Ireland Art, Bird + Flowers pictures

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Outdoor pursuits, culture and history aplenty: Connemara\'s largest town provides a full day or two of entertainment.

Sitting on the west coast of Ireland, and therefore the very edge of Europe itself, is the unspoiled area sometimes referred to as ‘the real emerald of Ireland’, Connemara. Boasting landscapes that range from the tranquil to the dramatic, and encompassing mountains, bogs, beaches and villages, it is a genuinely magnificent setting within which to explore and enjoy the kind of warm welcome the people of Ireland have always been proud of offering to visitors.

Colorful local birds fly above a busy working windmill that looks over a historic port from which many thousands left for better lives.

The air is perfumed with rose varieties blooming in this peaceful retreat, a perfect place to catch up with Tralee’s literary greats.

Wander down medieval-style alleys lined with pubs, shops and galleries, then have a pint, listen to music or party.

Swim, stroll or picnic at the broad sandy beach fringed by grassy banks when you visit this seaside town steeped in seafaring history.

Wander down medieval-style alleys lined with pubs, shops and galleries, then have a pint, listen to music or party.

Wander down medieval-style alleys lined with pubs, shops and galleries, then have a pint, listen to music or party.

Straddling the picturesque Carrowbeg River on the final stretch of its journey to Clew Bay on Ireland’s west coast, Westport boasts a beautiful Georgian town centre with a cosmopolitan array of multicoloured restaurants, shops and bars. Officially designated a Heritage Town, Westport is the jewel in Mayo’s brilliant green crown – but tear yourself away from the buzz of the centre and your choices multiply yet again.

Phoenix Park is so important to Dublin that it has its own law on the statute books and visitors should be aware that one provision of this is that “no person shall act contrary to public morality in the Park”. So watch your Ps and Qs!

Watch cheetahs running at full speed for their lunch and feed penguins and lemurs in this large nature reserve on an island.

Explore Dublin’s literary and architectural past or simply stroll around the open spaces of Ireland’s leading higher education institution, in the heart of the city.

Explore the exhibition halls of this grand Georgian museum and find a vast collection of historic artifacts and exquisite pieces of art.

Explore the exhibition halls of this grand Georgian museum and find a vast collection of historic artifacts and exquisite pieces of art.

The exciting tales of battle and siege come to life within this beautifully preserved Norman castle in the heart of historic Limerick.

Explore the exhibition halls of this grand Georgian museum and find a vast collection of historic artifacts and exquisite pieces of art.

Explore the exhibition halls of this grand Georgian museum and find a vast collection of historic artifacts and exquisite pieces of art.

Watch cheetahs running at full speed for their lunch and feed penguins and lemurs in this large nature reserve on an island.

Shannon is a new town in County Clare, Ireland, situated on the estuary of the River Shannon which gives it its name. Home to Shannon Airport, it lies halfway between the city of Limerick, in County Limerick, and Ennis, the county town of County Clare, and is thus conveniently located for visiting both counties.

The exciting tales of battle and siege come to life within this beautifully preserved Norman castle in the heart of historic Limerick.