Paradise Island: Five Reasons We Really Want To Visit Jamaica This Year

Planning your big getaway for 2016? How about experiencing an entirely different type of island life?  Jamaica is home to clear blue waters, beautiful natural landscape, and some of the friendliest people on the planet. With thanks to the good folks at Falcon, we're bringing you five reasons we really want to visit Jamaica this year. 1. The incredible beaches If you're looking for a truly incredible beach destination, they don't come much better than Jamaica. MontegoBay (or Mo-Bay) is home to some of the most gloriously long white sandy beaches in the world. Kick back with a cocktail, take a dip in the sparkling blue waters and soak up the island's laid-back way of life. Bliss. 2. The great food Love trying out new dishes packed full of flavour? Colourful Jamaica is a great place to experiment with food. Along with its world-famous jerk chicken, popular island dishes include fried dumplings, curry goat, fried beans and fish, tropical fruits and a whole lot more where that came from. Wash it all down with fresh fruit smoothies, juices, and of course, Jamaican rum! 3. The Irish connection It turns out that Ireland and Jamaica's connections go way back. Place names on the island include Dublin Castle, Kildare, Belfast, Ulster Spring and Irish Town. One of Jamaica's most famous residents, Chris Blackwell, is half-Irish, and the founder of Island Records, the producers behind Bob Marley's music. Who knew? 4. The rich music culture Jamaica is the undisputed birthplace of reggae, and the rich musical heritage can be felt (and heard!) in every corner of the island. Music lovers can visit Bob Marley's house, the Bob Marley museum, along with the Trench Town studio in downtown Kingston where he recorded many of his most-loved songs. Reggae fans should plan their visit for July. Each year, the Reggae Sumfest takes over the island's Montego Bay resort, where kings and queens of cool perform to huge crowds. 5. The adventures There is a whole world of adventure to be explored in Jamaica. Live life on the edge and swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove, ride horseback along the beach, and white water raft down Martha Brae river. Or if you're looking for a real adventure, visit the famous Dunn's River Falls, an 180-metre long mix of cascades and rock pools right in the heart of the rainforest. Just incredible.   This article is brought to you by Falcon. Check out FalconHolidays.ie for information about direct flights to Jamaica from Dublin, hotel offers and accommodation. Use the code LH50 to get €50pp off on holidays to Jamaica with Falcon. Happy holidays!