Ten Foot Square Western Europe

For first time tourists to Ireland, the best way to fully appreciate Ireland is to travel on an escorted motor coach tour – sitting on comfortable seats with a panoramic view of scenic Ireland. Tourists are ensured of the best views without the hassles of maps or getting lost. To top it all, accommodations, meals and sightseeing are organized by the tour operators. A tourist gets a good overview of Ireland.

For adventurous travelers who are not daunted by narrow county roads and prefer to set their own agenda, then renting a car is the best option. The best mode of transportation to explore picturesque Ireland is by car as many interesting sights are not accessible by public transportation. However, car rental is expensive during peak seasons thus it is better to opt for a package deal.

In Ireland, driving is in the left side of the road thus drivers without experience in left-hand driving should be particularly cautious. Tourists driving rented vehicles should pay close attention to the stipulations in their rental contracts. Failure to do so can result in fines or even confiscation of the rented vehicle. Most cars for rent use manual shift. Cars with automatic transmissions are hard to find.

Road conditions in Ireland are generally good but once off the main highways, county roads become narrow and uneven. Roads become dangerous especially during summer and holiday weekends because of traffic buildup.

Speed limit on Irish roads is measured by kilometers per hour. Travelers are advised to inquire about the speed limits from their car rental agents and observe speed limits whenever and wherever they drive.

Use of mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited. Drunk driving is not recommended. In Ireland, the maximum permitted blood alcohol level is lower than that enforced in the United States. Penalties and punishments are significant.

Ireland may not be a big country but getting around by public transportation is not as easy as one might think. Distances may be short but in Ireland getting from one place to another never follows a direct route.

When traveling to Ireland, another option is a bus ride. Buses offer regular commuter services as well as high speed coaches between Dublin and other main cities. However, frequency of bus services leaves a lot to be desired. Plan ahead when traveling by bus especially since round trip tickets are more expensive than one way trips.

Taking the train is yet another great option. Train travel is flexible thus will suit travelers who prefer impromptu journeys. Travelers who wish to go to another city in Ireland that is too far for local transportation can take the train instead.
Ireland is connected with the Eurail system. With a Eurail pass, a traveler can wander freely throughout Europe. For travels limited to Ireland, a traveler can avail of one of the many passes offered by Irish Rail. Rail Runabout offers a pass valid for seven days of unlimited travel in Northern Ireland. Irish Rover allows travel to the Republic and Northern Ireland good for five days. Irish Explorer permits unrestricted travel within the Republic for five days.

Aside from Ireland’s wealth of walking and hiking expeditions, biking is a great way to get around Ireland, albeit hills, poor roads and wet weather. Cycling around Ireland is the perfect way to experience first hand the stunning landscapes, grandeur castles and the Irish hospitality. Bikes can be rented from numerous rent-a-bike dealers throughout the island. Rates vary from 7 Irish punts for a day to 30 Irish punts for a week.

Eating out in Ireland is an epicure’s dream come true. Not surprising, considering Ireland is one of Europe’s top gourmet destinations. Eating well is a tradition here and there is an amazing variety of Irish cuisine on offer catering to discerning taste buds. In fact, one of the great pleasures of vacationing in Ireland is the food. An Irish eating experience is as valuable as a visit to a historic site. Once in Ireland, a gastronomic tour of the country is in order. No matter where you are, you are never far away from a restaurant, a pub or food market tempting you.

On top of the list of any Irish cuisine is the hearty Irish breakfast. This is commonly referred to as “the fry” and is always included in your hotel or bed and breakfast package. This breakfast basically includes a combination of sausages, bacon, eggs, black or white pudding, homemade brown bread served with tea or coffee enough to keep you full for the rest of the day.

Other homegrown Irish foods are the boxty, a traditional potato cake and the ubiquitous Irish stew. Smoked salmon with Irish brown bread is also worth a try. Fish and seafood meals are also standard fare in Ireland.

When it comes to drinks, who would leave Ireland without a pint of Guiness? Ireland is home of the world famous Guiness beer.

For the most discerning palate, the place to go is County Cork. It is the gourmet capital of Ireland. The first stop in Cork is the English market on Grand Parade and Princes Street. It is an indoor market with stalls selling traditional Irish cooked foods, fresh produce, dairy products, breads as well as raw ingredients.

No trip to County Cork will be complete without dining at Farmgate Café, one of Cork’s best loved restaurants. it is located on a terraced gallery above the fountain at the Princes Street entrance to the English Market. Specialties here include tripe and drisheen (blood sausage), traditional dishes such as corned beef colcannon (potatoes and cabbage mashed with butter and seasonings) and loin of smoked bacon with champ (potatoes mashed with scallions).

Ballymaloe House in Middleton, County Cork sources its ingredients from its garden and glasshouse and from local butchers and fishermen. Its menu includes Irish Farmhouse Cheese Tart, Poached Monkfish with Tomato and Basil Sauce with Buttered Courgettes and Hot Buttered Lobster. The restaurant is housed in a grand old country house, truly a perfect setting to enjoy yummy traditional Irish food.

Dublin City, being the capital of Ireland has so many restaurants in every price range to choose from. A great way to sample Irish fare in Dublin is to spend Saturday mornings at the Temple Bar Food Market. Here, farmers, fishermen and traders gather at stalls to sell their products.

Leo Burdocks, Dublin’s famous traditional fish and chips take-out shop is a must. It is located right next door to the Lord Edward Pub.

Kilkenny Restaurant and Café perfectly represents what an Irish lunch should be. The quiche is delicious and so with the stew, smoked salmon and casseroles. To complete your Irish eating experience, take a bite of the freshly baked scones, breads and cakes. The café is located inside Kilkenny Shop overlooking Trinity College.

Galway has a vast selection of restaurants that cater to all tastes and budget. It is well known for its pubs and reasonably priced good food. With a harbor located right at the center of the city, only the freshest catch of the day is used. Many concur the oysters at Galway are the best. Along with oysters, fresh Atlantic salmon, lobsters, scallops and mussels are must-eats. Connemara lamb is also another favorite among tourists.

Goya’s Café in Kirwans Lane is a must stop where good lunches are served aside from the palatable home-baked breads, pastries and cakes.

County Limerick is a busy commercial center with a rich history that attracts tourists. Limerick Ham is a local specialty.

Adare, 10 miles off Limerick is home to the Wild Geese Restaurant. This restaurant boasts of warm and friendly ambience vis-à-vis great service. The restaurant uses the choicest ingredients, freshest seafood and produce. Lobster Linguini is a house favorite and the desserts are to-die-for.

The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge in Balligarny, Limerick is an experience of pure gastronomic satisfaction. Imagine being served aperitifs in the library followed by succulent food and after dinner drinks around a warm log fire.

A trip to Ireland will prove to be not only historically informative but a culinary delight as well and as they say “happy eating”.

Addressing others with respect is an integral part of Irish everyday life. The Irish people have their own set of conducts of respect. For one, when speaking to an Irish, keep an arm’s length distance from the person. This is a sign of respect. Maintaining personal space is important in Irish culture. If you happen to pass by someone on the street or anywhere else rather closely without actually touching the other person, an apology is expected from you.

Irish people are disciplined when it comes to waiting for their turn to be served or lining up. They will patiently stand in line and respect queues.

While Irish people as a whole are very friendly and hospitable to tourists, they frown upon people who speak in a loud voice. For them, this is rude and disrespectful.

With the Irish, the handshake is the preferred form of greeting. It is customary to shake hands at the beginning and end of a meeting or conversation. Among even relatively new acquaintances, first names are used in personal greetings. There are also some commonly used slang terms for referring to people. For example, “yer wan” pronounced “yer one” is a popular term used to address a female. “Yer man” is the male equivalent. “How are you?” is the most common casual greeting especially between individuals who are familiar with one another. Responding to the greeting by just saying hello will suffice. No further conversation is expected of you.

While conversing, Irish people generally prefer direct eye contact. Do not break eye contact with an Irish person when he/she is speaking. The Irish perceive people who avoid eye contact as untrustworthy. Your best approach is to also look him/her in the eye and remain friendly, relaxed and unpretentious.

The Irish are gregarious conversationalists and debaters. Topics of conversation may range from the political to the mundane. However, religion and politics are two very delicate subjects due to the country’s long history of invasion. It is best to wait for the Irish to bring up these subjects themselves and be prepared to hear opposing and strong opinions about these two subjects.

The Irish are opinionated and find arguments entertaining. They welcome any expression of views provided they are sincere and informed views. Insincere views are perceived to be downright arrogance. The Irish do not condone arrogance of any kind. It is quite ordinary for Irish people to criticize themselves but they are not generally receptive to criticisms from other people so beware.

The Irish people are hard to impress. Boasting about yourself or your accomplishments will get you nowhere. They prefer to judge competence and abilities based on actions. Even if you do manage to impress them, they will not openly admit to it.

Academic accomplishments do not necessarily command respect. It is considered to be bragging to talk about one’s academic achievements. People who make lengthy references about their educational background are more often than not subject to teasing.

With regards to acceptable physical conduct, men should refrain from being openly demonstrative with women. Winking at women and making personal comments are not welcome. Touching, hugging and patting other men in public are socially unacceptable except during rugby games. A slap on the back to convey “well done” is okay. Irish men opening doors for women as well as employees for their bosses and the young for the elders are common sights.

Ireland is a veritable treasure trove of craftsmanship. For many visitors, the lure of shopping in Ireland is not the sprawling shopping centers but the personal craft stores that dot the country. Almost every county has an Irish craft shop that sells beautifully handcrafted goods such as china, crystals, jewelry, linens and knitwear.

Foremost on the list of must-buys for a visitor to Ireland is the Aran knitwear or sweater. Aran sweaters were originally handmade by the wives or mothers of fishermen from the Aran Islands located at the west coast of Ireland since the 9th century. Fishermen wore them as protection against rain and cold weather. What makes the sweater special is that each family had its own trademark stitch. Thus, when a fisherman died at sea, it would be easier to identify him. Today, Aran sweaters are known worldwide for their unique designs and quality. In fact, Aran sweaters designed by contemporary knitwear designers Lainey Keogh and Michelina Stakepoole had been donned by supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. A handmade Aran sweater is well worth one’s Euros and will last for years.

Another must-have on the shopping list of any visitor to Ireland is the Irish crystal. One of Ireland’s claims to fame is the world-renowned Waterford Crystal. Famous for their impeccable quality and one-of-a-kind style, Waterford Crystals have been used as awards and trophies in world sporting events and ceremonies. The best place to purchase a Waterford Crystal is at the Waterford Crystal Visitor Center. The center houses a dazzling array of this exquisitely hand-blown glass.

When it comes to jewelry, the Claddagh Ring is probably the most famous of Irish jewelry. This traditional friendship or lover’s ring got its name from Claddagh, a small fishing village just outside the City of Galway. Richard Joyce, a Galway native, was captured by Algerian pirates and sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith who trained him as an artisan. Upon his release in the early 1700’s, he returned to his village and to his utter joy found his ladylove waiting for him. He created the Claddagh Ring and gave it to her as a wedding ring. The Claddagh Ring displays two outstretched hands holding a crowned heart. The heart symbolizes love, the crown, loyalty and the hands, friendship.

Tweed has been produced in Ireland for generations. Originally a cottage industry, tweed making involved spinning, dyeing and weaving local wool. For quality tweeds, a trip to Donegal, the home of tweeds is a must. Here, one can buy apparel made from tweed or pick one’s own tweed by the yard.

Ireland is also known for its intricately designed Irish lace. Lace was first made in Ireland in the mid-19th century during and after the famine years. Training centers were set up by Irish clergies, landowners and convents to help the impoverished Irish population. Today, a handmade Irish lace handkerchief can cost $80.

Throughout Ireland, one can find potteries churning out quality pieces that have found their way to Tiffany’s of New York. One such notable pottery is Belleck Fine Bone China located just outside of County Fermanagh. Shanagarry in County Cork is home to Stephen Pearce’s workshop where he produces a fine collection of tableware. Also worth mentioning is Nicholas Mosse in Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny for his sponge ware pottery.

Who has not heard of Baileys, the Irish cream liqueur? It is one of the best. Irish cream liqueurs are popular the world over. All Irish cream liqueurs use milk from Irish cows that have been graced outdoors on grass.

A trip to Ireland will not be complete without bringing home some of Ireland’s yummy cheeses like Milleen and Doolin. Handmade chocolates, Irish smoked salmon, biscuits and homemade jams are truly epicurean delights.

Fickle weathers, rocky and winding terrains along with some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world are just a few of the things that a traveler to Ireland would usually experience. From these general conditions alone, one would be well advised to pack some must-have items, not only to be prepared for any unforeseen situations but also to fully enjoy everything that the country uniquely offers.

1. A good pair of hiking shoes or boots.

Touring around is better done by foot, so when you’re hiking across slippery terrains or trekking around amid the Irish mist, it would help to bring comfortable yet sturdy and waterproof walking shoes. Better to bring a pair of spare ones for more comfort and convenience.

2. Lots of film and batteries.

Unique tour packages as well as scenic drives across the countryside provide a lot of spectacular sightings so your camera should always be loaded and ready to click away.

3. Lightweight, waterproof bags.

Tourists to Ireland, especially those who are not staying in one place are usually advised to pack lightly, and to opt for bags that are easy to carry around rather than end up dragging hard and heavy suitcases from one B&B to another.

4. Waterproof jacket.

If you plan to visit mostly parks or stay outdoors a lot, remember to bring along some good wet weather gear like a jacket with hood. Or you can also pack an umbrella to bring with you anywhere you go as you can expect it to rain just about anytime.

5. Layers of warm clothes.

Summers in Ireland can be hot, but winter not only spells cold but damp. Pack a few warm and waterproof clothes that you can wear when the cold spell hits.

6. Lightweight beach gear.

Ireland has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and is one of the popular destinations for spring break so when you’re planning to go there during these months, it’s handy to bring some casual beach wear.

7. A Map.

This is especially recommended when you’re driving alone across the countryside or exploring on your own. A good map not only gives you directions but also can give you ideas about places you might plan to go to.

8. Adaptors and Converters for electrical equipment and instruments.

Electricity in Ireland is at 220 volts AC and may not be compatible with your electronic equipment. So you need not worry about causing damage to your gear when you charge them up, bring along some small and portable adaptors and voltage converters.

9. Enough Cash.

There’s a lot of places in Ireland where you can shop for just about anything you need so in case you forget to bring something, having enough Euros with you should ease you through your vacation.

10. A spare lightweight bag.

For those must-have souvenir items you would be buying and taking back with you from your memorable jaunts across verdant and enchanting Ireland. How can you resist those lucky charms?

Let not the size of the country fool you, Ireland abounds with enjoyable activities and breathtaking sights your days and nights would just be packed. From cultural tours to energetic nightly entertainment to outdoor activities set against majestic natural backdrops, Ireland promises a myriad of delightful experiences all worth sampling when you’re there.

Irish pubs are perhaps some of the best there is in the world and when you enter one of the numerous bars and pubs that litter the country it’s easy to see why. Friendly locals, lively “trad” sessions of music and dance and of course that popular heady brew of stout that Ireland is known for will make you forget the time from your comfortable perch. Head on out to Crosskey’s Inn on the old Belfast to Derry Road or try any one of the many pubs lining the Temple Bar, Dublin’s hip and happening place especially for the young crowd.

You’ll never run out of choices as well if museums and galleries are in your list of things to see. Fans of the written word should make a stop at the Dublin Writers Museum and the James Joyce Museum in South County Cove in Dublin where the great writer once lived. The Linen Hall Library in Belfast is the oldest and proudly boasts of a collection of books written by and about C.S. Lewis. For a visit into prehistory take the family to the National Museum of Natural History which houses over 2 million specimens from all over the world. And even when you’re outside the city, there’s still a host of galleries and museums for you to explore. Limerick offers the Hunt Museum where Ireland’s greatest collection of private art is kept. These include pieces from Renoir, Picasso and Yeats. And if local flavor is your cup of tea then head on out to any of the local museums such as the Galway City Museum, Kerry County Museum or the Cavan County Museum to discover more about the different places’ history and cultural heritage.

Sports and outdoor enthusiasts will find Ireland’s magnificent landscapes and coastlines perfect for their fancies. Excellent golf courses can be found in a lot of places around Ireland – try County Caven Golf Club, the Ballymascanlon Golf Course in County Loth or the K Club in Kildare where the 2006 Ryder Cup will be held. You can also book a trail ride through the Slieve Bloom Mountains or if horse racing is your passion, then make it a point to visit the Curragh Racehourse in Kildare, home to Ireland’s horse racing and the annual big horse racing event, the Curragh Irish Derby.

No visit to Ireland would be complete without being able to boast of kissing the Blarney Stone found at the top of the tower at the Blarney Castle. Legend has it that kissing the Blarney Stone, or the Stone of Eloquence gives you the gift of gab and everyone – world leaders and known personalities even have been said to have come to the Blarney Castle if only to capture the mythical prowess coming from the stone. The attractions found in and around the castle would be enough reasons though to make you stay.

Castles have been an integral part of Ireland’s history and heritage dating as far back as the 14th century when they were built by the Anglo Normans mainly for military defense and to maintain supremacy over the land. Due to significant influences from the French and the English and the ever-changing needs called for by the passing of time, the castles have since then developed and evolved. Some have been fortunately been restored to their former glories while there are those that lay in ruins but in whatever state these castles may be, each one has an enchanting story to tell.

The Blarney Castle located in the village of Blarney, south of Ireland is perhaps one of the most popular castles around the world with the mythical “Blarney Stone” found in the tower. Its most famous occupant was Cormac McCarthy, King of Munster. According to the stories, McCarthy aided Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn by sending thousands of his own men and in gratitude, the latter presented the King of Munster with half of the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Eloquence. It now sits in the wall below the battlements.

Elegance and classic Irish charm define Waterford Castle in South East Ireland. Opened in 1987 to the public as a 5-star hotel and top-rate golf club, visitors to the castle can relive the kind of gracious living that its former occupants, including the Fitzgerald family must have once enjoyed – from the entrance where one is immediately greeted by the splendor of the original Elizabethan oak panelings, graceful arches, to the beautiful antique furniture and the sitting rooms with their different period themes.

Castle Coole in Belfast-Enniskillen Road has been identified as one of the treasures of the Ireland National Trust. Once the home of the Earls of Belmore, it is situated in a park that compliments the neo-classical regal estate designed by James Wyatt.

Home of the County Wexford Historical and Folk Museum is the Enniscorthy Castle in Wexford. Discover interesting historical artifacts and marvel at the perfectly preserved condition of the square-towered castle originally built by the Normans. During the 1798 uprising it was allegedly used as a prison, and was later on restored to become a place for residence including the famous poet Edmund Spenser.

A visit to the Leap Castle in Tipperary is not for the faint of heart, as it is widely believed to be one of the most haunted castles in Ireland. The Leap Castle has been passed on from one family to another – from the O’ Bannon clan to the lords of Ely O’Carroll to the Darby family followed by the Mayor Galway Richard Martyn. It then became a meeting place for famous writers such as George Bernard Shaw, W.B. Yeats, J.M Synge and Edward Martin.

Touted as “the king of Irish castles” the Trim Castle in Meath impressively stands as one of the largest and most significant Norman military forts in Ireland. Its curtain walls stretch to enclose over three acres of land with an immense and unusually designed keep and many internal passageways connecting the chambers and the floors. On the outside it gives off an impression of might and power which was perhaps the purpose of the de Lacy family when they first built it in 1172. Now a National Monument, the Trim Castle is undergoing conservation but visitors can still walk around the walls.

Ireland is a magical, enchanting place steeped in culture and tradition and is a must to visit when you’re in Europe. Before hastily packing your bags and crossing your fingers for that Irish luck to be with you when you travel though, it helps to know certain things about Ireland so that you start on the right foot and expectations about your vacation are managed.

Your travel actually begins with the research you make about the country and there are various sources of information which you can access. Internet sites abound on the topic and these provide you with anything and everything you need to know about the country. For your purpose of traveling certain details are more relevant as well as handy for you to know and to understand.

Ireland is basically a basin-shaped island with a land area approximating 26,000 miles rimmed with mountains (except for Dublin) and where the sea is never too far from any place. Best known around the world for its traditional Celtic music, Irish pubs and mystical land formations, Ireland is a melting pot of cultures boasting of an estimated population of 5.5 million. English is widely spoken around, as well as Irish (or Gaeilge as more commonly known) with most road signs, street names and most public facilities written in both languages. A sterling pound is the form of currency in Northern Ireland whereas the Republic of Ireland uses Euros.

First-time travelers to Ireland should remember to prepare the necessary travel documents such as visas and passports. British born citizens only need to carry their identification cards. This applies as well to citizens of the EU, Norway and Switzerland who shall only be asked to present their national identification cards. All visitors from other countries must carry a valid passport and in some instances, a visa for entry to Ireland. This can be applied for at Irish embassies and consulates abroad.

Should you fancy touring Ireland by car, planning and preparation should again be your first consideration. One helpful website to browse would be http://www.irishmotoring.ie. The site provides useful information for those who would like to drive around Ireland – ranging from rules of the road, application for provisional licenses, car rentals, crossing borders, driving tips, penalties, even up to buying or selling a car in Ireland. Buying a local map or a guidebook would also help you significantly in planning your road trips.

You can also get around Ireland through a variety of ways. Internal flights are a bit limited because it is a small county but there are flights from the capital city Dublin to most other cities and counties around such as Cork Kerry, Shannon, Galway and Belfast among others. There’s also a rail service and a bus network which is more extensive and cheaper than taking the train in most cases. And for traveling across seas, there is the ferry service where it is also advisable to check out island boat schedules due to the weather changes.

Weather can indeed be quite unpredictable in Ireland so it would do you good to pack appropriate clothing such as warm and waterproof gear. You can also check out the Irish Government Meteorological Service guide on the web for weather forecasts and statistics and for Irish towns you may also check out http://www.wunderground.com/global/IE.html

For emergencies you only need to dial either 999 0r 112 and you will be patched through a central operating system which will help direct your concern to any of the related services - the hospital ambulance, the local police, the Marine Rescue services or the Mountain Rescue Services.

Irish cities may have the pulsating energy and the modern comforts of life, but the countryside promises the charm of blissfully quiet county lanes, the quaint allure of fishing villages, inspiring sceneries to be witnessed along hillsides and mountainsides, fresh air and the serenity of majestic coastlines and islands.

Hop on a bicycle and take one of the many biking tours offered all over the country. You can choose to take a spin across quiet, winding roads like the nice stretch along Loop Head and stop for pictures of azure skies and magical mist-covered mountains. The routes generally take you past small Irish villages where there are lesser cars to be seen along the roads and lazy sheep or grazing cows would oftentimes be your company. Another scenic spin would be along coasts such as the Donegal Bay where you can marvel at the glorious vista of the sun setting against the ethereally calm expanse of the wide blue seas or you can just bask on the beach and enjoy a pint or two. There is a biking route that takes you over hilly terrains north along the coast of Lahinch that leads to the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, another must-see attraction in Ireland.

Leisurely walking is another good way to explore the richness of Ireland’s countryside. Although Ireland enjoys a mildly temperate climate, the best months to consider going on a walking tour would be between May to September. The country simply has unmatchable landscapes that any place would be good points to start your walking tour. Take a hike in wooded areas such as the Killarney lake lands, or explore parks and reserves along the coast like the Strangford Lough in Down which serves as a sanctuary for seals, geese and wildfowl. Down is also known as St. Patrick’s Country so you can get a glimpse into the life of Ireland’s patron saint as you walk through the charming county. Or you may also choose to take a walking tour just beyond Dublin to the East – an area best defined by the unspoiled beauty of the countryside. Walks along The Barrowline, The Grand Canal and the Royal Canal all provide opportunities to enjoy panoramic views as well as archaeological sites and a sampling of local history.

If you’re confident enough to navigate the roads, you can rent a car and take a driving tour. With a map or a guidebook to help you with the directions, driving gives you full control of your time as well as the places you might want to explore and where you would want to make your pit stops. You can head for the west and drive around the Dingle Peninsula where you will go past a few castle ruins and miles of grazing pastureland. The Peninsula is one of the very first inhabited places in Ireland so you can get an appreciation of ancient history and culture around – the Dunbeg Fort, Beehive Huts, the Riasc Monastery and the Gallrus Oratory are some of the living proofs that you can explore during your driving tour. From Galway and driving towards north, witness more beautiful sceneries as you pass the Connemara region which has a natural reserve for wildlife, the Kylemore Abbey, and the Lynch’s Castle. Definitely something that should be a part of your driving tour is a stop at the warm and charming bed and breakfast (B&B’s) places that you can find in the villages. A tour around the countryside would not be complete without basking in the hospitality and the friendliness of the local Irish people.

Eventually the allure of a European spring break vacation will be on your mind. As a spring break destination, the varied cultures that abound in Europe is certainly a great reason to explore it with your friends on your next vacation! Imagine being able to visit cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, Madrid, and Rome!

For people whose idea of spring break is more than just sun-drenched beaches, coconut trees, and waiters in floral shirts and flip flops, choosing a European destination is often a natural thing. And since there is simply too much to see and experience in Europe, it is best explored when each trip covers just one, two, or three cities at a time. Some good combinations are London and Paris, Madrid and Amsterdam, or Budapest and Prague. When choosing which locations to pair, either go for cultural contrast, or go for a unified vacation theme.

For a taste of the royal and the regal, make sure to include London in your itinerary. Home to Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guards, which is as regular as clockwork, London is already quite a handful. The tourist sights such a Big Ben, the Parliament Building, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral are all well marked on the map and is usually included in the day tours offered by the travel operators. As an alternative, there are short term educational classes offered on such diverse subjects such as British Orators, which will take you on a tour of Parliament, as well as the residence of Winston Churchill; and British Culture, which will take you to the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and a visit to the National Theatre. Of course, spring break in London will not be complete without fish and chips, and a visit to some of the many pubs in and around town.

Amsterdam is another fantastic destination with its famed tulips, windmills and micro-brewed beer. Home to the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam is also an excellent place to explore contemporary art. The city’s relaxed and laid-back atmosphere is also a favorite among spring break vacationers who look forward to experiencing the exotic nightlife as well. And since visitors here feel it is one of the hardest places to leave, Amsterdam may also be considered as a solo spring break vacation spot where a week will easily pass by.

Paris is of course home to the iconic Eiffel Tower. When including this charming city in your spring break vacation, make sure to visit its many numerous landmarks and cultural spots. Very famous for the many designer brands who have made Paris their home, shopping should definitely be on your itinerary! Its famed nightlife is one of the other things you shouldn’t pass up on. As for the final Paris experience, the food, as they say, is to die for. Save the cheeseburger for some other day, and try the gastronomic experience of a lifetime, in this city of a million lights.

Of course there are other equally interesting and alluring places such as Barcelona in Spain, Dublin in Ireland and Frankfurt, Germany where the cities burst with life, color and energy. Check out the countryside places as well for they offer a vast array of choices and opportunities to sample the local cultures.