Dublin is world-famous and the gateway to Ireland for many travellers, but there are five more cities in the Republic of Ireland, each with their own distinct personality, which are well worth visiting too.

Trinity College, Dublin

Dublin

With a population of over 1.2 million, the capital Dublin is the largest city on the island of Ireland. A must-see on any visit to the country, there is so much for visitors to enjoy, whether they are staying for a couple of days or much longer. Dublin is bursting with fabulous five star hotels, from the luxurious Fitzwilliam to the delightful Dylan boutique hotel, and there are plenty of great places to eat. Dublin boasts five Michelin starred restaurants and four Bib Gourmand.

Dublin Castle

The city dates back to the tenth century and there’s over 1000 years of history to explore. The incredible Book of Kells, a medieval illuminated manuscript, is not to be missed, and Dublin Castle with its 13th century tower is one of the landmarks of the city. There are numerous pretty squares and spacious parks to explore, most notably Phoenix Park, one of the largest of any European capital, “where Dublin goes to breathe”. Bustling Grafton Street is perfect for some retail therapy and the Temple Bar neighbourhood is packed with lively bars and pubs. Read more about Dublin’s fair city.

Temple Bar, Dublin

Cork

Situated on the south coast of Ireland, Cork is Ireland’s second largest city with a population of just over 200,000. Originally a monastic settlement, Cork was expanded by Viking invaders in the 10th century and soon became an important trading port. Surrounded by water, the compact city centre is on an island in the River Lee, while Cork Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Today, Cork is a laidback, friendly city, with trendy coffee shops, a vibrant arts scene, offbeat museums and lots of good bars and pubs.

Cork © Tourism Ireland

The city is known as the food capital of Ireland and one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy Cork is on a culinary tour, where you can discover the city’s incredible English Market – one of the best covered markets in Ireland, sample fresh locally-caught seafood, taste delicious homemade candy and savour Irish coffee in one of the city’s traditional pubs.

English Market Cork © Tourism Ireland

Top attractions in Cork include the 400-year-old Elizabeth Fort, which offers some of the best views of the city from its ramparts; imposing Cork City Gaol with its dark and intriguing history; and the city’s two cathedrals: St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne.

St Fin Barre’s Cathedral © Tourism Ireland

Nearby Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone, is one of Ireland’s most-visited attractions, and in Cobh on Cork Harbour you can see where the Titanic last set sail, an event commemorated at the Titanic Experience.

Cobh, courtesy Luke Myers

Galway

Galway, on the west coast of Ireland, is at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way. Slap bang in the middle of the world’s longest signed coastal route, Galway is the perfect base for exploring the inspirational Atlantic coast of Ireland.

Quay Street, Galway © Tourism Ireland

If Galway could be summed up in three words they might well be ‘festivals, fiddles and food’! The cosmopolitan yet traditional city provides visitors with a perfect snapshot of the best of Irish heritage and culture. Its picture-postcard painted houses and narrow medieval streets are not to be missed.

Galway International Arts Festival, courtesy Fáilte Ireland

A city of festivals, if you visit Galway in summer there is likely to be a party happening! From the Galway International Arts Festival each July and Galway Film Fleadh (Galway is a UNESCO city of film) to September’s world-famous Galway International Oyster Festival, there is something for everyone.

Galway is one of the best places in Ireland to enjoy traditional music, from the toe-tapping street buskers to the numerous ‘trad sessions’ all over town. Step inside a traditional music pub, and you’re guaranteed an unforgettable night. 

Traditional Irish Music in Galway, courtesy Fáilte Ireland

Galway’s food scene includes incredible cafés, bistros and fine-dining restaurants that combine the very best of local ingredients with innovative techniques. Michelin-starred Loam and Aniar have achieved incredible success, while incredible flavours draw people to Kai. A culinary walking tour with Galway Food Tours is the perfect introduction to the city’s passionate producers, brewers, chocolatiers and entrepreneurs. Enjoy a taste of Ireland.

Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, courtesy Milestone Inventive

For those looking to venture further afield, Galway is a great starting point for a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, the Aran Islands or the wild beauty of Connemara.

Limerick

Limerick, in the south west of Ireland, is situated on the banks of the River Shannon. The city’s compact old town is best known for medieval St Mary’s Cathedral and St John’s Square, which is lined with Georgian townhouses.

St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick, courtesy Fáilte Ireland

King John’s Castle, on King’s Island, at the centre of medieval Limerick, is the city’s most iconic landmark and one of Europe’s best-preserved Norman castles. Built in the 12th century by England’s King John, the castle stands on the banks of the River Shannon and dominates the city’s skyline. Today, it is a popular family attraction and each summer the castle hosts concerts in its atmospheric surroundings.

King John’s Castle, Limerick © Tourism Ireland

Limerick is a rugby-mad city and Thomond Park, the iconic home ground of the Munster rugby team, is not to be missed. Nothing compares to experiencing the ‘Munster roar’ on match days, or go one better with a behind the scenes tour. Relive Munster’s finest moments in the interactive Thomond Park Museum, including beating the All-Blacks in 1978.

International Rugby Experience in Limerick, courtesy paul@plp.ie

The city’s Milk Market has been in operation since 1852 and is the place to go for the best local seasonal produce. Saturday morning is a great time to capture the fusion of flavour, music and good-natured banter in this old stone building that was once a corn market.

The Milk Market, Limerick, courtesy Fáilte Ireland

Limerick lace has been famous for almost two hundred years and has been worn by many thousands of women in that time, from Queen Victoria to Edith Roosevelt. Limerick Museum, which tells the story of Limerick and its people, holds a unique collection of Limerick lace.

Waterford

One of Ireland’s oldest cities, Waterford traces its roots to 914 when a settlement was established by the Vikings. Parts of the town’s ancient walls remain and Reginald’s Tower, which dates from the early 11th century and is today the home of the Waterford Museum of Treasures, sits at the heart of the city’s Viking Triangle.

The Viking Triangle, Waterford, courtesy Luke Myers

The ancient city is cloaked in history, from the incredible Medieval Museum, where visitors can view the glittering Heavens’ Embroidered Cloths – 15th century cloth-of-gold vestments – and the Great Charter Roll of 1372, to the Bishop’s Palace on the city’s beautiful Georgian Mall, which displays the wealth, beauty and architectural delights of an 18th century townhouse.

Bishop’s Palace Museum, courtesy Fáilte Ireland

If you stand on the quay in Waterford and breathe in the salty air, it doesn’t take much to imagine the hustle and bustle of ships loading and unloading cargo in the 1700s. Trade with Newfoundland brought affluent merchants to settle in the city in the late 18th century turning the city into one of the great ports of Ireland and kickstarting a building boom. 

River Cruise, Waterford, courtesy Fáilte Ireland

Waterford is perhaps best known today for its incredible crystalware. Waterford Crystal is famed for its clarity and brilliance and no visit to the city would be complete without a tour of the renowned factory. For a more personal experience, you can even enjoy your own private guided tour.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is in Ireland’s Ancient East, just a 90-minute drive from Dublin, and is known as the ‘Marble City’ thanks to the many buildings there which were built with local Kilkenny marble. Dating back to medieval times, Kilkenny boasts a 12th century castle, a thriving crafts and design scene, traditional pubs aplenty and a warren of cobbled lanes and secret alleys.

Medieval Kilkenny, courtesy Fáilte Ireland

The Medieval Mile is a discovery trail running through the city centre, linking the 13th century St Canice’s Cathedral and the Anglo-Norman Kilkenny Castle. The castle’s 50 acre grounds provide the perfect place to relax and the Rose Garden in front of the castle offers spectacular views of the city.

Kilkenny Castle, courtesy Fáilte Ireland

Located just outside the original walls of Kilkenny, the Black Abbey was established as a Dominican Friary in 1225 and is open to the public each day. A place for peaceful reflection and worship, the abbey is known for its magnificent stained glass – it features the largest stained glass window in Ireland.

The Black Abbey courtesy Leo Byrne Photography

Sip on Ireland's oldest ale on a guided tour of Smithwick’s Brewery, admire the design exhibitions at Kilkenny Design Centre or Kilkenny Art Gallery, or uncover the roots of the ancient Irish sport of Hurling, which has close associations with the city, on the Ultimate Hurling Experience tour.

Smithwick’s Experience, Kilkenny, courtesy Dylan Vaughan

If you or your group would like to explore the wonderful cities of Ireland on a tailor-made tour, please do contact our friendly team today. We can take care of all aspects of your tour from the minute you step off the plane, including accommodation in the finest hotels and delicious meals to suit all tastes and budgets.