25 Great Things To Do In Ireland

Ireland is a land of contrasts, where you can see beautiful national parks, pilgrim routes, and cities where every evening is a holiday. A huge variety of impressions awaits every tourist. It can be quite difficult to get your bearings, in which case the best ideas may come in handy. So, here are the things to look out for first.

1.     Go to the National Gallery in Dublin

There is something surprisingly soothing about walking the Georgian streets in downtown Dublin. There is also the National Gallery, an amazing museum, which houses more than sixteen thousand works of art. Many of them have recently undergone an expensive restoration process. The collection includes both works by foreign artists and Irish canvases.

2.     Taste Guinness beer and Irish whiskey

The Guinness Brewery has been one of the leaders since its foundation in 1759. The brewery warehouse is one of the most popular tourist spots. The exposition dedicated to the history of the enterprise and the intricacies of production is located on six floors. The rooftop bar offers great views of Dublin.

Alternatively, head to County Cork and learn about the intricacies of making real Irish whiskey.

3.     Ride a horse carriage through Killarney National Park

This park is an ideal base for exploring Irish nature and has attracted tourists since the mid-nineteenth century. Get the most out of your pony-driven carriage ride and visit Lake Macross.

In the park, you can see a traditional farm where huge Irish wolfhounds live.

4.     Climb Mount Cro-Patrick

The trek to the top takes about two hours, however, it is quite difficult, and you will need a stick on the way. The mountain is considered a sacred place, so on the last Sunday in July, thousands of pilgrims can be seen en route to the top. Even if you do not climb to the very top, you can enjoy the wonderful view.

5.     Travel to the Skellig Islands and the Chocolate Factory

The Rocky Skellig Islands off the coast of Kerry are an incredible destination. Skellig Michael Island is even listed by UNESCO. During warmer months, you can go there by boat. In addition, there is a chocolate factory on the shore, where the best chocolate in Ireland is produced.

6.     Check out the Victorian architecture of Belfast

Head to the shipyards to discover the site where the Titanic was created. Alternatively, just take a stroll through the old quarters – Victorian houses with stunning finishes will leave no one indifferent.

7.     Explore the Galway Coast

Galway is a place where you can visit old pubs and taste fresh oysters. In addition, there is an old castle of the sixteenth century. It is beautifully lit in the evenings and regularly hosts medieval banquets.

8.     Go surfing

If you love risk, head to Iski for huge waves that are only suitable for the truly experienced surfers. For beginners, it’s best to head to Enniscron, where there are surf schools and a great sandy beach. After skiing, you can warm up in the seaweed bath or visit the grave of the poet Yeats.

9.     Walk in the footsteps of James Joyce

The sixteenth of July is the day on which the events of Joyce’s novel Ulysses unfold. The novel mentions many places in Dublin, so fans of the book can easily arrange a themed walk around the city.

10. Hike the West of Ireland

In the west, the population density is low, and the nature is especially beautiful. The temperate climate allows you to enjoy the hike at any time of the year, however, from November to February, the day becomes shorter, and this is worth considering. You can see mountains, Connemara National Park or even visit islands off the coast.

11. Visit the Galway Festival

Galway’s historic center is often the location for events. However, without them there is also surprisingly interesting. Shop for a thrilling shopping experience – buy a traditional Irish sweater or wool hat, wander through bookstores and traditional bars, and admire Irish wedding rings.

12. Admire the Cliffs of Moher

These cliffs are a sight to behold. It is not surprising that over a million people come to see them every year. Paths and observation platforms are waiting for you, from which a magnificent view opens.

13. Take a ride from south to north

A road runs along the Atlantic coast from Donegal to Kinsale. It was opened in 2014 and has attracted the attention of many tourists. Enjoy the best ocean views along the way.

14. Travel to the ruins in Glendalough

Go admire the ruins of the monastery at Glendalough. This place is located between two lakes and is surrounded by mountains. The ruins look best in the morning fog. This region was sacred to the Celts.

15. Take a walk along the east coast

On the east coast, Waterford, built on the site of a Viking settlement, deserves attention. Here you will find traces of the Scandinavians as well as Georgian architecture. You can rent a bike to admire the shore.

16. Look at Trinity College

One of Dublin’s best attractions is Trinity College, a university housed in historic buildings in the heart of the city. Remember that cobbled streets require the most comfortable shoes possible. Then you can enjoy a stroll through the vibrant university district.

17. Go shopping on Grafton Street

Another interesting attraction is Grafton Street in Dublin. There you can admire the very picturesque shops, go to the original ateliers and taste the local cuisine.

18. Walk the streets of Derry

Derry is a small town in the northwest of Ireland. It has an impressive history dating back to the distant past. In 1614, massive fortifications were erected around the city. You can still walk along the walls to get a closer look at the history.

19. Dance to traditional music

Visit the city of Ennis, where you can always enjoy the music and dance Irish dances in the old pub.

20. Visit Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle seems to be part of the Harry Potter story. On the territory of the castle you can admire the Irish wolfhounds, play golf, ride a horse and even go for a falconry.

21. Go golfing in the southwest

There are more than three hundred golf courses in Ireland. It is best to head to the southwest of the country, where you can enjoy great views of the dunes. These places have been popular with tourists for many years.

22. Enjoy seafood

Travel to the coastal town of Dingle, renowned for local music and innovative restaurants with great seafood dishes. After lunch, you can stroll and admire the traditional architecture.

23. Check out Irish design

Travel to medieval Kilkenny, where you can admire both contemporary design and traditional art.

24. Try cheese in Cork

In Cork, there is an impressive market with over a hundred shops where you can taste bread, fish and cheese. It is in Cork that the traditions of Irish cheese making are being revived.

25. Admire the Bridge of the Giants

This amazing natural phenomenon consists of forty thousand basalt columns, formed sixty million years ago.