Discovering Ireland January 2014 | Page 3

Adventure Begins Here

Can you imagine walking through magnificent rolling green hills that go on for miles and miles or taking a tour through some of the most extravagant castles in the world? Well then, Ireland is your place to go. The history of Ireland coincides roughly with the introduction of both Christianity and writing in or about the early fifth century A.D. though the record is very sparse for the first few centuries of the potato famine and the oppression of the Christian era, but Ireland no longer lives in that past, now it’s a whole new story. If adventure is what you seek with spectacular scenery, with three-hundred and forty-five castles to explore, and with festive music and fast up-beat dancing, Ireland is the place to visit.

Doesn’t everyone want to wake up to a beautiful view? Ireland is known for its scenery. Susan Bryan, author of Ireland’s Hidden Gems website writes, apparently 82% of visitors to Ireland come for the scenery which is hardly surprising. Sculpted over the millennia by both natural and human forces Irelands' landscapes have been formed into an endless supply of dramatic photo opportunities. From the wild, storm lashed coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean to the tranquil, rolling hills of the Magical Midlands or the world renowned limestone Karst region known as the Burren Resplendent in wild flowers during the spring and early summer on the surface, yet home to a dramatic underground world of caves and watercourses, including the longest stalactite in Europe at Doolin Cave . All of these Irish landscapes are steeped in myths, legends and fairytales, stretching back to the age of the Celts and Newgrange or 'Bru na Boinne' and way beyond.

The Castles of Ireland one of the most visited attractions on the entire island. Today, dozens of ancient castles are sprinkled across Ireland’s lush, green countryside in various states of ruin. If you jump in a rental car and start driving, chances are you’ll find one. The trick is deciding which ones to see. These three Irish castles will sate your curiosity for all things medieval … and let loose your inner child. The first one, the Blarney Castle, sure, thousands of tourists swarms Blarney Castle in southern Ireland every year, but it's still worth a visit. Here, you can kiss the notorious Blarney Stone) and, as legend has it, get the "gift of the gab." Climb 10 flights of stairs to reach the stone at the top of the castle's main tower. Number two the Bunratty Castle, Even before you get to Ireland, book a banquet at Bunratty Castle. This fortress sies on Folk Park, an ancient Viking trading camp dating back to 970 A.D. Finally the Doe Castle, in County Donegal in northwest Ireland is one of my favorites simply because it architecturally looks cool, says Patty Hodapp. It's surrounded on 3 sides by water, and was built on a peninsula with a moat cleaved into the rock of the landward side.

Ready to get on your feet and sing, dance the night away? Irish songs tell a story through songs making them even more appealing to listeners. With traditional instruments such as the Harp or the bodhrán being played the unique music is created. Traditional Irish music is played by a variety of instruments such as the Bodhran (Irish drum), the Fiddle, the Flute, the Tin Whistle and Uilleann Pipes and guitar among others. Some may have a different opinion due to its fast up-beat music when some others may want slow and steady music; the music may not have a best attraction while visiting Ireland.

So if adventure is what you seek with spectacular scenery, with three-hundred and forty-five castles to explore and with festive music and fast up-beat dancing, Ireland is most definitely the place to visit. Scenery is obviously the most reason why people now visit, because of the green rolling hills or the underground world of caves and watercourses. Or the Castles of Ireland, at any turn could find one on the spot and have a new experience every time. Also the festive music, where can be found at any point of Ireland making it fun and exciting. So you want to have a fun new adventure at every turn? Life is too short to wait for the right adventure to come around, come to Ireland and begin your adventure here.