Take a short break to Ireland this Easter weekend

With Easter weekend fast approaching, people across the UK will be hoping to make last minute holiday plans in order to enjoy a short break away from their day-to-day lives. And there's nothing wrong with making last minute holiday arrangements - after all, not everyone is able to plan their vacation months in advance! However, if you are planning a short break with not much time to spare, try and keep your options a little closer to home than you might usually do. This will enable you to make the most of the time you have and save money as well. For many UK residents, the solution may be obvious: visit Ireland!

Ireland boasts a wealth of delights, and offers both family-friendly fun and hip getaways for groups of young friends. Visit the exciting city of Belfast in Northern Ireland, for example, and you'll find a range of atmospheric pubs, designer boutiques and prominent clubs to enjoy. Belfast's bustling vibe means that you're sure to enjoy what the city has to offer.

If you're thinking of travelling to the Republic of Ireland, you'll find a range of surprises in store for you. With lush landscapes and diverse cityscapes found in all corners of the Emerald Isle, you're sure to find what you're looking for on your holiday. Try Dublin for a taste of Ireland's most cosmopolitan city, where you'll find both traditional pubs and trendy bars a-plenty. However, Dublin is also very family friendly, with a variety of family attractions and a range of museums - including the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the National Print Museum of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland.

Or, if you're looking for an Irish city with a difference, visit Cork. Cork is still buzzing from its status as European Capital of Culture in 2005, and has become home to a broad range of charming cafes, friendly bars and top quality restaurants. Cork is also home to some of Ireland's best fish and meat markets, so food fans will love it too.

And while you’re there, visit rural Ireland to find out why the country is really called the Emerald Isle. Ireland's luscious greenery, sparkling rivers and mythical woodlands are sure to capture your imagination - and, who knows, it might spark off or re-kindle some new romance in your life! What's more, Ireland is home to numerous championship golf courses, so golf enthusiasts will find themselves a serene and tranquil setting in which to play their favourite sport.

From Wexford to Galway, Ireland exudes charm and old world allure in abundance - so you won't be disappointed when you take a short break to Ireland. What's more, Belfast, Dublin and Wexford can all be easily reached via ferry from various points in the UK - so you can enjoy a day of sailing across the Irish Sea when travelling to and returning from your holiday. Why not take the car with you on the ferry to Ireland and enjoy the freedom of exploring the country at your own pace?

If you miss out on a trip to Ireland this Easter weekend, many ferry companies, such as Stena Line, will offer year round ferry travel to Ireland - so you'll have an excuse to make the crossing at any time of year!

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist.