At Busch Gardens, you don't have to hop the Atlantic to touch the Emerald Isle. This year, Busch Gardens debuts Ireland, the park's first new "country" in 20 years. Big and little leprechauns alike can enjoy Irish food and drink at Grogan's Irish Grille and Pub, brave the giants living on Corkscrew Hill, or sit back and relax for the music and special effects at the enchanted Castle of Duneen. From corned-beef sandwiches to a pint of Anheuser-Busch beer, from step dancing to singing traditional Irish songs in the streets of Killarney, a visit to Busch Gardens' Ireland is guaranteed to leave its visitors dancing a jig.

After exploring Ireland, families can travel through the rest of Europe soaking up the local culture in the park's numerous cafés, shops, and shows. They can also enjoy thrill-seeking onboard some of the most innovative and heart-pounding adventure rides in the world. Jump on Germany's Alpengiest--at 195 feet and reaching speeds of 67 mph, it's the longest, most twisted and inverted roller coaster in the world. Or race neck-and-neck through France along Acquitaine's LeMans Raceway in antique-style racing cars. Thrill seekers can try their luck on Italy's Escape from Pompeii, the water ride that races its riders away from mighty Mt. Vesuvius as it threatens to erupt in the background. If that doesn't cool you off, Busch Gardens' Roman Rapids will spin you and yours through Italy all the way to Rome in round, bumper-style boats. Dry off as you whiz through the air on Apollo's Chariot, a hyper-coaster that marries innovative technology with Old-World mythology. This coaster's raised seats will give visitors a feeling of free flight as they zip and dip through the coaster's nine gravity-defying drops.

For those who'd rather escape to far-off lands of enchantment and surprise, Leslie Nielson's 4-D Pirate Adventure is sure to be a hit. Wild imaginations can run free at Da Vinci's Garden of Inventions, spectacular gardens built in tribute to Italy's great Leonardo Da Vinci, and the home of several exciting rides for the whole family. For younger children, the Land of Dragons offers a three-story tree house, a mini flume ride, and a Ferris wheel built to accommodate the park's pint-sized visitors. Kids can also watch Captain Kangaroo and friends at the nearby Dragon Tale Theatre.

For the more faint of heart, Busch Gardens offers traditional shops with crafts, gifts, and souvenirs created by a host of artisans from around the world. In Ireland, find Waterford crystal, Belleek china, and Irish textiles. At the Caribou Pottery Shop, park guests can paint their own pottery to create one-of-a-kind treasures.

Beyond the Old World flavor bursting through the shop-lined streets of the park's European attractions, visitors will find endless entertainment at Jack Hanna's Reserve--an educational environment that lets visitors get up close and personal with gray wolves, lorikeets, and other endangered species. Kids of all ages can interact with these fascinating animals while they learn about habitat preservation.•