Ireland, land of mystic bards, ancient castles, and stories of ghosts and fairies, is renowned for its breathtakingly dramatic scenery. Its lush green grasslands, wild and rugged coasts, and beautiful island towns have a mystical power to stimulate the imagination. From the majestic beauty of the Giant’s Causeway and the stunning Cliffs of Moher to the wild, windswept bluffs of the Aran Islands, no stop on a visit to Ireland will be dull. Collette Vacations has long been providing trips to this fascinating country.
Collette Vacations offers a wide array of packages designed to make the perfect Irish vacation. From comprehensive multi-day trips such asThe Best of Ireland and Enchanting Ireland, to Collette’s Discover series which explores specific parts of the country, all of Collette’s tours include airfare, accommodations, transfers, some meals, and sightseeing. The included sightseeing also include some expert tours, such as Irish whiskey distillery tours, where tourists can learn about the art of whiskey production in an expert-guided setting.
The tours from Collette also include knowledgeable guides to help ensure that tourists make the most of their visit to Ireland. Their guides are locals who are intimately familiar with the country’s sights and secrets, and can provide answers to any questions that come up during the tour. This local insight can provide insight into the culture, history, and lifestyle of the people living in Ireland, giving tourists a much more comprehensive and rich experience.
The scenery of Ireland is what makes the country so attractive to visitors. From hauntingly beautiful cliffs and golden beaches to rolling green hills and lush countryside, all can be savored and appreciated while on a Collette tour. Better still, Collette offers trips that go far beyond the most popular sights to explore rural and historic areas set far away from the tourist bustle.
No Irish vacation is complete without experiencing some of the country’s renowned hospitality. Collette ensures that all of its tours include plenty of time for traditional meals and a visit to a cozy bar or pub, where locals are always happy to share a glass of whiskey and a conversation. From pub sing-alongs to traditional Irish music and dancing, no trip to Ireland will be dull.
History of Ireland
Ireland’s storied past stretches back millenia, and long before the Celts arrived in the 1st century BC it was inhabited by megalithic peoples who undoubtedly left their mark on the country. Among its wonders are the collections of standing stones and passage tombs in County Sligo and County Louth, many of which are thousands of years old. Even after the Celts arrived, Ireland was frequently under the influence of larger empires such as England, Scotland, and the Viking, with each bringing their own unique culture and history to the island.
The modern history of Ireland is full of hardships. Conflicts and wars with England, the Great Famine, and economic downturns left much of the population impoverished and struggling. However, the resilience and spirit of the Irish people endured, and in recent years, Ireland has seen considerable economic growth and a new era of prosperity.
The history of Ireland is something that can be experienced firsthand during a Collette tour of the country. With expertly guided visits to castles, monasteries, and forts, tourists can learn about the battles, rebellions, and legends of the past that have shaped Ireland into the country that it is today.
Irish Music and Culture
Ireland is both deeply traditional and modernly progressive. Its culture is a model for preserving long-held beliefs and an example of their tireless efforts to stay relevant in an ever-progressing world.
The traditional instrument of Ireland is the Uilleann pipe, a kind of bagpipe that has been used regularly during festive occasions. Uilleann piping has become more and more popular throughout Ireland, often accompanied by Irish dancing, poetry readings, and storytelling.
Irish music, especially the traditional Irish-language ballads called “sean-nós,” has lately experienced a resurgence in popularity. Irish rock and pop music also have seen immense popularity, both in Ireland and abroad, with a wide variety of artists drawing influence from traditional Irish music.
Theatrical performances are very popular in Ireland, from traditional Irish plays to modern interpretations of classic works. Irish humor is renowned the world over, as it can be broadly found in Irish literature, song, and film. No trip to Ireland would be complete without a visit to an Irish play or movie.
Sports in Ireland
Sports are an essential part of Irish culture and have been for centuries. Gaelic Football and Hurling are two of the most popular sports in Ireland, and both are played in traditional teams with centuries of history. They are usually considered family sports, with some teams having dozens of generations of players in their histories.
Rugby Union is also a very popular sport in Ireland, with the Irish team having a good reputation in international competitions. Rugby is more popular palying in the provinces than in the south, home of the Irish capital Dublin.
Golf courses are also abundant in Ireland, upon which visitors to Ireland can enjoy and experience the country’s stunning landscapes. From the rocky coast of County Donegal to the lush green meadows of County Meath, golfers can find a course that fits their needs.
Sports, both traditional and modern, are an essential part of any Collette trip to Ireland. Guests can explore the local teams and venues, or even take a part in a match, if they want.
Ireland’s Natural Beauty
It’s impossible to discuss Ireland without mentioning its spectacular natural beauty. From sparkling lakes and rugged coastlines to stunning mountains, valleys, and moors, Ireland has a lot to offer for nature-lovers.
The Aran Islands are located off the west coast of Ireland and are one of the country’s most picturesque spots. Wild, windswept cliffs overlook the sea, and the islands are also home to an abundance of bird species, making them appealing to bird-lovers.
The Giant’s Causeway is another famous spot in Ireland, located in County Antrim along the country’s rugged north coast. These unusual basalt columns stand in remarkable formations and were formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity.
Cliffs of Moher are located in County Clare along the south-western coast. At their highest point, the cliffs stand 702 feet above the ocean, making them the highest cliffs in the country. The Cliffs of Moher provide stunning views of the sea and the nearby grasslands.
No Collette tour to Ireland would be complete without a visit to one of the country’s natural wonders. Experiencing the scenic beauty of Ireland firsthand is one of the major highlights that will ensure an unforgettable trip.
Irish Shopping and Dining
Shopping and dining are two activities that tourists to Ireland view as necessities. From cozy pubs nestled in ponds to trendy shoppes in bustling cities, there is something for everyone seeking a taste of Irish culture.
Dublin is renowned for its shopping, with George’s Street Arcade offering an eclectic mix of souvenirs from Ireland’s many historical sites, while Henry Street boasts all major Irish and international department stores. Greek Street and Wicklow Street in the Temple Bar district offer the perfect mix of international boutiques and cafes.
When it comes to dining, Ireland offers a wide variety of traditional dishes as well as international fare. Most of Ireland’s culinary roots are found in the country’s large farming industry, as Ireland produces some of the finest ingredients in the world. Irish chefs combine these ingredients with international techniques to create some truly delicious dishes.
The Collette tours of Ireland also offer an opportunity to sample the famous Irish breakfast in one of Dublin’s classic pubs, or to savor a traditional Irish stew in a country kitchen. No matter what kind of experience tourists are looking for, they can find it on their Collette tour of Ireland.
