Upon arriving in Dublin airport I hired a car to explore the whole of Southern Ireland.

Dublin is a metropolitan city and it can be very confusing driving through the city of Dublin for the first time as you have to negotiate the one-way traffic systems. On the way to my hotel I noticed a variety of ornate Georgian doors. They are usually crowned with a segmented fanlight and a heavy brass knocker. These doors are very elegant and represent a time of real prosperity in Dublin.

Temple Bar

Once I had found my hotel and had unpacked I visited the cultural quarter of Temple Bar and the shopping areas such as Grafton Street. I sampled a pint of Guinness in an amazing café/restaurant called Café en Seine which had a deceivingly small exterior and an interior that was enormous inside.

The National Museum of Dublin

The next day I went to The National Museum of Dublin, which houses a collection of artefacts dating from the Stone Age to the 20th Century. There were items such as belt buckles that were decorated with traditional Celtic patterns and I was very impressed with the skill of the craftsmanship. Some of the most exquisite items were: -

St. Patrick's Bell - A 12th Century bell housed in a decorative jewelled shrine made of bronze.

Tara Broach - An ornate broach, which dates back to the 8th Century, decorated with gold, filigree and entwined around amber and enamel.

Trinity College

After some refreshment I then proceeded on to Trinity College, which houses the Book of Kells. The famous book is a richly decorated medieval illuminated manuscript created by monks who fled to Kells in 806 AD. Each page contains highly intricate lettering combined with interlacing spirals and symbolism. Within Trinity College is the majestic library called The Long Room, which houses over 200,000 antique texts and a beautiful spiral staircase.

Kilkenny Design Centre

Kilkenny is described as Ireland's loveliest inland city - and I can see why. I walked up the charming, traditional high street with coloured houses, which are a common feature of Southern Ireland.

The Design Centre houses a shop with local craft for sale including jewellery, glass, textile and wood. There was also an exhibition showing work originated from the Kilkenny Design Studios. Within these small studios you are able to see the artists at work.

Waterford

Waterford is Ireland's oldest city and on first sight seems very industrial with many factories. Waterford is of course famous for its crystal and there was a large variety of decorative crystal on display including chandeliers, wine carafes etc.

Cork

I had decided to stay at Lotamore House, an elegant Georgian residence in Cork. I found the place full of character, including rich warm colours, intricate furnishings and exquisite antiques. All the bedrooms were decorated differently and included a flat screen television. I noticed in the living room damask patterned wallpaper, a popular feature of Georgian interiors. The staff were very accommodating and made me a bacon buttie upon request.

Blarney Castle

While in Cork I decided to visit the Blarney Castle. It was built by King Dermot McCarthy in 1446 and its design is typical of a 15th Century tower-house. I climbed right to the top where the legendary Blarney Stone is situated. Kissing the Blarney Stone is a long-standing tradition and is supposed to give the person the gift of talking Blarney - talking with eloquence.

Kinsale

Kinsale is another of Ireland's very pretty towns, with pastel coloured houses and handcrafted shop signs. It is a popular yachting centre and also famous for eating out. While I was walking around I discovered a traditional horse-drawn caravan.

Bantry

I first decided to visit Bantry House, which is a short walk from the bay, but it was unfortunately closed. I had a good look around the large gardens that overlooked the bay and the view of the harbour, Whiddy Island and the Caha Mountains was fantastic. The Italian garden at the back of the house is inspired by the Boboli gardens in Florence and also include the “Staircase to the Sky” - a large stone staircase.

Ring of Kerry

I drove around the Ring of Kerry but I didn't have much luck with the weather. Frequent snow showers and a heavy mist had descended, taking away the chance of taking any inspiring photographs of the hills and coastline. I drove through some charming fishing villages, free from the trappings of commercialisation - this was the real Ireland that I wanted to see.

Glin Castle, Limerick

On the banks of the River Shannon stands the majestic Glin Castle where I was fortunate to stay for the night. It was originally owned by the Knight of Glin and his wife Madam Fitzgerald for over 200 years. It is housed on an estate of 500 acres of dairy farm and parkland. The castle is full of Irish paintings and antique furniture that the patrons have collected over the centuries. Influenced by Robert Adams, the castle takes on a Georgian theme and is luxuriously furnished throughout.

Galway

The final destination on my journey through Southern Ireland was Galway, a lively university city. As I was there for St. Patrick's Day the streets were bustling with people out for a good time.

St. Patrick used the shamrock to symbolize the trinity of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The shamrock has been associated with St. Patrick and Ireland ever since.

My trip to Southern Ireland had been cultural and enlightening and I will not hesitate in returning to explore further the charm of this beautiful country.