IRELAND

From breathtaking scenery to vibrant cities and to a legendarily warm welcome, there are many reasons to come and discover the island of Ireland. There is a wealth of interest for the visitor to Dublin, one of Europe's finest capitals. Splendid public buildings include Trinity College where the famous Books of Kells is housed and Dublin is replete with excellent examples of 18th century architecture. The booming quarters of Smithfield and Temple Bar showcase the fresh and modern side of Dublin, as well as the historic. Galleries, museums and a variety of theaters all provide a sense of Irish natural and cultural history.

Throughout the rest of the country you will find a quieter, gentler pace of life accentuated by stunning landscapes and gracious hosts, whether in Killarney where the sparkling blue lakes and magnificent sandstone mountains have a unique and romantic splendor or in the West where rugged and dramatic scenery dominates. To the North, Antrim is home to Ireland's top tourist attraction and World heritage site, the Giant's Causeway while in County Tyrone, the reconstructed homes, churches and shops at Ulster American Folk Park depict 19th century emigrant life. Belfast is emerging as an elegant example of Victorian cityscape including Belfast City Hall, the Linen Hall Library, Lagan lookout and the Ulster museum.

From the buzzing hearts of Dublin and Belfast to the remote coasts of Antrim, Galway, Cork and Kerry, each of its nine regions - Belfast, Dublin, East Coast & Midlands, Northern Ireland, North West, Shannon, South East and West - offers visitors a completely different experience.

The official tourist site for Ireland is http://www.tourismireland.com