Smaller cities are full of treasures
Ireland’s cities are an appealing mix of ancient history and contemporary attitude, and if you veer off the beaten track, you’ll find that these lesser-known hubs offer an allure of their own!
Often referred to as the “ecclesiastical capital”, the city of Armagh offers a fine blend of sacred sites and urban living. Here you can walk in the footsteps of St. Patrick by visiting two stunning cathedrals built in his name, followed by a delicious meal at Keegan’s Bar & Restaurant.
Bookworms will love the leather-bound first editions cladding the walls of Armagh Public Library. Its most famous edition is Jonathan Swift’s personal copy of Gulliver’s Travels, containing notes in the acclaimed author’s own handwriting. If you fancy perusing more historic artefacts, head over to Armagh County Museum.
Armagh is also a great place to visit around St. Patrick’s Day, when the Home of St Patrick Festival takes to the streets with parades, open-air concerts, and walking tours.
Cosmopolitan, compact and creative, Northern Ireland’s walled city of Derry~Londonderry pulses with life. Enjoy a walk along the top of the beautiful 17th-century walls, drop in at the neo-Gothic Guildhall for a coffee, or explore the city’s craft beer scene at the Walled City Brewery.
Fancy a taste of the city? Set off on a Foodie City Cycle Tour with Far and Wild, which visits hotspots including Pyke ‘N’ Pommes Pod and The Cottage.
If you fancy taking to the water, Foyle Adventures and Boat Tours will guide you along the story-filled banks of the majestic River Foyle.
Set on the edge of Ireland’s spectacular southern coast, Cork sways to a different beat. Join a free two-hour Historical Walking Tour with guide Kieran McCarthy, a former Lord Mayor of Cork. To see the city on two wheels, jump on the eBee Guided eBike Tour to visit Fitzgerald’s Park and Elizabeth Fort.
Cork is also a foodie’s dream destination. Starting in the English Market, which has been at the heart of the city’s food scene since 1788, Cork Tasting Trails from Fabulous Food Tours brings visitors around the city, meeting producers and sampling local goodies.
The port city of Waterford was originally established by the Vikings, and you can enjoy over 1,000 years of history in the Waterford Treasures collection of seven museums. Learn about Irish wake rituals in what was once a 15th-century Almshouse in the Irish Wake Museum, and discover Bishop’s Palace, a beautiful and architecturally unusual Georgian house with two frontages.
One of Waterford’s major claims to fame is its world-class luxury crystal. Head to the House of Waterford Crystal for an in-depth look at the processes required to turn molten crystal into timeless pieces of art.
If you find that inspiring, then pop into Kite Design Studios opposite Christ Church Cathedral and enjoy seeing more handmade glass from The Irish Handmade Glass Factory.
Which of these under-the-radar cities in Ireland would you love to visit?
