Best time to visit Ireland

Not only is it the favourite pastime of Irish people, but hiking just really is the best way to get around Ireland. As long as you have plenty of Gore-Tex, great boots and a good attitude to climate change. Because the climate changes here every few hours. What you do have is some of Europe’s most stunning trails to take walking holidays on, in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Clinging to cove packed peninsulas like Dingle, dramatic clifftop extravaganzas such as the Causeway Coast, around islands such as Rathlin or the Blaskets, or tackling mountain ranges such as Kerry’s Macgillycuddy's Reeks. The other reason that walking is the way to wander in (and wonder at) Ireland, is because everyone loves to talk. Be it on a mountain path, a remote cove or as you stop for rest in a pub. ‘Failte’ is the word of welcome. Arrive on foot, and your ‘failte’ is foolproof.

Anyone who thinks that bacon, cabbage, potatoes or Guinness are still the mainstay of the Irish diet, hasn’t ridden the gastronomic wave that has hit Ireland over the last ten years. Local produce from seafood to seaweed, cheese to chocolate, lamb to legumes, is everywhere. From some of the best seafood chowders in seaside pubs to artisan Arcadias in local markets, as well as a plethora of fine dining experiences across the whole island, contemporary Ireland is now a land to feast in.

Add to already congested roads, especially in summer. There are great holidays that take you across the island, north and south, by train. You can also sail there from Scotland, and hiking trails abound, with a well oiled infrastructure of guesthouses, restaurants and of course pubs en route to give walkers the traditional Irish welcome. As well as walking holiday companies that transport your bags for you, as you mosey over mountains and seek out secret coves.

Ignore Northern Ireland. The mountains, lakes, rivers and coast that Ireland is famous for, don’t stop because of a line on the map. Although sadly, some tourists still resist it because of years of conflict. This officially came to an end in 2007 when, after years of negotiations following the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, both sides of Northern Ireland’s political divide came together to form a government. From super chic Belfast, to the colossal Causeway Coast, walk the highways and byways of Northern Ireland, and go in peace.

Having said that, do read up on politics before you go. It is not uncommon for English people to visit and say things like “I really don’t get the Irish problem. You are all so friendly. How come you don’t get along?” Read up on the 800 years of history just a bit, and you will see why ill informed comments won’t get Irish eyes smiling. Oh, and nor will “top of the morning to you”. Because no one actually says that in Ireland.