Sight Seeing
The Irish countryside is well-known for its lovely countryside. There are hundreds of package deals available for touring expeditions, most of which include a car rental and many bed and breakfast choices in all parts of the country. As you travel through the land, you'll find incredible mountains, bogs, and lakes, as well as small cities, quaint villages and hamlets, and a patchwork of rolling farmland. Additionally, there are hundreds of ancient churches, castles, forts, stone circles, and other historical landmarks of interest.
If you're a culture buff, consider a visit to Kilkenny Castle, on the picturesque Nore River, or Derry, the only walled city in Ireland whose ramparts remain intact. Natural beauties not to be missed include the Connemara region, with its wild barrens, misty mountains, stunning lakes, and amazing views of the ocean, complete with rocky islands and silver-white beaches, and the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, entirely vertical sea-cliffs that face the western sea, offering astonishing sunset views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay.
The Weather
Ireland is renowned (and rightly so) for its wet weather, but that same extensive rain is what makes the land so verdant and lush. The temperatures range anywhere from cool to balmy, regulated by the last warmth the Gulf Stream draws up from the Caribbean across the Atlantic. With all the rain, it's good to keep in mind a favorite local saying: "It never rains in the pub!"
The peak season for travel to the country runs from July through August, which sees the warmest weather and a number of colorful local festivals. Keep in mind that many B & Bs shut down from October to April during the country's wet, cold winter.
Local Culture
It's been said that the Irish people are known to restore one's faith in humanity. The foundations of the country's culture are music and song, and you'll hear it everywhere during your getaway - especially in the pubs, which are often the hearts of local social life. With Roman Catholics making up 90% of the population, spirituality is also a large part of the nation's lifestyle.
This small country has also produced its fair share of world-famous writers and poets, including Y.B. Yeats, James Joyce, and Seamus Heaney. Additionally, Irish cuisine is some of the best comfort food in the world, with items like savory stews and stuffed pancakes often gracing menus.
Bring your raingear and your sense of adventure when you come to Ireland. You and your new husband or wife will be pleasantly surprised by the beautiful sights and lively people of the Emerald Isle as you take your first steps into married life.
