Our Top 10 Things to do in Ireland
Ireland is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, rich history, and a vibrant culture. Its numerous attractions, including ancient castles, scenic coastal drives, and lively pubs, make it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. If you’re planning a vacation in Ireland, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip.
- Visit the Cliffs of Moher – These towering cliffs rise 700 feet above the Atlantic and offer breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding countryside. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O’Brien’s Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South.
Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare – Tourism Ireland © Chris Hill Photographic 2007 - Explore Dublin – Ireland’s capital city is a hub of culture, with museums, galleries, and historic landmarks. Don’t miss the Guinness Storehouse, the Jameson Distillery, or the Book of Kells at Trinity College. As well as retaining its historical and cultural charms, Dublin offers trendy bars, elegant restaurants and stylish, cosmopolitan shops and hotels. With its mix of urban cool, lush parkland, sweeping coastline and hip designer boutiques, Dublin pulsates with energy while still retaining a warm, laid-back atmosphere.
Nestled on the East Coast of Ireland it offers all you could want from a city break with history, culture and more pubs than you’ll know what to do with.Dublin City - Drive the Ring of Kerry – This scenic drive takes you through some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and coastal villages. Make sure to stop at the charming town of Killarney along the way. The spectacular scenery, dramatic coastline, colourful towns and villages and ancient archaeological treasures have been featured in postcards, film, poetry and song. Each twist and turn on the road will reveal new sights – windswept cliffs, breathtaking scenery, spectacular lakes, rich flora and fauna, green and yellow chequered hills and unspoilt beaches.
Ladies View, Lakes of Killarney - Visit the Dingle Peninsula – This rugged peninsula offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as opportunities for hiking, surfing, and beachcombing. You can also explore the charming town of Dingle and sample some of its famous seafood. An Daingean (Dingle in Irish), is a beautiful and charming fishing port, and the most westerly town in Europe, a most memorable destination. Gaily painted houses and busy streets lead you to the harbour
Dingle, Co. Kerry - Tour the castles – Ireland is home to many ancient castles, including Blarney Castle, Bunratty Castle, and Dublin Castle. Take a tour to learn about Ireland’s rich history and admire the impressive architecture and artwork.
Blarney Castle - Experience traditional Irish music – Ireland’s pubs are famous for their lively music sessions, where you can listen to traditional Irish tunes and even join in the dancing. Some popular spots include Temple Bar in Dublin and the pubs of Galway.
- Visit the Aran Islands – These three islands off the west coast of Ireland offer a glimpse into traditional Irish life, with thatched cottages, ancient ruins, and stunning sea views. The islands are richly unique. Landscapes of limestone rock, a stretch of cliffs facing the moods of the Atlantic, large boulders, rock formations, and unusually clean beaches. It is also a place steeped in immense cultural heritage and history. Gaelic language is the first language of its residents. It is considered the foothold of Irish culture. The Islands themselves are an outdoor museum of artifacts of religious and cultural importance. The three Aran Islands, Inis Mór (Big Island), Inis Meáin (Middle island) and Inis Oírr (East island) are situated in a North westerly South easterly direction at the mouth of Galway Bay, Ireland.
Inishmore, Aran Islands. © Failte Ireland/Tourism Ireland
Credit: Gareth McCormack/garethmccormack.com - Learn about the Troubles – Northern Ireland’s recent history is marked by sectarian conflict, known as the Troubles. You can learn about this period of Irish history by visiting the murals of Belfast and the Peace Walls that still divide some neighborhoods. Belfast city itself encompasses the historic cultural heartland of the Cathedral Quarter, the cosmopolitan charms of the Queen’s Quarter, the cultural diversity of the Gaeltacht Quarter and the waterfront development of the Titanic Quarter, host of the new Titanic visitor Centre, the world’s largest Titanic Visitor Experience, where you will visit the birthplace of the Titanic and experience the story from her birth in Belfast to the fateful maiden voyage and her eventual discovery on the seabed.
Grand Opera House, Belfast - Taste the local cuisine – Ireland is famous for its hearty and delicious food, including seafood chowder, Irish stew, and soda bread. You can also sample some of Ireland’s famous beverages, including Guinness, Jameson whiskey.
- Enjoy the hills, past winding it a drive or hike through the countryside and enjoy the peace and quiet of rural Ireland. Known as the land of Saints & Scholars so what better way to inspire yourself then with a walk through some of the most memorable scenery in the world. There are dramatic landscapes just waiting to be discovered from rugged National Parks to Europe’s highest sea cliffs.
Hiking in Ireland
Overall, Ireland is a wonderful destination for a vacation, with plenty of attractions to suit every interest. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery, Ireland has something for everyone.
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