Vacationing in Ireland - Places to See

Ireland is divided into two separate governmental territories including Northern Ireland that is a part of the United Kingdom, and the independent Republic of Ireland. The climate with its moisture and rain gives Ireland the beautiful, green trees and landscape.

Belfast
Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland. A great place to see when vacationing in Ireland, the metropolis is one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom. An hour's drive south west of Belfast, Armagh is the place where Saint Patrick built his main church headquarters in the 450s A.D. A visitor's complex, Saint Patrick's Train, traces the history from Celtic, to Saint Patrick, to modern times.

Dublin
The capital city of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is Ireland's largest city. Located on the island's eastern shore, the site was at one time a stronghold for the Vikings. A must see place for those vacationing in Ireland, O'Donoghue's is the heart of Dublin City and one of the most popular destinations. This traditional pub, on 15 Merrion Row, is famous for its live Irish music. The Dubliners were one of the groups who got their start at O'Donoghue's.

Cork
Cork is the main city of County Cork. The many immigrants have brought their cultures and cuisine to enrich the city. Markets, cafés and restaurants exhibit the city's diversity. For those vacationing in Ireland, one of the country's famous castles is only about twenty minutes out of Cork. Blarney Castle has the Blarney Stone and the Rock Close, a scenic spot where ancient druids lived.

Galway
Galway on Ireland's western coast is the country's fastest growing city and a great place for those vacationing in Ireland to visit. The area has several freshwater lakes for fishing, a background of the Twelve Bens Mountain Range and a number of Blue Flag beaches. Visitors can tour several castles and ruins in the area.