DoChara.com is an unofficial guide, providing unbiased information, advice and tips for anyone who plans to travel around Ireland. The sort of things a friend might tell you - do chara means "your friend".
Over 700 articles cover the good, the bad and the indifferent, the must-see places, best events, hidden gems and tourist traps, where to find value and how to avoid being ripped off.
What to See & Do
Rock of Dunamase
Dunamase Castle, built on a high limestone outcrop overlooking a flat plain, has been a ruin for almost 700 years, but is still worth seeing.
Roadside Shrines and Grottoes
You can't travel far in Ireland without coming across statues by the side of the road in Ireland.
Jerpoint Abbey
Jerpoint Abbey was founded in the 1160s by Cistercians, a contemplative order of monks which originated in France, on land granted by the King of Ossory, Donal Mac Gilla Patric.
The Wonderful Barn
Built on the original grounds of Castletown House, this amazing and beautifully named building really is wonderful and well worth a post all of its own.
Delphi Activity Centre
Delphi Adventure centre is located in one of the most remote and beautiful parts of Ireland and provides a range of water sports and mountain activities for both adults and...
Turas Cholmcille
Glencolmcille is an area of outstanding beauty and a sheer pleasure for walkers.
Barrow Valley
The Barrow Valley is a quiet and unspoiled area, much loved by walkers and little visited by tourists.
Warrington Top Flight Equestiran Centre
Horse riding on good quality well schooled horses and ponies across excellent natural fences.
Touring Ireland
A Walk around James Joyce’s Dublin
This walk takes you on a stroll around Dublin to places associated with James Joyce or with characters from his books or short stories.
10 Money Saving Tips for Visiting Ireland
Your precious vacation is for enjoying treats, having a little more luxury than normal and being able to relax - you don't want to compromise that with penny pinching, but...
The Absolutely Essential Heritage Card
If you are touring Ireland for more than a couple of days, this card will certainly save you money, possibly quite a lot of money!
Ireland is Free on Wednesdays!
There is free entrance each Wednesday to all historic buildings, monuments and other sites in Ireland that are in the care of the Heritage Council of Ireland.
Tips for Visitors
Aran Knitwear
Aran sweaters, hats and scarves are a popular purchase in Ireland, with their fascinating history and intricate patterns.
Driving Safely in Ireland
Driving on the left may seem like the major obstacle to overcome in Ireland, but there are other hazards you need to be alert to also.
The Story of Irish Crystal
Crystal has been made in Ireland since the late 1700s, when the development of lead crystal made it possible to shape and cut glass as never before.
Ireland & the Irish
Odd & Unusual Irish Place Names
Some of these names sound strange, sometimes just to non-Irish ears, sometimes to everyone. Others have an unusual story.
Proportional Representation: How it Works
Proportional representation, the method of voting in Ireland, can easily confuse those unfamiliar with it!
The GAA and the All Ireland Championships
Every county in Ireland has its own colours, proudly waved and worn by team supporters during the annual GAA All Ireland Championships.
The Irish Potato Famine 1846-1850
With a growing population locked in poverty and almost entirely dependent on the potato, Ireland was by the mid 19thC a disaster waiting to happen.
Upcoming events in Ireland
Punchestown Racing Festival
This is Ireland's Cheltenham and a very big event in the area - kids are even given time off school to attend!
Cork International Choral Festival
An annual feast for those who love choral music, this festival brings highly rated choirs from all over the world to Cork each year.
Dublin Dance Festival
Ireland's leading Dance Festival brings artists and choreographers from across the world to Dublin in a varied programme of contemporary dance events.
RTE All Ireland Drama Festival
This hotly contested annual final of a competition for amateur drama societies and clubs provides a very varied feast of theatre.