Looking for the best things to do in Ireland? We’ve had the good fortune of visiting Ireland four times and have traveled from South to North, East to West, and all the way back around again. I can safely say that we’ve seen a lot of the country and have done every Ireland attraction that we mention.
These attractions in Ireland are the most awe-inspiring, coolest things to do in Ireland that you simply should not miss!
Table of Contents
Best Things to do in Ireland
This guide is focused on the Republic of Ireland tourist attractions, if you are looking for Northern Ireland Ideas, check out the Very Best Things to do in Northern Ireland.
1. Explore Dublin
Starting in Dublin, you’ll want to spend at least two days exploring Ireland’s capital city of Dublin. It is one of our favourite cities in Europe and there are many things to see and do. If you are going to visit Ireland, you must spend time in Dublin. Many of Ireland’s top attractions are located in Dublin and here are a few highlights.
Things to do in Dublin include:
- The Book of Kells at Trinity College
- Temple Bar for traditional Irish Pubs and music
- The Guinness Store House
- Croke Parke Skywalk and Gailic Games Museum
- If you are looking for more things to do in Dublin check things to do in Dublin here.
Suggested Dublin Hotels
- Morrison Hotel – 5 minute walk to Temple Bar, close to everything but still quiet enough to relax. Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
- Fitzwilliam Hotel -5 Star hotel in Central Dublin with a Michelin Star restaurant. We loved it. Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
- See our complete guide: Where to Stay in Dublin, Ireland: Best Areas and Hotels for Every Budget
2. Skellig Michael – County Kerry
I think Skellig Michael is the most magical place we visited in all of Ireland. Located 12 km off the coast, Skellig Michael is home to a 6th-century monastery standing 200 meters above sea level. The beehive huts are left in extraordinary condition overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It is such a mysterious and beautiful scene.
Star Wars The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi used this magical location as its backdrop. It definitely feels out of this world! Go as soon as you can, this has become one of the top things to do in Ireland now that Star Wars introduced it to the world. Watch Star Wars now! Read more at the Mysterious Monasteries of Skellig Michael
3. Cliffs of Moher – County Clare
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most photographed sights in all of Ireland and rightfully so. Standing at 214 metres above sea level, these magnificent cliffs plunge into the sea offering spectacular views of the Irish Coast.
Take a coastal walk from Doolin with Pat Sweeney as you walk through the local farmlands along the coast while listening to history and stories about the area. Beware, The Cliffs of Moher the most popular of things to do in Ireland, so get there early in the morning or later in the evening. Day tours can be booked from Dublin if you have limited time through Get Your Guide’s Cliffs of Moher Full Day.
4. Mizen Head – County Cork
Another spectacular cliff destination in Ireland is Mizen Head. It’s less crowded than Cliffs of Moher but just as impressive. Read more: The Best Things to do in Cork, Ireland
There’s a series of walkways taking you around the cliffs and the Mizen Head Fog Signal Station. It’s a trip through time as you learn about the fishing and shipping history of these treacherous waters. The signal station was made to combat the loss of life off the coast and there are tales of great rescues happening from the shore. Download your Lonely Planet Travel Guide to Ireland on Amazon
5. Book of Kells
Trinity College is most famous for is its library housing the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells was written in 800 AD by a group of monks and was buried in the ground for safekeeping against the Vikings.
In the 1600s it was rediscovered and sent to Trinity College where it has been ever since. The library itself is amazing. The long room houses 200,000 books. It is said that the books act as the foundation to the library and it would collapse should the books be taken away.
6. Poulandrone Portal Tomb – County Clare
Speaking of ancient, the Poulandrone Portal Tomb located in the Burren dates back to 4200 BC and 2900 BC. Up to 22 adults and 6 children were placed in this ancient tomb. Tall stone slabs guard the portal supporting a giant capstone.
The limestone landscape of crisscrossing cracks is a magnificent site creating one of the most unique terrains we’ve ever seen.
- Read more: Poulnabrone Dolmen: The Eerie Marvel of Ireland’s Biggest Portal Tomb
- Enjoy Burren National Park, along with the Cliffs of Moher, on this day tour from Dublin.
7. Dingle Peninsula – County Kerry
Slea Head Drive has often been considered one of the most beautiful drives on earth. Starting in the town of Dingle, there are many things to see along this coastal drive. Here you’ll find more old monastery beehive huts, ancient ruins, churches, and a stone monastery. It’s the cliffs and coast that takes your breath away as you overlook the Blasket Islands and the Three Sisters Islands.
8. Ride a Horse – Dingle and Wicklow Counties
Take a horseback ride up into the hills to truly take in the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula. It’s amazing landscape is littered with ancient ruins. Horses are an integral part of Irish history and in nearly every county you’ll find a stable where you can join a trail ride. For you western riders out there, be aware, it’s English style on these Irish beauties.
Another option that doesn’t involve horseback riding is to take a day tour to Kilkenny and Wicklow Mountain from Dublin through Get Your Guide. Another one of our favorite spots to ride in Ireland was in County Wicklow.
9. Kylemore Abbey – County Galway
A mere hundred and fifty years old (young by Irish standards), Kylemore Abbey is a beautiful stop in Connemara of County Galway. It was originally built as a private residence for a wealthy doctor from England and then as an estate for the Duke and Duchess of Manchester in 1909. In 1920, the Irish Benedictine Nuns purchased the castle after fleeing Belgium in WWI.
Kylemore Abbey is a part of the Connemara Full-Day Tour but you can tour it on your own, stop in for lunch or a slice of pie from their bakery.
10. The Kilkenny Way – County Kilkenny
The medieval city of Kilkenny is an excellent stop to explore the Kilkenny Castle and many churches and monasteries. But if you really want to get a taste of Irish culture, do the Kilkenny Way where you learn the art of hurling. It’s the most popular sport in Ireland!
This tour starts at the Legends Bar where you discuss the Celtic sport of hurling and learn about previous legends and champions. It’s then off to Nowlan Park, home of the Kilkenny Cats where you’ll hit the pitch and learn to hit the sliotar with your hurling stick as you practice blocking, hooking, lifting, and striking on the legendary field.
11. Play at the Beach – Sligo County
The beaches of Ireland are impressive. Long sandy beaches filled with activities from Stand up Paddle Boarding, Sailing and surfing. Surfing is all the rage in Ireland and there are plenty of beaches to give it a shot. There are surf schools all along the coast filled with long sandy beaches.
12. Go Off-Road Driving – County Kildare
One of the best adventures we had in Ireland was off-road driving with OffRoadDriving IE. This course takes you through rivers, mud holes, up steep hills, and over obstacles with an expert instructor showing you the ropes. Located just about 45 minutes outside of Dublin it makes for a great day trip.
If you are looking for some different things to do in Ireland, try this. It is most certainly unique!
More Adventures South of Dublin
- 4X4 Driving in Ireland – Our Adventure Fuelled Day Trip
- Off Road Driving Adventure
- Kiss the Blarney Stone
13. Aran Islands – County Galway
Anyone you talk to in Ireland will tell you that you must get off the mainland and visit the Araan Islands. Inishmore is the largest of the three islands and houses Dún Aengus, an incredible prehistoric fort standing atop a 100 meter high sea cliff.
The island has strong traditional roots and it feels as if you have stepped back in time as horse carts bring tourists out to the fort from the village. You can rent a bicycle to explore the island and it’s a beautiful spot to delve into Irish culture listening to traditional music as you enjoy a pint a the pub. Explore Inishmore and the Aran Islands on a full-day tour including a flight.
14. Malin Head – County Donegal
Go to the most Northerly point of Ireland on the Inishowen Peninsula. If you are driving the Wild Atlantic Way, you must drive as far as you can to overlook the Northern Atlantic. The winds swirl as the waves crash and you feel as if you have reached the end of the world! If you really want to explore this area in-depth, a 5-day tour of Ireland’s northern coast could be just the thing.
15. Saltee Islands – County Wexford
Catch a boat from Kilmore Quay to tour the Saltee Islands, one of the largest sea bird sanctuaries in the world. Here you’ll spot Gannets and Gulls to Puffins and Manx migrating through the area at different times of the year. It is also home to a large grey seal population. Boats can drop you off for day trips letting you hike and explore this ancient island.
16. Kiss the Blarney Stone – County Cork
It’s something we’ve always wanted to do. Kissing the Blarney Stone gives you the gift of the gab and a visit to the Blarney Castle is a must. Even if you don’t kiss the stone, the castle grounds are a beautiful day trip visiting the fairy gardens, the witches kitchen, the poison garden and the wishing steps. The castle is something made of fairy tales.
- Read all about our experience at We Kissed the Blarney Stone.
- Book a day tour to the Blarney Castle from Dublin.
17. Ring the Bells of Shandon – County Cork
Cork is Ireland’s second-largest city and it’s worth spending a few days to explore. One of the things you must do when visiting Cork is pop over to the Church of St. Anne and ring the bells of Shandon. Visitors are given headphones to climb into the bell tower as people ring the bells following along with sheet music telling them what strings to pull to play musical bells like Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head and Mama Mia. From the top of the church, you are offered panoramic views of the city.
Where to Stay in Cork
- Cliff House Hotel – We stayed at this 5-star luxury oceanside hotel and it was heaven. Just 1 hour from Cork and Waterford. Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
- Bailey’s Hotel Cashel – We stayed at this 4 star luxury historic building located in downtown Cashel between Dublin and Cork. Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
18. Bru Na Boinne – County Meath
Bru Na Boinne is a world heritage site dating back 5000 years! Three large tombs dominate the landscape. A visit to Newgrange gives visitors the chance to go inside the narrow passageways. Venturing into the center of the tomb takes you to an altar where you can see the intricate stacks of stone reaching a height of 19 meters. Newgrange is older than the Pyramids of Giza and is a fascinating stop for anyone visiting Ireland.
19. Coasteering – County Mayo
You can’t go to a rugged coastal country without giving coasteering a shot. Coasteering is traversing and exploring coastlines in wet suits, helmets, and PFD’s as you swim, jump from rock to rock and crash in swirling waters. If you want a real thrill, you can leap off of high cliffs into the Atlantic Ocean. Read: Coasteering – It’s not as scary as you think!
20. Rock of Cashel – County Tipperary
The Rock of Cashel offers great photo opportunities of one of a 12th-century tower sitting atop high limestone rock. The Rock of Cashel has historic significance dating back to the 4th century where conquerors and kings used it as the center of power for Ireland. St. Patrick baptized Ireland’s first ruler, King Aengus, here in 427 AD. Check out Facts About St. Patrick’s Day
21. Ringfort at the Irish National Heritage Park – County Wexford
For something different spend a night in the Ringfort and live as they did in medieval times. You’ll be given a pot of stew to cook over an open flame as you are surrounded by high wooden fences while staying in tented houses. The Heritage Park takes you through Irish history with huts and villages recreated to display time through the ages. Read: 27 Photos That Will Make You Want to Discover Ireland Now
22. Seaweed Bath – Sligo County
If you want to try something very unique, slip into a Voya Seaweed Bath in Sligo County. At the beginning of the 20th century, seaweed baths were plentiful and popular. As population moved out of the west coast, seaweed bathhouses started to fade and in the 60’s they all but disappeared. Voya rejuvenated the Seaweed bath experience in 1996 and since then they attract 40,000 visitors a year.
23. Kayaking at Night – County Cork
When in Ireland you really need to get out on a kayak anywhere you can on the coast. But in Cork, there is an interesting night excursion on Lough Hyne with Atlantic Sea Kayaking that takes kayaking to another level. You’ll meet Jim Kennedy at 7;00 pm to launch your vessels into the beautiful lough while you paddle around waiting for the sun to go down.
Once it’s pitch dark, you’ll have an extraordinary view of the stars and nighttime sounds as you paddle through the dark. Don’t let your imagination run wild, you may start to see sea monsters in the shadows ahead.
Suggest Tours for Ireland
Get Your Guide – A good site for booking tours and finding discounts
Cliffs of Moher Full-Day Tour – Departing from Galway, this tour takes you to top sights on the Wild Atlantic Way including two hours at the Cliffs of Moher, lunch at the famous Doolin’s Pub, a drive through the magnificent landscape of the Burren, a view of Dunguaire Castle, the Poulnabrone Dolmen and more. Approx. $34 USD
Dublin Burren Galway and Moher Coastal Drive – Visit counties Kildare, Limerick and Clare. Selected sights you see are Bunratty Castle, surf resort of Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher. Premium entrance and a walk on the cliff’s edge where you’ll see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Then venture on to Galway and the Burren.
Ring of Kerry – This full-day tour leaves from Killarney where you’ll drive one of Ireland’s most popular routes. On this tour, you’ll see the village of Waterville overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay. The misty Skellig Islands, Dingle Bay,, and Inch Beach.
Looking for more information? visit The best things to do in Northern Ireland!
Need to see where all the counties of Ireland are: Here’s a map
- Read Next: The Very Best Things to do in Dublin
Plan your trip to Ireland
Ireland is on the Euro. 1 USD = .87 Euro Download the XE Currency Converter app for up to date exchange rates.
Pick up your Lonely Planet Ireland Guide to help with daily travel tips.
Pick up the Belkin Mini Surge Protector and Universal travel adapter for charging electronics. USB and plugs.
Read More about Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way:
- Tips for Driving the Wild Atlantic Way
- Where to Stay on the Wild Atlantic Way
- Unique Things to Do on the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland
- 10 Best Scenic Views on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
- Cliffs of Moher – Visiting the Pinnacle of Ireland’s Scenery
- Poulnadrone Dolmen
- A Tour of Skellig Michael – How to Visit the Beehive Monasteries of Ireland
- Mizen Head, Ireland – The Extreme Edge of Ireland
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You have shared very informative article i will help me a lots , SALTEE ISLANDS is my favourite place will go there after panademic situation. All post is amazing Thank you so much for useful post keep it up.
Your post is really well written with beautiful photographs
You have provided much desired information in one post. I will now be reading each section of this post in detail. Than you so much.
Hi,
Your post is really well written with beautiful photographs. I have recently visited Ireland and could manage to see a few from your list as I was there for a very limited period of time. I did not go for the tour package, but I preferred driving myself all through the Atlantic Way to reach the Cliffs of Moher. It really has got breathtaking sights, especially when the Sun is setting. I also took a City Kayaking that runs 2-hour at Dublin. Luckily it was a sunny day and I enjoyed it to the fullest. For self-driving, I booked my car from Dooley car rentals. Before payment, all terms and conditions were explained to me. Even after handing me the car, they had made it sure that I get acquainted with left-side driving.
Planning a trip to Ireland in April, trying to organize the trip ourselves. Renting a car in Dublin and hitting the road. We will be staying in homes through Airbnb first near the Cliffs of Moher,and then in Donegal. There is so much to do, any advice on how to do this and see as much as we possibly can?
Bahdhaba’s comment of the blue note is who I reply to. That wasn’t a nice comment. Do you live there? Malin (the most Northern point) and Mizen (the most Southern point)! Tis only a 6 hour drive. This is the best tourist site I’ve seen thus far. Choose what you want to see and experience the most. I bet you’ll want to come back and see it all! She is very polite and professional and I would her. She has showing pictures of them were on the other sites like this. They’re beautiful professional and she did a wonderful job. No need to cut her down. Especially if you don’t live there, that’s for anybody. If you do and are a transplant or born there then you’re not I don’t know and find can cost her business ability to make a living. I am not trying to be mean I just thought that was not nice cool. It’s a negative tone to myself and countrymen and other places like similar to the Us and England. I would do this for anybody. Have a good day. C ?
Thanks for sharing. My first trip to Ireland but only booked eight days. 10 with travel. What would u Recc if a shorter trip.
You should have called the last image “The counties of The Republic of Ireland”. Ireland is an island and you left out six counties.
You might find this pedantic, but as an Irish person born and living in Northern Ireland, I find it plain weird to see an article give the impression that where I live isn’t Ireland.
This is a very small island, you don’t need to take an either/or approach to writing about it. It only results in your readers missing out when you give the impression that the best things in Ireland are only to be found in the Republic.
Thanks for the message. We actually have another article dedicated to Northern Ireland. We have visited them both a couple of times. Funny enough, in another post we had people tell us off about including Northern Ireland with The Republic of Ireland. We can’t please everyone. Haha. But we love both Northern Ireland and Ireland, they are one of our favourite places to visit in the world and the local people have always been so welcoming. We’ll certainly be back!
Here is our article about Northern Ireland https://theplanetd.com/the-best-things-to-do-in-northern-ireland/ and we have other separate posts about specific destinations in Northern Ireland too!
Amazing photos, you really did pick some amazing things to do in Ireland, we provide tours across Ireland and we love to show off these amazing places to our customers, love the blog keep it up 🙂
No trip to Ireland is complete without a trip to Northern Ireland as well, Belfast has many great museums including the Titanic shipyard. Giants Causeway on the north coast is spectacular. The Dark Hedges is cool and don’t miss the Bushmills distillery.
Thanks for the tips Matthew. We agree and we actually have an entire post dedicated to Northern Ireland as well! https://theplanetd.com/the-best-things-to-do-in-northern-ireland/
Thanks so much for this information. I am a solo woman traveler and do not typically rent cars when I travel. Is it possible to visit these sites by using public transportation?
This just gets me so excited to visit Ireland for the first time! I’ll be heading there for TBEX this year and am certainly looking forward to seeing your keynote!
Wow, your photography is fantastic!
I hope it will be helpful for too many people that are searching for this topic.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing about Ireland places. I like your article. Thanks for sharing this & please keep sharing your stuff with us.
Thanks for sharing.I hope it will be helpful for too many people that are searching for this topic.I must appreciate the way you have expressed your feelings through your blog!. Click here to play
Great blog! The night time kayaking in West Cork is one of my favourites also. We unfortunately picked the wrong time of year to do it however (longest day of the year) so as it stayed bright for so long we didn’t get to see the phytoplankton light up, however it was still amazing as it was so peaceful at night time!
It all looks spectacular (in part due to your killer photos!), really need to get myself to Ireland one of these days. If it weren’t for time and money…
Wow, so stunning and great post, thanks for your sharing.
Just an amazing photography & video!! Looks very cool & calm place. I will definitely love to visit this place at least once in my life. Thank s for sharing.
This is pretty cool, kids love it. Not sure of the details but I think one local father brought his daughter(s) to the “Fairy Woods” and left a door there, and it has since grown to hundreds of little trinkets spread out over a large area, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Miyas-Fairyland/656750607803345
Great information about Ireland – especially about the beach in Sligo County. Ireland doesn’t seem to be associated with surfing but that it’s nice the country is a good place for surfers.
Lovely map of the counties of Ireland – sometimes, I see “26 + 6 = 1” bumper stickers
Some spectacular coastline 🙂 I have never been to Ireland, but this has bumped it up my list for sure!
I don’t understand how I’ve only done one of these – I am clearly failing at life!
Haha, no your not, you now just have a lot of adventures ahead of you!
Really looking forward to going back and taking advantage of it. Great snaps!
Wow, your photography is fantastic! In capitals: FANTASTIC! 🙂
Amazing photos!
The Cliffs of Moher are so incredible, brings back some great memories looking at your photo 🙂
Thanks
My best friend is Irish but has hardly been to any of these places haha, so we’ve decided we’re going to visit a few when I next go to see her! Thanks so much for the recommendations 🙂
That is fantastic! I’m glad you’ll be able to show her around Ireland. Haha.
Whenever I had the dream to know Ireland. A friend of mine is living there and said that there is in the world a better place parea live. Still I will visit this year this wonderful country.
Such a wonderful places to visit in the small Ireland and thanks for sharing the things to do in Ireland.
It’s such a small country, but it really is FULL of beautiful places and ‘must-sees’! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your recommendations. Your photos are gorgeous! Cheers!
Great place and thanks for the ideas to spend holidays there.