Seasoned Ireland traveller Ian John reveals his top five Emerald Isle autumn holiday tips.

Ireland is a destination that remains forever etched into the minds of those who visit. Whether you're exploring the quaint market towns and rugged beauty of the west coast or experiencing the thriving Dublin scene as part of a weekend away, the Emerald Isle offers something enticing yet beguiling - and visiting out of season may be the best way to enjoy its boundless attractions.

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Ireland as its rich, verdant countryside slowly changes hue from a lush green into a rich tapestry of browns, yellows, reds and oranges. With a large number of festivals and other events through October to December, Ireland autumn travel offers any visitor a memorable trip. Outlined below are our five top tips for an autumnal excursion to remember: More...

It is advisable to be good at ascending and descending in this part of West Cork, whether on foot or in a car (or, if you are masochistic, by bicycle) as almost nothing is on the level. The small fishing village of Castletownshend is a case in point. The narrow main street is ridiculously steep - walking up it requires a sort of 45 degree lean forward – and even driving up and down it can be a tad challenging. There are the twin trees that grow in the centre of the road, about half-way down in their own large raised stone-walled plot, that drive all but the smallest of cars onto the pavement going down the hill. Coming up requires careful navigation both to get round the trees and to avoid hitting anybody coming out of a side street at that point. Any failure to stop at the bottom of the main street will take you either off the quayside into the sea or into the castle... More...

I have been to Dublin a few times in the last three years and I recognise that the Irish capital is a very singular city but, in a way, full of contradictions which are really difficult to explain but easy to see when you are there. Dubliners are extremely friendly people and the city enjoys a wonderful literary atmosphere and lively music all the time.

The Guinness Brewery is a must if you are visiting Dublin. Though it's in a rough area, this symbol of the country is well worth a visit. Guided More...

The largest of the three Aran Islands, Inishmore, can be reached by ferry from Rossaveel (or Galway) on the Connemara coast. You can see most of the island in a day trip, though I wished I'd taken more time to absorb the grandeur and isolation of the place. There is only one road running down the island's length, and there are minivans, bicycles or horse drawn carriages to hire in the harbour at Kilronan.

The must see is the ruined prehistoric fort of Dun Aonghasa, which not More...