation of recent years. And the people are all still friendly and helpful and want you to enjoy your holiday. The pace of life in Ireland is slow everywhere, but even more so on a boat. You travel at about 7 miles per hour and cover maybe 30 miles in a day - plenty as you will see and experience the real Ireland on your way. And you will think about how good life is and pleased that you decided to holiday in Ireland.