
The Capital City of the Republic of Ireland is Dublin while Belfast is the seat of power in Northern Ireland. The largest county on the island of Ireland is Cork, situated on the South Western coast.









Places to Visit

Guiness Storehouse

Guinness originated in St James’s Gate, the heart of Dublin, where Arthur Guinness established his business in 1759. Nowadays, a fermentation plant at St. James’s Gate Brewery has been transformed and reddeveloped so that you can experience how Guinness is produced from start to finish.

The Cliffs of Moher

These majestic cliffs rise from the Atlantic Ocean to a height of nearly 200m and extend for a distance of 8km from Hag’s Head due west of Liscannor to a point beyond O’Brien’s Tower. They take their name from a ruined promontory fort, Mothar, which was demolished during the Napoleonic wars to make room for a signal tower.

Croke Park Stadium

Croke Park is one of the most prominent features of Dublin’s northside cityscape. Close to Dublin airport and Dublin city centre, Croke Park proudly stands on 700,000 sq feet. Inside, the contemporary design and spectacular views offer an exciting location for world class events. Home to the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association), Croke Park is at the heart of Irish sporting life. Now a world-class stadium, Croke Park is the largest stadium in Ireland and the fourth largest stadium in Europe.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is located in the centre of historic Dublin. Situated close to the junction of the River Liffey and the Poddle, it is thought that the area was once an ancient Gaelic Ring Fort, and subsequently a Viking Fortress. The South Range is home to the stunning State Apartments. Now the venue for Ireland’s Presidencies of the European Community, State Functions and Presidential Inaugurations, they were originally built as the residential quarters of the viceregal court. The State Apartments, Chapel Royal and the Undercroft of Dublin Castle are open to visitors.

The Phoenix Park

The Phoenix Park is the largest urban enclosed park in Europe. It’s circumference is 11km and it covers a total area pf 712 hectares / 1,760 acres. Also known as Dublin’s playground, the Phoenix Park opened in 1747, and it is home to the Irish President and the U.S. ambassador to Ireland, not to mention the many assorted wildlife such as deer and horses. Located 3km (2m) west of Dublin city centre, the Phoenix Park is beauatifully landscaped, with quiet pedestrian walkways, ornamental gardens, grassland, nature trails, and avenues of trees, including oak, beech, pine, chestnut, and lime.

Curraheen Park Greyhound Racing

The Greyhound stadium in Cork offers a dynamic and unique night out to visitors. It operates a ten race program most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

For those that appreciate fine dining, the Laurels Restaurant can provide seating for up to 180 people overlooking the racetrack below, all in a lavish three-storied glass setting. On the top floor, visitors can drop in to Master McGrath’s bar, were they will find the perfect environment to relax and enjoy a drink while observing the racing action below.

After the thrill of the racetrack, there is live music played by a different band every night. Definitely a day’s entertainment not to be missed



Like any other European nation, Ireland has a complete spectrum of shops and stores, from corner stalls to the multi-national department stores. Ireland is probably most famous for its crystal, such as Waterford, Galway, Dublin, Tipperary and Kinsale. Craftsmen, using skills handed down from generation to generation, produce arguably the most beautiful and famous pieces of glasswork in the world.

Aran sweaters, Irish Tweed and Irish Linen also spring to mind when considering shopping in Ireland. Huge ranges of the best quality clothing, pottery and souvenirs can be found throughout Ireland.


Typical winter weather in Ireland is clouds and rain with the occasional sunny spell. The mountains may have snow on them for many weeks in winter, but falls on the lower ground on only a few days a year, and is generally not a feature of the Irish climate. Temperatures hover around a January average of 5ºC. Overnight temperatures often drop below freezing point, and ice and frosts are common. Each winter there are a few weeks when the temperature does not rise above freezing point all day, and rivers and lakes can partially freeze over.


The currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro (ISO currency code EUR). There are 7 euro notes. In different colours and sizes they are denominated in 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euros. The notes are uniform throughout the euro area; unlike coins, they have no national side. The designs are symbolic for Europe’s architectural heritage. They do not represent any existing monuments.

There are 8 euro coins denominated in 2 and 1 euros, then 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Every euro coin carries a common European face. On the reverse, each Member State has their own motif. In the case of Irish coins they have a harp, the date and the word “eire” – i.e. word for Ireland in the Irish language.


You must have a passport to travel to Ireland. If your passport will be within six months of expiring when you travel to Ireland, renew your passport before you go to avoid hassle at the border