IRELAND

is a country of character. Other places draw attention through awe-inspiring architecture such as the Vatican or unique tributes to human creativity, like the Eiffel Tower. Ireland has a rare elegance but also a vibrant soul. There is no other destination in the world where you truly travel to experience the culture and people. The country dates back nearly 10,000 years from prehistoric settlers to the Celts who began to arrive around 500 BC, from the Vikings who came ashore in the late eighth century to the British invasion and conquest, to the fight for independence.

In recent years Ireland has become one of the top destinations for indulging in Europe’s fine arts and discovering distinctive building design, but it has something far more intriguing to explore—a passionate spirit. One of the top reasons to go to Ireland is to learn more about its folklore: folktales, ballads, music and dance found nowhere else in the world.

The Emerald Isle also has many historical buildings and an abundance of castles. No matter what part of the country you visit, you are sure to find a castle nearby.

A visit to their familial homeland is often on the bucket list of people who claim Irish ancestry. There are more people of Irish descent living around the world than there are in Ireland itself. A Travel Leaders employee recently traveled on a tour through Ireland and then stayed a few extra days to learn more about their ancestors. They visited the place where their great grandparents were married, where they had a grocery store in Belfast, and saw where an uncle had worked building the Titanic.