Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Since the Celtic Tiger, Ireland's economic boom in the late 1990s, Dublin has become a very cosmopolitan city. Stay at a boutique hotel like the Dylan, eat modern-Irish dinner at The Winding Stair or Eden, or relax with a newspaper in a traditional pub like Grogans. Dublin has it all.
Dungarvan is a small harbor town outside of Waterford City. A car is needed to get here. Stay at The Tannery, Paul Flynn's restaurant and bed and breakfast, or take a state-of-the-art cookery class, now on offer. The waterside views in the town are gorgeous. Go for a pint at the Moorings on a sunny day.
Cork City wishes it was the capital of Ireland, and the pride comes through when you visit here. The best place to stay and eat in town is also the best vegetarian restaurant in the world: Cafe Paradiso, with chef Denis Cotter. You won't miss the meat.
The Burren lies in Ireland's west, and this is where Ireland's images of rock walls, rugged landscape and vast nothingness originated. Gregan's Castle is an excellent place to stay. Don't expect anything but the freshest seafood in this area. If Tommy Tires is your cab driver, by all means, have a chat with him.
Glendalough makes for a perfect day-trip out of Dublin. It's in County Wicklow, and you'll take a windy bus ride past sheep and cow pastures to get there. Take a walk to the lake the area is named for, and explore the monastery that dates back to the 12th century.
