Ireland is rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty and architectural splendour. It is the perfect place to visit for anyone looking for a vacation where no two days, or places, are the same.
If you are already planning, or have booked a trip to Ireland - make sure you get in contact with us to let us know where you will be visiting. If you are already a member of a Parish you can post a message on their message board about your trip. We have a large group of Volunteers who specialise in Meeting & Greeting visitors to their parish and, if available, they would be delighed to welcome you during your visit and help out with any local knowledge.
Joan Koesterham come home in 2013 and met up with long-lost relatives in Moylough in the County of Galway. Read about her story here.
Robert Horan made his father's dream come true when he connected with his cousins near Portumna. Read his story here.
Check out some of our advice for planning a research visit in our recent article "Top tips for research trips".
You can also contact us directly at info@irelandxo.com to let us know your upcoming vacation and we will endeavour to help out with your plans.
Alternatively if you have stories or pictures from a recent trip to Ireland, we would love to hear about them. Send your holiday memories to us at info@irelandxo.com as we regularly feature these stories on our news pages.
From the stunning, moon-like landscape of Connemara to the lush flora of the Golden Vale, to the breathtaking coast of the Wild Atlantic Way, our geography is the perfect backdrop to the ancient and often-times mystical heritage that is prevalent in every part of Ireland.
Here are some useful websites to help plan your next trip to Ireland.
Discover Ireland
The official visitor website for Ireland. There is so much to choose from when you want to take a break in Ireland. So where do you start? Whatever it is you’re looking for – family fun, romantic breaks, adventure weekends, relaxing with friends – everything you need to know about planning your holiday to Ireland, you’ll find it here. You’re only a few clicks away from a break you’ll never forget.
Discover Northern Ireland
www.discovernorthernireland.com
The official visitor website for Northern Ireland
Celtic Footsteps
Celtic Footstep Ireland specialize in planning special interest, Irish culture & heritage, study, alumni & religious group vacations to Ireland. They have over 20 years experience working in the tourism industry in Ireland.
Heritage Ireland
The Office of Public Works has responsibility for the day-to-day running of all National Monuments and National Historic Properties. They provide full interpretative facilities and a full guide service at 70 sites which attracted over 3 million visitors each year.
Bed and Breakfasts
B&B Ireland is a non-profit organisation with a membership of over 1100 Failte Ireland Approved Bed and Breakfasts all over Ireland. Many visitors to Ireland researching their ancestry have found that staying in B&B's is an excellent way to find out more information about the local area and families that live there.
Transport
Republic of Ireland Railways - www.irishrail.ie/home
Northern Ireland Railways - www.translink.co.uk/Services/NI-Railways/
Dublin Buses - www.dublinbus.ie
Republic of Ireland Buses www.buseireann.ie
Northern Ireland Buses - www.ulsterbus.co.uk
Citylink (Intercity private buses) - www.citylink.ie
Go Bus (Intercity private buses) - www.gobus.ie
Dublin Airport - www.dublinairport.com
Cork - www.corkairport.com
Shannon - www.shannonairport.com
Belfast - www.belfastairport.com
We hope you have found the information we have shared helpful. While you are here, we have a small favour to ask. Ireland Reaching Out is a non-profit organisation that relies on public funding and donations to ensure a completely free family history advisory service to anyone of Irish heritage who needs help connecting with their Irish place of origin. If you would like to support our mission, please click on the donate button and make a contribution. Any amount, big or small, is appreciated and makes a difference.