If anything can be said of the Irish, it’s that they love to talk. Chances are, they will engage you in conversation and try to win you over to their side of any argument. With their wit and charm, they’re likely to get away with it, too. But when it comes to their homeland, they will need little to persuade you. Ireland’s landscape is covered with a blanket of lush vegetation, earning it the name, 'Emerald Isle.' Picturesque villages where life has remained unchanged for centuries dot the landscape, as do lively cities brimming with the enthusiasm of its people. The weather can be a wee bit inclement, but the Irish have a cure for that: a visit to the local pub, where one is sure to make friends for a lifetime.

Cork

The magnificent Cobh Harbor is just a short drive from Cork. An enchanting place, the main district of Cork sits on an island formed by the diverging channels of the River Lee. The city itself is filled with a multitude of picturesque quays and bridges. Cork is the ideal spot to outfit yourself with Irish tweeds, kiss the Blarney Stone or simply relax and enjoy the charming countryside.

Attractions

• Blarney, just five miles from Cork, to kiss Ireland's "Crown Jewel" - the Blarney Stone, believed to bestow the gift of eloquence.
• Muckross House and Gardens, an 1843 Elizabethan-style home set in a beautiful national park. Learn about the folklore of County Kerry in the 19th and 20th centuries, and see skilled craftspeople carrying on the traditional work of their predecessors.
• Derrynasaggart Mountains towards the Killarney National Park, where the famous lakes and tree-lined shores shimmer against a backdrop of mountain peaks.

Dublin

Dublin, Ireland's capital, is a thriving modern city. Yet it is also remarkably elegant. This is due in part to the restoration of its magnificent public buildings and distinctive Georgian squares to reveal the elegance of the 18th century to today's visitors. Dublin's people are renowned for being warm, friendly and eager to help visitors enjoy their home city. Whether you're walking the medieval streets around Dublin Castle or enjoying a pint at Keating's Pub, you're almost certain to be introduced to the famous charm and wit of the Irish.

Attractions

• Irish Whiskey Corner, the 90-year-old warehouse flat turned museum dedicated to Ireland's most famous export. Visitors receive a complimentary tasting.
• Powerscourt Estate and Gardens, set on 34,000 acres along the River Dargle. Finished in 1875, this garden took over 30 years to complete. Admire the Italian and Japanese gardens and the circular terraces that descend to Triton Lake with its 100-foot fountain guarded by winged horses.
• St. Patrick's Cathedral, said to have been where St. Patrick baptised converts in 450 A.D.
• The National Gallery, home to more than 2,000 exhibits, including a major collection of Irish landscape paintings.

Waterford

This walled Viking city is the oldest in all of Ireland and has an unmistakable medieval flavour. Walk along its narrowed lanes to experience an explosion of culture with its wondrous gardens, churches, castles, and traditional Irish pubs. If you’re into outdoor activities, this Waterford’s the place for you - it's located in the warmest, driest area of Ireland. Waterford is also home to the world-famous crystal that bears its name.

Attractions

• Waterford Crystal Factory, the largest glassworks in the world. Dating back to 1783, the fine, hand-cut crystal is considered the world's finest glassware to this day.
• Wallace Plaza, which is based on the design of a Viking long boat, linking Waterford’s past to its present.
• Christchurch Cathedral, one of the great glories of Georgian architecture, located in the centre of medieval Waterford.