Top 10 Biggest Cities in Ireland
Let us introduce you 5 largest cities in Ireland and what makes them so special in the eyes of the tourists and locals alike. Are you ready?
Ireland is known for its amazing destinations, which make this country all too alluring for backpackers. Situated in Europe, although it is a small country, it offers more than the anticipation of anyone. It has many cities that are very famous because of their histories, lively present, and successful future. It happens that you, too, live in one of those cities and we’re sure you love it more than anything.
But since tourism calls for exploring everything, you should consider visiting other cities nearby you and educate yourself about the diversity of the place. Even if you don’t get a chance to visit all of them, wouldn’t it be good to know about them? It sure would be.
Below are the top 10 Biggest Cities in Ireland
1. Dublin
Dublin is the capital city of Ireland. Although it is small, it has a huge population. This city was first founded by Vikings in the 9th century. Do you know who Vikings were? They were very strong and skilled warriors from Scandinavians . If you live in Dublin, you sure are a Viking!
Besides this, Dublin is very beautiful. In fact, one of its routes was named the most beautiful of all in Europe. That route is Dublin Mountains Way. Also, it is believed that this city has a square bridge. This in fact is not correct, instead Dublin has a bridge which is wider than it is longer, doesn’t make sense? Well, the part that goes over the water from one side of the city to the other side is actually a few meters shorter than the bridge’s width. Make sure you pay attention next time you cross the O’Connell Bridge!
Is Dublin the largest city in Ireland?
Dublin is a capital of Ireland.
As Wikipedia indicates, the population of the Dublin Region in 2016, was 1,347,359 people, and the population of the Greater Dublin area was 1,904,806.
Here is how population has changed in Dublin and Greater Dublin area

population of Greater Dublin area Source: Wikipedia
Dublin has it all: you can have a stroll in the Phoenix park, the biggest urban park in Europe. Then pop in to Dublin Zoo, which is one of the oldest Zoos in the world. Dublin has lots of historical sites, you can discover unique Dublin attractions, it has the best family fun attractions, top beaches, amazing walks, parks, playgrounds, free activities and things to do and all the adventures to make your day.
Recommended reading: Top Things to do in Dublin
Time to learn more about other cities in Ireland
2. Cork
Cork is the second biggest city in Ireland. It has a huge natural port which is the second largest in the world. You sure would see a lot of ships there. Who knows Captain Jack Sparrow might be in one of those ships? It has a very green and nature-friendly county called County Cork. It is the largest in the whole of Ireland. You can see more colors in this area than your children have in your coloring box! Of course, it would be a delight to let them name these colors and let you know how much they have grasped over the years.
Cork is home to Blarney Castle
Recommended reading: Top Things to do in Cork
3. Limerick
This city was also founded by Vikings. Therefore, this city is very old like Dublin. Along with that, it is also the third largest city in Ireland.
This city is so famous that around 10 places in the United States of America are called Limerick! It also has a living bridge that breaths. It is called that not because it takes breaths, but because of its design. It is the largest footbridge in the world!
Recommended reading: Top Things to do in Limerick
4. Galway
It is the fourth largest city in Ireland and a very beautiful one. It also has a place which has the longest name, called Muckanaghederdaulia. That sure is a huge name. Can you pronounce it?
Galway is also called “The City of Tribes”. It is given this name because of the fourteen merchant families who lived here. This was when Ireland was not an independent country.
Galway is also called the “Cultural Heart of Ireland”. Now, I wonder why is it called that? Oh, wait, I know. It is called that because of the beautiful music and dance traditions here. You would love this place.
Recommended reading: Top Things to do in Galway
5. Waterford
Everyone city has one name. Waterford is different, however, as it has many names. Three of them are most famous. They are Port Lairge, Cuan-na-Grian, and Vadre Fjord. It is an important city and many famous persons came from Waterford. Do you know that the famous St. Patrick’s Day that you celebrate was first celebrated in Waterford? I bet you don’t!
Vikings lived in this city, too, but they weren’t very friendly. They used to cut people’s noses. Ouch! This practice led to the creation of “to pay through the nose” expression. Do you know what that means? It means to pay more than the deserved price.
Recommended reading: Top Things to do in Waterford
And to make it the top 10, here are other 5 biggest towns in Ireland:
6. Drogheda
7. Swords
8. Dundalk
9. Bray
10. Navan
After reading about these cities in Ireland, it is obvious that you would have collected a wealth of information. And why shouldn’t you have? These cities offer so much that one can never have enough of them in any way. All those cities are beautiful in its own way, the only need for you is to go out and check them one by one, at least. Chances are that you might have already visited some of them. How many have you visited, though? How was your experience of that place?
Interesting facts about cities in Ireland
Interesting Dublin Facts
- Dublin is home to:
– 9 of the top 10 global Information Communications Technology companies;
– 50% of the world’s top banks;
– 250 global financial institutions;
– 10 of the world’s top 20 insurance companies;
– 9 of the world’s top 10 pharma companies;
– 17 of the world’s top 25 med-tech companies.
- in 2016 Financial Times ranked Dublin as Europe’s 3rd most attractive city for Foreign Direct Investment. Dublin also rank 2nd in Europe for business-friendliness and 3rd for economic potential.
- The Dublin Region ranked as the most attractive small European region for FDI in 2016, and the 2nd most attractive region in Northern Europe.
- > 60% of those employed the Top Ireland’s financial, ICT, and professional services sectors are located in the Greater Dublin Area.
- In 2016 Dublin attracted over 5.6 million tourists, generating over €1.9 billion in revenue.
- €1 out of every €6 spent by Irish domestic tourists is spent in Dublin.
- Dublin had the highest hotel occupancy rate between European cities in 2016 (82.5%), and is forecast to maintain this ranking to 2018.
- Dublin Airport handled 27.8 million passengers in 2016: 204,563 flights, serving 180 routes to 40 countries. It’s 85% of the total for Irish airports.
- Dublin Port welcomed 1.8 million tourist visitors and over 500,000 tourist vehicles in 2016. It received 109 cruise liner visits, bringing over 107,000 passengers.
- On average 500,000 people travel within Dublin City Centre every day.This is about 235,000 work-related trips, 45,000 education trips, and 120,000 visitors, tourists, and shoppers.
- Ireland’s two leading universities Trinity College and National University of Ireland are based in Dublin.
- 42% of people holding a PhD in Ireland live in Dublin.
- Dublin has the youngest population in all of Europe
- Most of Irish Celebs like Bono, Boyzone and other famous Irish people are from Dublin.
- World famous MGM Logo lion is also a Dubliner-was born in Dublin Zoo in 1919
- The are so many things to do in Dublin. It’s the top destination for tourists. Dublin is also home for unique things to do and world famous attractions like Book of Kells, Dublin Castle and others.
- Dublin is home of the Phoenix Park, which is the biggest urban park in Europe.
Other interesting facts
- Eight out of the 10 biggest towns in Ireland are in Leinster, and two with Drogheda and Dundalkin Co Louth