Dublin The Fair City

The Republic's capital city, Dublin, lies at the heart of a region that enchants the visitor with a selection of fascinating historical monuments, beautiful natural scenery, thrilling sporting events, and unspoiled lakes, rivers and stretches of coastline.

Dublin is usually the first port of call for visitors and this energetic, youthful city pulsates with a compelling mix of history, culture, hip bars and pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and some of the country's most sophisticated restaurants. Cosmopolitan and diverse, Dublin is now one of Europe's top urban hotspots.

For further information on Dublin, please visit http://www.visitdublin.com

Galway

Galway City is one of the most chilled out spots in Western Europe. Despite being a city, it feels like a big town in County Galway with its easy attitude and cool bohemian vibe.

Known as the City of the Tribes, after the 14 affluent tribes who ruled during the middle ages, this thriving city is the most westerly in Ireland and enjoys a strong artistic heritage and a flourishing arts, music, theatre and film scene.

Summer in Galway is a never-ending stream of excellent festivals and eating, drinking and entertainment all taking place outdoors in the balmy air of this warm-hearted city.

Enjoy the atmospheric pubs in this West of Ireland city, the beautiful location at the edge of Galway Bay, the pretty medieval streets and the lively weekend markets with a city break you'll never forget

Please visit http://www.discoverireland.ie/west.aspx for more information

Connemara

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.

The beautiful spring flowers, buds on the trees, newborn lambs dancing on the hills and the call of the cuckoo all make Spring time a very special and magical time in Connemara. This is an ideal time to take a break as the countryside is totally renewed. On mellow Autumn days, one can enjoy the Connemara countryside, now clothed in different colours with each passing day. In the evening enjoy lovely warm turf fires after a day spent walking, cycling, painting, shooting, fishing or golfing.

Please visit www.connemara.ie for more information.

Dingle Peninsula

Peace and tranquility are synonymous with the Dingle Peninsula. Life moves at an unhurried pace, but the local people are quick to offer you the opportunity to share their unique culture and heritage.

An Daingean (Dingle), a beautiful and charming fishing port, is the most westerly town in Europe and a most memorable destination. Gaily painted houses and busy streets lead you to the harbour, where you can meet Fungi, a playful bottle-nosed dolphin who cavorts for the enjoyment of everyone.

The Dingle Peninsula has the greatest concentration of archaeological sites in Ireland. Step back in time as you visit such treasures as the Kilmalkedar Church, the Dún an Óir Fort or Fort of Gold, and the Gallarus Oratory. Shaped like and up turned boat, the Oratory is the most perfectly preserved example of early Irish architecture. The Fahan Group is a community of clocháns or beehive huts, souterrains, standing and inscribed stones, sculptured crosses, and earthen ring-forts. The beehive huts owe their name to the 5,000 year-old method of construction in which the dry stonewalls curve gradually inward.

Co. Kildare

Famed internationally for being Ireland's horse country, Kildare is much more than just a centre for all things equine.

The county may be home to the National Stud, Punchestown Racecourse and The Curragh, but this beautifully rural spot also has excellent angling and golfing facilities as well as a wonderful selection of opulent country house hotels.

Predominantly rural, Kildare is a beautifully quiet and understated county, with tranquil expanses of green, rich peatlands, misty forests and pretty waterways. And dotted amongst this soft rural idyll are truly beautiful sights, such as the Japanese Gardens at the National Stud, Larchill Arcadian Gardens and the majestic Russborough House.

All this, and you're only 25 miles from the city centre of Dublin!

If you wish to know more about Co. Kildare then please visit www.kildare.ie or www.discoverireland.ie