Galway

Galway, or Gaillimh in Irish, is one of the biggest cities of the country, situated in Western Ireland. Centre of Gaelic culture in the west, it is visited because of its interesting architecture. Visit Lynch’s Castle, St. Nicholas Collegiate Church and the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas on the Corrib river. Being an important fishing port, a yummy oyster festival is held in September and from here is easy to visit Connemara, a wild and beautiful region. Visit the The Burren. Also, one of the best spots for Trad is The Crane Bar.

Westport

Situated in the Mayo county, it’s built in Georgian architectural style. Recently voted Ireland's best town to live in, has the rugged charm of the west and plenty of cool pubs and restaurants. Great place for foodies, it has the best seafood in the world. Eat at the Blue Wave Restaurant.

In January 2008, Westport became Google Earth’s first fully 3D town.

Cork

The “other” capital of Ireland, it’s less developed than Dublin and situated on the Southern extremity of the country, on the Lee river. Offers great nightlife, a friendly feel and cultural life: theatre, dance, movies, and music are a bug part of the city thanks to the Cork School of Music and the Crawford College of Art & Design and Cork Jazz Festival. West Cork has stunning views, too. Eat at Les Gourmandises Restaurant.

Belfast

Situated on the Eastern Coast of Northern Ireland, it is sadly famous for being the stage of Northern Ireland Troubles of the 70's and 80's, a civil conflict that is only a minor protagonist within the colonial history that lasted centuries. In 1998, the Good Friday Agreement was signed and things have calmed down and it is totally safe and cool, having the best of Ireland and the UK (and some of the best pubs in the country). Take a tour through the famous Shankill and Falls roads. The Antrim coast in the North is one of Ireland's hidden gems and easily accessible from Belfast. Don't miss the Giant's Causeway. Belfast is not yet over-run with tourists and you can get there before everyone else does. Don't miss the The Crown Bar or the Bushmills distilleries.

Kilkenny

Surrounded by countryside and great for walks and sightseeing, it’s the medieval capital of Ireland. Visit the Kilkenny Castle and the Anglican Cathedral of Saint Canice and the Black Abbey in Parliament Street. It is also a centre of Irish art and design and home of Smithwicks, one of Ireland's best ales. Foodies, don’t forget it as it has some of the best beef in the world. Take the Smithwick's Brewery Tour.

Any of these places are great and different...but in Ireland no matter where you go, you have to just go to the pub, listen to the music drink stout (Guiness, Murphy's or Beamish) and talk to the locals, very friendly and welcoming. Enjoy the 'craic'!

Written by: Elisa della Barba