The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland

There's something for everyone in Ireland. The Emerald Isle's scenery is, well, green, and the activities include golf, hiking and biking tours, taking in the countryside or one of the many festivals held annually in the small villages and towns. Economic success over the past few years has not dimmed the traditional way of life, and the Irish hold on to their cultural heritage with an ease that permeates everything from the road signs to the ever-present music and pub culture. And let's not forget the Island is populated by the friendliest people in the world!

• The capital of the Republic of Ireland is Dublin. The capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast.
• 20% of North Americans can trace their ancestory to Ireland. Want to check out your geneology? Visit http://www.nli.ie/
• Visit on the cheap - competitive airfares, bed and breakfasts, trains, ferries and self drives!
• From North America, fly into either Dublin or Shannon for Ireland or Belfast for Northern Ireland.
• St. Patrick's "Day" lasts a week in Ireland and their's no shortage of festivals at other times like the Puck Festival or the Rose of Tralee Festival!
• Fishing in Ireland is hard to beat and a favorite outdoor sport of many travelers.
• About 25% of all the world's golf courses are in Ireland.
• Self-drive vacations are easy...but remember to drive on the left and watchout for round-abouts and, in the rural areas, sheep!
• If either hiking or biking is a favorite pastime, Ireland boasts hundreds of miles of great countryside and spectacular coastline.