Planning a visit to the Emerald Isle. Following is a list of 9 places that just absolutely need to include in your trip plan.
About Ireland
Woven with wild greenery and Gaelic legends, the Emerald Isle is one of Europe’s most prized jewels. Rugged Atlantic beaches and mystery-shrouded sites rub shoulders with the cosmopolitan cities of Belfast and Dublin, where literary history and warm Irish hospitality are always in abundance.
Dublin Ireland
The capital of Irmeand and a cultural powerhouse live with history, artistry, and spirit to spare
Dublin brings to mind literary giants, Georgian architecture, and Guinness galore. Nights here are alive with pub crawls and spirited music. But the days are also full of revelry, with enchanting architecture, tucked-away bookstores, and singular museums like the Chester Beatty.
Green spaces abound, such as the St Stephens Green or Iveagh Gardens. And no trip is complete without a tour of a local distillery, where you can sample local spirits like Jameson or Teeling.
Galway Ireland
About Galway
For visitors, the best thing about Galway is that you can walk everywhere. As soon as you arrive, enjoy a walk through the city streets. There, you’ll find lively pubs, independent shops and winding cobblestone streets packed with students, artists, writers and craftspeople. You may even hear Gaelic spoken.
For a day trip, take a ferry to the island of Inis Mor. You’ll return refreshed by the ocean air and Inis Mor’s breathtaking scenery. Oh, and be sure to wear sunscreen on the island, no matter how chilly it is. (Just trust us, okay?)
Killarney Ireland
About Killarney
Forget fashionable footwear, only your most comfortable shoes will cut it in Killarney. It’s a walking town, and every trail is a history lesson. Journey on foot through Ireland’s first national park, 26,000 acres of woodlands, sandstone mountains and low-lying lakes.
When your feet wear out, take in Killarney National Park via boat from Ross Castle. And because there are more hotel beds in Killarney than in any other Irish town or city (besides Dublin), you’ll always have a place to rest your head (and feet).
Cork Ireland
About Cork
Plan to cross many bridges when in Cork. Ireland’s third-largest city began life as an island and now spans both banks of the River Lee, with watery channels running beneath some of its main thoroughfares.
The best way to experience this hilly southern seaport is on foot, following the signposted walking tour past St. Finn Barre’s Cathedral and the riverside quadrangle of University College up the hill to red and white Shandon Church. Along the way, you’ll meet plenty of the city’s talkative residents.
Kilkenny Ireland
About Kilkenny
Kilkenny is over 400 years old, but it sure doesn’t show its age. Yes, it’s an awe-inspiring throng of medieval cathedrals, castles, abbeys and other massive stone buildings, but Kilkenny loves to party.
An endless stream of arts festivals celebrating theater, comedy, bluegrass and dance is constantly pumping the city with new life, toe-tapping energy and international flavor.
Westport Ireland
About Westport
A true family destination, Westport boasts magnificent scenery, golf facilities, recreational fishing, sailing and yachting, beach swimming, hiking and cycling trails, and (to top it all off) a placed called Pirate Adventure Park. What kid wouldn’t love this place?
Visit in September and you’ll witness the exciting Westport Arts Festival, perfect for all ages. And Westport was Google Earth’s first fully 3D town, so you can relive the memories from your computer when you get home!
Donegal Ireland
About Donegal Town
Donegal Town is a fairytale of a place, featuring a charming harbor, serene beaches and stoic stone remains of centuries past, like those of 15th-century Donegal Abbey. Stern-looking Donegal Castle, recently restored to its one-time Gaelic glory, is the crown jewel of the area.
If you’re looking for souvenirs, snag a hand-woven tweed or carpet, the signature goods of the area. For a good craic, the pubs of The Diamond area are a sure bet.
Athlone Ireland
About Athlone
Athlone is a town in central Ireland. The medieval Athlone Castle offers views from its battlements, plus displays on local history. South of town, along the River Shannon, the early Christian ruins of Clonmacnoise include a cathedral and 7 churches.
To the north, vast Lough Ree is dotted with islands, some housing monastic ruins. Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park has a ring fort, a forge and rich birdlife. ― Google
Waterford Ireland
About Waterford
Waterford, a seaport in southeast Ireland, is the country’s oldest city. It was founded by Vikings in 914 A.D. and parts of its ancient walled core remain.
Within Reginald’s Tower, a circa-1003 fortification, the Waterford Museum of Treasures displays local archaeological finds. Famed glass manufacturer Waterford Crystal began here in 1783. Today the company’s facility near the historic district offers factory tours. ― Google
Dingle Ireland
About Dingle
Perched on the hem of the Atlantic in Ireland’s southwest, charming Dingle looks out over Dingle Bay to the Blasket Islands. Chock full of friendly pubs where live traditional music plays, the Irish-speaking area fills to the brim with tourists on weekends and through summer.
Another regular visitor to Dingle’s Gulf Stream-warmed waters is Fungi, the dolphin, the town’s unofficial mascot. Popular tourist attractions include the beaches, Mount Brandon and Ballydavid and Ballyferriter villages.
Viator
Kathryn
Friday 27th of October 2023
There’s more to ‘Ireland’ than the Republic of Ireland
Molly Doyle
Tuesday 25th of April 2023
Seriously Athlone? Wexford doesn't make the cut but Athlone does???