From the Wild Atlantic West to the Ancient East
Ireland's vibrant capital combines historic charm with modern sophistication. From the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar to the Georgian elegance of Merrion Square, Dublin offers world-class museums, lively pubs, and literary heritage at every turn. The River Liffey divides the city into Northside and Southside, each with its own distinct character. Trinity College, founded in 1592, houses the magnificent Book of Kells alongside the stunning Long Room Library. Dublin's literary heritage runs deep, from James Joyce's Ulysses to the birthplace of renowned writers like Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker. The city's Georgian architecture, particularly around Fitzwilliam Square and St. Stephen's Green, represents some of Europe's finest examples of 18th-century urban planning. Modern Dublin thrives as a tech hub whilst preserving its traditional pub culture, where spontaneous traditional music sessions erupt nightly across the city's 750-plus pubs.
Known as the 'Garden of Ireland', Wicklow offers mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and monastic ruins just south of Dublin. Glendalough's ancient monastery and the Wicklow Mountains provide stunning hiking and photography opportunities. The county encompasses Ireland's largest continuous upland area, rising to 925 meters at Lugnaquilla Mountain. Glendalough, the 'Valley of Two Lakes', houses one of Ireland's most important Early Christian sites founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. The Wicklow Way, Ireland's oldest waymarked walking trail, stretches 127km through spectacular mountain and forest scenery from Dublin to Clonegal.
Ireland's smallest county packs medieval Drogheda, ancient Newgrange, and the scenic Cooley Peninsula into a compact area. Rich in history and close to Dublin, Louth offers easy access to 5,000 years of Irish heritage.
Known as the 'Rebel County', Cork is Ireland's culinary capital with incredible food markets, artisan producers, and coastal beauty. The English Market has been the heart of Cork's food scene since 1788, showcasing the finest local produce from Ballycotton seafood to Gubbeen cheese. Cork city sits on the River Lee, with its Grand Parade and Patrick Street forming elegant shopping thoroughfares lined with 18th and 19th-century architecture. The nearby Blarney Castle, built in 1446, attracts visitors worldwide to kiss the famous Blarney Stone for the 'gift of eloquence'. Cobh, Cork's historic port town, served as the last port of call for the RMS Titanic and remains a poignant reminder of Irish emigration history. The county encompasses Ireland's second-largest city alongside charming coastal villages like Kinsale, renowned for its annual Gourmet Festival and colourful harbourside houses.
Home to Ireland's highest peaks and most spectacular coastline, Kerry offers the famous Ring of Kerry drive, charming Killarney town, and the dramatic Dingle Peninsula. This county showcases Ireland's natural beauty at its finest. The 179km Ring of Kerry loops through Ireland's finest mountain and coastal scenery, passing through colourful villages like Kenmare, Waterville, and Cahersiveen. Killarney National Park encompasses 10,000 hectares of pristine wilderness around the sparkling lakes of Killarney, whilst the ancient oak woodlands shelter red deer and Ireland's only wild herd of native red deer. The Dingle Peninsula extends westward into the Atlantic, where Gaelic culture thrives alongside dramatic archaeology like the Gallarus Oratory and over 2,000 archaeological sites. Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rises dramatically from the ocean, its 6th-century monastery perched impossibly on rocky pinnacles eight miles offshore.
The cultural heart of the west, Galway pulses with traditional Irish music, colourful streets, and artistic flair. This bohemian city serves as the gateway to the wild Aran Islands and Connemara's rugged landscapes. Shop Street and Quay Street form the medieval heart where buskers perform traditional Irish airs amidst centuries-old stone buildings. The River Corrib flows through the city centre, creating perfect salmon fishing spots right in the urban core. Galway's Latin Quarter buzzes with independent boutiques, traditional pubs, and contemporary art galleries. The city's proximity to Irish-speaking regions makes it a centre for Gaeilge culture, whilst the annual Arts Festival and Oyster Festival celebrate its creative and culinary traditions. Beyond the city, County Galway encompasses the mystical Aran Islands, the marble villages of Connemara, and the Twelve Bens mountain range.
Wild Atlantic Way's crown jewel featuring dramatic cliffs at Achill Island, the spiritual pilgrimage of Croagh Patrick, and pristine beaches. Mayo offers authentic Irish culture away from the crowds with stunning natural landscapes. Achill Island, Ireland's largest island, connects by bridge and features some of Europe's finest beaches alongside towering sea cliffs. Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain, attracts pilgrims who climb barefoot on the last Sunday in July, following a tradition dating back 1,500 years. The county encompasses pristine wilderness areas, charming heritage towns like Westport, and the spiritual centre of Knock where apparitions were reported in 1879.
Famous for the iconic Cliffs of Moher and the lunar landscape of the Burren, Clare combines dramatic coastal scenery with unique geology. Traditional Irish music thrives in charming villages like Doolin and Ennis. The Cliffs of Moher rise 214 meters above the Atlantic, stretching for 8 kilometres along Clare's dramatic coastline. The Burren National Park encompasses 1,500 hectares of unique limestone pavement where Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean plants grow side by side in an extraordinary natural phenomenon. County Clare is considered the heartland of traditional Irish music, with renowned venues in Doolin, Ennis, and Miltown Malbay hosting year-round sessions and festivals.
The heart of Ireland offering castle ruins, ancient ringforts, and excellent fishing lakes. Roscommon provides authentic Irish countryside experiences with historic sites, traditional music sessions, and warm rural hospitality.
Ireland's northernmost county boasts Europe's highest sea cliffs at Slieve League, pristine beaches, and the largest Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) region. Donegal offers raw natural beauty and authentic Irish culture in one spectacular package. The county stretches from the Atlantic's wild western shores to the border with Northern Ireland, encompassing dramatic peninsulas like Inishowen and remote Gaeltacht communities where Irish remains the daily language. Slieve League's 600-meter sea cliffs dwarf even the famous Cliffs of Moher, whilst Glenveagh National Park protects pristine wilderness around an enchanting 19th-century castle. The county's 1,100km of coastline includes stunning beaches like Portnoo and Murder Hole, alongside charming fishing villages such as Dunfanaghy and Killybegs. Donegal tweed, handwoven for centuries, remains a symbol of the county's authentic craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
W.B. Yeats country offers mystical landscapes that inspired Ireland's greatest poet. From Benbulben's distinctive profile to ancient Carrowmore tombs, Sligo combines literary heritage with stunning natural beauty and vibrant arts scenes.
Ireland's least populous county offers pristine lakes, quiet waterways, and authentic rural experiences. Perfect for fishing, boating, and escaping the crowds, Leitrim provides peaceful retreats and traditional Irish hospitality.
A vibrant city with medieval heritage, Limerick combines historic King John's Castle with modern cultural attractions. The county offers easy access to the Shannon River, Adare's thatched villages, and excellent dining scenes. King John's Castle, built in 1200, stands as one of Ireland's finest examples of medieval architecture. The picturesque village of Adare, with its thatched cottages and manicured gardens, is often called Ireland's prettiest village.
Ireland's oldest city known worldwide for its crystal, Waterford offers Viking heritage, medieval walls, and the scenic Copper Coast. The city combines urban sophistication with coastal beauty and traditional craftsmanship.
Medieval Ireland's finest example, Kilkenny showcases perfectly preserved castles, cathedrals, and cobblestone streets. This compact city offers world-class arts festivals, traditional crafts, and some of Ireland's best restaurants and pubs.
Gateway to Ireland's Ancient East, Wexford combines 5,000 years of history with beautiful beaches and charming market towns. The county offers excellent birdwatching, historic sites, and the famous Wexford Opera Festival.
Ireland's second smallest county combining historic castles with beautiful river valleys. Carlow offers excellent walking along the River Barrow, historic sites, and traditional Irish culture in a compact, easily explored area.
Home to the Rock of Cashel and fertile Golden Vale, Tipperary showcases Ireland's ecclesiastical heritage and agricultural abundance. The county offers historic sites, traditional music, and excellent walking trails through diverse landscapes.
The lakeland county featuring hundreds of pristine lakes perfect for fishing and boating. Cavan offers peaceful countryside, historic sites, and traditional Irish culture away from tourist crowds in a landscape of rolling hills and waterways.
Drumlin landscape creating a unique topography of small hills and lakes, Monaghan offers excellent fishing, historic castles, and strong Gaelic sporting traditions. This border county provides authentic Irish experiences and warm hospitality.
The Royal County showcases Ireland's ancient past at Newgrange, Hill of Tara, and Trim Castle. Just north of Dublin, Meath offers world-class historical sites, beautiful countryside, and insights into pre-Christian Ireland.
The thoroughbred county famous for horse racing and the Curragh plains. Kildare combines equestrian heritage with historic sites, Japanese gardens, and proximity to Dublin, offering both sporting excitement and cultural attractions.
The heart of the midlands featuring Athlone's Shannon crossing and excellent fishing lakes. Westmeath offers peaceful countryside, historic sites, and traditional Irish culture in a landscape of lakes, rivers, and rolling farmland.
Ancient monasteries and bog landscapes define Offaly, home to Clonmacnoise's world-famous monastic site. The county offers insights into Ireland's spiritual heritage alongside unique bog ecosystems and traditional crafts.
Peaceful midlands county featuring the Slieve Bloom Mountains and historic market towns. Laois offers excellent hiking, traditional Irish culture, and historic houses in a landscape of forests, mountains, and fertile farmland.
Quiet midlands county offering excellent fishing, historic sites, and traditional Irish culture. Longford provides peaceful countryside experiences, literary connections, and authentic rural Irish life away from tourist crowds.
