Die große Irland-Entdecker-Reise mit dem Mietwagen

About the destination: Dublin has been the setting for many novels and it’s no wonder since its written tradition goes back to 800 A.D. with The Book of Kells, which is now on show at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university. The city is the birthplace for many literary figures such as Joyce, Beckett, Yeats, Shawn and Wilde to name a few. The city’s Georgian elegance blends perfectly with the medieval and modern architecture that gives Dublin its distinctive personality. One can’t deny that Dublin is a cultural city; the UNESCO designated Ireland’s capital as the city of literature in 2010. Culture vultures are also spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and galleries. From the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library to the National Gallery and the cute Little Museum of Dublin containing the lecturn that US president JFK used to address the National Parliament in 1963, there is plenty to absorb. Not forgetting of course the magnificent Dublin Castle dating back to the 13th century. Aside from its glorious riches, the best thing about this city is its people. Dubliners are friendly, warm, surprisingly outgoing and witty, even more so after a couple of pints of Guinness. In its more than 1000 pubs one makes friends easily. It should be mandatory for tourists to spend some time in a pub since it is one of the most memorable experiences of a visit to Ireland. Dublin is as well a young city, it has one of the youngest population in Europe, around half of its inhabitants are believed to be under the age of 25. This fact has made the city vibrant, dynamic, energetic and ambitious. Dublin is overflowing with funky bars, sophisticated restaurants and lively clubs, the epicenter being the buzzing Temple Bar area. Live music is a religion in Ireland and Dublin is its mecca. The city’s live music scene is superb and has given the world a number of global musical superstars from U2 and Westlife to The Script and Sinead O’Connor. Everyone is welcome in this nowadays multicultural city, but beware, Dublin, as its people, is so charismatic and infectious that you may never want to leave.

About the destination: Cork is Ireland’s second city, but for some people it is the country’s number-one Gaelic city and the real capital of Ireland. Cork is hospitable, cosmopolitan and energetic. The River Lee flows through the city and joins one of the world’s largest natural harbours, and it takes some 29 bridges to connect its most distinctive features together. Cork is an important cultural and artistic hub which has important film, jazz, and poetry festivals such as the Cork Midsummer Festival. Cork was named European Capital of Culture in 2005. South of the River Lee, towering over the rest of the city is St Finbarr 's Cathedral, a lush limestone building equipped with three impressive spires dedicated to the founder and patron of the city. Visit St. Anne’s church in Shandon district for the view from the tower and the 200-year-old bells. Shandon neighbourhood has retained its authenticity and is brimming with narrow streets and colourful shops. St Patrick's Street, a covered canal, is the main artery of the city and is known for the architecture of its buildings. Between St Patrick’s Street and Grand Parade rises The English Market, a covered fruit and vegetable market, recently restored, which has been operating since 1610, although the present building dates from 1786. Rebellious and nationalistic, Cork smells of sea breeze and has managed to retain its authenticity. The oceanic vivacity and a carefree joie de vivre are Cork’s most cherished characteristics.

About the destination: Gateway to Connemara, Galway is a charming and lively port city, located on Ireland’s west coast. During the 14th century, the town was an important trading spot under the Anglo -Norman rule. Extensive trade with Spain led to Spanish flavour of certain architectural remains in Galway. Yet, for all its history of international influence, Galway remains more Irish than other cities in the west. Known as the "city of tribes", Galway is full of rich Irish culture and historical significance. The town meanders between river and sea, full of old merchant houses, odd leaded windows above stone doorways, and aged stone walls set off modern storefronts. Eyre Square is very much the town’s focal point, with scattered monuments to patriots and countless interesting passers-through. Shop Street, the main drag, is always alive with street music and performers. Shop Street also takes you past Lynches Castle, an elegant stone mansion dating from the early 16th century. Walk up the banks of the Corrib River towards Salmon Weir Bridge. Stroll back through the narrow streets to the Spanish Arch, the only surviving gateway to the old trading town and a remnant of the days when Spanish trade flourished and sherry was brought in huge merchant carracks through this arch. Today, Galway is a university town that is always bustling with continuous exhibitions and festivals. Crowds chatting on riverside pubs, enjoying live music. That is the true essence of Galway.

About the destination: Ballina is a town in north County Mayo, Ireland. It lies at the mouth of the River Moy near Killala Bay, in the Moy valley and Parish of Kilmoremoy, with the Ox Mountains to the east and the Nephin Beg mountains to the west. The town occupies two baronies; Tirawley on the west bank of the Moy River, and Tireragh, a barony within the County of Sligo, on its east banks. As of 2016, the population of Ballina was 10,171. According to Encyclopædia Britannica the first signs of settlement on the site of the town dates from around 1375 when an Augustinian friary was founded. Belleek, now part of the town, pre-dates the town’s formation, and can be dated back to the late 15th century, or early 16th century. However, what is now known as Belleek Castle was built in 1831. Ballina was officially established as a town in 1723 by O'Hara, Lord Tyrawley.

About the destination: Derry, officially Londonderry, is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-largest city on the island of Ireland.[8] The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Old Irish name Daire (modern Irish: Doire [ˈd̪ˠɛɾʲə]) meaning "oak grove". In 1613, the city was granted a Royal Charter by King James I and gained the "London" prefix to reflect the funding of its construction by the London guilds. While the city is more usually known colloquially as Derry, Londonderry is also commonly used and remains the legal name. The old walled city lies on the west bank of the River Foyle, which is spanned by two road bridges and one footbridge. The city now covers both banks (Cityside on the west and Waterside on the east). The population of the city was 83,652 at the 2001 Census, while the Derry Urban Area had a population of 90,736. The district administered by Derry City and Strabane District Council contains both Londonderry Port and City of Derry Airport.

About the destination: Belfast, the once battle-scarred city, has regained its true condition, as the hidden treasure of Ireland. With all its attractions and its newfound fame as nocturnal city, it has become a vibrant destination. Belfast City Hall is a must-see when visiting the city. Located at Donegall square, the heart of the city, this Renaissance building has on the inside beautiful stained glass windows and murals that depicts Belfast history. On the docks of the river you can see the curious statue of a huge fish. Behind it the Titanic Belfast rises. The Titanic Belfast is an interactive attraction opened to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the vessel. It is located in the modern Titanic Quarter, Europe's largest waterfront development, is a futuristic mix of residential, commercial, tourism, education and retail space that has provided Belfast with a new urban quarter. One of the undeniable attractions of the city are its political murals on Shankill Road, there are over 700 and they reflect the city’s painful past. But Belfast definitely is looking at the future. Stylish bars and restaurants abound in the city and its warm and friendly people will make you fall in love with Belfast.

About the destination: Dublin has been the setting for many novels and it’s no wonder since its written tradition goes back to 800 A.D. with The Book of Kells, which is now on show at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university. The city is the birthplace for many literary figures such as Joyce, Beckett, Yeats, Shawn and Wilde to name a few. The city’s Georgian elegance blends perfectly with the medieval and modern architecture that gives Dublin its distinctive personality. One can’t deny that Dublin is a cultural city; the UNESCO designated Ireland’s capital as the city of literature in 2010. Culture vultures are also spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and galleries. From the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library to the National Gallery and the cute Little Museum of Dublin containing the lecturn that US president JFK used to address the National Parliament in 1963, there is plenty to absorb. Not forgetting of course the magnificent Dublin Castle dating back to the 13th century. Aside from its glorious riches, the best thing about this city is its people. Dubliners are friendly, warm, surprisingly outgoing and witty, even more so after a couple of pints of Guinness. In its more than 1000 pubs one makes friends easily. It should be mandatory for tourists to spend some time in a pub since it is one of the most memorable experiences of a visit to Ireland. Dublin is as well a young city, it has one of the youngest population in Europe, around half of its inhabitants are believed to be under the age of 25. This fact has made the city vibrant, dynamic, energetic and ambitious. Dublin is overflowing with funky bars, sophisticated restaurants and lively clubs, the epicenter being the buzzing Temple Bar area. Live music is a religion in Ireland and Dublin is its mecca. The city’s live music scene is superb and has given the world a number of global musical superstars from U2 and Westlife to The Script and Sinead O’Connor. Everyone is welcome in this nowadays multicultural city, but beware, Dublin, as its people, is so charismatic and infectious that you may never want to leave.