Ireland City Breaks

A guide to Ireland

Ireland is an exciting and culturally rich country, with a diverse selection of destinations to choose from, all telling their own Irish histories and exuding individual character and energy. Cities such as Dublin, Galway and Kilkenny offer a chance to sample the best of Irish culture and tradition with the friendly locals, who are more often than not willing to share their stories over a pint of the iconic Irish drink, Guinness. With its proximity to the UK and regular cheap flights, as well as cost-effective ferries, Ireland is a great choice for an affordable weekend break from the UK.

Culturally rich and diverse

Dublin, the capital, is Ireland’s largest city, and home to over a quarter of the country’s population, making it an eclectic and vibrant choice for a visit. Situated on Ireland’s east coast, the city is brimming with true Irish character, and is surrounded by stunning natural scenery and long stretches of attractive coastline. Dublin also boasts plenty of fascinating historic and cultural attractions including Dublin Castle, the National Museum of Ireland, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the recently erected ‘Spire of Dublin’ to name just a few. On top of all this, it's one of the greenest capital cities in Europe, with a large selection of parks and open spaces.

Charming cities, beautiful settings

The city of Cork, situated on the southern coast of Ireland, is often hailed as one of the country’s most beautiful, with its impressive Georgian architecture and coastal surroundings. Cork’s numerous artistic venues and annual events, such as the Cork Film Festival, make it perfect for culture-lovers. Galway, on Ireland’s western coast is also a superb spot for a scenic break, boasting rugged coastline nearby and the unique Galway Bay, famous for its selection of traditional sailing craft, whilst the central Irish city of Kilkenny is a good option for those in search of soaking up some history.