What are the best cities to visit in Ireland?

The method of doing this is a bit loose. To make this list, I'm mostly just checking to make sure there are tens or hundreds of thousands of cities or destinations we're dealing with, not tens or hundreds of thousands. In addition to this, people can freely choose according to their own wishes.

A quick travel tip before we get started – if you're flying in and out of Dublin, consider visiting the Irish Immigration Museum (EPIC MUseum). It's great to travel to Ireland and be touched by the culture there, but it's also fun to start learning about the impact the Irish people who leave the Irish coast have on the world.

Galway, Ireland

Galway is one of the most interesting cities in Ireland!

Kristen Gill comes from world cultures involved with Kristen Gill:

The port city of Galway is the third largest city in Ireland, after Dublin and Cork. It's one of my favorites, not only because of its location close to the sea, but also because of its lively art scene and many places where you can hear traditional Irish music.

There are some great bars such as Tigh Chóilí or Tigh Neachtain, where you can quietly have a pleasant conversation with the locals or hide yourself in a corner with a good book and a pint of Guinness.

Some of the city's attractions include the Spanish Arch, the National Aquarium of Ireland, the St. Nicholas College Church, Ireland's largest medieval church, well-preserved stained glass windows, a unique triple nave and gargoyle, and the Galway City Museum, where you can explore Galway's rich archaeological, historical and heritage.

Be sure to "walk up to the prom" (magnificent promenade) like the locals do, and customarily "kick the wall" at the end of the trail near the Blackstone diving board, which is said to bring good luck and good fortune. It has been confusing tourists for years!

Other not-to-be-missed attractions nearby include the famous Cliffs of Moher, the Burren Wilderness and unique landscapes, and the Aran Islands.

Cork, Ireland

Cork is one of the best cities in Ireland

Travel Guide to Victoria Heinz:

Cork may not be Ireland's most popular tourist destination, but you shouldn't miss this beautiful city. Located on the south coast of Ireland, you'll fall in love with the many beaches and beautiful nature nearby. Although Cork is not the largest city, there is still a lot to do and see. Known as a food hotspot, Cork has incredible dining opportunities and plenty of restaurants and cafes to try. Head to the British Market and taste delicious fresh seafood and many other delicacies.

Cork city centre is easy to walk and if the weather is nice it's easy to walk. You'll love that everything is so tightly knit and of course the fact that there are bars around almost every corner. Stop for some traditional Irish Guinness beer and pub lunch.

Cork has many museums and small art galleries. Head to the Crawford Art Gallery to admire the impressive collection of historical paintings and sculptures. Cork also has a rich and varied set of live music performances, hosting a large number of events throughout the year. Go to a bar in the evening to listen to live jazz, or find a local indie band that usually plays on weekends.

Athlone, Ireland

Athlone is one of the best cities in Ireland

Bruna Venturinelli from Ireland and other blogs:

Located near the Shannon River in central Ireland, Athlone is steeped in history, food and more!

When planning your trip to Ireland, you'll want to include this lovely place in your itinerary as Athlone is not your typical holiday destination. Not good. This is a place to learn about Irish culture and experience a country far from the tourist routes. Who wouldn't want that?

So start your exploration at the 13th-century Athlone Castle, get acquainted with the city and learn about the Norman invasion that took place at the time. Next, head to the striking Church of St. Peter and Paul, decorated with replicas of Michelangelo's Moses and Pietà.

Thirsty? Not necessarily, yes. But hey, it's Irish, so a must stop at a fairly old pub. Sean's Pub has been serving beer since the 10th century, making it the oldest pub in Ireland. While the opposite has been remodeled in recent centuries, there is nothing that will allow you to enjoy a cold beer in a unique venue.

In addition to this, the area is surrounded by green areas, so if you prefer a relaxing walk, you can go for an easy hike on the Shannon Banks Nature Trail.

The 3-mile route is lined with information boards about the local flora and fauna. Depending on your preference, there are plenty of birds to see along this back-to-back or circular trail.

Irish Cobh

Cove is one of the most beautiful cities in Ireland

John from CapeDiemEire:

Cobh is far from Ireland's largest city, but has as much impact as any city when it comes to tourism. How many people can say they are destined to be the last stop on the Titanic? They contain the prettiest streets in Ireland. Or they are gateways to what can best be described as Alcatraz, Ireland.

To this day, Cobh remains Ireland's only true cruise ship port, but most people have left the area for further attractions. They really missed it. Cobh had an important maritime history as a base during the Napoleonic Wars and World War I. The story of the Titanic and its whereabouts is remembered in two museums, Queenstown Story and titanic experience.

Spike Island, just 20 minutes from Cobh, was once the largest prison in the world. Its island setting makes it one of the unique Irish experiences, especially unforgettable after a dark trip. Back on land, Cobh rises colorfully from the harbor, and St. Coleman's Cathedral stands proudly on top of it. Vibrant Deck of Cards houses (which, by the way, are the prettiest streets in Ireland) climb from the harbour through the steep town in a way that stacks hardly requires imagining how they got their name.

Cobh is 20 kilometers from its larger neighbour, Cork, which was built on an island in Cork Harbour. It may dwarf its larger neighbor, but it may outperform it when it comes to what it has to do. Cobh is the perfect day trip from Cork.

Limerick, Ireland

Limerick is one of the best cities in Ireland!

Chrisoula Manika from a historic castle in Europe:

The city of Limerick is located on the banks of the Shannon River, and its port is close to the estuary. Limerick is easy to explore because it is built on a grid system. At its center is the Old Town with its medieval square and St. Mary's Basilica (1168), the oldest building in the city. The cathedral has a 37-meter tower and eight bells, which is well worth a listen. It was fun to walk around the area as there are many Georgian buildings to admire.

The 13th-century King John's Castle stands on the banks of the river. It is one of the best medieval castles in Europe, and the interactive exhibitions and touch screens telling the history of the castle are very interesting. The Hunter Museum houses 2,500 interesting historical artifacts, while the Frank McCourt Museum provides insight into the difficult everyday life of the 1930s, which the author describes in his best-selling novel Angela's Ashes.

On Saturday, everyone heads to the milk market held under the huge canopy. There are 50 stalls selling fresh fish, local produce and artisanal cheeses. If you're a rugby fan, you'll have the chance to see iconic team Munster (Reds) play at their home stadium, Thomand Park.

Watford, Ireland

Watford, Ireland is one of the best tourist cities in Ireland.

Faith Coates from XYUandBEYOND:

Founded by the Vikings more than 1,000 years ago, Watford is Ireland's oldest city, with the country's largest defensive tower and medieval walls.

Once Ireland's most important city, Watford is a fascinating place to explore in the Viking Triangle in the heart of the city. The highest point in the Triangle is the Reginald Tower, the oldest municipal building in the country, and inside is Ireland's most comprehensive Viking exhibition.

Behind the tower is the Medieval Museum, which includes two medieval rooms, a 15th-century mayor's cellar and a 13th-century choir hall. There are amazing gold embroidered cloth and many other amazing artifacts.

Inside the triangle is Christchurch Cathedral, built on the site of an 11th-century church where Strongbow and Aoife were married. Strongbow was an Anglo-Norman who led the invasion of Ireland and claimed the kingship of Leinster through his wife. In 2014, to commemorate the 844th wedding anniversary, a modern statue was presented to the couple.

Everyone wants to see the Watford Crystal House – but I'll tell you a little secret, unfortunately it's no longer made in Ireland, but Eastern European craftsmen have now created this iconic crystal vessel.

You can also explore Watford, Georgia at Bishop's Palace, where the first 2 floors are decorated and furnished with 18th-century townhouses. The museum displays treasures from victorian and Georgian Watford history from 1700 to 1900.

Watford is a must-see for your trip around Ireland and a great place to explore the stunning landscapes of Ireland's ancient east.

Sligo, Ireland

Sligo is one of the best tourist cities in Ireland.

Sarah Carter from the Social Nomads:

For centuries, the cold, laid-back atmosphere of Sligo has captivated visitors.

This West Coast Irish seaport is the administrative centre of Sligo, County Connaught. Sligo is known for its literary heritage and the magnificent rugged countryside that surrounds it. It is, of course, the home of the poet WB Yeats, which is reflected in several attractions in and around the city. This is The country of Yeats. Yeats has a statue on Stephens Street in honor of Yeats, and the Yeats Mansion on nearby Hyde Bridge is home to the Yeats Society, where you can see exhibitions about the man himself.

The Sligo Monastery, built by the Dominicans in the 1200s, is an interesting visit and is just a few minutes' walk away. The center of Sligo itself is compact and easy to navigate on foot, so park your car and stroll around.

The Galavog River runs through the city centre and the sidewalks in the centre are beautiful - there are some nice sidewalk cafes and restaurants. Sligo is also a hub for West Coast cuisine – not to be missed – which can include a trip to a nearby oyster farm to learn how they grow. Then of course you'll want a pint of Guinness and your oyster – a well-known combination of Irish beer and snacks!

Killarney, Ireland

Killarney is one of the best tourist cities in Ireland

Anisa Alhilali from two traveling Texans:

Killarney is the starting point for the Kerry Ring Drive. It's a lovely place with lots of restaurants and bars that can serve as a base from which to explore Kerry. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and full of history.

When you visit Killarney, you must plan at least one day to explore the national park. History buffs will visit the Muckross House, where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed on their trip to Ireland. You can explore the ruins of Muckross Abbey nearby.

It's also great for hiking. You will want to cross the trail to Tok Falls. It is 20 meters high. If you want to see more areas than on foot, you can take a horse-drawn carriage, which is a horse-drawn carriage.

Killarney National Park also has several lakes. You can walk around them or better take a kayaking or boat trip.

On the edge of Lough Leane, you'll find the charming 15th-century Ross Castle. Although it is only open for tours seasonally, anyone can visit and explore the outside for free.

Also, be sure to check out St. Mary's Basilica with its beautiful stained glass windows.

Kilkenny, Ireland

Kilkenny is one of the best tourist cities in Ireland

Cazzy Magennis from Dream Big Travel Far:

Kilkenny is one of my favorite places to visit in Ireland. That's all you want for an Irish city: charming, atmospheric, lively and a castle! Kilkenny Castle is definitely the main highlight of the city, it is the perfect place to visit the castle gardens (free to visit) and have a picnic, or you can explore the interior of the castle and learn more about the history. There is also a really lovely tea room inside!

Kilkenny is also the perfect place to enjoy a drink at a local bar. There are plenty of bars to choose from, many of which play live music. What's really cool about Kilkenny is that there are plenty of street performers playing traditional music live, or performing on the streets, so you'll get ongoing entertainment as you wander around the city and enjoy the scenery.

Because of its Normandy heritage, you won't see wonderful things in Kilkenny. Many attractions date back 800 years! Be sure to visit St. Canis's Cathedral and The Round Tower and the beautiful Dominican Black Monastery.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is one of the most beautiful cities in Ireland

Sydney Richardson in A World within Reach:

When visiting Ireland, Dublin has a good chance of being your first stop. Dublin is one of the best cities in Ireland and there is so much to do. It's worth spending at least a few days in Dublin before heading to your next Irish destination.

Upon arrival in Dublin, your first stop should be a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. The Guinness Storehouse, consistently ranked as one of Europe's top attractions, gives you an insight into the history and brewing process of Guinness. End the tour with a pint of Guinness at Gravity Bar, which offers 360-degree views of the city. If you're ready for another drink, head to Bow Street to visit Jameson Distillery and sample some of the famous whiskies. In the evening, head to the Temple Bar District to visit one of the bars in the area, including the iconic Temple Bar. Drinks are expensive and perfect for sightseeing, but the atmosphere is fun. Come here for a drink before heading to a more local bar.

Believe it or not, Dublin has more to offer than just try a variety of adult beverages. Visit Trinity College and see the Old Library and the Book of Kells, one of Ireland's greatest cultural treasures. You can also explore some of the city's top attractions on foot, including Dublin Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Dublin Spire.

Kinsale, Ireland

Kinsale is one of the most popular cities in Ireland

Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple:

Kinsale is a stunning coastal town in southwest Ireland known for its colourful houses, cobbled streets and charming harbour.

If you're traveling from the south of Ireland to the north, Kinsale is the starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Cork is 22 km from Kinsale, while Cork Airport is 16 km from the property. The proximity to the city of Cork makes Kinsale a great choice for day trips. There are frequent bus connections to Cork and Kinsale, and the journey takes 45 minutes.

Kinsale is the perfect storybook town and you definitely want to add it to your itinerary when you travel around Ireland, especially in the south. Stroll around the harbour and sample food, or get lost in the colourful alleys lined with cafés, bookstores and art galleries. Kinsale's mild climate makes it an excellent choice for sailing, sea fishing and dolphin/whale watching.

If you prefer a long walk, we highly recommend walking along the Scilly Walk to Charles Fort. It is a 6 km loop and it takes about 50 minutes on foot. If you wish, you can visit Fort Charles, learn about the history, and explore the fortifications. With sweeping views and incredible scenery, this would be a great addition to making your trip to Ireland unforgettable.

Drogheda, Ireland

Newgrange is one of Ireland's top attractions

From Bangor sometimes sunny Alan Wilson:

Located about 45 kilometres north of the Irish capital, Drogheda is a bit like a commuter zone that connects Dublin to Belfast, Northern Ireland, and is known for bypassing commuters to the sprawling Mary McCarrisboine Valley Bridge.

While it is not famous for tourism in Ireland, Drogheda and its surroundings are of great historical significance and the city is a convenient base for exploring some of Ireland's most important sites. The city's interests must include the head of Oliver Plunkett, a 17th-century Irish saint who was hanged and beheaded, and whose head is now found in an intricate golden temple in St. Peter's Church.

Otherwise, lesser-known tourist attractions can be found in the surrounding Boyne Valley, including the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Center, where the famous Battle between Protestant King Billy (William of Orange) and Catholic King James took place. To this day, a battle to shape the tense and divisive background is found on the island.

Then, just 8 kilometres west of Drogheda, is one of Ireland's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Brú na Bóinne and the famous Irish necropolis Newgrange, which dates back to BC. 3,200 BC. This alone is a huge attraction, with daily tours departing from Dublin city centre and annual winter solstice pilgrimages. But it makes more sense to stay and travel from Drogheda and cover other attractions in the area.