With today being the annual feast day of St Patrick, it is time to celebrate everything we love about the Emerald Isle.

In homage to all things Irish, the Best of Britain & Ireland (March 28 and 29, London’s ExCeL Centre) here reveals its top 10 tips for holidaying in Ireland in 2009.

Whether you enjoy rambling through the rugged Irish countryside or luxurious spa breaks, Ireland has something for everyone, all washed down with the infamous Irish craic.

Best of Britain and Ireland 2009 is the place to find out more and start planning your trip:

Cork

Cork is still riding high from its regeneration following its place as a recent European Capital of Culture and mixes its own local charm with national pride in its annual St Patrick’s Day Festival. The streets will be alive with colour, from food markets, street performers, musicians and marching bands.

The Cork Luxury Hotel Group offers a range of accommodation for those planning to visit Cork, whether you are looking to stay in the centre of the action or somewhere more tucked away.

Comprising four exquisite hotels situated at various locations throughout Cork City & County, the Cork Luxury Group offers a variety of properties in terms of size, style and ambience and offers a great chance to see a different side of Ireland throughout the year.

Rock’n'Roll Writers Bus Tour, Dublin

Celebrate Ireland’s rich music and literary history with the first ever Rock n Roll Writers Bus Tour. This is your chance to see all the legendary spots that inspired some of the islands most famous writers and musicians.

Travel in style just like the rock stars and enjoy panoramic views of the city while learning from the tour’s insightful professional guides.

The tour is a fresh new way to experience the excitement of Ireland and explore the history of Irish literary talent as well as the lives of some of its greatest exponents including Van Morrison, Rory Gallagher, Thin Lizzy, Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Sinead O’Connor and Brendan Behan.

Causeway Coast and Glen

The Giant’s Causeway Coast and Antrim Glens are an area of unsurpassed beauty, a unique fusion of tangible heritage and magnificent scenery.

Via the Causeway Coastal Route, the impressive and rugged coastline is easily accessible, offering a journey into a romantic landscape of untouched forest parks and lush glens.

A distinctive part of the character of this island nation, it is steeped in myth and legend and is a great place to search for that lucky four leaf clover.

Good Food Ireland

Plan your culinary tour of Ireland by visiting website www.goodfood ireland.ie

Good Food Ireland’s member establishments offer the best in Irish food. Why not try smoked salmon and locally caught mackerel from Burren Smokehouse?

Good Food Ireland will be treating visitors to Best of Britain & Ireland to tastings and talks.

Castle Leslie

A secluded private estate in Monaghan, Castle Leslie Estate covers 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodland and glittering lakes. It is one of only 30 great Irish castle estates still run by the original family.

Since the 1660s, the distinguished Leslie family have lived here; welcoming everyone from politicians to poets and now welcome you.

There’s something for everyone with a range of luxury accommodation including the magnificent Castle, the charming Hunting Lodge, the self-catering Village Cottages and the newly renovated Old Stable Mews. With an equestrian centre, Victorian spa and cookery school, Castle Leslie is the chance to live and sleep in history.

Blarney Castle

Built nearly 600 years ago, Blarney Castle is situated near Cork in Southern Ireland. Home to the infamous Blarney Stone, the stone of eloquence, kiss it and you will join the ranks of American presidents and Sir Walter Scott who have been lured by the stone’s promise to never be at a loss of words again.

With its age-old ruins, battlements, rock close and gardens, Blarney Castle is a gem of the mystical Irish landscape and folklore.

* Best of Britain & Ireland 2009 will feature up to 300 exhibitors from all over England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales in a celebration of everything that the four nations have to offer to offer – visit www.britainandirelandevent.co.uk

Dublin

At the centre of all the action, Dublin Tourism is your link to the biggest St. Patrick’s Day party.

A celebration that has blossomed over the years, Dublin no longer closes the doors of its pubs on this national holiday, instead the whole town transforms into a stage for the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the world. With the Guinness factory and endless offerings of food and drink at some of the city’s oldest pubs, Dublin Tourism will tell you what to see and where to stay all year round.

Heritage Ireland

From ruined fortresses to Dublin’s government buildings, Heritage Ireland embraces the precious and varied attractions that trace the great history of Ireland.

Heritage Ireland is an insight into Ireland’s rich past, preserving beautiful abbeys and important national parks as its living legacy.

Private Ireland

The best way to enjoy Ireland in the most exclusive fashion, Private Ireland presents a range of luxury and stylish accommodation.

With 10 properties spread across the country, these country homes are all about location, location, location. Whether it is the privacy of Aberdeen Lodge, or the Carrig Country House in acres of secluded lakeside gardens at Caragh Lake, these gems are the perfect Irish getaway.

Irish National Stud

Ireland is rich in racing tradition and the Irish National Stud provides a chance to see the Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds on the expansive grounds around Tully that have been associated with horse breeding since 1300.

One of the country’s finest tourist attractions, it also provides a chance to explore the beauty of the Stud’s Japanese Gardens, the finest in all of Europe, and Saint Fiachra’s Garden, with its quiet woodland and lakeside walks. With an informative horse museum, it is the perfect blend of culture and fun.