Ireland Travel Guide

Dublin

Cosmopolitan, colorful and over a thousand years old, Dublin presents a fine starting point for visitors to Ireland. This capital city is split in two by the River Liffey, which gives form to the city and has no less than nine bridges spanning it. Easily explored on foot, central Dublin presents a wealth of historic landmarks, from ancient cathedrals to gracious Georgian buildings that pay testimony to days gone by. There are several attractions on both sides of the Liffey, ranging from gaols and castles to the birthplaces of famous poets and writers and guided literary trails.

Not far from the city in County Wicklow are the Wicklow Mountains, where hills and glens, forests and waterfalls attract weekend walkers and nature-lovers. Dublin Bay, which lies between the mouth of the River Liffey and the Dalkey headland, is the site of several small coastal towns and the ferry port of Dun Laoghaire. County Kildare is a region of rich farmland and fine reputation for the breeding of thoroughbred horses, while the similar counties of Louth and Meath have evidence of early civilizations and a wealth of castles and monasteries.

Read more about Dublin »

Cork

Situated on an estuary that opens onto the Atlantic Ocean, the Republic of Ireland's second largest city has been likened to Dublin without the traffic; it is crammed with cosy pubs and cultural attractions.

There is a great rivalry between Cork and Dublin, and the majority of Cork's residents see themselves as distinctly different from the rest of Ireland. Cork is vibrant and cheerful, with music, theater and film all playing a major role in city life, while world-renowned annual festivals add to the lively atmosphere, making it the European Capital of Culture 2005. Cork is also the gastronomic capital of Ireland, with the widest variety of top class restaurants in the country, while nearby Kinsale, also known for its host of award-winning pubs and restaurants, hosts the annual Gourmet Festival.

Located in the southwest, County Cork is the largest county, noted for its maritime identity and impressive coastal scenery as well as being the site of Ireland's most famous attraction, the Blarney Stone. The city is a major seaport and is built around the waterways of the River Lee, connected by numerous bridges; Cork harbor is one of the largest natural harbors in the world. Sights include the 19th century Cork City Jail, the protestant Finbarr's Cathedral, and the Cork Museum, which is largely given over to the nationalist struggle in which Cork played an important role. Popular day trips from Cork include Kinsale and the beautiful coastal scenery of County Kerry, including the Dingle Peninsula.

Climate

Cork has a mild climate with plenty of rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures are never too extreme and Cork often experiences a lot of fog which is most common during mornings and during the winter months. But Cork also experiences a lot of sunshine, some of the most in Ireland and the summer months are the best time of year to visit the Emerald Isle. Average summer temperatures in Cork range between 14°C and 20°C (57°F and 68°F) while average winter daily temperatures hover round 8°C (47°F).

Galway

Capital of the west, Galway is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, which began as a small fishing village on the River Corrib. With its narrow streets full of vibrant pubs and old stone shop fronts, Galway is an exceptionally enjoyable, free-spirited place to spend a few days, especially if they coincide with one of the cultural festivals held during various months of the year. Galway is a very arts-oriented city, and there are namy event and festivals, including the February Jazz Festival, the Easter Festival of Literature and the July Arts Festival, when the streets are alive with music and dancing and the town feasts on Guinness and oysters. The town center has many attractions, including the bustling Spanish Parade, Eyre Square and the nearby medieval quarter as well as the infamous Lynch's Castle. Galway's famous bay is also a popular destination for boats with its sailing races. Situated on the periphery of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area), Galway is an important tourist center and makes a good base from which to explore the magnificent scenery of surrounding areas like the beautiful Connemara and Aran Islands. To the East lies picturesque, rolling farmlands.

Climate

Like the rest of Ireland, Galway experiences year-round mild, wet and temperate weather with changeable temperatures due to the prevailing Gulf Stream. Extremes in temperatures are rare and rainfall is plentiful and hail, sleet and even snow can make for very cold winters. Galway's consistent humidity can lead to heavy showers, and even thunderstorms occurring in late summer. Average daytime temperatures in Galway during summer reach around 61F (16C) while during the winter months, the temperature drops to around 41F (7C).

Killarney

Sitting on the edge of the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park, Killarney is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland, despite its small size. A gateway to southwestern Ireland and a great place to discover the countryside, located on the popular Ring of Kerry route, which meanders through the Iveragh Peninsula. Killarney is also a popular base to explore the scenic Dingle Peninsula, Skellig Michael Island, and Innisfallen Island. Killarney itself has many attractions as well, including Ross Castle and Muckross House. It also has a small but vibrant nightlife, which buzzes seven nights a week.

Dublin

Cosmopolitan, colorful and over a thousand years old, Dublin presents a fine starting point for visitors to Ireland. This capital city is split in two by the River Liffey, which gives form to the city and has no less than nine bridges spanning it. Easily explored on foot, central Dublin presents a wealth of historic landmarks, from ancient cathedrals to gracious Georgian buildings that pay testimony to days gone by. There are several attractions on both sides of the Liffey, ranging from gaols and castles to the birthplaces of famous poets and writers and guided literary trails.

Not far from the city in County Wicklow are the Wicklow Mountains, where hills and glens, forests and waterfalls attract weekend walkers and nature-lovers. Dublin Bay, which lies between the mouth of the River Liffey and the Dalkey headland, is the site of several small coastal towns and the ferry port of Dun Laoghaire. County Kildare is a region of rich farmland and fine reputation for the breeding of thoroughbred horses, while the similar counties of Louth and Meath have evidence of early civilizations and a wealth of castles and monasteries.

Read more about Dublin »

Cork

Situated on an estuary that opens onto the Atlantic Ocean, the Republic of Ireland's second largest city has been likened to Dublin without the traffic; it is crammed with cosy pubs and cultural attractions.

There is a great rivalry between Cork and Dublin, and the majority of Cork's residents see themselves as distinctly different from the rest of Ireland. Cork is vibrant and cheerful, with music, theater and film all playing a major role in city life, while world-renowned annual festivals add to the lively atmosphere, making it the European Capital of Culture 2005. Cork is also the gastronomic capital of Ireland, with the widest variety of top class restaurants in the country, while nearby Kinsale, also known for its host of award-winning pubs and restaurants, hosts the annual Gourmet Festival.

Located in the southwest, County Cork is the largest county, noted for its maritime identity and impressive coastal scenery as well as being the site of Ireland's most famous attraction, the Blarney Stone. The city is a major seaport and is built around the waterways of the River Lee, connected by numerous bridges; Cork harbor is one of the largest natural harbors in the world. Sights include the 19th century Cork City Jail, the protestant Finbarr's Cathedral, and the Cork Museum, which is largely given over to the nationalist struggle in which Cork played an important role. Popular day trips from Cork include Kinsale and the beautiful coastal scenery of County Kerry, including the Dingle Peninsula.

Climate

Cork has a mild climate with plenty of rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures are never too extreme and Cork often experiences a lot of fog which is most common during mornings and during the winter months. But Cork also experiences a lot of sunshine, some of the most in Ireland and the summer months are the best time of year to visit the Emerald Isle. Average summer temperatures in Cork range between 14°C and 20°C (57°F and 68°F) while average winter daily temperatures hover round 8°C (47°F).

Galway

Capital of the west, Galway is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, which began as a small fishing village on the River Corrib. With its narrow streets full of vibrant pubs and old stone shop fronts, Galway is an exceptionally enjoyable, free-spirited place to spend a few days, especially if they coincide with one of the cultural festivals held during various months of the year. Galway is a very arts-oriented city, and there are namy event and festivals, including the February Jazz Festival, the Easter Festival of Literature and the July Arts Festival, when the streets are alive with music and dancing and the town feasts on Guinness and oysters. The town center has many attractions, including the bustling Spanish Parade, Eyre Square and the nearby medieval quarter as well as the infamous Lynch's Castle. Galway's famous bay is also a popular destination for boats with its sailing races. Situated on the periphery of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area), Galway is an important tourist center and makes a good base from which to explore the magnificent scenery of surrounding areas like the beautiful Connemara and Aran Islands. To the East lies picturesque, rolling farmlands.

Climate

Like the rest of Ireland, Galway experiences year-round mild, wet and temperate weather with changeable temperatures due to the prevailing Gulf Stream. Extremes in temperatures are rare and rainfall is plentiful and hail, sleet and even snow can make for very cold winters. Galway's consistent humidity can lead to heavy showers, and even thunderstorms occurring in late summer. Average daytime temperatures in Galway during summer reach around 61F (16C) while during the winter months, the temperature drops to around 41F (7C).

Killarney

Sitting on the edge of the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park, Killarney is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland, despite its small size. A gateway to southwestern Ireland and a great place to discover the countryside, located on the popular Ring of Kerry route, which meanders through the Iveragh Peninsula. Killarney is also a popular base to explore the scenic Dingle Peninsula, Skellig Michael Island, and Innisfallen Island. Killarney itself has many attractions as well, including Ross Castle and Muckross House. It also has a small but vibrant nightlife, which buzzes seven nights a week.

Dublin

Cosmopolitan, colorful and over a thousand years old, Dublin presents a fine starting point for visitors to Ireland. This capital city is split in two by the River Liffey, which gives form to the city and has no less than nine bridges spanning it. Easily explored on foot, central Dublin presents a wealth of historic landmarks, from ancient cathedrals to gracious Georgian buildings that pay testimony to days gone by. There are several attractions on both sides of the Liffey, ranging from gaols and castles to the birthplaces of famous poets and writers and guided literary trails.

Not far from the city in County Wicklow are the Wicklow Mountains, where hills and glens, forests and waterfalls attract weekend walkers and nature-lovers. Dublin Bay, which lies between the mouth of the River Liffey and the Dalkey headland, is the site of several small coastal towns and the ferry port of Dun Laoghaire. County Kildare is a region of rich farmland and fine reputation for the breeding of thoroughbred horses, while the similar counties of Louth and Meath have evidence of early civilizations and a wealth of castles and monasteries.

Read more about Dublin »

Cork

Situated on an estuary that opens onto the Atlantic Ocean, the Republic of Ireland's second largest city has been likened to Dublin without the traffic; it is crammed with cosy pubs and cultural attractions.

There is a great rivalry between Cork and Dublin, and the majority of Cork's residents see themselves as distinctly different from the rest of Ireland. Cork is vibrant and cheerful, with music, theater and film all playing a major role in city life, while world-renowned annual festivals add to the lively atmosphere, making it the European Capital of Culture 2005. Cork is also the gastronomic capital of Ireland, with the widest variety of top class restaurants in the country, while nearby Kinsale, also known for its host of award-winning pubs and restaurants, hosts the annual Gourmet Festival.

Located in the southwest, County Cork is the largest county, noted for its maritime identity and impressive coastal scenery as well as being the site of Ireland's most famous attraction, the Blarney Stone. The city is a major seaport and is built around the waterways of the River Lee, connected by numerous bridges; Cork harbor is one of the largest natural harbors in the world. Sights include the 19th century Cork City Jail, the protestant Finbarr's Cathedral, and the Cork Museum, which is largely given over to the nationalist struggle in which Cork played an important role. Popular day trips from Cork include Kinsale and the beautiful coastal scenery of County Kerry, including the Dingle Peninsula.

Climate

Cork has a mild climate with plenty of rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures are never too extreme and Cork often experiences a lot of fog which is most common during mornings and during the winter months. But Cork also experiences a lot of sunshine, some of the most in Ireland and the summer months are the best time of year to visit the Emerald Isle. Average summer temperatures in Cork range between 14°C and 20°C (57°F and 68°F) while average winter daily temperatures hover round 8°C (47°F).

Galway

Capital of the west, Galway is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, which began as a small fishing village on the River Corrib. With its narrow streets full of vibrant pubs and old stone shop fronts, Galway is an exceptionally enjoyable, free-spirited place to spend a few days, especially if they coincide with one of the cultural festivals held during various months of the year. Galway is a very arts-oriented city, and there are namy event and festivals, including the February Jazz Festival, the Easter Festival of Literature and the July Arts Festival, when the streets are alive with music and dancing and the town feasts on Guinness and oysters. The town center has many attractions, including the bustling Spanish Parade, Eyre Square and the nearby medieval quarter as well as the infamous Lynch's Castle. Galway's famous bay is also a popular destination for boats with its sailing races. Situated on the periphery of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area), Galway is an important tourist center and makes a good base from which to explore the magnificent scenery of surrounding areas like the beautiful Connemara and Aran Islands. To the East lies picturesque, rolling farmlands.

Climate

Like the rest of Ireland, Galway experiences year-round mild, wet and temperate weather with changeable temperatures due to the prevailing Gulf Stream. Extremes in temperatures are rare and rainfall is plentiful and hail, sleet and even snow can make for very cold winters. Galway's consistent humidity can lead to heavy showers, and even thunderstorms occurring in late summer. Average daytime temperatures in Galway during summer reach around 61F (16C) while during the winter months, the temperature drops to around 41F (7C).

Killarney

Sitting on the edge of the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park, Killarney is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland, despite its small size. A gateway to southwestern Ireland and a great place to discover the countryside, located on the popular Ring of Kerry route, which meanders through the Iveragh Peninsula. Killarney is also a popular base to explore the scenic Dingle Peninsula, Skellig Michael Island, and Innisfallen Island. Killarney itself has many attractions as well, including Ross Castle and Muckross House. It also has a small but vibrant nightlife, which buzzes seven nights a week.

Dublin

Cosmopolitan, colorful and over a thousand years old, Dublin presents a fine starting point for visitors to Ireland. This capital city is split in two by the River Liffey, which gives form to the city and has no less than nine bridges spanning it. Easily explored on foot, central Dublin presents a wealth of historic landmarks, from ancient cathedrals to gracious Georgian buildings that pay testimony to days gone by. There are several attractions on both sides of the Liffey, ranging from gaols and castles to the birthplaces of famous poets and writers and guided literary trails.

Not far from the city in County Wicklow are the Wicklow Mountains, where hills and glens, forests and waterfalls attract weekend walkers and nature-lovers. Dublin Bay, which lies between the mouth of the River Liffey and the Dalkey headland, is the site of several small coastal towns and the ferry port of Dun Laoghaire. County Kildare is a region of rich farmland and fine reputation for the breeding of thoroughbred horses, while the similar counties of Louth and Meath have evidence of early civilizations and a wealth of castles and monasteries.

Read more about Dublin »

Cork

Situated on an estuary that opens onto the Atlantic Ocean, the Republic of Ireland's second largest city has been likened to Dublin without the traffic; it is crammed with cosy pubs and cultural attractions.

There is a great rivalry between Cork and Dublin, and the majority of Cork's residents see themselves as distinctly different from the rest of Ireland. Cork is vibrant and cheerful, with music, theater and film all playing a major role in city life, while world-renowned annual festivals add to the lively atmosphere, making it the European Capital of Culture 2005. Cork is also the gastronomic capital of Ireland, with the widest variety of top class restaurants in the country, while nearby Kinsale, also known for its host of award-winning pubs and restaurants, hosts the annual Gourmet Festival.

Located in the southwest, County Cork is the largest county, noted for its maritime identity and impressive coastal scenery as well as being the site of Ireland's most famous attraction, the Blarney Stone. The city is a major seaport and is built around the waterways of the River Lee, connected by numerous bridges; Cork harbor is one of the largest natural harbors in the world. Sights include the 19th century Cork City Jail, the protestant Finbarr's Cathedral, and the Cork Museum, which is largely given over to the nationalist struggle in which Cork played an important role. Popular day trips from Cork include Kinsale and the beautiful coastal scenery of County Kerry, including the Dingle Peninsula.

Climate

Cork has a mild climate with plenty of rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures are never too extreme and Cork often experiences a lot of fog which is most common during mornings and during the winter months. But Cork also experiences a lot of sunshine, some of the most in Ireland and the summer months are the best time of year to visit the Emerald Isle. Average summer temperatures in Cork range between 14°C and 20°C (57°F and 68°F) while average winter daily temperatures hover round 8°C (47°F).

Galway

Capital of the west, Galway is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, which began as a small fishing village on the River Corrib. With its narrow streets full of vibrant pubs and old stone shop fronts, Galway is an exceptionally enjoyable, free-spirited place to spend a few days, especially if they coincide with one of the cultural festivals held during various months of the year. Galway is a very arts-oriented city, and there are namy event and festivals, including the February Jazz Festival, the Easter Festival of Literature and the July Arts Festival, when the streets are alive with music and dancing and the town feasts on Guinness and oysters. The town center has many attractions, including the bustling Spanish Parade, Eyre Square and the nearby medieval quarter as well as the infamous Lynch's Castle. Galway's famous bay is also a popular destination for boats with its sailing races. Situated on the periphery of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area), Galway is an important tourist center and makes a good base from which to explore the magnificent scenery of surrounding areas like the beautiful Connemara and Aran Islands. To the East lies picturesque, rolling farmlands.

Climate

Like the rest of Ireland, Galway experiences year-round mild, wet and temperate weather with changeable temperatures due to the prevailing Gulf Stream. Extremes in temperatures are rare and rainfall is plentiful and hail, sleet and even snow can make for very cold winters. Galway's consistent humidity can lead to heavy showers, and even thunderstorms occurring in late summer. Average daytime temperatures in Galway during summer reach around 61F (16C) while during the winter months, the temperature drops to around 41F (7C).

Killarney

Sitting on the edge of the spectacular scenery of Killarney National Park, Killarney is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland, despite its small size. A gateway to southwestern Ireland and a great place to discover the countryside, located on the popular Ring of Kerry route, which meanders through the Iveragh Peninsula. Killarney is also a popular base to explore the scenic Dingle Peninsula, Skellig Michael Island, and Innisfallen Island. Killarney itself has many attractions as well, including Ross Castle and Muckross House. It also has a small but vibrant nightlife, which buzzes seven nights a week.