from WikiTravel
Ireland (Irish: Éire) is an island in north-western Europe which has been divided politically since 1920. Most of the island is made up of Ireland (Irish: Éire), a.k.a. Republic of Ireland. The remainder is Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.
The island of Ireland historically consists of 32 counties, of which six, collectively known as Northern Ireland, have remained as part of the United Kingdom since the rest of Ireland gained independence in 1922. The name "Ireland" applies to the island as a whole, but in English is also the official name of the independent state (i.e., the 26 counties which are not part of the United Kingdom), since 1921.
REGIONS OF IRELAND
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East Coast and Midlands (County Dublin, County Kildare, County Laois, County Longford, County Louth, County Meath, County Offaly, County Westmeath, County Wicklow) - The Irish heartland, home to the capital and vibrant metropolis of Dublin.
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Northern Ireland - A home nation of the United Kingdom, covered in its own separate article. Separate from the Republic.
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Shannon Region (County Clare, County Limerick, County Tipperary) - A region often visited for its castles and the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher.
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Southwest Ireland (County Cork, County Kerry) - A scenic and rainy section of Ireland with a beautiful coast and popular Ring of Kerry and Blarney Castle.
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West Ireland (County Galway, County Mayo, County Roscommon) - Ireland's least populous region, home to the Irish "Cultural Capital" of Galway and the beautiful Aran Islands.
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Northwest Ireland and Lakelands (County Cavan, County Donegal, County Leitrim, County Monaghan, County Sligo) - A region that is growing in tourism activity and has a lot to offer by way of natural beauty.
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Southeast Ireland (County Carlow, County Kilkenny, County Waterford, County Wexford) - A rather cosmopolitan section of Ireland, famous for its Waterford crystal
MAJOR CITIES
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Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath) — the capital and the country's largest city. With excellent pubs, fine architecture and good shopping, Dublin is a very popular tourist destination and is one of Europe's most visited capitals.
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Cork (Corcaigh) — second largest city in the Republic of Ireland - located on the banks of the River Lee. Founded c.600 by St. Finbarre and known for good food, pubs, shopping and festivals.
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Galway (Gaillimh) — a city on the river Corrib on the west coast of Ireland. Famous for its festivals and its location on Galway Bay. Known as the City of Tribes, Galway's summer is filled with festivals of music, food, Irish language and culture. Galway hosts over fifty festivals a year, including the Galway Oyster Festival. The locals seem to give off a positive Bohemian vibe. Galway is split between two types of beautiful landscape: the gorgeous mountains to the west, and the east's farming valleys.
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Killarney — Possibly (at least until recently) the most popular tourist destination in Ireland. A pleasant town in its own right, it is also the start of most Ring of Kerry trips.
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Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh) — attractive medieval town, known as the Marble City - home to the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, held annually in early June.
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Letterkenny — Main town in County Donegal, designated gateway status and reputed to be the fastest growing town in Europe. Good base for traveling in Donegal.
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Limerick (Luimneach) — a city on the river Shannon in the south-west of the country.
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Sligo (Sligeach)- Home to W.B. Yeats, internationally renowned poet. Mountains and beaches, scenery in general are the best points of Sligo.
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Waterford (Port Láirge) — Ireland's oldest city. In the south-east and close to the ferry port at Rosslare. Waterford is a popular visit for those who want to learn more about the most ancient history of Ireland. Many festivals take place throughout the year including Spraoi. Don't forget to try a blaa before you leave (a floury bread bun particular to this area of Ireland).
OTHER DESTINATIONS
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Aran Islands (Na hOileáin Árann) — located in Galway Bay
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Brú Na Bóinne — some of the finest neolithic monuments in the world, situated in Co. Meath
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Burren and the Cliffs of Moher — both located in the County Clare
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Connemara (Conamara) — in Western County Galway
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County Donegal — the coastal regions of this county have spectacular scenery and excellent beaches
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Dingle Peninsula (Corca Dhuibhne) — a Gaeltecht region (Irish-speaking district) in the very SW corner of the country
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Glendalough — fine ruins and hiking trails in Co Wicklow
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Kinsale — gastronomic excellence in Ireland's oldest town
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Ring of Kerry and Skellig Michael — in County Kerry
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West Cork — mountains, coves, islands and beaches at the very south of the country
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