Other Options 
including Shopping
Dublin is a shopper's paradise with countless shops of all shapes and sizes - music stores, technology shops, boutiques, book shops, and many other
outlets. Dublin has a range of shopping centres all equipped with all the luxuries that make your heart bend. The prominent shopping centres include the Ilac centre, Jervis Centre, and the Powerscourt Centre to name just three.. Much of Irish history happened on these streets - you will see the General Post Office where the famous 1916 Rebellion
took place. Stroll through the grounds of the magnificent Trinity College. With many historical monuments and buildings, you will find much to remind you of Ireland's past, and how closely rooted Irish people are to their history.
Cork City
Cork City is Ireland's third city (after Dublin and Belfast) and hasalways been an important seaport. It began on an island in the swampy estuary of the River Lee (the name Corcaigh means a marsh), and gradually climbed up the steep banks on either side.
Today the river flows through Cork city in two main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges.
Some of the main streets are built over channels where ships nuzzled their anchor-chains a century ago. Along the South Mall, you will see large gateways at street level, under steps leading to a higher main door. These were once boathouses, when merchants arrived at their warehouses by water.
As the hilly streets go up and down, so do the voices of the citizens. They have a characteristic sing-song cadence, beloved of national comedians, and Corkonians are regarded as the most talkative of all the Irish.
St. Finbarr is the founder and patron saint. He founded a monastery in the seventh century where St. Finn Barre's Cathedral now stands, and it grew into an extensive and wealthy establishment. It attracted the attention of the Viking sea-pirates who raided and burned the infant city, but returned in later years to settle and trade. The Anglo-Norman invasion in 1172 resulted in both the Danish lords and local McCarthy chiefs having to submit to Henry II, but Cork has always had a reputation for independence and stubborn resistance: it came to be known as "Rebel Cork".
Blarney Castle
One of the finest things that impresses the first time visitor is the well preserved village square. Blarney is one of the few villages in Ireland which has such a fine amenity, and today it continues to be a focal point of village life. In Tudor style, the village has developed around the square which is owned and carefully maintained by Blarney Castle Estate. The population of Blarney is small, approximately 2,000 and the people are friendly and welcoming towards the visitor.
Some great sights to visit include the legendary Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. For many of the visitors to Blarney, their first priority is to kiss the famous Blarney Stone high up on the Castle battlements. Tradition holds that those who kiss the Blarney Stone will be endowed with the gift of eloquence - "the gift of the gab", as the locals call it.
"There is a stone that whoever kisses never misses to grow eloquent, he may clamber to a lady's chamber or become a member of parliament".
Westport
Lying at the western end of the East - West railway line, Westport is an easy town to access. It is a busy coastal holiday resort that has retained its essential charm. You have the urban feel of Westport, one of Ireland's leading towns. Shopping is excellent in Westport with a wide range of shops, including craft shops ideal for gift-buying. You simply won't be bored in Westport.
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top Visitor attractions.
The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8
kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of
County Clare. O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of the
majestic Cliffs. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands,
Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains
in Connemara and Loop Head to the South. The Cliffs of Moher
take their name from a ruined promontory fort "Mothar" which
was demolished during the Napoleonic wars to make room for a
signal tower.
Tour of Connemara
"Connemara is a savage beauty", Oscar Wilde
From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north
through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches
reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean, you'll know you're in
Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood
and tone of the landscape.
Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of
Ireland. This natural terrain and unspoilt environment
offers the visitor a wonderland of sights, experiences, adventure and activities. The people are
warm, friendly and extend a hospitality which is the essence of Ireland.
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