Munster - Culture

Rugby is a popular sport in the Munster region. Visitors to Ireland who want to learn more about the sport should visit the Aer Lingus Rugby (Football) Club located at the airport in Dublin. At this club spectators and sportsman of all skill levels are welcome. Also nearby, the Lansdowne Football Club is one of the oldest clubs in Ireland. Steeped in the history of the game, Lansdowne' home ground is located on Lansdowne Road, at the Irish International Stadium. The sport of rugby, similar to American football, is very popular in this region.

If the sport of rugby doesn't keep you totally entertained, perhaps you will enjoy the regions folktales or mythology. Visit a local library and ask about the Cattle Raid of Cooley. It is one of many stories about the Red Branch Knights of Ulster and the hero, CuChulainn, also known as the Hound of Ulster. The story was initially passed down in the oral tradition while the earliest written version of the story appears in the Book of the Dun Cow, dating from the 12th century.

Another local legend is the story of King Lir and his children. The story is one of enchantment, jealousy and tragedy. According to the story, Lir's wife, Eva, had given him four beautiful children. The sad part is that she died when the children were in their infancy. As the children grew Lir's spirits declined. Then his life was changed when one day he met Aoife, the sister of his wife.

Folktales, legends and myths abound throughout the land. The country also is home to many of the worlds most famous writers. Oscar Wilde, for example, was known for his legendary Irish wit and dramatic writing. Wilde lived a life as scandalous as that of any of his fictional characters. The Irish author was born to the notable doctor William Wilde and the flamboyant Lady Wilde, also known as Speranza. Wilde attended Dublin's Trinity College before studying at Oxford. There, he excelled both academically and socially. He achieved wild success throughout the 1890s, with plays such as Lady Windermere's Fan, An Ideal Husband, A Woman of No Importance, and The Importance of Being Earnest. These plays helped pave the way for further literary achievement with his prolific stories, novels, and essays. George Bernard Shaw, Frank O'Conner and James Joyce are among many other authors who boast of Irish heritage.

Speaking of great writing, the Book of Kells is one of Ireland's best known attractions. It is currently housed in the Old Library at Trinity College, Dublin. The Book is an illuminated manuscript, which means it was written and illustrated by hand. The text consists of the four gospels of the New Testament, all written in Latin. Historians have speculated that it was written by the St. Columba monks on the island of Iona, off the coast of Scotland, around 797AD. Just seven years later, in 1805, Iona was the plundered by Viking raiders. Yet, the manuscript survived. Fleeing monks most likely sailed back to Ireland, with the manuscript and eventually set up a new monastery in Kells.

We can offer vacation properties located close to the cultural activities. This makes it possible for you to enjoy all of the local festivals, art, museums and theatres while having all the comforts of “home.” Guests may enjoy the luxurious accommodation available in one of our beautiful houses, cabins, or apartments. Many of these rental accommodations include access to a sauna, jacuzzi, pool or hot tub. In many a maid service is also provided for a small additional fee.