Set on the spectacular north shore of Galway Bay, where the River Corrib flows from Lough Corrib to the sea, Galway is a large, sprawling university city, commonly referred to as the 'most Irish' of Ireland's cities. Despite Galway’s considerable size, the historical city centre is tiny, with a bohemian atmosphere emanating from its colourful facades, buzzing markets and laid-back inhabitants. Dubbed ‘the city of festivals’, Galway is known as the liveliest place in the republic with its internationally acclaimed theatre scene, vibrant nightlife bolstered by a spirited student population, and plenty of quirky hidden cafes and restaurants with some truly excellent food. Highlights include: the constant impromptu performances of traditional music, the pretty Salthill beach with waters suitable for swimming, and beautifully wild surrounding nature.
Set almost midway along Ireland’s east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey, Ireland’s capital, Dublin, is an intriguing melting pot of international cultures, eclectic architecture, and welcoming locals. With its ever-growing immigrant population, Dublin is now home to a wealth of ethnic restaurants serving up an array of exotic culinary delights. Despite this multiculturalism, Dublin has managed to preserve much of its traditional Irish culture, particularly evident in its fine literary history and fascinating folklore. While the city is over a thousand years old, it has a decidedly 21st-century feel: glitzy shopping centres and state-of-the-art skyscrapers exist alongside the city’s myriad ancient cathedrals, Georgian squares, castles, and historical monuments. Make sure to pop into one of Dublin's legendary pubs, order a Guinness, and strike up a conversation with one of the friendly locals.
Connemara, in the northwest of County Galway, West Ireland stretches from Galway Bay in the south to Killary Harbour in the north. Famously described by Oscar Wilde as ‘a savage beauty’ this region is regarded as one of the most spectacularly wild, rugged and unspoiled pieces of wilderness in the world. Boasting secluded beaches, rocky hills, windswept bogs and innumerable shimmering black lakes, the area is perfect for horse riding, cycling and hiking through the towering Twelve Bens mountains; as well as fishing, golfing and various watersports. Connemara is strewn with some fascinating historic attractions such as the Alcock and Brown Memorial, Kylemore Abbey and the Walled Victorian Gardens, Connemara History & Heritage Centre in Clifden, Glengowla Mines in Oughterard, and the 40,000-acre Connemara National Park.
Resting on the scenic shores of Lough Leane Lake in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry, the town of Killarney is surrounded by spectacular scenic landscapes. The countryside is dotted with cascading waterfalls, sparkling rivers, lush woodlands, glittering lakes, and soaring peaks. It makes for the perfect stopover for visitors road-tripping along the Ring of Kerry scenic drive. Killarney offers visitors a variety of comfortable accommodation, quaint traditional Irish pubs and excellent restaurants. Visitors can view the 19th-century St. Mary’s Cathedral; hike the 200-kilometre Kerry Way walking trail, which starts and ends in Killarney; and explore the Killarney National Park, the first national park in Ireland. Other popular attractions in the area include: the 15th-century Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall and the ancient ruins of the Innisfallen Abbey, a 7th-century monastery situated on Innisfallen Island.
With its rugged Atlantic coastline leading into the lush undulating landscape of Western Ireland, County Clare extends over some incredibly scenic Irish countryside. Visitors can look forward to taking in scenic views from O’Brien’s Tower on the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the wilderness of the Burren area with its old churches and Stone Age monuments, enjoying a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, listening to traditional Irish music, and surfing at Lahinch Beach. Other attractions include the Loop Head Peninsula, the small village of Doolin, Aillwee Cave, the charming traditional boutique town of Ennis, and the Doonbeg Golf Club.
Situated on the Wild Atlantic Way on Ireland’s stunning west coast, the charming village of Doolin lies in the northwest of County Clare and is known for its enthralling ancient sites, magnificent scenery, and rich cultural heritage. This colourful village serves as an excellent base from which to explore the spectacular surrounding coastline. Make sure to see the majestic cliffs of Moher, and the mighty Doolin Cave - home to the longest free-hanging stalactite in Europe. Visitors can enjoy an array of activities, including boat tours of the dramatic Atlantic coast; traditional Irish music sessions in cosy pubs; and trips to the unique Aran Islands, known for their prehistoric forts, an incredible natural pool, and Ireland’s newest glamping establishment.
The Dingle Peninsula is located on the southwest coast of Ireland, in the northern region of County Kerry. The area - once described by National Geographic Traveller as “the most beautiful place on earth” - remains an incredibly popular destination, offering rugged natural scenery, fantastic cultural sights and warm, welcoming towns and villages. Annascaul, in the southwest of the peninsula, offers the best hill-walking trails and boasts the atmospheric Inch Beach, while Castlegregory is best for surfing and windsurfing. Dingle Town is the region’s main hub - a photogenic harbourside town with a famed nightlife - while The Gaeltacht is a collection of Irish-speaking villages containing some of the area’s best cultural attractions, including Dunberg Fort, Slea Head, Kilmalkedar Church and the nearby archipelago of the Blasket Islands.
Located in southeast Ireland, north of Waterford in the province of Leinster, the exquisite medieval city of Kilkenny has been dubbed ‘the Oasis of Ireland’, with its its countless country pubs, prolific arts scene and profusion of historical sites. The city’s primary attractions are concentrated along its famously beautiful 'Medieval Mile', with historic buildings strung between the extravagantly turreted Kilkenny castle and the cathedral along the banks of the gorgeous River Nore. Several immaculate parks and gardens provide a leisurely way to spend the day, as do the many luxurious world class spas. Numerous scenic walking routes, beautiful surrounds of picturesque wheatlands and stud farms, and world-renowned golf courses offer the chance to get some exercise in the fresh air. Make sure to visit the famous Dunmore Cave, home to relics from the tenth century.
