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Leprechauns, Guinness, shamrocks… Yes, everyone’s heard the clichés but there are plenty of other reasons to head to Ireland. One of the main ones you’ll discover soon after arrival is the locals’ ability to have a good time. You will too, whether it’s enjoying its many pubs, the live music scene or soaking up the atmosphere at the soccer.

Once you’ve pub crawled through the literary trail in Dublin, following in the footsteps of Patrick Kavanagh, Brendan Behan and James Joyce, other cities such as Cork, Derry and Belfast offer cultural treats and political monuments.

The Irish countryside is nothing short of stunning and days can be spent wandering between castle remains, rolling hills, lakeside retreats, monasteries and rugged coastline. Excitement complements country tranquility in events like the annual Galway Races that take place at the end of July each year.

With their charming accents and all, you might decide you’d like to end up with a local sweetheart. If so, the annual matchmaking festival in the spa town of Lisdoonvarna may be able to help you. Sure enough, though, wherever you go in Ireland it’ll be good craic.

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