A land of picturesque views, proud and friendly locals, and endless opportunities for fun, Ireland is one of the world’s most underrated destinations. Keep reading to find out why the Emerald Isle should be on your travel bucket list in 2020.

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The Landscape Is Simply Stunning

Ireland is home to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Although the cities and towns themselves are charming, the sheer splendor of the countryside is what really draws a lot of people in. Travelers come from all over the world to witness the natural beauty of the Emerald Isle.

In postcards, Ireland looks like a land of rolling green hills and valleys peppered with purple heather. Pictures of Ireland show superb coastal views, whether or not they’re taken at famous sights like the Cliffs of Moher or the Dingle Peninsula. And the images don’t lie. The country really is as stunning as it’s made out to be. It’s easy to see why romantic films like P.S. I Love You were filmed in the Irish countryside. This part of the world is simply gorgeous.

Due to mass tourism, so many countries are seeing their natural landscapes spoiled and destroyed. Visit Ireland in 2020 before it becomes one of them.

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Irish Culture Is Renowned Around The World

Irish culture is something to be celebrated and embraced. Ireland has historically experienced high levels of emigration and continues to do so, which is one of the reasons why the country’s beautiful culture has stretched to all corners of the globe.

You can see evidence of Irish customs and folklore nearly everywhere you go, from Guinness to leprechauns to St. Patrick’s Day celebration. But there’s nothing quite like exploring that culture in Ireland itself.

Be sure to schedule in a few cultural experiences during your visit. Spend a night at the pub with a pint of Guinness, book tickets to an authentic Riverdance show, or check out Dublin’s Leprechaun Museum to learn more about the mythology of the country.

Of course, the cuisine is a huge part of the culture, and Irish cuisine is some of the heartiest out there. Don’t forget to try dishes like authentic Irish stew, boxty, and colcannon.

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It’s Ideal For History Enthusiasts

If you think of yourself as a history enthusiast than Ireland might be the perfect place for you to book your next trip. The country has a rich history that has been preserved in museums and other establishments throughout the country.

Humans are thought to have first arrived in Ireland between 8000 BC and 7000 BC, with the Celtic people landing around 1200 BC. Christianity started to spread around the country around 400 AD thanks to the presence of St. Patrick.

The Vikings landed in Ireland a few centuries later around 795 AD, followed by the Normans in the 12th century. Later Irish history was marked by terrible events whose presence is still felt today, including the British occupation and the Great Famine.

Visitors to Ireland today can learn about Ireland’s turbulent history by visiting exhibits and taking guided tours of historic sites that are still standing in 2020.

It’s Not Overrun With Tourists

One of the best things about Ireland? It’s not overrun with tourists. Although some areas of the country are more popular than others, Ireland as a whole isn’t the sort of tourist hotspot where the huge levels of tourism have damaged the authenticity of the destination.

Even in the more frequently visited cities like Dublin, there still aren’t as many people as you’d find cities like London, Paris, or Rome. This makes Ireland ideal for those who feel overwhelmed by huge crowds of people. You can explore most of the country without having your personal space compromised!

There is no shortage of green spaces in Ireland where visitors have plenty of fresh air and plenty of room for themselves. You’ll still have to line up to get into popular landmarks, but in general, the fewer numbers of tourists is one of the advantages.

The Irish Know How To Have Fun

Ireland is the perfect country to visit if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or a history buff, but it’s also the place to come if you don’t mind a bit of partying. Without wanting to buy into stereotypes, the Irish people generally know how to have fun.

Of course, visiting Ireland around St. Patrick’s Day guarantees an endless amount of festivities and celebrations. But there’s fun to be had all year round, whether it’s music and dancing or drinking games. Alongside those opportunities for quiet reflection is the chance to let loose and party it up.

Irish people have a reputation for being exceptionally friendly and welcoming, so it’s also the type of destination where you’re bound to make new friends and get to know people from totally different walks of life. NEXT: 10 Free Things To Do In Ireland