Dublin The Fair City

The Republic's capital city, Dublin, lies at the heart of a region that enchants the visitor with a selection of fascinating historical monuments, beautiful natural scenery, thrilling sporting events, and unspoiled lakes, rivers and stretches of coastline.

Dublin is usually the first port of call for visitors and this energetic, youthful city pulsates with a compelling mix of history, culture, hip bars and pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and some of the country's most sophisticated restaurants. Cosmopolitan and diverse, Dublin is now one of Europe's top urban hotspots.

For further information on Dublin, please visit http://www.visitdublin.com

Cork

The second city of the Republic of Ireland has a population of over 160,000 people. Like Venice the city is built upon the waters, and Cork centre is built on an island in the River Lee, just upstream of Cork Harbour. The two channels of the River Lee which embrace the city centre are spanned by many bridges, and this gives the city a distinctive continental air.

However it is often said of Cork City that it has all the amenities of a large city, but still manages to retain its pleasant atmosphere and extreme friendliness, which you will experience on your visit. Cork is a city of remarkable charm, and the visitor cannot fail to be captivated by its hilly streets, bumpy bridges, peaceful backwaters and inconsequential air.

Galway

Galway City is one of the most chilled out spots in Western Europe. Despite being a city, it feels like a big town in County Galway with its easy attitude and cool bohemian vibe.

Known as the City of the Tribes, after the 14 affluent tribes who ruled during the middle ages, this thriving city is the most westerly in Ireland and enjoys a strong artistic heritage and a flourishing arts, music, theatre and film scene.

Summer in Galway is a never-ending stream of excellent festivals and eating, drinking and entertainment all taking place outdoors in the balmy air of this warm-hearted city.

Enjoy the atmospheric pubs in this West of Ireland city, the beautiful location at the edge of Galway Bay, the pretty medieval streets and the lively weekend markets with a city break you'll never forget

Please visit http://www.discoverireland.ie/west.aspx for more information

Connemara

From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean, you'll know you're in Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape.

Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland.

This natural terrain and unspoilt environment offers the visitor a wonderland of sights, experiences, adventure and activities. The people are warm, friendly and extend a hospitality which is the essence of Ireland.

The beautiful spring flowers, buds on the trees, newborn lambs dancing on the hills and the call of the cuckoo all make Spring time a very special and magical time in Connemara. This is an ideal time to take a break as the countryside is totally renewed. On mellow Autumn days, one can enjoy the Connemara countryside, now clothed in different colours with each passing day. In the evening enjoy lovely warm turf fires after a day spent walking, cycling, painting, shooting, fishing or golfing.

Please visit www.connemara.ie for more information.

Killarney

Renowned for its beauty, famed for the splendour of its scenery, Killarney is one of the world's best-loved tourist spots. Killarney (Cill Airne - The Church of Sloes) became a magnificent town about 1750 when the local magnate, Lord Kenmare, developed the tourist business and four major roads were built to the outside world. The area still bears the marks of a group of houses huddled outside the demesne walls. The present population is about 9,000 and the main economic base is tourism.