Hope this helps you.
The North
If you travel north you probably hit Belfast City, although not my favourite Irish city (that honour belongs to Galway) everyone seems to love. It does have some great sights such as Stormont, where the Northern Irish Assembly sit, the building itself is beautiful as are the vast grounds. Stormont is only about a 10-minute drive from the city. The Belfast City Hall in the centre of the city is a beautiful building, although the last time I was there it was closed for major renovations, right beside it is the Belfast Wheel, at a height of 200 feet or so, it gives you a great view of he entire city (I’ve heard it is due to come down in early 2009 which is a shame). Other sights are Belfast Cathedral (the Cathedral has the largest Celtic Cross in Ireland). From Belfast head north along the Antrim Coast, this is said to be one of the best coastal drives in the world, one the day I did it it was overcast and raining but still beautiful all the same. Probably the most famous attraction in this part of the world is the Giant’s Casueway. I’ve read other comments on the forum about the Causeway, some people think it is overrated and others marvel. I have to side with the former. The romantic in me went with the expectation of these unusual shaped rocks sweeping majestically in the wild North Atlantic Ocean. When I got there on a rainy, muggy, overcast summer’s day, what I got was attacked by the resident fly/wasp population, instead of the wild Atlantic Ocean, I got a dead clam sea full of algae. The Causeway is nice to look at and both the geographical and mythical explanation of how they were formed is interesting (for what it is worth I believe in the mythical) but overall I was disappointed. The walking trails around and above the Causeway however are beautiful and I found these really rewarding, the trails are really easy but take your time and enjoy. Continuing along the coast to the great city of Derry. I loved Derry; it is a really small city, more of a large town feel to it, full of friendly people. Despite the fact that I loved Derry I didn’t spend a huge amount of time there given my own timing restrictions. My main reason for heading here was for the political scene. Anyone interested in social/political (Irish) history then the Bogside is a must. Completely different from 1972, looking at the Bogside from the beautiful city walls one can only imagine the event of that day. The artists’ studio, museum and the poignant murals are a reminder of the painful history this city has endured. From along the original city walls you get great views of the city. Donegal quite possibly one of the most beautiful places on earth. One of the great things about Donegal is that it only gets a fraction of the tourist the west or southwest add to this the sparse population you quite. Glenveagh National about 20km northwest of Letterkenny is out of this world. Glenveagh National Park contains the lot mountains, lakes, glens and woods, with a herd of red deer. A Scottish style castle is surrounded by one of the finest gardens in Ireland, which contrast with the rugged surroundings. There are a lot of coast drives that are truly magnificant.
The South
This was taken from a previous thread of mine. If you get a chance try to take in The Rock of Cashel in Co. Tipperary. This is one of my favourite Irish sites. It is like a little gem is thrown your way. The Rock of Cashel, which is a fortified defence system that was later, turned over to the church in the 11th or 12th century, so it became a monastery. The gem here was the sight of the Rock that comes into view as you are driving into Cashel (from Dublin), it is quite unexpected and it took my breath away. Sitting high above the surrounding plains on a natural hill you have commanding views of the "Rock" from the road and from the "Rock" you have sweeping views of the vast plains below which are a farmers dream. Before exploring this gem I head over the wall and the fields and explore the ruins of Hore Abbey which sits about 1km from the "Rock". The eerie nature of the abbey is heighten by the fact that when I was there I was the only one here exploring these well preserved ruins and this gives my fantastic photo opportunities. Not far from Cashel is the town of Cahir, set on the bank of the River Suir. Cashel understandably gets all the tourists due to the "Rock" but it is Cahir which is the more attractive town. The small town boasts a great castle; super little pubs and as it is only about 15km from Cashel it is well worth the trip. As you only have 3-4 days for this leg of your journey then you probably won’t be able to take in the above, instead spend those 3-4 days in Kerry. Everyone comes here - Kerry - Known as the "Kingdom of Kerry" and is reputed as the gem of Ireland's crown, it is where our highest mountains are, deep glacial lakes and peninsulas of outstanding beauty. Although all this is true and many other people believe it too hence the coach loads of people, it can make it a bit maddening but as you are going in February, you should be okay. Killarney is the tourist Mecca here and if you want peace and solitude, then hop on a bike and cycle around the beautiful national park. Killarney national park is beautiful and perfect solitude can be found in many areas of the park, the lakes and the dramatic mountain back drops are inspiring. There are some many hiking trails to do or just stay on the bike and cycle around. Both Muckcross House and Troc Waterfall are located within the park close to one another about 5km from the town centre. This Ring of Kerry is another must with beauty all around you, this is about a 180km drive and should take about 5-6 hours with photo stops and lunch stops. I’ve been in Kerry in both summer and winter, there is a great buzz during the summer but if you are fortunate to have good weather in winter, Killarney will reward you with beauty and solitude. .
Major must dos in the west
Off the coast of Co.s Galway and Clare these islands deserve a special mention. One of the few remaining bastions of Gaelic life and culture and my home away from home. Inis Mór, that largestand most visited of the 3 islands. I have been here a number of times and could write rhapsodies about it whether it is the jaw dropping view from Dún Aonghasa, that c 4,000 year old fort is impressive enough but when you see that 300 foot drop into the Atlantic….Most day trippers head up to Dún Aonghasa which leave the rest of the island to the islanders and those staying overnight or for a few day. Exploration of the island should be taken as slow as the pace of life, don’t rush it. Na Seacht dTeampaill , Teaghach Éinne, the 1,000s km of stone walls, the Black Fort are just wonderful monuments. The history, nature, people, it is certainly a place I shall be returning to again and again.
Inis Meáin – The 2nd largest and least visited of the islands. I will always have a soft spot of Inis Méain. The day I sat on the cliffs on the north side of the island watching the powerful Atlantic Ocean pound away of the cliffs far below is a day I’ll never forgot. For the most part it was just me and my, I was joined by a local on his morning walk and we talked for about 30 minutes and in that time we solved all the world’s problems, which is an easy thing to do when it feel there is no one else in the world and that is the feeling you get here. Like it’s big sister Inis Mór there are a number of old stone forts to explore: Dún Fearbhaí: This stone fort of the 1st-7th centuries A.D., or perhaps earlier, is unusual in being almost square, instead of circular. The terraces along the inside of the walls may have been for defenders to look over or for some ceremonial purpose. It is easy to climb on top of the wall, and worth it for the fine view of the low-lying northern part of the island. Dún Chonchúir: This is a large oval fort dating around 1st-7th Century A.D. by Conchúir brother of Aengus of the Fir Bolg, on the highest point on the island. . Inis Meáin has managed to suppress the intrusion of the modern world to a large degree and remains the quietest and most traditional of the three Islands and it was this type of life that inspired the great Irish playwright J. M Synge to pen a number of works. His cottage and “chair” can also be visited on the island.
If you are into roller coasters then you’ll love the ferry from Doolin to Inis Oírr the smallest and the Aran Islands. I’ve heard the crossing can be choppy and rough at anytime of the year and boy was it, but all of this is forgotten when you finally dock and hop a bike and explore this great island. Less visited than it’s bigger sister Inis Mór, Inis Oírr has plenty to keep you amused from the hulking great shipwreck that is The Plassey with it’s rusted body that gives it a real sense of eeriness and desolation In a dramatic demonstration of the power of the Atlantic Storms, the Plassey which was wrecked in 1960 (without loss of life) on "Carraig na Finnise" Reef, was later thrown up on the rocks well above high tide mark. Watch the waves from the mighty Atlantic Ocean crash against the shore and lighthouse but the best thing is just cycling at your leisure soaking up the atmosphere.
Most people get to the island by ferry from Galway but you can also get here via Doolin in Co. Clare.
Any questions please let me know!
Enjoy!
