Ireland has been one of my favorite countries for a long time. In the summer of 1996 I fullfilled my dream and travelled together with Maria, a very good friend of mine to this beautiful island. We booked a flight to Shannon and also Bed & Breakfast overnight stays, which we never regretted. That way it was easy to find a place to stay for a night or two. We just had to stop at the indicated houses and show our coupons. These guest-houses are all private and we had our breakfast either in the owner's kitchen or they had a nice little breakfast room set up.
The owners were always totally nice and friendly and we could even borrow stuff like hairdryers or things we've had forgotten to bring.

Ireland is in the north-western part of Europe between the 51.5 and the 55.5. degree of latitude and between the 5.5 and 10.5 degree of longitude.

It takes approximately 5500 km to drive around the entire coast of Ireland, though I'm sure the double amount of time as normal would be needed to drive these kilometers cause a lot of curves, gradients and slopes, potholes, sheep, cows or tractors may come across your way. In rural countrysides the street signs can point in every possible direction, also you can get different descriptions. Despite all this confusion, Maria and I didn't have big problems to find our way.

For sun-worhippers Ireland is not quite the right country, but we were lucky in June 96 and it rained just one full day. In the winter the weather is moderately warm, influenced by the warm Gulf Stream.
Ireland is a very green island and has many lakes and rivers. The biggest lakes are Lough Neagh and Lough Corrib, Lough Derg, Lough Ree. The Shannon river is the longest river, it almost stretches out over the entire country. Compared to Germany not many people live in the countrysides of Ireland. You can drive through Connemara or Donegal for hours and just see sheep. There are beautiful views of green hills and the ocean. The warm wind, which I really love, and the sanddunes made our dream of Ireland come true.

Hills and mountains encircle the green island like a ring. The mountains are not very high, though they look very impressive under the fast flying clouds. As far as you can see, you will always discover different nuances of green colors. Let your eyes roam over the mountain ranges or into romantic valleys. Follow the patterns of the stone walls and hedges dividing the fields.
Horses and cows, donkeys and sheep are graze between dark green groups of bushes and trees.
See the play of colors like the yellow of the broom shrubs, the bright pink of the rhododendron groves or the fuchsia hedges Nature everywhere.....

Ireland is a geological natural phenomenon. An important element is the water. Surrounded by 5600 kilometers coast line in every imaginable form. Miles of sandy beaches and hidden bays, hills covered in moss, cliffs and breathtaking rock walls.
From bay to bay another view, different colors and landscapes.
Ireland's climate is determined by it's good friend the Gulf Stream. It conjures up a mediterranean ambience.
Ireland's coast line remained pure nature - untouched and unspoiled.

Water is vital energy. This is to see and to feel on this green island - 1 hectare stretch of water on 14 hectare land. A web of rivers and creeks, a carpet of blue on green ground.
The color green in every shade dominates this country. Meadows, pastures, bushes.
The water of the clean rivers is drinkable. Smell the pure air - it smells like ocean and gras and peat fires. It's worth it to take a deep breath.

The Irish live in harmony with nature - and with their history. Not only old ballads tell about it. It can be seen everywhere: Castles, mansions and other historical buildings are being affectionately restored and taken care of.
Monuments of cultural history over centuries, prehistoric centers of cult and royal worship, early Christian monasteries, medieval crosses and round towers, buildings of the earlier history are to be seen.
Museums with unique art work: celtic gold treasures or the famous "Book of Kells", the most significant handwritten bible version of the early Christianity.

Our route