Ballina  Ballina Dating back to the Stone Age, Ballina is a very interesting place to visit because of the numerous tombs (megaliths) found here. The town is home of the famous River Moy, an exceptional source of salmon. The town centre has retained its historic appearance with some notable architecture, including the 15th-century Moyne Abbey, and St Muredach's Cathedral, which is the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Killala. Outside Ballina, on a small hill to the west, stands a dolmen, 4000 years old. Ballinasloe Ballinasloe The Irish place name Ballinasloe (meaning the mouth of the ford of the crowds) reflects that the town developed as a crossing point on the River Suck. Nowadays it is a typical English type market town. The Ballinasloe Fair is one of the oldest horse fairs in Europe, bathed in history it dates back to the 700s. Clonfert cathedral is one of the jewels of Irish-Romanesque architecture occuping the site of a monastery which was founded by St. Brendan in 563 AD. Ballinasloe makes a good base for exploring East Galway. Belfast Belfast Dating back to the Middle Ages, the second-largest city of Ireland, Belfast has a rich history. Nestled beside the River Lagan and Belfast Lough, it has a lovely setting, often called "the Hibernian Rio,"a long natural inlet ideal for the shipping trade. One of the last great oceangoing liners, the famous Titanic, was built here in the world famous Belfast Shipyard. Take a stroll and admire the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture, dominated by the magnificently domed City Hall. Blarney Blarney Located 5 miles northwest of Cork, Blarney is the "biggest little village in Ireland". The main attraction is the Blarney Castle, famous for its Stone. In the grounds of the castle, the Rock Close is a curious place of ancient stones, by legend a garden of druidic origin. The place has an aura of magic and mystique telling a story of centuries past.
Recommended Stay:
At least 1 night
Must See`s:
Blarney Castle, Rock Close, Blarney Woolen Mills Castlebar Castlebar Originally a market town, Castlebar is one of the fastest growing towns in Ireland. The city has a lively nightlife with pubs providing traditional Irish music and a number of quality restaurants. Castlebar offers a number of planned walking routes and plenty of good fishing available in the nearby rivers and lakes to those who like the outdoors. The Country Life section of the National Museum of Ireland is an interesting place worth visiting. Cork Cork Founded in the late 6th century by Saint Finbarr, Cork is Ireland's second largest city. A famous landmark is the Shandon Steeple of St. Ann's Church, which contains the Bells of Shandon. Other interesting places to visit are the English market in the center of the city, the University founded in 1845 and the very steep St Patrick's Hill, from the top of which are magnificent views over the entire metropolis. The River Lee flows through the city forming one of the world's largest natural harbours.
Recommended Stay:
At least 2 nights
Must See's:
The Shandon Bells, Saint Finbarr's Cathedral, the Cork City Gaol, The English Market and the nearby Blarney Castle and Cobh Harbor. County Clare County Clare Clare is the County of seascapes and landscapes, offering two of Ireland`s natural attractions: The Burren, with its great mystery and beauty due to its geology, flora, caves, archaeology and history and the dramatic stretch of coastline, including the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and quaint seaside towns such as Lahinch and Kilkee. Also worth visiting are charming villages like Killaloe, a lovely village at the foot of the Slieve Bernagh Hills, and home to a picturesque inland marina. Killaloe Cathedral dates from the 13th century. And for Irish music, be sure to visit town of Doolin - famed for its tradition of Irish music: It features pubs where they host musicians of high standard playing frequently both during the day and the evening. This is also an excellent place for those fascinated by the country`s ancient history, as it`s littered with historic and prehistoric sites, from the Poulnabrone Dolmen to Bunratty Castle.
MUST SEE`S IN COUNTY CLARE: Cliffs of Moher, the Aillwee Cave, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Clare Archaeology Centre - Dysert O'Dea Castle, and Clare Heritage and Genealogical Centre.
County Cork County Cork County Cork is Ireland`s largest county in terms of area and contains the island`s third largest city, Cork City. Much of County Cork is dominated by the Atlantic Ocean, its magnificent coastline scooped and fretted into great bays and secret coves, strewn with rocky headlands and long soft golden sands. It has lively small cities, quiet country villages, rocky hills, picturesque beaches, and long stretches of flat, green farmland. Not to be missed is Blarney Castle with its famous Blarney Stone which is kissed by many visitors each year, and tradition says that those who kiss the stone will receive the gift eloquence. Also of interest is Cobh, the port from which many Irish emigrants set sail for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa or the USA.
MUST SEE`S IN COUNTY CORK: The Old Midleton Distillery, Blarney Castle, Cobh, the Beamish and Crawford Brewery, Fota Wildlife Park, and Bantry House and Gardens. | County Donegal County Donegal Donegal offers some of the most spectacular scenery and stark beauty in Ireland, it offers tortuous country roads skirt stark mountains, rugged sea cliffs, craggy peninsulas, remote Gaeltacht communities, sheep-studded pastures, pristine strands, icy streams and horizons carpeted with bog and heather. Ireland`s most northerly point, Malin Head, extends into the Atlantic Ocean on the Inishowen peninsula. Donegal County has little in common with its neighbors in the Republic, either geographically or historically, it`s supreme appeal lies in the natural beauty of its coast, with windswept peninsulas, precipitous cliffs and a host of golden beaches that rival any in Europe.
MUST SEE`S IN COUNTY DONEGAL: Glenveagh National Park and Castle, Donegal Castle, Grianan Aileach, Donegal County Museum, Tory Island, and the Donegal Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area). County Galway County Galway Midway up the west coast of Ireland is County Galway, the second largest county in Ireland and one of Ireland`s most popular and vibrant destinations. A large county divided into two contrasting regions by the expanse of Lough Corrib. To the west, lying between the lake and the Atlantic is Connemara - a region of superb scenic grandeur dominated by the rocky mountain range known as the Twelve Bens. A great many of the inhabitants are Irish speakers, and much of the ancient Gaelic culture is preserved. Galway East, or East of Lough Corrib, is a fertile limestone plain extends to Roscommon. County Kerry County Kerry Offering softly rolling green fields, long, sweeping seascapes, and vibrant little towns, the `Kingdom` has a maze of blissfully quiet country lanes each of which has a story to tell - Around every corner, a piece of history unfolds amidst the most beautiful of scenery. There are tiny fishing villages, early Christian ruins, and Ireland`s highest mountain. Located in the extreme southwest of Ireland, offers outstanding and magnificent sceneries such as the Ring of Kerry and a very well-preserved eighteenth-century century port in Tralee, its capital town.
MUST SEE`S IN COUNTY KERRY: Ring of Kerry, Muckross House and Gardens, the Blasket Centre, Kerry Bog Village Museum, Killarney National Park, the Skellig Islands, and Ardfert Cathedral.
County Limerick County Limerick Located in the heart of where the Shannon River, Ireland`s longest, meets the Atlantic Ocean, County Limerick offers the varied landscape of the Ballyhoura and Galtee mountains in the southeast to the rich fertile plains of the center and north of the county, known as the Golden Vale. It enjoys some of Ireland`s most scenic countryside and the charming villages of Adare and Croom. County Limerick has a strong sporting history with a great love of the games of rugby, hurling, Gaelic football, soccer and horse racing. County Mayo County Mayo This is serene, lovely Ireland, with arresting seascapes and inland scenery that ranges from lush and green to barren and mountainous. Americans still identify it with the 1951 John Ford film The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O`Hara. The setting for the film was the town of Cong. The northern part of Mayo has the greatest concentrations of Stone Age tombs, also known as the megaliths, all over Europe. A trail of permanent sculpture from the Moy Estuary to the Mullet Peninsula has been created to preserve the ancient landscape. Among them is the mysterious 5,000-year-old settlement at Ceide Fields. Also worth a visit are the religious shrine at Knock, and some of Europe`s best fishing waters at Lough Conn, Lough Mask, and the River Moy. Ballina, Mayo`s largest town, calls itself the home of the Irish salmon. And Westport is a little resort town guaranteed to steal your heart.
MUST SEE`S IN COUNTY MAYO: Cong, Ceide Fields, Knock, Ballintubber Abbey, National Museum of Country Life, Knock Folk Museum, Croagh Patrick, and the Davitt Museum.
County Meath County Meath Some of the most important historic sites and monuments are located within County Meath and virtually every important aspect of Irish history from prehistoric times is associated with the county. Less than 30 miles north of Dublin along Ireland`s east coast runs the River Boyne, surrounded by the rich, fertile countryside of counties Meath and Louth. The banks of the Boyne hold reminders of Ireland`s ancient past in the extraordinary and mysterious prehistoric passage tombs of Newgrange and the storied Hill of Tara, once the seat of the High Kings. This was the setting for the infamous Battle of the Boyne. Today its historic treasures are tucked away among miles of farmland, smooth, rolling hills, and modern Dublin suburbs.
MUST SEE`S IN COUNTY MEATH: Hill of Tara, Newgrange, Trim Castle, Kells Heritage Town, and the Battle of the Boyne Site.
County Wicklow County Wicklow Known as the Garden of Ireland, it boasts some of the best landscapes. The Wicklow Mountains are the largest upland area in Ireland and are a refuge for plant and animal life. Here, history and geology work together to great effect and preserve one of Ireland`s most stunning landscapes, replete with dramatic glacial valleys, soaring mountain passes and some of the country`s most important archaeological treasures: from breathtaking early-Christian sites to the elegant country homes of the wealthiest of Ireland`s 18th-century nobility.
MUST SEE`S IN COUNTY WICKLOW: Glendalough, Russborough House, Avoca Handweavers, the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Avondale House and Forest Park, Wicklow Historic Gaol, Powerscourt Gardens and House, and Mount Usher Gardens.
Derry (Londonderry) Derry (Londonderry) The old 6th century walled city of Derry (sometimes alternately referred to as Londonderry), is a centre of culture and creativity. The walls dating from the 17th century are still complete and measure 1 mile in circumference, and stand six meters thick. There are several interesting museums like the Tower Museum which tells the history of the city from prehistoric times until modern day. From here you can easily day trip to the Giants Causeway, a volcanic formation of thousands of hexagon rocks, situated about an hour away on the North Coast. Dingle Town Dingle Town Dingle, the southwest point of Ireland, is a fishing port. The whole coast line has a mythical story attached to it. Each island is a symbol of a Giant's love for a normal woman - the story of Oish and Neve. It is home to Ireland's most famous bottlenose dolphin "Fungie". He has been swimming with the boats and tourists in Dingle harbor since 1984. Fungie is absolutely wild and free, yet remains here in Dingle. An important site is the Dingle's St. Mary's, a fine neogothic church.
Recommended Stay: At least 2 nights
Must See`s:
Slea Head Drive, Conor Pass, Dunbeg Fort, Reasc Monastic Site, Gallarus Oratory, Kilmalkedar Church, the Blasket Islands, Fungie the Dingle Dolphin, beautiful landscapes and so much more! | Donegal Donegal Situated at the mouth of Donegal Bay and overshadowed by the Bluestack Mountains, Donegal has a unique beauty. From Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, to the miles of golden sandy beaches, the region provides activities ranging from high octane water sports to unforgettable country strolls. It is home to the O'Donnel Clan, known for its castle built in 1474. Some say that some of the most important decisions concerning Ireland's freedom were taken within the walls of this castle. Dublin Dublin With over 1000 years of history Dublin has experienced many changes, particularly in the last decade. European Union membership and increased prosperity have transformed Dublin into a multicultural city with a thriving economy, ranking it among the top tourist destinations in Europe. An hour walk from the top of Grafton Street, across the Liffey, up O'Connell Street, and farther into north Dublin is a walk through time and, also a glimpse of some of the pieces that must eventually fit together.
Recommended Stay: At least 3 nights
Must See`s:
Trinity College and the Book of Kells, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery, Temple Bar, St. Stephen's Green and the National Museums and so much more!
Ennis Ennis Dating back from the 11th century, Ennis is a town with beautiful cathedrals and architecture. Ennis has become an important centre of Irish traditional music, and late in May each year, hosts the Fleadh Nua, the second largest traditional music festival in Ireland. The festival features live entertainment including Step Dancing contests, booths sporting their fair share of touristy and authentic Irish goods and wonderful food. Don't miss The Pro-Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Galway Galway Galway City, the largest city in County Galway, is known as the `city of the tribes` and is a thriving, bohemian, cultural city on the western coast of Ireland. It is a popular seaside destination with beautiful beaches and long winding promenade and has a buzzing cosmopolitan city center. The city is a joy to explore with its labyrinthine cobbled streets, colorful shop facades and busy café/bar culture. The city is renowned for its thriving Irish theatre, arts, music and culture scene and Galway plays host to a number of internationally renowned festivals throughout the year. Eyre Square and the imposing Galway Cathedral are but two of Galway`s best-known sights. Further afield from Galway City, you will find Kylemore Abbey, Ashford Castle, the Aran Islands and Connemara National Park.
Recommended Stay:
At least 3 nights
Must See`s:
Kylemore Abbey, Ashford Castle, Connemara National Park, Aran Island, the Burren region across Galway Bay, Lynch Castle, Galway City Museum, the National Aquarium, Salthill beach, Spanish Arch, festivals like the annual Galway Arts Festival and much more!
| Kenmare Kenmare Kenmare is considered one of the principal towns in the Iveragh Peninsula of southwest Ireland, and is a popular home base for travelers wishing to explore the Ring of Kerry which traverses the peninsula. Originally founded during the Bronze Age, Kenmare is home to a 4,000-year-old stone circle which is the largest of its kind in southwestern Ireland. Once you`ve seen the sights of Kenmare, largely situated in and around The Square, you can head west and explore the sights of the Ring of Kerry, including taking a ferry ride to Great Skellig Island and southwestern Ireland`s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skellig Michael.
Recommended Stay: At least 3 nights
Must See`s:
Kenmare Druid Circle, Kenmare Lace, The Square, Great Skellig Island, Skellig Michael, Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, Muckross House, Derrynane House, Molly Gallivan`s, Derreen Garden, and so much more! Kilkee Kilkee Situated on the West coast of Clare overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Kilkee is a little holiday town that has played host to tourists for the past 200 years. The town retains some of its 19th century Victorian feel, and also features many modern amenities. It boasts a beautiful golden sandy beach, set below a dramatic cliff. There are some breathtaking walks both to the north of the beach where you can explore George's Head, and to the south where you can see the Loop Head. Kilkenny Kilkenny Ireland`s smallest city both by area and population, Kilkenny is a beautiful medieval city with narrow streets, well-preserved churches, a great castle on a hilltop, and many old buildings. Kilkenny`s city center can also brag about its nightlife, live music, and stand-up comedy scenes. One of Ireland`s largest arts festivals is based here, as are a number of craft fairs and comedy festivals.
Recommended Stay: At least 3 nights
Must See`s:
The Tholsel, Kilkenny Castle, Butler Gallery, Rothe House, St Canice`s Cathedral, The Black Abbey, Black Freren Gate, and so much more! Killarney Killarney Killarney (Cill Airne in Irish) is the gateway to the Ring of Kerry and is one of best places in Ireland to explore the outdoors. The attractive town is outshone by the Killarney National Park and the surrounding countryside with its mountains, lakes, woods and overall beauty. Killarney town has charming architecture and style reminiscent of the late nineteenth century and offers the fine restaurants, gift shops and traditional pubs. About 6 miles west is the Gap of Dunloe with steep sides and deep glacial lakes, it offers spectacular scenery. The Ring of Kerry meanders around the Iveragh Peninsula with sensational views, especially at Caherdanial where you will find Ireland's only beach pub. At regular intervals you will come across restaurants, cafes and gift shops majoring in Irish crafts. Another landmark is the Ross Castle, a square medieval tower which was built by the O'Donoghues in the 15th century, situated on the shores of Lough Lein. Muckross House and Gardens are also worth a visit.
Recommended Stay:
At least 3 nights
Must See`s:
Ring of Kerry, Muckross House and Gardens, Three Lakes of Killarney - Lough Léin, Muckross Lake, Upper Lake, Ross Castle on Lough Léin, Killarney National Park, Gap of Dunloe, Ladies View, Torc Waterfall, Town of Killarney and much more! Kinsale Kinsale Many people know Kinsale as the starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way, but there is more to this seaside town than meets the eye. The roots of the Irish Republic were nurtured here, from the Irish alliance`s all-or-nothing battle against the English in 1601 all the way up to the 20th century and the rise of celebrated revolutionary Michael Collins. Tourists can learn about Kinsale and its role in military history by visiting Charles Fort, one of the best-preserved examples of a pentagonal fortress in Ireland. On top of it all, Kinsale is considered an up-and-coming `gourmet food capital`, an innovator in farm-to-table cuisine, and boasts a high number of Michelin-starred restaurants in proportion to its size.
Recommended stay:
At least 2 nights
Must See`s:
Charles Fort, Market Square, the old Courthouse, now a museum; St Multose Church, and 'French Prison', the 16th century Desmond Castle. Knock Knock Knock ("Hill of the Virgin Mary") is a small town in County Mayo famous throughout the Catholic world. Alongside Lourdes and Fatima it became one of Europe's major Roman Catholic Marian shrines in the 20th century. Catholics believe that on 21 August 1879 the Virgin Mary, together with St Joseph and St John the Evangelist, appeared to local people. One and a half million pilgrims visit Knock Shrine annually. It was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1979 to commemorate the centenary of the apparition. Limerick Limerick Limerick is the third-largest city in the Republic of Ireland. The history of beautiful Limerick, on the Shannon River, goes back over a millennium. The Vikings and the Old English inhabited a walled city to the north of the current city center, while the native Irish lived to the south across the Abbey River, a tributary of the Shannon. The end of the Williamite Wars were fought in Limerick, and you can learn more about the war`s impacts at the Limerick City Museum and the 13th-century King John`s Castle. It wasn`t until the eighteenth century when Edmund Sexton Pery designed the current city center, a living showcase of Georgian architecture. Limerick is a resurgent city ready to welcome tourists with a smile.
Recommended Stay: At least 2 nights
Must See's:
King John`s Castle, St. Mary`s Cathedral, The Hunt Museum, Limerick City Gallery of Art, Limerick City Museum, Frank McCourt Museum, The Treaty Stone, Newtown Pery, King`s Island, Limerick Milk Market, People`s Park and so much more!
| Shannon Shannon Shannon Town is unique in Ireland, being founded the 20th century. It was intended as a home for the thousands of workers at the airport. Just three miles to the east, lays the famous village Bunratty with its castle, medieval banquets and Folk Park. The Town Centre offers great shopping, and a variety of pubs and restaurants. To the south footpaths lead along the shores of the estuary, rich in bird life - from autumn to spring it is one of the most important wild bird sites in Ireland. Sligo Sligo Established by the Vikings in the Middle Ages, Sligo is a typical Irish market town. Within the attractive surrounding countryside of County Sligo are the extensive Neolithic burial sites at Knocknarea, Carrowmore and Carrowkeel. The town is famed for its connections with the poet W.B. Yeats. Don't miss the ruins of the Dominican Friary, known as Sligo Abbey founded in 1252. Sligo offers to its visitors a diverse array of shops and pubs, while bridges and benches are welcome points for quiet reflection. Waterford Waterford Waterford, located on the River Suir, is the oldest city in the Republic of Ireland and one of the country`s largest population centers. The storied history of Waterford started in 914 CE, making Waterford older than most European capitals! Not only can people learn a lot about history walking down these winding, hilly streets, they can take a special sovenir home: authentic Waterford crystal!
Recommended Stay: At least 3 nights
Must See`s:
Reginald`s Tower, Bishop`s Palace, House of Waterford Crystal, Clock Tower on the Quays, Beach Tower, Double Tower, Treasures of Waterford Museums, Mount Congreve, and so much more!
| Westport Westport Located in one of Ireland's most scenic areas, Westport is an attractive town with something to offer for every taste. It has a gracious town centre in the Georgian architectural style. The most picturesque features of the town are the flower decorated, promenade (The Mall) and little stone bridges along the river Carrow Beg. Westport has beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for swimming. There are sailing and yachting facilities as well as a water leisure complex. Fishing is very popular in the area.
Wexford Wexford Wexford is a former Viking town that reminds the visitors of its significant place in Irish history. County Wexford is most remarkable for the long stretches of pristine beach that line its coast, and for the evocative historic monuments in Wexford Town and on the Hook Peninsula. The Blackstairs Mountains are excellent for hiking. The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve and Great Saltee Island are the ideal places for bird-watchers. Wexford town hosts a well known Opera Festival every autumn.
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