Best cities to visit in Ireland: what to see and what to do

Immerse yourself history, culture and nature with a trip to Ireland. It makes for the perfect getaway all year round.

If you really want to get into the Irish way of life, we recommend visiting multiple cities - thankfully it is very well connected by train. However, aside from the capital of Dublin, you might be racking your brains for other places to visit and things to do and see. Here are some of our favourite cities of Ireland and some suggestions of what to do. Whatever you choose, you can be sure to meander around the cobblestone streets being greeted by friendly locals and there will be no shortage of cosy pubs with a pint of Guiness just for you. 

Dublin

Start in the popular capital of Ireland for its modern art, culture, and gastronomy mingle with cobblestoned streets and cosy taverns. Our expert guide will take you on a tour nack to medieval times including the gardens, fortresses and courthouses. You'll surely get your fix of history, literature, and Guinness.

Things to do in Dublin

• Guinness Storehouse tour in Dublin -  The Guinness Storehouse is an excellent place to start because it is Ireland's most visited destination. While enjoying 360-degree views of Dublin from our Gravity Bar, you may learn about the history of Guinness, consume delectable food, and, of course, taste some very important products within. 

• Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle - Avoid the crowds and explore Irish history in peace on this Book of Kells and Dublin Castle exterior tour. Visit the Trinity College Library, home to the famous Book of Kells—widely considered among the most important of all Ireland’s ancient treasures. Listen as your guide brings medieval Ireland to life, shedding light on the Book of Kells’ profound historical significance. Afterwards, we can arrange a guided walking tour around Dublin Castle’s mighty exterior. Visit the gardens and yards, and learn of the castle’s role as court, fortress, treasury, and jail.

• Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour with Tastings - Discover the process behind creating Irish whiskey and sample Jameson whiskey side by side, having the choice to buy a bottle of personalized whiskey that is only available from the distillery.  Learn about the life of John Jameson's and his whiskey-making exploits. Since its founder's daring entry inside the brewery building in 1780, the Jameson brand has been committed to realizing his vision of creating unforgettable moments. 
  

Limerick

The significance of Limerick in Irish history is reflected in its medieval city streets, Norman fortresses, and prehistoric Irish monuments, but the true legacy of the Treaty County is its people. As you explore the many beauties of the country, take advantage of the inhabitants' warm welcome

Things to do in Limerick

• Tour of Limerick -  As one of Ireland's oldest cities Limerick has an abundance of history and stories to tell. A guided walk of Ireland's best city by a fully insured and fully qualified, professional tourist guide. During the tour you can hear about the history of Limerick, from its Viking past to the present, passing some lovely sites along the way.

• Ring of Kerry & Killarney National Park Day tour - Take in some of the most beautiful views of Ireland on this full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry from Limerick. As you ride the 111-mile-long (179-km-long) circular route, pass by places such as Waterville, Sneem, and Killarney National Park. Spot beaches, villages, green pastures, and mountain ranges in County Kerry, and make your last visit to the stunning Torc Waterfall.

Galway

One of the shining and intriguing jewels of the West of Ireland is Galway. It is the only city along the whole 2,500-kilometer length of the Wild Atlantic Way and the midway point of the route. The city is untamed and bohemian while yet being rich in culture, artistic talent, outstanding cuisine, and music. Galway is not just a well-liked seaside town with expansive sandy beaches, but it also has a vibrant, international city centre.

Things to do in Galway

• Day trip to Cliffs of Moher -  Marvel at the natural majesty of the UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher on a full-day trip to one of Ireland’s most popular attractions from Galway. Accompanied by a professional guide, travel south by luxury coach and pass-through quaint fishing villages like Doolin and Kinvara. Admire the ancient fortress of Dunguaire Castle; immerse yourself in the Burren, a limestone landscape reminiscent of the moon’s surface; and then spend a leisurely two hours walking the trails surrounding the colossal Cliffs of Moher.

Cork

In the southern part of Ireland, the city of Cork is a stunning, peaceful location. With about 210,000 residents, it is the second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland.

The city of Cork is noted for its endless green rolling hills, quaint streets, and colorful cottages, which make it the ideal scenic setting.

Things to do in Cork

• Nano Nagle - A renovated convent turned museum, the Place honors Cork native Nano Nagle and her goal of empowering people through the teaching order she established. This is a wonderful place to start learning about everything Cork has to offer.

• The English Market-   is the 18th-century market known for its gorgeous market's wonderful family-run stalls serve a variety of traditional Cork fare, regional goods, and international food.

•  Cork City Gaol - Another one of Cork's most well-known and visited sites, The Cork City Gaol is a wonderfully fascinating site to see and experience some of Cork's rich historical legacy. Take an audio tour to get the full experience at this old jail turned museum from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Our travel consultants would be more than happy to design you a holiday which incorporates all or some of the above activities, arranging pick up and drop off from your hotel and expert tour guides to take you around. Chat to us today about the best things to do in Iceland or any other European city you wish to see.