11 must-visit destinations in Ireland beyond the charm of Dublin

As St. Patrick's Day approaches, our thoughts turn to Ireland. While Dublin offers easy access with direct flights from the East Coast, don't limit your Irish adventure to just the capital. The Emerald Isle has countless other incredible destinations waiting for discovery.

These hidden gems may not be completely off the radar. You’ll recognize some names from the Harry Potter films or from Game of Thrones, but they’re far from crowded tourist traps — no Blarney Stone here.

Explore our favorite spots outside of Dublin, from peaceful villages and cliff-top beaches to captivating castles and exceptional food destinations (Ireland’s culinary scene goes far beyond Guinness and pub fare!).

Don't miss TPG's comprehensive Ireland hub for all the essential information on planning your visit to this iconic European destination.

The Aran Islands

The three Aran Islands — Inis Mor, Inis Oirr, and Inis Meain — are picturesque Gaelic strongholds where about 1,200 locals continue to speak the Irish language while enjoying a mild climate and fertile lands, making it one of the longest growing seasons in the country.

Just under an hour by ferry from Galway City, the Aran Islands are steeped in history, home to many ancient forts and castles from the Bronze and Iron Ages. If you're a history buff, this is the place to be.

Kinsale

Located just 15 miles south of Cork, Kinsale is renowned as one of Ireland’s top food destinations. With its annual food festival each October, the village offers a mouthwatering array of traditional Irish dishes, Atlantic seafood, and the finest local wines and beers.

Even if you miss the food festival, Kinsale’s diverse food scene — including wine bars, pubs, and restaurants — is a treat. After a satisfying meal, take a stroll through the town’s scenic harbor, wander its narrow streets, or explore its many boutiques and art galleries.

Galway City

At first glance, Galway might seem modern and vibrant (it was named Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2021). The streets are filled with quirky bookshops, vintage stores, and bustling pubs. But the city also carries a rich history, with old buildings and castles telling the story of Galway's past, once home to 14 tribes who helped shape its growth.

Don't miss a visit to St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, one of Ireland's largest medieval churches, built in 1320 and still in use today. Galway is also the perfect spot to experience traditional Irish music, with numerous venues hosting performances and workshops for those eager to learn the tunes.

Connemara National Park

Spanning around 8 square miles, Connemara National Park is a vast and scenic wilderness featuring rolling mountains, marshes, grassy meadows, and lush forests. The park is also home to a historic graveyard, ancient 4,000-year-old court tombs, and the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, a monastery nestled on the grounds of Kylemore Castle.

As you explore this stunning landscape, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as sheep, rabbits, foxes, shrews, bats, and the famous Connemara ponies. Connemara is also a perfect day trip from Galway City, only about a 90-minute drive away.

The Cliffs of Moher

Soaring between 400 and 700 feet above the Atlantic, the Cliffs of Moher stretch for about 5 miles along Ireland's rugged western coastline. Still not convinced by the breathtaking view? Perhaps some Hollywood magic will do the trick: The cliffs have appeared in films like 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,' 'The Princess Bride' (home to Vizzini's Cliffs of Insanity), 'Ryan's Daughter,' and 'The Guns of Navarone.'

Birdwatchers and nature lovers can spot over 30 species of birds that call the cliffs home or fly over them. Even if you're not into wildlife, the sheer beauty and grandeur of these towering rock formations are enough to leave anyone speechless. The entrance fee of 7 euros ($7.68) for adults (free for kids under 12) covers parking, access to the visitor center, and supports the cliffs' conservation efforts.

Clifden

If you're after an authentic Irish small-town experience, Clifden is the place to be. Nestled on the Atlantic coast in the lush countryside of County Galway, this charming town is known for its live music, vibrant pub and food scene, and a wealth of outdoor activities like fishing, horseback riding, and cycling.

Venture into the hills behind Clifden to explore the remains of Clifden Castle, a roofless manor house built in 1818 that is gradually blending back into the surrounding green landscape. For breathtaking views, drive along the Sky Road, which climbs 500 feet above the sea, offering panoramic vistas of the ocean, the castle, and the rolling Irish countryside. Clifden is also close to Connemara National Park, making it easy to enjoy both destinations in one visit.

The Skellig Islands

The Skellig Islands consist of two rugged isles — Skellig Michael and Little Skellig — rising from the Atlantic a few miles off Ireland's southwestern coast. Skellig Michael, or Great Skellig, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its ancient sixth-century monastery perched precariously on a cliff nearly 1,500 feet above the ocean.

While it’s a challenging climb, visitors can ascend to the remains of the monastery, where monks once lived in solitude to worship. If this place looks familiar, it’s because it was used as the secret refuge of Luke Skywalker in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.' Due to harsh weather and rough seas, access to the islands is typically restricted from May to September.

Killarney National Park

Designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, Killarney National Park is one of Ireland’s most protected natural spaces, spanning nearly 26,000 acres of vibrant ecosystems. It’s home to breathtaking landscapes such as the Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, some of Ireland's tallest peaks, and the picturesque Lakes of Killarney. The park also boasts some of Europe’s largest oak forests. Don’t miss Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle, a 15th-century fortress on the park’s edge.

The park is home to wildlife like the native red deer and lush plant life, including oak and evergreen trees, all thriving in Killarney's mild climate.

Glens of Antrim

For those venturing into Northern Ireland, the Glens of Antrim offer nine deep, winding valleys along the coast. The glens are a stunning mix of rolling green hills, jagged cliffs, and towering rock formations.

Take a scenic drive along the winding, cliff-hugging roads of the Causeway Coastal Route to reach the stunning glens. Glenariff is among the most picturesque, with its cascading waterfall and the expansive Glenariff Forest Park. The entire region is ideal for peaceful walks and hikes, featuring lush green meadows, rolling hills, and dense woodlands.

County Antrim

County Antrim in Northern Ireland offers plenty to explore beyond the Glens. Marvel at the Giant's Causeway, a breathtaking natural wonder made up of thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. The charming coastal village of Ballycastle, located along the Antrim Coast, is perfect for coastal walks. From here, you can take a ferry to Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland's northernmost point.

Dark Hedges, a mystical avenue of beech trees, is another popular attraction — you might recognize it from Season 2 of 'Game of Thrones.' For those seeking adventure, cross the precarious Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, suspended 100 feet above the sea. The bridge connects Northern Ireland to the tiny island of Carrickarede.

Lough Tay: The Guinness Lake

Guinness isn't just a drink to enjoy or a factory to visit in Dublin. It's also the name of a lake in County Wicklow, Ireland. Officially called Lough Tay, this lake earned the nickname 'Guinness Lake' for a couple of reasons. It sits on land once owned by the Guinness family, and its shape is said to resemble a pint of Guinness. The white sandy shoreline even mimics the foam atop a glass of the famous stout.

The lake is private, so swimming or lounging by its shores is not allowed. However, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the lake and its surrounding hills. The best vantage point to admire the pint-shaped lake is from above, on Military Road.