Several stores on Nassau, opposite Trinity College, such as House of Ireland, Blarney Mills, and Kilkenny, sell a range of crafts. Woolen goods are particularly in demand, such as sweaters bearing the Aran Islands label. Nassau Street also houses the main bookstores, such as Hanna's. A trip into the countryside can easily be arranged from Dublin, either by rental car or escorted tour. The entire country is merely 300 by 182 miles, though these are long miles on narrow, twisty roads.
Frequent rains create the green Emerald Isle appearance of the countryside.
Glendalough was a major center of monastic learning, started by St. Kevin in the sixth century. The only entrance to the tower at Glendalough was via ladder through an opening high above ground. In time of danger, people, treasures, and supplies could be sealed safely in the tower and the ladder could be drawn up. While in Wicklow, a good example of a landed gentry's house is Russborough. The house and furnishings are an exquisite example of what money and taste could buy from the 18th-20th century in Ireland.