The English language is the main form of international communication, especially in the travel industry. In Ireland, Hiberno-English (Irish English) has been the dominant language since the late 18th-century after replacing the Standard Irish language also known as Gaeilge.
While Irish English is quite similar to other English dialects, there are many words that have different meanings in each version of the language. Here are a few examples:
• “Nap” = “Kip”
• “Pickle” = “Gerkin”
• “Sandwich” = “Sambo”
• “French Fries” = “Chips”
Ireland has many wonderful sightseeing opportunities. Some of the top attractions include:
1. Dublin – Dublin Castle – View Dublin Castle, with its high defensive walls and signature Bedford and Record Towers.
2. Dublin – Trinity College – Visit Trinity College, featuring attractive grounds and many fine landmark buildings evoking Dublin’s past.
3. Dublin – Stephen’s Green – With 22 acres of lush green landscaping, it is Dublin’s most popular park and is surrounded by many buildings in the elegant and understated Georgian-style of architecture popular in late-18th and early-19th century Britain.
4. Dublin – Guinness Storehouse – Visit the sprawling 65-acre St. James’s Gate Brewery and top off your visit with a pint of the famous beer.
5. County Clare – Cliffs of Moher – The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions. Nominated to be one of the new seven wonders of nature, the cliffs are 700 feet tall at their highest point and stretch out
five miles along the Atlantic Ocean.
6. Bunratty – Bunratty Castle – Visit the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. It was originally built in 1425 and restored to its original splendor in 1954. Wander through the castle and marvel at the
finest collection of medieval furniture.
7. Limerick – St. Mary’s Cathedral – Visit ancient St. Mary’s Cathedral, an impressive structure built of stone dating back to 1168. View its colorful stained-glass windows, stone columns, and adjacent cemetery with prominent Celtic cross headstones, reminiscent of Ireland’s ancient heritage.