Ontdek de charme van Zuid-Ierland

About the destination: Cork is Ireland’s second city, but for some people it is the country’s number-one Gaelic city and the real capital of Ireland. Cork is hospitable, cosmopolitan and energetic. The River Lee flows through the city and joins one of the world’s largest natural harbours, and it takes some 29 bridges to connect its most distinctive features together. Cork is an important cultural and artistic hub which has important film, jazz, and poetry festivals such as the Cork Midsummer Festival. Cork was named European Capital of Culture in 2005. South of the River Lee, towering over the rest of the city is St Finbarr 's Cathedral, a lush limestone building equipped with three impressive spires dedicated to the founder and patron of the city. Visit St. Anne’s church in Shandon district for the view from the tower and the 200-year-old bells. Shandon neighbourhood has retained its authenticity and is brimming with narrow streets and colourful shops. St Patrick's Street, a covered canal, is the main artery of the city and is known for the architecture of its buildings. Between St Patrick’s Street and Grand Parade rises The English Market, a covered fruit and vegetable market, recently restored, which has been operating since 1610, although the present building dates from 1786. Rebellious and nationalistic, Cork smells of sea breeze and has managed to retain its authenticity. The oceanic vivacity and a carefree joie de vivre are Cork’s most cherished characteristics.

About the destination: Killarney is a small town of great touristic interest located at the gateway to Killarney National Parklands. This reserve with many lakes and forests is the start of the Ring of Kerry, a circular tourist route perfect to relax amidst nature. Just like the majority of cities of Ireland, Killarney is rich in architectural and historical sights. The city has charming architecture and style reminiscent of the late 19th century. The city’s main monument is St. Mary’s Cathedral, decorated with mosaics and frescos, it is considered to be one of the most important and best Gothic Revival churches of the nineteenth century in Ireland. 5 minutes from Killarney Town Centre, we find the wonderfully restored 15th Century Ross Castle home to the legendary Gaelic Chieftain O’Donoghue Ross. It overlooks the Lower Lake, the 7th century monastery and a 12th century oratory on Innisfallen Island, located in the middle of the lake. Take a short stroll from the castle on Ross Island and visit the site the old copper mine shafts. Or simply stroll around the picturesque town. Discover it’s beautifully maintained and colourful shops. When you need a break there are plenty of tea shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs for a drink, meal or snack. The people of the town are welcoming and friendly, always eager to help and give advice to any visitor. Killarney, with beautiful flower arrangements and freshly painted shop fronts gleaming proudly from every street, is a truly beautiful place simply created for rest and joy.

About the destination: Situated in the heart of Ireland's beautiful Shannon Region, Limerick is Ireland’s third most populated city. Limerick has a long list of attractions and exciting activities for people of all ages and interests. A city of many contrasts, it has managed to successfully blend the modern with the historic. From exploring King John’s Castle in the heart of the city’s medieval district to tracing Frank McCourt’s footsteps on an Angela’s Ashes walking tour, to boat rides there is something for everyone. King John’s Castle is the city’s most iconic landmark. Located on King’s Island in the heart of the Medieval Quarter of Limerick City, the castle offers panoramic views of Limerick city and the surrounding countryside. The visitors centre at the Castle contains an imaginative historical exhibition which tells the story of the Castle. Impressive St. John's Cathedral has the tallest spire in Ireland and is a must when visiting the city. The Cathedral of Saint Mary is Limerick’s oldest building and well worth a visit. The west door is part of the original structure and the stained glass is absolutely beautiful. Make your way into the Limerick City Gallery to find a superb collection of Irish painting. No cultural trawl is complete without visiting the impressive Hunt Museum with its outstanding displays: one of the finest collections of Celtic and medieval treasures outside Dublin, and works from Picasso, Renoir and Henry Moore. Limerick is a great shopping location and boasts a diverse culture and arts scene where there’s always something going on. Whether it’s a Guinness, a Cosmopolitan or a cold beer, you’ll find plenty of stylish bars, cosy pubs and happening nightclubs in Limerick to suit your tastes.

About the destination: Gateway to Connemara, Galway is a charming and lively port city, located on Ireland’s west coast. During the 14th century, the town was an important trading spot under the Anglo -Norman rule. Extensive trade with Spain led to Spanish flavour of certain architectural remains in Galway. Yet, for all its history of international influence, Galway remains more Irish than other cities in the west. Known as the "city of tribes", Galway is full of rich Irish culture and historical significance. The town meanders between river and sea, full of old merchant houses, odd leaded windows above stone doorways, and aged stone walls set off modern storefronts. Eyre Square is very much the town’s focal point, with scattered monuments to patriots and countless interesting passers-through. Shop Street, the main drag, is always alive with street music and performers. Shop Street also takes you past Lynches Castle, an elegant stone mansion dating from the early 16th century. Walk up the banks of the Corrib River towards Salmon Weir Bridge. Stroll back through the narrow streets to the Spanish Arch, the only surviving gateway to the old trading town and a remnant of the days when Spanish trade flourished and sherry was brought in huge merchant carracks through this arch. Today, Galway is a university town that is always bustling with continuous exhibitions and festivals. Crowds chatting on riverside pubs, enjoying live music. That is the true essence of Galway.

About the destination: Dublin has been the setting for many novels and it’s no wonder since its written tradition goes back to 800 A.D. with The Book of Kells, which is now on show at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university. The city is the birthplace for many literary figures such as Joyce, Beckett, Yeats, Shawn and Wilde to name a few. The city’s Georgian elegance blends perfectly with the medieval and modern architecture that gives Dublin its distinctive personality. One can’t deny that Dublin is a cultural city; the UNESCO designated Ireland’s capital as the city of literature in 2010. Culture vultures are also spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and galleries. From the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library to the National Gallery and the cute Little Museum of Dublin containing the lecturn that US president JFK used to address the National Parliament in 1963, there is plenty to absorb. Not forgetting of course the magnificent Dublin Castle dating back to the 13th century. Aside from its glorious riches, the best thing about this city is its people. Dubliners are friendly, warm, surprisingly outgoing and witty, even more so after a couple of pints of Guinness. In its more than 1000 pubs one makes friends easily. It should be mandatory for tourists to spend some time in a pub since it is one of the most memorable experiences of a visit to Ireland. Dublin is as well a young city, it has one of the youngest population in Europe, around half of its inhabitants are believed to be under the age of 25. This fact has made the city vibrant, dynamic, energetic and ambitious. Dublin is overflowing with funky bars, sophisticated restaurants and lively clubs, the epicenter being the buzzing Temple Bar area. Live music is a religion in Ireland and Dublin is its mecca. The city’s live music scene is superb and has given the world a number of global musical superstars from U2 and Westlife to The Script and Sinead O’Connor. Everyone is welcome in this nowadays multicultural city, but beware, Dublin, as its people, is so charismatic and infectious that you may never want to leave.