Belfast (The North)
Belfast is a lively city undergoing political and economic change like the rest of Ireland. Well worth a visit to capture this moment in its history. The City is well run, having the advantage of the UK system of transportation and infrastructure. If you feel comfortable wandering outside the main commercial areas, expect to see flags and murals representing the cultural affiliations of the city dwellers.
Cork (The South)
Cork is based in the South and tends to get warmer weather in the Summer. Many families holiday in the South of Ireland in the sunny South West which is very picturesque. Cork city itself is not what I would call a pretty city. Many of the streets are narrow and hilly. However this is offset by the fact that Cork people are more friendly and approachable which gives the city a 'small town' feel to it even though it is not. The food down South is better on average than in Dublin and the prices cheaper.
Dublin (The East)
Dublin is the commercial hub of the Republic of Ireland and contains the majority of the population density. What was once a run-down neglected city is now very vibrant and cosmopolitian. Expect to overhear many non-English speakers as you walk about the City. The current boom in building in Ireland has attracted a lot of workers from the EU accession countries looking for a better life in the form of a higher wage than they would normally be used to. Expect all sorts of welcomes from the various peoples of Europe. The city can be expensive and is not as easy to get around as it could be but this is offset by the fact that the City Center can almost be walked for those willing to. However, with each year that passes, it has become easier to get around Dublin with the introduction of a Tram style system called The Luas. Try to use it during off-peak hours to get a comfortable seat!
Galway (Into the West!)
Galway is widely regarded by many Irish people to be one of the nicest cities to live in, in Ireland. As a consequence, property here remains expensive and is well sought after. Located on the Western Seaboard, it still harbors the scars of the Irish Famine as one can see row upon row of Stone walls which once made up the small property-holders who faced the hard decision of whether to stay and try to survive or leave the country and find a new life. The West is undeniably beautiful but it's also a rugged place that is a nice contrast to the more commercial cities. It also rains more here too but in the Summer it's not too bad but it may be colder than you're used to, so bring some rain gear!
The biggest cities in Ireland are Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford
Some of Ireland's main cities are:
* Dublin * Cork * Galway * Limerick * Waterford * Derry * Belfast * Armagh
Dublin
Cork
Galway
Limerick
Waterford
Kilkenny
Galway and Waterford are important cities in Ireland, but there are bigger cities.
southern Ireland had a catholic majority, while great Britain had a protestant majority.
Rural Ireland is everywhere outside the main cities and large towns. Basically it is the countryside. Urban areas are the large towns and cities.
Most of Ireland's cities are on or very near the coast, giving them access to the sea. This is important for importing and exporting. Some also have sea transport, such as ferries.
Capital city: Belfast.Other main cities: Londonderry, Armagh, Newry, Lisburn.
Yes. Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford are the other main cities in the Republic of Ireland.
The main cities in the Republic of Ireland are Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny and Waterford
Southern Ireland was created in 1921.
English is the main language spoken in Southern Ireland, while Irish (Gaelic) is also an official language. Both languages are widely used in different contexts, with English being more dominant in daily life and business.
Ireland is an island. So ports are focal points. They are key for industry, for importing, for exporting, for marine industries and so on. These are where the cities form. Ireland is not very wide, so this is different to massive countries that have cities spread all around them. Ireland does have lots of inland towns that are very large but cities form on the coast. Around the world, many large cities are on or near the coast too.
Southern Ireland is often used incorrectly to refer to the Republic of Ireland and distinguish it from Northern Ireland, so southern Ireland is really just a geographical term, in the same way as you might have southern Canada or southern France or southern Argentina, or the southern part of any country you could mention. Even the term Republic of Ireland is not an official one. The proper name, according to the Irish constitution is Éire or Ireland. So, southern Ireland is in the country that is known as Ireland, which is on the island of Ireland, as is Northern Ireland.
Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in all of Ireland. It is geographically in southern Ireland. The term "southern Ireland" is often incorrectly used to refer to the Republic of Ireland. Carrauntoohil is in the Republic of Ireland.