15 years ago, hardly anyone in Ireland knew what Vintage clothing was, never mind where to get it. The popularity of Vintage clothing has really taken off in the last few years thanks to shows like Mad Men and also due to the trendy celebs who prefer to wear vintage, such as Kate Moss, Nicole Richie and Alexa Chung. The vintage fashion scene has taken off so much, that now the high street stores such as Primark, Topshop, and Miss Selfridge regularly feature ‘vintage style’ dresses in every collection. Well, not everyone wants to own a high street knock off of a vintage style dress and luckily with Ireland finally following on the trend we finally have many more options to shop actual vintage.

Dublin is probably the first place people look to when they want to shop vintage and well why not? Dublin 2 is definitely the place to head for as most of the vintage stores are located in that area, keep a look out for Harlequin, Wild Child and Dirty Fabulous. Galway is probably your next best bet as in the last year a few new vintage shops have popped up, giving you some excellent choice in vintage, depending on the style you want to shop for. Galway city Center is easily navigated and with all the stores in the city center you wont be long finding them. Look out for Public Romance for some of the best 70′ and 80′s, Zebra for some eclectic pieces and Enchanted Vintage for the more classic vintage pieces.

Sligo is also the home for the original Enchanted Vintage location and with 3 different floors, the variety of vintage wedding dresses, gowns, coats and everything else you can think of will impress any vintage enthusiast!! Even Ennis in county Clare, has recently open up a boutique featuring new and vintage clothing called Olive Vintage. If you are not fortunate to live near any of these locations, never fear a few of them have websites that you can shop! However, if you are a true vintage lover and want a chance to see and feel the clothing before you buy it, then I highly recommend taking a trip to Galway or Dublin for the very best shopping experience.

When you think about booking a holiday do you dream of golden beaches, blue skies and beautiful oceans? If so, the idea of travelling to somewhere with a cooler climate may not immediately appeal. Ireland is a magical place. It has a culture and heritage that is truly it’s own. The country is divided into The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Republic has 26 counties while Northern Ireland has 6 counties giving the entire country 32 in total.

1. No visit to Ireland is complete without having spent at least a couple of days in the capital city Dublin. Dublin is now accessible from most major airports worldwide. Car rental can be hired from all major recognised companies directly at the airport but we suggest booking in advance to get the best rates. Car rental also offers more flexibility if visitors wish to travel further a field.

2. Galway is widely regarded as the fastest growing city in Europe. Located on the West Coat of Ireland, Galway is a lively city with an extremely young vibrant population. Known for its numerous pubs and cafes Galway is a must on any travellers agenda.

3. Cork is the third largest city in Ireland following Dublin and Belfast. Watch out for the famous Cork accent as its fast and can at times be hard to grasp. Home to Murphy’s and Beamish stout or beer Cork was the European Capital of Culture in 2005.

4. The famous Ring of Kerry has been travelled by millions of visitors at this stage. Enjoy the spectacular scenery that the Ring of Kerry boasts. Located close to Killarney this is a must see for any serious traveller. Be prepared for a slow ride though as the route is often very busy.

5. Possibly one of Ireland’s best kept secrets is County Sligo. Located in the North West of Ireland Sligo was home to W.B.Yeats the famous poet. Much of his inspiration was derived from the local surrounds. Marvel at Lough Gill, Ben Bulben and Knocknerea.

6. While Belfast may have gained an International reputation as a violent city due to it’s past it has now become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. The city is full of life and oozes an energy rarely found elsewhere. Another must!

7. The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are a real treat. Standing hundreds of feet tall and reaching up from the Atlantic Ocean the Cliffs of Moher are a true spectacular. Surfers are now coming from around the globe to ride the mighty waves at the base of the cliff.

8. Fancy taking a trip back in time to how Ireland used to be? If so take a trip to The Aran Islands off the coast of Galway where Gaelic or Irish is the main language. The Islands will give you a glimpse of how Ireland used to be with a laid back attitude prevalent.

9. Visit County Wexford, known as The Model County and climb Europe’s oldest lighthouse at Hook Head. Dating back over 500 years this is a climb that will leave you breathless-not from the exertion of the climb but from the views.

10. Lastly be sure to book your accommodation and car rental well in advance to avoid any disappointment. Remember that the Euro is now the currency of Ireland so do your calculations prior to booking.