Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
That should change. We should take some time out and appreciate the amazing scenery and experiences that Ireland has to offer, from the top to the tip of the island.
To kick off our Pride of Irish series, we’re showcasing some of the most unbeatable sights that Ireland has to offer… Let us know in the comments if you have any suggestions to add to our list.
Inishturk – which at the last count in 2011 had a population of 53 – is a beautiful and unspoilt island off the coast of Mayo, nestled beside Clare Island and Caher Island. A pint in Tigh Neds after an amble along Inishturk pier to see the sun set… Magic.
“If it’s music you want, come to Clare.” The words of Christy Moore in his absolute banger of an anthem dedicated to this buzzy town in Clare. Lisdoonvarna is famous for its music and its festivals, including the famous match-making one currently ongoing. Watching talented musicians set out their stall in the corner of a pub and lash into some Irish classics as the evening draws in – it really is a sight to behold.
The Comeragh Mountain Drive in Waterford is pretty nice to take in just on its own merits, but it gets a whole lot better when you find out about the Magic Road. At the stone by the rag tree, put your car in neutral. It will then roll up the hill of its own accord. Yes, you read that correctly. Has to be seen to be believed.
Also known as Dún Aonghasa, to those for whom spelling in Irish isn’t a massive challenge (major respect there, by the way). On one side the sea, and prehistoric forts towering behind. There are very few better ways to take in the crashing waves of the Atlantic.
The Cliffs of Moher are a sight that defines Ireland – a major tourist attraction and site of countless photo ops from both visitors and Irish people alike. But have you ever seen them from the other side? Not from the walk, but the water below. A total change of perspective that puts a whole new spin on such a well-loved spot. Catch the boat from Doolin – you won’t regret it.
Recently in the news due to Skellig Michael’s starring role in the new Star Wars movies, we sincerely hope the puffins inhabiting this amazing island off Kerry haven’t got too big to sign autographs. The remains of a 6th century Christian monastery on Skellig Michael (and in fact most of the island itself) became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.
Nothing screams summertime in Ireland like getting a 99 and having it melt down your hand on the beach. There are lots of top Irish beach spots – like Rosslare, Lahinch, Brittas, Portmarnock to name just a handful – but Bundoran can’t be overlooked. Rugged Irish vistas at their finest. Everyone has their favourite, which probably has something to do with where you spent a couple of weeks every summer as a kid.
An old reliable for a drive or cycle just outside the capital, with the blanket bog and wild flora covering the surrounding landscape giving unparalleled views for miles. The Sally Gap shouldn’t be taken for granted just because it’s on many people’s doorsteps – it’s well worth going up and taking in properly.
SSE Airtricity is Ireland’s largest provider of 100% green energy. But green is more than just a colour to us – it speaks to us as a nation. Green is our energy, our resilience, our unity and our traditions. Green is powerful. Receive €120 credit and 10% off electricity when you make the move to SSE Airtricity today. #PowerofGreen
Great news story, a lovely read for a Friday :-)
Fair play to them.
who would thumbs down that comment, wankers!
Fair play lads, I wish you much success.
Thats the sort of innovation Ireland needs.
And they have to leave Ireland, wish they could of stayed in Ireland
Congrats to @patrickc and brother John Collison @collision on latest $18m funding!
This isn’t Twitter you know
Delighted to see these two brothers getting on so well.I am sure they will go far. Fair dews to them.
Fair dues
I stand corrected
They deserve it. Their main product has removed one of the last barriers to market for anyone setting up a new business or wanting to operate a small business. Brillant.
Spot on Peter.
Couldn’t be happier about this. Great people, great product, great investment.
Really amazing entrepreneurial spirit but wish it could have been further developed in Ireland rather than California :)
Why can’t we make it attractive for guys like that to start up/ keep their business in Ireland . What are the politicians doing??
I dont think it can be entirely blamed on politicians..I dont think Ireland has the same startup environment that california has…and I think its a lot to do with our attitude towards entrepreneurs…and lack of VC funding perhaps..I think to imitate an environment like california, Ireland needs a spark, and for lots of people to take risks, both on their own ideas and on other peolpes…and also to think big, these guys obviously have done that but id say they are one of very few in Ireland. Maybe the draw of having like minded people around is what took them to the US?
First time I’ve ever seen a story on the Journal without a single “thumbs down” good work lads.
of course just as I send my comment…………ah well, still a great story
Great news hope it goes well for the young men,best of luck,it’s what Ireland needs at these times
Chris money doesn’t buy genius it’s fairly obvious these boys are something special really proud of them all do I don’t know them
Congratulations to them ! It’s a shame they couldn’t be incorporated in Ireland and employ Irish people, but the truth of the matter is that our universities are not producing graduates of the calibre required to start a tech company and guide it to success .
A corollary to that is the total funding vacuum that exists for tech startups in Ireland , whether it is venture or angel investment. Enterprise Ireland lack the domain knowledge required – a software startup costs peanuts to fund initially ; most of the cost goes on rent and food but EI and their ilk want to give you way more money than you need in exchange for way more equity than you want to give away, on top of ridiculous conditions like needing to hire a minimum number of people and spend a minimum amount which you will then be reimbursed for.
We will never have a so called smart economy if this doesn’t change and we will continue to produce mickey mouse companies that turn a tiny profit and hire a tiny amount of staff.
I don’t agree 100% with the calibre of graduates in Ireland. i think that the problem is more so the numbers of people doing IT/science subjects. There are some pretty smart people coming out of some pretty good courses at the moment but nowhere near enough.
Very well said Eric. The government should make it easier for the existing it contract development community to setup business and go it alone. I have 12 years experience lots of good ideas but I can’t take s year off ti try something without
Free office rent
A grant of about 45 k a year
And free access to broad band and hardware
Give me that enda and in 5 years I would employ at least 5 if not mire people
The thumbs down on the site is getting a bit ridiculous.
@ Chris Gardner – Your very much mistaken these guys went to a public school in Limerick, if their parents wanted elite education for them they could have sent them to Glenstal not far away. The only downfall with this type of talent in Ireland is that we don’t know how to nurture them past the R&D stage. These guys are in the mould of Gates & Zuckerberg,just a shame we couldn’t keep them but the v best of luck to them.
These Brothers while they deserve their hard work it must be pointed out that they came from an enormously priveleged family with basically unlimited resources. They were destined to do well getting every and all help along the way. Not the story of the vast majority of irish young men. As I said I am thrilled they are doing well but I and millions like me never had these priveleges growing or resources. Its a pity all Irish school goers do not get the same equalities and indeed come to school facing enormous disadvantages, We won’t be reading about them anytime soon.
Well done lads.
There should be a http://www.coderdojo.com in every town/village in the country! Time to ditch fable studies and get programming languages into schools!
OMG lads yis are a legend, well done, I’m as proud of you both as if I were your mother! Wonderful…
They’re set up for life then! Well done to them!
Congratulations to you both
The very highest levels of protection must be provided for intellectual property such as this for the most obvious of reasons. I’m certain that the naysayers and petty critics who believe that it’s acceptable practice to thieve from owners of such valuable property will slink to the sidelines while these young lads bask in well deserved glory.
Fantastic achievement lads…well done!
Your welcome Palo Alto, California.
“You’re welcome” dummy
have your say