Adare  Adare Adare is often described as the prettiest village in Ireland, a heritage town very popular with tourists, due to its good image, many attractions, fine accommodation and good marketing. The main attractions are the Norman Castle beside the river Maigue and the best collection of ruined medieval friaries in Ireland including a 13th century Trinitarian monastery, a 15th century Franciscan Monastery and a 14th century Augustinian Monastery. For the golf lovers there are two 18 hole golf courses in the village. Athlone Athlone Having a beautiful riverside location, opening onto the largest lake on the river Shannon, Athlone will charm you with its natural beauty. It is the ideal place for water activities such as angling, cruising, water skiing, wind surfing, sailing and regattas. Throughout the centuries, Athlone has developed from a rural market town and military base into the industrial and commercial capital of the midlands. Nearby are the famous Christian Monastery and the University of Clonmacnoise. Ballina Ballina Dating back to the Stone Age, Ballina is a very interesting place to visit because of the numerous tombs (megaliths) found here. The town is home of the famous River Moy, an exceptional source of salmon. The town centre has retained its historic appearance with some notable architecture, including the 15th-century Moyne Abbey, and St Muredach's Cathedral, which is the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Killala. Outside Ballina, on a small hill to the west, stands a dolmen, 4000 years old. Ballinasloe Ballinasloe The Irish place name Ballinasloe (meaning the mouth of the ford of the crowds) reflects that the town developed as a crossing point on the River Suck. Nowadays it is a typical English type market town. The Ballinasloe Fair is one of the oldest horse fairs in Europe, bathed in history it dates back to the 700s. Clonfert cathedral is one of the jewels of Irish-Romanesque architecture occuping the site of a monastery which was founded by St. Brendan in 563 AD. Ballinasloe makes a good base for exploring East Galway. Belfast Belfast Dating back to the Middle Ages, the second-largest city of Ireland, Belfast has a rich history. Nestled beside the River Lagan and Belfast Lough, it has a lovely setting, often called "the Hibernian Rio,"a long natural inlet ideal for the shipping trade. One of the last great oceangoing liners, the famous Titanic, was built here in the world famous Belfast Shipyard. Take a stroll and admire the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture, dominated by the magnificently domed City Hall.
Blarney Blarney Located 8 km northwest of Cork, Blarney is the "biggest little village in Ireland". The main attraction is the Blarney Castle, famous for its Stone. By kissing the Blarney Stone, it is claimed that one can receive the "Gift of the Gab" (eloquence, or skill at flattery or persuasion). In the grounds of the castle, the Rock Close is a curious place of ancient stones, by legend a garden of druidic origin. The place has an aura of magic and mystique telling a story of centuries past. Castlebar Castlebar Originally a market town, Castlebar is one of the fastest growing towns in Ireland. The city has a lively nightlife with pubs providing traditional Irish music and a number of quality restaurants. Castlebar offers a number of planned walking routes and plenty of good fishing available in the nearby rivers and lakes to those who like the outdoors. The Country Life section of the National Museum of Ireland is an interesting place worth visiting. | Cork Cork Founded in the late 6th century by Saint Finbarr, Cork is Ireland's second largest city. A famous landmark is the Shandon Steeple of St. Ann's Church, which contains the Bells of Shandon. Other interesting places to visit are the English market in the centre of the city, the University founded in 1845 and the very steep St Patrick's Hill, from the top of which are magnificent views over the entire metropolis. The River Lee flows through the city forming one of the world's largest natural harbours. Dingle Dingle Dingle, the southwest point of Ireland, is a fishing port. The whole coast line has a mythical story attached to it. Each island is a symbol of a Giant's love for a normal woman - the story of Oish and Neve. It is home to Ireland's most famous bottlenose dolphin "Fungie". He has been swimming with the boats and tourists in Dingle harbor since 1984. Fungie is absolutely wild and free, yet remains here in Dingle. An important site is the Dingle's St. Mary's, a fine neogothic church. Donegal Donegal Situated at the mouth of Donegal Bay and overshadowed by the Bluestack Mountains, Donegal has a unique beauty. From Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, to the miles of golden sandy beaches, the region provides activities ranging from high octane water sports to unforgettable country strolls. It is home to the O'Donnel Clan, known for its castle built in 1474. Some say that some of the most important decisions concerning Ireland's freedom were taken within the walls of this castle. Dublin Dublin With over 1000 years of history Dublin has experienced many changes, particularly in the last decade. European Union membership and increased prosperity have transformed Dublin into a multicultural city with a thriving economy, ranking it among the top tourist destinations in Europe. An hour walk from the top of Grafton Street, across the Liffey, up O'Connell Street, and farther into north Dublin is a walk through time and, also a glimpse of some of the pieces that must eventually fit together. Ennis Ennis Dating back from the 11th century, Ennis is a town with beautiful cathedrals and architecture. Ennis has become an important centre of Irish traditional music, and late in May each year, hosts the Fleadh Nua, the second largest traditional music festival in Ireland. The festival features live entertainment including Step Dancing contests, booths sporting their fair share of touristy and authentic Irish goods and wonderful food. Don't miss The Pro-Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Galway Galway Galway is the most prosperous city in Ireland. It has everything a major cosmopolitan city has to offer, in a more relaxed atmosphere than other big cities like Dublin or Belfast. The city is renowned for its thriving Irish Theatre, arts, music and culture scene and Galway plays host to a number of Internationally renowned festivals throughout the year. Eyre Square is Galway's best known sight. From Galway you can arrange a trip to the Aran islands, three small islands just off the coast. | Kenmare Kenmare Kenmare lies on two of the more famous Irish tourist attractions, the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara. It is one of Ireland's designated Heritage Towns. Kenmare's location nestled between the high mountains and the sea make it the most charming base camp you could wish for. It Kenmare has many fine restaurants, hotels and interesting craft shops, retains its links to a more ancient past. Not far from Market Street is the Bronze Age Druid's Circle, consisting of 15 standing stones. Kilkee Kilkee Situated on the West coast of Clare overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Kilkee is a little holiday town that has played host to tourists for the past 200 years. The town retains some of its 19th century Victorian feel, and also features many modern amenities. It boasts a beautiful golden sandy beach, set below a dramatic cliff. There are some breathtaking walks both to the north of the beach where you can explore George's Head, and to the south where you can see the Loop Head. Kilkenny Kilkenny Ireland's smallest city both by area and population, Kilkenny is a beautiful medieval city with narrow streets, well-preserved churches a great castle on a hilltop and many old buildings. Kilkenny is a shopper's delight, being the national center for crafts and design, with perhaps the country's best selection of pottery, woodwork, jewelry, and other handmade items. It has also a lively nightlife and a real entertainment circuit (including several comedy festivals throughout the year). Killarney Killarney Killarney is one of the best places in Ireland to explore the outdoors. The town is nestled in a valley with a magnificent landscape of lakes and mountains. Don't miss the park's three lakes: the Lower Lake surnamed "the lake of learning", the "Middle Lake" or "Muckross Lake," and the "Upper Lake." Another landmark is the Ross Castle, a square medieval tower which was built by the O' Donoghues in the 15th century, situated on the shores of Lough Lein. Muckross House and Gardens are also worth a visit. Kinsale Kinsale Kinsale is one of the most picturesque, popular and fashionable resorts of the south-west coast of Ireland. Visitors are captivated by the town's setting, its beautiful natural harbor, narrow streets and slate-clad houses. It is famous for its beautiful yachting, sea angling, Dolphin & Whale Watching Trips, fine restaurants and golf. Don't miss the old Courthouse, now a museum; St Multose Church, built in the 13th century and still in use, and 'French Prison', the 16th century Desmond Castle. | Knock Knock Knock ("Hill of the Virgin Mary") is a small town in County Mayo famous throughout the Catholic world. Alongside Lourdes and Fatima it became one of Europe's major Roman Catholic Marian shrines in the 20th century. Catholics believe that on 21 August 1879 the Virgin Mary, together with St Joseph and St John the Evangelist, appeared to local people. One and a half million pilgrims visit Knock Shrine annually. It was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1979 to commemorate the centenary of the apparition. Limerick Limerick Limerick City is a city of contrasts having a Medieval core and an intriguing history and yet is also a thriving commercial and tourist centre. The river Shannon flows majestically beneath the city's three bridges. The main sights are the King John's castle, built between the 12th and 16th century and St Mary's cathedral. Other highlights include the Old Exchange facade and Almshouses, located on King's island. Close by are Bunratty castle and Folk Park, one of Ireland's leading tourist attractions. Londonderry Londonderry The old 6th century walled city of Londonderry, is a centre of culture and creativity. The walls dating from the 17th century are still complete and measure 1 mile in circumference, and stand six meters thick. There are several interesting museums like the Tower Museum which tells the history of the city from prehistoric times until these days. From here you can a day trip to the Giants Causeway, a volcanic formation of thousands of hexagon rocks, situated about an hour away on the North Coast. Shannon Shannon Shannon Town is unique in Ireland, being founded the 20th century. It was intended as a home for the thousands of workers at the airport. Just three miles to the east, lays the famous village Bunratty with its castle, medieval banquets and Folk Park. The Town Centre offers great shopping, and a variety of pubs and restaurants. To the south footpaths lead along the shores of the estuary, rich in bird life - from autumn to spring it is one of the most important wild bird sites in Ireland. Sligo Sligo Established by the Vikings in the Middle Ages, Sligo is a typical Irish market town. Within the attractive surrounding countryside of County Sligo are the extensive Neolithic burial sites at Knocknarea, Carrowmore and Carrowkeel. The town is famed for its connections with the poet W.B. Yeats. Don't miss the ruins of the Dominican Friary, known as Sligo Abbey founded in 1252. Sligo offers to its visitors a diverse array of shops and pubs, while bridges and benches are welcome points for quiet reflection. | Tralee Tralee Sitting in the shelter of Tralee Bay, with a panorama of sea and mountains stretching into the west, Tralee formed part of the ancient kingdom of Ciar which dated from the first century. The main attractions are: the Kerry County Museum, incorporating the theme park 'Kerry: The Kingdom' and an exhibit which depicts life in medieval Geraldine Tralee, Siamsa Tire-Folk theatre, offering traditional plays in Irish and Blennerville Windmill, about 2 km outside the town, Ireland's largest still functioning windmill. Waterford Waterford Founded by the Vikings in 914 AD, Waterford was Ireland first city, older than any of the major Nordic capitals of modern Europe, including Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. It has a distinct medieval atmosphere with narrow alleyways, splendid Victorian and Georgian buildings, ancient Norman walls and look out towers. Today, Waterford is one of the most interesting cities in Ireland and is best known for its World famous Waterford Crystal Factory, producing the finest of handmade crystal. Westport Westport Located in one of Ireland's most scenic areas, Westport is an attractive town with something to offer for every taste. It has a gracious town centre in the Georgian architectural style. The most picturesque features of the town are the flower decorated, promenade (The Mall) and little stone bridges along the river Carrow Beg. Westport has beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for swimming. There are sailing and yachting facilities as well as a water leisure complex. Fishing is very popular in the area.
Wexford Wexford Wexford is a former Viking town that reminds the visitors of its significant place in Irish history. County Wexford is most remarkable for the long stretches of pristine beach that line its coast, and for the evocative historic monuments in Wexford Town and on the Hook Peninsula. The Blackstairs Mountains are excellent for hiking. The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve and Great Saltee Island are the ideal places for bird-watchers. Wexford town hosts a well known Opera Festival every autumn.
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