Added: 03/15/2006 |
City Breaks in Ireland - Face to face with the Cultural Heart of EuropeThe cultural and spiritual heart of Europe and the country that has managed to preserve its unique national character over the centuries, Ireland opens its door to everyone eager to discover the Irish charm and beauty. Here in the atmosphere of the old pubs you'll experience the spirit of a tradition, where songs and dances dominate the evening. Alternatively, you may sail through the Pater-Noster Lakes, ramble over the hills of Glemalure, or simply take in the spectacular view from your hotel room.
All this and more will be offered to you during city breaks in Ireland as the best way to learn more about the country's cultural heritage. Available are a wide range of accommodations, ranging from two-star to five-star Irish hotels in some of the best locations across the country.
For the vast majority of visitors city breaks in Ireland are associated with its capital city Dublin, rating with big European cities in terms of tourist attractions. It is here that you'll find lively clubs and bars, excellent restaurants, an array of department stores and shops and even a larger selection of art galleries and museums with the rich history to get acquainted with. The most widely attractions include the National Gallery of Ireland, the National Museum of Ireland, Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo, Christ Church Cathedral and much more.
In addition to Dublin with its plentiful cultural and entertainment opportunities, Ireland's attractions can be found in its other cities and counties, namely Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Waterford, Wexford and more.
One of the greatest destinations during city breaks in Ireland, Cork is recognized as the second largest city of the country and the largest city of the province of Munster. The major part of the city center is formed by an island in the River Lee, flowing through the city. Cork is also regarded as the major Irish seaport, with docks and quays located along the waterway of the river on the East side of the city. Among the most popular places of interest are two cathedrals - St. Finbarre's Cathedral and St. Mary's Cathedral, the modern Cork Opera House, Elizabeth Fort, Shandon Church, Cork Vision Center, Lewis Gluckman Gallery and more. The city boasts great architecture, capable of rivaling that of Belfast and Dublin.
The capital of County Galway and the only city in the province of Connacht, Galway city -- often referred to as the Bilingual Capital of Ireland -- makes itself conspicuous among the Irish city due to the strength of its Irish music, language, dancing and song traditions. It is home to the largest surviving medieval church in the country - the Church of Ireland St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, established in 1320 and expanded in the following several centuries. Much more imposing and larger is the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, consecrated in 1965. Nearby is the original building of National University of Ireland, erected in 1849, and along with Belfast and Cork was one of the constituent colleges of the "Queen's University of Ireland".
Among the events worth a visit during city breaks in Ireland are the Cuirt International Festival of Literature, the Galway Early Music Festival, the Galway Arts Festival, Galway Races, the Baboro Galway International Arts Festival for Children, Galway International Oyster Festival and more.
See what you're missing? And this time you thought Ireland was just about four-leaf clovers!
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