If Ireland were a person, it’d be that wise friend who tells great stories, pours you a pint, and insists you stay “just one more night.” While the Emerald Isle may be steeped in myths, magic, and the occasional mist, it’s also the type of place that will wrap you up in the warmest of welcomes.
That’s why the team at My Bella Vita Travel is thrilled to journey here as part of our tours beyond Italy! Although we specialize in small group tours to Calabria, we love exploring new horizons. In Ireland, you’ll find a wealth of history, culture, and delicious cuisine, even within a single pub! We’ve created this Ireland travel guide to help you get to know this fascinating country and plan your travels. If you are ready for a taste of adventure, have a look at our Myths, Music & Magic Ireland Tour! And should you have any questions about our trips to Ireland, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Ireland’s story stretches back thousands of years, long before written records. The earliest settlers left behind mysterious stone monuments like Newgrange, a Neolithic passage tomb older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. Throughout Ireland, you’ll find such relics that date back to prehistoric times. Standing among these ancient stones, you can almost feel the hands of early settlers shaping the land, leaving traces that still whisper their stories today.
By around 500 BCE, the Celts had arrived, bringing with them language, craftsmanship, and rich oral traditions. Their influence remains central to Irish identity today, seen in the spiral motifs that adorn ancient stones and the Gaelic place names scattered across the rolling countryside. Christianity took root in the 5th century, guided by figures like St. Patrick, whose legacy continues to color the streets with parades, music, and celebrations each March.
The Vikings soon followed, raiding and later settling, establishing key trading towns like Dublin, Waterford, and Limerick. In the 12th century, the Norman invasion added walled towns and magnificent castles that still define Ireland’s landscape, inviting visitors to explore their storied halls..
Centuries of English rule left deep marks on Ireland, both the land and people. The Great Famine of the 1840s devastated the population and drove millions to emigrate, leaving a legacy still felt in the Irish diaspora across the world. By the 20th century, most of Ireland had gained independence, and today the Republic of Ireland offers a vibrant culture, lively music, hearty food, and landscapes that will capture your heart from the first misty morning to the golden sunset over the cliffs.
At the beating heart of Ireland is its stories, told through music, dance, literature, and folk tales. Whether you join a walking tour or browse a cozy bookshop, you’ll discover a wealth of tales that make this small island feel endlessly rich.
While English is spoken everywhere, Gaelic remains a cornerstone of Irish identity. It’s taught in schools, seen on signs,, and spoken daily in Gaeltacht regions along the west coast. Learning a few simple phrases is a wonderful way to connect more deeply with the local culture and the people who proudly keep these traditions alive.
Farming has been a vital part of life in Ireland for centuries, yet the real stars of the show are not the farmers, but the sheepdogs! Border collies are the farmer’s most trusted partners, bred for intelligence, stamina, and a work ethic that could put most of us to shame. Whether you spot them working the hillsides or attend a sheepdog demonstration, you’ll gain an insider’s view of the close bond between farmer and dog. It’s an eye-opening experience that we include as part of our Ireland tours!
Few places celebrate music as passionately as Ireland. In small-town pubs, you’ll find daily traditional “sessions” where fiddlers, pipers, and bodhrán players gather to play tunes that have been passed down for centuries. Here, you can feel the energy of the music filling the room, making it impossible not to be swept up in the true spirit of craic!
The storytelling is as lively as the music in Ireland. Traditional storytelling has its roots in oral folk tales, which you can experience as part of a folklore walk on our Myths, Music & Magic Ireland Tour! The Emerald Isle also has one of the richest literary canons in the world, producing writers like W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, Seamus Heaney, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett, whose words continue to inspire readers around the globe.
Ireland’s culture isn’t only expressed through its literature and music. Sports and dance are essential aspects of local identity. Irish dance has been a social tradition for hundreds of years, and gained worldwide popularity thanks to the performance of Riverdance on Eurovision in the 1990s.
Gaelic sports are another cornerstone of Irish life. Hurling and Gaelic football have a long history and are an essential part of Ireland’s sports scene, each with a loyal following. Organized by the Gaelic Athletic Association, a Gaelic game is a must-see on your visit to Ireland!
Irish cuisine has transformed over the years from rustic, hearty dishes into a celebration of fresh, local ingredients and modern culinary flair. Still, traditional comfort food remains at the heart of Irish cooking, and is guaranteed to satisfy both stomach and soul.
A classic Irish stew made with tender lamb and root vegetables is one of the fastest ways to fall in love with the local food scene. For a taste of Ireland’s spin on a culinary staple, try colcannon, a creamy mix of mashed potatoes and cabbage, and boxty, a type of potato pancake. In Dublin, coddle is the dish of the day, a slow-cooked mix of sausages, bacon, and onions that will certainly leave you feeling indulged.
Coastal regions offer exceptional seafood, from Galway Bay oysters to freshly caught salmon and mussels. Ireland’s dairy products are world-class, with artisan cheeses and farmhouse butter frequently on the menu. And guess what?, You’ll also find a taste of Italy thanks to a family-run buffalo farm that produces some of the finest mozzarella. It’s no surprise that this is a stop on My Bella Vita Travel’s trips to Ireland!
Of course, no visit would be complete without sampling Ireland’s iconic drinks — Guinness, Irish whiskey, or a creamy Irish coffee, best savored in a local pub where the sounds of a session fill the air.
There’s no better way to begin your visit to Ireland than by exploring its vibrant capital, a city so alive with history and charm. Begin at Trinity College, home to the 9th-century Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript overflowing with beauty and intricate detail.. Wander through Grafton Street, where buskers and flower sellers add a cheerful soundtrack to your stroll, and take a moment to relax in St. Stephen’s Green, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.. As evening falls, head into The Temple Bar Pub for live music and that famous Irish craic!
In County Cork, perched atop the walls of Blarney Castle, lies one of Ireland’s quirkiest traditions. The famous Blarney Stone is said to bestow the “gift of the gab” on anyone brave (and limber) enough to lean backward over a dizzying drop to kiss it. Once you’ve attempted the ritual, take time to explore the castle’s beautiful gardens. Hidden corners, ancient trees, and mysterious rock formations create a sense of magic that will stay with you long after you leave. Whether or not you leave a chatterbox, you’ll certainly leave enchanted.
Stretching over 2,500 kilometres from Donegal in the north to West Cork in the south, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal routes. Dramatic cliffs, cozy fishing villages, and windswept green landscapes unfold like a painting at every turn.. The Cliffs of Moher are a must-see, providing some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in all of Ireland. Take a boat tour to the Aran Islands, where traditional life still thrives, or head south to the Dingle Peninsula. From here, you can sail to the uninhabited Blasket Islands, a highlight of our Ireland tours!
If there’s one thing Ireland does exceptionally well (besides storytelling and pints), it’s scenery. Lace up your boots for a hike in the Wicklow Mountains, or head west to explore the untamed beauty of Connemara, with its misty peaks and free-roaming ponies. Prefer the coast? Try sea kayaking in West Cork, horseback riding on Inch Beach, or climb Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s sacred mountain, where breathtaking panoramic views await.
While you may not want to spend your trip in a car, you’re going to want to get behind the wheel for the Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route takes you through some of Ireland’s most sublime sights, from the cascading Torc Waterfall in Killarney National Park to the Gap of Dunloe, a valley forged by glaciers. Driving the full loop takes about eight hours, but you can always explore shorter sections or let My Bella Vita Travel show you the highlights on our tour!
Tucked away in County Cork, Kinsale is a postcard-perfect harbor town with a tantalizing reputation. Known as Ireland’s Gourmet Capital, it’s home to award-winning restaurants, fresh seafood, local distilleries, and artisanal cheeses. The town’s colorful streets and creative spirit give it a lively, welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for a Michelin-starred meal or a whiskey tasting experience. It’s easy to see why we spend as much time as possible here during our trips to Ireland — it’s a foodie’s paradise!
Ireland’s weather is famously unpredictable, but that’s part of its charm. For the best chance at mild temperatures and long daylight hours, plan your visit between April and October.. May and September are especially lovely, offering fewer crowds, colorful spring blooms, and the golden light of early autumn..
Of course, if you want to see Ireland’s cities in full swing, plan your visit to coincide with St Patrick’s Day in March. Hit the streets and watch them come alive with dance, music, floats, and every shade of green imaginable!
No matter when you go, pack layers, a good rain jacket, and a sense of adventure. The weather can change by the hour, but that only adds to the fun of exploring Ireland!
Whether you’re a foodie, literary aficionado, or adventure seeker, Ireland delivers in spades. But a journey here is one that’s best shared, which is why our Myths, Music & Magic Ireland Tour makes for the perfect trip. We travel as a small group, staying in luxury accommodation while seeking authentic, enriching experiences in southern Ireland.. “Our tours tend to fill quickly, but the good news is that we offer them every year!
And if you’re dreaming of something more private or personalized, we’d love to make it a reality. Get in touch with us if you have any questions about our tours to Ireland or to start planning your dream trip.