Tá tú Fáilte go dtí na hÉireann, is é ár áthas tú an greann. (Irish)
Dublin hotels, ripley court hotel, cheap hotels, best rate hotels, city centre hotels, special offers Dublin, templebar hotels, airport hotels
The Ripley Court Hotel, just 5 minutes from Temple Bar, near O'Connell Street, this central Dublin hotel offers spacious, classically furnished rooms with flat-screen TVs and power showers. Free Wi-Fi is available in the refurbished lobby area.
Traditional, full Irish breakfasts, continental breakfasts and carvery lunches are served daily in The Ripley Court's restaurant. Homemade soups, coffee and pastries are also available in the Ripley Court Deli Bar and The Ulysses Bar offers hearty bar food.
The 747 Airlink airport shuttle which services Busaras bus station stops right outside the hotel on route from the Airport. Return shuttles to the airport depart from Busaras bus station which is just a minute walk away from the hotel.
Dublin hotels, ripley court hotel, cheap hotels, best rate hotels, city centre hotels, special offers Dublin, templebar hotels, airport hotels
The O2 Arena can be reached by LUAS (light rail system) and there is a DART station opposite the hotel. Trinity College and Croke Park are within a 10-minute walk.
Rooms at Ripley Court hotel all include en suite bathrooms with baths and power showers. Rooms also feature a refreshment tray with tea and coffee-making facilities, cable TV and an in-room safe.
A 24-hour reception and luggage facilities are available to facilitate early arrivals and departures.
Hotel Rooms: 96
Facilities of The Ripley Court Hotel
General Bar, 24-hour front desk, Newspapers, Non-smoking rooms, Facilities for disabled guests, Lift/elevator, Safety deposit box, Luggage storage, Non-smoking throughout, Designated smoking area, Restaurant (buffet), Snack bar
Services Meeting/banquet facilities, Airport shuttle, Laundry, Dry cleaning, Packed lunches, Car hire, Tour desk, Fax/photocopying
Dublin hotels, ripley court hotel, cheap hotels, best rate hotels, city centre hotels, special offers Dublin, templebar hotels, airport hotels
Internet Free! Wireless Internet Hotspot is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not possible) and costs EUR 10 per day.
Policies of The Ripley Court Hotel
Check-in 14:00 - 00:00 hours
Check-out 05:00 - 11:00 hours
Cancellation / PrepaymentCancellation and prepayment policies vary according to room type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.
Children and extra beds Free! All children under 6 years stay free of charge when using existing beds.
Dublin hotels, ripley court hotel, cheap hotels, best rate hotels, city centre hotels, special offers Dublin, templebar hotels, airport hotels
Free! All children under 2 years stay free of charge for children's cots/cribs.
The maximum number of children's cots/cribs in a room is 2.
Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
Pets are not allowed.
Accepted credit cards = American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Maestro
The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.
Dublin hotels, ripley court hotel, cheap hotels, best rate hotels, city centre hotels, special offers Dublin, templebar hotels, airport hotels
Belfast Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast, Bed and breakfast, antrim hotels, europa hotel belfast, queens university belfast
Accommodation in Ireland is at its very best in Belfast; a Holiday in Ireland would not be complete without a visit to historic Belfast. Travel Ireland and enjoy top Hotels in Ireland, Hotels in Ireland and Accommodation in Ireland offer you breaks in Ireland at unbelievable value. Guesthouses in Ireland and Guest Houses in Northern Ireland offer excellent Guest House luxury and value. Bed and Breakfasts in Belfast and Northern Ireland generally offer quality service, Bed and Breakfasts are maintained to the highest standards, bed and breakfast accommodation and B&Bs in Ireland are great value. Self-Catering Accommodation in Belfast and Northern Ireland can be an alternative to traditional Hotels and Guest Houses, Self-Catering Accommodation offers self-catering holiday cottages, apartments and a range of other alternatives.
Belfast is Buzzing right now. Over the past ten years Northern Ireland has become a haven for international globetrotters of life. One of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe and Frommer’s Travel Guide listed Belfast as one of the Top 12 Destinations to Visit in 2009. Belfast is a short commute from some of Ireland’s greatest sea and landscapes, the world renowned Giant’s Causeway is but a short step from Belfast. The Titanic quarter is a must to see, what a unique history. For shopping, Belfast is the place to be, competitive prices and high street names to match any capital city in Europe. Eating out, having fun or just taking it real easy, Belfast has it all.
Enjoy Northern Ireland’s culture and history by visiting Queens University, Belfast City Hall, the Northern Ireland Assembly or the historic Linenhall Library.
For social living, Belfast has it all, restaurants, traditional pubs, nite clubs and venues such as the Odyssey Arena and Waterfront Hall where world class entertainment comes alive.
Whether you like traditional Irish music, live theatre or you just like to learn about the rich history of fine European cities, you will love all that there is to do in this beautiful Northern Irish city.
This Jury’s Inn is located next to Belfast’s City Hall and Opera House. It boasts spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs, a 24-hour reception and a restaurant serving modern cuisine.
On Great Victoria Street, beside the Grand Opera House, the luxury Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast offers boutique bedrooms with free Wi-Fi. There is a chic restaurant and modern cocktail bar.
Next to The Waterfront Hall convention centre, Hilton Belfast has a fitness room and a modern bar and restaurant. Overlooking the River Lagan, Belfast’s vibrant city centre is under a mile away.
With views over the Black Mountains, these luxurious apartments offer free secure parking and free Wi-Fi. The city centre, along with bus and rail stations, is close by.
In Belfast’s vibrant Gasworks district, the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel Belfast features a stylish restaurant and cocktail bar. The spacious rooms offer free internet and air conditioning.
In the very centre of Belfast, this Ibis hotel offers modern rooms with satellite TV, 5 minutes’ walk away from Belfast’s nightlife and bars.
The stylish, friendly and popular Park Avenue Hotel in the Belmont area of Belfast is 10 minutes from the city centre and close to Belfast City Airport.
Ibis Belfast Queens Quarter hotel provides contemporary, good value rooms, near Belfast City Centre and Queens University. There is excellent access to local rail and bus links.
In the picturesque Lagan Valley Park, this 4-star hotel has a pool, a gym and free parking. Belfast city centre is a 10-minute drive away.
Located in Belfast’s city centre, this Premier Inn offers modern accommodation less than 5 minutes’ walk from Ulster Hall, a concert venue.
In the heart of Belfast’s city centre, this 4-star hotel is next to Great Victoria Street Railway Station. Guests can enjoy luxurious rooms and dining in the contemporary bistro.
In the city centre, Days Hotel Belfast has private parking and a restaurant. The city's bus and rail stations can be reached within 10 minutes' walk. There are 2 people looking at this hotel.
The award-winning Malone Lodge Hotel and Apartments is a boutique Victorian townhouse hotel.
In the centre of Belfast’s lively Queen's Quarter, this modern hotel offers stylish rooms with flat-screen TVs and free on-site parking. The restaurants of Botanic Avenue are close by.
In Belfast city centre, Holiday Inn Belfast has a stylish restaurant, a modern fitness centre and a beauty salon. The 4-star hotel is a 10-minute drive from Belfast City Airport.
In the heart of Belfast city centre, Park Inn by Radisson Belfast is close to the Golden Mile and the bars, restaurants, cafés and shops. Castle Court Shopping Centre is a 10-minute walk away.
Wellington Park Hotel is 5 minutes’ walk from both Queens University and the Ulster Museum. The hotel features a traditional restaurant, cosy bar and free Wi-Fi.
The Ramada Encore Belfast is located in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and within 15 minutes' walk of The Odyssey Arena, Titanic Quarter and local bars and shops.
The Malone Lodge Apartments are located in Belfast’s University Quarter, a 5-minute walk from the Botanic Gardens.
In the heart of Belfast, this luxurious 4-star hotel offers free parking, free internet access, great food and stylish, contemporary, air-conditioned rooms with 37-inch (94 cm) LCD TVs and iPod.
Situated in Belfast City Centre, Travelodge Belfast is a 10-minute drive from George Best Belfast City Airport. With spacious rooms and a traditional restaurant, the hotel has a 24-hour front desk. There are 2 people looking at this hotel.
Balmoral Hotel, Belfast is situated 5 minutes’ drive from the city centre and situated at the junction of the M1 motorway. Free private parking is possible on site. There is 1 person looking at this hotel.
This refurbished 19th-century Victorian building is located in central Belfast. It offers comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation 4 miles from George Best Belfast City Airport.
Lansdowne Hotel is 3 miles (4.8 km) from Belfast city centre. It is at the foot of Cave Hill on the Antrim Road, with spectacular views over Belfast Lough.
All Seasons is a Victorian property offering bed and breakfast accommodation, a 10-minute drive from Belfast city centre. Parking and Wi-Fi are free and the reception is open 24/7.
This fine period property offers modern facilities in the leafy Queens' University Quarter. It is ideally located for the university, the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens.
A 15-minute walk from Belfast city centre and less than 5 miles from George Best City Airport, Springfield offers bed and breakfast accommodation with free Wi-Fi.
Set in an elegant 19th-century building, the Bienvenue Guesthouse is 10 minutes’ walk from Belfast’s Botanic Gardens and Windsor Park. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and free off-street parking.
Located in the bohemian Queen’s Quarter of Belfast, a mere 10-minute walk from the city centre, Tara Lodge offers 28 contemporary style bedrooms with warm and genuine hospitality.
In a quiet area of North Belfast, Orchid House Apartments offer stylish, serviced accommodation with free Wi-Fi. The apartments are just a 5-minute drive from the Fortwilliam Golf Club.
Overlooking the gardens of Stormont Castle, in the leafy suburbs of Belfast, this luxurious 4-star hotel has a fitness centre and a bistro restaurant. There is free parking and a 24-hour front desk.
Set in a suburban Victorian townhouse just 15 minutes’ walk from Belfast’s Lyric Theatre, the 4-star Avenue House has rooms with a 32-inch LCD TV and DVD player.
This 18th-century Victorian guest house offers bed and breakfast accommodation in the leafy suburbs of Belfast. It is 25 minutes’ walk from the city centre, and offers free Wi-Fi.
Just 10 minutes from Belfast’s vibrant city centre, The Beechlawn House Hotel offers large, colourful bedrooms with 24-hour room service.
This top-class bed and breakfast in Belfast has been recommended for a long time by famous travel guides.
Madison’s is a boutique-style hotel with an award-winning restaurant, cafe bar and nightclub. It is 300 metres from Belfast city centre and a short walk from The Waterfront Hall.
Situated in Windsor Park, these 5-star self-catering apartments have free Wi-Fi, on a peaceful tree-lined avenue in the university area of Belfast. Rail and bus links are within walking distance.
Windermere Guest House is a 19th-century Victorian bed and breakfast situated a 10-minute walk from Belfast town centre. It has free parking and free Wi-Fi.
Famous for its chef’s fantastic Ulster Breakfast, Maranatha sits on the busy Ravenhill Road, two miles from the city centre and a short drive from the George Best City airport.
Located in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast, this Premier Inn is located across from the Odyssey Arena and Pavilion. George Best City Airport and Belfast city centre are within 1.5 miles.
In the heart of the city, this beautifully converted Victorian warehouse is now a stylish and luxurious 4-star hotel, mixing period features with modern boutique style.
Greenmount Bed and Breakfast is situated alongside the M1, just 10 minutes' drive from central Belfast. It has free on-site private parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the building.
Premier Inn Belfast City Centre (Cathedral Quarter) is situated in the heart of the city centre.
The boutique-style Benedicts is on Belfast's vibrant Golden Mile and has a very popular music bar, a restaurant and excellent, stylish rooms.
Somerton House is 2 miles from Belfast Ferry Port and 3 miles from the city centre. It offers home-cooked breakfasts, free parking and rooms with flat-screen TVs and DVD players.
The 5-star Merchant Hotel is in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast's city centre. It offers luxurious air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, a spa, and a rooftop gymnasium and hot tub.
This Victorian house offers bed and breakfast accommodation, 2 miles from Belfast city centre. It combines modern and traditional features, and has rooms decorated with art from around the world.
In the heart of the city centre, the Belfast City Apartment are just 1 minutes' walk from the bars and restaurants on Belfast's Golden Mile.
Ten Square is situated in Belfast city centre and features its own steakhouse restaurant and bar, which offers free evening entertainment.
In the heart of Belfast city centre, Belfast Self Catering Apartment is a 5-star apartment situated just 100 metres from the bars and restaurants of Belfast's Golden Mile.
Offering sleek décor, free Wi-Fi and free parking, the 3-star Belfast City Centre Apartment is also just steps from the vibrant Golden Mile.
Just 2 miles (3 km) from Belfast city centre, Ravenhill Guest House offers free parking, award-winning breakfasts and homely rooms with free Wi-Fi. Belfast Central Rail Station is 1.5 miles away.
Located in Belfast city centre, these stylish apartments are just 1 minutes’ walk from Dublin Road’s pubs, bars and restaurants.
Situated in Belfast city centre, this apartment is just a 2-minute walk from Dublin Road’s bars, clubs and restaurants. Free parking is possible and a computer is provided.
This modern, village-style residence is 800 metres from the university campus and a 15-minute walk from Belfast city centre. It has 24-hour reception and security, free internet and communal kitchens.
Belfast Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast, Bed and breakfast, antrim hotels, europa hotel belfast, queens university belfast
Accommodation in Ireland is at its very best in Belfast; a Holiday in Ireland would not be complete without a visit to historic Belfast. Travel Ireland and enjoy top Hotels in Ireland, Hotels in Ireland and Accommodation in Ireland offer you breaks in Ireland at unbelievable value. Guesthouses in Ireland and Guest Houses in Northern Ireland offer excellent Guest House luxury and value. Bed and Breakfasts in Belfast and Northern Ireland generally offer quality service, Bed and Breakfasts are maintained to the highest standards, bed and breakfast accommodation and B&Bs in Ireland are great value. Self-Catering Accommodation in Belfast and Northern Ireland can be an alternative to traditional Hotels and Guest Houses, Self-Catering Accommodation offers self-catering holiday cottages, apartments and a range of other alternatives.
Belfast is Buzzing right now. Over the past ten years Northern Ireland has become a haven for international globetrotters of life. One of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe and Frommer’s Travel Guide listed Belfast as one of the Top 12 Destinations to Visit in 2009. Belfast is a short commute from some of Ireland’s greatest sea and landscapes, the world renowned Giant’s Causeway is but a short step from Belfast. The Titanic quarter is a must to see, what a unique history. For shopping, Belfast is the place to be, competitive prices and high street names to match any capital city in Europe. Eating out, having fun or just taking it real easy, Belfast has it all.
Enjoy Northern Ireland’s culture and history by visiting Queens University, Belfast City Hall, the Northern Ireland Assembly or the historic Linenhall Library.
For social living, Belfast has it all, restaurants, traditional pubs, nite clubs and venues such as the Odyssey Arena and Waterfront Hall where world class entertainment comes alive.
Whether you like traditional Irish music, live theatre or you just like to learn about the rich history of fine European cities, you will love all that there is to do in this beautiful Northern Irish city.
This Jury’s Inn is located next to Belfast’s City Hall and Opera House. It boasts spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs, a 24-hour reception and a restaurant serving modern cuisine.
On Great Victoria Street, beside the Grand Opera House, the luxury Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast offers boutique bedrooms with free Wi-Fi. There is a chic restaurant and modern cocktail bar.
Next to The Waterfront Hall convention centre, Hilton Belfast has a fitness room and a modern bar and restaurant. Overlooking the River Lagan, Belfast’s vibrant city centre is under a mile away.
With views over the Black Mountains, these luxurious apartments offer free secure parking and free Wi-Fi. The city centre, along with bus and rail stations, is close by.
In Belfast’s vibrant Gasworks district, the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel Belfast features a stylish restaurant and cocktail bar. The spacious rooms offer free internet and air conditioning.
In the very centre of Belfast, this Ibis hotel offers modern rooms with satellite TV, 5 minutes’ walk away from Belfast’s nightlife and bars.
The stylish, friendly and popular Park Avenue Hotel in the Belmont area of Belfast is 10 minutes from the city centre and close to Belfast City Airport.
Ibis Belfast Queens Quarter hotel provides contemporary, good value rooms, near Belfast City Centre and Queens University. There is excellent access to local rail and bus links.
In the picturesque Lagan Valley Park, this 4-star hotel has a pool, a gym and free parking. Belfast city centre is a 10-minute drive away.
Located in Belfast’s city centre, this Premier Inn offers modern accommodation less than 5 minutes’ walk from Ulster Hall, a concert venue.
In the heart of Belfast’s city centre, this 4-star hotel is next to Great Victoria Street Railway Station. Guests can enjoy luxurious rooms and dining in the contemporary bistro.
In the city centre, Days Hotel Belfast has private parking and a restaurant. The city's bus and rail stations can be reached within 10 minutes' walk. There are 2 people looking at this hotel.
The award-winning Malone Lodge Hotel and Apartments is a boutique Victorian townhouse hotel.
In the centre of Belfast’s lively Queen's Quarter, this modern hotel offers stylish rooms with flat-screen TVs and free on-site parking. The restaurants of Botanic Avenue are close by.
In Belfast city centre, Holiday Inn Belfast has a stylish restaurant, a modern fitness centre and a beauty salon. The 4-star hotel is a 10-minute drive from Belfast City Airport.
In the heart of Belfast city centre, Park Inn by Radisson Belfast is close to the Golden Mile and the bars, restaurants, cafés and shops. Castle Court Shopping Centre is a 10-minute walk away.
Wellington Park Hotel is 5 minutes’ walk from both Queens University and the Ulster Museum. The hotel features a traditional restaurant, cosy bar and free Wi-Fi.
The Ramada Encore Belfast is located in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and within 15 minutes' walk of The Odyssey Arena, Titanic Quarter and local bars and shops.
The Malone Lodge Apartments are located in Belfast’s University Quarter, a 5-minute walk from the Botanic Gardens.
In the heart of Belfast, this luxurious 4-star hotel offers free parking, free internet access, great food and stylish, contemporary, air-conditioned rooms with 37-inch (94 cm) LCD TVs and iPod.
Situated in Belfast City Centre, Travelodge Belfast is a 10-minute drive from George Best Belfast City Airport. With spacious rooms and a traditional restaurant, the hotel has a 24-hour front desk. There are 2 people looking at this hotel.
Balmoral Hotel, Belfast is situated 5 minutes’ drive from the city centre and situated at the junction of the M1 motorway. Free private parking is possible on site. There is 1 person looking at this hotel.
This refurbished 19th-century Victorian building is located in central Belfast. It offers comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation 4 miles from George Best Belfast City Airport.
Lansdowne Hotel is 3 miles (4.8 km) from Belfast city centre. It is at the foot of Cave Hill on the Antrim Road, with spectacular views over Belfast Lough.
All Seasons is a Victorian property offering bed and breakfast accommodation, a 10-minute drive from Belfast city centre. Parking and Wi-Fi are free and the reception is open 24/7.
This fine period property offers modern facilities in the leafy Queens' University Quarter. It is ideally located for the university, the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens.
A 15-minute walk from Belfast city centre and less than 5 miles from George Best City Airport, Springfield offers bed and breakfast accommodation with free Wi-Fi.
Set in an elegant 19th-century building, the Bienvenue Guesthouse is 10 minutes’ walk from Belfast’s Botanic Gardens and Windsor Park. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and free off-street parking.
Located in the bohemian Queen’s Quarter of Belfast, a mere 10-minute walk from the city centre, Tara Lodge offers 28 contemporary style bedrooms with warm and genuine hospitality.
In a quiet area of North Belfast, Orchid House Apartments offer stylish, serviced accommodation with free Wi-Fi. The apartments are just a 5-minute drive from the Fortwilliam Golf Club.
Overlooking the gardens of Stormont Castle, in the leafy suburbs of Belfast, this luxurious 4-star hotel has a fitness centre and a bistro restaurant. There is free parking and a 24-hour front desk.
Set in a suburban Victorian townhouse just 15 minutes’ walk from Belfast’s Lyric Theatre, the 4-star Avenue House has rooms with a 32-inch LCD TV and DVD player.
This 18th-century Victorian guest house offers bed and breakfast accommodation in the leafy suburbs of Belfast. It is 25 minutes’ walk from the city centre, and offers free Wi-Fi.
Just 10 minutes from Belfast’s vibrant city centre, The Beechlawn House Hotel offers large, colourful bedrooms with 24-hour room service.
This top-class bed and breakfast in Belfast has been recommended for a long time by famous travel guides.
Madison’s is a boutique-style hotel with an award-winning restaurant, cafe bar and nightclub. It is 300 metres from Belfast city centre and a short walk from The Waterfront Hall.
Situated in Windsor Park, these 5-star self-catering apartments have free Wi-Fi, on a peaceful tree-lined avenue in the university area of Belfast. Rail and bus links are within walking distance.
Windermere Guest House is a 19th-century Victorian bed and breakfast situated a 10-minute walk from Belfast town centre. It has free parking and free Wi-Fi.
Famous for its chef’s fantastic Ulster Breakfast, Maranatha sits on the busy Ravenhill Road, two miles from the city centre and a short drive from the George Best City airport.
Located in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast, this Premier Inn is located across from the Odyssey Arena and Pavilion. George Best City Airport and Belfast city centre are within 1.5 miles.
In the heart of the city, this beautifully converted Victorian warehouse is now a stylish and luxurious 4-star hotel, mixing period features with modern boutique style.
Greenmount Bed and Breakfast is situated alongside the M1, just 10 minutes' drive from central Belfast. It has free on-site private parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the building.
Premier Inn Belfast City Centre (Cathedral Quarter) is situated in the heart of the city centre.
The boutique-style Benedicts is on Belfast's vibrant Golden Mile and has a very popular music bar, a restaurant and excellent, stylish rooms.
Somerton House is 2 miles from Belfast Ferry Port and 3 miles from the city centre. It offers home-cooked breakfasts, free parking and rooms with flat-screen TVs and DVD players.
The 5-star Merchant Hotel is in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast's city centre. It offers luxurious air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, a spa, and a rooftop gymnasium and hot tub.
This Victorian house offers bed and breakfast accommodation, 2 miles from Belfast city centre. It combines modern and traditional features, and has rooms decorated with art from around the world.
In the heart of the city centre, the Belfast City Apartment are just 1 minutes' walk from the bars and restaurants on Belfast's Golden Mile.
Ten Square is situated in Belfast city centre and features its own steakhouse restaurant and bar, which offers free evening entertainment.
In the heart of Belfast city centre, Belfast Self Catering Apartment is a 5-star apartment situated just 100 metres from the bars and restaurants of Belfast's Golden Mile.
Offering sleek décor, free Wi-Fi and free parking, the 3-star Belfast City Centre Apartment is also just steps from the vibrant Golden Mile.
Just 2 miles (3 km) from Belfast city centre, Ravenhill Guest House offers free parking, award-winning breakfasts and homely rooms with free Wi-Fi. Belfast Central Rail Station is 1.5 miles away.
Located in Belfast city centre, these stylish apartments are just 1 minutes’ walk from Dublin Road’s pubs, bars and restaurants.
Situated in Belfast city centre, this apartment is just a 2-minute walk from Dublin Road’s bars, clubs and restaurants. Free parking is possible and a computer is provided.
This modern, village-style residence is 800 metres from the university campus and a 15-minute walk from Belfast city centre. It has 24-hour reception and security, free internet and communal kitchens.
Translate:
Welcome to Ireland, Our Joy is Your Happiness.
Ireland is a small Island nation of some 5 million people. Ireland is divided into two parts, The Irish Republic made up of 26 counties with a population of approx 3.5 million people and governed by a democratically elected Irish Government. Northern Ireland which is made up of the remaining six counties with a population of approx 1.5 million people and remains part of the United Kingdom. Please see map at bottom of this Hub. If you are interested in the politics of Ireland I have many hubs dealing with that subject. Ireland is a tourist destination for people from all around the world, mainly because the Irish have for various reasons made many countries around the world their home. People travel to Ireland in their thousands from countries such as American, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Africa the list is endless. Each year the world stops on the 17th of March to celebrate our national Saint Patrick (see,http://hubpages.com/hub/Saint-Patrick-We-Love-You).
People who come to Ireland do so for the welcoming attitude of the people, the music, the dancing, the Guinness, the rural unspoiled country side (see, my pics) and a good time is had by all. Ireland has a close relationship with America due to the many hundreds of thousands of Irish decendants who live and work in America. The Irish people have made it to the top of most career ladders in the various countries that they have lived, one of our most famous sons being President JF Kennedy who's picture continues to hang on the wall of many Irish homes. I have many favourite places in Ireland and I will start with one of them Galway.
As part of my hubtrails activity, I will introduce readers to the social and cultural side of Irish life. I will take you on a journey through various parts of Ireland that I have experienced and enjoyed myself. I will begin that journey in the west of Ireland and a place that many of you may have heard off, Galway City. Galway City, is known locally as the City of the tribes (The city bears the nickname The City of the Tribes, because fourteen "Tribes" (merchant families) led the city in its Hiberno-Norman period) and enhances all that is worthy of Ireland's traditional image of a place of welcome and warmth. Galway hosts some of the worlds finest Hotels, B+Bs and Hostels, your needs and budgets can be meet and I always recommend dashhotels.com to my family and friends when they are returning to Ireland.
Galway City is particularly popular in the summer months during which time the streets and pubs echo with the sound of traditional music and dance. This thriving medieval City offers music festivals, horse racing, restaurants, shops, theatres to compete with any other European City of culture. The Galway people are friendly, open and welcoming. The open fires are often surrounded by story tellers, musicians and people enjoying a pint of Guinness. Food served in Galway is second to none, the vegitables, meat and other quality foods are locally sourced and can be traced back to the farm of origin.
I have stayed in both Galway City and County. Each has its own unique story and so for now I will focus on the City of Galway. Galway City is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe and, with a population of approx. 71,983 as per the census of April 2006, it has become the third city in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin and Cork. It began as a small fishing village centred around the estuary of the River Corrib, a river traditionally called Abhainn na Gaillimhe (The Galway River) after Galvia, a mythological princess said to have drowned in its waters.
Galway city is culturally very strong in that it has been the backbone of Irish Lanuage, dance and music for generations. Much of Ireland has given way to the universal use of English and popular culture. The Galway Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area) is just outside of Galway City and this broadens and strengthens the links between Irish speakers. The language is visible on the city streets, with bilingual signage on display on shops and road signs, and can be heard by locals around the city.
During the majority of months of the year Galway City has some cultural event going on. Among some of the events taking place in Galway City each year is the Cúirt International Festival of Literature (April), the Galway Early Music Festival (May), the Galway Sessions traditional Irish music festival, the Galway Film Fleadh (July), the Galway Arts Festival (July), Galway Races horse racing festival (start of August), Galway City Rat Race (September), Galway International Oyster Festival (September), the Baboró Galway International Arts Festival for Children (October) and the Tulca Visual Arts Festival (November) to name but a few.
During my stays in Galway I have enjoyed sitting before the open turf burning fires of the many pubs in the City, I have enjoyed the music, the dancing, the story telling and more importantly the good company of a welcoming people. Galway City is a cultural capital that any country would be proud to claim as its own, but for now you may simply invade it as welcome guests.