Lonely Planet Ireland (Travel Guide)

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Another looped road trip from the south of Ireland makes it onto this list, and it is quite literally a stone's throw away from the Ring of Kerry – just one peninsula over. Improved planning tools for family travellers- where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kids Ireland is in holiday mode. Seaside towns and tourist centers are at their busiest as the country looks to make the most of its time off. Planning tip: General admission is free and free tours can be booked in advance. There is an audio tour and several self-guided tours aimed specifically at families with children. 9. Travel to the suburbs to see the National Botanic Gardens

Trails can sometimes be hard to follow on the more difficult routes, so do your research before attempting any trail. There are official and detailed regional maps called Ordnance Survey Maps. Although there’s not as many seaweed baths as there used to be, you can still soak your weary bones in a few traditional ones around the west coast of Ireland. One such place is Kilcullen’s Seaweed Baths, located in the pretty seaside town of Enniscrone. Owned by the Kilcullen Family for more than 100 years, the spa is housed in a beautiful Edwardian building with large porcelain baths with solid brass taps and paneled wooden shower cisterns that give it that old-school charm.Detour: While you’re already on the road, you should add one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes – “the Conor Pass” – to your list. Located just outside of Dingle town, it’s a great addition to the Slea Head Drive road trip. 7. The Ring of Beara If the world knows about Inch Strand, then this huge Blue Flag beach about 13km (8 miles) northwest of Tralee is very much a local favorite. On summer weekends – or anytime it’s not raining – folks from Tralee and around make their way here to walk the full length of its 6km (3.7 miles), making it one of Ireland’s biggest beaches. Thanks to the warming waters of the Gulf Stream, a swim here isn’t the mark of madness, especially in those glorious September days when the sea is softened by a long summer, but even if you don’t fancy getting into the water, there are some stunning views from the 10m-high (33ft) dunes – look southwest and take in the glory of Mt Brandon and the Dingle Hills. Pubs doubling as hardware stores, white sandy beaches and lambs you can hold. What more could you ask for from a 46km road trip? Visitors who are deaf or are hard of hearing can avail of hearing induction loops. The National Gallery also hosts tours with listening devices and Irish Sign Language tours.

This former 17th-century hospital – built in the Anglo-Dutch style and inspired by Paris’ Les Invalides – is now the IMMA, home to the country’s foremost modern art gallery. The blend of old and new comes together wonderfully, and you'll find contemporary Irish artists including Louis le Brocquy, Sean Scully, Barry Flanagan, Kathy Prendergast and Dorothy Cross, as well as a film installation by Neil Jordan. The permanent exhibition also features paintings from heavy-hitters Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, and is topped up by regular temporary exhibitions.

Choose 3, 4, 5, or 7 top Dublin attractions and enjoy great savings with Go City. Taste the world-famous Irish drink at Guinness Storehouse, enjoy the sights on Big Bus Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, or discover Dublinʼs oldest building, Christ Church Cathedral - the choice is yours! While we may not have a world-famous reputation for food, we do have some incredible places to eat, and the many restaurants and pubs around the country use fresh, high-quality ingredients. You won’t find better quality dairy anywhere in the world, from melt-in-your-mouth cheese to creamy milk chocolate and butter – best slathered on everything you can. Don’t attempt to haggle, even in local food markets. If you’re eating in, a tip of 10% is standard but not compulsory.