Ireland

Dublin

Dublin (Irish: Baile Átha Cliath, "Town of the Hurdled Ford") is the capital city of Ireland. Its vibrancy, nightlife and tourist attractions are world renowned and it's the most popular entry point for international visitors to Ireland.

Galway

Galway (Irish: Gaillimh ) is the county town of County Galway on the west coast of Ireland. It's Ireland's fourth largest city, with a population in 2016 of 79,934, but its historic centre on the east bank of the River Corrib is compact and colourful. It's a party town, with live music and revellers spilling onto its pedestrianised central street, and it's also a base for exploring the scenic surrounding county.

Cork

Cork is a charming city situated in the southern part of Ireland. As the second-largest city in the country, Cork is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and picturesque landscapes. The city's historic center is adorned with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lively markets. Cork's rich maritime heritage is evident along its waterfront, where visitors can enjoy scenic walks and indulge in delicious seafood. The city is also known for its friendly locals and vibrant nightlife, with numerous pubs and live music venues scattered throughout. Just outside the city, the stunning countryside of County Cork awaits, offering visitors a chance to explore beautiful coastal areas, ancient castles, and serene landscapes. With its warm atmosphere and a wealth of attractions, Cork is a delightful destination for travelers exploring the Emerald Isle.

Killarney

Killarney is a town in County Kerry in southwest Ireland. It has a resident population of 14,504 (as of 2016) but in summer they're outnumbered by tourists, because this is one of the most scenic areas of Ireland, firmly on the tourist circuit for over 150 years. Its lakes command great views of Ireland's highest mountains, and the landscape is protected as Killarney National Park. It's the usual starting point for the Ring of Kerry, the 214 km circuit along the coast of Iveragh Peninsula.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is the county town of County Kilkenny in southeast Ireland, with a population of 26,512 in 2016. At its core is the medieval city founded by the Normans, and in the 1640s it was effectively the capital of Ireland. It's a lively small city with a rich cultural heritage and lots of visitor facilities, mostly on the west bank of the River Nore.

Waterford

Waterford is a city in County Waterford in the south of Ireland. Founded over 1100 years ago, it's famous for its fine glassware, though the glassworks has closed down and Waterford Crystal is nowadays made abroad. The city's main attraction is its Viking, medieval and Georgian heritage, reflecting its importance as a port. With a population of 53,504 in 2016, Waterford is the largest conurbation in the area and has the best range of visitor amenities.

Blarney

Blarney ( An Bhlarna, meaning "the little field") is a village in County Cork, nowadays incorporated into the nearby city of Cork. It's been on the tourist circuit for almost 300 years thanks to its castle and Blarney Stone. It's also a commuter town for Cork, with a population in 2016 of 2539. : P70 : P8

Cobh

Cobh is a port in Cork Harbour, County Cork, in southwest Ireland. It's pronounced "cove" and that's what it means, a sheltered harbour. It's part of the commuter belt for Cork city and in 2016 had a population of 12,800, but Cobh retains a small town atmosphere, with colourful terraces rising up the hill to the cathedral, and visiting cruise ships towering over the waterfront. : P70 : P8

Wicklow

Wicklow Town is the county town of County Wicklow on the east coast of Ireland; in 2016 it had a population of 10,584. Its English name is simply Wicklow, probably from Wykinglo "Viking meadow", but the same name is also used for the county, so on these pages it's called "Wicklow Town" wherever ambiguity might arise. The Irish name is unrelated: Cill Mhantáin meaning "church of the toothless one", supposedly because a colleague of St Patrick got his teeth knocked out by hostile locals, but still succeeded in establishing a church here. : P70 : P8

Kinsale

Kinsale ( Cionn tSáile, "head of the brine") is a small harbour in County Cork, Southwest Ireland. It's 25 km south of Cork city, at the mouth of the River Bandon, and in 2016 had a population of 5281. It's a tourist resort, popular for angling and sailing, and has a concentration of gourmet restaurants. : P70 : P8

Wexford

Wexford (Irish: Loch Garman ) is the county town of County Wexford, on the southeast corner of Ireland. The bay that forms its harbour has for centuries drawn incomers, and it was at the centre of the rebellion of 1798. In 2016 it had a population of 20,188. : P70 : P8