Ireland is an island in north-western Europe which has been divided politically since 1920. The Republic of Ireland (Irish: Éire or Poblacht na hÉireann) is a nation state of Western Europe. It constitutes the main portion of (the island of) Ireland, and is bounded to the northeast by Northern Ireland (Irish: Tuaisceart Éireann) which is part of the United Kingdom.
Ireland is an exotic tourist spot. It is popularly known for the myths, magical incidents and legendary stories associated with it. Numerous tourists from all round the world are wowed by its natural beauty and charm. The wonderful Ireland cities with a horde of interesting activities for young as well as the old and the scenic splendor with which the country is blessed have always been inviting people from all round the world. Finding Ireland Hotels is easy and reservation is widely available online.
Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath) – the capital and the country’s largest city. Offers excellent pubs, fine architecture and good shopping and great Dublin Hotels. Dublin is a very popular tourist destination and is the fourth most visited European capital.
Cork (Corcaigh) – second largest city in the Republic of Ireland – located on the banks of the River Lee. Founded c.600 by St. Finbarre and known for good food, pubs, shopping and festivals. Cork has a thriving cultural scene that was acknowledged internationally when it was named the European Capital of Culture for 2005. Several festivals are held annually in the city giving the visitor an opportunity to experience a wide range of music, theatre and film. Visiting several Cork Hotels are also a good itenerary.
Those who live in Belfast tend to either absolutely love the city or detest it. Although the outsider’s perspective tends to be more forgiving as Belfast was voted the fourth best city in the UK for a city break in the Guardian/Observer travel awards. Needless to say, a visit to Belfast will be rewarded by a glimpse of a unique city that has finally begun to celebrate, rather than fight over, its place as a cultural meeting-point of Britain and Ireland. Belfast is certainly exhibiting an air of determined optimism, with new hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs and shops opening at an incredible rate. It is a city that is proud of its Victorian and Edwardian heritage and efforts to restore historic buildings are proving successful. Tourism is on the increase in Northern Ireland, especially among those seeking a weekend away or short break in Ireland as Belfast can offer a significantly cheaper and more rewarding alternative to the busier, more expensive and more tourist-driven Dublin.
Belfast remains a great place to explore as it is still relatively undiscovered compared to our neighbors in Dublin and is ideal for the tourist that enjoys a city with character yet still has a raw, unspoilt energy. A visit to the capital of Northern Ireland will provide a more stimulating trip as, once you scratch the surface, it is easy to see beyond the ethno-political conflict of years gone by. It is a city which has changed dramatically in a decade due to this peace and prosperity and you will be greeted with warmth from locals who feel a new-found sense of pride in their city. Indeed, the old cliche that you will be welcomed like an old friend by the patrons of Belfast’s many pubs and bars is actually true, as the locals love to find out what draws you to their little part of the world and of course they like the chance to share a little bit of their history with you! Ask any local and they will tell you that a trip to Belfast will mean that you learn far more about the British and Irish psyche than a trip to a cheesy Irish pub in Dublin or on a tourist-swindling tour in London. You can get discounted Belfast Hotels rates by having an advance online reservation.
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