Major Cities in Ireland

Ireland is politically referred to as the Republic of Ireland. The nation has been largely influenced by English domination since the 1600s. The Irish War of Independence witnessed the splitting of the land into independent Ireland and Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom, in 1949. With a population of approximately 6 million, the picturesque locales are listed among the top ten tourist hot spots in the world.

Dublin
The capital and largest city of Ireland, Dublin is a perfect example of the old existing alongside the new. It was once considered to be the party capital of Europe, what with a large student population and a steady stream of tourists. It can be a great place to visit throughout the year, but during the tourist season it can get pretty noisy and crowded. It is home to some of the best tourist attractions and popular as the 'Home of Literature'. The Dublin Writers Museum, James Joyce Museum, birthplace of George Bernard Shaw, Malahide Castle, Fry Model Railway, Talbot Botanic Gardens and Tara's Palace are just some of the attractions in Dublin.

Cork
Situated in the South-Western part of the country, Cork is the second largest city of Ireland. It can be termed as a typical Irish city with old styled narrow streets. This town has today made great strides from the Cork of old and heavy industries and factories have made way for IT companies and chemical plants. Though the city has many tourist attractions, Cork can come across as a depressing working-class town. It is home to great architecture and pedestrian-friendly routes. Cork highlights visual treats in the River Lee, South Mall, County Hall tower, Elysian, church tower of Shandon, Cork City Hall, St. Mary's Cathedral, St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork Opera House, University College and English Market.

Limerick
Limerick is situated on the river Shannon in the Mid-West region of Ireland. It has a vibrant music scene and nightlife. Limerick is also one of the cloudiest cities of Ireland with an average of 62 days of no sunshine recorded. Connected by Shannon Airport, the city offers tourists the services of 'Street Ambassadors'. Tourist attractions in Limerick include King John's Castle, Hunt Museum, St Mary's Cathedral, University of Limerick, Treaty Stone, Foynes Flying Boat Museum and the Jim Kemmy Municipal Museum.

Galway
Known as the Cultural Heart of Ireland, Galway hosts a number of celebratory events and cultural festivals. Its young population and contribution to art and music makes it a popular tourist destination in Ireland. It is located on the west coast and gets its name from the Gaillimh river. The city is also referred to as the City of the Tribes. It plays host to a number of popular festivals such as the Galway Arts Festival, Astronomy Festival, the Cúirt International Festival of Literature, Galway Film Fleadh, Galway International Oyster Festival, Tulca Visual Arts Festival and the Spirit of Voice Festival every November.

Waterford
Well-known around the world due to its association with the famous Waterford Crystal, a glass making industry, Waterford is considered to be the oldest city of Ireland. Waterford is home to Reginald's Tower, the oldest civic building in Ireland. The 10th century fortifications, medieval architecture and pedestrianized areas have established Waterford as a tourist's delight. It is home to the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Red Square, Ballybricken and People's Park.

Interesting Facts About Ireland

• Ireland is the third largest island in Europe and boasts the 2nd highest GDP per capita in the EU. The green Shamrock, the harp, and the Celtic cross are the three most famous symbols of Ireland.
• The ancestral and official language of Ireland is Irish Gaelic with English also spoken widely. About 88% of the Irish population is Roman Catholic and has one of the highest rates of church attendance in the Western World.
• An estimated 80 million people of Irish descent live outside Ireland, and about 36 million Americans have reported Irish ancestry and about half of all Australians can claim to be Irish descendants.
• Ireland boasts of some of the biggest names in performing arts and literature. Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, Bernard Shaw, Keats and Bram Stoker are few Irish literature greats. U2 Oasis, Boyzone, Cranberries, Westlife are few bands from the music world that hail from Ireland. While Pierce Brosnan, Peter O'Toole, Richard Harris and Colin Farrell are popular Irish personalities of the silver screen.
• Ireland is renowned for its breweries with Guinness, and Irish Bailey's its most popular exports. The Irish are known to consume an average of 131.1 liters of beer per year, the 2nd highest per capita consumption in the EU.

Once known as the 'Island of Saints and Scholars', today Ireland is known for its vibrant youth, stunning scenery, world-class rock musicians and software exports (world's leading software exporter!). Not to mention the famed Irish wit and humor along with the ever-welcoming pubs serving a pint of Guinness.