The Wicklow landscape is majestic, whether you are exploring the Wicklow Mountains or the sandy beaches of Brittas Bay or the glens, lakes and woodlands that abound.

If you want to get a real feel for the wilderness in County Wicklow visit the Wicklow Mountains National Park, which covers 20,000 acres of Wicklow uplands, the National Parks and Wildlife Service manage the park. Perhaps the most well-known and popular location within the park is the Glendalough valley, which, in addition to its spectacular scenery, “the valley of the two lakes” is also, knows for its monastic site and Round Tower.

The monastic city was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and the largest church on the site dates from the 11th and 12th centuries and is know as St. Kevin’s Church or St. Kevin’s Kitchen.  There are a number of walks, which allow you to explore the Glendalough valley and surrounding hills as well as the Glendalough Visitor Centre. The area was used as a film location in the John Boorman film Excalibur.

As the Garden of Ireland it is not surprising that there are a large number of wonderful gardens and country estates to visit in Wicklow. Each year the Wicklow Gardens Festival features over 30 gardens, both private and public. Some of the fine country estates in Wicklow include Powerscourt House and Gardens located only 20 minutes from Dublin is a fine example of an 18th century Palladian mansion. It has one of the finest gardens in Europe as well as shops and restaurants, a golf course and the 5 Star Ritz Carlton Hotel on the estate.

Nearby is Kilruddery House and Gardens, home to the Earls of Meath since 1618 and a fine example of an Elizabethan-revival mansion and has featured in the TV production, the Tudors and in the film Becoming Jane. Its gardens are mainly 17th century in their layout with some later 18th and 19th century additions. Also worth a visit is Avondale House and Forest Park, located near the village of Rathdrum and once home to Charles Stuart Parnell, a famous Irish political figure. The house is set in a magnificent forest park of over 500 acres.

Located in West Wicklow is Russborough House, the house was built in 1741 and designed by the famous architect Richard Cassells. Lord and Lady Beit bought the house in the 1950’s and he established the Alfred Beit Foundation in the 1970’s. The house has a number of fine art and collectables as well as the Beit collection of paintings. The house is located not far from the beautiful Blessington Lake, which covers over 500 acres. Mount Usher Gardens, located in Ashford on the east of the county are a fine example of a Robinsonian garden and also has a shopping courtyard and Avoca Café.

Other attractions to visit in County Wicklow include, Wicklow Gaol, Arklow Maritime Museum, Avoca Handweavers, Avoca Mines, Baltinglass Abbey and the Powerscourt and Glenmalure waterfalls.

There are plenty of walks and scenic areas to explore in County Wicklow including Ireland’s longest self-guided trail, the Wicklow Way, the Glen of Imaal, the Wicklow Gap, the Great Sugar Loaf, Tomnafinnogue Woodlands Walk, Glenmalure Valley, Bray and Greystones Cliff Walks, Loughs Tay and Dan and Trooperstown.

Irelandhotels.com features 21 hotels and guesthouses in County Wicklow. To find a place to stay in the area use the accommodation search box on this page to select a hotel or guesthouse in County Wicklow or browse of great Value Breaks and special offers sections, featuring midweek and weekend activity and themed short breaks in Wicklow.

There are plenty of visitor attraction in Wexford, including the National Heritage Park, the Wexford Heritage Centre and the National 1798 Visitor Centre – which commemorates the 1798 Rebellion and its aftermath. There are plenty of castles to choose from, including Ballyhack Castle built around 1450, Ferns Castle dating back to the 13th century and Johnstown Castle which also houses the National Museum of Agriculture and Rural Life.

Or on a nautical theme there is Hook Lighthouse built in the 13th century and the Kilmore Quay Maritime Museum. There are plenty of plants to view at the John F. Kennedy Arboretum in New Ross, which has over 4,500 plants in their collection and the Kilmokea Gardens sitting on the twin estuary of the RIvers Nore and Barrow. Wexford also has some fine examples of Cistercian abbeys in Tintern Abbey at Saltmills in New Ross founded around 1200 and Dunbrody Abbey and Visitor Centre founded in 1210.

County Wexford rich landscape and coastline ensures that the outdoor enthusiast is spoilt for choice, with a choice of water sports, great golf and walking and cycling routes and equestrian activities.  Walking routes include the Blackstairs Walks, Carrickbyrne Hill and the Shelmalier Forth Mountain. Golf courses include Rosslare Golf Club, Courtown Golf Club, Enniscorthy Golf Club and St. Helen’s Bay Golf & Country Club. Beaches in County Wexford, such as Curracloe and Rosslare, are a popular spot for family breaks in Ireland.

Or if you would like to experience a bit of culture whilst staying in County Wexford, then the Wexford Opera Festival, the premier event of its kind in Europe, is a must.

The Ireland Hotels site features 31 hotels and guesthouses in County Wexford, to find a place to stay in Wexford use the accommodation search box on this page to select a hotel and guesthouse in County Wexford. Or choose from our great selection of Value Breaks and short-break offers, including Family Breaks and Spa Breaks.

Athlone is one of the main town in Westmeath located on the banks of the River Shannon. It is a busy town and an important base for Shannon Cruising and in the heart of Ireland is an ideal location for touring the surrounding areas as well as acting as a “Gateway to the West”. Athlone has a number of excellent hotels and restaurants as well as visitor attractions such as Athlone Castle and the Drum Heritage Centre.

Other visitor attractions include Belvedere House, located in Mullingar is a fully restored Georgian villa located on 160 acres of lakeside parkland. In addition to the house the estate also boasts wonderful gardens and the famous “Jealous Wall”. Ballinlough Castle Gardens, in Clonmellon is a 17th century castle and home to Lord Nugent. The estate also has fine gardens, which were restored in the mid 1990’s.

Rockfield Ecological Estate – is a classical Georgian house dating back to 1795 and houses traditional crafts in the old mill. Locke’s Distillery Museum in Kilbeggan, is one of the oldest distillery’s in the world. Dun na Si Heritage centre in Moate, Lough Park House in Castlepollard , an 18th century Dower house and Glassan a pretty village near Athlone and the hometown of the writer Oliver Goldsmith,  are also worth visiting.

There are plenty of walking routes to explore in the county, such as the Westmeath Way, which runs from Kilbeggan to Mullingar or Mullaghmeen a 1,000 acre forest with plenty of trails to explore or Kilpatrick Woods near Ballinafid and part of the old Lord Greville Estate has plenty of lakeside walks. There are also plenty of excellent golf courses in County Westmeath, including Glasson Hotel and Golf Club, Ballinlough Castle Golf Club or the New Forest Golf Resort at Tyrellspass.

County Westmeath also offers many fine rivers and lakes to fish on including River Brosna, River Inny, Lough Owel and Lough Ree, to name but a few.

Irelandhotels.com features 15 hotels and guesthouses in County Westmeath. To find a place to stay use the accommodation search box on this page to select a hotel and guesthouse in County Westmeath. Or visit or great Value Breaks and special offers featured on this site.

Waterford is the main city in the county and is one of the oldest cities in Ireland. It is a walled city dating back to Viking times. The city retains much of its medieval character, including the Viking Triangle and Reginald’s Tower. The Waterford Treasures at the Granary traces over 1,000 years of the city’s history. The city is home to Waterford Crystal and is also well known for its musical and theatrical traditions, such as the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera.

There are many attractions to visit throughout the county including the Lismore Castle and Gardens, which was originally built in 1185 and was re-built by the Duke of Devonshire in the mid-19th century. Mount Melleray Abbey, near Cappoquin, which was the first abbey founded in Ireland after the Reformation. Curraghmore House near Portlaw, which has been home to the Marquis of Waterford since 1170. King John’s Norman Castle in Dungarvan, which was founded in 1185 and Dungarvan County Museum. The Ardmore Round Tower and Cathedral is the presumed burial site pf St. Declan. Cappoquin House & Gardens is a fine example of an 18th century Georgian mansion. The Copper Coast European Geopark is one of the only one of its kind in Ireland and one of 17 in Europe.
You can enjoy a day at the race in Waterford at Tramore Racecourse.

There are a number of walking routes around County Waterford, including the Faithlegg Forest Walks, the Nire Valley, the Comeragh and Knockmealdown Mountains, Kilclooney and Colligan Woods, Rath Beag Loop in the Rathgormack area, An Coinigear Walk near Ring and Glenshelane Forest Trail. There are also cycling routes to explore, for example, from Cappoquin and Waterford.

Other activities to be enjoyed in the county include angling, surfing, sailing, equestrian pursuits and golf.  There are a number of fine golf courses in Waterford, including, Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Club, Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Club, Dunmore East Golf Club and Waterford Golf Club.

the Ireland Hotels site features 35 hotels and guesthouses in County Waterford. To find a place to stay, use the accommodation search box on this page to select a hotel or guesthouse in County Waterford. Or why not browse through our great Value Breaks and special offers available on the site, which feature, Family Breaks, Spa Breaks, 4 and 5 star Hotel Breaks, golf and other activity breaks and City Breaks.

There are many attractions to visit in Tyrone such as the Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh the main town in the county, Or the Ulater History Park, the Silverbrook Mills, the Castlederg Visitor Centre and the Argory. There is also the Ardboe Old Cross, a 10th century cross thought to be the first in Ulster and the Beaghmore Stone Circles, near Cookstown.

There are a number of walking and cycling routes to explore the Tyrone countryside, such as the Dungannon Park Trail, Carleton Trail, Gort Moss Walk and the Sperrins, which also have 12 circular maymarked cycle routes.

The angling enthusiast can enjoy some great fishing throughout Tyrone, with the Sperrin Region including the River Foyle – one of the country’s best locations for Salmon fishing. There is also Lough Ash near Strabane, Brantry Lough at Aughnacloy and Lough Lee near Castlederg.

Irelandhotels.com features a number of hotels in County Tyrone, to fin a place to stay in Tyrone use the accommodation search box on this page to select a hotel in County Tyrone. Or have a look at our great Value Breaks and special offers available on the site.

You will find Tipperary hotels and guesthouses in the main towns on this site including Nenagh, Cashel, Clonmel, Cahir, Carrick on Suir, Horse and Jockey, Glen of Aherlow and of course, Tipperary town.

Perhaps one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland is the Rock of Cashel, which dominates the skyline in the area and with its well-preserved ecclesiastical remains was once the seat of the High Kings of Munster and is reputedly where St. Patrick converted Aenghus the King of Munster around the 5th century. At the foot of the Rock is Bru Boru, a cultural centre that celebrates Irish music, song and dance. Other heritage sites in the county include Cahir Castle, originally built in the 13th century on the site of an earlier stone fort, is one of the best preserved castles in Ireland and is located on a rocky outcrop on the River Suir. Cahir also has a fine example of an early 19th century “cottage orne”, the Swiss Cottage. Other historical and cultural attractions in County Tipperary include Cashel Folk Village, Thurles Famine Museum, Roscrea Heritage Centre, Fethard Folk Farm and Transport Museum, Tipperary Crystal Craft Factory, Ormond Castle – a fine example of an Elizabethan manor house built by the 10th Earl of Ormond in the 1560’s. Other attractions include the Dundrum Plantarum, Redwood Castle and Mitchelstown Cave, one of Europe’s most spectacular caves.

Activities to be enjoyed in County Tipperary include a day at the races at Tipperary or Clonmel Racecourses and the county is well known in the racing world as the home of the famous Coolmore Stud in Fethard, owned by John Magnier it is one of the largest breeding operations for thoroughbred horses. Aidan O’Brien the world-famous racehorse trainer is based at Ballydoyle Stud, sister stud to Coolmore, ensuring that the Golden Vale is t the heart of the Irish thoroughbred racehorse industry. Ask at your hotel or guesthouse for information around your local area. The Tipperary hotels featured on this site will be glad to help you.

There is no better way to explore Tipperary that by walking and there are a number of long distance walks, way marked ways and looped walks to enjoy, such as, the Glen of Aherlow, the East Munster Way, Slieve Felim Way, Bansha Wood, Dolmen Loop, the Lough Derg Way or the Glenbawn Loop, to name but a few. Or enjoy the county by bike on the many cycling routes and trails, such as the Keeper Hill Cycle, the Holycross Cycle Tour or the Nenagh Cycleway.

Or enjoy of spot of angling or game fishing on the many rivers and lakes including the River Suir and the River Drish, the Lingaun River or the Kilmastulla River. There are also many great golf courses in Tipperary and all Tipperary hotels and guesthouses will be glad to help you book a round of golf at a local course.

The name Tipperary is also associated far and wide with the old British music hall and marching song that was immortalised during World War I, “It’s a long, way to Tipperary”.

The Ireland Hotels website features 22 Tipperary hotels and guesthouses. To find Tipperary hotels or guesthouses, use the accommodation search page on this page to select a hotel or guesthouse in County Tipperary or have a look at our great Value Hotel Breaks and activity breaks special offers featured on this site.

County Sligo has strong artistic and literary associations, with the famous Irish writer W. B. Yates associated with so many landmarks in the county and used the local landscape as an inspiration for much of his writings, such as the “Lake Isle of Innisfree”. Although Yates died and was buried in France, as requested he was re-interred “under bare Ben Bulben’s head” in Drumcliff churchyard in County Sligo. His brother the famous painter Jack B. Yates frequently acknowledged how he never created a painting that did not at least have a thought of Sligo, “Sligo was my school, and the sky above it”.

Thee are a number of attractions to visit in County Sligo, such as Lissadell House, a Georgian mansion belonging to the Gore-Booth Family and was once home to Countess Markievicz, who played an active part in the Easter Rising of 1916. Milview House, near Riverton, houses the Sligo Folk Park, which includes a museum, a village street, a cottage and many agricultural artefacts. There is also Sligo Abbey, which was founded in the mid-13th century by the Baron of Offaly. Slightly older is Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, which is the largest megalithic burial site in Ireland. On Inishmurray Island, located off Mullaghmore, there are Pre-Christian and early Christian remains.

There are many activities to enjoy in the great outdoors of County Sligo, such as Flat and National Hunt racing at Sligo Racecourse, which is very near to Sligo Town. Or enjoy a round of golf on some of Ireland’s finest links courses, with great views of the Atlantic Ocean such as Enniscrone Golf Club, County Sligo Golf Club and Strandhill Golf Club or enjoy a round on a parkland course such as Ballymote Golf Course.
The North West of Ireland is one of the most popular areas for waterspouts in the country, from surging and kiteboarding to sailing and scuba diving or a spot of deep-sea fishing and when you are tired after a day on the water, why not relax in a seaweed bath in Enniscrone or at Voya in Strandhill and let your worries float away!

For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, there are plenty of scenic and challenging walks to enjoy in Sligo, such as the Sligo Way, which starts at Lough Talt and runs for 76 km to the village of Dromahair. Other walks include, Lough Arrow Walks, Hazelwood Sculpture Trail, Dooney Rock Nature Trail and many coastal walks.

Irelandhotels.com features 13 hotels and guesthouses in Sligo. To find a place to stay use the accommodation search box on this page to select a hotel or guesthouse in  Sligo or use the our Special Offers and Value Breaks searches to find great value short-breaks in Sligo and hot deals for accommodation in Sligo and throughout Ireland.

Roscommon has a majestic landscape of forests, rivers and lakes and although it is a land-locked county, the mighty River Shannon and the many other lakes and rivers in the county, such as Rivers Suck and Lung, the Boyle River and Loughs Boderg, Bofin and Ree, ensure that in addition to enhancing the natural landscape the waterways of Roscommon are a haven for anglers and water sport enthusiasts. Or enjoy a boat cruise on Lough Key in Lough Key Forest Park or along the Shannon Erne Waterways.

The cyclist can explore the Suck Valley and the banks of the River Shannon or try one of the touring routes such as the Green Heartlands Cycling Route, the Tain Cycling Trail or the Kingfisher Cycle Trail.  Walkers can explore the Arigna Miner’s Way and Historical Trail, which takes in counties Leitrim, and Sligo or the Suck Valley Way, which include part of the 100km route in County Galway. Or take a walk back in time on the Sliabh Ban Walk in Strokestown, or explore the county on the Suck Valley Way or the Mote Park Heritage Walkway.  Or enjoy a day at the races at Roscommon Racecourse.

The famous Irish songwriter and painter, Percy French, was born in County Roscommon near Elfin in 1854 and one of his best-known songs is “the Mountains of Mourne”. The inaugural Percy French Summer School was held in Castlecoote House in 2009.

Athlone is one of the main towns in Roscommon and is located at a crossing of the River Shannon and near to Lough Ree. It was also a Norman base and the town boasts a fine example of a Norman Castle, which is open as a museum.

There are a number of attractions worth visiting in Roscommon, such as Strokestown Park House, built in the 18th century and in addition to a tour of the house and the recently restored gardens, you can visit the Famine Museum, which outline the background to the Great Irish Famine which took place in the 1840’s. King House is a fine example of a Georgian mansion and was home to the Earls of Kingston. Boyle Abbey is a fine example of a Cistercian Abbey.

Clonalis House – ancestral home of the O’Connors of Connaught, who were descendants of the last High Kings of Ireland and which includes such fine artefacts as the Cornonation Stone and the last harp of Turlough O’Carolan. Other attractions include Roscommon Castle, Derryglad Folk Museum and the Elphin Windmill – the last working windmill in Ireland.

The Ireland Hotels site features 5 hotels and guesthouses in County Roscommon. To find a place to stay, use the accommodation search box on this page and select a hotel or guesthouse in County Offaly. Or browse our great Value Breaks section for hot deals in Irish hotels and guesthouses year round.

Offaly is know for its bogs, such as Kilballyskea Bog, one of the few remaining raised intact bogs in Ireland. It also has some fine forests, such as the expanse of oak wood at Charleville Castle , which has the famous “King Oak”, thought to be over 400 years old. The county also has two designated heritage towns, Birr and Tullamore. Birr is well known for its Georgian architecture and Birr Castle, seat of the Earls of Rosse and one of the oldest inhabited homes in Ireland.

In addition to having excellent gardens to explore, Birr Castle is also home to the Great Telescope which was built the 3rd Earl in the mid-19th century and was the largest telescope in the world until 1915.  Tullamore is the main town in County Offaly and is well known for its Irish Malt Whiskey, Tullamore Dew and the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre, which is housed in one of the original distillery buildings. Charleville Castle is located in the area and is a fine example of a gothic house and was designed by Francis Johnston towards the end of the 18th century.

County Offaly has much to offer in the way of activities, such as a barge trip on the Royal Canal or angling on the River Barrow, Brosna River, River Shannon, Little Brosna and Camcor Rivers for brown trout and salmon or on the man-made lakes of Charleville and Pallas Lakes. Enjoy walking in Offaly in the Slieve Bloom Environmental Park, in Charleville Woods or on the Grand Canal Way. Or enjoy a round of golf at Glasson Golf and Country Club, the Heritage at Killenard, Birr Golf Club or Tullamore Golf Club.

The Ireland Hotels site features 8 hotels and guesthouses in County Offaly, to select somewhere to stay in the East Coast & Midlands Region, use the accommodation search box in on this page to select a hotel or guesthouse in County Offaly. Also checkout our great Value Breaks section for activity, spa, weekend and midweek breaks in Offaly.

There is much to do in Monaghan for the outdoor enthusiast, there are a number of golf courses to choose from such as; Concra Wood Golf & Country Club in Caslteblayney, Rossmore Golf Club, Clones Golf Club, Nuremore Hotels & Golf Club and Mannon Golf Club in Donaghmoyne. Walkers can explore the Monaghan landscape on the Sliabh Beagh Way, the Monaghan Way Walk, or the Knockatallon Looped Walks.

County Monaghan has many rivers and lakes for both game and coarse fishing, such as Lough Mourne, Emy Lough, Milltown Lough, the Blackwater and the Knappagh River.

County Monaghan is an area steeped in history with many megalithic sites and tombs; it also has a number of attractions worth visiting including the Patrick Kavanagh Literary & Resource Centre and Trail, dedicated to the famous Irish poet who was born in the county. There is also the Monaghan County Museum, the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, St. Joseph’s Church – which has 10 Harry Clarke stained glass windows and Castle Leslie, the Victorian country estate which now operates as a luxury hotel and which was the venue for the wedding of former Beatle star Paul McCartney and Heather Mills.

The Ireland Hotels site features a number of hotels and guesthouses in County Monaghan, to find a place to stay use the accommodation search box on this page to find a hotel or guesthouse in County Meath or checkout our great offers in our Value Breaks section on the site.

There are a large number of historical sites and monuments located throughout County Meath, not least of all in the Boyne Valley area, which is the site of the famous Battle of the Boyne. The battle took place in July 1690 between King William III and King Jame II, with the largest number of troops ever on an Irish battlefield. The Boyne Valley also has three passage tombs, Knowth, Dowth and the world famous Newgrange, which together with over 30 other mounds, is known as Bru na Boinne. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to around 3,000 B.C., which means that Newgrange is older than Stonehenge in England.

The Hill of Tara was the coronation place for the ancient High Kings of Ireland and dates back to the Neolithic age. Other sites worth a visit in Meath include, Bective Abbey, which can be found near Trim and is the remains of a Cistercian monastery founded in the mid-12th century. Or visit the medieval towns of Athboy and Trim with the majestic Trim Castle and near Athboy the Iron Age fort, the Hill of Ward. The pretty heritage town of Kells has a fine example of a monastic settlement and near Oldcastle there are the passage tombs at Loughcrew, which pre-date the pyramids of Egypt by 2,000 years. There are also a number of Norman castles in Meath, such as Dunmoe Castle near Navan. In addition to the many pre-Christian sites in the area the Hill of Slane is known as the place where St. Patrick lit his fires and prepared the Easter feast across from the Druids and their celebrations on the Hill of Tara.

Why not enjoy the “Sport of Kings” at Fairyhouse Racecourse near Ratoath or Navan Racecourse with both flat and National Hunt races to choose from, including the Irish Grand National. Other activities to be enjoyed in County Meath include golfing, for example at Headfort Golf Club or Laytown &Bettystown Golf Club. Walkers can enjoy the scenery on the Royal Canal scenic walks or the Loughcrew Hill Walk and the Boyne Ramparts Walk, to name but a few. There is also angling and fishing aplenty in Meath, for example on the Rivers Slane, Deel and Nanny and the Upper Boyne Lakes.

Irelandhotels.com features 19 hotels and guesthouses in County Meath, to find somewhere to stay in the area use the accommodation search box on this page to select a hotel or guesthouse in County Meath. Or checkout our great Value Breaks section on the site for great short-break offers for Meath.

One of Mayo’s best-known town’s is Westport, a popular tourist spot overlooking Clew Bay. It is one of the few planned towns in Ireland and was laid out in the Georgian style in the late 18th century at the behest of Lord Sligo. As well as it’s pretty streets and Mall area and the many bridges over the River Carrow Beg, which runs through the town, Westport is also well known for its vibrant nightlife with great restaurants and pubs, many of which have traditional Irish music sessions.

Just a few miles from Westport and looking out over Clew Bay is the majestic Croagh Patrick or Holy Mountain. The mountain has been an area for pilgrimages for over 5,000 years and is now best known for its association with Saint Patrick. Another famous religious site is Knock with Our Lady’s Shrine, which is visited, by thousands of pilgrims each year.

Mayo is a county rich in historical and archaeological attractions such as the Ceide Fields in Ballycastle, one of the largest stone age monuments in the world and has megalithic tombs dating back 5,000 years. Other attractions worth visiting include Ballintubber Abbey, the Enniscoe Museum in Enniscoe House, an elegant Georgian House overlooking Lough Conn. Or visit the Quiet Man Cottage Museum, which was used in the 1951 John Ford film with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara and is based in Cong. The Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre, which includes a tour of the mill, art exhibition, restaurant and shop. Turlough House is located in Turlough Village, not far from Castlebar. The house is home to the National Folklife collection and is part of the National Museum of Country Life, which is a branch of the National Museum of Ireland, the museum charts Irish country life from the late 19th century to the 1950’s. Westport House, designed by Richard Cassels and James Wyatt in the 18th century, is home to the Browne family, descendants of Grace O’Malley – the Pirate Queen of Connaught. In addition to the architectural treasures of the house and the fine gardens, there is also a Pirate Adventure Park on the grounds for family enjoyment.

County Mayo offers a wide array of outdoor activities, with great fishing on the many lakes and rivers, such as the River Moy, Lough Conn – well known salmon fishery, Loughs Carra and Mask for Brown Trout or sea angling at Belmullet and Killala. Walkers can enjoy a variety of walking trails and events and in varied landscape, for example there are many loop walks to enjoy, such as the Erris Head Loop Walk, Clare Island, Inishturk Island, Castlebar Loop Walks and Belleek Woods, to name just a few. Thee are also linear long-distance walks and way marked ways, such as the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail. There are also a number of walking festivals in Mayo such as the Achill Walks Festival.

Mayo is a popular spot for waterspouts, with Achill Island being a popular spot for surfing and sea kayaking or canoeing off Clew Bay, windsurfing off Westport or try sailing on Collanmore Island, one of the hundreds of islands off Clew Bay, at the Glenans Irish Sailing Club.

For the real outdoor enthusiast there is Gael Force West, Geal Force 6 is held in August each year and is a form of Adventure Racing for novices, which included running / cycling / climbing / kayaking over a 65 km course.

There are also a number of equestrian centres to enjoy the scenic outdoors in Mayo on horseback and plenty of fine golf courses to choose from, such as the Ashford Castle Golf Club in Cong.

Irelandhotels.com features 35 hotels and guesthouses in County Mayo use the accommodation search box on this page to select a hotel or guesthouse in Mayo. Or check our Value Breaks for some great value hotel breaks Mayo.

Louth is a county rich in history and has a number of visitor attractions to enable you to explore its heritage, they include Roche Castle a 13th century ruin north of Dundalk, Mellifont Abbey which was established in the mid-12th century by St. Malachy of Armagh and is the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland. There are many high crosses located around the county and none more beautifully decorated than the Muiredeach’s Cross in Monasterboice. Also worth a visit is the 11th century Knockabbey Castle and Gardens located in Louth Village or Beaulieu House and Gardens near Drogheda. You can also visit the remains of St. Oliver Plunkett who was martyred in 1681 in St. Peter’s Cathedral in Drogheda. The county also has a number of museums to visit, including the Millmount Museum in Dundalk, a barracks dating back to 1808 or the County Museum in Dundalk.

There are plenty of activities to undertake in County Louth such as walking, golf, equestrian pursuits, cycling, adventure sports and water sports. For example, cycling on the Tain Trail Cycling Route, which runs from Co. Roscommon to the Cooley Peninsula for 365 miles, 95 of which are in County Louth. Or enjoy scenic walking routes such as the Slieve Foy looped walk near Carlingford or the Tain Way – which has 40 km of its route in Louth and which follows the trail of the mythical Cattle Raid of Cooley. Water sports can be enjoyed at the Carlingford Marina and the Carlingford Adventure Centre or enjoy a day at the races at the Dundalk Stadium.

Irelandhotels.com features 14 hotels and guesthouses in County Louth. To find a property use the accommodation search box on this page to select a hotel or guesthouse in County Louth. Or visit our Value Breaks section for great offers on short-breaks in County Louth.

Other attractions in Longford include the Ardagh Visitor Centre, which traces the history of Ardagh and the surrounding area, Carrigglas Manor is a Gothic-revival Manor built in the mid-19th century and also has impressive gardens and a museum and a stable block, which was designed by the well-known architect James Gandon. The county has strong literary connections as the birthplace of Oliver Goldsmith in 1728 in the village of Pallas and each year there is the Goldsmith International Festival. Other writers associated with Longford include John Casey, Maria Edgeworth and Padraic Colum.

County Longford has plenty to offer in the way of outdoor activities, with cycling on the Tain Trail which runs for over 365 miles through the Midlands, or walking along the Royal Canal Walk, in Darrycassin Wood or Newcastle Wood near Ballymahon. Or play a round of golf on Glasson Golf Club, the Mount Temple Golf Course or the Slieve Russell Golf and Country Club. Thee is an abundance of rivers and lakes for both coarse and game fishing in Longofrd, such as the River Shannon, Lough Ree, the Lanesborough hot water stretch, the River Inny and the Royal Canal.

Irelandhotels.com features a number of hotels and guesthouses in County Longford for you to choose from. Please use the accommodation search box on this page to find a hotel or guesthouse in County Longford. Or browse our Value Breaks section to find a great short-break offer in County Longford.

The main town in the county is Limerick, which sits on the River Shannon Estuary and is the fifth largest city in Ireland. Limerick is a modern and vibrant city with all the hustle and bustle that goes with being a University town; the University of Limerick is based on the banks of the River Shannon. However, the city also has a rich historical past with the medieval heart of the city centred on King John’s Castle. The castle was built in the early part of the 13th century and is an impressive example of an Anglo-Norman fort; you can view more of the medieval part of the city on the Limerick Medieval Heritage Precinct trail. The city also has a number of excellent visitor attractions such as the Hunt Museum, the Limerick Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Limerick City Art Gallery. The Hunt Museum has a wide collection of antiquities from Ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt to pre-Christian Ireland; it also has a collection of works from Picasso, Jack B. Yates, Renoir and Henry Moore. Or why not walk in the footsteps of Frank McCourt the famous Irish author with the Angela’s Ashes Walking Tour, based on his well-known autobiography.

Limerick City is also well known for its strong sporting tradition with the famous Thomond Park – home to Munster Rugby and it was on these grounds that Munster has their historic win over the All Blacks in 1978.
Other attractions in County Limerick includes Lough Gur Visitor Centre in Bruff, which tells the story of pre-Celtic Ireland dating back to 3000 B.C. Desmond Hall in Newcastlewest is a fine example of a 15th century banqueting hall which was built for the Earls of Desmond. Also worth a visit if the Foynes Flying Boat Museum which looks back to the 1930’s and 1940’s when Foynes was at the heart of trans-Atlantic aviation in Ireland.

Limerick is a popular spot for anglers. With fishing available on the many rivers and lakes in the county for both trout and salmon/ Popular spots include Castleconnell Salmon Fishery, River Deel and Lakes, River Maigue and River Mulcair and of course the River Shannon.
There are plenty of facilities and attractive for walking in Limerick, such as the Ballyhoura Way, Curraghchase Forest Park and Doneraile Court and Wildlife Park. Each year the Ballyhoura International Walking Festival takes place in Kilfinane. Or enjoy a day out at the races, with horse racing at Limerick Racecourse at Patrickswell throughout the year. Or for the golfing enthusiast there are some great golf courses in Limerick, including Dromoland Castle, Limerick County, Limerick Golf Club and the Adare Manor Golf Resort.

Irelandhotels.com features 20 hotels and guesthouses in County Limerick, to find somewhere to stay use the accommodation search box on this page to find a hotel or guesthouse in Limerick or check our Value Breaks section to find a selection of great offers in County Limerick.

There is plenty to see and go in Leitrim with stately country houses and castles, such as 18th century Parkes Castle, or Lough Allen or Lough Gill – situated partly in counties Sligo and Leitrim and which was the lake which inspired the famous Irish poet, W. B. Yeats for his poem, “The Lake Isle Of Innisfree”. Glencar Waterfall also inspired the poet with the beautiful poem, “Stolen Child”.

The Ireland Hotels site  features 7 hotels and guesthouses in County Leitrim use the accommodation search box on this page to find a hotel or guesthouse in County Leitrim and also check out our great deals in out Value Breaks section on this site.

In addition to walking, Laois offers horse riding, fishing, crusising and golf at the Portlaoise Golf Club or the Heritage Golf & Spa Resort at Killenard.

There are a number of picturesque towns and villages, as well as heritage attractions to visit in Laois, including the heritage town of Abbeyleix, the Round Tower at Timahoe, Castle Durrow, Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum, Ballaghmore Castle,  Emo Court House and Gardens – designed by the architect Sir James Gandon in the 18th century.

The Electric Picnic Music Festival is held on the lawns of Stradbally Hall each September and provides an eclectic mix of music and entertainment.

The Ireland Hotels site features 6 hotels and guesthouses in County Laois and you can use the accommodation search box on this page to select a hotel or guesthouse in County Laois.

Kilkenny is a county rich in heritage, which is reflected in the medieval splendour of Kilkenny City, which is over 400 years old. It is a vibrant city on the River Nore and overlooked by the majestic Kilkenny Castle.  It has a rich arts and crafts culture, with the National Craft Gallery, the Kilkenny Design Craft Centre, the Craft Trail and numerous studios to visit located throughout the county. When travelling around Kilkenny you will find a wide variety of hotel or guesthouse accommodation to choose from.

There are a number of beautiful towns and villages throughout the county, including Bennettsbridge and Inistioge where the film of Maeve Binchy’s book “Circle of Friends” was filmed.  There are also plenty of attractions to keep you busy on a visit to Kilkenny, including Jerpoint Abbey, Castlecomer Discovery Park, Dunmore Cave, St. Canice’s Cathedral, Rothe House and Graden and Woodstock Estate to name but a few.

There are also plenty of golf courses in the area including Mount Juliet and Castlecomer Golf Course and you can enjoy a day at the races at Gowran Park or go to the dogs at Kilkenny Greyhound Racing Stadium. All Kilkenny hotels and guesthouses will be glad to help you book a round of golf at a local course.

The Ireland Hotels site has almost 30 Kilkenny hotels and guesthouses to choose from. Use our accommodation search box on this page to select hotel and guesthouse accommodation in Kilkenny. And check out our great value Kilkenny Hotel Breaks in our Value Breaks section on the site.

It also is home the Irish National Stud just outside Kildare Town.  The Thoroughbred County holds a number of Group 1 races each year such as the Irish Derby and the Irish 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas. When travelling around Kildare you will find a wide variety of hotel and guesthouse accommodation to choose from.

Kildare has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast with a number of rivers and canals as well as two waymarked ways for walking, the Kildare Way and the Barrow Way. Or if your feet get too tired you can take a leisurely cruise on one of the canals in Kildare, the Royal Canal or the Grand Canal.

You can also enjoy golfing at the famous K Club, which hosted the Ryder Cup or motor racing at Mondello. Other visitor attractions include Ballindoolin House and Gardens, Castletown, the Bog of Allen and for some retail therapy and a bite to eat why not go to the discount shopping experience at Kildare Village.

County Kildare has a number of heritage towns including Athy, Kildare and Leixlip and the vibrant University town of Maynooth.

The Ireland Hotels site has around 20 hotels and guesthouses to choose from in County Kildare. To find a place to suit your needs, use the accommodation search box to find a hotel or guesthouse in County Kildare. Also check out our year round great deals in our Value Breaks section.

Kerry has a beautiful and varied landscape from the famous highest mountains in Ireland, Mount Brandon and Carrantoohil, part of the Magillicuddy Reeks Mountain Range, to the tranquil Killarney Lakes. The scenery can be enjoyed on a tour of the Ring of Kerry and in the Killarney National Park or on the dramatic Dingle Peninsula. Other beauty spots include the Gap of Dunloe, the Torc Waterfall and islands such as Skellig, Blasket and Valentia. While you are here you will find Kerry hotels and guesthouses offering relaxing accommodation and top class facilities.

County Kerry has a number of picturesque and vibrant villages and towns to visit, such as Killarney, Kenmare, Dingle, Sneem, Tralee and Waterville, and all of these towns have a great selection of hotel or guesthouse accommodation to choose from.

There are a number of great visitor attractions in the county including Muckross House, Ross Castle, Listowel Castle, Killarney Muckross Friary, Tarbert Jail, Ballyferriter Museum, Glendalough House and Carrigafoyle Castle. Kerry Hotels and guesthouses are famous for their hospitality so ask for information at your hotel or guesthouse as you can’t beat the local knowledge. Kerry has activities to suit all tastes and capabilities, with great golf courses, angling and fly fishing, equestrian activities and a host of water sports to choose from.

The Ireland Hotels website features over 100 Kerry hotels and guesthouses to choose from. Use the accommodation search box on this page to find your perfect hotel or guesthouse. Also why not check out our great Value Breaks offers on the site for midweek or weekend breaks in Kerry hotels and guesthouses.

Galway City, otherwise know as the City of the Tribes – known as such because of the charter which was presented to the 13 Anglo-Norman tribes or families in the 14th century.  Galway is a vibrant city based at the estuary of the Corrib River, which flows into Galway Bay. The heart of the city is around the elegant Eyre Square and off it run the many colourful streets, which make up the heart of the old medieval part of the city.

Part of the lively atmosphere is due to the many students who attend Galway University. With its location on the Atlantic coastline it is not surprising that Galway is well known for its seafood and in addition festivals, such as the Clarinbridge Oyster Festival. Galway has a number of excellent restaurants and pubs to sample all types of food.

The city also has a vibrant nightlife with pubs, clubs and music and theatre venues and every night there is a traditional music sessions going on somewhere in the city. Each year sees Galway City host a number of festivals such as the Galway Arts Festival, the Galway Races, held in Ballybrit each summer and in 2009 the city hosted a stopover for the Volvo Ocean Race.

Irish music, dancing and song abound in County Galway and the area also has a number of Gaeltacht or native Irish speaking areas, such as the Aran Islands – which is made up of three islands including Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr, and one of Ireland’s largest gaeltacht areas, Connemara with its attractive main city of Clifden.  Connemara has a dramatic landscape of mountains, lakes, rivers and rugged coastline.

The outdoor enthusiast can enjoy fishing, hiking, boating, surfing and diving throughout the area. It also has islands, gardens and visitor attractions such as Kylemore Abbey that are well worth a visit. The Aran Islands have a unique landscape, which includes thousands of miles of stonewalls criss-crossing the islands and also has dramatic cliff-top walks and spectacular coastal scenery. The islands are also well known for their archaeological treasures, including prehistoric and Christian monuments such as Dún Aengus Fort, one of best examples of this type in Europe. Other sites worth visiting include Dún Eoghanachta and Dún Dúcathair.

Irelandhotels.com has over 90 hotels and guesthouses to choose from in County Galway. To ensure you have a wonderful stay in the West of Ireland, use the accommodation search box on this page to select a hotel or guesthouse in Galway. Also don’t forget to check out our great Value Breaks for the area.

County Fermanagh is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast with part of the 230 mile Kingfisher Cycle Trail running through the area, in addition to enjoying fishing and water sports on the lakes, you can take a boat ride to explore the many islands, such as Devenish Island, White Island and Lusty Beg Island. The county also has some fine golf courses to explore.

Other attractions worth a visit in County Fermanagh include the Marble Arch Caves and European Geopark located at Florencecourt, not far from Ennisskillen, while there you can explore the underground marvel of caves and waterfalls and rivers. A brand that is known worldwide is Belleek Pottery and their visitor centre is well worth a visit.

Fermanagh is also rich in castles, such as Enniskillen Castle, Crom Castle, Maguire Castle and Tully Castle. Also worth a visit is Florence Court an 18th century house with a fine collection of Irish Art and wonderful parkland and woodlands to explore. Crom Estate in Newtownbutler  on the shores of Lough Erne, spreads over 2,000 acres of woodland, parkland and is an important nature conservation area.

Both Lough Erne and Lough Melvin are well known amongst anglers for Brown Trout and Salmon as well as other species and each year see the Waterways Ireland Classic Fishing Festival.  The Fermanagh Lakelands, with its Rivers and Lakes are not only a haven for anglers but also for a number of water sports and outdoor activities.

The Ireland Hotels site features a selection of hotels to choose from in County Fermanagh, use the accommodation search box on this page to find a hotel in Fermanagh.

County Dublin is located on the East coast of Ireland and is home to Ireland’s capital, Dublin City. Although the county is one of the smaller counties in Ireland it is home to almost half the total population. Dublin may well be one of the smallest counties in Ireland but it is big on culture, fun and entertainment. Dublin is renowned for its friendly people, compact city centre, amazing cultural heritage and fabulous shopping, restaurants, hotels and pubs. There is always plenty to do in Dublin and there is a wide variety of hotels and accommodation right across the city and county. It is easy and entertaining to walk around the city centre and there are ample bus, light rail and taxi services for going further afield.

Visitors arriving in Dublin Airport can get to anywhere in the city or county within an hour and the same applies to visitors coming into Dublin Port or Dun Laoghaire Ferry Terminal. So wheteher you want to visit some of the many world-class museums and art galleries, hop on a city tour to get a taste of Dublin’s hitory and landmarks, or just relax over a pint of Guinness or cup of coffee in any number of pubs and cafes, Dublin is a great place to spend some time and soak up over 1000 years of history, culture and fun. Ask at your hotel or guesthouse for information 0n local attractions.

In addition to having a vibrant city rich in culture and heritage, County Dublin also has a wonderful landscape of mountains and forest, lakes, rivers and stretches of sandy coastline. For the outdoor enthusiast there are numerous water sports, such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking to enjoy on the many waterways, coastlines, harbours and marinas in the greater Dublin area, such as Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Malahide Marina or Howth harbour, the River Liffey and the River Tolka. Dublin Mountains provide the opportunity to go hiking, hill-walking or bouldering only a short distance form Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre.

Dublin City was founded in 988 A.D., well over 1,000 years ago. One of the first people to habit the area were Norman Vikings, followed by the Danes and eventually the Anglo-Normans. The 17th century saw Dublin start to grow both economically and culturally. As one of the oldest cities in Europe, a stroll through the city will allow you to witness fine examples of the medieval, Georgian and modern architecture that defines the city and its people. As well as its architecture, Dublin is well known for its writers, artists and musicians, they include such well-known figures as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde. For Dublin Hotels Breaks – Click Here.

The area has the Slieve Donard Mountain Range as well as the Mourne Mountains to add to the beauty of its landscape and the jewel in that crown must be Strangford Lough, much beloved of naturalists and boat enthusiasts alike. A more tranquil, though no less majestic landscape can be enjoyed in the grounds of Mount Stewart, home to one of Ireland’s best-known gardens.

In Newcastle the National Trust managed Murlough National Nature Reserve provides a beautiful backdrop for bird watching or walking. The county also boasts some fine forest parks such as Tollymore Forest Park in Newcastle and Castlewellan Forest Park in Castlewellan.

Newry is a busy shopping location in County Down and well worth a visit for a bit of retail therapy.

Saint Patrick arrived in the area in A.D. 432 and later died in Downpatrick, where the saint is buried. County Down is also referred to as the Bronte County as Patrick Bronte, the father of Emily, Charlotte and Anne Bronte, was born in the Bann Valley.

The Ireland Hotels site features a number of County Down Hotel Breaks and guesthouses. To book accommodation use the search box on this page to find a hotel or guesthouse in County Down.

Glenveagh National Park situated in the northwest of Donegal extends to over 14,000 hectares of lakes, mountaind, rivers, bogland and the valley, which gives it its name – which translates as the “Valley of the birches”.  In addition to being an area of spectacular beauty, the park is also home to wildlife such as the Irish Red Deer, with one of the largest herd’s in Europe. It also has foxes, badgers and the Native Irish Hare and birds of prey such as the Peregrine Falcon and Merlin and the Golden Eagle, which was re-introduced, to the park in 2000.

The dramatic coastline has a number of beautiful beaches, such as Rossnowlagh and Bundoran, which are popular for surfing and swimming. There are a number of Gealtacht or native Irish speaking areas in County Donegal, such as Tory Island, located off Horn Head, which is an area rich in ancient archaeological and monastic ruins.

The famous Irish writer Brian Friel based his play “Dancing at Lughnasa” on Glenties, located in South Donegal.  Also in the south of the county is the well known Donegal Bay, which stretches from Bundoran to Glemcolmcille and past Donegal Town. This area also has one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, the Slieve League Sea Cliffs.

County Donegal has a number of museum and galleries worth visiting such as the Dun Ri Military Museum, the Glenties Museum, Doagh Famine Village, Dun Ri Museum, Colmcille Heritage Centre, the Maritime Museum, Dunfanaghy Workshouse, the County Museum and the Glebe Gallery.

The area also host a number of festivals each year which are well worth visiting such as Buncrana Festival, Mary of Dungloe Festival, the Killybegs and Dunfanaghy Seafood Festivals, the Earagail Art Festival, the Ardara Walking Festival, the Bundoran Ocean Festival and the Charles Macklin Autumn School – to name but a few, and you will find a great selection of hotels to choose from locally.

It is very simple to book accommodation in Donegal. The Ireland Hotels site features 43 Donegal Hotel Breaks and guesthouses, to book any of these properties in County Donegal use the accommodation search box on this page where you are sure to find a Donegal hotel or guesthouse to suit your needs.

The county is very close to County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland and shares a dramatic landscape and coastline with its neighbour. In addition to spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean, Derry also has the dramatic Sperrin Mountain range, the River Foyle and the Burntollet River and pretty seaside towns such as Portrush and Portstewart.

In Derry city there is the famous St. Columb’s Cathedral which can be seen from miles away and the Walls of Derry – which themselves can be explored, the Guildhall and the Tower Museum – which in addition to telling the Story of Derry, also includes information on “An Armada Shipwreck”. Outside of Derry city there is the Bellaghy Bawn Museum, which provides an insight into the history of the Ulster Plantation and also the writings of the famous Irish poet Seamus Heaney.

The Mussenden Temple which is owned and managed by the National Trust for Northern Ireland and forms part of the Downhill Estate & Mussenden Temple visitor attraction. It was built in the late 1780’s as a library and was based on the Temple of Vesta in Italy.

For a more leisurely way to explore Derry, why not take a boat trip on the River Foyle or for those who active pursuits there is a wide selection of activities, including hill walking, gorge walking, kayaking and canoeing, golf, sailing and equestrian sports to enjoy.

The Ireland Hotels site features 6 hotels and guesthouses in County Derry, to find Hotel Breaks or guesthouse accommodation use the search box on this page to choose a hotel or guesthouse in Derry.

If food is your thing why not visit the gourmet capital of Ireland – Kinsale or take a stroll through the famous English Market in Cork city which dates back to the early 17th century and will have you spoilt for choice with its selection of local produce and more exotic fare.

There is so much to do and see in County Cork such as the Fota Wildlife Park and Fota Nature Reserve and Fota House and Gardens all on the island of Fota which lies just off Cork Harbour and is home to Ireland’s only wildlife park. The island also has Fota Island Golf Course and it is believed that golf has been played on the island since the 19th century. All Cork hotels and guesthouses will be glad to help you book a round of golf at a local course.

The Queenstown Story –this museum tells the story of the Famine in Ireland and those who survived and managed to escape to America. Other attractions include Cork Sea Safari, Cork City Gaol, Mizen Vision – on the southern- most part of Ireland this signal station provides panoramic views of the area’s spectacular coastline. Bantry House and Gardens built on the shore of Bantry Bay in the 1740’s has an extensive collection of art and tapestries.

West Cork has some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland and it is well worth considering a break in a local West Cork hotel. Towns well worth a visit include Clonakilty – with its famous Black Pudding, important in any Full Irish Breakfast – and also Skibbereen, Bantry, Roscarbery, Dunmanway and the Beara Peninsula, famous with walkers for its breathtaking scenery and also for its historic sites. West Cork also has a number of islands worth a visit, such as Bere Island, Dursey Island, Garnish Island and Sherkin Island. Check out the West Cork hotels listed on this site.

Another area well worth a visit whether you enjoy walking or mountain biking or enjoy more sedate visits to heritage sites, castles and country houses – the Blackwater Valley will not disappoint. It has one of the first dedicated mountain biking centres at Ballyhoura. This area is also home to Cork Racecourse at Mallow, situated on the banks of the River Blackwater – with 20 National Hunt and flat races running throughout the year why not enjoy the spectacle and fun of a day at the races.

If you are lost for words after all you have seen pay a visit to the Blarney Stone which when kissed will restore the gift of eloquence.

There is so much to do and see in County Cork from outdoor pursuits such as hiking, cycling, golf, equestrian pursuits and all the water sports you can think of.

The Ireland Hotels website can help you find the perfect place to stay in County Cork with over 90 Cork hotels and guesthouses listed on the site. Use the accommodation search box on this page to select Cork Hotel Breaks or guesthouses to suit your requirements.

The county also has the world famous Burren a natural wonder – a unique landscape of limestone plateau rich in fauna and flora and also in ancient monuments and tombs, such as celtic crosses and megalithic tombs.

The area also has Burren Adventures where you can explore the Atlantic Ocean from below the waves and the County Clare coastline is a popular spot for all types of water sports including scuba diving and surfing or even a spot of dolphin watching. Clare is also well stocked with an abundance of lakes and rivers for the angling enthusiast, with Lough Derg, Lough Graney, and the East Clare Lakeland with over 40 lakes to choose from.

It also boasts the longest river in Ireland, the River Shannon. In addition to its dramatic coastline and abundance of lakes and rivers, Clare also has some exceptional forests, such as Dromore Woods which encompasses 1,000 acres and Cratloe Woods and the famous Ailwee Caves.

There is a fantastic selection of historical buildings and castles to choose from, including the world famous Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Knappogue Castle, Brian Boru Heritage Centre, Ennis Friary, Dysert O’Dea Castle and Craggunowen to name but a few – many of the castles and halls offer mediaeval banquets to let you enjoy the tastes as well as the sights of times past.

The Ireland Hotels site has 44 hotels and guesthouses to choose from in County Clare. To find accommodation to make your stay in the West of Ireland a perfect one, use the search box on this page to find Hotel Breaks or guesthouse accommodation in Clare. Also don’t forget to check out our great Value Breaks for year round Hotel Breaks Clare.

The Lake County is also a county rich in historical attractions, ranging from ancient archaeological sites and artefacts such as the Bronze Age Killycluggin Stone to monastic settlements and the St. Killian’s Heritage Centre to the Cavan County Museum and the cathedral in Cavan Town.

There is an abundance of activities to choose from in County Cavan, from equestrian activities, to walking in Killykeen or Dun na Ri forest Parks or cycling on the Kingfisher Cycle Trail. It also has a number of excellent golf courses to choose from, such as the Farnham Estate Golf Club and the County Cavan Golf Club. Or why not pay a visit to the geological wonders at the Marble Arch Geopark.

The county is also home to Cavan Irish Crystal, why not visit their showrooms and bring home a beautiful crystal memento.  Of course a visit to the Lake County would not be complete without sampling the rich Pike and Coarse Fishing the county offers as well as game angling fishing on of its rivers.

Irelandhotels.com features 13 hotels and guesthouses in County Cavan. To book Hotel Breaks in Cavan use the accommodation search box on this page.

The four star Mount Wolseley Hotel Spa & Country Club is set amongst beautiful Carlow countryside and boasts 143 bedrooms and conference facilities.

The Lord Bagenal Inn is situated in the Heritage Village of Leighlinbridge beside the River Barrow.  This superb four star hotel offers excellent value for money Accommodation in Carlow and children are welcome.

If you are looking for hotels closer to Carlow Town, then the Talbot Hotel Carlow is the one for you.  This hotel offers four star accommodation right in the heart of Carlow centre. With 84 beautiful rooms, leisure centre and complimentary parking, it’s the ideal location for city centre shopping.

Alternatively, if you want something different but still close to Carlow Town centre, then why not try Barrowville Town House.  With the standards of a hotel, this period residence  offers four star accommodation and only 3 minutes from Carlow Town centre.

County Carlow located in the South East of Ireland is a county rich in historical attractions ranging from the prehistoric, to early celtic and pagan sites to more recent 17th and 18th century stately homes.  It is also known for its rich landscape, including majestic mountains, such as Blackstairs Mountain and Mount Leinster and some fine rivers, including the River Barrow, the River Slaney, the River Burrin and the River Suck and if angling on any of Carlow’s fine rivers does not take your fancy try a cruise on the historic Grand Canal or a visit to Bahana Forest.

Other activities in Carlow include walking, equestrian activities, angling and golf to name but a few and if all that activity makes you work up a thirst why not pay a visit to the Carlow Brewing Company.

There are a selection of lovely towns to visit throughout County Carlow, such as Myshall, Leighlinbridge, Kildavin, Rathvilly, Tullow, Tinnahinch, Hacketstown, Bagnelstown, Ballon and Borris. The country also has some fine period houses to visit such as Borris House, which can trace its ancestry back to the High Kings of Ireland and Dunleckney Manor, dating from the 17th century.

Each year sees the county hosting Carlow’s Floral Festival Trail and there is also the Carlow Garden Trail, featuring over 16 garden attractions including the OPW managed Altamont Garden, Duckett’s Grove and Hardymount Gardens to name but a few.

The Ireland Hotels site features a choice of Carlow hotel and guesthouse accommodation across the county. Whatever your reason for visiting County Carlow use the search box on this page to find Carlow Hotel Breaks or guesthouse accommodation to fit the bill.

Or take a step back in time with a visit to the Eamain Macha – the Navan Centre & Fort, an area steeped in history and an important Celtic site. Other archaeological and historical attractions include the King’s Stables, Haughey’s Fort, the Armagh County Museum and the Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum.

For those looking for more active pursuits why not try a round of golf in some of the county’s scenic parkland courses, the Armagh County Golf Club, Loughgall Country Park or Tandragee Golf Club. Then return to your hotel or guesthouse accommodation for a drink at the 19th.

If you are looking for a place to stay in one of Ireland’s oldest cities why not try the Charlemont Arms Hotel.

The Ireland Hotels site features a selection of Armagh Hotel Breaks and guesthouse accommodation throughout Northern Ireland, use the accommodation search box on this page to find an Armagh hotel or guesthouse to suit your needs.

Other attractions include the famous Belfast Castle, Belfast City Hall, the Odyssey Arena and the Botanic Gardens. Outside of Belfast there is the world famous Giant’s Causeway, a geological wonder that is well worth a visit. . Only an hour and a half outside Belfast is the scenic Lough Neagh one of the largest lakes in the North of Europe.

For those with a brave heart, visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge which spans a 23m deep chasm and provides views to Raithlin Island and the islands off the West Coast of Scotland. A visit to an Antrim hotel would not be complete without a visit to the legendary home of Bushmills Irish Whiskey.

Whatever your reason for visiting County Antrim you can book any of our 11 fully approved Antrim hotels and guesthouses located throughout the county on the Ireland Hotels website. Just use the accommodation search box featured on this page to find an Antrim hotel or guesthouse to meet your needs.

Greystones is located in County Wicklow. IrelandHotels.com brings great value hotels and guesthouses in Greystones. Use the accommodation search box on this page to book your hotel or guesthouse in Greystones, County Wicklow

To experience the historic past of Waterford, attractions such as the Waterford heritage museum and the Waterford crystal factory are a must. The heritage museum displays show visitors a collection of paintings as well as Medieval and Viking artefacts. The Waterford Crystal Factory shows visitors the extraordinary skill of creating the beautiful glass objects as well as the option to purchase pieces from the collection so they can bring a part Waterford home with them.

Waterford city offers a great variety of pubs and clubs, live music, cinema and theatres. Walking trails, horse riding, golf and boating are all very popular activities on the outskirts of the city where one can relax and marvel the countryside.

IrelandHotels.com has a selection of great value hotels and guesthouses in Waterford City. Use the accommodation search box on this page to book Waterford City Hotels or Guesthouses.

IrelandHotels.com brings great value hotels and guesthouses in Carrickmacross. Use the accommodation search box on this page to book your hotel or guesthouse in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan

Westport is a compact town built around the river and judging by the quantity and variety of hanging baskets and flower containers in the town during the summer months, the residents certainly have green fingers. Even in winter, Westport has a welcome feel to it and there is a wide variety of pubs, restaurants and hotels.

Try local lamb, beef and of course fish and shellfish. Fresh fish, mussels prawns and other shell fish are a specialty in many of the restaurants. You can even hire a boat and a skipper to take you fishing in nearby Clew Bay.

And if you are feeling energetic and also want some food for the soul, you can visit Croagh Patrick which is only 8 kilometres from Westport. The “Holy Mountain” has long been a place of pilgrimage and it is possible to walk to the summit which is just over 760 metres high. Take local advice on clothing and footwear and check the weather forecast before you go.

There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses in Westport offering a wide range of accommodation. Use the search box on this page to search for hotels or guesthouses in Wesport County Mayo.

Popular attractions to visit in Limerick City include King Johns Castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Plassey and Hunt Museum. Visitors can also experience boating and walking tours along the River Shannon and the Angela’s Ashes Walking Tour.

Shopping in Limerick City offers visitors a diverse variation of retail shops from traditional to modern. The main shopping areas in the city centre include Cruise St., Bedford Row, O’Connell Street and various shopping centres such as The Jetland Shopping Centre and Crescent Shopping Centre. The largest shopping centre in the Midwest was recently opened in Limerick City in early 2008, The Coonagh Cross Shopping Centre.

Nightlife in Limerick is full of fun from modern to traditional pubs and restaurants. There are many live music venues to experience everything from traditional to rock to jazz. Towns on the outskirts of the city offer many activities such as golf, boating and horse riding. There is an abundance of gardens, parks and forest for a quiet relaxing escape from the city’s bright lights.

Limerick City is located in County Limerick. IrelandHotels.com brings great value hotels and guesthouses in Limerick City. Use the accommodation search box on this page to book your hotel or guesthouse in Limerick City, County Limerick

IrelandHotels.com brings great value hotels and guesthouses in Carrick-on-Shannon. Use the accommodation search box on this page to book your hotel or guesthouse in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim