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Talented newcomers and well established Irish artists are well represented in the many artistic and cultural exhibits that Ireland offers visitors. From art centres and galleries in smaller towns to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, you will find a wonderful variety of artwork and artists here.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art showcases the work of well-established as well as fresh, new talent, most of it homegrown. They of course have international artistic and cultural exhibits as well, but if you are visiting Ireland, you may prefer to take in the local talent in paintings, sculpture, photography, installation and performance art on show here.

Throughout Ireland there are theatres and art centres exhibiting artistic work of various forms. The Signal Arts Centre in County Wicklow, The Old Market House Arts Centre in Waterford, The Dock in County Lentrim and the Inishaven Art Gallery in Donegal all offer the visitor an opportunity not only to view local artistic exhibits, but also to take in the heritage of the buildings they are housed in. Belfast has supplemented its thriving nightlife with a number of late-night art galleries, including the Belfast Print Gallery, Naughton Gallery at Queens, Catalyst Arts and many more. These galleries are open late into the night for visitors who want an alternative to another night in the pub, offering a variety of artistic and cultural exhibits.

Belfast’s variety of art galleries now offers late night openings at a number of its well-known artistic exhibits, including Catalyst Arts, the Engine Room Gallery, the Belfast Print Workshop Gallery and others. A welcome addition to Belfast’s nightlife, these galleries provide visitors with longer hours and an evening’s entertainment. Theatre-goers have a plethora of choice in Ireland too, with most towns and cities having a good variety of productions on show throughout the year. Some theatres form part of the local art centres, allowing visitors to soak up the cultural side of Ireland in a single location.

Children are not neglected either, with Dublin offering an 8000 square foot interactive museum with artistic, cultural and scientific exhibits to keep them entertained for hours. Imaginosity will enthral children of all ages.

No matter where you are in Ireland, you are bound to find an artistic exhibit of some sort. So many of the artistic exhibits are found in historic buildings, surrounded by beautiful countryside, that a trip to a gallery can take half a day just to take it all in. Ireland’s literary history is showcased as well, with many famous authors having roots in Ireland.

To find the best artistic and cultural exhibits in Ireland, look no further than the next town. Many smaller galleries provide a deeper glimpse into Irish artists and their work than their bigger city counterparts, and give you a good excuse to visit more of beautiful Ireland.

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Ireland’s rich history makes it the ideal tourist destination for those interested in the heritage of this beautiful country. No matter what part of Ireland you visit, you will find a wealth of historical places, buildings and sites to visit, some with fascinating legends behind them. In each county you will find Irish museums and historical places filled with fascinating artefacts and information about the history of the area.

If you are in Dublin, a visit to the National Museum of Ireland is a must. With four different locations, 3 of them in Dublin city itself, the exhibits feature over 4 million artefacts tracing the archaeological findings, natural history and heritage of Ireland. The fourth exhibit, in County Mayo, is the country life exhibit, tracing the roots of country life in Ireland. The decorative arts exhibit in Collins Barracks in Dublin provides a fascinating look at the history of artistic crafts for which Ireland is famous, including lace work, ceramics, metalwork and glasswork. The museum was opened in 1877, so the buildings the exhibits are housed in have historical value as well.

Each city in Ireland is home to a museum, exhibiting artefacts pertinent to the area. The Ulster Museum, Cork Museum, Galway Museum and others provide an opportunity to learn about the heritage of each county as you travel around Ireland. There is a Toy Museum, a Transport Museum and a Historic Science Centre in Dublin, but perhaps most fascinating is Dublinia, a museum dedicated to the Viking and Medieval history of Dublin.

There are about 83 castles in Ireland, featuring prominently on the itinerary for visitors wanting to see historical places in Ireland. Most of the castles were built between the 13th and 16th centuries, each with its own history and legends. Limerick Castle is of course home to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that kissing the stone will give the kisser the ‘gift of the gab’, or the power of persuasion. Dublin Castle is now the seat of Irish Government, but was once the site of King John of England’s fortress, built around 1230. The Bedford Tower is the centrepiece of this building, which was built in 1761. Grange Castle in County Kildare boasts a 15th century tower house.

Religious sites to visit in Ireland include St Patrick’s Cathedral, where the present building dates from 1220, although the first church built on the site dates back to 1191. Ennis Friary, Glendalough, a sixth century monastery, St Colman’s Cathedral and many other magnificent churches and cathedrals are a must-see. Of equal interest are the many smaller churches in villages on the routes between towns. The magnificent architecture of these buildings, the beautiful interiors and fascinating history will interest most travellers to Ireland. Belfast City Hall, built in 1898, is another example of Irish architecture that should not be missed, with its classical Renaissance style exterior and distinctive green domes, the main one about 53 metres across.

Before you leave the Irish museums and historical places behind, be sure to visit some of the ancient sites dating back thousands of years. Megalithic passage tombs, though to have been built 5000 years ago, can be found at Fourknocks and Newgrange with its unexplained celtic spirals on the surface. If you manage to see a third of the Irish museums and historical places in a month, you will be fortunate. This beautiful country has a rich and fascinating heritage that will take months to fully explore.

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With so many causes to support, you may find it difficult to decide which charity organization in Ireland to support. The many charities found in Ireland address the needs of different people, and your choice of a cause to support will probably be based on your personal experience and a cause that is close to your heart.

There are many national charities in Ireland that depend on donations from members of the public and businesses to continue their work. National charity organizations in Ireland include various associations and foundations for particular diseases such as cancer, AIDS, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis as well as mental health problems. The Carers’ Association, Hospice Foundation and other charities care for the terminally ill, elderly and disabled.

International charity organizations are represented through branches in Ireland as well. Organizations like the Irish Red Cross and Oxfam Ireland help relieve poverty and suffering in other countries, often brought on by war or natural disasters. Like most charities, they rely on the kindness of individuals who offer donations or volunteer to do some work for the organization. There are many local charities as well, many of which are located in areas where the most need is found. Homeless shelters such as the Simon Community and the Peter McVerry Trust as well as various support groups for suicide, abuse and addiction are found in smaller towns throughout Ireland.

The charity organizations and support groups for people suffering from specific illnesses or diseases do far more than just look after the patients. They offer counselling and support to members of the patient’s family, raise community awareness of the disease, which is often vital to help prevent the disease, and also raise funds to support research into cures. The Irish Deaf Society and Blind Society help to educate employers and their staff, providing employment opportunities for people that may otherwise be overlooked, despite their capabilities.

Perhaps the best known charity for children in Ireland is Barnatos. President Mary McAleese is the patron of this charity – the largest children’s charity in Ireland. The Bubblegum Club was established in 1994 to look after children with life-threatening diseases, and CARI provides sexual abuse counselling for children and their families. The ISPCC cares for children as well. The elderly are well represented too, with Age Action Ireland providing care for the elderly throughout Ireland.

No matter which charity organization in Ireland tugs at your heart strings, they all need support in the form of donations or volunteers to help them care for those in need. Supporting a charity organization need not take up huge amounts of time or money. Even a small monthly donation can make a big difference to someone’s life, and a few hours of volunteer work can help a charity continue to provide care to those who really need it. Many feel this is a small price to pay for the rewards you receive – in appreciation and the knowledge that you have given kindness and care to those less fortunate than you.

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There is far more to Ireland’s countryside than hills and mist. The spectacular beauty of the mountains, lakes and forest should not be missed, but there are many unexplained natural tourist attractions with fascinating legends that will amaze and delight tourists of all ages.

The Burren may not sound interesting, but is well worth a visit. A huge area covered in limestone, visitors can crawl through caves or rock climb to explore this amazing area. Home to plant species that are found nowhere else in the world, this area is also home to almost every species of butterfly in Ireland.

For the most spectacular views in Ireland, visit the Cliffs of Moher. These are the highest cliffs in Europe, and offer breathtaking views as far as the Connemara and Kerry mountains. Explore the ruins of ancient watchtowers, where approaching Vikings could be seen and warnings sent to keep them at bay.

The Giant’s Causeway may have a scientific explanation, but the legend seems far more reasonable. Huge basalt rocks are uniformly laid out, vertically, to create a walkway into the sea. Legend has it that Fionn MacCumhaill, a giant, threw the rocks into the sea to reach his wife in Scotland. Although science says the causeway was created by an eruption, the uniformity and almost paved nature of this natural attraction certainly lends more credence to the legend.

If mountains appeal to you, Ireland has no shortage of them. MacGillycuddy’s Reeks in County Kerry, apart from the wonderful name, is the mountain range that includes Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrantushill. On the Inveragh peninsula, this mountain range is truly spectactular.

The Blasket Islands, off the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, are a fascinating group of red sandstone rocks well known for their cultural and literary heritage. Great Blasket Island was abandoned in 1953, and has since been designated a National Historic Park.

The Connemara countryside is one of Ireland’s beautiful national parks. Covering 2000 hectares, the park is made up of bogs, lakes and forests, with the Twelve Bens crowning this landscape. Two nature trails provide spectacular views of Ballinakill Harbour, Inishbofin and Inishark. Within Killarney National Park you will find the three Lakes of Killarney, surrounded by mountains and amazing countryside.

Mystery surrounds the Celtic spirals on the surface of New Grange, one of three megalithic passage tombs found in Ireland. Fourknocks and Hill of Tara are the other two, believed to date back 5000 years. Hill of Slane is the site of the ruins of a Franciscan monastery built in 1512.

Awe-inspiring, logic-confounding and most definitely beautiful, the natural attractions in Ireland will provide scenes and landscapes that you will remember forever, and want to visit again and again. Whether you want to climb a mountain, drive through a national park, or take one of the myriad nature trails to see the views, you will love the natural attractions in Ireland.

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The scenic cycling tours and popularity of cycling in Ireland is playing an important role in helping Ireland become eco-friendly. As more people use bicycles as their primary mode of transport, Ireland is becoming a shining example for the rest of Europe.

Used as a way to exercise or for relaxation, cycling is already quite popular in Ireland. Government has introduced a ‘Bike to Work’ scheme intended to motivate more people to use a bicycle for their daily commute to and from work. The scheme offers tax exemption to employees for the purchase of a bicycle and related safety equipment, up to the value of 1000 Euros. The incentive is driven by employers, but the employees will benefit most. Not only do they receive the tax benefit, but they also save on fuel, spend less time in traffic, and stay fitter and healthier at the same time.

Although there is a need for improved cycling lanes, parking facilities and cyclist safety education, the number of cyclists in Ireland is growing. In 2009, 35 000 people cycled every day, an increase of 8% from 2007 figures. In Dublin alone, the number of cyclists grew by 4% that year. There are 209km of cycle lanes in Dublin, although at least a quarter of it is shared with buses. This number is expected to increase year-on-year as government initiatives continue to change the face of cycling in Ireland. At present only 3% of the total trips made in Ireland are by bicycle, a figure that the government is hoping the Bike to Work scheme will increase dramatically.

Comparatively speaking, Ireland is one of Europe’s most eco-friendly countries in terms of the number of cyclists they have. The tourist industry has long taken advantage of the scenic surroundings, offering cycling tours and holidays throughout much of the country. Whether you have planned a cycling holiday or not, you can easily find a bike to rent and set off on the many well-kept routes through the countryside. Instead of using a fuel-guzzling taxi or rental car, use your bicycle to ride to nearby sightseeing spots, or into town for a bite to eat or to grab a pint. Just think – you can eat as much as you want, since you’ll be working it off on the ride back to your guesthouse or hotel.

Out of the big city, cycling holidays are offered in many parts of Ireland, offering a relaxed, scenic trip through the country without leaving a carbon footprint behind you. Bicycles can often reach spots that cars cannot, particularly if you opt for a mountain bike, and you’ll be out in the fresh air – helping to keep it that way. There are many well-developed cycling routes in Ireland that afford visitors the opportunity to take in the sights and visit the attractions without the need for a car.

Various local initiatives are contributing the growth of cycling as a means of transport in Ireland. One ‘bike scrapping’ scheme in Mayo County allows you to trade your old bicycle for a discount on a new one. Not only does this help people to better equip themselves for cycling, it helps to improve bike safety and therefore the safety of the cyclists on them. It also ensures that the old bikes are recycled or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Whether you live in Ireland or are just visiting, help Ireland become eco-friendly, and use a bicycle to get around.

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Since the Middle Ages, Whiskey has been distilled on Irish soil. The first recorded drop of whiskey was produced by Irish monks, in the 7th or 8th century. Beer has been brewed for centuries too, providing famous Irish whiskey and beer with an impressive history that has certainly filtered into its distinctive taste.

Irish whiskey differs from Scotch whiskey in that it no peat is used in the distillation process, and it is distilled three times rather than twice. This results in a smoother taste, preferred by many whiskey drinkers around the world. Derived from the ancient Gaelic ‘usice beatha’, meaning water of life, whiskey is far more than just a beverage in Ireland. Available as single malt, single grain, blended or pure pot still, whiskey in Ireland is taken seriously.

There are only 4 whiskey distilleries in Ireland, although each one produces various different whiskeys. The oldest is Old Bushmills distillery, whose licence to distil spirits is dated April 1608 and who produce Old Bushmills, Black Bush and 1608 as well as other well known whiskeys. New Midleton distillery has been producing whiskey since 1825, with worldwide brands like Jamesons, Midleton and Redbreast. They also produce the oldest continuously made pot still Irish whiskey, Green Spot, a rarity in the whiskey world. Cooley distillery is the only wholly Irish owned distillery, producing world famous Irish whiskeys like Connemara and Michael Collins. Kilbeggan distillery has been recently re-opened as well.

Most people think of Guinness when asked about famous Irish beer. When Arthur Guinness signed the lease for his first brewery in 1759 he may not have realised he was creating a world famous brand, but within a decade exports started taking off. For more than 200 years the recipe for Guinness Original has remained unchanged. This dark ale, or stout, is made from black malt and savoured worldwide. Other black beers are brewed in Cork, namely Beamish and Murphy’s. Other Irish beers, such as Kilkenny Draft, Smithwick’s Irish Ale and Harp, an Irish lager, are finding success internationally, but Guinness remains unrivalled as the most famous Irish beer.

Tourists to Ireland should avail themselves of the opportunity to tour the Guinness Centre and learn the history of brewing and beer in Ireland. While the equipment may have been updated, the recipe for Guinness Original has remained unchanged for 200 years. The whiskey distilleries often take tours through their facilities, and of course sampling of their wares is just about mandatory. Combined with the beautiful countryside and many other tourist attractions Ireland has to offer, finding famous Irish whiskeys and beer makes for a super vacation.

While you may be able to find famous Irish whiskeys and beers in your local store miles away from Ireland, you should try to experience a taste of these beverages in their birthplace. Whether it has to do with the history, or the heritage, they somehow taste better at home.

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If recent performances by famous bands and singers in Ireland are anything to go by, this is the country to be in. Fantastic music festivals, a number of world class venues and welcoming audiences ensure that the world’s greatest artists perform regularly around Ireland.

A thriving music scene sees big names in the music industry visiting Dublin, Belfast and other cities across Ireland to perform. The O2 and Vicar Street in Dublin have hosted Elvis Costello, Marianne Faithful, Leona Lewis and Slash of Guns n’ Roses fame, to name a few. Smaller venues feature local artists regularly – but remember that Ireland is home to some of the world’s best talent, so don’t be surprised if the local artists outshine the international stars.

One music festival that is said to rival Glastonbury for the calibre of the acts and the size of the audiences it draws is Oxegen. Oxegen takes place over 3 days at the Punchestown Racecourse, about 20 miles outside of Dublin. Visitors can camp at the festival site, or stay nearby and attend as day visitors. In 2010, Jay Z, Eminem and the Black Eyed Peas will cater for the younger, modern tastes, while Earth Wind and Fire and Echo and the Bunnymen will take care of the older crowd. The festival also features performances by Cathy Davey and other popular Irish artists.

With a 2010 line up that includes famous bands and singers like Carlos Santana, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, The Cranberries and The Three Tenors, the Dublin City Soul Festival obviously caters for more than just soul music-lovers. The popularity of this event may be attributed to the diverse music genres it showcases, and it certainly attracts ever-growing audiences. Local artists feature strongly at this festival too.

The Music Show, held on the first weekend of October In Dublin each year is becoming increasingly popular with up-and-coming musicians. This event not only features live performances by the likes of Imelda May and The Coronas, it includes music workshops and talks by professionals from the music industry. Anyone interested in breaking into the music business should attend this event. Irish and international artists are featured, giving audiences the opportunity to enjoy the music while learning about the industry.

Ireland’s famous bands and singers have certainly put the country on the map for music events. The wide range of music genres featured throughout the festivals and other venues cater to all tastes, making Ireland a great destination for music lovers of all ages and tastes. Having produced bands of the stature of U2, The Cranberries and The Corrs, even Ireland’s fresh new talent is well worth a trip to Irish shores.

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Although it is taking place gradually, the Irish are learning to embrace the diversity that immigrant ethnic minorities in Ireland and their cultural celebrations are providing to local communities. With a number of initiatives from government and local organizations, ethnic minorities are forging a place for themselves and inviting all to celebrate their culture with them.

One such festival is the Mela, a multi-cultural festival organized by Aristka who promote ethnic arts. Held in Northern Ireland as part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, this festival showcases Indian and other arts, foods and culture. Aristka is involved in various other celebrations throughout the year, including the Hindu Festival of Lights. These festivals educate the community and invite participation and enjoyment. They also organize art exhibitions, theatrical performances as well as music and dance showcases.

Africa Day is becoming a festival that is well represented and attended throughout Ireland. African ethnic minorities in Ireland include people from Mali, Zimbabwe, Guinea, Malawi, Nigeria, Cameroon and DR Congo. Africa Day celebrates these different cultures with displays of their food, arts, crafts, clothing, music and cultural costumes, providing an opportunity for visitors to the festivities to truly get a taste of Africa. Africa Day is celebrated in various cities and towns in Ireland, with Limerick having held a particularly successful African Bazaar for the last festival where 20 different African countries were represented.

Often racism is merely an expression of fear of the unknown. By introducing the culture and traditions of ethnic minorities to the local community in a festival, organizations hope to introduce the different cultures to each other, promoting recognition and acceptance. The government initiative to form the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism has helped to promote the culture, art and literature of ethnic minorities in Ireland. Sport Against Racism Ireland organizes sporting events to encourage the various groups to intermingle and get to know each other using sport as the medium of communication.

Chinese culture in Ireland maintains its traditional festivals and celebrations such as the Chinese Lunar New Year, Lantern and Moon Festivals, held in towns throughout Ireland. The Indian community celebrates their holy days and festivals as well, embracing the local community regardless of their cultural beliefs. Art exhibitions, musical concerts and theatrical performances are used to showcase not only the culture but also the talent of many immigrants to Ireland, providing entertainment and education to the larger community.

A visit to Ireland will certainly be full of Irish history, culture and the beautiful countryside. If you time your trip to coincide with one of the multi-cultural events, you will be able to experience the ethnic diversity of Ireland as well. The more than 65 different ethnic minorities in Ireland and their cultural celebrations bring a new perspective to this beautiful country, affording visitors a taste of Africa, the Caribbean. Europe, Asia and China while visiting Ireland.

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If you’re looking for an African safari with big game and large predators, Ireland is probably not the ideal destination. Ireland’s five national parks do however offer some spectacular and fascinating wildlife, bird and insect life for visitors to enjoy, set in diverse and beautiful countryside.

The biggest, and perhaps most spectacular mammal in Ireland is also unique to the country. Red Deer can be found in all the national parks – Killarney, Glenveagh, Ballycroy, Wicklow Mountains or Connemara – sometimes in surprisingly large numbers. Smaller mammals include pine marten, Irish stoat, red fox, mink, otter, badgers and hare, while fallow deer and sika deer can be seen in the Wicklow Mountains National Park as well. The famous Connemara ponies are found wandering the beautiful Connemara countryside, belying their domesticated roots.

With over 100 bird species native to Ireland, birdwatchers will enjoy the national parks’ offerings. Raptors include owls, peregrine and falcon, with the Golden Eagle having been successfully reintroduced into Glenveagh National Park after it’s disappearance from Ireland in 1912. Golden plover, ravens and many other species can be found throughout the Irish countryside.

There are of course zoos and aquariums that offer visitors and residents the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife. Dublin Zoo is home to Siberian tigers, rhinoceros, wolves, gorillas, orang-utans, chimpanzees, snow leopards, hippo and lion. Belfast Zoo showcases a similar variety of animals, including Asian elephants, white tigers and spectacled bears and more.

The Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary in Northern Ireland features an open sea tank with deep water fish, and discovery pools for children to experience the creatures of the sea up close. The stunning coastlines of Ireland provide an opportunity to see seals and other sea life in their natural environment as well, and whale and dolphin can be seen at certain times of the year.

Fota Wildlife Park is a 70 acre park on Fota Island in Cork Harbour where visitors can wander amongst free roaming animals for an exciting and educational experience. Fota Wildlife Park specifically features endangered or threatened species, making a trip to this park even more meaningful, as many of the animals they have are no longer found in the wild such as the Rothschild Giraffe and European Bison. Other animals found in the park (not all of them free-roaming) include cheetah, lemur, emu, monkeys, kangaroos, penguin, red panda and many more.

Although the native wildlife may not be as exciting as African big game, the lack of natural large predators gives visitors to the national parks an opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside in safety, even outside their cars. The well-equipped and beautifully laid out zoos more than compensate for the lack of naturally-occurring wildlife, allowing interaction, exploration and education about animals from around the world.

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Because Ireland’s presidents rely on support from their local communities to vote them into office, they tend to be far more involved in local grass roots initiatives. Their role in terms of the cultural life of Ireland is one of supporting and motivating the continued preservation and continuation of traditional Irish culture.

President Mary McAleese, the current president of Ireland, is actively involved in the community on a daily basis. She makes appearances at numerous cultural events around the country, including art and culture festivals, music concerts and other cultural events. These encompass all levels of cultural activities, from school literature competitions to musical performances by Irish musicians as well as art exhibitions held at schools, galleries and museums.

President McAleese validates the efforts of cultural organizations with her support of their initiatives. By presenting awards, attending music recitals and art gallery openings, she motivates the community to support arts and culture and thereby preserve their heritage. Her support extends to the many multi-cultural events that Ireland is host to as well.

As Ireland’s President, Mary McAleese is also responsible for furthering the cause of Irish culture outside her own borders. A 2008 visit to Hollywood by President McAleese, accompanied by the Irish Film Board and Enterprise Ireland, showcased Irish talent in the film industry as well as presenting Ireland as a viable location for the international film industry. Her attendance at the European Cultural Foundation National Conference served a similar purpose, representing Ireland’s interests in preserving their culture while embracing that of other countries as well. Ireland’s cultural life attracts a good deal of tourism to the country, as well as investment and job creation. President McAleese presents numerous national cultural awards throughout the year as well.

Mary Robinson, Ireland’s 7th president, was instrumental in forming the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, charged with protecting and preserving Ireland’s historic and cultural heritage and ensuring that it continues to be supported both by government and the community at large. The government’s Art Council actively supports the graphic and visual arts, sponsoring competitions, festivals and supporting local artists’ efforts.

The preservation and continued thriving of a country’s culture depends very much on its youth, for it is they who must carry the torch from one generation to the next. The Irish Presidents and their role in cultural life help to encourage children and the youth to support their cultural background, participate in the cultural activities of their birthplace, and preserve their history.

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