When it comes to Ireland, travel writers tend to wax lyrical about the Emerald Isle and pints of Guinness in country pubs. But while the country's pub culture and scenic landscape deserve a shout-out, there's a lot more to Ireland than green fields and a pint of plain.

Ireland’s west coast and hidden heartlands are the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and get under the skin of Irish life and culture. Running a mega 2,600km, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest-way marked coastal walks on earth. These coastal paths, forests, and mountains have been drawing visitors and pilgrims for centuries.

But the spectacular landscapes only tell show half the picture, and this nation of just over 5 million has punched above its weight on the world stage like no other. Delve into the country's rich cultural traditions and heritage to understand the full story of Ireland's past and its people. On this small island you'll find ancient standing stones, mysterious burial tombs and ruined castles alongside reinvented cities and one of the most dynamic economies in Europe.

More than anything, it’s the people of Ireland that leave a lasting impression on all those who visit. Whether regaling you with stories of old, feeding you plates of steaming stew or singing folk ballads in the local pub, the charm and spirit of the Irish people is something else. It’s something that neither the English language nor any film can truly convey. It’s a feeling, an experience that can only be understood when you stand on its shores and hear from its people.

So of course, you have to come to Ireland if you want a proper pint of Guinness, but don’t settle there, leave time to discover all the rest that this magical island has to offer.