Ireland, once visited is never forgotten and for once the blarney rings true. The Irish landscape has a mythic resonance, the country's history is almost tangible and a sustained period of investment and economic growth has injected a heady dose of confidence and energy. Thankfully, Ireland hasn't paid the ultimate price for this recent transition as the character, wit and hospitality of the people, the most successful of all Irish exports, remains wonderfully intact.

Best time to visit

May to September, when the weather is warmer and the days are longer.

Essential experiences

Enjoying Dublin's gorgeous old pubs and cutting-edge nightlife; visiting the ancient ring fort of Dun Aengus; feeling history come alive at beautifully restored Kilkenny castle; sampling the whiskey at Bushmills Distillery; enjoying a pint of the black stuff, genius.

In a few words Ireland is

Potatoes, harps, shamrocks, Guinness, leprechauns, Saint Patrick, U2 and American tourists.

Did you know

The Irish drink more tea per capita than any other nation in the world and until the 19th century the national colour of the Emerald Isle was blue, as the flag of Saint Patrick featured a gold harp on a blue background.