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Best Cities to visit in Ireland

Ireland is an Island and  European country on the North Atlantic. It is the second largest island on the British Isles and third largest in Europe.

English and Irish languages are both widely spoken in Ireland. The country has rich culture, beautiful landscapes and friendly and warm local people.    

The country is famous for its Irish brew; Guinness, Smithwicks and Harp Lager. The country has five official cities and numerous quaint towns that are worth a visit. 

The green shamrock, the harp and the Celtic cross are symbols that are synonymous with Ireland.

The Irish value their religion and religious ceremonies and also foods such as potatoes, bread, cereals, vegetables and meat. 

The St. Patrick’s Day paints the whole country green in celebration of the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.

Here are some of the best cities and towns to visit in Ireland.

1. Dublin city

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This is the capital  city of the republic of Ireland. It is on the eastern  part of the country close to river liffey.

Dublin is a city with mix of both the traditional and modern culture. Dublin Castle built in the 13th century and the grand St. Patrick’s Cathedral founded in 1191, are some historic buildings in the city.

Dublin  boasts of  parks in the city; St. Stephen’s Green, the Phoenix park that is home to the Dublin Zoo. Its national museum celebrates Irish culture and heritage. 

Dublin  has also been influence by international cultures this can be experienced through diverse gastronomy in the city.  

The city’s strategic location to the east coast allows for trips and mountain expeditions.

2. Belfast City

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This city in the capital of Northern Ireland and is known for its history, food and activities at the sea. This makes it one of the cities to visit in Ireland.

Belfast has grown to a grand metropolis from being an industrial power house of Ireland.

The city is a foodie haven with numerous Michelin starred restaurants, exciting nightlife and an extraordinary titanic history. 

Some fun activities in Belfast include: boarding a WWI ship, a tour of the titanic museum, a visit to the scrabo tower and exploring the castles at cave hill.

3. Waterford City

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Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland and is considered to be the most historical city. 

The history of this city dates back to the vikings who founded it in 914 CE.

The stone Reginald Tower, an old civic building, which is a museum is a strong reminder of the viking history.

Another attraction hat is highly recommended in the city is the house of Waterford Crystal factory and store, and the geo park that is a UNESCO heritage site. 

4. Aran Islands

These islands, Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer, on the west coast of Ireland have been visited by tourists for centuries. 

It is famous for its grounded traditional lifestyle compared to other regions of Ireland. A visit to the Islands gives one a taste of the country’s rich past.

It is common to spot horse-drawn buggies carrying tourists and stone farm cottages dotting the landscape. Only 100 cars are allowed on Inishmore island.

Inishmore island has a 2,000-year-old stone fortress built on top of a 90-meter cliff.

5. Galway City

This harbor city is on the west coast of the country. It has an 18th century Eyre square that is a popular meeting spot with shops and traditional pubs playing live Irish folk music.

Its stone walled cafés, boutiques and art galleries are strategically located along the Latin quarter with its medieval city walls.

Galway has deep association with the Irish language, music and dances, hence referred to as the cultural heart of Ireland. It is famous for the Galway Arts Festival.  

The city has colorful pubs and restaurants that allows for best views of the buskers and street theater. 

For some delicious  oysters, head over to the Salthill on Galway Bay.

6. Limerick City

This is a major city in Ireland that is known for its medieval architecture in the south of the country. It was founded in 812 by the Vikings.

St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. John’s square are some of the country’s top attractions together with the Georgian townhouses. King John’s Castle from the 13th century, stands out in the city. 

The city is also known as the treaty city after the Treaty of Limerick was signed in the city in 1691. The stone on which the treaty was signed  is across the river from King John’s castle.

Another attraction in the city is the Hunt art Museum featuring work from Picasso’s, Renoir and Gaulins works collected by  John and Gertrude hunt

7. Westport 

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This west coast city of Ireland has stone bridges linking the tree lined banks of the Carrowbeg river at the Georgian town centre.

The Rockfleet Castle and Burrishoole Abbey are closely tied to the 16th century pirate queen, Grace O’Malley.

This town is worth a visit for its affordable living, rich historic sites, and beautiful natural attractions.

8. Kilkenny 

This is another beautiful medieval town in the southern eastern part of the country. The Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 by Norman occupiers.

Kilkenny is over 400 years old and this can be attested by the well-preserved churches and monasteries that tell the religious history of the town. 

St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey Dominican priory, are both from the 13th century.

The city is also known as the center of crafts, antique shops selling pottery, paintings and jewelry. 

It also has numerous festivals celebrating art, theater, comedy and dance bringing with it fresh energy and international flavor.

The town is home to the famous Smithwick’s Ale from st. Francis Abbey brewery, founded by John Smithwick.

9. Killarney 

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This town offers a scenic drive on famous Ring of Kerry  and the Kerry way walking trail. 

The town has buildings from the 19th century among them the St. Mary’s Cathedral, Victorian mansion Muckross house, Killarnery national park with gardens and traditional farms, that is worth a visit.

10. Athlone 

This town is in central Ireland. It is a medieval town with castles, a cathedral  and several churches. 

The Athlone Castle has one of the best views from is ramparts and displays the regions local history.  

Along River Shannon lies the ruins of Clonmacnoise, the  early christian ruins of a cathedral and seven churches. 

This town is centrally located making it easy to access other cities and towns near it. Athlone offers great history, delicious  food and great views of its landscape.

During the summer, there are yachts and boat cruises along the Shannon and Lough Ree rivers.