1. Irish chefs are the best in the world according to Le Guide du Routarde http://www.independent.ie/national-news/irish-chefs-best-in-world-2489465.html my memory of eating out in Ireland a few years back totally endorses this tribute to Ireland’s slow food movement. Every meal was prepared with spell-bindin

g Irish passion and each mouthful was an exquisite experience.
2. The Irish Folk are, in my humble opinion the friendliest and funniest in the world. Just take the hop-on, hop-off bus around Dublin and you will be rocking with laughter at the bus driver’s commentary, his anecdotes are almost better than the sight-seeing. Bring your smile to the Emerald Isle and it will be returned to you 100 times!
3. Ease of access for South African travellers – it is not necessary to fly via the UK and have the hassle of a British Visa you can fly into the legendary city of Dublin via Istanbul and Abu Dhabi either on Turkish Airlines or Etihad Airlines.
4. Enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery as you drive, cycle or walk the country roads less traveled. This is an opportunity to get off the beaten track, unwind and take in the beauty of these rural areas such as West Cork, Kerry, the Connemara region of Galway and the North West Clare – around Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher http://www.doolin-tourism.com/
5. Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, this medieval stronghold dates back to 1446. According to Irish legend, those who kiss the Blarney Stone receive a gift of eloquence that enables one to obtain, through persuasion, anything one wants!

http://www.blarneycastle.ie/
6. For the historian a visit to one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world Newgrange in County Meath, featuring the passage tomb of the Brú na Bóinne complex is a must. It was built so that when the dawn breaks each year on the winter solstice a narrow beam of sunlight illuminates the floor of the chamber. Well worth the visit.
7. An evening at the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet – this most superb evening of entertainment is for the whole family. Experience the magic of Irish Traditional Music, Song & Dance with a company of finest singers, dancers and musicians from the local villages and dine on home cooked food and great wine while joining in with the lively entertainment.

8. Visit the Guiness Storehouse in Dublin and enjoy a pint of of the dark nectar while admiring the views across Dublin from the Gravity Bar: http://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/WeatherCam.aspx
9. Surfing the waves of Ireland’s coastline, such as Lahinch where the waves are good and the night-life is loads of fun. If there is a swell out in the Atlantic Lahinch will have waves.
10. Visit the the home of Ireland’s thoroughbred racehorses, the Irish National Stud and the Japanese & St Fiachra’s Gardens in County Kildare. The Gardens are an oasis of woodland and lakes.
11. Spend at least 2 nights, 3 days in Dublin visiting Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, where you will find ‘The Arch’ Archbishop Emiritus, Desmond Tutu featured prominently as a guest of the Cathedral’s, a long walk in Phoenix Park, visit Kilmainham Gaol & Hospital it is really worth the visit. Spend an hour or two at Bewley’s Coffee Shop on Grafton Street http://www.bewleys.com/bewleys-grafton-street-cafeafter a shopping expedition. And be sure to visit the stylish Café en Seine on one of the nights spent in Dublin

http://www.cafeenseine.ie/it’s stunning art deco interior is reminiscent of the turn-of-the-century France. It is a great atmosphere and you can’t leave Dublin without sapping up the atmosphere with a glass of ‘champers’ whilst listening to the excellent jazz. I can’t leave Dublin without spending at least one evening in this fabulous cocktail bar.

Lindsay Quail