Page 11 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

Introducing Ireland 9

Introducing Ireland

With its quaint rural lanes, rolling green hills loughs of Galway and Donegal. Along their
and stunning mountain vistas and seascapes, leisurely way they pass by ancient stone circles
there can be few countries as rewarding for and megalithic tombs, Celtic crosses and round
back-roads driving as Ireland. The winding towers, medieval castles and stately homes. They
lanes of Ireland run through lush pastures to afford ample opportunities to pause for a stroll
the wildflower-studded pavements of the in a pretty town or village and, for refreshment,
Burren and to the basalt columns of the Giant’s a cosy pub is seldom far away. And, should a
Causeway. They weave their way into the glens visitor ever stray too far off the unbeaten path,
of the Antrim Coast, along the wild peninsulas there are always friendly folk around who are
of Cork and Connemara and around the calm more than happy to help with directions.

When to Go Climate Public Holidays
The Gulf Stream ensures that Ireland Summer temperatures usually
enjoys a moderate climate all year range from 15–20°C (60–68°F), with New Year’s Day (1 Jan)
round. However, summer not only spring and autumn temperatures St Patrick’s Day (17 Mar)
has the warmest temperatures but around 10°C (50°F). Winters generally Good Friday
also the longest days. With sunset as average 5–8°C (41–46°F), although Easter Monday
late as 11pm in midsummer, it’s easy rain and wind can make it feel colder. May Bank Holiday (1st Mon May)
to pack in a lot more sightseeing and It rarely snows, but expect rain at any Spring Bank Holiday (last Mon
activities, from walking and cycling time throughout the year. Ireland’s May, Northern Ireland; 1st Mon
to boating and golf. If the goal of the “soft” rain is often interspersed with Jun, Republic of Ireland)
trip is to take in the most popular sunshine, so dress in layers and be July Bank Holiday (12 July,
attractions and beauty spots, prepared for sudden changes. Northern Ireland only)
however, there will be fewer crowds August Bank Holiday (1st Mon
and yet still pleasant weather in both Festivals Aug, Republic of Ireland; last Mon
spring and autumn. Bargain-hunters St Patrick’s Day (17 Mar) is celebrated Aug, Northern Ireland)
will find the best deals on hotel and most enthusiastically in Dublin, but October Bank Holiday (last Mon
car hire rates in winter. many fairs and festivals, from local Oct, Republic of Ireland only)
However, there’s more than the food and livestock events to ancient Christmas Day (25 Dec)
weather to consider in deciding festivities, to music, theatre and arts St Stephen’s Day (26 Dec,
when to visit. Incorporating a music events, are held throughout the Republic of Ireland)
festival, a sporting event or a local country all year round. Full details of Boxing Day (26 Dec, Northern
celebration can turn out to be the main festivals, where they are held Ireland)
making of a trip to Ireland. and when, are supplied in each drive.
Times to Avoid
The busiest time to visit is during the
summer school holidays (late Jun–
early Sep). Prices will be highest,
traffic heaviest and queues longest.
Dublin hotels quickly fill up during
conventions and events, so check,
and book, well ahead. Night falls as
early as 4pm in winter, and many
attractions have restricted opening
times or may close entirely. Rural and
smaller seaside resort hotels and
restaurants often close completely
from November until Easter.
Left A country road in Co Cork, flanked by dry-
stone walls Right A stall in the market square of
Macroom, Co Cork, with its Norman gateway

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