Most people who come to Ireland arrive in Dublin, its capital; even if you arrive in the country through another city, you should make time to spend at least three days here. We recommend that you drive so you can explore absolutely everything Ireland -- urban and rural -- has to offer. One of the most popular tourist drives is the Ring of Kerry, a 111-mile route which starts in Killarney (home to a picturesque and serene national park) and passes through many towns, including Kenmare, located on the ring`s southeastern edge. If you want to travel north from Dublin instead, be sure to visit County Meath on your way across the border to Northern Ireland, where we definitely recommend stopping to visit in Belfast, the capital, and vibrant Derry (Londonderry). Derry is just a hop, skip and a jump away from County Donegal, across Northern Ireland`s western border in the Republic, which offers some of the most beautiful views in the country, from mountains to cliffsides in mere minutes.
For those going to explore the Ring of Kerry, drive up the coast of Western Ireland afterwards and make some time to explore the beautiful and vibrant cities and towns such as Limerick, Shannon, and Galway. Galway, known for its festivals and seafaring traditions, is a great place to explore for a few days before moving on to see more of the country. If more of the coastal Irish life is what you`re after, head south again to South West Ireland and spend some time in Cork and Kinsale. Take a day trip to Blarney Castle, northwest of Cork, and kiss the Blarney Stone! Then head east to South East Ireland, where Waterford, known for its shimmering crystal and Viking traditions, is the region`s largest city.