Cities in Ireland
Ireland is separated into two main regions; the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The history of both regions has been fierce and often bloody, however, more recently, the two have joined together to welcome visitors from all over the world to Ireland. In Northern Ireland, the currency is British Pounds, the same as used in the rest of the UK, while the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro. Be sure to check which currency you need before you travel.
Regardless of where you go in Ireland, you can expect stunningly beautiful, harsh and dramatic natural landscapes, vibrant cities, beautiful art and architecture, and friendly and welcoming locals. Experience Irish ‘craic’ (a good or fun time) first-hand in bars and pubs, and even on locally guided tours. Ireland is famous for its nightlife, be it simply having a pint or two in a local pub or heading out to a nightclub’s glittering lights and loud music.
Ireland is loved by film and TV makers for its historic buildings and majestic landscapes. Much of Game of Thrones was filmed in Ireland, and some of its most notable filming locations can be visited on guided tours. Popular UK TV show Derry Girls was also filmed in Ireland across the city of Derry in Northern Ireland, with many areas visitable on guided tours. There is so much to do in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland that a short Irish city break may not be enough to take it all in. If you decide to go, here are the best towns and cities in Ireland to visit.
Northern ireland cities
1- Belfast
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and is a popular city break destination for UK travellers as it is only a short plane or ferry ride away.
This Irish city is filled with plenty of historical and cultural activities to get involved with and beautiful architecture to admire and photograph.
The city was a popular destination for various literary greats, including C.S. Lewis.
Visit C.S.Lewis Square to see statues from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, including the lion Aslan.
Belfast is home to many great museums covering history, art and engineering.
The Ulster Museum houses treasures from Northern Ireland’s comprehensive history and has a tranquil botanical garden.
Uncover the secrets of the Titanic at the Titanic Museum and learn more about the ship’s creation in the city and its fateful journey.
2- Armagh
When in Armagh, explore the famous Navan Fort, an important and key archeological site in Ulster.
The fort, which is mostly ruined foundations today, has many ties to the legends of Cúchulainn, a demigod and hero in Irish mythology.
To escape the city noise, wander around the second largest park in Northern Ireland, Phoenix Park.
The park has a boating lake with rowboats and canoes available for hire, plenty of walks and large open spaces for picnicking in summer.
For something a little spookier, brave the empty halls of Armagh Gaol.
The gaol opened in the 1780s and was predominately a women’s prison with a history of violence and misery for the prisoners.
Listen out for the slamming of cell doors and distant voices, and keep your eyes peeled for the woman in white.
3- Londonderry/Derry
Londonderry, or Derry, has a rich 400-year-old history inside its traditional protective walls.
The city’s recent history has seen a tourism boom thanks to the popular TV show ‘Derry Girls’, which centres around schoolgirls in the city.
Fans of the show should book a show-themed guided tour of the city to take in some of the most iconic areas, including the Derry Girls mural.
To slow things down and take in the tour at a gentler pace, book a Derry Girls-themed afternoon tea, including a short walking tour of some of the main filming locations.
Head out of the city and explore the Giants Causeway, a unique geological phenomenon that has drawn and intrigued visitors for centuries.
The causeway is formed of more than 40,000 volcanic basalt columns and is perfect for dramatic photographs of Ireland’s raw natural beauty.
4- Newry
Newry lies alongside a river with the same name and is a beautiful and historical city to visit in Northern Ireland.
Spend some time discovering the history of Derymore House.
Built in the 18th century, the house, with its traditional thatched roof and sunny yellow exterior walls, is currently run by the National Trust.
For those looking for more ancient history, visit Ballymacdermot Court Tomb, a stone age monument that reveals the history of ancient settlements in the area.
From the main tomb, there are beautiful views across the surrounding meigh plain and out towards Ballymacdermot mountain.
5- Lisburn
Lisburn has a rich history in manufacturing, particularly in the textiles industry, where linen mills thrived.
Uncover more of this manufacturing history at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum.
Here you will learn about the entire process of transforming flax into linen fabric, see the machines that were used throughout the process and even get to experience the process through a range of hands-on experiences.
HRH King Charles III has a royal residence in the city named Hillsborough.
This castle and gardens are open to the public, with guided tours of some of the castle’s rooms available.
See the ornate throne room, the dining room set and ready to receive guests and some of the private suites used by the Royal Family and their guests.
6- Bangor
Start your day in Bangor with a hearty breakfast at Guillemot Kitchen Café.
Order Captain Ahab’s breakfast for a filling start to your day, or visit at lunchtime and feast on their seasonal and local fish chowder.
Make the most of your seaside destination and stroll along North Pier and Bangor Marina.
While taking in the boats, lobster pots and fishing nets, keep your eyes peeled for the famous ‘Pasty Supper’ sculpture, which depicts a local fisherman enjoying a pasty lunch.
Experience the outdoors in Bangor and hike along the North Down Coastal Path.