Ireland

Tourist Guide
Galway featuring heritage architecture and château or palace
Land of legends, medieval castles and Guinness beer, this wonderfully green island is known for its wild beauty, rich culture and chatty locals.

When many think of Ireland, they envision rolling green hills, rugged coasts and sleepy villages. The dynamic cities of Dublin and Galway are equally compelling. Explore districts filled with excellent museums, music venues, five-star restaurants and superb shopping. Retreat to the countryside for fresh air and soul-stirring scenery.

On the Republic of Ireland’s eastern coast, discover Neolithic tombs and historic Viking port cities such as Waterford. In Dublin, try pouring the perfect pint at the Guinness Storehouse and admire city views from the building’s top-floor bar.

Head west to the Atlantic coast to marvel at the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most popular natural attractions. Stand next to O’Brien’s Tower, at the highest point of the cliffs, and enjoy the spectacular views. Connemara, an undeveloped swath of mountain and lake landscapes west of Galway, offers yet more beautiful scenery as well as hiking and biking trails.

Rent a car and drive around the Ring of Kerry, following the fringe of the Iveragh Peninsula. Stop and sunbathe on the sandy beach at Rossbeigh or travel by boat around the lake at Ross Castle.

See the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle in County Cork. Visitors line up to lay their lips on this weathered rock, which supposedly imparts eloquence to those who kiss it.

Visit during March to witness the nationwide St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or in September for the Galway Oyster Festival.

Fly to Cork or Dublin airports. Ride the train around the country, booking your tickets online as far in advance as possible for the cheapest fares. Alternatively, rent a car and explore Ireland’s stunning countryside at your own pace. In neighboring Northern Ireland, drive the Coastal Causeway Route, one of the world’s most stunning coastal drives or tour scenic locations from the hit TV show Game of Thrones.

Small as it is, the Republic of Ireland delivers a wealth of diverse cultural experiences as well as rugged, scenic landscapes.

Popular cities in Ireland

Dublin showing heritage architecture, signage and a city
Dublin
Known for Bars, Tours and Live music
A beloved city with a friendly, sociable, international community, a vibrant dining and shopping scene and an array of historical landmarks: Dublin is a gem.

Reasons to visit

  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
  • The Convention Centre Dublin
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Dunguaire Castle which includes heritage architecture, a castle and a river or creek
Galway
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Tours
Come to Galway and enjoy its live music, entertainment and dining.

Reasons to visit

  • Eyre Square
  • Quay Street
  • University of Galway
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Cork
Cork
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Shopping
Cork awaits: its dining, history, theatre and more!

Reasons to visit

  • University College Cork
  • English Market
  • Cork Opera House
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Muckross House featuring a garden, heritage architecture and flowers
Killarney
Known for Nature, Historical and Live music
With a resident population of only 15,000 souls, Killarney might seem an unlikely destination to rank second in popularity among visitors to Ireland, but there’s far more to this charming town than its welcoming, bustling centre.

Reasons to visit

  • Killarney National Park
  • Ross Castle
  • Muckross House
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Limerick featuring a river or creek, night scenes and a city
Limerick
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Bars
The city of Limerickhugs the River Shannon as it broadens out to meet the wider sea waters of theestuary in Mid-West Ireland. Limerick has been broadening its ownhorizons in recent years with rejuvenation projects and a cultural renaissancethat have helped make it a fantastic place to explore the surrounding regionfrom.

Reasons to visit

  • Thomond Park
  • King John's Castle
  • Hunt Museum
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Ireland showing farmland, tranquil scenes and a small town or village
Kilkenny
Known for Bars, Historical and Castle
The city of Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s historic gems and lies in the heart of County Kilkenny in the southeast corner of the Republic of Ireland. A tourist favourite, the city brims with attractions, including a beautiful castle on the banks of the River Nore, a fine 13th century cathedral and a veritable maze of 17th century alleyways littered with interesting shops and ancient inns.

Reasons to visit

  • Kilkenny Castle
  • St. Canice's Cathedral
  • St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum
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Popular places to visit

Image for Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is situated at St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin. The giant storehouse covers seven floors and is a popular point of interest for tourists - since it opened in 2000, it has received over four million visitors.

Guinness Storehouse
Image for Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

Officially one of the top destinations in Ireland, a trip to County Clare and Galway Bay would be incomplete without visiting the truly magnificent Cliffs of Moher. These sheer cliffs attract almost a million visitors every year, thanks to their outstanding height, dramatic drops and beguiling views over the frothing waves of the Atlantic Ocean far below.

Cliffs of Moher
Image for Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle

On Dame Street, south of the River Liffey in the heart of Dublin, stands the mighty architectural achievement that is Dublin Castle, parts of which date back to 1200. Over the centuries Dublin Castle has been a fortress and treasury, a royal palace and a prison. Prior to Irish independence in the 1920s, it was also the centre of British rule in Ireland. Today, Dublin Castle is a government building and significant historic emblem.

Dublin Castle

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