Ireland Attractions

Waterford

Waterford has a decidedly medieval feel, with city walls, narrow alleyways and a Norman tower. Georgian times also left a legacy of fine buildings, in particular those on the Mall, a spacious 18th-century street. Important buildings include the City Hall and the Bishop's Palace.

The city's many churches are also noteworthy, especially the sumptuous interior of Holy Trinity Cathedral. Waterford is first and foremost a busy commercial port city, situated on the River Suir, whose estuary is deep enough to allow large ships to berth at the city's quays.

Galway

Lined by stone shopfronts, Galway's (Gaillimh) narrow cobblestone streets fill with a frenzy of street performers who enchant passers by. The administrative capital of County Galway, the city is also a departure point for the wild, windswept Aran Islands.

With more restaurants per capita than any other Irish city and a smorgasbord of festivals including the October Jazz Festival, the Easter Festival of Literature and the Galway Arts Festival in July, even the near-constant rain fails to dampen the city's spirits.

Londonderry

The historic city of Derry is the only walled city in Ireland whose ramparts have survived intact. The River Foyle curves picturesquely around the old walled town, creating a cosy setting that jars with the reality of this city's troubled history. A walk around its old walls is one of the highlights of a visit to Northern Ireland.

From the top of the walls there are good views of the Bogside area and its defiant murals ('No Surrender!') and the Free Derry monument. Derry has lots of fascinating history to absorb, including St Columb's Cathedral dating from 1628. The city also has a well-founded reputation for musical excellence, from traditional to cutting-edge contemporary.

Connemara

The wild and barren region northwest of Galway City is known as Connemara. It's a stunning patchwork of bogs, lonely valleys, mountains and lakes, with only the odd remote cottage or castle hideaway for company. The hills offer views of the sea from its rocky islands to its sparkling white beaches.

The coast road from the settlement of Spiddal meanders through the maze, but more unforgettable still is the journey through the Lough Inagh Valley and around Kylemore Lake - it would be hard to surpass the misty beauty of this mountainous landscape.

Cork

The Irish Republic's second largest city is a surprisingly appealing place - you'll find time passes effortlessly during the day, and by night the pub scene is lively. The town centre is uniquely situated on an island between two channels of the Lee River.

North of the river, in the Shandon area, is an interesting historic part of the city, although it's a bit run down today. Sights to the south include the Protestant St Finbarr's Cathedral, the Cork Museum (largely given over to the nationalist struggle, in which Cork played an important role), the 19th century Cork Jail, the City Hall and numerous churches, breweries and chapels.

The Burren

In northern County Clare, the Burren region is an extraordinary place. Miles of polished limestone karst stretch in every direction, and settlements along the coast are few; they include the popular Irish music centre of Doolin and the attractive coastal village of Ballyvaughan.

The Burren Underground caverns, cracks, springs and chasms are the major features of the Burren, which is ringed by caves. Its Flora is a bizarre mix of Mediterranean, Arctic and Alpine plants, and the region is the last bastion of the rare pine marten. It also has a rich Stone and Iron Age history.

Dublin

In the wake of a remarkable economic boom, Dublin's landscape has changed immeasurably over the past decade. These days Dublin ranks among the top tourist destinations in Europe, and this vibrant city hums with a palpable sense that it is creating a new cultural heritage.

The city's burst of prosperity gave it a new confident sheen, but what remains special is the spirit of the people who ensure that, despite whirlwind changes, Dublin remains one of Europe's most down-to-earth, friendly and accessible cities.