13 best cork ireland travel guides

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Welcome to Ireland

Ireland may be a small country but it deserves its big reputation: breathtaking landscapes and fascinating, friendly people, whose lyrical nature is expressed in the warmth of their welcome.

Everything you’ve heard is true: Ireland is a stunner. The Irish need little prodding to proclaim theirs the most beautiful land in the world, and will support their claim with examples, from the brooding loneliness of Connemara to the world-famous scenery of counties Kerry and Cork.

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Dublin

Ireland's capital has a wealth of attractions, most within walking distance of each other — from Trinity College to Christ Church Cathedral, there are historic sights at every turn. Southeast Dublin is home to Grafton Street's attractive shops and much of Ireland's cultural heritage, including the National Gallery and National Museum of Archaeology. Southwest Dublin juxtaposes the modern bustle of Temple Bar with stark reminders of the city's past in Viking Dublin. North of the River Liffey are some of the capital's finest Georgian streetscapes, jostling for attention alongside great museums and shops.

Dublin: Southeast

Despite its location close to the old walled city, southeast Dublin remained virtually undeveloped until the founding of Trinity College in 1592. Even then, it was almost a hundred years before the ancient common land further south was enclosed to create St. Stephen's Green, a spacious city park.

The mid 18th century saw the beginning of a construction boom in the area. The most conspicuous reminders of Georgian Dublin, however, are the beautiful squares and terraces around Merrion Square. Many of these buildings still have their original features, including doorknockers, fanlights and wrought-iron balconies.

The Lower Shannon

In the three counties that flank the lower reaches of the Shannon — Ireland's longest river — the scenery ranges from the rolling farmland of Tipperary to the eerie limestone plateau of the Burren. Visitors flock here for medieval strongholds and atmospheric towns, or the bustling riverside resorts that promise a more laid-back stay. Alongside the west edge of the region lie the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's most-visited natural attraction. The area also boasts a thriving traditional music scene, particularly in the small villages of County Clare.

Skellig Islands

Unique for both their historical significance and jagged natural beauty, these inhospitable islands lie off ireland's southwest coast. The larger — Skellig Michael — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site long known for its magnificent early Christian monastery, but a stint as Luke Skywalker's Jedi temple in the 2015 and 2017 Star Wars films has propelled the island to new levels of fame.

Shown above: The remaining beehive huts on Skellig Michael, with Little Skellig visible in the distance.

Belfast: After Dark

As the museums close and the bus tours taper off, Belfast comes to life in a different way. Offering some of Ireland's finest restaurants, first-rate theater and thumping clubs, Northern Ireland's capital is packed with plenty to satisfy every type of night owl.

Theater fans are spoiled for choice in Belfast, with three fantastic venues. For big budget Broadway shows, head to the Grand Opera House; alternatively, the MAC has a more eclectic program. The award-winning Lyric Theater on the banks of the Lagan is the best for home-grown talent, boasting Liam Neeson as its most famous alumnus.

Titanic Quarter

Just a short walk from Belfast city center, the Titanic Quarter is one of the largest waterfront regeneration projects in Europe. Centered around the former shipyard where the RMS Titanic was built and launched, it is home to Belfast's iconic yellow cranes, a sprawling film studio and Titanic Belfast, a world-class museum opened in 2012 to mark the fateful voyage's centenary.