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Ireland – one hell of a place for adventure
If you find that the ideal way to switch off is to turn on your adventure and activity mojo, Ireland offers the perfect natural playground. Get a fresh view of our mountains, lakes and coastline with easy-going options like hiking, biking, sea kayaking and angling. Or unleash that inner adrenalin junky with pursuits ranging from white-water paddling to wake boarding and sky diving to surfing. Why not visit one of Ireland's many outdoor adventure centres...

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Cycling & Biking learn more »

Cycling & Biking

Plan your cycling break in Ireland - choose from cycling routes, including mountain bike trails, long-distance options and family friendly jaunts.

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On the Water learn more »

On the Water

Whether you’re a born water baby or simply want to dip your toe into the water sports world, check out a host of great activities. Will you learn to surf or sail, wakeboard or windsurf? Whatever you pick, we reckon it’s time to dive in!

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Equestrian Adventures learn more »

Equestrian Adventures

There is maybe no better way to connect with the Irish landscape than by travelling on horseback. Whether you're an experienced rider or a novice, you’ll be matched up with the perfect mount to show you the way.

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Walking & Hiking learn more »

Walking & Hiking

There’s nothing quite like taking a walk in a new area to really get a feel for the place. From the Sunday stroller to the hard-core hiker, we’ve got the perfect walk for you. So be sure to pack those walking shoes!

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More Activities & Adventure

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Time for a few holes?
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Lets go surfing!
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Find out more about fishing
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Find a unique Adventure

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Precious Gems
Old and new, Ireland’s landscape of arts, culture and heritage offers a kaleidoscope of delights. Get in touch with the energy of the past when you visit treasures like the Skelligs and the Carrowkeel Tombs. And feel that same creative vibrancy within the modern scene where artists as diverse as Philip Treacy, Graham Knuttel and Roddy Doyle thrive.

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Uniquely Irish learn more »

Uniquely Irish

Want to hear the bodhrán? Or have a go at sean nós dancing? Go to a GAA match, to your local for a trad session or chat as Gaeilge on a Gaeltacht island. You don’t have to go far, the sporting and cultural events unique to Ireland are all around you.

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Ireland through the Ages learn more »

Ireland through the Ages

The story of Ireland and her people through the ages is a rich and diverse one, with many influences, having shaped our Landscape, our People and our Society. Nowhere is this more visible than in our historic castles, towns, sites and attractions.

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Natural Ireland learn more »

Natural Ireland

When the New Seven Wonders of Nature are announced on 7th November 2011, will the Cliffs of Moher be among them? The Clare landmark is Ireland’s entry to the global competition, joining other famous attractions like the Grand Canyon and Kilimanjaro.

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Explore the Arts learn more »

Explore the Arts

Look to Ireland's unique culture and heritage for an unforgettable holiday experience. Awaken your senses at one of the many cultural events happening around the country, whether by day or by night.

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More Arts, Culture & Heritage

View all Discover Literary Ireland

Find out about literary festivals
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Take a walk on the wild side
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Get a taste for genuine Irish food.
Discover Ireland’s restaurants, enjoy regional dishes or sample local fare from passionate artisan producers. From food festivals to farmers markets, restaurants and cookery schools, read on and find out more about Irish food.

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Food Festivals learn more »

Food Festivals

Fresh local produce and celebrations of great Irish food, here’s our pick of upcoming Irish foodie festivals.

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Food Trails learn more »

Food Trails

Choose from a selection of Ireland’s tasty food trails in Dublin, Cork, and Kilkenny to name a few.

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Cookery Schools learn more »

Cookery Schools

Search through our selection of Cookery schools and cooking courses in Ireland.

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Food & Farmers Markets learn more »

Food & Farmers Markets

Natural ingredients and fresh produce at your fingertips… great places to see, taste, and talk to producers about local food.

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More Food

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Go on, you’re worth it...
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Treat yourself to a nice meal out.

Follow The Shamrock

Follow The Shamrock

Step into your holiday accommodation…knowing that we’re a step ahead…

We want you to have a great holiday. That’s why Fáilte Ireland works throughout the year to assess over 5,000 places to stay across Ireland including B&B’s, hotels, guest houses, self-catering, hostels, caravan parks and camping.

All of the accommodation featured on discoverireland.ie has undergone an independent and rigorous assessment, meaning you can select accommodation that won’t disappoint. Whether you are enjoying some me time at a small country hotel, bunking up with some friends in a hostel, enjoying the craic in a buzzing city centre hotel, looking for a specialised B&B where you can hang up your walking boots, or even if you are bringing your own accommodation, Fáilte Ireland has been there to check it out before your arrival.

What does the Shamrock Logo mean?

Céad Míle Fáilte
Quality Guarantee

- a warm welcome and friendly service

- in cleanliness, safety, security and comfort

Star Rating

What does the star-rating system mean?

What does the Star Rating mean?

Stars are your guide to quality and indicate the different levels of facilities and services.

5 Stars  Exceptional and among the best available
4 Stars  Excellent and consistently achieves high quality levels
3 Stars  Good to very good quality facilities and services
Approved  Acceptable and meets customers' minimum requirements

 
Does a lower star rating equal less quality?

All of the accommodation businesses listed offer high quality, but may not meet all of the facility and service expectations for the higher star ratings.

Types of Accommodation

To help you choose the right accommodation, the following definitions describe each type:

Irish Home B&Bs
This type of Accommodation offers bed & breakfast in a private house. Classification is at Approved, 3*, 4*, and 5. There are a number of B&Bs that pay particular attention for visitors with specialised interests including: Walkers Welcome, Anglers Welcome, Adventure Seekers Welcome, Golfers Welcome, Food Lovers Welcome, Farmstays Welcome, Eco Friendly. 

Hotel
A hotel has a number of bedrooms, of which most have ensuite or private facilities. They serve breakfast, dinner and, normally, lunch, and usually have a drinks licence.

Self-Catering
A house, cottage, apartment, with self-catering facilities; normally let on a weekly basis; although shorter breaks may be available.

Guest House
A guest house normally has at least 7 letting bedrooms, some with ensuite or private facilities. Breakfast is available and evening meals may be provided.

Hostel
Accommodation often in shared rooms with bunk beds but family rooms may also be available.

Caravan & Camping
Caravan and camping that meet or exceed minimum standards for cleanliness, maintenance and facilities.

Pubs and restaurant with rooms
The restaurant or pub is the most significant part of the business, and is usually open to non-residents as well as those staying there. Breakfast is usually provided.

Campus Accommodation
The accommodation provided by colleges and universities for their students is often made available - with meals - to individuals or groups at certain times of year, typically the summer.

Activity Accommodation
Accommodation normally provided on a group basis. 

Holiday Camp
A park that offers holiday chalets. 

Historic Houses
Historic Houses are private houses of significant architectural merit and character.