The Best Cities in Ireland to Visit According to Top Travel Bloggers

Here you’ll find the top cities in Ireland from across the country to help you plan your next trip to Ireland! If you’re planning to spend some time in Northern Ireland—which is definitely worth it—then you’ll enjoy a few honourable mentions we’ve included at the end of this list, too. All parts of the Emerald Isle are well worth exploring, and we hope this list helps you in planning your next adventure.

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Cobh, Ireland made our list for one of the best cities to visit in Ireland.

The list of Ireland’s best cities to visit isn’t short at all. In fact, it’s downright remarkable to consider all the places that are worth seeking out on a trip to Ireland. Too many visitors spend an all too brief moment in Dublin, see a highlight or two, and then take off to the next country on their European adventure.

However, the intention of this list is to encourage you to spend more time in this country (if you’ve got the time, of course). My family on both sides comes from the Emerald Isle—in fact my mom’s family goes many generations back to what’s now Northern Ireland, and my dad’s family goes many generations back to what’s now the Republic of Ireland, so Ireland has always called to me in a way. I’ve visited Ireland and Northern Ireland nearly ten times, but yearn to go back whenever I can.

When talking to folks about Ireland, the most common thing that I hear is that Ireland feels like “a second home,” or “a home away from home.” I certainly know that was my experience there. The Irish people seem intent on making visitors feel comfortable, and I’ve always had the sense that I could live in Ireland.

Alas, I wanted to do something to honour this beautiful island, so I tapped a bunch of my pals in travel on the shoulder, and asked them what city they’d want to include on a list about the best cities in Ireland to visit.

And here we are.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. Simply put, this means we may receive a small commission for sharing some of our heartfelt and honest recommendations, at zero additional cost to you.

The Top Experiences to Seek Out on Any Trip To Ireland

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Staying at a castle in Ireland between visits to cities is a must on a trip to Ireland. Pictured above is Castle Leslie Estate on the border of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Before we dig into a list of the best cities to visit on the Emerald Isle, there are a few quintessential experiences that no trip to Ireland is complete without diving into. Most of these experiences can be found in any part of either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, although some are location specific.

No matter your passions or interests, if your next trip to Ireland involves any combination of these experiences, it will be well worth it.

  • Sip on a cold pint in an historic pub. This is is something everyone needs to do at least once on any trip to Ireland or Northern Ireland. While there are some standout famous pubs like The Temple Bar in Dublin, there are too many other pubs (dare I say better?) to venture off to. Grogan’s in Dublin and Kelly’s Cellars in Belfast are just two of the countless incredible pubs to visit. If you really want to up the ante, you can visit the oldest pub in Ireland, Sean’s Bar in Athlone, which has been around since AD 900. Guiness is absolutely delicious in Ireland, but some other delightful local pints to enjoy include Harp and Kilkenny.

  • Dive into local flavours. I could go on and on about the gastronomic delights of Ireland. Modern Irish cuisine is really bringing exciting dishes to tables across Ireland, which is very much appreciated. But there are still some classics that are just better in Ireland. If you order a beef stew, a Sunday roast dinner or even something simple like Irish soda bread with delicious Irish butter, or fresh Irish cream, it just tastes better in Ireland or Northern Ireland, and I’d highly recommend it.

  • Take a coastal road trip. Bri and I are big fans of taking a road trip when we explore any place, and both Ireland and Northern Ireland lend themselves so well to a road trip. The roads may be narrow in places, but the views and experiences of seeing the small towns and rural scenes on a trip through the Irish countryside and coastal routes make a road trip abundantly worth it. If you aren’t comfortable renting a car yourself, then we’d highly recommend taking a day trip or hiring a driver to check out some of the beautiful drives that exist on the island. Our favourite scenic coastal routes include the Causeway Coastal Route between Belfast and Derry in Northern Ireland ,and the The Slea Head Drive near Dingle and Cork in the Republic of Ireland.

  • Sample or make your own spirits. This is a fun one! The Emerald Isle is known for its history of making spirits, specifically Irish whiskey, so what better way to indulge than to sample, or even make your own? Standout Irish whiskey establishments to head for a sampling or tour include Bushmills and Titanic Distillers in Northern Ireland, and Jameson Distillery and Teeling Whiskey in the Republic of Ireland. There’s also an exciting new wave of spirit-making experiences that you can indulge in across Ireland, like at Listoke Distillery and Gin School where you are meticulously taken through the gin-making process, and you can choose your own ingredients and leave with your very own bottle of homemade gin.

  • Learn about the history of the place. It goes without saying that the history of both Ireland and Northern Ireland is varied, rich and complex, but there are some especially insightful places to visit to better understand Ireland’s history. Learn about its ancient and medieval history by taking a Celtic Boyne Valley tour and heading to Newgrange, the Hill of Tara and Trim Castle. Understand the challenges faced by many Irish emigrants at the EPIC Museum in Dublin, or the Ulster Folk Museum in Northern Ireland. Dive into the complex and heartbreaking political history of Northern Ireland on a walled city tour of Derry/Londonderry, or in a Black Cab Tour of Belfast.

  • Stay in a castle. Ireland is home to tens of thousands of castles, making it one of the most “castled” places in the world! Although many have fallen into ruin, countless others have been revived and restored. Bri and I love a unique stay during any trip, and staying in an Irish castle or estate just has a certain, exciting ring to it. We especially enjoyed staying at Castle Leslie Estate and Tankardstown House on our recent trip to Ireland.

So, What Are Ireland’s Best Cities to Visit?

This list was put together with all of the thoughts of so many trusted travellers that I know. Ireland is a beautiful place to visit, and there are too many memorable destinations to count. Don’t forget to continue through to the end of this post for some honourable mentions from beautiful Northern Ireland, too!

One quick travel tip before we get rolling—if you’re flying in and out of Dublin, consider visiting the Irish Emigration Museum (EPIC Museum). It’s wonderful to go and visit Ireland and to be touched by the culture there, but it’s also fascinating to begin to understand the impact that the Irish people who left Ireland’s shores have had on the world.

Galway, Ireland

Galway is one of the most interesting cities in Ireland!

Kristen Gill from Engaging World Cultures with Kristen Gill:

The port city of Galway is Ireland's third-biggest city, after Dublin and Cork. It's one of my favorites, not only because of its location close to the sea but because of its lively art scene and the many places to hear traditional Irish music.

There are some great pubs here, like Tigh Chóilí or Tigh Neachtain, where you can sidle up to a local for a great conversation, or tuck yourself away in a corner snug with a good book and a properly poured pint of Guinness.

Some of the places to visit in town include the Spanish Arch, Ireland's National Aquarium, St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, the largest medieval church in Ireland, complete with well-preserved stained glass windows, a unique triple nave, and gargoyles, and the Galway City Museum, where you can explore the rich archaeology, history, and heritage of Galway.

Be sure to "walk the prom" (the magnificent seaside promenade) as the locals do, by customarily "kicking the wall" at the end of the trail near the Blackrock diving board, which is said to bring good fortune and luck. It’s been mystifying tourists for years!

Other nearby not-to-miss sights include the famous Cliffs of Moher, the wild and unique landscape of The Burren, and the Aran Islands.

Cork, Ireland

Cork is one of the best cities in Ireland to visit

Victoria Heinz from Guide Your Travel:

Cork might not be the most popular tourist destination in Ireland but you shouldn’t miss this beautiful city. Located by the coast in southern Ireland you’ll love the many nearby beaches and beautiful nature. Even though Cork isn’t the largest city there are still plenty of things to do and see. Cork is known as a foodie hotspot with incredible dining opportunities and plenty of restaurants and cafes to try out. Head to the English Market for some delicious fresh seafood and many other goodies.

Cork’s city centre is easily walkable and getting around will be quite manageable on foot if the weather is nice. You’ll love how close together everything is and of course the fact that there is a pub on almost every corner. Stop by for some traditional Irish Guinness and a pub lunch.

Cork has a good selection of museums and small art galleries. Head to the Crawford Art Gallery for an impressive collection of historic paintings and sculptures. Cork also has a diverse live music scene with plenty of events going on throughout the year. Head to a bar in the evenings with live jazz music or find one of the local indie bands that usually play on the weekends.

Athlone, Ireland

Athlone is one of the best cities in Ireland to visit

Bruna Venturinelli from Ireland and Beyond Blog:

Located near the River Shannon in central Ireland, Athlone is filled with great history, food, and more!

While planning your trip to Ireland, you’ll want to include this lovely place in your itinerary because Athlone is not your typical vacation destination. Oh, no. This is a place to learn more about Irish culture and experience the country far away from the touristy route. Who wouldn’t want that?

So start your exploration at the 13th-century Athlone Castle to get acquainted with the city and learn about the Norman Invasion that happened at that time. Next, head over the eye-catching Church of Saints Peter and Paul, where a replica of Michelangelo’s Moses and Pietà is part of the decoration.

Got thirsty? Not necessarily, right. But hey, this is Ireland, so a stop in a pretty old pub is a must. Sean’s Pub has been serving beer since the 10th-century, which makes it the oldest pub in Ireland. While the facade was reformed in recent centuries, nothing takes off the fact you’re having a cold beer in a unique venue.

Beyond that, the region is surrounded by green areas, so if you’re into leisure walks, go for an easy hike at the Shannon Banks Nature Trail.

This 3-mile route is filled with information boards describing the local fauna and flora. There are plenty of birds to spot along the way of this out-and-back or loop trail, as you prefer.

Cobh, Ireland

Cobh is one of the most beautiful cities in Ireland

John from CapeDiemEire:

Cobh is far from the biggest of Irish cities but packs as big a punch as any when it comes to tourism. How many others can say they were the last stop of the doomed Titanic? That they contain Ireland’s prettiest street. Or they are the gateway to what can best be described as Ireland’s Alcatraz.

To this day Cobh is still Ireland’s only true cruise ship port, but most leave the area to attractions beyond. They really are missing out. Cobh has a significant maritime history as a base during the Napoleonoc Wars and World War I. The Titanic and the stories of those who went down with it are remembered in the Queenstown Story and the Titanic Experience, two of its museums.

Just 20 minutes off Cobh is Spike Island, which at one time was the worlds largest prison. Its island setting makes it one of the unique Irish experiences, made all the more so by its haunting after dark tours. Back on land, Cobh rises colourfully from the harbour, with St Colman’s Cathedral proudly standing above it. The vibrant Deck of Cards houses (that’s Ireland’s prettiest street btw) climbs from the harbour through the steep town, stacked in a way that requires little imagination of how they got their name.

Cobh is found 20 kilometres from its much larger neighbour Cork, built on an island in Cork Harbour. It may be dwarfed by its bigger neighbour but in terms of things to do it may well outperform it. Cobh makes for the perfect day trip from Cork.

Limerick, Ireland

Limerick is one of Ireland’s best cities!

Chrisoula Manika from Historic European Castles:

The city of Limerick stands on the banks of the River Shannon, with its port situated nearer the river’s estuary. Limerick is easy to explore as it has been built on a grid system. At its heart is the old town with its medieval square and St Mary’s cathedral (1168) – the oldest building in the city. The cathedral has a 37-meter tower and a peal of eight bells, which is well worth hearing. It is fun to walk in this area as there are many Georgian buildings to admire.

The 13th century King John Castle stands on the river bank. It is one of the best medieval castles in Europe and is great fun with interactive exhibits and touch screens that tell the castle’s history. The Hunt Museum has a collection of 2,500 interesting historical artifacts, while the Franck McCourt Museum gives an insight into the tough daily life in the 1930s, described by the author in his best-selling novel Angela’s Ashes.

On Saturdays, everyone heads for the Milk Market which is held under a huge canopy. There are 50 stalls selling fresh fish, local produce, and artisan cheeses. If you are a rugby fan, you will have the opportunity to see the iconic team Munster (the Red Army) play at their home ground, Thomand Park.

Waterford, Ireland

Waterford, Ireland is one of the best cities in Ireland to visit.

Faith Coates from XYUandBEYOND:

Waterford, founded by the Vikings over 1000 years ago, is Ireland’s oldest city and it boasts the largest collection of defensive towers and medieval walls in the country.

Waterford was once the most important city in Ireland and the Viking Triangle which sits at the heart of the City is a fascinating place to explore. At the highest point of the Triangle, is Reginald’s Tower, which is the oldest civic building in the country and inside is the most comprehensive Viking Exhibition in Ireland.

Behind the Tower is the Medieval Museum which has incorporated two medieval chambers, a 15th century Mayor’s Wine vault and a 13th century chorister’s Hall. There’s embroidered cloth of gold to marvel over and many other stunning artifacts.

Within the triangle sits Christchurch Cathedral which was built on the site of the 11th century Church where Strongbow and Aoife were married. Strongbow was an Anglo-Norman who led the invasion of Ireland and claimed the Kingship of Leinster through his wife. In 2014 to mark the 844th anniversary of the marriage a modern statue was dedicated to the pair.

Everyone wants to see the House of Waterford Crystal – but I’ll let you in on a little secret, sadly it’s no longer made in Ireland but Eastern European artisans now create this iconic crystal ware.

You can also explore Georgian Waterford at the Bishop’s Palace where the first 2 floors are decorated and furnished as an 18th century townhouse. The Museum displays the treasures of Victorian and Georgian Waterford history from 1700 to 1900.

Waterford is a must see on your journey around Ireland and a great place to explore the stunning landscape of Ireland’s Ancient East.

Sligo, Ireland

Sligo is one of the best cities in Ireland to visit.

Sarah Carter from A Social Nomad:

The chilled laid back vibe of Sligo has been attracting visitors for centuries.

This west coast Irish seaport is the administrative centre of County Sligo in Connacht. Sligo is most well known for its literary heritage and the gloriously rugged countryside around. It is, of course, the home town of the poet, W.B. Yeats and that’s reflected in several attractions both in the city and her surrounds. This is Yeats Country. Yeats is commemorated with a statue in Stephens Street and the nearby Yeats Building on Hyde Bridge is the home of the Yeats Society, where you can see exhibitions about the man himself.

Sligo Abbey, built by the Dominicans in the 1200s is an interesting visit and its just a few minutes walk. The centre of the city of Sligo itself is compact and easy to navigate on foot, so park the car and have a wander.

The River Garavogue runs through the centre of the city and the walkways in the centre are lovely – with some glorious pavement cafes and restaurants. Sligo is at the heart of the west coast food scene too – one not to miss is the Sligo Oyster experience – which can include a trip to the nearby oyster beds to learn how they’re grown. Then of course you’ll want a pint of Guinness with your Oysters – it’s a well known Irish beer and snack combination!

Killarney, Ireland

Killarney is one of the Ireland’s best cities to visit

Anisa Alhilali from Two Traveling Texans:

Killarney is the starting point of the Ring of Kerry drive. It's a cute place with plenty of restaurants and pubs to use as your base to explore County Kerry. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and full of history.

When you visit Killarney, you must plan at least a day to explore the national park. History lovers will enjoy a tour of Muckross House, where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed on their trip to Ireland. Nearby you can explore the ruins of Muckross Abbey.

It's also a fantastic area for hiking. You will want to traverse the trail to the Torc Waterfall. It's 20 meters tall. If you want to see more of the area but rather not walk, you could take a jaunting car, which is a horse-pulled cart.

There are also a few lakes in Killarney National Park. You could walk around them or better yet go out on a kayak or boat tour.

On the edge of Lough Leane, you will find the charming 15-century Ross Castle. While it is only open seasonally for tours, anyone can visit and explore the outside for free.

Also, be sure to check out St. Mary's Cathedral, which has beautiful stained glass windows.

dundalk, ireland

Minutes from the border with Northern Ireland and halfway between Belfast and Dublin, you’ll find the market town of Dundalk. Set among castles, monasteries and forts and steeped in history, your only problem will be figuring out what you want to do next. 

History buffs will love the sights. The gothic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with its delicately carved granite pillars, and vibrant stained glass windows is a tourist favourite. Ten minutes north of Dundalk, the Medieval fortress of Faughart was also the birthplace of one of Ireland’s patron saints, St Brigid in 451. Northwest of the city, Castle Roche was constructed in 1236. 

If you’re looking for a more contemporary experience, visit the Dundalk Craft and Farmers Market, held on the second and fourth Friday of each month. North of the city you can tour the Cooley Distillery, known for its amazing whisky. Visit in the late summer to experience the oyster festival in neighbouring Carlingford.

Kilkenny, Ireland

Kilkenny is one of the best cities to visit in Ireland

Cazzy Magennis from Dream Big Travel Far:

Kilkenny is one of my favorite places to visit in Ireland. It’s everything you want an Irish city to be: charming, atmospheric, lively, and has a castle! Kilkenny Castle is definitely the main highlight of the city, and it’s a perfect place to grab a spot in the castle gardens (which are free to visit) and have a picnic, or you can explore inside the castle and learn more about the history. There’s also a really cute tea room inside too!

Kilkenny is also a perfect place to grab a drink in a local pub. There are lots of pubs to choose from and lots of them play live music. What’s really cool about Kilkenny is that there are lots of buskers playing live traditional music, or doing performances on the streets, so you get constant entertainment as you’re wandering around the city and enjoying the sights.

Thanks to its Norman heritage, you’ll not run out of brilliant things to see in Killkenny. Lots of the sights date back 800 years ago! Make sure you visit the Cathedral Church of St Canice & Round Tower and the beautiful Dominican Black Abbey.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is one of the most beautiful cities in Ireland

Sydney Richardson from A World in Reach:

When visiting Ireland, there’s a pretty good chance that Dublin will be your first stop. Dublin is one of the best cities in Ireland with so much to do. It’s worth spending at least a few days in Dublin before moving on to your next Irish destination.

After arriving in Dublin, one of your first stops should be a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Consistently ranked as one of the top attractions in Europe, the Guinness Storehouse gives you an inside look at the history of Guinness and the brewing process. At the end of the tour, enjoy a pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar, which has great 360° views of the city.

If you’re ready for another drink, head over to Bow Street to tour the Jameson Distillery to try some of the famous whiskey. In the evening, head to the Temple Bar area for a visit to one of the area’s pubs including the iconic Temple Bar. Drinks here are expensive and it's pretty touristy, but the atmosphere is a ton of fun. Come here for just one drink before moving on to a more local pub.

Believe it or not, Dublin has more to offer than trying various adult beverages. Pay a visit to Trinity College to see the Old Library and the Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures. You can also take a walking tour of some of the city’s top sights including Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Dublin Spire.

Kinsale, Ireland

Kinsale is one of Ireland’s top cities to visit

Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple:

Kinsale is a stunning coastal town in south west of Ireland popularly known for its colourful houses, cobbled streets and a charming harbour.

If you are travelling South to North of Ireland, Kinsale is the starting point of Wild Atlantic Way.

Cork is 22kms from Kinsale and Cork airport is 16kms away. Proximity to Cork city makes Kinsale a great choice for a day trip. There are frequent buses that connect Cork to Kinsale, and the journey time is 45 minutes.

Kinsale is a perfect storybook town that you definitely want to add to your itinerary when travelling in Ireland, more particularly the South. You can walk around the harbour, sample the food, or get lost in the colourful lanes that houses cafes, book shops and art galleries. Mild climate in Kinsale makes it a great choice for sailing, sea angling and dolphin/whale watching activities.

If you appreciate long walks, we highly recommend taking the Scilly Walk to Charles Fort. This is a 6km loop and takes approximately 50 minutes to walk. If you wish, you can take a tour inside Charles Fort to understand the history, and explore the fortifications. With sweeping views and incredible scenery, this will be fantastic addition to make your Ireland trip a memorable one.

Drogheda, Ireland

Newgrange is one of the top spots to visit in Ireland

Allan Wilson from It’s Sometimes Sunny in Bangor:

Located roughly 45 kilometres north of Ireland’s capital city, Drogheda is somewhat of a commuter area along the main motorway connecting Dublin to Belfast in Northern Ireland, and is known from bypassing commuters for the sprawling Mary McAleese Boyne Valley Bridge.

While it is not best known for tourism in Ireland, Drogheda and the surrounding area is historically significant and the city serves as a convenient base to explore some of Ireland’s most significant heritage sites. Interests within the city would have to include the severed head of Oliver Plunkett, a 17th-century Irish Saint who was hung and beheaded, and his head is now found in an intricate golden shrine at St Peters Church.

Otherwise, the less obscure tourist attractions are found in the surrounding Boyne Valley including the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre where the famous battle had taken place between the Protestant King Billy (William of Orange) and Catholic King James. A battle that shaped that backdrop of tension and division found to this day on the island.

Then, just 8 kilometres west of Drogheda, is one of Ireland’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites with Brú na Bóinne and the famous Irish burial mound of Newgrange that dates way back to c. 3,200BC. This alone is a huge attraction with daily tours from the centre of Dublin as well as an annual pilgrimage for the winter solstice. But it makes more sense to stay and travel out from Drogheda and to cover the other attractions in the area.

Some Honourable Mentions from Northern Ireland

Technically this list is primarily focused on the Republic of Ireland, but in case you’re planning on exploring both Ireland and Northern Ireland on one large trip, which is definitely worth it, here are some of my recommendations.

Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland

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The view of “The Walled City” from Ebrington Square.

Derry (or Londonderry) is known for being such a well-preserved walled city in Europe. Situated on the banks of the River Foyle, Derry is the second largest city of Northern Ireland and the fourth-largest city on the island of Ireland, boasting a population of roughly 100,000 people.

Since the peace process took place in Northern Ireland, Derry’s makes for an excellent tourist destination, and is truly a beautiful, historically rich city to visit. A highlight on a trip to Derry is to take a walking tour of Derry’s city walls, or if you’re a fan of the hit show, you can even take a Derry Girls guided walking tour around the core of the city to learn about its history and stop at notable sites from the show on the tour.

The Museum of Free Derry is a tourist draw in the city, with its poignant exhibits of the city’s recent past. Experience what happened in the city during the period of 1968-1972 (known as ‘Free Derry’), as well as the civil rights era, Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday. The museum extracts itself from the “political” and attempts to place Derry’s history into a wider Irish and international context.

If you‘re looking for a delicious bite to eat, The Pickled Duck and Browns in Town are excellent places for lunch and dinner, respectively. The Ebrington Hotel is also a wonderful place to stay, with its west-facing rooms offering stunning walled city views at any time of day.

For those looking for a longer tour, Derry is a great starting point for a Northern Ireland road trip along the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route to Belfast.

belfast, Northern Ireland

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Belfast City Hall at night

Bri Mitchell from Bri Mitchell Travels

Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, situated on the mouth of the River Lagan and surrounded by low hills. It’s home to many exciting quarters and districts, along with historic restaurants, bars, sites and a rich and complex cultural history. While the majority of tourists head to the Republic of Ireland, this gem in the North offers stunning natural beauty, a rich history, fine food and a number of diverse attractions.

Start your trip by checking out Belfast’s city center, and its renowned City Hall. You’ll definitely want to visit some of Belfast’s esteemed pubs and restaurants while you’re here, too. Some of my favourites are Kelly’s Cellars, The Crown Liquor Saloon, and The Garrick. Dining at delicious restaurants like James St., or my personal favourite, Mourne Seafood Bar, will also be a highlight on your trip.

Consider spending an afternoon or staying in the Titanic Quarter during your trip to Belfast. It has exciting attractions like a beautiful coastal walk, a whiskey distillery, a luxury hotel and the famous Titanic Belfast. At the Titanic Belfast you can take a self-guided tour through nine interactive galleries intended to replicate the sights, sounds, smells and stories of the infamous ship, as well as the people and city that made her. Other must-visit historical sites include the amazing collection at the Ulster Museum, a tour of Carrickfergus Castle and the bustling St George’s Market.

If you’re looking for more contemporary attractions, and you’re a Game of Thrones fan, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour is also essential. Finish off your trip with an incredible live theatre performance at the Metropolitan Arts Centre, and heading out to the hip night scene in the Cathedral Quarter.

BangoR, Northern Ireland

In Irish, Bangor is “Beannchor,” a horned or peaked curve, referring to the shape of the city’s bay. Records of the city go back to the 6th and 7th centuries, but it remained a small place until the 17th century, when it grew as a port.

Once the railway made travel less expensive in Victorian times, Bangor became a fashionable seaside resort. People flocked to the town under the belief that the “fresh sea air” was restorative, and I can’t say I disagree with the idea.

Bangor remained a tourist draw until the 1960s when air travel made Mediterranean vacations more desirable because of the warmer climate. Since the sixties, the town has become larger and the economy has become more robust.

The city boasts several museums: the North Down Museum has an extensive collection of local history and culture; the Somme Museum, with exhibitions related to Ireland’s contribution to the First World War; and the Ulster Museum, a fantastic place to familiarize yourself with the history and culture of Northern Ireland.

For family fun, visit Pickie Fun Park, a seaside oasis for children with swan pedal boats, paddling pools, playgrounds, and a miniature railway.

You can also take a stroll through the adjacent Marine Gardens and along the North Down Coastal Path to see beautiful panoramic views of Bangor Bay and the hills of Antrim beyond.

ArmagH, Northern Ireland

Large enough to be considered a “city,” but small enough to explore on foot, Armagh is an ancient city set amongst rich, historic Georgian architecture. Home to ancient cathedrals and wonderfully appointed museums, the city is also metropolitan enough to be one of Ireland’s leading culinary destinations.

Explore history as you visit the historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Head out to the Navan Fort, one of the most famous and important archeological sites in the city and the site of the great temple in the year 95 BC.

Enjoy a farm-to-fork experience in a city surrounded by a wealth of artisan food producers, cideries and restaurants with a variety of foods to entice and enhance your palate.

That’s a Wrap on the Top Cities in Ireland

I hope that this article on the best cities in Ireland to visit serves as a bucket-list for you, as guides you toward your next great Irish adventure.

Whenever I think about going back to Ireland, the thing that stands out in my mind isn’t the big cathedrals, or any one particular site. I simply yearn to be in a pub with a freshly poured pint of Guiness, and to feel the warmth all around me of cheery people relaxing in a pub.

Until the next time, slàinte, my friend.