- Touring Dublin with its mansions and townhouses, not to mention impressive literary legacy (home of James Joyce, Brendan Behan, and Oscar Wilde)
- Hiking through rolling green hills at the Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula, overlooking the craggy outcroppings, ancient ruins, and the sea and islands beyond
- Kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, near Cork (hint: it requires some effort)
- Drinking a Guinness – with foam expertly shaped into a shamrock -- in an Irish pub, while gabbing with the locals for hours and listening to toe-tapping music
- Sailing with the amazing Irish coastline in view
- Taking a short cruise to places like remote Skellig Michael Island, eight miles off the coast of southwest Ireland, and climbing 600 stone steps to the top for a picnic lunch and incredible views
- Stepping across the thousands of basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, remnants of an ancient volcano that extends into the North Channel in Northern Ireland
- Exploring the incredible ruins and archaeological sites
- Enjoying water adventures such as surfing or fishing in opal-blue waters of the Dingle Peninsula
Best Things to Do in Ireland
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Things to do in Ireland - Expert's guide
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
Ireland is open to foreign travelers.
Upon arrival, visitors must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine and fill out a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form to indicate where they intend to self isolate.
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The Ring of Kerry completely encapsulates the image of Ireland that springs to mind for most people. Rolling green hills, ancient ruins, farmland and farm houses with sheep and horses roaming the fields, and wild beautiful coastline.
This incredibly picturesque area is most often included on Ireland itineraries as a scenic 1 or 2 day drive. Without stops, the drive is only about 4 hours, however most tours in Ireland include a night at a quintessential Irish bed and breakfast and plenty of time to stop and explore the sights.
2. Dublin
When you think of Ireland, you think of Dublin. The Republic of Ireland’s capital, the city is packed chock full of wonderful pubs, museums, and parks. In true Irish fashion, Dublin is a roliking city, not always the most picturesque, but very open and friendly - Dubliners love to host out of towners - just be sure you can keep up with their sense of humor!
When visiting Dublin, one of the best ways to get a feel for the city is by walking tour. You can visit famous Temple Bar, Trinity College, stroll along the Grand Canal, visit museums - highly recommended is the Irish Emigration museum, and Dublin Castle, among many other wonderful sites.
Literary history buffs don’t miss the chance to walk in the footsteps of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Bram Stoker!
Giant’s Causeway is comprised of over 40,000 basalt columns, and if that doesn’t sound particularly exciting, you just have to be there. Ancient folklore surrounds the site and its creation. It is believed that two giants, one from Ireland, Finn Macool, and one from Scotland Benandonner, agreed to meet for a battle determining their strength.
Finn Macool created a bridge for Benandonner to cross - the Giants Causeway.The fight never ended up happening as each saw in the other too a formidable foe. Finn Macool fleeing to the Irish hills, and Benandonner fleeing back to Scotland, breaking up the Giant’s Causeway in his wake so Macool could not follow.
This story is more fun than the real one - Giant’s Causeway was formed from a volcanic eruption over 60 million years ago. You can visit on a day trip from Dublin, and it is included on many Ireland tours.
4. Galway
Situated on Ireland’s west coast, many travelers seek out Galway for its local flavor, and to find a less touristy city to explore than Dublin. Right off the coast of Galway, you can see and visit the Aran Islands.
Galway is also particularly popular for festival goers. Throughout the summer, which is the heaviest tourist time, Galway presents music festivals and arts festivals that celebrate multiple styles and forms of art.
5. Belfast
Belfast still retains much of its grit as a manufacturing town comprised largely of shipyards. Today tourists visit mainly to visit the Titanic museum. It was here the the famous ocean liner was built, and a comprehensive tour leads visitors through an exhibition detailing the ships creation process and the perils Titanic experienced on the open sea.
6. Cliffs of Moher
The famous Cliffs of Moher are another spectacular place to visit for taking in Ireland’s unbelievable coastline. Named for an old fort, Mothar, that was active in the 1st century BC, today the Cliffs beckon all sorts of travelers - young and old - eager to explore the many hiking trails and amazing photography opportunities.
Though you could see the major viewing areas and attractions at Moher in 2-3 hours, it is highly recommended to take more time, even stay overnight in the area, to get a true sense of what makes the Cliffs of Moher so special.
7. Blarney Castle
You simply can’t visit Ireland and not visit Blarney Castle. Kissing the Blarney stone is a right of passage for any traveler to Ireland. And though it might seem hokey and touristy, which it is a little bit, it’s pure fun and the kind of thing you’d be sad to say you missed on your trip to Ireland.
Blarney Castle is included on many guided Ireland tours, not just for the kissing of the stone. The Castle and surrounding area is both incredibly beautiful and historic.
8. Connemara
This “Land of the Sea” on Ireland’s West Coast is the true encapsulation of Ireland at its rugged, wild best. Outdoorsy activities abound, and the region is well known for spectacular hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and birding.
Connemara is a last frontier of sorts. Slightly off the main tourist track in Ireland, it is sometimes included in longer Ireland tour itineraries, however shorter itineraries tend to skip Connemara. If you want a chance to experience this haven of coastal Irish culture and enjoy a lot of time outside - be sure to select an Ireland tour that includes Connemara.
9. Killarney
Located in County Kerry, Killarney presents travelers to Ireland with numerous activities and sites to visit. Another classic Ireland destination for the landscape, castles, and villages. Among the top sites are St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Gap of Dunloe, Torc Waterfall, and Ross Castle.
Killarney National Park is a must see, home among other things to the highest mountain range in Ireland, with Killarney’s famous lakes at the base. Keep an eye out for the Red Deer native to the area!
10. Aran Islands
If you are planning a longer tour in Ireland, you can’t miss the Aran Islands. Located in Galway Bay, the Aran Islands are home to ancient forts, amazing coastline, and true authentic Irish character. This is the perfect getaway off the west coast of Ireland.
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Useful Links
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Visa Information
| Visa Needed? | Link
US | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Ireland for United States Citizens
UK | N | Visas to Ireland for United Kingdom Citizens
CA | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Ireland for Canadian Citizens
AU | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Ireland for Australian Citizens
NZ | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Ireland for New Zealand Citizens
IN | Y | Visas to Ireland for Indian Citizens
US | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Ireland for United States Citizens
UK | N | Visas to Ireland for United Kingdom Citizens
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