Ireland

Image via author

Ireland: Exploring the charming and cheerful Emerald Isle

Ireland, with its scenic coastline, welcoming people and pretty scenery, has always been a popular choice for South African travellers.

Ireland

Image via author

While borders are closed and international travel is not possible, why not start planning your trip to the Republic of Ireland now for when borders eventually do open up?

Affectionately known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland’s countryside is perennially covered in lush greenery. This is due to its cool climate, which guarantees ever-green landscapes.

Ireland enjoys the status of an eco-tourism destination because of its unspoiled natural environment. Travellers from far and wide choose to visit this special country because it offers unique experiences.

Pub culture in Ireland

Pubs are the heart of many Irish communities. They serve as popular meeting places for locals to gather and enjoy a meal and a drink. Heart-warming conversation and laughter create a vibrant atmosphere in most local pubs.

The Irish love warm hearty meals, including soups, pies, black pudding, cabbage with bacon, and almost anything that includes potatoes. Their ales and beers are world famous, especially Irish Guinness, which is one of Ireland’s best exports.

Ireland also produces some of the finest whiskey in the world, which visitors can sample in Ireland’s pubs.     

Music and folklore

The Irish are cheerful and charming people. A love of tradition and a sense of humour is innate. Comedy and music festivals regularly take place in many parts of the country.

The locals love music and storytelling. At night the streets teem with people heading for pubs that are filled with the cheerful sounds of laughter and music. You will be hard-pressed to find a pub that is not full of locals and visitors enjoying jokes, storytelling and live music. From Dublin to Galway and from Killarney to Cork, there is never a shortage of live music and other events showcasing Irish talent.

Ireland’s rugged coastline

Lakes in Killarney. Image via author

Ireland is a country that is surrounded by water. The Atlantic Ocean brings fierce storms and erratic weather patterns to the Emerald Isle. The Irish coastline is dramatic but beautiful.

The cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, and the Wild Atlantic Way draw year-round tourists from all corners of the globe. These natural attractions show Ireland’s extreme and unspoiled natural beauty. 

Many tourists follow a circular route, when they travel through Ireland, so they can include these prime tourist attractions.

Getting to Ireland

Ireland is one of the few destinations which does not require a visa of South African nationals who wish to visit for tourism purposes.

South Africans who wish to visit the Republic of Ireland are permitted to visit for a maximum of three months. This in itself, is reason enough to start planning your trip to the Emerald Isle, for when overseas travel is allowed.