Ireland

A rugged little island nestled off the western coast of Great Britain, Ireland is a small country with a complicated past. A place whose history and beauty run very deep. The bucolic emerald landscapes for which the country is so well-known—and loved—touch every corner of the isle, so there’s no such thing as “going the wrong way.” Every road will lead you to scenes that define breathtaking: dramatic cliffs, mysterious geology, picturesque meadowlands, magical mountain ranges, rocky coastlines, and more shades of green than you can imagine. Scenery that lends itself to active exploration by every type of traveler: walking, cycling, riding in a horse-drawn jaunting cart, dancing to traditional Irish music, or even just chatting with locals at a lively pub. From modern energetic cities to the stuff of ancient myths—Celtic and Neolithic tombs, sacred sites, Druid forts, abbeys and medieval monasteries. Yes, there are plenty of stories. And even colorful political murals that tell tales of the island’s storied past. Find a cozy pub full of colorful locals and you will find the warmest of welcomes. And if you’re lucky, the catchy lilt of a traditional Irish folk tune. Céad míle fáilte—a hundred thousand welcomes, indeed.