Hi Matthijs,
First of all, sorry for the late answer. I'm very busy with my studies, you know... drinking 'red bull' and coffee all day. So let's go straight to the point.
I went to Ireland in 2006. While I liked the country, I found the city somehow impersonal . But this is, of course, only an opinion. Ireland is just the contrary ... it is a unique place... I loved specially The Wiclow Mountains which are not far away from Dublin. There you can find Glendalough... and old celtic cemetiry with a round tower and a old church. It is a very special place... specially at the end of the day when tourist have left - hopefully. Connemara is also a nice area in the island as well as Kerry. Cork has nothing special... people is the best that the city can offer the tourist. Yet, if you have time, do go and try for yourself... The old Gaol was the most interesting place in the city for me. Cashel in the centre of the island is well-worth to visit... then Northern Ireland is a world appart ... I loved every second of my stay there. In Derry and Belfast you can still see recent history all around. Central Belfast reminds me of London somehow. The place I love the most in Northern Ireland was a little town called Cushendall ... a delicious tiny town were i could stay weeks and weeks... people there are so friendly that you would like to take them all at home with you. When I visited Ireland I rented a car... I think taht renting a car in Ireland is more useful than in any other country... you will want to stop at every place hehe... also trains are expensive and not very fast. If you chose to rent a car... do go all around the coast from Cushendall to The Giant's Causeway... every cliff is worthy ... you will find many castles and ruins... and obviously amazing views - watch out in windy days!! hehe... and well, about places to eat in Dublin... sorry, I went too much to McDonalds... a pitty, a shame... I know it is not an adventurous or cool thing to do ... but I had a student budget and I spent all my money in renting the car and paying the hostels... ok, ok ... also in paying some Guiness. hehe... so my friend, may you have any other question, do ask me! good luck from spain!!
toni tobarra
barcelona