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FIND OUT MOREA toast to Ireland
With its vibrant cities and breathtaking countryside, Ireland is the place to blow off steam on St Patrick's Day. Andrew Watson picks his favourite places to visit and things to do on the Emerald Isle.
Live it up in Dublin
Ireland's capital and largest city, Dublin dates back over 1,000 years, having started as a small Viking settlement, but pulsates with youthful energy, making it the perfect place to experience the euphoria of the St Patrick's Day festivities. The saintly celebrations take over the city for five days, from March 12 to 17, with live music, dance, fireworks, funfairs and one of the most spectacular parades you'll ever lay eyes on. Visit www.stpatricksfestival.ie for details.
If street entertainment is not your thing, fear not. The city that gave the world Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and Bram Stoker boasts a wealth of libraries, museums and art galleries to satisfy even the most discerning culture vulture. And let's not forget the city's splendid Georgian architecture, awesome medieval castles and imposing cathedrals to feast your eyes on.
Personally, I visit for the music, the Guinness and the sense of cool. I have been to some of the most memorable gigs in the city that produced U2, Thin Lizzy and Sinead O'Connor, and that was before Dublin opened the largest indoor concert venue in the country - the 14,500 capacity O . I have also had the weirdest conversations with complete strangers in the city's legendary pubs. I have no recollection of the actual content of these alcohol-fuelled, late night deliberations, but I do remember feeling like an extra on a Quentin Tarantino film and that was cool.
What to do:
Indulge the bookworm in you
Located in the city centre, the James Joyce House of the Dead (www.jamesjoycehouse.com) is one of Dublin's most important literary and historic buildings. The house, which belonged to James Joyce's aunts, was the inspiration and setting of the author's short story The Dead. It now houses a contemporary art gallery with changing exhibitions.
Located on a 40-acre site in the heart of Dublin, Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, the college boasts a library that holds great national treasures (www.tcd.ie/library). Highlights include the Book of Kells, a 9th century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Durrow and the Book of Armagh.
Find God
Dublin has not one but two spectacular cathedrals so if you can't find God here, good luck to you. Dating back to the 1030s, Christ Church Cathedral (www.cccdub.ie) is the mother and senior cathedral of the diocese. One of Dublin's oldest and most iconic buildings, it hosts exhibitions, concerts, recitals and talks throughout the year.
Saint Patrick's Cathedral (www.stpatrickscathedral.ie) was founded in 1191 and is Ireland's national cathedral, visited by more than 300,000 people each year. The cathedral has a central part in the history and life of Dublin, and is unique in having two sung services every day except Saturday.
Capture a castle
Situated in the heart of historic Dublin, Dublin Castle (www.dublincastle.ie) has a long and colourful history, having served as a Viking fortress, royal residence, high security prison and military garrison in its previous lives. Check out the magnificent State Apartments that host presidential inaugurations and state functions.
Ardgillan Castle (www.fingalcoco.ie) is a large country house built in 1738 and set in the 200-acre Ardgillan Park in Balbriggan, County Dublin. Situated on an elevated coastline, it offers magnificent views over the Irish Sea and Skerries.
Meet the Vikings
One of Dublin's most popular visitor attractions, Dublinia & the Viking World (www.dublinia.ie) is a heritage centre exploring the city's Viking and medieval past using state-of-the-art exhibitions. It is housed in a neo-Gothic building linked to Christ Church Cathedral by a covered bridge and is currently closed for re-development until March 10.
Go to jail
A former prison, Kilmainham Gaol (www.heritageireland.ie) saw many leaders of Irish rebellions imprisoned and executed within its walls. Now a popular museum, it gives the visitor a very dramatic insight into the life of a condemned man.
Take a breather
Dublin boasts numerous parks and gardens that offer a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Phoenix Park is the largest urban park in Europe, spreading across more than 1,752 acres in area. It contains a number of stately homes, including the residencies of the President of Ireland and the US Ambassador. The park also houses the massive Dublin Zoo, which is another very popular visitor attraction.
St Stephen's Green is a charming Victorian public park, comprising nine hectares of tree lined walks, shrubberies, colourful flowerbeds, herbaceous borders and an ornamental lake - a great place to lay down a picnic blanket.
Do the continental thing
Head to the Liffey and stroll down one of the riverside walkways, stopping for a coffee and light lunch somewhere cosy. Have dinner at the Michelin-starred Bon Appetit (www.bonappetit.ie), where local chef Oliver Dunne creates mouth-watering French cuisine.
Have a pint or five for Paddy's Day
Guided tours of the Old Jameson Distillery (www.jamesonwhiskey.com) and the Guinness Storehouse (www.guinness-storehouse.com) are great fun and finish with free tastings. You can then continue breaking your New Year's resolutions at one or more of the city's cool drinking holes, including The Stag's Head and The Vaults.
Where to stay:
If money is not an issue, go for 5-star luxury at The Four Seasons Hotel Dublin (www.fourseasons.com/dublin) or The Dylan (www.dylan.ie), a 19th-century townhouse turned boutique hotel. Nightly rates start from euro 225 and 179 respectively. A more affordable option is the Best Western Academy Plaza Hotel (www.academyplazahotel.ie), which boasts a great central location from around euro 80 per night.
Chill out in Cork
Laid-back Cork in the south west is rapidly transforming into Ireland's gourmet city, so if you are a foodie like me, this should be on your list of places to visit.
The Republic's second city feels very continental, with its huge harbour, outdoor cafes, world-class restaurants and one of the best food markets in Europe - the covered English Market on Princes Street, showcasing a feast of local produce.
This is a beautiful city that will not wear you out. After checking off a few items on your 'things to do' list - try the local seafood at the renowned Pier One Restaurant (Trident Hotel), find a pub to try the local brew, Beamish, go shopping on St Patrick's Street - you can spend the rest of your time here strolling along the city's tree-lined quays, blissfully whiling away the hours.
Explore the countryside
Ireland is a country of striking natural beauty, so it is worth tearing yourself away from its cosmopolitan cities to experience its glorious lakes, hills and valleys.
The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are fantastic for hiking. Rising up to 214 metres above the Atlantic Ocean, the awe-inspiring cliffs stretch for 8km and offer breathtaking views, so put your walking shoes on and enjoy. Seriously, it wouldn't hurt to burn some calories after your stop in Cork.
If you like to get your feet wet, head for the River Shannon. At 386km, this is the longest river in Ireland. It carves its way through picturesque villages and magnificent countryside, and makes an ideal spot for a fishing or boating holiday. I must admit I've never caught a trout or pike or anything that swims here, but I am told that's because I am the worst angler that ever lived. Visit shannon-fishery-board.ie for information on fishing, and for a range of boats for hire on the river, visit www.shannon-river.com.
How To get there:
Aer Lingus (www.aerlingus.com) offers regular flights from Manchester to Dublin and Cork from as little as £19.99 one way. For a range of other flights available from Manchester to Ireland visit www.manchesterairport.co.uk.
All images courtesy of Tourism Ireland.