Ireland - a mystical, mysterious and magnificent island in the Atlantic holds many treasures. Some of them should still be experienced in summer, when the sun bathes the landscape in a golden light and the dreamy beaches invite you to relax!

Here are four things you definitely shouldn't miss in Ireland.

Time travel in Ireland's historic east

Ireland's historic east has more than 5,000 years of impressive history and so many windows into the past that there would be enough for almost endless time travel in Ireland. Especially in the east of the island, weathered roadside landmarks and monumental ancient testimonies are just waiting to be discovered. Like the "Eastern Excursion", which starts in the Viking settlement of Carlingford. It starts at the "Fjord of the Witch", in County Louth. Here, on the Cooley Peninsula at the foot of Slieve Foy (588 m) and on the shore of Carlingford Lough, King John's Castle once stood enthroned in the 12th century.

Not far from there is the Boyne Valley Drive. It takes you through a highly historic region: from the prehistoric Brú na Bóinne, to the 5,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage megalithic sites of Newgrange, Knowth and Howth. It also touches on Loughcrew, a complex of cairns and passage tombs on the distant hills of County Meath. It heads for the Hill of Tara, a timelessly spiritual place where Neolithic megalithic places of worship and later Celtic sanctuaries lie side by side.

Discover dreamy beaches on the coasts

Whether on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Causeway Coast or the Irish Sea: the bays and coves of the Emerald Isle are almost endless. And romantic lighthouses point the way to some of them - not only from the seaside. You can visit some of them, picnic or even spend the night there. For long walks and a first fresh dip in the sea, the Blue Flag Beaches are recommended: soon there will be 100 designated beaches.

Especially for surfers the Lahinch Beach in County Clare is recommended. If you are looking for relaxation, Spanish Point Beach in County Clare is the right place. In Clonakilty in County Cork, Inchydoney Beach offers a lot of space and a beach hotel with ambience. Behind the dune in Dunfanaghy in County Donegal, Marbel Hill Beach also has a southern European flair.

Leaving a small ecological footprint

Sustainable tourism is becoming more and more compelling. Global warming has become a decisive factor in the choice of how and where people want to travel and spend their holidays. Nire Valley Eco Camp in County Cork is a good example. Here, in Ireland's historic east, for example, the concept of "glamour camping" has been consistently taken further with its "bedrooms in a meadow". Not only do the sleeping cabins have a view, but they are right in the middle of the view. Sanitary en-suite facilities included! 

During the bright daytime, the stay takes place mainly outside. In this respect, the term "Day-Time Camping, Night-Time Bliss" is certainly appropriate. The environmental footprint is balanced in every sense. Nire Valley Eco Camp is surrounded by farmland, on an elevated estate with sweeping views across the plains of Munster: away from the civilised world and right in the middle of one of the least polluted stretches of land in Ireland. First-class destinations are on the doorstep: whether it's hiking in the Comeragh Mountains, sea canoeing along the Copper Coast or cycling on the Waterford Greenway, there's something for everyone! 

Discover the Irish countryside on alpacas, donkeys and horses

Those who want to explore the Irish surroundings in an adventurous way, you can simply do so in the company of animals. For example, with cuddly soft alpacas. The "Wild Alpaca Way", with its four alpacas Bounce, Mojo, Chestnut and Badger, is a family business in Inishowen. John McGonagle and his wife Patricia welcome guests to their farm near the Knockamany Bens. Along with their sons Danny, Aidan and Sean, they offer three tours a day during the season. The trek costs €20 per person and takes about 70 minutes.

The horse and carriage stand by at "Clissmann's" in County Wicklow, barely an hour from Dublin and only 15 minutes from Glendalough. The family farm on the edge of the Wicklow Mountains National Park comprises 100 acres (40 ha). Large wooded areas surround the property. Here it's the horse and donkey that set the tone: for "caravanning". A walk with a donkey is a big part of the "Slieve Aughty" program. The visitor centre is home to numerous donkeys, which are definitely the stars on the lonely hiking trails. Day trips of up to 25 km for 60 euros or even trips lasting several days with an overnight stay to switch off, forget and let go are on offer.