Online Information for Backpackers about IRELAND!

There are plenty of reasons to visit Ireland... both North and South. When you aren't supping the Guinness, or even whilst doing so, you can soak up Irish culture and enjoy the scenery and hear some amazing stories.

The recent popularity of Dublin is no secret and receives hoards of revellers throughout the year. Despite this, the city's charm has not been lost. You will never find a shortage of pubs, bars and clubs to

explore. During the day, check out the cosmopolitan shopping scene and don't leave without taking a trip to Cow's Lane Market on Saturday.

Few cities can have changed more in the past 20 years than Belfast. From the troubles of the 1980s, Belfast has now become a popular destination for a city break. This rejuvenated town is now seen as the hip place to be with its array of chic restaurants and upmarket clothes stores.

Ireland has some incredible natural features. One worth seeing is Lough Neagh. This is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles at roughly 30km long by 15km wide. There is a terrific legend behind this picturesque spot and so don't forget to ask the locals to tell you the story when you visit. They will surely revel in the opportunity!

Ireland really is the place for amazing sights, people and stories on a truly epic scale.

PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED

Northern Ireland: Belfast • Armagh • Causeway Coastal Route • Giant’s Causeway • Roe Valley • Londonderry • Huntington Castle • Marble Arch Caves • Cuilcagh Mountains

Southern Ireland: Dublin • Cork City • Blarney Castle • Galway • Knockmealdown Mountains • Waterford • Wexford • Glendalough • Devil’s Glen • Oldcastle • Tipperary

Visit www.surfing-tours.com Providing package tours holidays around Ireland. Transport, accom, surf lessons all included

Whale Watching in County Cork:

Ireland boasts and nurtures a diverse range of marine wildlife. Whale watching is an increasingly popular pastime, particularly in the waters off the stunning coastline of County Cork.

Cork was the last stopping place of the ill-fated superliner Titanic, but don’t let that put you off exploring its waters. Fin whales, humpbacks and sei whales can be seen frequently from June to January. Blue whales, sperm whales and killer whales are also known to put in an appearance in the clear waters,

making Cork one of the best whale watching sites in Europe. Common dolphins and harbour porpoises are seen all year round. You might even be lucky enough to see some of the friendlier bottle-nosed dolphins as well.

Best of all, the funds from most tours go to help protect these amazing animals. So you can do your bit for the environment even as you enjoy the craic.

by Cat Hackforth

Ireland's Music Legend - U2:

Although Dublin’s music press keep Bono down to size as his political profile grows ever more global, U2 are the city’s favorite musical sons and are identified with several local sights. Windmill Lane studios just off City Quay on the south side of the Liffey are where the first three albums were recorded. There’s a massively graffitied wall where fans across the globe have offered their devotions. The band still records near there, and the nearby Docker’s pub sees plenty of band sightings.

Bono’s house near Killiney is a Dart ride south of the city and is NOT a tourist site - although the infamous gates outside are, apparently; featuring artwork, poetry, ancient Greek scrawlings and tributes to the irrepressible frontman’s mum. A safer way to pay homage to his family might be to dine at Nude, a cafe on West Grafton Street, owned and run by Norman Hewson, Bono’s brother.

by PDR Reid

The Changing Face of Belfast:

Few cities can have changed more in the past 20 years than Belfast. From the troubles of the 1980s Belfast has now become a popular destination for a city break. There are now direct budget airline flights linking Belfast not just from most UK cities but also with European destinations like Paris, Nice, Amsterdam, Berlin, Geneva, Rome and Malaga.

If you have more than a weekend to spend it is also now possible to join an all Ireland tour in Belfast. The 6-day Wild Rover Tour from Celtic Connection tours. www.celticconnectiontours.com departs from Belfast every Saturday and covers the Giant’s Causeway, Donegal, Conemara, Galway, The Cliffs of Moher and of course Dublin.

The tour, priced at just £99 guarantees a maximum group size of 15 and stays mostly in smaller Irish towns, which gives you a taste of the real Ireland. It is also the only backpacker tour of Ireland that uses a kitty system which means that nearly all your food is covered. So, all you have to worry about is how much Guinness you are going to drink!

See www.celticconnections.com for further details.