Ireland’s cities & cultural heavens – come explore

Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, which dates back to Viking times, has inspired artists, writers, poets, actors, musicians and great talkers through the centuries. Now it’s an upbeat, buzzing and captivating city; yet it still exudes a great sense of Irishness. The essence of Dublin is palpable – in its welcome, architecture, the names over shops and pubs, and in the plaques on the buildings that show where numerous literary and historic figures once lived. Travel this autumn which coincides with the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival. Interested in history? Don’t miss Christ Church Cathedral, Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Castle, Leinster House (where the Irish government and senate sit) or Trinity College, which houses the beautifully-illustrated “Book of Kells”. Dublin’s Irish pub culture is legendary and there’s no better place to sample it than in Temple Bar. Dublin is home to Guinness and at the Guinness Storehouse you can enjoy a pint of “the black stuff” while taking in panoramic views of the city. If whiskey is your tipple then head to the Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Smithfield. There are festivals and venues galore, and there’s no shortage of live music all over the city.

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a bustling city full of lots of things to see and do. The giant cranes of Harland & Wolff shipyard dominate the skyline from every vantage point, shouting proudly of the city’s shipbuilding heritage. Belfast has a strong music tradition with its own music venues including the Grand Opera House, the wonderful Waterfront Hall and the Odyssey Arena; all of which host a wide variety of entertainment. The Belfast Music Tour will take you on a trip to these iconic venues and enlighten you on the eclectic variety of music available. The history of the city abounds and is reflected in the diverse Victorian and Edwardian architecture in its buildings. Take a tour of Belfast City Hall – it’s the centrepiece of the city and sits majestically right in the heart. The city’s museums are worth a visit too – these include the award-winning Ulster Museum in the Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum in Cultra, just a bit further outside of the city. Why not finish a hard day of sightseeing with a drink at the Crown Bar? Owned by the National Trust, the ornate interior has been enjoyed by travellers since 1885.

Cork was recently included in the Lonely Planet Guide as one of the “top ten cities in the world to visit” – a fact that delighted the locals! Built on the River Lee, Cork is the island’s third largest city after Dublin and Belfast. If you like your food then you’ll be in good company here because gastronomy features high on the locals’ list of priorities. Visit the English Market, which has been in the city centre since 1788, meet the characters and experience the colours, tastes and flavours there. When it comes to refreshments Murphy’s and Beamish Stouts are both brewed locally and are definitely worth a try! You may be surprised to hear some unusual sounds as you pass through the city because at St Anne’s Church in Shandon, visitors are allowed to ring the famous bells.

But don’t just read about it – come and experience it. Check out some great deals and book your trip to Ireland today.

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