'The Emerald Isle', the affectionate name once thought to have been derived from the bright green luminous nature of an Irish girls eyes, is in fact a perfect description of the rolling luscious green hills and plateaus that caress Ireland's landscape.

The belief that the Irish congregate in pubs and drink copious amounts of Guinness while telling brilliant jovial jokes is also true. The Irish tradition of enjoying the 'craic' (pub social life) partly derives from the fact that the majority of the time the weather is so damp, but you'd believe the almighty had turned his shower on and left it running.

Not true however is the myth that the Irish are a 'sandwich short of a picnic' with traditional jokes including, "Paddy saw a gravestone sitting by the road and said, 'Murphy this lad was 216 when 'e died.' Murphy said, ' Really Paddy what was his name?' 'Miles from Dublin', Paddy replied.

Instead the people are warm and friendly and are more than willing to help out strangers, especially those who have time for a chat and a laugh.

The 26 southern Irish counties gained their independence from the United Kingdom in 1921. However, six northern counties including (Ulster) remained part of the UK.

In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the Commonwealth and joined the European community in 1973. As the Republic of Ireland it has been an advocate of uniting both the north and south peacefully.

An aspect of Irish history that cannot be ignored is the divide that exists between the religious factions of Catholicism and those who are Protestants. Many social groups who socialised or married across these boundaries were outcast from their families and were targeted by religious extremists over the years. Some religious divides still exist today. Currently 88 per cent of the Republic of Ireland is affiliated to the Roman Catholic Church.

The country itself is quite compact with 70, 280 square meters located in the North Atlantic Ocean to the west of the United Kingdom. The majority of the year Ireland faces similar weather patterns to the UK with the temperate summer climate through July and August favouring enthusiastic venturing tourists, keen to roam the countryside.

Reasons to stay in Ireland as a traveller are plentiful, with the countryside boasting accommodation including haunted lighthouses, medieval castles, secluded picturesque bed and breakfasts, and even thatched cottages - there's something for everyone.

Taking in the scenery tourists are invited to visit the wilds of Connemara, the rolling hills of County Wicklow, the Cliffs of Moher, (cliffs that drop 200 metres down into the Atlantic), or the stone age ruins on the Burren.

Once you have trekked a mountain or explored the wilds, travellers can indulge themselves at one of the many luxury spas throughout the country. The Park Hotel in Co Kerry, or Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa in West Cork will pamper you to your hearts content.

If relaxing in a pub is more your scene - then forget it. Pubs in Ireland are social events, with the majority of western countries throughout the world mimicking the atmosphere of an Irish local. Travellers are encouraged to try a Guinness in the Cobblestones Keoghs, the Stag's head, or Mulligans in Dublin for an authentic Irish experience.

History buffs will also be ecstatic in Ireland with the megalithic passage tomb at Newgrange, which is older than the pyramids and the famous Blarney Castle, with the kiss-me-quick Blarney Stone.

Overall the Irish experience is breathtaking, relaxing and social. Travellers can make their way over to the island by ferry, plane or bus, and once on the Emerald Isle are recommended to travel via hire car to see all of the sites.

Why not head over to Ireland for a short break or weekend getaway? After all it's right on our doorstep and the majority of flight companies have regular deals. Don't go looking for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow though - cause Ireland is that pot.