Some of the best places to visit in Ireland offer moody landscapes that change every second, ranging from urban cosmopolitan cities with thriving culinary scenes to remote villages exuding eccentric charm. As the following places demonstrate, wherever you pick to go in Ireland, you are bound to have an experience of a lifetime.
The best places to visit in Ireland: the Wild Atlantic Way
Perhaps Ireland’s most popular route, the Wild Atlantic Way goes on for more than 1,555 miles through nine counties in the western part of Ireland and has some of the most dramatic sceneries you’ll come across. Should you happen to be driving along this route during a sunset, the sky will reward you with a display of colours like you’ve never witnessed. It’s bound to be one of the best road trips you’ll ever take. The route starts/ends in Donegal, but you can pick it up anywhere from Sligo, Mayo, and Galway to Clare, Kerry, Cork, and Kinsale.
The best places to visit in Ireland: Clare
Nestled in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way, on the coastline, County Clare is a terrain of lush green countryside with a rugged coastline that has played host to many a film set, from Star Wars to Harry Potter.
Cliffs of Moher
Standing at more than 700 feet and stretching over 5 miles along the Atlantic coast, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the world’s longest defined cliff lines. There are viewing platforms along the cliffs that offer jaw-dropping views over Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Needless to say, the sky at sunset is a mesmerising mix of amber, amethyst, rose pink and deep red. Visit the turf-covered visitor’s centre to learn more about the geology of the cliffs.
Burren
The hunks of exposed limestone of the Burren, with its caves and crannies, give it a moon-like feel, except for the large variety of wildflowers, which includes 22 different types of orchids. It is quite easily one of Ireland’s most compelling landscapes, and in a country where the landscapes come in every form and shape, that is saying something. Don’t miss the Doolin Cave, on the western edge; it has the longest free-standing stalactite in Europe.
Galway
If you’re looking for a truly Irish experience, then Galway, with its brightly painted houses and cobbled streets, is without a doubt another must-visit city on the west coast of Ireland. One of two cities crowned European City of Culture in 2020, it has a very laidback vibe to it, enhanced by the live Irish folk music you’ll find in most pubs and bars.
Gaelic is the spoken language, with road signs posted in both English and Gaelic. There’s a beautiful promenade walk stretching almost 2 miles from the Latin quarter in the city, along the coastline to the Blackrock diving tower. Tradition has it that you should kick the wall at the end of your walk, though the reason for this seems elusive. Otherwise, try out the food at the colourful and rustic Kai restaurant along the route.
Connemara
If you travel northwest from Galway, you come to one of Ireland’s most remote regions, with colourful landscapes that change by the second. It’s also home to Ireland’s only fjord, at Killary Harbour, which stretches 10 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, forming a natural border between Galway and Mayo. Connemara’s haunting beauty is a mix of slate-coloured lakes, bogland, a rugged coastline, hidden bays and mountains dotted by sheep. Here, you will find small towns with creaky pubs and toe-tapping folk music.
Clifden
Clifden is often referred to as the capital of Connemara, and it’s probably a good place to base yourself whilst exploring these parts. This small but vibrant market town has a lot to offer, with the array of galleries, cafes, restaurants and pubs, perfect to retreat to for the evening after a day of activities. Lowry’s Pub, with live music every night of the week, has been voted the best traditional bar in Ireland quite a few times and doesn’t disappoint in the authentic stakes. It also has the largest selection of whiskey and gin in Connemara.
Kylemore Abbey
Without a doubt one of Ireland’s most romantic buildings, Kylemore Abbey is a must-visit whilst in Connemara. The Benedictine monastery, founded in 1920, can be found on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, just a few miles north of Clifden. The abbey has beautifully restored period rooms where you can learn its history of tragedy, romance and spirituality. The surrounding walled garden and woodland with lakeshore walks offer something for everyone and provide a great outing for the whole family.
Ring of Kerry
Another popular route in Ireland is the Ring of Kerry. This 113-mile route takes in some of the best places to visit in Ireland, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Starting and ending at Killarney, in the southwestern corner of Ireland, the route’s panoramic views include the monastic settlement at Skellig Michael and the golden sands of Rossbeigh Beach, bypassing the edges of the Iveragh Peninsula.
Dingle
In the heart of the Gaelic-speaking region of Ireland, you will find Dingle, along the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. It’s a town with quirky charm and rugged beauty, where you can get both your groceries and a pint at the pub. One of the best times to visit is probably during the Other Voices music festival, which usually takes place on the first weekend in December and attracts people from all over. Perhaps it’s because of its remoteness that you will find dolphins in the bay, but whatever the reason, this remote part of Ireland provides an authentic experience like no other.
Skellig Michael
The Skellig Island was once a monastic settlement that is now a pilgrimage site, where you will find one of the country’s earliest foundations, St Fionan’s Monastery. The monastery can be reached by climbing 618 steep steps and is well worth the trek. The views at the top of this UNESCO World Heritage site are awe inspiring.
Rossbeigh Beach
Rossebeigh Strand, or Beach, is probably one of Kerry’s, if not Ireland’s, best beaches, certainly for surfing due to its gently prevailing winds and the gradient of the beach. Given that it’s a Blue Flag-designated beach, the waters are also great for swimming. This 3-mile stretch of golden sand, on the outskirts of Glenbeigh, offers some of the most amazing views of the mountains on the Dingle Peninsula and is well worth a stop. One of the most memorable experiences is to walk out into the sea when the tide is out; you can get to the tip that juts into Dingle Bay. It is one of the most exhilarating feelings of isolation you will experience, brought on by being surrounded by sea, sky, sand, and mountains.
The best places to visit in Ireland: County Antrim
Northern Ireland has its fair share of places to see and visit, starting with County Antrim. It sits on the magnificent Lough Neagh, with dramatic sea views, cliff-top walks and a historic past still evident in the castles scattered around the county. It is, of course, also home to Belfast.
Belfast
The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, has fast shed its troubled past to emerge as a flourishing city with a thriving foodie scene. It manages to fuse haute cuisine with cosy pubs and Irish folk music, most of which can be found in the uber trendy Cathedral Quarter, in the hub of the city. You will find evidence of its past depicted on murals throughout the city, and it’s a great way to learn its history.
Giant Causeway
Ireland is not short of otherworldly landmarks, and way up there is the Giant Causeway in Antrim. The Causeway is made up of over 40,000 hexagonal columns, formed from a volcanic eruption over 50-60 million years ago, that appear to be tumbling into the sea. The legend goes that the stones were laid by the Irish warrior, Finn MacCumail, to cross the water to fight the Scottish giant Benandonner. You too will probably believe it when you see them.
Whilst in County Antrim, you might as well try and tackle the Carrick a Rede rope bridge, if you have a head for heights. The 20-metre long bridge of rope wire sways (quite literally if there is wind) 30 metres above the water and offers breathtaking views of Rathlin Island and Fair Head.
Cork
Cork, without a doubt, is one of the best places to visit in Ireland. Located in the southwest, it’s a small island straddling the River Lee. With a cosmopolitan vibe, buzzing with hip coffee shops, art galleries and museums, not to mention good pubs, it is often referred to (especially by the friendly and patriotic locals) as the capital of Ireland. The colourful seaside town of Kinsale, at the seafront, where you can watch fishermen unload their catch, is one of many such towns characteristic of this area.
English Market
It’s no surprise that Cork’s culinary scene is flourishing, given the array of produce available at the English Market. Spanning Princess Street to the Grand Parade, the market is one of Europe’s oldest covered markets and is housed in a rather majestic heritage building. The market is the life and soul of the city and sells local and organic foods. One of the most memorable experiences is having a meal at the homey Farmgate Cafe, which drapes the whole of the mezzanine floor. It’s the perfect place to watch the goings on of the market below whilst indulging in some delicious food. Whilst you may need to book a table for lunch, breakfast is on a walk-in basis.
Cobh Harbour
On the south coast of Cork, you will find Cobh Harbour, which is thought to be the second largest natural harbour in the world. The town is dominated by a neo-Gothic cathedral set on a hill, with colourful houses lining its steep streets. It was also the last port of call of the ill-fated Titanic – you will find both heart-breaking and wonderful stories of how it changed everyday lives throughout the town.
The best places to visit in Ireland: Dublin
It would be remiss to visit Ireland and not do anything in Dublin, the capital city; you will most probably be arriving or departing from here. There is a certain grandeur to Dublin, a legacy of its rich history that blends in well with its inner-city grit. The result is a vibrant city with a thriving food scene and a literary legacy that you don’t have to look too hard to find.
Check out our extensive list of things to do in Dublin or what to see if you spend a weekend in Dublin.
Trinity College Library
Probably one of the reasons Dublin gained its status as a UNESCO city of literature, the Old Library at Trinity College is an experience not to be missed. Not only does it house the manuscript edition of the New Testament, Book of Kells, but the Long Room with over 200,000 old books on floor-to-ceiling shelves is also truly a marvel; you don’t have to like books to appreciate its grandeur.
Georgian Squares
Whilst on your walks around this gregarious city, take in the grandeur of Merrion and Fitzwilliam squares, with their exquisite Georgian architecture. This is where you’ll find Leinster House, the Irish Parliament and the National Museum of Ireland.
Kilmainham Gaol Museum
If you wish to better understand Irish history, then a tour of Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison that was used to hold those who fought hard for Ireland’s independence, gives you just that.
The best places to visit in Ireland: experiences
In a country jam-packed with experiences everywhere you turn, you will be hard-pressed to choose, but these are some of the must-dos whilst visiting some of the best places in Ireland.
Waterford Greenway is certainly one of the best places to visit in Ireland
Ireland is a haven for anyone who likes trekking or cycling, and one of the greatest places you’ll ever get to do this is on the Waterford Greenway, in County Waterford. This car-free route covers 28 miles of disused railway line, from Waterford to the seaside town of Dungarvan, and offers spectacular views along the way; those between Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan are amongst the best of them.
Bru na Boinne
Whereas Egypt has the pyramids of Giza and England has Stonehenge, Ireland has Bru na Boinne, older than both and one of Europe’s most remarkable neolithic archaeological sites. This marvel of extensive passages of tombs, which date back to 3,200 BC, is part of the UNESCO Heritage of Sites and can be found on a bend of the River Boyne. Once every year, in late December, its main chamber is illuminated when a small slit by the entrance lines up with the rising sun of the winter solstice – a true marvel weather permitting. There is restricted public access to most of the tombs, but there are official tours to some of them. For tickets, visit: Bru na Boinne Ireland.
Voya Seaweed Baths
Not too long ago, Ireland was full of seaweed baths all over the coast, not surprising given its coastline; but numbers disappeared for whatever reasons, leaving only a handful. Voya Seaweed Baths, in Strandhill, Sligo, is one of the places re-discovering this ancient therapy of using seaweed. The spa uses natural, mineral-rich seaweed hand harvested on the Atlantic coast. Treatments last from 20min to a whole hour and are a perfect way to unwind, detoxify and rejuvenate your mind and body.
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