Celebrate this World Cities Day (31 October) by booking a break in one of Ireland’s compact and charismatic cities.
If you’re planning a city break in Ireland, why not look beyond Dublin and Belfast to some of the island’s smaller cities which are packed with history, culture and charm and easily explored in a weekend.
Captivating Kilkenny has it all: atmospheric medieval streets, an imposing Norman castle, a fascinating witch-filled history, superb arts and crafts and a lively pub scene. Throw in the award-winning Smithwick’s Experience and a couple of the island’s best festivals – the Cat Laughs comedy festival and the Kilkenny Roots Festival – and you’ve everything you need for a wonderful weekend break.
Must-dos in Kilkenny start with a guided walk along the Medieval Mile. Winding through alleyways and cobbled streets, the tour passes historic buildings including a 17th-century merchant’s townhouse, the Black Abbey founded in 1225, the 14th-century Kyteler’s Inn and the gothic St Canice’s Cathedral. Follow up with a visit to the castle and then browse the artisan creations in the adjacent Kilkenny Design Centre. For a special treat end the day with a meal in Michelin-starred Campagne restaurant.
The walled city is a fascinating combination of history and contemporary culture with a vibrant music scene and a cool vibe. Named by Time Out as an up-and-coming European destination, the city has multiple award-winning museums, excellent restaurants and a lively nightlife.
Derry~Londonderry is Ireland’s only completely intact walled city, so a guided tour of the 400-year-old walls is not to be missed. The city’s more recent history can be explored on a tour of the city’s famous ‘Troubles’ murals. You can also eat your way around the city on a tasty food tour or visit the shoot locations of the smash-hit TV comedy Derry Girls. Derry~Londonderry is famous for its Halloween festival, the largest in Europe, but also stages a first-class film festival and an excellent jazz festival.
Voted Europe’s friendliest city, Galway has a laid-back, bohemian vibe where you will instantly feel welcome. Sitting right on the Wild Atlantic Way, it is at once a cosmopolitan hub of creativity and a gateway to Ireland’s gorgeous west coast landscapes. With cobbled streets, colourful shop facades, and an offbeat café/bar culture, it is a pleasure to explore on foot.
The city is also well known for being home to three of Ireland’s best known cultural events – the Galway International Arts Festival, the Galway Races and the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival. Add the fact that it’s a UNESCO City of Film, and the attraction for culture vultures is obvious. Galway is packed with fine restaurants and has a first-class Irish music and pub scene. Tig Cóilí and Tigh Neachtain are renowned for their trad music sessions and are great places to relax over a pint with the locals.
Ireland’s culinary capital Cork is home to the famous English Market and has a buzzing, quirky vibe. The locals are fiercely proud of their city, which National Geographic included in its picks for Best of The World 2025, the annual list of the most exciting, meaningful and one-of-a-kind travel experiences. Cork’s top heritage attractions include a seventeenth-century fort, nineteenth-century gaol and Neo-Gothic cathedral, all easy to include on a short break.
To get a taste of the city’s epicurean delights, a food trail is a must and it’s also one of the best ways to learn about the city itself. Cork also has a fantastic range of brewpubs and craft beer bars such as Rising Sons and Franciscan Well. And like the island’s other cities, Cork is fond of a festival. Among the highlights are Cork Jazz Festival, one of the most important jazz events on the international arts calendar, and Cork International Choral Festival, one of Europe’s most prestigious choral events.
Sitting on the banks of the River Shannon where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, Limerick is a charming city with a long history that is written in its buildings. The mighty King John’s Castle, dating from the 12th century, is the big-ticket attraction. With costumed guides, interactive wizardry and ghostly 3D models, visitors are immersed in medieval battles and the scandals of castle life. You should also visit the vibrant Milk Market with its mix of artisan food and crafts, browse the contemporary art on show at Limerick City Gallery of Art and view the world-class collection of art and antiquities at the Hunt Museum.
Take time to stroll the riverside walkway and follow the city’s street art trail to see the work of international artists. In the evening you can choose from award-winning restaurants, delicious street food or lively gastropubs where you can enjoy top-notch food and a great atmosphere.
World Cities Day (31 October) is a global celebration of urban living and the ideal time to discover the charms of Ireland’s compact and welcoming urban gems.
