Make a break for Ireland

Be in the know before you go: read the Country Living Guide to Rural Ireland (to buy from the Allaboutyou.com shop)

Enjoy author Marian Keyes's memories of childhood holidays in Co Clare

Where to go and what to do

Take a city break in Belfast

Visit the cliffs of Moher - one of the must-see places in the British Isles

Take the plunge with one of the best sea swims at Sandycove, near Dublin

Get close to nature in the west of Ireland Leave the city behind and head for one of the least inhabited parts of Europe for some healthy outdoor family fun.

Best secret islands - for rugged scenery: Cape Clear Island, off Cork Savour the wild splendour of Ireland's southernmost inhabited island

Find happiness in Sligo Sligo on Ireland's west coast is a relatively undiscovered gem, and an easy-to-reach destination

Best secret islands - for artistic inspiration: Inishturk, Co Mayo Nine miles off the west coast of Mayo, this small, rugged island rises boldly from the wild North Atlantic, its steep cliffs providing dramatic, panoramic views

Best secret islands - for divers and sea anglers: Rathlin Island, off Co Antrim With beautiful scenery, the island is prime birdwatching territory,

Best golf courses by the sea: Ballycastle Golf Club, Co Antrim Lying at the foot of one of the Glens of Antrim, Glenshesk, this 18-hole part-links, part-parkland championship course on the Causeway coast offers a picturesque mixture of locales

Best dog-friendly beaches: Murlough, Newcastle, Co Down This long, sandy beach in the shadow of the Mountains of Mourne offers a perfect dog-friendly escape

Escape to County Cork Against a beautiful backdrop of clear-water bays and rocky peninsulas, the one-time fishing villages of Ireland's most southerly county have been transformed into vibrant seaside towns, offering fine food and first-class accommodation

Easy weekend in Dublin At just under an hour's flying time from the UK, Dublin is the perfect weekend destination. By Bernadette Fallon and Veronica Kirby

Escape to Lough Erne Follow lakeside walks, boat among a maze of islets and see wild flowers flourish on the upland bogs of County Fermanagh's watery wilderness

Places to stay

Plan your own Northern Ireland stay with our online accommodation search, powered by Visit Britain. From five-star to hostels, click here to find somewhere to stay

Hire a horse-drawn gypsy caravan in Mayo, Galway, Laois and Wicklow

Unusual holiday accommodation: the Irish folly, Co Wicklow Looking for all the world like a pint-size castle, Lennon's Lodge sleeps two, has views of the Wicklow Mountains, and has two heritage-listed estate cottages as neighbours

Renting a holiday cottage Imagine Ireland is good value for money and has searchable flight and ferry options and gives discounts when you book.

Live life in an Irish castle Experience life as a member of the landed gentry in Ireland's lavish Dromoland Castle, in Co Clare

Wonderful walks

Ultimate coastal walk: find geology and giants on the Causeway Coast Way, Co Antrim

Top wildlife walk: Crom, Co Fermanagh On the shores of Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh lies one of the UK's most important nature reserves.

A taste of Ireland

If you can't be there in person, enjoy our delicious traditional Irish recipes

Before you go

For more information on Ireland and to help plan your trip, visit the Tourism Ireland website at www.discoverireland.com