7 of the top cities to visit in Ireland and Northern Ireland

No list of the best cities in Ireland would be complete without the country’s world-renowned capital, which is also its largest city. Whether you’re drawn there for its literary importance (we’re looking at you, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett), academic significance (don’t miss your chance to see “The Book of Kells” at Trinity College), acclaimed street performers (you might just find the next Ed Sheeran busking on Grafton Street), or lively nightlife (hats off to anyone who successfully “splits the G” on their first sip of Guinness), you’re in for an unforgettable visit.

On our Grand Tour of Ireland, you’ll get familiar with the city on a sightseeing tour alongside a local expert, stopping to admire and explore some of the city’s highlights. Then, enjoy a free evening to fill as you please. You just might end up pub-crawling around the famous Temple Bar District and spending your night clinking glasses with locals.

Ready to start planning your visit? Check out The Go Ahead Travel Guide to Dublin for everything you need to know about the Irish capital.

What to do in Ireland’s capital

Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This is the first recommendation on our list of how to spend 48 hours in Dublin. It’s the country’s first national church—and its grand interior architecture never ceases to stun.

Walk the grounds of Trinity College. The 16th-century university is sure to impress. Pro tip: Secure a ticket in advance to see the world-famous “Book of Kells” in the university’s library.

Learn to pour the perfect pint. The Guinness Storehouse is the place to learn this skill (and it is a skill!) while taking in stunning views of the surrounding city.

This seaport in the southeast may not have been on your radar of where to go in Ireland, but once you start strolling the along quays of the country’s oldest city, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t thought to visit sooner. Those interested in Viking culture will love the living history lesson: Norse raiders were attracted to this sheltered bay on the River Suir more than 1,100 years ago, eventually helping Waterford become one of the most-used ports in Ireland.

On our Grand Tour of Ireland, a local guide will regale you with tales of its start as a Viking settlement in 914 A.D. while you walk through the Waterford Viking Triangle. Peruse the exhibition tucked inside the thick stone walls of Reginald’s Tower; just out front, there’s a 40-foot replica of a Viking longship.

Another of the top must-see places in southern Ireland: the Waterford Crystal Factory, which you’ll also have the chance to visit while on tour. This is one spot you’ll want to stick around a bit longer at to find an extra special souvenir to bring back home. As second-time traveler Kelly said after her trip, “I loved the Waterford Crystal tour, sheep herding demonstration, castles, cathedrals, and nature.”

What to do in Ireland’s oldest city

Explore the Viking Triangle. Reflect on the history steeped in its 1,000-year-old walls as you roam.

Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory. Did you know that Waterford’s crystals are what give the New York’s Times Square New Year’s Eve ball its sparkle?

Bike or stroll along the scenic Waterford Greenway. The combination of emerald greenery and coastal views is a treat for the senses.

Want to uncover more expert tips on what to do in Ireland? Head over to our ultimate Ireland Travel Guide to learn all the must-dos in Ireland.

Located on the shores of Lough Leane, Killarney is one of the best cities to visit in Ireland. Considered the crown jewel of “The Kingdom” of County Kerry, this is a land whose wild beauty is punctuated only by the occasional castle or storybook village (and fantastic pubs, of course).

A great base for exploring the area, Killarney is perhaps the most bustling spot to stay in County Kerry. It’s the gateway to Killarney National Park (which you’ll get to visit on our Grand Tour of Ireland), home to Ireland’s tallest mountain, 3,407-feet-high Carrauntoohil, and the multi-stage walking trail of Kerry Way (with its iconic landmarks like the gushing Torc Waterfall). “I enjoyed the itinerary, especially the time spent in the beautiful Irish countryside,” said one traveler. There’s a reason we list visiting Killarney National Park as one of the best things to do in Ireland in our Ireland Travel Guide—it’s a can’t-miss spot.

If you want to time your visit just right, give our season-by-season Ireland guide a read to uncover your perfect Ireland travel season.

What to do in Killarney

Admire the landscapes of Killarney National Park. The park has lakes, waterfalls, and estates scattered throughout that make every view thrilling.

Hop aboard a scenic boat cruise. Enjoy hearing regional expertise from your guide as you sail past castles, mountains, and islands.

Hike up to Torc Waterfall. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider getting active and making your way to this natural beauty—the views will reward your efforts.

If you had to pick one Irish city to define “teolaí” (the Gaelic word for “cozy”), it would be Galway. Spending 48 hours in Galway adds to the charm factor on our Grand Tour of Ireland. You’ll head north after cruising along the Ring of Kerry and pause at some of Ireland’s most iconic sites. Walk along the coastline of the impressive Cliffs of Moher, which have inspired artists and musicians for generations, before passing through the wildflower-laden, limestone landscapes of the Burren. Once you reach Galway, check out the city’s main attractions—like Lynch’s Castle and Galway Cathedral—or stroll around the still-standing medieval walls and Spanish Arch, which once housed soldiers keeping watch.

Traditional Irish music is found in nearly every corner of the city, but if you want to take in a full performance (by world-champion step dancers, no less), book an optional three-course dinner with a show choreographed to Gaelic tunes. For something more regal, feast like royalty in a nearby castle, where you can sip from a goblet of mead before sitting down for an evening of stories and songs.

What to do in Galway

Wander through the Latin Quarter. Colorful storefronts, live music, and local craft shops create that classic Galway buzz. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and people watch.

See the Spanish Arch and Galway City Museum. These riverside landmarks highlight the city’s maritime roots. Dig into historical context while savoring the museum's exhibits before continuing your stroll along the Corrib River.

Enjoy traditional music in a charming pub. Galway is famous for its nightly trad sessions. Pop into places like Tigh Neachtain or The Crane Bar to hear musicians play everything from lively jigs to soulful ballads.

Irish poet William Butler Yeats declared the coastal town of Sligo “the land of heart’s desire”—and it’s not hard to see why. The sheer slopes of Benbulbin are reminiscent of Cape Town’s Table Mountain; the waterfront is as scenic as the French city of Strasbourg; and stone cairns suspended over the sea have become folkloric legends. It’s no wonder this landscape inspired the writer, and has served as a backdrop in TV series like the adaptation of Sally Rooney’s book “Normal People.”

When you spend the night here on our Grand Tour of Ireland, snap photos of some of the natural beauties Yeats mentioned, like the Glencar Waterfall and the uninhabited island in Lough Gill, which inspired his most famous poem, “The Lake Isle of Innisfree.” Set right along the Wild Atlantic Way driving route, Sligo is one of the few cities in Ireland where you can hit the waves. Head to one of the popular surf spots or soak up culture another way—by visiting historic sites like Temple House, a Georgian manor overlooking a 13th-century lakeside castle of the Knights Templar.

What to do in Sligo

Visit Drumcliffe Churchyard. Pay your respects at the resting place of poet William Butler Yeats. The surrounding views of Benbulben Mountain add to the romantic atmosphere.

Explore the Wild Atlantic Way coastline. Sligo’s beaches—like Strandhill and Mullaghmore—are ideal for a breezy walk, surf lesson, or simply watching the waves roll in. So, cruising along the Wild Atlantic Way driving route is one of the our things to do in Ireland (especially if you’re hoping to soak up natural scenery).

Tour the Sligo Abbey ruins. Dating back to the 13th century, these evocative monastic remains offer a glimpse into medieval Irish life. The carved tombs and cloisters are hauntingly beautiful.

While Northern Ireland is part of the U.K., you’ll likely feel the strong cultural ties to Ireland during your visit. One place not to miss in Northern Ireland? Derry! Northern Ireland’s second-largest city is steeped in history, and surrounded by it, too. Derry’s walls—which have never been breached, earning the settlement the nickname “The Maiden City”—date back more than 400 years and tower nearly 20 feet high and wide. Exploring the mile-long oval, you’ll take in the usual 17th-century sites (bastions, watchtowers, and gates).

“The Northern Ireland tour part was sobering, but well worth it,” said traveler Deborah after taking our Grand Tour of Ireland. “The tour guides explained with great compassion and care what the Troubles were all about so we could appreciate their struggles and sacrifices.” While certainly sobering, unpacking this history earns a spot on our list of the top things to do in Northern Ireland.

Take in some of the city’s striking street art or head to the Craft Village, a reconstructed 18th-century street with craft stalls, coffee shops, and restaurants that often hosts art exhibitions and theater performances.

What to do in Derry

Walk the Derry city walls. This is one of Europe’s best-preserved walled cities. A stroll here gives you sweeping views of the Old Town and key sites related to Derry’s complex history.

Visit the Museum of Free Derry. Located in the Bogside neighborhood, this museum honors the city’s civil rights movement. It’s a powerful stop that adds depth to any visit.

See the Peace Bridge. This elegant, pedestrian-only bridge symbolizes a new chapter for the city. Cross from the Cityside to the Waterside for great river views.

The main draw to Northern Ireland’s political and cultural capital is Titanic Belfast, built on the site of the Harland & Wolff shipyard where the legendary vessel was built. Interactive galleries trace the ship’s history and include everything from unique artifacts to cabin recreations. After checking off the Titanic exhibition, visit some of the cutting-edge galleries in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, sample local cuisine in St. George’s Market, or hike up Cave Hill for a panoramic shot of the city.

On our Grand Tour of Ireland, you’ll get a local’s perspective on Belfast’s history, from its origins in the Bronze Age to its role as an international seaport and its struggles during the sectarian conflict of the Troubles. “Belfast was a country unto it’s own, include [it] in your journey for a full understanding of Irish heritage,” said traveler Judy.

During a free day, take an optional excursion to the Giant’s Causeway—one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland—where you can walk on 60-million-year-old hexagonal basalt columns which, legend goes, mythical giant Finn McCool built to cross the sea to Scotland.

What to do in Belfast

Tour the Titantic Belfast Museum. This state-of-the-art experience brings the story of the world’s most famous ship to life. It sits on the very site where RMS Titanic was built.

Explore St. George’s Market. One of the oldest covered markets in the U.K., this vibrant spot is packed with artisan vendors, baked goods, and live music. It’s a beloved local hangout.

See the political murals. A black-cab tour is the best way to understand Belfast’s past and present. The stories behind these murals (which a local guide will detail) make them even more impactful.