Poulnabrone Dolmen, County Clare, Ireland by Kglavin

Of course, Ireland has a worldwide reputation, and everyone has his or her own ideas of what the country represents. The best of Ireland for you will largely depend on your personal reason for visiting this special country. You may be going for the breathtaking scenery, the richness of its history and antiquities, its wealth of literary tradition, or indeed for its unique and world-renowned pub scene. Whatever you want from Ireland, you will find it, as long as you know where to look.

If it is the antiquity of Ireland that attracts you, you should head for Bru Na Boinne in County Meath, a historic landscape resembling a necropolis, full of prehistoric monuments. One of the most awe-inspiring is Newgrange, a stone age passage tomb. Then, a visit to the Burren in County Clare can satisfy your longing for stunning scenery as well as ancient monuments. This limestone plateau, known as one of the weirdest landscapes in the world, contains a wealth of ancient monuments, including a stone age fort and the spectacular Poulnabrone Dolmen. Less ancient, but still breathtaking, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most amazing medieval castles.

Rock of Cashel, Ireland by RX-Guru

On the other hand, those who are attracted to the pub scene should head for the village of Doolin in County Clare, known as the center of Ireland’s music, which of course is the heart of the country’s pub culture. Alternatively, to experience the pub scene at its best, try Galway city, where an even Dubliners flock for the weekend to soak up the pub atmosphere. Galway is also the base for trips to scenic Connemara and the Aran Islands.

Lovers of Ireland maintain that every season of the year has its charms. Winter is good for those on a budget, but the weather can be atrocious, while many suggest you should avoid the peak summer season because of the crowds. For most people, the favorite month is May, followed by September, when the crowds are absent and the weather is often at its best. But the important thing is that you go, and see this very special country for yourself.

If you are planning to visit places other than Ireland, visit http://www.sglta.org/.

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Ruins of Tintagel Castle – the birthplace of King Arthur / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by IDS.photos

It’s a great spot for both families and the solo traveler; you just have to know what you’re doing in order to make the most of your trip. If you’re planning a Cornish holiday, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Plan for the Weather

Naturally temperate, Cornwall enjoys around 1500 hours of sunshine per year – much more than the average UK country. However, it is on the coast, so be prepared for storms and a few wet weekends. The rainy season generally runs from October to January, peaking in November.

As for temperatures, you can expect them to stay relatively stable at around 10-20C (40-50F).

Find The Right Accommodation

Where to stay in Cornwall depends on your location, budget, and what kind of trip you’re planning to have. Are you looking for high-class hotels or would you rather get your hands a little dirty with an authentic camping experience? Do you prefer luxury or locality?

While there are plenty of places to stay in Cornwall, they generally fall into these types:

• Modern living
• Hotels and b&bs
• Self Catering
• Camping

Beach accommodations

As mentioned, Cornwall is a peninsula, meaning there are three coastlines to explore! You can go for either luxury hotels overlooking the water or inexpensive camps and beach bungalows to sleep right on the shore.

Storybook stay

This is where Cornwall gets creative, offering everything from farmhouses to holiday cottages and even treehouses to experience the real heart of the country. Research the area you’ll be traveling and you’re sure to find your fairytale experience.

Truro Cathedral / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Brian Snelson

Know The Sights

With one of the most fascinating histories in the UK, Cornwall is a great place soak up some culture without sacrificing the fun and adventure of a holiday abroad. Kids will love places like the Witchcraft Museum and the Eden Project. You can also visit Truro Cathedral, one of the most unique architectural designs in Europe, or Tintagel Castle, the birthplace of King Arthur.

Looking to relax?

Laze the day away at one of Cornwall’s many beaches, or take a stroll around the famed Trebah Gardens for a kind of nature you’ve never seen before. Make a trek to the Mên-an-Tol (literally “the hole stone”) for good luck and local blessings.

Or maybe you’re looking for something a little more exciting? Try any of Cornwall’s adventure tours or music festivals. Catch a show at the Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre that performs right on the cliffs of Land’s End. If you’re into outdoor adventures, Cornwall also has bungee jumping, horseback riding, and a surprising number of surf schools. Whether you’re looking for unique thrills or just a tranquil getaway, Cornwall can offer a great trip and an unforgettable family holiday. Keep these tips in mind and you’re sure to make memories with your loved ones that will never fade… much like Cornwall and its castles.

Sarah is a travel author who has a particular love of finding unique and beautiful places to stay! Whilst exploring the highs and lows of the UK she is looking into high quality Cornish cottage holidays as somewhere to stay when exploring the coastline of Cornwall.

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