Travel | 10 reasons why Ireland is great for a staycation

Let’s hear it for our little Island! Ireland has just been named the fifth best country in the world to visit in 2015 by the illustrious Lonely Planet.

 Now, call us biased, but we already knew Ireland was a pretty great place to visit whether on an extended holiday or for a staycation. Don’t believe us? Here are 10 reasons why Ireland is a fantastic place for a staycation.

1. The weather – Okay, okay. Bear with us. We know the weather can be unstable at the best of the times, but what’s nicer than relaxing in front of an open fire, with a glass of wine in hand, cuddled up in the corner of a cosy pub on a wet day? And what’s nicer than exploring the fantastic Wild Atlantic Way on a beautiful, summer’s day? Nothing, that’s what.

2. The hotels – In Ireland we’re literally spoiled for choice when it comes to fantastic accommodation. We have award-winning hotels dotted across the country and the standard of accommodation is always first class. You can relax in a spa, get traditional in one of Ireland’s Blue Book properties or treat yourself to one of the country’s newest boutique hotels.

3. The food – The best thing about travelling in Ireland is the fact that you already know you’re going to love the food. Traditional Irish stew, delicious beef burgers – it’s all perfect. Plus if you fancy trying something different, you totally can. We have such a great selection of restaurants you can try a host of different dishes whenever the mood strikes you.

4. The scenery – Greenery. Everywhere. Honestly, where else would you find beautiful rolling hills, breath-taking valleys and gorgeous coastlines?

5. The music – Few things are more exciting than a spur-of-the-moment Irish seisiun in the back of a pub. When it comes to music, there’s nothing like traditional Irish – the wailing whistles, the choppy accordion and the droning fiddle. It’s music made for dancing.

6. The storytelling – One of the best things about Irish culture is the tradition of storytelling. In Ireland there’s a story behind everything and there’s always someone on hand who is more than happy to tell it to you.

7. The craic – The ‘craic’ is something that is inherently Irish. You can travel all around the world but you’ll never be able to recreate it in another location. Banter, sceal, sproai – whatever you want to call it, you’ll only find it in Ireland.

8. The souvenirs – Say what you will, but when it comes to tourism our souvenir game is pretty high-end. You can buy your nearest and dearest a cosy Aran jumper to see them through winter, you can gift your friend with a traditional penny whistle and you can bring home a box of delicious chocolates to your mammy.

9. The lingo – You could write a book on Irish slang and there’s a certain charm in visiting a different part of the country and hearing the differences in accent and slang. In Wexford you’re ‘taken’ instead of being ‘embarrassed,’ in Dublin you’re ‘Scarrrr-lehhh’ and in the North you ‘boke’ after too many pints on Friday night.

10. The people – Irish people are always happy to stop and have a chat and chances are if you chat to them long enough you’ll discover that they know your Da or they once lived beside your granny. There’s a real sense of community here, so no matter where you choose to travel on our little island, you’ll always feel like you’re home.