Where to Vacation in Ireland

Ireland is a popular Western European vacation option, and full of exciting things to do, see and explore. Ireland is full of historical and sites, recreational activities and breathtaking natural beauty. There are many large cities and charming, idyllic villages to visit while vacationing in the Emerald Isle. Before you plan a vacation in Ireland, it's a good idea to research all your choices of places to visit to find the areas that are most suitable to you.
Dublin

Dublin is the capital city of Ireland, and is a bustling metropolis with a lot of exciting things to do. If you want to visit museums and galleries (like the Dublin Writers Museum and the Bridge Art Gallery), or if you want to visit serene gardens (like Carmel Duignan's Garden and the Garden of Remembrance), the choices are vast and diverse in this city. Not to mention, the shopping and dining is world class.

Cork

This western Ireland city is a popular place for tourists, with its status as a busy seaport. The city is full of hills and streets that were constructed over channels in which ships placed their anchors, centuries ago. This is a traditional Irish city that has a deep culture. Be sure to check out attractions like Cobh Heritage Centre, Jameson Heritage Centre, Desmond Castle, Gunpowder Mills and much more.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a city located in southeast Ireland. With its abundance of abbeys and Norman castles, it is one of the most delightfully historical parts of the entire country. There are a lot of excellent tourist attractions along the city's river, including Duiske Abbey, Jerpoint Abbey, Saint Canice's Cathedral, Dunmore Cave, Graiguenamanagh and, of course, Kilkenny Castle.

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Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.