lt’s said that lreland, once visited, is never forgotten, and for once the blanrney rings true. The lrish landscape has a mythic resonance, the country’s history is almost tangible, and a sustained period of investment and economic growth has injected a heady dose of confidence and energy. Thankfully, lreland hasn’t paid the ultimate price for this recent transition as the character, wit and hospitality of the people, the most successful of all lrish exports (except maybe the lrish pub), remains wonderfully intact.

May to September, when the weather is warmer and the days are longer

Enjoying Dublin’s gorgeous old pubs and cutting-edge nightclubs Visiting the ancient ring fort Dun Aengus Feeling history come alive at beautifully restored Kilkenny Castle Exploring the country’s past at County Offaly’S Clonmacnoise monastery city Checking out the murals in West Belfast for an insight into the history of the Troubles Sampling the whiskey at Bushmills Distillery, County Antrim

Read McCarthy’s Bar, a terrifically funny account of the author’s quest to explore his cultural heritage

Listen to naything by U2 and Sinead O’Connor, or more recent offerings by Damien Rice such as O

Watch The Commitments for good fun and The Quiet Man for an all-time classic family favourite

Eat soda bread, a fry-up, smoked salmon and Kimberly biscuits

Drink Guinness, whiskey and red lemonade

What’s the craic? (what’s happening)

Potatoes; harps; shamrocks; Guinness; the good people (leprechauns); American tourists; shillelaghs; ceilidh; the Corrs; the Troubles; James Joyce

The lrish drink more tea per capita than any other nation in the world; until the 19 th century the national colour of the Emerald lsle, as the flag of St Patrick featured a gold harp on a blue background

lreland has not forsaken its stunning natural beauty and proud traditions. Slate-toned lakes, green pastures, tranquil mountain retreats, magnificent cliffs overlooking the wild Atlantic coast, remots sandy beaches, ancient offshore island villages and the friendliness of the prople remain untarnished. Many traces of traditional culture survive, especially in remote western areas, and there are still communities in which lrish is the first language. lreland remains one of the most beautiful and interesting countries in Europe.