Why visit Ireland?

Although the small island of Ireland is known for the beauty and drama of its landscapes—from its rugged Atlantic coast to its verdant grasslands—the best reason to visit is to meet the Irish and hear their stories. Warm, welcoming, and witty, they share not only their homeland, but also tales from all corners of the world. After all, some 20 million Irish emigrants live abroad. Throughout history and well into the 21st century, Irish writers, poets, musicians, and storytellers have spun a unique cultural web around the globe; any journey to the wellspring of all this creativity will reward and entertain in delightfully surprising ways.
—Jack Kavanagh

(From National Geographic’s Traveler’s Atlas of the World, published 2025).