10 must-see attractions and activities in Ireland

If you're planning your next trip to Ireland and wondering which places you simply cannot miss, you’ve come to the right spot. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the 10 best things to see and do in Ireland, a breathtaking country that will undoubtedly steal a piece of your heart.

Affectionately known as the "Emerald Isle," this small nation has an extraordinary ability to captivate travelers even before they set foot on its soil. With its simple yet undeniable natural beauty, friendly and open people, and a resurgence of Irish identity since the long-awaited independence in 1922, Ireland is a destination that leaves a lasting impression. Add to this a complicated and often sad history, and you have a country rich in stories and experiences.

During our 10-day visit, we embarked on a road trip that led us through cities filled with street music, castles, fairy-tale landscapes, cliffs, and countless sheep. We even made a brief foray into Northern Ireland, which was equally fascinating. In fact, we wish we could have dedicated more time there, and we will certainly return.

The best things to see in Ireland

While the cities with their histories, legends, pubs, and musicians are major attractions, we found that the true magic of Ireland lies in its natural landscapes and rural surroundings. This was evident in the cliffs of the Dingle Peninsula, where emerald green pastures embrace the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean, and in the curious Giant's Causeway in nearby Northern Ireland. Our journey took us through countless kilometers of stunning scenery across the country.

Accompanied by lakes, cliffs, beaches, rolling hills, and the occasional mountain (not many, to be honest), we were also treated to the sight of countless sheep. I believe we spotted more here than even in New Zealand!

Are you eager to know what our favorite spots were? Here are the 10 best things to see and do in Ireland:

1. Dublin

The vibrant capital of Ireland will likely be your first or last stop on your journey. We spent 3 days in Dublin, soaking up the lively atmosphere of the pubs, delving into the scars left by the famine and diaspora that forever changed the country, and exploring some of its iconic monuments and neighborhoods.

Don't miss the Trinity College, founded in 1592 and home to the stunning Book of Kells, or the St. Patrick's Cathedral, an architectural marvel that has stood since the age of dinosaurs... or nearly 😉. Our favorite spot was probably Temple Bar, Dublin's liveliest neighborhood, where the pubs overflow with fun and live music. Be sure to book a free tour in Spanish to kickstart your exploration with an expert guide.

⭐ If you prefer to explore on your own, check out our post on 25 things to do and see in Dublin.

2. Cliffs of Moher: One of Ireland's Most Beautiful Sites

Located on Ireland's rugged west coast, the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher soar to heights of up to 214 meters above the Atlantic waters, shaped over centuries by relentless erosion. Spanning an 8-kilometer stretch of coastline, these cliffs are an essential stop in Ireland.

From the interesting visitor center, nestled under a little hill, several trails lead along the cliffs, offering spectacular panoramic views. The main route takes you to O'Brien's Tower, which is accessible, and provides different viewpoints. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk in either direction for hours. Aside from their overwhelming natural beauty, these cliffs serve as an important sanctuary for seabirds like puffins, gannets, and gulls, making drone flights prohibited.

Parking is available across the road, and it’s advisable to reserve in advance for a small discount, although you must select a specific date and time for your visit. Currently, only parking fees are charged per person, so it might be wise for other passengers to get out at a previous stop. If you don’t have your own vehicle, consider joining this excursion to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin.

⭐ Plan your visit with our tips for visiting the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

The Burren

Consider taking the day to explore The Burren, a karst area characterized by unique landscapes, extensive bare rock plains scattered with cracks and fissures, as well as a surprising and rich variety of flora, especially in spring. An interesting site to see here is the Poulnabrone Dolmen, which dates back to the Neolithic period and was used as a tomb.

Exploring this area is best done with a rental car; are you up for the adventure? Here are the best tips for renting a car and driving in Ireland.

3. Galway

This trip to Ireland was partly an excuse to visit our cousin Claudia, who was studying abroad in Galway, and what a great excuse it turned out to be! Thanks to her advice and company, we enjoyed Galway much more than we expected. We found a lively city, filled with music at nearly every corner, bustling pubs, and an overall great atmosphere.

Galway also has a handful of tourist attractions, including the Spanish Arch, the "Quadrangle" building of the old University of Galway that resembles a mini Trinity College, the Ballaghaderreen Catholic Cathedral, the much older St. Nicholas' Church in the heart of the historic center, the famous colorful houses at the mouth of the River Corrib, and the statue of the Galway Girl that has nothing to do with Ed Sheeran's song.

Galway captivated us with its student vibe, Latin quarter, and cobbled streets that always lead to a pub with traditional music. We ended up staying here for a total of 5 days and found it to be an excellent base for exploring the west of the country, whether you travel with your own rental car or prefer to take day trips.

⭐ We detail everything to see and do in Galway.

4. Aran Islands

The Aran Islands, located off the west coast and just a ferry ride from County Galway, offer a glimpse into a wilder side of Ireland. They also possess a strong cultural identity and Irish spirit. No wonder they are part of the Gaeltacht, regions in Ireland where Irish Gaelic is the predominant language. This curious archipelago consists of three main islands:

• Inishmore, the largest, is famous for its spectacular prehistoric fortress, Dun Aengus.
• Inishmaan, offers a tranquil and traditional experience, with ancient monuments like Dun Conor Fort and St. Ciarán's Church.
• Inisheer, captivates travelers with O'Brien's Castle and the beach at Tráucht.

Ferries depart from the ports of Rossaveel, Galway, and Doolin (the latter two only during the season). Once there, rent a bike or use the minibus service (budget around €20-25 per person) to explore the islands. You can also book this tour from Galway that includes the Cliffs of Moher and Inisheer island.

5. Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is one of the most iconic scenic routes in Ireland, a circular journey of just under 200 km that showcases those picturesque Irish landscapes we all envision before arriving. It is a wild area, set in a rural backdrop, filled with cliffs, green pastures, castles, beaches, and blue bay waters, charming little towns, and archaeological sites. In short, it's the quintessence of Ireland!

Among its most popular attractions, we highlight:

• Killarney National Park, with several points of interest, including Ross Castle, the stunning Muckross Abbey, St. Mary’s Cathedral, the lakes of Killarney, and the Torc Waterfall.
• Kenmare, a colorful town ideal for starting or ending the route. You can also visit the homonymous stone circle, a Bronze Age archaeological site.
• Mini stop in Sneem, with its colorful houses before heading toward Derrynane Beach, where you can pause and enjoy the scenery.
• In Waterville, you can see the statue of Charlie Chaplin and enjoy a pristine beach inviting you to explore the Atlantic coast.
• From Portmagee, a picturesque fishing village, if you have extra time, we recommend taking an excursion to Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage island famous for its medieval monastery. To get there, you’ll pass by the beautiful Kerry Cliffs.
• Cahersiveen is another intriguing stop, with the fascinating ruins of Ballycarbery Castle and the ancient stone forts of Cahergall.

These are just a few recommended visits, but in general, the entire route is dotted with viewpoints, scenic roads, and charming villages.

⭐ You can also take this tour of the Ring of Kerry from Cork if it fits better with your itinerary.

6. Dingle Peninsula

While the Ring of Kerry might be more famous, the Dingle Peninsula was the surprise hit of our trip to Ireland: we loved it so much that we wouldn't mind doing a housesit there in the future. Here are some must-see stops:

• The charming town of Dingle, with its colorful wooden houses, pubs, and cafes.
• Café Na Tra perched on the cliffs offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
• The Dunquin Cliffs and the winding path down to Dunquin Pier.
• The Gallarus Oratory, a paleochristian church built of stone between the 7th and 8th centuries.
• Or the town of Brandon, where you must eat at Murphy’s Bar without excuse.

We decided to spend a night at this lovely accommodation, close to Brandon Point, to explore the Dingle Peninsula at a leisurely pace.

⭐ Here are the must-sees for a route through the Dingle Peninsula.

7. Cork

Cork, the second largest city in Ireland, is also one of the most fun. Its streets are filled with the lively atmosphere of colorful pubs and charming craft shops. Moreover, its gastronomic scene is among the most fascinating in the country, with a culinary offering that might just change your perception of Irish cuisine 😉.

Some highlights in Cork include the majestic St. Finbar's Cathedral in neo-Gothic style, the bustling English Market, the Cork City Gaol (prison) which can be visited to learn about what an Irish prison was like in the 19th century, and the pedestrian street Oliver Plunkett St, which is the center of nightlife and dedicated to this archbishop considered the last Irish martyr in the fight against England. Additionally, consider joining a free tour to maximize your time there.

Fun fact: Cork is affectionately known as "Rebel Cork" due to its history of resistance against British rule.

⭐ Here are the must-sees in Cork for a day.

8. Cobh

Located near Cork, Cobh is often regarded as the most beautiful village in Ireland, and we couldn't agree more. Cobh is much more than steep hills, pastel-colored houses, and a picturesque harbor; this small corner of southern Ireland was the last port of call for the Titanic. Yes, that Titanic. In fact, there’s a museum that commemorates that tragic voyage, honoring the passengers who lost their lives that fateful night.

The historic center is small and quaint, which can be visited in a couple of hours, and you shouldn't miss some of its sculptures that pay tribute to characters or stories that are deeply meaningful to the Irish. For example, there’s the statue of Anna Moore, the first immigrant recorded at the newly opened Ellis Island in New York in 1892.

⭐ Here are the 7 must-sees in Cobh.

9. Castle Route through Ireland

One thing Ireland has in abundance is castles—majestic, steeped in legends, rich in history, and absolutely enchanting. There are countless castles, but we believe these four stand out:

• Blarney Castle, with its medieval appearance, located near Cork, is famous for the Blarney Stone, which is said to grant the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it.
• Dunluce Castle, perched beside a dramatic cliff, is defined by its breathtaking location.
• Kilkenny Castle, one of the most visited in the country, truly deserves its fame: surrounded by well-kept gardens and built on the banks of the River Nore, it is a perfect example of Norman and Gothic architecture.
• Ashford Castle, a historic mansion from the 13th century that now operates as a luxury hotel.

Unfortunately, most of these castles are privately owned, and access to their interiors usually requires an entrance fee, sometimes quite substantial.

10. Connemara National Park

As we spent several days in Galway, we ventured into the nearby region of Connemara, which rewarded us with bucolic landscapes, filled with endless valleys, crystal-clear beaches like Dog’s Bay, lakes (there’s no shortage of water in Ireland!), and welcoming towns such as Clifden, Roundstone, and Leenane, where we enjoyed authentic Irish hospitality and the beautiful Killary Fjord. Instead of a boat (there are daily tours), we chose to admire it over coffee at the Misunderstood Heron.

And of course, make sure to mark Kylemore Abbey on your map, an impressive Benedictine abbey so beautiful it resembles a castle. It's one of the best spots in Connemara, so don't miss it! It's ideal to plan a self-drive route, but as an alternative, you can join this tour to Connemara from Galway.

⭐ Here are the must-sees for a one-day route through Connemara.

Extra: Giant's Causeway

Now it’s time to hop over to neighboring Northern Ireland, and what better way to do so than by visiting one of the most spectacular sites in this part of the world: the Giant's Causeway. This unique geological formation consists of countless hexagonal basalt columns (estimates suggest around 40,000) that emerge from the ground right where the Atlantic Ocean waves crash. Why is it called that? A curious legend surrounds this place...

According to popular legend, the Irish giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill built the causeway to confront his Scottish rival Benandonner. When Benandonner crossed the Irish border and saw Fionn's enormous size, he was frightened and sought help from his wife Oonagh. She disguised him as a baby, and when Benandonner saw this "baby," he assumed the father must be a gigantic giant, so he fled, destroying the causeway behind him.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the world's most famous natural wonders. Will you miss it? Another reason to visit is to check out the suspension bridge that connects Carrick Island to the mainland—it's been around for 200 years! The whole area is charming and we think it’s fantastic for finding accommodation; we stayed in this cottage in the village of Dunnaglea, which we also marked for future housesitting.

Tip: The official parking at the Giant's Causeway charges per person; we opted for the parking at The Causeway Hotel, which costs £10, a fee you can redeem with purchases at the bar/restaurant.

Extra tip: Don't miss visiting Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. We had to bypass it this time due to time constraints, but with its history, street art, and the Titanic Museum, we are sure it’s well worth the visit. And if you want to take a day trip from Dublin, this Giant's Causeway + Belfast tour looks fantastic.

⭐ Here we provide all the tips for visiting the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Remember to get the Revolut card (with €10 promo) to avoid fees when paying and withdrawing money abroad.

These 10 are the essential places to visit in Ireland on a first trip, but if you have time, energy, and enthusiasm, there are plenty more plans to include in your itinerary. Here are a few suggestions:

• The Slieve League Cliffs in County Donegal rival the Cliffs of Moher in scenic beauty and grandeur.
• Experiencing a St. Patrick's Day celebration (March 17) is a unique experience, especially in Dublin. But with accommodation prices soaring, it’s best to book in advance 😉.
• If you want to embark on a legendary journey, consider traveling all or part of the Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches approximately 2,500 kilometers along the west coast of Ireland, from the northernmost point at Malin Head in County Donegal to the southern tip at Kinsale in County Cork. Stunning landscapes and adventures await!
• Another thing to do in Ireland is to sample the island’s cuisine. Check out this article on 10 traditional dishes to try in Ireland.

The Irish surprises don’t end here: you can see the Clonmacnoise Monastery, the archaeological remains at Bru na Boinne, the burial mounds of Newgrange, take an audio-guided tour of the Guinness factory, explore the Wicklow Mountains, and there are surely countless more plans to enjoy.

As we said, we have a debt to settle with Northern Ireland, and while we’re at it, we’d love to return to the Dingle area and explore the beautiful north of the Republic of Ireland. Do you know more things to see in Ireland? Share your thoughts on the island!

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