The beauty of Eire

That’s Ireland!

By Lisa Roulston
Courier Staff

During 600-150 B.C. Celtic tribes arrived on the island of Ireland , and in the 12th century the English started to invade. This resulted in seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggles, which enforced a rebellion within the land.

The split of Ireland came about in the unsuccessful Easter Rising of 1916 and followed by the War of Independence transformed the political landscape in Ireland. The north of the island became Northern Ireland , which remained apart of the United Kingdom ( England , Scotland and Wales ), and the south was known as the Republic of Ireland . In addition, Ireland is also divided into four provinces – Ulster , Munster , Leinster and Connaugh -and within these four provinces are 32 counties: Northern Ireland consists of six counties and the Republic of Ireland consists of 26 counties.

It is estimated today that over 40 million people in the United States are of Irish decent and not even 1% of the 40 million have traveled to Ireland . Ireland is a magical place, filled with beautiful landscape and the friendliest people you will meet in your lifetime.

Here are six great reasons to visit the Emerald Isle:

1) Stay some where unforgettable.

Fancy staying in a medieval hidden castle? A haunted light house? A thatched cottage or on a rural farm? Ireland has unique and fascinating places to stay. You can get a mixture from top class luxury to a sparkling traditional atmosphere.

2) Anyone for a spa?

If hiking up the side of the mountains is too much like hard work, you can soak up the misty countryside and treat yourself to an exceptional spa experience. Ireland has become an international spa destination. You can experience breath taking scenery at the foothills of the sloping valley in County Wicklow or stay at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in West Cork .

3) Drink in the world's finest traditional and cosmopolitan pubs.

Believe what they say, Ireland is the place to be when you want a drink. The pubs are filled with character. How does traditional music by the fire with a pint of Guinness sound? Or you can try a night out in the city. The streets of Dublin and Belfast are lined with whatever takes your fancy. I would recommend the Stags Head in Dublin and The Crown Liquor Salon in Belfast .

4) Breathtaking scenery.

The beauty of the Irish landscape has inspired countless artists and musicians over the years and it continues to amaze and captivate people today. You could visit the enigmatic landscape of the Giants Causeway or the 100 shades of green on the rolling hills of County Wicklow . The countryside is both powerfully beautiful and romantic.

5) The City Life.

Ireland has many cities which are filled with an overflow of great restaurants, bars and shops. Belfast offers a variety of night life and up market clothing stores. If you're looking for one-of-a kind designer pieces, you could visit the boutiques on Clarendon Street or the Design Centre, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre in Dublin . Cork , the European Capital of Culture of 2005, hosts various artistic events throughout the year.

6) Where did you come from?

Ireland is filled with history and it's the place to be if you are interested in the relics of the past. The World Heritage site at Newgrange is older than the pyramids and attracts over 200,000 visitors per year. Fancy some luck or a kiss? Ireland is famous for its castles including the popular Blarney Castle . It's tradition to kiss the Blarney Stone as it will bless you with luck.

These are only a few of the many sites and attractions that Ireland has to offer. If you want more information about what there is to see and do in Ireland , visit www.tourismireland.com.

You can now fly direct to Ireland from Chicago and New York . For further information visit, www.aerlingus.com and www.aa.com.