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Ireland’s cities are tailor made for  fabulous short breaks and enjoy a unique mix  of culture, heritage, scenery and entertainment

City Breaks

Dublin
As well as being hip, vibrant and cosmopolitan, Ireland’s urban hubs are perfectly formed for city breaks. Not too big to be overwhelming, and not so small that you get bored, Ireland’s cities serve up everything from high art to high style.
O'Connell Bridge, River Liffey, Dublin

What’s up with Dublin?

The capital of the Republic, Dublin is one of Europe’s coolest capital cities. The city pulsates with energy thanks to its excellent  restaurants, chic boutiques, legendary pubs, beautiful art galleries, verdant urban parks, elegant architecture fascinating and turbulent history, as well as its unique scenic location perched at the edge of the Irish Sea.
Belfast City Hall

Is Belfast good fun?

Belfast is legendary for its excellent nightlife – this is one city that knows how to have a good time. But beyond the pubs, bars and nightclubs, Belfast is also one of Europe’s most exciting city break destinations with critically acclaimed  restaurants, smart boutique hotels and top  shopping. And if you’re planning a break, there’s no better time than now to Celebrate  Belfast 2006.
Cork

Is Cork a good bet?

Affectionately known as the "People’s Republic of Cork", Ireland’s southern gem enjoys a vastly different flavour to Dublin. Cork is a free-spirited spot with a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its position as the 2005 European Capital of Culture. And with a top  gourmet reputation, excellent  shops, fabulous food markets and chic bars, the city is a winner for a city break.
Galway

What about Galway and the West?

Galway City is not only one of the prettiest cities in Ireland, it’s also one of the most social. With a laid-back boho vibe, and an utterly unique atmosphere, this urban beauty in the west of Ireland wins out with its combination of wonderful pubs, fabulous scenery, excellent festivals and fabulous seafood restaurants.
Relax in a Londonderry bar

How about Londonderry?

You just have to take a trip to wonderful  Londonderry and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the only completely walled city in the UK. From the award-winning Tower Museum to the excellent  restaurants, lively pubs, great shops and  scenic views across the River Foyle, Londonderry is a fabulous city break destination.

Limerick

Any other cities?

If you like art and  culture, you’ll love Limerick. As well as the city’s atmospheric medieval quarter, the wonderful King John's Castle and the Limerick Museum, Limerick is also famous for the excellent Hunt Museum, home to Ireland’s largest private collection of art and antiquities. With a medieval flavour, a world-renowned comedy festival and seriously good pubs, Kilkenny City is also definitely worth the trip. While the ancient Viking city of  Waterford continues to wow the world over with its incredible crystal, Light Opera Festival and delightful places to eat, drink and be merry. Enjoy!
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Did you know?

Ireland is a hugely popular film location spot. Some of the big films that have used Ireland’s countryside, beaches and cities are The Count of Monte Cristo, Saving Private Ryan, King Arthur and Braveheart.

St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
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