The picture perfect Emerald Isle really has to be seen to be appreciated. A holiday in Ireland is not just about pints of Guinness and fiddle players - although this does add to the atmosphere! There's so much to see starting with the picturesque County Kerry and the cosmopolitan, exciting capital of Dublin. Climb the steep hill at St Anne's Church in Cork to have a go at ringing its eight bells and make sure you visit the rugged landscapes of the Wicklow Gap and take a boat trip to the Aran Islands for breathtaking views.
With budget airlines Ryanair, Flybe and Aer Lingus offering direct flights to Ireland, competition is fierce - and that means you'll be able to score some great bargains! Just shop around before you book any tickets. Dublin Airport is located 10 kilometres north of the capital city.
Buses and trains can be an easy and cost effective way of travelling around the country. Advance bookings can result in huge savings on the country railway network - something to keep in mind if you're travelling on a tight budget. Try to book your tickets at the train station as not all discounted fares are available online.
Renting a car can be a perfect way of seeing the scenic countryside but be aware that car hire in Ireland can be quite expensive. So instead of grabbing a car when you arrive at the airport, compare prices on dealchecker and book in advance to get some cheap deals.
Despite prices going up in recent years it doesn't have to an expensive to have a holiday in Ireland. You can easily find a cheap hotel in Ireland as long as you book well in advance. Just like the UK, the weather is unpredictable so although high season may be in the summer there's no guarantee that you'll get hot weather! Therefore it's worth booking your hotel in Ireland during the low season of the winter months if you want to save some money. The autumn is a brilliant time to appreciate the Irish countryside in all its glory.
If you own a caravan there are many free sites available throughout the country. However they're not well documented on the Internet so your best bet is to enquire at the local council office when you arrive in a town - they'll soon be able to point you in the right direction!
Well known for its beautiful countryside, Ireland can be best appreciated on foot - the best bit is it doesn't have to cost a penny! Pack your walking boots and take in the setting and local charm by spending hours exploring during your holiday in Ireland.
Updated 15th May 2013
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