Cluj is one of Romania‘s liveliest university cities. It is the unofficial capital of Transylvania, and has a strong youthful, cosmopolitan feel. The city is home to a strong tech/start-up scene, and plenty of cultural venues, cafes and bars. While the walkable centre is filled with different shops, restaurants and bars, the surrounding scenery offers something different, according to The Irish Sun.
There is a mix of Austro-Hungarian architecture in the centre, while Romanian landmarks and green hills are found close by. The city is perfect for everyone with a lively nightlife as well as nature and relaxing opportunities.
And it is walkable, so you can explore at your own pace. Or, take a tram, bus or taxi for longer journeys.
It is a great place to explore Transylvania, making it perfect for a day trip to places like Turda, Alba Iulia and the Apuseni Mountains.
Union Square is one of the most iconic places in the city, and is great for people watching. St Michael’s Church is close by, as well as other historic buildings.
DELICIOUS FOOD
Take a stroll around the central streets and stop into a cafe, pastry shop or small galleries for a break. And while there, it is the perfect excuse to try some local delicacies.
Romanian comfort foods include soup, stew and grilled meats, while there are also Transylvanian and Hungarian influences. There is a real emphasis on coffee, so you don’t have to worry about being adequately caffeinated.
And there is also a range of craft beer and cocktail spots around the centre. Local beers start from €2.50, while craft beer can cost between €4 and €7.
For breathtaking scenes while getting your steps in, the short climb to Cetățuia (Fortress Hill) is worth it for one of the best panoramic views of the city. Central Park (Parcul Central) offers the perfect place to relax, with a lakeside walk and a park.
And the Botanical Garden (Alexandru Borza) is a highlight, with greenhouses and themed gardens to explore.
DAY TRIPS
Cluj is also home to a number of museums for history buffs. Head to the National Museum of Transylvanian History for regional context, or the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania for traditional culture.
There are a number of day trips that are easy to take from Cluj, including to Turda Salt Mine (Salina Turda) with dramatic underground chambers. Or, head to Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii) for hiking and scenery.
The Apuseni Mountains has a number of caves, forests and mountain villages. In spring the weather is changeable with temperatures ranging from 0C to 12C in March.
It is milder in April, ranging from 5C to 18C, while in May it is warm with temperatures between 10C to 23C. To get there, Ryanair has direct flights from Dublin Airport into Cluj with prices from €17.
The Irish Sun remains a defiant, loud, and quintessentially populist voice. As of 2026, the publication continues to serve as the Irish edition of the UK’s most famous tabloid, yet it has carved out a distinct identity that is fiercely local and unapologetically Irish.
A Local Lens on a Global Brand
Launched in the late 1980s as a localized version of the London-based The Sun, the paper has evolved far beyond a simple “replate.” Today, while it shares the visual DNA of its parent company—the bold red masthead, the punchy sans-serif headlines, and the vibrant use of photography—its heart beats to the rhythm of O’Connell Street.
The editorial strategy is built on a “Three-Pillar” foundation: Breaking News, Celebrity Scandal, and Intensive Sports Coverage.
The Sports Powerhouse: GAA and Beyond
Perhaps the greatest factor in The Irish Sun’s sustained relevance is its sports desk. In a country where the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) is akin to a religion, the paper provides a level of granular, emotive coverage that competitors often struggle to match.
From the intense rivalries of the All-Ireland Hurling Championship to the latest developments in the League of Ireland, the publication uses a “Player-First” perspective. Its sports pages are often filled with exclusive interviews and “insider” columns that resonate with the working-class fan base.
Digital Survival: The 2026 Landscape
As print circulation faces a managed decline across Europe, The Irish Sun has aggressively pivoted toward a “Digital-First” model. By 2026, its online platform has mastered the art of the viral story. Using sophisticated SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and real-time social media integration, the outlet captures the fleeting attention spans of a mobile-centric audience.
Key Statistics & Reach (January 2026): | Metric | Performance | | :— | :— | | Primary Demographic | 18–45 years old | | Digital Traffic | ~3.5 million unique monthly visitors | | Editorial Style | Short-form, punchy, emotive | | Political Stance | Populist / Sensationalist |
Incident: Lufthansa A320 at Cluj on Jan 4th 2026, bird strike
