ABOUT IRELAND

A mixture of cosmopolitan flair and cultural pride has made Ireland one of Europe's most popular tourist resorts over the past decade. The country has shed the baggage of sectarian turmoil and in the last ten years has evolved from a religious-dominated economically slow nation into a prosperous modern state of the 21st century.

Despite Ireland's newfound vibrancy, visitors are encouraged to learn of the nation's past. Ireland's history was filled with harsh repression and subsequent uprisings since the arrival of the occupying England in the 12th Century. With a current population of over 4million the nation once boasted around 8million inhabitants however the great potato famine of the mid 19th century sent millions flooding to Scotland, England, Australia, Canada and the U.S.A, the reason millions of inhabitants of these countries today being of Irish heritage.

Ireland is renowned as one of Europe's top destinations for whale watching while fishermen and surfers flock to the beaches and stunning locations to work their craft. Visitors are also encouraged to take advantage of Ireland's passion for golf by visiting the internationally renowned courses - the world famous Ryder Cup being held in the country this year, and follow many others who have enjoyed bike rides, pony treks, water sports and country walks through break-taking Irish scenery.

Nightlife in Ireland is bigger than ever. From the cosy pub on the street corner, exuding the famous Irish charm, warm conversation and traditional Irish music filling the air, to the theatres trendy nightclubs of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and other buzzing cities thumping the latest tracks of all musical genres.

Visitors may be surprised by the shopping facilities Ireland now has to offer. With city's like Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick now competing with major European capitals of Labels, availability and quality and traditional as well as chic boutique stores scattered throughout the entire nation, there has never been a better time to shop in Ireland.