Page 54 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Great Places to Stay in Europe

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G Gr y p
5 4 IREL A N D

IRELAND
ISITING IRELAND is not just of life may be a well-worn
about historic sights, cliché, but as anyone who
V dramatic scenery, has visited the Emerald Isle
immersing yourself in great will tell you, it is very
literary and musical tradi- much the point of Ireland.
tions, or indulging in a pint An informal atmosphere and
or two of the Black Stuff personal attention prevail in
(see under Food and the plentiful guest-houses,
Drink). It’s also about farmhouses and small hotels
meeting the Irish people dotted around Ireland, from
on their own turf. Their traditional cottages in the West, to
friendly welcome and easy-going way Georgian townhouses in Dublin.
some top-notch hotels; from
U2’s post-modern Clarence
Hotel to the splendidly old-
world Shelbourne (both
page 61) and some beautiful
Georgian townhouses with
every facility and comfort.
You’ll pay a premium for the
privilege of staying here, but
it’s worthwhile.
The Southeast
Nestled amid the beautiful
Wicklow Mountains are two
of Ireland’s most memorable
sights: the atmospheric ruined
monastic settlement of
Glendalough, and the gardens
of Powerscourt. Counties
Ashford Castle and Country Estate, page 60, has a stunning location Wexford and Kilkenny are
also known for their medieval
IRELAND REGION are to be found here, monastic settlements and the
BY REGION particularly in Counties Sligo, attractive historic towns of
Mayo and Galway and the Waterford (world-famous for
RELAND divides approxim- Connemara region. The lively its glass) and Kilkenny.
Iately into six regions. city of Galway is a delight, as
are the timeless Aran Islands. The Southwest
Northern Ireland County Clare boasts the The Dingle Peninsula is the
In recent years ‘The Troubles’ awesome Cliffs of Moher and greenest part of the Emerald
have all but extinguished the the extraordinary limestone Isle and is rich in ancient
Northern Irish overseas tourist landscape of the Burren. Part sites. Nearby, the equally
economy. In reality, however, of ‘the South’ in name only, breathtaking landscapes of
you are far safer here than in dramatic windswept County the Ring of Kerry attract
many other destinations. Donegal is in fact Ireland’s coach parties by the score.
The countryside is striking: northernmost point. County Cork is the home of
the lunar landscape of the the Blarney Stone and the
legendary Giant’s Causeway, The Midlands enjoyable little town of Cork.
the nine green Glens of Antrim The least-known and visited
and the romantic Mountains part of the country comprises HIGHLIGHTS
of Mourne are the area’s large tracts of farmland and
three highlights. bogland, small county towns OTELS ILLUSTRATED on these
Northern Ireland’s three and a number of historic sites. H introductory pages are by
principal cities, Belfast, Perhaps chief of these is no means the only highlights.
Londonderry and Armagh Clonmacnoise, which can Other favourites include the
(‘the spiritual capital of claim to be Ireland’s most idyllically secluded St Ernan’s
Ireland’), pack in a wealth of important monastic remains. House Hotel in Donegal Bay
ancient and recent history. (page 60); the charming,
Dublin waterfront Narrows in
The Northwest and West Booming and bustling on a Portaferry (page 64); and
The classic West of Ireland tide of high technology and Dublin’s sleek Fitzwilliam
verdant valleys and hillscapes tourism, the capital city has Hotel (page 61).