Wrapped up in that pride is a sense that hurling represents a form of idealized Irishness, an ancient game unique to this island that combines skill, athleticism, courage (watch a player rise to grab a bare-handed catch while his opponent swings his hurl to field the same ball and you’ll see what we mean) and – most importantly – an undiluted feeling of community pride. The pinnacle of Irish road trips. The Wild Atlantic Way will show adventurers both the natural beauty and the absolute craic that Ireland has to offer . Weave your way around mountains, bog lands and rugged karst landscapes as you experience the Emerald Isle. O’Connell Street is Dublin's main thoroughfare and it houses numerous sculptures, monuments, shops and historic buildings. One of the widest streets in Europe, it is home to The Spire (Monument of Light), a large needle-like monument that stands 120m (394ft) high and is the city's most visible landmark. Notable statues include those of political leader Daniel O’Connell, Sir John Gray, James Larkin and Charles Stewart Parnell.

The scent of aromatic spices is carried on the fresh Atlantic breeze that passes through the cobbled lanes off Quay Street, the medieval heart of Galway. Top local restaurants like Ard Bia at Nimmos cluster around its southern tip at Spanish Arch because of its romantic setting, making it one of the best places for couples to visit in Ireland. It was once a trading post where galleons carried cargos of wine and food. Usually, road trips are all about the journey, but this one is a little bit different. The four peaks challenge is where hikers attempt to complete the four highest peaks in each province of Ireland. This can be timed or taken at a leisurely pace, but some people strive to complete it in 24 hours. Detour: There’s a beach just off the Sky Road that will blow your mind. With crystal clear waters and beautiful golden sand, Eyrephort Beach is the perfect place to unwind on your trip. 10. The “Four Peaks” Challenge Road TripImproved planning tools for family travellers- where to go, how to save money, plus fun stuff just for kids The women’s version of the game is called camogie. It is the same in all nearly all respects but is less physical, and players can score hand-passed goals, which are illegal in hurling. Games are shorter, and while hurling goalkeepers must wear a different color jersey than the rest of their teammates, camogie keepers don’t. Many of Ireland’s best festivals shift into gear at this time. Expect some tasty offerings like the Armagh Food and Cider Weekend or Galway’s International Oyster and Seafood Festival in September. County Cork has the monopoly on October events with the Kinsale Gourmet Festival and Guinness Jazz Festival. A sinister twist brings the month to a close with a spectacular parade at the Galway Aboo Halloween Festival, or visit Dublin, the hometown of Dracula’s creator, to catch the Bram Stoker Festival. The low season from November to February is the best time for a cheap stay in Ireland Located in a handsome Georgian house, the Little Museum of Dublin is a charming place that tells the story of Dublin over the last century via memorabilia, photographs and artefacts donated by the general public. The impressive collection includes a lectern used by John F Kennedy on his 1963 visit to Ireland, and an original copy of the fateful letter given to the Irish envoys to the treaty negotiations of 1921, whose contradictory instructions were at the heart of the split that resulted in the Civil War.

Temple Bar, one of Dublin's most famous areas, was burdened for years with a reputation for drunken debauchery and not much else. Visit these days and you'll find a fun neighborhood with plenty to occupy your days as well as your nights. Its excellent, quirky boutiques appeal to fashionistas who head to Siopaella and Folkster for some unusual threads. Planning tip: The garden contains nudity and mature themes, and is considered to be a place for adults. It’s also somewhere for spiritual reorientation and philosophical enlightenment – or at least some incredible photos. The garden is open seasonally, and advanced booking is required. 11. Go gin tasting With ancient ruins telling history of forgotten times, stunning mountain ranges and alluring small villages, there is something here that will captivate even the most seasoned traveler. Here are the don’t-miss things to do on your next trip to Ireland. 1. Road trip around the Wild Atlantic Way The social and political story of Ireland is told in wonderful detail in Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. The City of the Dead covers the burial practices and religious beliefs of the half a million people in the cemetery, while the Milestone Gallery features a digitally interactive timeline outlining the lives of the Glasnevin's most famous residents. Local tip: True music aficionados head to the east side of the county towards Lough Derg, where the pubs cupped in fern green valleys –like Shortt’s Bar in Feakle – host top performers nightly. 8. Causeway Coast, County AntrimIreland may be known for its whiskey, though the gin craze has been taking over the last few years. Until recently, Ireland had no real history of making gin, but those days are over, as there are a number of renowned distilleries popping up. Key events: Willie Clancy Summer School, Galway International Arts Festival, Longitude, Folkfest, All-Ireland Finals. August is crowded The General Post Office (GPO) building is where the Proclamation of the Republic was read and it is at the heart of Ireland's struggle for independence. The GPO served as command HQ for the rebels during the 1916 Easter Rising, and has become the focal point for all kinds of protests, parades and remembrances, as well as home to the interactive GPO Witness History visitor center. 22. Go on a themed city tour

If the world knows about Inch Strand, then this huge Blue Flag beach about 13km (8 miles) northwest of Tralee is very much a local favorite. On summer weekends – or anytime it’s not raining – folks from Tralee and around make their way here to walk the full length of its 6km (3.7 miles), making it one of Ireland’s biggest beaches. Thanks to the warming waters of the Gulf Stream, a swim here isn’t the mark of madness, especially in those glorious September days when the sea is softened by a long summer, but even if you don’t fancy getting into the water, there are some stunning views from the 10m-high (33ft) dunes – look southwest and take in the glory of Mt Brandon and the Dingle Hills. The park also contains the opulent Farmleigh House, the Irish government's official guesthouse, a fine Georgian-Victorian pile that was originally part of the Guinness estate. It offers a guided tour that takes in the fantastic library and glass conservatory. The vast pleasure gardens, with their lake and walled and Japanese gardens, are a delight to stroll. Planning tip: The museum may not be suitable for young children, so don't count on this one as a family day out. 8. Take a hike at GlendaloughDays can be spent lazing, surfing and horse-riding by the white dunes of Barley Cove or Inchydoney Beach, or k ayaking with seals near Glengarriff. Ireland’s only cable car leaves from Beara to cross ocean waters to Dursey Island. Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southerly point, has an interpretive signal station that is accessed by footbridge over wild Atlantic waves. 10. Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry Offering up incredible views of the surrounding mountains, Mweelrea is a hike you can’t miss if you’re traveling along the Wild Atlantic Way. The highest mountain in the province of Connacht, standing at 814m (2671ft), has many different routes to the top that vary in difficulty and views. The warmest months from April to August offer endless hours to explore the coastline or lush, rolling green countryside, but with a year-round temperate climate that rarely freezes in winter or blisters in summer, it’s possible to enjoy daytime outdoor activities in any month.