Things to do in Ireland – 15 of the best places to visit in Ireland

Things to do in Ireland – 15 of the best places to visit in Ireland! Ireland is also known as the Emerald Island thanks to the beautiful green pastures. Gorgeous nature, the warm welcome of the Irish people and the perfect pint of black beer are all guarantees of wonderful holidays.

In Ireland, there are numerous exciting activities and experiences to indulge in. Explore the historic castles and ancient ruins scattered throughout the country, such as the iconic Blarney Castle and the mysterious Newgrange. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and traditional music in the lively pubs of Dublin and Galway.

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Giant’s Causeway. Embrace the Irish culture by participating in traditional festivals and events, like St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Finally, don’t miss the chance to savor delicious Irish cuisine, including hearty stews, freshly caught seafood, and of course, a pint of Guinness.

Ireland offers a wealth of diverse experiences that appeal to history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking an authentic taste of Irish hospitality.

The city of Dublin is especially popular, but if you want to know the real Ireland, you have to go to the countryside. Here are a few places to consider when travelling to Ireland.

Things to do in Ireland

1. Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are a very popular attraction, and one of the most spectacular sights you will ever lay eyes on. Formed over 320 million years ago, these cliffs go all the way over the Galway Bay and the Maum Turk Mountains to the north.

If you are looking for some idyllic scenery while visiting Ireland, you will definitely need to visit these cliffs.

2. Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry is the most beautiful trail in all of Ireland, and it’s perfect for tourists who are looking to get some exercise while experiencing nature. If you want a real adventure while on vacation, this is a great choice.

Beara Peninsula and the Kerry Way are two of the oldest walking routes in Northern Ireland, and there is even a 15th-century castle nearby.

3. Burren National Park

The Burren is an amazing landscape made up of rocky bounds and ruts that can present a real challenge to most hikers, but it’s definitely worth visiting if you are in Northern Ireland.

The beautiful wildflowers that grow between the cracks in the rocks make for a truly unique outdoor experience. This landscape is the result of thousands of years of acid erosion, and it’s one of this country’s most epic places to visit.

4. Connemara National Park

Although there are a number of incredible national parks in Northern Ireland, Connemara is truly a cut above the rest. This park has the Twelve Bens, including Benbrack, Bencullagh, and Banbaun.

If you enjoy hiking and rock climbing, this is the perfect place to visit. There is also an old monastery in one of the most striking castles in all of Ireland.

5. Skellig Islands

The Skellig Islands are a great place to take a little side trip to, and they include the Ring of Kerry tourist trail. Skellig Michael is the larger part of two islands, located 11.6 kilometres west of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry.

There are numerous hiking trails that you can go on to see the incredibly rugged yet beautiful landscape here.

6. Aran Islands

The Aran Islands is where you go when you want to experience a truly traditional Irish village. Many of the people here actually speak Gaelic as their primary language, and there are a lot of farming communities.

The sandy beaches and beautiful landscape of this area make it a perfect place to visit for anyone who visits Northern Ireland.

7. Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park is one of Ireland’s natural treasures, and it’s a very popular place for tourists to visit. If you ever find yourself in this country, you will definitely want to head over to this park.

The mountaintop views and old 19th-century castles only add to the sheer majesty and magnificence of this place. There is also lots of incredible wildlife that you can see while you are here.

8. Glendalough

If you are visiting Dublin, Glendalough makes for the perfect day trip. The Wicklow Mountains National Park has some of the best scenery in the country, and it is ideal for those who want an outdoor adventure before going back home.

This countryside has a rugged sort of beauty that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the entire country.

Glendalough is a monastery complex located in the Glenealo Valley in County Wicklow, Ireland, about 50 km south of Dublin. It is one of the most visited monuments on the island.

The word Glendalough comes from the Irish name Gleann Dá Loch, which means Valley of the Two Lakes. It’s also a place of one of the most important early Christian Irish monasteries.

9. Cooley Peninsula

Cooley Peninsula spills into the Irish Sea, and its long stretch of sandy shore is the perfect place to stroll along for some truly unforgettable scenery. You are bound to love the views that you get from the Mourne Mountains, which are heavily forested with all sorts of wildlife.

There is also an old medieval village that you can walk through while you are here.

10. Dublin

There were literary legends along with Dublin streets like James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, or Bram Stoker. The largest convent in Dublin is Gothic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. With a tower of up to 69 meters, it is also the largest church in the whole of Ireland.

On Friday, March 17th, the Irish celebrate the patron saint of St. Patrick’s, which is associated with great celebrations. So this date is either one of the best times to visit Dublin or one of the worst! 🙂 Depends just on you!

11. Rock of Cashel Castle

Rock of Cashel is one of the most important and oldest Irish castles. Aengus was one of many kings who lived here but he was baptized by St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland.

In addition to the beautiful and fortified castle, there is also the ruin of a large cathedral which you will want to visit.

12. Diamond Hill

Connemara National Park is one of the 6 national parks in Ireland, located on the west coast north of Galway Bay. The park covers an area of ​​approximately 3,000 hectares. A frequent starting point for hikes and walks along the Connemara National Park is the small village of Letterfrack, home to the Connermara National Park Visitor Center.

From the visitor center, a marked trail leads to the nearby Diamond Hill (442 m above sea level). The trail is 7 km long and consists of gravel and wooden paths, which make it easier for visitors to climb to the top. From Diamond Hill there is a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and you can see the nearby ocean and mountain ridges.

13. Gap of Dunloe

Gap of Dunloe is a mountain pass (245m above sea level) between two important Irish mountains – Purple Mountain and Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. But it is also a name of a canyon leading to this pass.

There are five lakes, waterfalls and steep cliffs, a perfect piece of the beautiful Irish countryside!

14. Slieve League

At the western tip of County Donegal, you will find the highest cliffs in Europe, named after its highest point – the Slieve League. They reach a height of 601 m above sea level, which makes them 3 times higher than their more well-known Cliff of Moher.

If you have enough strength, time and luck for the weather, you can boldly set off along their edge for a walk up from the viewpoint to the very top of the cliffs. You can also enjoy the view of the cliffs from the Bunglass Point.

15. Ross Castle

Ross Castle is a beautiful and one of the typical Irish tower castles with a massive dominant tower, which also served as a residential palace. It is the most important palace in Killarney National Park.

In addition, it has a very picturesque location right on Lake Leane.

Ireland, known as the “Emerald Isle,” offers a captivating travel experience that showcases its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. From the charming cities of Dublin, Cork, and Galway to the dramatic cliffs of Moher and the serene beauty of its countryside, Ireland’s natural wonders are simply breathtaking.

Visitors can explore ancient castles, such as the iconic Blarney Castle and the majestic Rock of Cashel, and immerse themselves in the country’s fascinating Celtic heritage and folklore. Whether you’re sipping a pint of Guinness in a traditional pub or embarking on a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland promises an unforgettable journey filled with cultural treasures and memorable experiences that beckon travelers to return again and again.