From cotemporary urban hotspots to breathtaking scenery, Ireland's regions provide the traveler with multiple exploration options. Visitors will love discovering this rich land. The wonderful part about the regions in Ireland is that each region is unique from the other, with no two regions being alike. Below is a list of Ireland's major regions:
• Dublin: The city of Dublin is the focal point for urban style. This is a wonderful place to shop, dine, sightsee, and reside in some of Ireland's most wonderful establishments. Dublin is bursting with a host of historically significant and captivating sights. The culture of this region is sure to bring its visitors back to the area time and time again.
• The East Coast and Midlands: This region boasts of charming countryside decorated with beautiful lakes and rivers. Gifted with a wealth of water, the East Coast and Midlands Region is a hotspot for boating buffs of all kinds. The sea makes up the eastern boundary of the region, while the River Shannon with its lakes signifies the western boundary. Lazy rivers that wind, canals everywhere you turn, and dark lakes in the mountains with bright lakes in the lowlands speckle this beautiful area of the country. The East Coast and Midlands also has many historic Christian settlements. There are numerous monasteries that visitors can explore in this region. Some provide little more than romantic settings while other contain beautiful sculpted monuments in stone or Celtic crosses. This region is also a great place to get a game of golf in as it contains top championship golf courses.
• South East Ireland: This region is where the sun calls home! South East Ireland is the country's warmest corner. The area boasts of lively villages, lush, green landscapes, and long coastal areas with beaches. The South East region is also home to some of the most spectacular castles and ancient monuments in the country. The cities in this region are also full of mystery and awe from the medieval city of Kilkenny to the Viking city of Waterford.
• Ireland West: The west region of Ireland is famous for its unsoiled beaches, rocky landscapes, and exciting festivals. Ireland West is wild and untamed in beauty. Guests to this region can visit Connemara and the islands, shop in some of the many craft stores, and listen to the Irish language in everyday use in the "Gaeltacht" region. Or take in Ireland West's Christian Heritage. There are fourteen Christian sites in the area that are famous for their ecclesiastical, spiritual, cultural and heritage significance.
• North West Ireland: It just keeps on getting better in Ireland. In the North West regions, visitors can take in more breathtaking views of awe-inspiring and dramatic coastlines, lakes that are as smooth as glass, rolling hills, and robust mountains. There are five counties that make up the North West Ireland region: Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo. The people in this region are very warm, and will welcome visitors to the beautiful North West. There is so much to do in this region, whether you would like to enjoy a seaweed bath, surfing the Atlantic waves, or horseback riding in the Ireland winds.
• South West: Here, in the South West region, you will find the bustling, cultural city of Cork. This region is colored with beautiful scenery as well as outstanding spas found in the most tranquil spots. Cork Kerry is one of the most captivating holiday vicinities in Ireland. With a gorgeous coastline of over 1,000 kilometers, the region is bursting with natural beauty. The contrasts of the land are amazing as the long coastlines blend into stunning mountains. In addition, Ireland's tallest mountain, Carrauntoohil, is located in this region, standing a proud 1,039 m. Ireland's most southerly point and the most westerly point are also found in the Cork Kerry region of South West Ireland. Long distance walking is very popular in this area of Ireland, as well as cycling routes.
• Shannon: The Shannon region is home to the renown and grandiose River Shannon, a vast expanse of water that extends down to the wild Atlantic Ocean. This region is also home to Burren Lake and Ireland's pleasure lake, Lough Derg, making water the theme of this beautiful region. The area is also known for its incredible mediaeval castle banquets where guests will appreciate the enduring atmosphere of mediaeval Ireland. The Shannon region is home to Dunguaire Castle, located on the shores of Galway Bay, Bunratty Castle, and Knappogue Castle Quin. The area is also known for its traditional Irish music, song, and dance.