Whether you're in the mood for a day trip or a week-long vacation, there's a lot to love about the cities in Ireland. And if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities, there's plenty to appreciate in small towns and rural areas as well.

Lismore

Located in County Waterford, Lismore is a lovely little town with an 800-year-old castle and plenty of other historic buildings. The town is on the N72 road, which crosses the River Blackwater. It's a short drive from Midleton and Waterford.

Lismore is also a perfect place for a picnic. You can find several picnic spots around the town. The town has a tourist information office, which can provide information about where to park and what to do.

Lismore is also home to several mansions and monasteries. You can also find the ancient Lismore Abbey, founded by St Carthage in 636. The Abbey contains an old crosier that was used by the bishops of Lismore. You can also visit St Carthage's Church, an attractive Italianate building.

The town of Lismore is full of history and is considered one of Ireland's most beautiful cities. It was a center of monastic education for centuries. It was also home to kings and Vikings. The town is known for its scenic views of Lismore Castle.

If you're visiting Lismore for a weekend, you might want to check out the Lismore Farmers & Craft Market. You can find updates on their Facebook page. The market is open every Sunday and features a wide range of stalls. You can also get a good idea of the town's history by taking a tour of the Lismore Interpretative Center.

Limerick

Located in the midwest region of Ireland, Limerick is a city of great culture and plenty of history. The city is on the banks of the River Shannon. In the past, Limerick was an important port. The port began expanding in the 18th century and became Ireland's largest commercial port.

The city is home to the University of Limerick, a renowned educational institute. It has an undergraduate population of over 13,500, and offers programs in science, social sciences, engineering, humanities, and information technology. It is also home to the Irish Chamber Orchestra. The campus has 50m Olympic-standard swimming complex.

The city is also known for its cool street art. Visitors can find it along King John's Castle, and in the Georgian Quarter. The city also has excellent restaurants, pubs, and shopping.

The city also has a museum, which is home to over 60,000 artifacts. The collections include World War II gas masks, aviation artifacts from the 1930s, and a mummified cat. The city also has a restored Milk Market, which sells artisan produce.

Limerick is also home to several cathedrals. St Mary's Cathedral is the oldest building in the city, and has a 37-meter tower. The cathedral's peal of eight bells is also worth visiting.

The city is also home to several museums. These include the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, which holds aviation artifacts from the 1930s. The city is also home to the Hunt Museum, which was built in a renovated customs house.

Adare

Originally known as Ath Dara, Adare is one of Ireland's most beautiful towns. It is situated on the River Maigue, which tidally flows through Adare. The name 'Ath Dara' is derived from the old Irish word 'adh-dhra', which means "ford of the oak". Adare is home to several medieval monasteries.

The most beautiful of these is the Augustinian Priory, which was built on the banks of the River Maigue. The Priory was founded in the 13th century and later reconstructed in the 19th century. It is considered to be a good example of a medieval church. It is also known as Holy Trinity Abbey.

Another place to see is the Stone Circle, which is said to be the largest of its kind in Ireland. It is aligned with the winter and summer solstice, and is also a ritual site. There are self-guided tours available.

Adare is also home to several medieval castles. Desmond Castle is one of the oldest in Ireland. It is a well-preserved medieval fortress that was built on top of an ancient ring fort. The Earls of Kildare owned the castle for nearly 300 years. They used it as a strategic fortress during turbulent times. It was later destroyed by English Cromwellian forces in 1657.

Adare is also home to a medieval Franciscan friary. This monastery was founded in the 13th century and is a good example of a 14th century monastic building. It is located on the main street through Adare.

Clonakilty

Located in the west of Ireland, Clonakilty is an ancient town that is now a bustling tourist centre. It is home to many festivals and events, and is famous for its lively music scene.

Clonakilty is an award-winning town that was voted 'Best Town in Ireland' and 'Best Town in the UK' in 2017. Clonakilty also won the 'Irish Tidy Towns Competition' in 1999. In 2007, Clonakilty was awarded the prestigious European Destination of Excellence status.

The town is also home to a number of historical attractions, including the Michael Collins Museum. This museum features the life and times of the famous Irish revolutionary and his contribution to the development of the modern Irish state. The museum includes artifacts, memorabilia, and a recreation of the site of his birth, Beal na Bla.

Clonakilty is a good place for families to visit. It is close to Inchydoney beach, a Blue Flag beach. Its vast expanse of sand and dunes are perfect for swimming. It is also a good surfing spot.

Clonakilty has a large selection of restaurants and cafes. It also has an array of music pubs. During the summer months, it has a number of festivals, including the Random Acts of Kindness Festival. This festival is held on the third weekend in July.

Clonakilty is also home to many award-winning food producers. It is a gourmet's delight. You can try a range of local food and drink in restaurants, cafes, and pubs.

Glendalough Valley

Located on the East Coast of Ireland, Glendalough is a beautiful valley in County Wicklow. The town is well known for its monastic site and scenic lakes. The valley offers a wealth of historical resources. Glendalough was Ireland's great religious and educational centre in the early Middle Ages.

The monastic city was founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century. It's an important site for understanding Irish monastic life. There are impressive monuments here, including the round tower and Celtic high crosses. This area is free to visit, and visitors can walk to the monastic site from the visitor centre.

One of the most well known landmarks in Glendalough is the Round Tower, which was constructed almost a thousand years ago. It served as a beacon for approaching pilgrims. The tower is 33 meters above ground level and was built by the monks of St. Kevin's monastery.

The monastic site contains a number of impressive monuments, including the round tower, Celtic high crosses, and a chapel. The buildings are constructed of grey stone, and the dwellings date back to the sixth century. The site is free to visit, but there are charges for parking.

The visitor centre is also worth a visit, as it contains an exhibition and an audiovisual show. Glendalough also offers a number of walking routes, some of which are suitable for families with children. These walking routes are well-marked and are suitable for all abilities.

Newcastle

Located on the northwest bank of the River Tyne, Newcastle is one of the most important cities in Britain. It was the first city to open coal mines, and in the 19th century it became a major economic hub. Newcastle is also known for its great nightlife. The city has won the BBC award for the best city for a night out.

Newcastle's Castle, built between 1080 and 1172, is a Norman fortress that features medieval chambers and passages. There is also a late Norman Chapel. The castle tower provides magnificent views of the city.

Newcastle's castle is also the oldest and largest of its kind in the world. The interior features statues and a lectern dating from the 15th to 20th centuries. It is also home to a canopied font.

In addition to the castle, Newcastle has a number of attractions. There are museums, galleries, and plenty of things to do. For example, the Laing Art Gallery has a number of exhibitions and educational programs. It also features decorative arts from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Other notable attractions include the Slieve Donard, the city's highest peak, which offers great views of the city. You can also take a walk along the Red Trail, which offers incredible views of the mighty Causeway.

Another of the city's more impressive sights is the High-Level Bridge, which was built in 1849. It is a two-level structure and features a lantern tower.

Getting tickets to museums and guided tours in Ireland can be a great way to get the most out of your visit to this beautiful country. Whether you are a first time visitor or a seasoned expert, there are a number of museums in Dublin that are worth a visit. You can visit some of the most popular museums in Ireland on a self-guided tour or purchase tickets for special exhibitions. Typically, there are special exhibitions that are free for Dublin Pass holders.

You can also take a tour of the Guinness brewery on a self-guided tour. The tour includes a look at the brewery, how the beer is made, and iconic advertising. It also ends at the Gravity Bar, which features spectacular views of the city. You can also get a pint of Guinness at the bar. It is a great place to end the tour.

Another place to visit is the Irish Writers Museum. This museum is housed in an 18th-century mansion on Parnell Square. It features a variety of artifacts from Irish authors, including James Joyce. A film is also included. There are interactive exhibits that you can explore, and you can take a tour of the museum. If you wish to take a guided tour, you can purchase tickets from the museum on site.

One of Ireland's most famous buildings, the Dublin Stock Exchange, was originally built as a royal custom house. It was rebuilt in the 1850s and features a gallery that explains the history of the city. There are also temporary exhibitions that are available on a self-guided tour.

There are a number of boat tours in Dublin. These cruises include lunch and dinner cruises. They can be booked in advance. If you do not want to take a boat tour, you can take a taxi or a bus. If you want to explore the city on your own, you can also hire a bike. If you want to see more than one site, it is best to use public transportation. You can also book a one-on-one meeting with a local guide for a tour of the city.

One of Ireland's most famous writers, James Joyce, was born in Dublin and wrote the 20th-century classic Ulysses. His home is located at No. 7 Eccles Street. There are exhibits dedicated to his work and a museum on his life. The museum's entrance is located in the front door of No. 7 Eccles Street.

You can get tickets for special exhibitions at the National Museum of Ireland. This museum features a variety of specimens that tell the history of Ireland through archaeology. You can also see a large collection of artifacts in the National Museum of Ireland -- Natural History. The museum is free to enter. The National Museum of Ireland is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm.

Another place to visit is the Irish Whiskey Museum. This is an interactive museum that explains the history of whiskey. You can learn about the history of Irish whiskey, try whiskey samples, and enjoy live music. If you are under 18 years old, you cannot participate in the whiskey tastings. The museum also offers a bar with 100 different whiskeys to choose from. You can even touch the bronze statue of Molly Malone, a fictional character that appears in an Irish song.