With its vast green lands, stunning cliffs and fascinating nature, Ireland is often referred to as the Emerald Island. Many people come here for city trips and pub tours or just to rent a car and explore the beautiful country. Since Ireland is not too big, you can have a really immersive experience even in a short time and if you do not really know where you should visit, we show you the best places to stay in Ireland!
1. Dublin
Wherever you actually want to go, if you are an international traveler it is highly likely and also a good idea to first arrive in Dublin. The Irish capital is of great national importance and gives you a great start into the Irish lifestyle with lots of amazing pubs, and good sources on Ireland’s history. Visit the Guinness Brewery, see the Trinity College and enjoy the night scene in the famous Temple Bar district before you head out to the other best places to stay in Ireland. Whether you take a bus tour from Dublin or rent a car, this city is the best starting location to get anywhere else.
2. Galway
If you make it to Ireland, you should pay a visit to the lovely city of Galway. Located on Ireland’s west coast, Galway only has around 80,000 inhabitants but lots of international tourists who are looking forward to a few hours or days of relaxing coastal atmosphere in a small Irish town. The famous Cliffs of Moher are just around the corner, so Galway could be a good base if you want to explore the surrounding landscapes!
3. Kerry
Kerry is quite far away from many other Irish cities – but Ireland itself is quite small so there is no distance that would be unreasonable. Actually, the way to Kerry can lead you along the coast which makes kind of an enjoyable drive. Once you arrive in Kerry, there are plenty of options to go hiking and to feel like a true adventurer in the mountainous regions of this beautiful county.
4. Dingle Peninsula
Dingle Pensinsula is probably one of the rather unknown spots. If you are not eager to meet too many other tourists on your way but still want to have an Irish wildlife feeling, this is one of the best places to stay in Ireland. With majestic mountains, cliffs and ancient ruins but also beautiful beaches and blue waters, Dingle Peninsula could serve as a perfect postcard image to promote Ireland – so it might be worth a visit!
5. Cork
If you want to have some “big city life” during your trip you could at least try to do so by visiting Cork – which is the second largest city after Dublin with 125,000 people. Don’t worry, it is still quite small and gives a local Irish feeling but at least you won’t feel like in a village for a few hours. Many international students and au pairs choose Cork as their base and with sights such as Blarney Castle around, you have good options for interesting things to do.
6. Cashel
Find the city of Cashel close to Cork in the southwest of Ireland as one of the best places to stay in Ireland. With its 4,000 inhabitants you will surely have a quiet time here – so what makes this town worth a stay? If it hasn’t been on your list yet, the Rock of Cashel is definitely a fantastic sight to visit and the city of Cashel just happens to be in the same place. The Rock of Cashel is an old castle ruin and makes a beautiful photo scene, so if you happen to be in the area it is a good idea to have a stay in Cashel.
7. Wicklow
One of the best places to stay in Ireland, Wicklow is a lovely small town with very impressive surroundings such as the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough. During the daytime, seeing the nearby national park with its amazing lakes, forests and mountains as well as the former monastery of Glendalough are great things to do before returning to Wicklow in the evening. The locals are always happy to see some new faces and will treat you accordingly with tasty Irish food! Also, Wicklow is quite close to Dublin so it might be a good stay either in the beginning or at the end of your trip.
