Ireland: Things to See and Do

Ireland, sometimes known as the "Emerald Isle" because of its scenery, is the third largest island in Europe, and the twentieth largest island in the world. It lies to the northwest of Continental Europe and is surrounded by hundreds of islands and islets.

Ireland is also called "The Land of Myth and Legends." According to Wikipedia, for an island of relatively small population, Ireland has made a disproportionately large contribution to world literature in all its branches, mainly in English. Poetry in Irish represents the oldest vernacular poetry in Europe with the earliest examples dating from the 6th century; Jonathan Swift, still often called the foremost satirist in the English language, was wildly popular in his day (Gulliver's Travels, A Modest Proposal etc.) and remains so in modern times amongst both children and adults. In more recent times, Ireland has produced four winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature: George Bernard Shaw, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney.

Dublin, meaning "Town of the Hurdled Ford," is the largest city in Ireland and the capital of the Republic of Ireland. It is located near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the centre of the Dublin Region. In a 2003 European-wide survey by the BBC, questioning 11,200 residents of 112 urban and rural areas, Dublin was the best capital city in Europe to live in, and Ireland the most content country in Europe.

I would love it if I would get the chance to go to Ireland. Here are some of the popular things to see and do in Ireland:

Dublin attractions:

Guiness Storehouse - In the heart of the Guinness factory complex this excellent visitor centre tells the dramatic story of the 250 year history of Guinness. A complimentary drink in the highest bar in Ireland, the Gravity bar is part of your visit here.

Kilmainham Gaol - Europe's largest disused and Ireland's most famous prison. The leaders of the 1916 Rebellion were executed here by the English.

Dublin Castle - The centre of English oppression and misrule in Ireland for 700 years. See the Old Walls of Dublin, State Apartments, and the treasury.











For the best deals in hotel accommodations in Dublin, check out Dublin hotels.


---
Cardiff attractions:

Cardiff Castle - Cardiff Castle is an impressively gaudy affair with its flamboyant Victorian clock tower and extraordinarily ornate gilded interiors.

Millennium Stadium - The Millennium Stadium is now recognised as the best rugby stadium in the world and has already hosted world class events.

Llandaff Cathedral - Llandaff Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Llandaff (of the Church in Wales), situated in the suburb of Llandaff in the city of Cardiff, the capital of Wales.










For the best deals in hotel accommodations in Cardiff, check out Cardiff hotels.


---
Newcastle attractions:

St James Park - Home of the Newcastle United Football Club. A must visit for all fans, and for those who are interested in football in general.

The Quayside - The entire area of the old docks has been regenerated as a cultural and arts centre, with galleries (including the majestic Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art) and art sculptures dotting the area to attract the creatively-inclined.

Bridges - Tyne Bridge: In a city known for its bridges, this was once the largest single span bridge in the world. Now a symbol of Tyneside, it is still the newest and largest of the 7 bridges in Newcastle, and is a popular visitor’s spot. The High Bridge: obviously the highest bridge in Newcastle, this is also the first to combine a railway and a road, albeit on different levels. Gateshead Millennium Bridge: yet another Millennium Bridge, this particular model is famed for its association with the artsy area of Quayside, and the fact that it turns, rather than lifts, when a ship wants to pass.




For the best deals in hotel accommodations in Newcastle, check out Newcastle hotels.



---
Leeds attractions:

Royal Armouries Museum - A branch of the Tower of London Royal Armouries, this is housed in a new building along the waterfront. Contains an exhibit of medieval armour and weapons displaying the way of life among nobles and notables of the period.

Temple Newsam - Originally built in the Tudor period, and significantly remodelled later, this old house was the birthplace of Lord Darnley, the murdered husband of Mary Queen of Scots. Features a Home Farm with many rare farm animals.

Thackray Medical Museum - Exhibits of medical and surgical techniques from the 19th Century up to today.






For the best deals in hotel accommodations in Leeds, check out Leeds hotels.




Where is the best place to stay while in Ireland, you ask? For cheap hotels in London, Europe or the rest of the world – you can have discounted rates at budget and luxury accommodation that are cheaper than hotels, at http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk, guaranteed! ^_^