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A traditional market day in Clarenbridge, County Galway.
A craftsman explains how to make a thatched roof at market day in Clarenbridge.
The road at New Quay across the bay from Galway.
Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara has stood for nearly five centuries on grounds near the ancient fort of Guaire, seventh-century King of Connaught.
Much of the surrounding farmland in Kinvara is being subdivided for new homes, some of them being offered for the equivalent of $1 million and more; they appeal to young professionals looking for an easy commute into Galway, and to affluent Dubliners seeking a second-home getaway.
A view of Galway Bay along the Burren"s craggy coast.
Traditional music in a Kinvara pub.
The Catholic church in Gort offers Sunday Mass in Portuguese for the town"s new Brazilian community.
The mountains of Connemara, left, and the ruins of Kilmacduagh Monastery outside of Gort, right.
Kilmacduagh Monastery was founded by the 7th century saint, Saint Colman. Its ruins, many dating from the 11th century, are scattered across the countryside near Gort.
A cemetery at the foot of the Burren.
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Stylish restaurants, designer hotels and pricey shopping malls abound in Dublin, but its literary and historical legacy remains. Make sure to see the Long Room at the Trinity College Old Library.
Derek Speirs for The New York Times Skip the trendy Temple Bar area and wander north of the River Liffey to Hughes Bar, which is just behind the eerily quiet Courthouse area.
Sample the city’s sweet side at Queen of Tarts, a confectionery in Dublin’s quiet medieval!! area.
Head to Bruxelle, a barley-smelling pub with worn wood floors, on Harry Street. It serves a hearty Irish breakfast
The B&B Number 31 is fresh from a major renovation. The Georgian town house and adjoining coach house has 21 rooms.
With its hip clientele and sunken lounge area, Number 31 is a B&B that feels more like a boutique hotel
In the land of Guinness, the 470-bottle wine cellar at the Ely Wine Bar is a refreshing change.
The Book and Record Market in Temple Bar Square sells used and limited-edition books, as well as vinyl records and CDs.
Discovering Old in the New Ireland
While adapting to its new wealth and European Union membership, Ireland is still a country trying to preserve its dreamlike landscape and proud cultural heritage. Any day trip will lead to some new discovery, some new reflection of the steady departure from a twee past that was never quite as twee as some tourists might imagine. Photo: Stephen Crowley/The New York Timesd
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