Irresistible Ireland

Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, sits on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the Liffey River. The Vikings settled in Dublin from the 841 AD onward, and existing remnants of Viking history infuse the city. During their reign Dublin became the most important town in Ireland as well as a center for western Viking expansion and trade. As the second city of the British Empire in the 18th century, Dublin entered its architectural golden age and is famous for the Georgian architecture of this period. Historic buildings include the thirteenth-century Dublin Castle and imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191. City parks include landscaped St. Stephen’s Green and strollable Phoenix Park. The National Museum of Ireland explores Irish heritage and culture. You’ll find just as much allure in Dublin’s parks and expansive green spaces as you will in the city’s lively quarters—from cycling through the quiet glens of Phoenix Park to meandering amid orchids inside the glasshouses at the National Botanic Gardens.

Ireland’s oldest city enjoys a rich history that includes Viking settlement, the Norman invasion, and periods of economic boom, seen in the Waterford Crystal Factory and its once-heralded title as the Wine Capital of Ireland. A walk through Waterford reveals vestiges of its rich past. The Vikings established Waterford in the late nineteenth century as a walled city, making it their most important stronghold in Ireland after Dublin. In 1169, Waterford was one of the first cities to be conquered by the Normans, and in 1205, King John granted Waterford its first charter, which helped the city develop as a major seaport. The Viking Triangle, a historic area with 1,000-year-old Viking Walls, includes Reginald’s Tower, Ireland’s oldest civic building, the Medieval Museum, and the Bishop’s Palace Museum. Other significant buildings include the remains of Blackfriars Abbey, a Dominican friary established in 1235. Cycling and hiking opportunities are found along Waterford Greenway, beautiful cycling and walking trail along an old railway line, and the Vee Scenic Drive, offering panoramic views of the Knockmealdown Mountains and valleys.

Sitting pretty in southwest Ireland in Cork Harbor, one of the world’s largest natural harbors, Cork enjoys a rich maritime heritage. Founded in the sixth century as a monastic settlement, Cork was expanded by the Vikings and granted a charter in 1185 by Prince John. Also called "the Rebel City" for its support of the Yorkist cause during the Wars of the Roses, there is much to see and do both in and around the city. Cork is recognized for its St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, a nineteenth-century Gothic-style cathedral with stained-glass windows, stone carvings, and tower that offers panoramic views of the city. The English Market, selling its wares since 1788, is one of the oldest and most historically rich covered markets in Europe, offering both local and international delicacies. Cork is your gateway abundant castles, most notably the Blarney Castle, home to the infamous Blarney Stone and the Rock of Cashel, also known as “High Kings of Tipperary” as it was the historical seat where the High Kings of that region were crowned and held court. The High Kings of Tipperary boasts thousand-year-old structures, including a round tower, Romanesque chapel, and Gothic cathedral. Whiskey lovers can also visit the Jameson Midelton Distillery and Museum in nearby Midleton, set on over 15 acres, to see the world’s largest pot still and experience premium whiskey tasting.

A tranquil coastal town in Pembrokeshire, southwest Wales, Fishguard stretches along the north slope of the valley. Set across two parts, the main town is perched on the top of the hill, while Lower Fishguard hugs a small river that flows into an idyllic harbor, where SeaDream drops anchor. Ancient standing stones round the perimeter of Fishguard Parish, forming one of several clusters of Early Medieval standing stones in Wales. Beyond its public gardens of Dyffryn Fernant and Penlan Uchaf, the quaint fishing village is notable for its parish church, seaside cafés, and artisan shops and boutiques along High Street. Fishguard’s Royal Oak House is notable as the site of the signing of France’s surrender after 1797’s Battle of Fishguard, a brief military campaign during which Napoleon’s troops attempted to invade Britain, its story displayed in finely embroidered tapestry.

Holyhead serves as the gateway to Anglesey’s dramatic scenery, historic sites, and sweeping coastal walks. Explore the iconic South Stack Lighthouse perched above towering sea cliffs, wander the tranquil trails of the Anglesey Coastal Path, or visit the ruins of Caer Gybi, a rare Roman fort beside St. Cybi’s Church. The town’s harborfront and nearby viewpoints reveal broad vistas across the Irish Sea, creating a memorable introduction to Wales’ rugged northwest coast.

The islands of Great Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland—and thousands of smaller islands—collectively comprise the dreamy British Isles. Rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and intimate yachting harbors and ports allow a view of island life you haven’t experienced unless you have approached these destinations by yacht. Yachting through the remote Isles of Scilly and castle-dotted, rural Isle of Man transport you to otherworldly locations.

The picturesque seaside town, perched on a beautiful inlet fringed by the Mourne and Cooley Mountains, boasts a charming promenade, sixteenth-century Narrow Water Castle, and scenic golf course, offering a challenging play for linksmen of all skill levels. Stroll the two-mile-long scenic walk around Lough Ree or hike the Mournes with sweeping views of the area’s summits and valleys.

Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, sits on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the Liffey River. The Vikings settled in Dublin from the 841 AD onward, and existing remnants of Viking history infuse the city. During their reign Dublin became the most important town in Ireland as well as a center for western Viking expansion and trade. As the second city of the British Empire in the 18th century, Dublin entered its architectural golden age and is famous for the Georgian architecture of this period. Historic buildings include the thirteenth-century Dublin Castle and imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191. City parks include landscaped St. Stephen’s Green and strollable Phoenix Park. The National Museum of Ireland explores Irish heritage and culture. You’ll find just as much allure in Dublin’s parks and expansive green spaces as you will in the city’s lively quarters—from cycling through the quiet glens of Phoenix Park to meandering amid orchids inside the glasshouses at the National Botanic Gardens.