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If you’re thinking about a vacation to discover the beauty of Ireland, its castles and cities, you should know Ireland visa requirements to make your exciting trip come true. Being a country with a great historical background and a welcoming population, Ireland has so much to offer to tourists starting from the capital – Dublin and finishing with Galway coast. Perhaps you may be interested in the historic Trinity College in Dublin, the artistic city of Galway, or the Viking history of Waterford, every city in Ireland is packed with culture and nature.
In this case, it is easy to get lost in the Ireland Visa requirements but there is always a way to go about it. Overseas visitors may require a Visa to enter Ireland; this will depend on the overstay country and the purpose of visit. With your visa in your pocket, it’s time to discover Ireland’s most popular cities, where Gothic and Renaissance architecture are intertwined with today’s vibrant atmosphere and where traditions are as old as the world and as new as today. This guide presents seven key cities in Ireland that will provide a fascinating experience and show the most interesting sights in the Emerald Isle.
Below are seven of the most recommended cities in Ireland that you should visit during the course of your tour.
1. Dublin – The Dynamic City of Ireland
Dublin is the lively capital city of Ireland and is also rich in culture and history. Trinity College with the famous Book of Kells, Dublin Castle and the famous Guinness brewery are just a few of the sites that will catch the eye of every tourist. Stroll through Temple Bar for fun bars, music, and small preview of Dublin after dark. The National Museum and the Irish Museum of Modern Art should be visited in case you want to experience the Irish roots and modern spirit.
2. Galway – Arts City and Festival Centre
The city is located along the western part of the country and is known for its artistic and friendly vibe. Popularly referred to as Ireland’s cultural capital, the city is home to many events such as the Galway International Arts Festival and the Galway Oyster Festival. The painted streets are lined with Irish tunes and place of interests such as the Spanish Arch, Eyre Square and the old St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. Stroll in Quay street which is a pedestrian through fare lined with shops, cafes and street performers that give life to Galway.
3. Cork – Ireland’s Food Capital
Being known as the food capital of Ireland, Cork is a perfect place for fans of cuisine – the English Market is a perfect example of local food store. Cork is full of history, and visitors can see it in St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral and Cork City Gaol, which was a prison and is a museum today. Only half an hour drive from the city and you are at the Blarney Castle, home of the famous Blarney Stone where people can kiss and get the gift of the gab. The cosmopolitan ambiance, the interesting pubs, and spectacular riverside make Cork a great place for a visit.
4. Limerick – A City of Past and Present
Limerick has situated on the River Shannon and consist of both the old and the new structures. King John’s Castle is a 13th-century fortress with a 300-year-old ring fort built on the site, an exhibition area with a theater program, and views of the city. The Hunt Museum should not be missed by anyone interested in art and antiques as it houses a fantastic exhibit. Newtown Pery boasts of some Georgian architecture that is in Limerick, though other regions in this city also feature this kind of design. The local people of the city are warm, and the energy within the city is alive which makes it an ideal destination to embracing the Irish culture.
5. Kilkenny – The Medieval City of Ireland
To get a feel of medieval Ireland, visit Kilkenny, which is among Ireland’s best preserved cities. The centre-piece for the city is the Kilkenny Castle with cobbled streets, painted buildings and places of interest such as the St. Canice’s Cathedral. If you are looking for souvenirs, then the Kilkenny Design Centre stocks Irish crafts and designs. Kilkenny is also known for the Kilkenny Arts Festival held every year, where artists from various parts of the globe come to showcase their talents making it a culturally rich city.
6. Waterford – Ireland’s Oldest City
Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland, it was founded by Viking in the 9th century, and it still has certain flair. Waterford Treasures museum contains collections that tell the story of the city; Reginald’s Tower is the oldest municipal structure in Ireland and also reflects the Viking era. Waterford is also famous for Waterford Crystal and visitors can get a tour of the House of Waterford Crystal. The Viking Triangle and the closeness to the sea make the city mysterious and beautiful at the same time.
7. Derry (Londonderry) – A Walled City with a History
Londonderry, often referred to simply as Derry, is Northern Ireland’s second city and home to one of the best preserved walled cities in Europe. The City walls give an insight of the city and St Columb’s Cathedral also gives a historical view of the city. The Museum of Free Derry gives information about the civil rights fight of Northern Ireland which makes it appealing. Cross the contemporary structure of the Peace Bridge and discover the lively food and arts culture which defines the city of Derry.
Conclusion
The cities of Ireland are different in their own way and each of them may boast historical richness, beautiful sceneries and vibrant atmosphere. Regardless the interest and love history, art, or medieval architecture, Dublin, Galway, and Kilkenny on your Irish trip will not leave you indifferent. Here is what you should do to see the best of Ireland and experience its hospitality.