Wicklow Mountains, the greenest county of Ireland, is known as "The Garden of Ireland" and only 1 hour drive from Dublin. Wicklow is a land with a stunning variety of lanscapes - colourful mountains ranges to sandy beaches and spectacular valleys.

Kilkenny, situated on the River Nore, is a large town with a maze of narrow streets and also houses an impressive castle.

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most dramatic sites. The rocky stronghold was a symbol of royal and priestly power for more than a millenium.
On a flat farmland outside Cashel lie the remains of Hore Abbey, a 13^th century roofless, but still impressive complex.

Cork, the European Capital of Culture for 2005, is often referred to as "Ireland's Second City". It is situated on the River Lee, which splits into a series of attractive channels, quays and bridges on the western side. Cork is a bustling, modern city with a varied and lively nightlife, a thriving university, as well as plenty of historic sites and places of interest.

On the map, it might look boring driving around the coast and the southwestern peninsulas but I have to warn you, it's quite addictive - seeing what's around the next corner. Mizen Head is the most southerly point of the Irish mainland and features superb views of the sea and rock formations from the famous suspension bridge.

Killarney is perhaps Ireland's most popular tourist town and serves as a hub for the famous Ring of Kerry. Killarney is also surrounded by the 25,000 acres Killarney National Park, offering visitors different walking routes for every day of the year.

Regarded as one of the most spectacularly beautiful parts of Ireland, no trip to Kerry can be completed without a tour of the famous Ring of Kerry. The Ring of Kerry is a 179km road circuit around the Iveragh Peninsula.
The Skellig Ring, much quieter and less popular than the Ring of Kerry, is a scenic route that links Waterville with Portmagee via Ballinskelligs.

The Dingle Peninsula is known for its rugged beauty. Majestic rolling mountains, sparkling lakes, haunting woodlands and golden sandy beaches can be enjoyed in this most westerly coast of Europe. Dingle Peninsula offers everything for an unforgettable holiday: culture, history, activities and pastimes for everyone.

The city of Limerick is one of the largest in Ireland and is the principal town of the county. Hard times clung to Limerick for the decades, but the city has revived in recent times and is now a place to savour.

Bunratty Castle, positioned at the River Shannon, is one of the finest surviving examples of an Irish Tower House. Adjacent lies Bunratty Folk Park, a living construction of the homes and environment of Ireland over a century ago.

The Cliffs of Moher, standing 8km long and rising to a height of 200m, are even breath-taking when shrouded in mist or buffeted by Atlantic gales.

The Burren is derived from the Irish word "Boireann", meaning rocky land. The area is the most extensive limestone region in Ireland or Britain.
Kilfenora lies in the southern fringe of the Burren and is famous for its High Crosses, of which there are several in the graveyard.

Although Galway offers little in term of sightseeing, people do fall in love with the city. It's the atmosphere, panache and the entertainments opportunities that offers Galway.

On the way from Galway to Drogheda we vistited Athlone, Mullingar, Kells, Slane Castle and Newgrange.

Built in around 3200 BC, Newgrange is one of the most important passage graves in Europe.

Drogheda is an historic town on the River Boyne, famous for the imposing Gothic-style St. Peter's Church in the town center. Once fortified, , Drogheda still retains one of its ancient city portals, St. Laurence's Gate.

Ireland's Capital Dublin, standing for more than thousand years on the banks of the River Liffey, is one of Europe's top cultural cities. It is lively and vibrant, its streets combine the old-world charm of a village with the bustling cosmopolitan flavour of a big city. Dublin has a wealth of attractions, most within walking distance of each other.
Dublin envelopes every visitor in a welcoming embrace which leaves a long lasting afterglow.

On Monday, July 4, we left the Emerald Isle, but with a certainty of coming back again :-)