Munster is the largest and most populous of Ireland's four historic provinces, comprising the counties of Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. Located in the south and southwest of the island, it is geographically the most varied province — from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic coast to the gentle pastures of the Golden Vale, one of Europe's most fertile farming regions.
Much of the Wild Atlantic Way runs along its coastline, including the world-famous Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula, where Irish is still spoken as an everyday language in the Gaeltacht area. Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, is considered the country's culinary capital thanks to the historic English Market, while Limerick is known as the home of rugby in Ireland.
Historically, Munster is shaped by striking monuments such as the Rock of Cashel, once the seat of the Kings of Munster and later a bishop's residence, and Blarney Castle with its famous Blarney Stone. Waterford, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, is Ireland's oldest city and today known for its crystal glassware.
Visitors to Munster find a province where rugged Atlantic coastline, fertile farmland and over a thousand years of history sit side by side.