Ireland travel and accommodation guide

While many travellers to Ireland will want to rush out and book the nearest castle, the Emerald Isle features many other modes of accommodation for all budgets. For those travellers working with a tight budget, Ireland has some fantastic cheap accommodation, with boutique hotels having rooms starting around €30 per night. On the other end of the spectrum Ireland boasts many luxury hotels for travellers looking to be pampered while taking in the local history.

 Most flights from Australia to Belfast are through London and flight time is usually 24+ hours. Airlines that fly to Ireland include Qantas, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. You can find many great package deals which often include your airfare and accommodation and is often the cheapest way to book a whole trip. To get the best possible price, you have to book Ireland holiday packages early.

Whether your interest is in the fantastic natural landscape or exploring one of Irelands many castles there are plenty of things to see and do in Ireland. Some of the most popular include the following:

• Cycling – The perfect way to experience the natural beauty of Ireland. With a vast array of cycling routes, travellers will be spoilt with the scenery and at times the exhilarating experience a cycling tour can offer on your Ireland holiday. Many routes set out, converge or pass through the capital Belfast.

• Festivals – Ireland has an abundance of festivals for all tastes. From the original, biggest and best celebration of Halloween in the world in Londonderry, to the Belfast Festival at Queen’s – in international festival throwing a mix of music, comedy, exhibitions and film. The Irish also show their green side with the St Patrick’s Festivals particularly in Belfast and Dublin with fire works and carnivals.

• Castles ­– Come for the Guinness and stay for the castles. Ireland boasts numerous castles and there are quite a few of interest in areas such as Antrim.