Pisa, Tuscany, Italy / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

Italy

Home to Amalfi Coast, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Colosseum and famous lakes, Italy is a part of Southern Europe. Topping in every wish list of travelers, Italy brings in abundant scenic beauty just waiting to be explored. It has a lot to offer for everyone. Historical sites like Pantheon, San Giovanni, Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura and Colosseum are the top sites of Italy which can’t be missed. Italian food is popular with tourists and Outdoor cafes are as much liked. Other places that one can visit while in Rome are as follows:

• Vatican Museum
• Palazzo Pamphilj
• Fontana Di Trevi
• Fountain of the Four Rivers
• Protestant Cemetery
• Roman Forum

Spain

A member of the Economic Union, Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula on Southwest of Europe. It is now also listed as the second most visited country in the world owing to its favorable climatic conditions, historical and cultural monuments and geographical position. Its tourism industry has rapidly grown over the last four decades to become the second largest in the world. The cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Seville are hugely popular and the most visited places of Spain.

Church on Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain by Ivan Mlinaric

Two of the major events that attract millions of visitors from across the world to Spain just to witness these festivals, and they are often seen as highlights of this country are ‘the San Fermin running of the bulls’ event held in Pamplona and ‘La Tomatina (Tomato) festival held in Buñol – Valencia. Besides these two major attractions tourists also enjoy the Seville (Also known as April Fair) and Malaga Fair, Barcelona Summer Festival and carnivals at Canary Islands and Cadiz. Spain has flamboyance, charm and energetic appeal, which makes you feel more lively and rejuvenated once you step on this land of splendour. When you visit Spain do chalk out time to definitely visit the following:

• Alhambra Palace in Granada
• City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
• Toledo in Madrid
• Tibidabo in Barcelona
• The Spanish Costas
• Park Guell in Barcelona
• Aqueduct of Segovia
• Ibiza island
• La Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona
• Museo del Prado in Madrid
• Picos de Europa, Parque Nacional in Cantabria, Costa Verde
• Alcazar Seville

Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain by jan zeschky

Ireland:

It is an island located on the North-west of continental Europe. It offers picturesque views and exotic locales that can keep you in awe when you see them. The capital city of Belfast and Dublin are a favorite among tourists, when they visit Ireland. Some of the highlights of this marvelous country that you cannot afford to miss when you travel here are as follows:

• Aran Islands
• Blarney Castle
• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
• Cliffs of Moher
• Giant’s Causeway
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Dingle Peninsula
• The Céide Fields visitor centre
• Carrickfergus Castle
• Lough Neagh
• Dun Aengus
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• The Burren (A Karst landscape)
• Beara Peninsula
• Greencastle
• Phoenix Park
• Dublin Castle
• National Gallery of Ireland etc.

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland, UK by Jim

The above listed are only some of the attractions of Europe for your ready reference and guidance only. Europe has much more to its glory than can be described here. This is a comprehensive and not an all inclusive list of the wonders of the royal retreat that you can experience, when you visit here.

About Author

Crystal is a travel blogger passionate about travelling and backpacking. She occasionally writes for Bank Holidays 2013, a Web site that shares information and dates of Bank Holidays in UK and Europe and US.

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However, if you have enough time it is also worth getting outside of the city and exploring some of the great destinations out in the local countryside. Due to its prime location on the eastern coast, Dublin is perfectly located for exploring more of the country and there are several easily accessible day trips to choose from. You can spend a day exploring gorgeous mountains, atmospheric old castles, peaceful coastal villages and much more which are just a quick train or car ride away.

Here are a few of the best day trip ideas just outside of the city of Dublin:

Malahide Castle

This castle is one of the oldest in Ireland and was home to the Talbot family, who were the lords of the castle from 1185 to 1976. It is located only a half hour north of Dublin and it is easily accessible either by car or by taking the number 42 Dublin Bus. The inside of the castle can be toured for a fee, so that you can see the impressive Great Hall and the Oak Room and learn about the Talbot family history.

The beautiful old castle sits within 250 acres of parkland which also includes a Children’s Museum, a botanical garden and a model railway. It’s a great place to bring the kids because they will be entertained for hours on the playground, golf course and walking trails.

Malahide Castle, Ireland by William Murphy

Howth

Only 16km away from Dublin you will find a peaceful fishing village that was once a Norse stronghold up until the 11th century. These days it is a working harbour which has a laid back atmosphere where delicious fresh seafood caught by the local fishermen can be enjoyed at the harbour side restaurants. You can walk the trail along the cliff top around Howth Head and take in jaw-dropping views of the Irish Sea. Astonishingly, on a clear day you can sometimes see all the way to Wales.

If you plan your visit to Howth on a Sunday in the summertime you will be able to enjoy one of the best and busiest Irish Farmers Markets.

Howth, Ireland by William Murphy

County Wicklow

This region is often referred to as the Garden of Ireland and with its abundance of lush green forests it is easy to see why. This beautiful mountainous area is a popular destination for walking and hiking and there are several great trails throughout the area. Some of the best hiking is up on the mountain peaks, such as Lugnaquilla, Tonelagee and Mullaghcleevaun.

County Wicklow is also home to Glendalough which is a historic monastery and village. This 6th century monastery was founded by St. Kevin and has one of the largest and most unusual high crosses in all of Ireland.

Lugnaquilla, Ireland by Andrew Parnell

Bru Na Boinne

This complex of Neolithic standing stones, chamber tombs, hedges and other prehistoric enclosures is one of the most significant Neolithic archaeological sites in Europe. It is located along a bend in the River Boyne. The Neolithic ruins here date back as far as 35th century BC to 32nd century BC, making them older than the Egyptian pyramids. This makes the fact that they were built with a sophisticated knowledge of science and astronomy even more astounding.

The Visitor Centre is open all year round and offers a large interactive exhibition about the fascinating history of this site. The entry fee includes the exhibition, audio-visual presentation, full guided tour and shuttle bus to the two sites of stone ruins.

Bru Na Boinne, Ireland by Cary Bass

These are just a few ideas for day trip adventures outside of Dublin, so why not get out there and start exploring!

Frankie Hughes is a writer who believes that Ireland is one of the world’s most beautiful places to visit. She suggests that if you are looking for hotel accommodation, Dublin City has a great variety of hotels to suit you.

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Saint Patrick’s day / License: Royalty Free or iStock source: shutterstock.com

Here are the top destinations for you to join the festivities:

Dublin, Ireland

An obvious choice here, if you want to get the most out of your holiday, the city put on a party that goes on for 4 days surround the 17th of March. Between the main parade and street parties, there will be plenty of beer and side shows.

London, England

Yes, England throws a big party to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as well!  With a parade and festival in Trafalgar Square where all 32 Irish counties are represented in their colors – this event usually draws around 100,000 people.  The English puts out their best Irish feast with beer and food that are from Ireland.

Boston, Massachusetts

The city that claimed to held the first official St. Patrick’s Day in America may be the best location in the U.S. to celebrate all things Irish.  With a large percentage of Irish descendants in the state, it is no wonder this place throws the best party that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Chicago, Illinois

A close second to Boston, Chicago still throw one heck of a party to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.  Most known for dying the Chicago River green with over 40 pounds of vegetable dye.  Besides dying the river, the rest of the celebration is similar to Boston, full of floats and eating and drinking.

Newfoundland, Canada

A direct path via ships across the Atlantic from Ireland, Newfoundland has a history of Irish settlers.  St. Patrick’s Day is a public holiday there, so you know there are serious about this celebration.  And the best part is the authenticity of the food – if you really want to eat like the Irish people do – this is where to get it in North America.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

This city may be a far reach from Ireland, but it is home to the fifth largest Irish community in the world.  So when you mix a celebration that involves food and drinks with the culture that goes big for parties – you will get a wild and authentic experience.

There you have it – the top locations to get a taste of Ireland and the holiday that to celebrate Saint Patrick.

Noc enjoys celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and often use Travel Advantage Network for wholesale vacations.

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Dublin is famous for its pubs, but why not go direct to the source for that pint? The Guinness Storehouse makes the nation’s most popular product: ale. The Storehouse is part of the original brewery which dates back 250 years. It has seven floors of exhibits devoted to the black brew; the tour ends with a pint in the Gravity Bar overlooking the city.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Lyn Gateley

At the pubs you can sing Dublin’s most famous song, “Cockles and Mussels,” about fishmonger Molly Malone. Better yet, visit the bronze statue of Dublin’s most famous maiden as she sells her wares on Grafton Street. Molly Malone wasn’t just a legend; she was a real person who died in a cholera outbreak.

Molly’s statue is across the street from Trinity College, so now is a good time to visit the Book of Kells in the Old Library. The Book of Kells features ornately decorated pages of the Four Gospels in Latin. Trinity College is an important historic site, having been founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Famous students include Samuel Beckett and Oliver Goldsmith.

Next stop is a visit to Ireland’s largest church and national cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, named in honor of the country’s patron saint. The parish church dates back to 1191 and was named a cathedral in 1224. It stands next to the well where it is said St. Patrick baptized converts on a visit. One of Ireland’s most famous satirists, Jonathan Swift who wrote “Gulliver’s Travels,” was dean of the cathedral beginning in 1713.

End your list of the top five things to do in Dublin with a visit to Dublin Castle, built in the early 13th century and is some of the city’s oldest surviving architecture. See remains of an earlier Viking fortress on the grounds. Today, the castle is used for state functions and is the swearing-in place for Irish presidents.

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Trinity College is one of the most important buildings of Dublin, which was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. The culture and traditions are the important aspects in ancient buildings of Dublin.

St Patrick’s Cathedral is another pleasing sight for the visitors. It is considered the largest church not only in the city of Dublin but throughout entire Ireland. It was founded in 1191.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral – Dublin, Ireland by William Murphy

O’Connell street is very impressive for the tourists and the general post office is situated in this street. The building has a majestic look and it is a wonderful sight to see. The street is completely covered with statues and monuments and that is the reason for the popularity of this street.

There are three National Museums of Ireland in Dublin and the tourists should never miss a visit to these museums, since they have both traditional and historical value. One is situated on Kildare Street – Archaeology Museum, another one can be found on Benburb Street – Decorative Arts & History Museum and the last one is located at Merrion Street related to Natural History.

Temple bar is another area, which can be interesting for the tourists. It is full of entertainment, art and culinary attractions. It is a home to many cultural institutions of Ireland and one of the best Dublin’s nightlife scenes.

Merrion Square is very popular for the National Gallery which has more than five hundred art works from great artists such as Monet, El Greco, Hogarth, Poussin and others.

Dublin Castle is originally a Viking fortress which you shouldn’t miss once you are in Dublin. There are many special aspects in this Castle. Rebuilding and renovation works are being performed regularly and at present, it looks beautifully. A massive tower and the Royal Chapel are built in medieval style while all administrative buildings are built in more modern styles.

Dublin Castle, Ireland by William Murphy

Phoenix Park is situated 3 km northwest of the city center and with the area of 712 hectares it is one of the largest walled parks in Europe. This place has a long history. There are huge alleys, grassy areas and wetlands which are home to more than 350 plant species.

Apart from these, there are many more sights and attractions to see in Dublin. You can also visit a Zoo, there are numerous parks and gardens, and since the city is situated at the cost, you can even relax on its beaches. However the main advantage of your staying in this city it its events. You can find more info about Dublin at the official site visitdublin.com.

Getting There

You have two options to get to Dublin and that’s either flying or taking the ferry. Aer Lingus and RyanAir are amongst a number of airlines that offer great value flights to Dublin but if you want to explore more of Ireland you will then need to hire a car. Alternatively you could take your own car and catch a ferry. Ferryonline compare ferries to Dublin providing all options with Stena and P&O Ferries. All you need to do is choose which port to cross from, Holyhead, Liverpool or Fishguard.

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