Discover the top destinations to explore in Ireland

Ireland's finest attractions feature ever-shifting, moody landscapes, from bustling cities with vibrant culinary scenes to quaint villages brimming with unique charm.

No matter where you choose to go in Ireland, as these destinations show, an unforgettable adventure awaits you.

Must-see destinations in Ireland: the Wild Atlantic Way

Widely regarded as Ireland's most famous route, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches over 1,555 miles through nine western counties, showcasing some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. If you find yourself driving this route at sunset, prepare for a spectacular display of colors unlike anything you've ever seen. It's sure to be one of the best road trips you’ll experience. The journey begins and ends in Donegal, but you can join it anywhere from Sligo, Mayo, and Galway to Clare, Kerry, Cork, and Kinsale.

Top destinations in Ireland: Clare

Located along the Wild Atlantic Way, County Clare features lush green landscapes and a dramatic coastline that has served as a backdrop for many films, including Star Wars and Harry Potter.

Moher Cliffs

Rising over 700 feet and extending for more than 5 miles along the Atlantic shoreline, the Cliffs of Moher boast one of the longest cliff lines in the world. Viewing platforms provide stunning vistas of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, and at sunset, the sky transforms into a breathtaking palette of amber, amethyst, rose pink, and deep red. Don’t miss the turf-covered visitor center, where you can explore the geology of these magnificent cliffs.

Burren Region

The Burren's rugged limestone landscape, with its caves and crevices, resembles the moon's surface, yet it's adorned with a stunning variety of wildflowers, including 22 types of orchids. This is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most captivating terrains, a remarkable feat in a country rich with diverse landscapes. Be sure to visit Doolin Cave on the western edge, home to Europe’s tallest free-standing stalactite.

Galway City

For an authentic Irish experience, Galway is a must-see, featuring vibrant painted houses and charming cobblestone streets. As one of the two cities named European City of Culture in 2020, it radiates a relaxed atmosphere, complemented by the lively Irish folk music that fills its pubs and bars.

A lovely promenade stretches nearly 2 miles from the Latin Quarter to the Blackrock diving tower along the coastline. Local tradition suggests that you should kick the wall at the promenade's end, although the reason behind this custom remains a mystery. While you're there, be sure to check out the colorful and cozy Kai restaurant along the way.

Connemara Region

Traveling northwest from Galway leads you to one of Ireland’s most secluded regions, where vibrant landscapes shift in an instant. This area is also home to Ireland’s sole fjord, Killary Harbour, which extends 10 miles from the Atlantic, marking a natural divide between Galway and Mayo.

Connemara captivates with its haunting beauty, featuring slate-hued lakes, bogs, rugged coastlines, hidden bays, and sheep-dotted mountains. Here, you’ll discover quaint towns with creaky pubs and lively folk music.

Clifden Town

Often dubbed the capital of Connemara, Clifden serves as an excellent base for exploring the region. This small yet vibrant market town offers a wealth of galleries, cafes, restaurants, and pubs, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Lowry’s Pub, renowned for hosting live music every night, has repeatedly been voted as Ireland’s best traditional bar, delivering an authentic experience. It also boasts the largest selection of whiskey and gin in all of Connemara.

Kylemore Abbey

Regarded as one of Ireland’s most enchanting structures, Kylemore Abbey is a must-see when in Connemara. This Benedictine monastery, established in 1920, is located on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, just a few miles north of Clifden.

The abbey features beautifully restored period rooms where visitors can delve into its stories of tragedy, romance, and spirituality. The surrounding walled gardens and woodlands, complete with lakeside walks, offer something for everyone and make for a delightful family outing.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is another iconic route in Ireland. Spanning 113 miles, it showcases some of the country’s finest attractions, providing numerous photo opportunities along the journey. Starting and ending in Killarney, located in the southwestern part of Ireland, this route offers breathtaking views, including the monastic site at Skellig Michael and the golden shores of Rossbeigh Beach, all while circling the scenic Iveragh Peninsula.

Dingle Town

Nestled in the heart of Ireland's Gaelic-speaking region, Dingle lies along the picturesque Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. This charming town, known for its quirky allure and rugged landscape, offers everything from groceries to a refreshing pint at the local pub.

One of the best times to experience Dingle is during the Other Voices music festival, typically held on the first weekend of December, drawing visitors from afar. Its remote location is perhaps why dolphins frequent the bay, making this secluded area an authentic Irish experience like no other.

Skellig Michael Island

Skellig Michael, once a monastic settlement, is now a revered pilgrimage site that features one of Ireland’s oldest foundations, St. Fionan’s Monastery. Visitors can access the monastery by climbing 618 steep steps, a journey that rewards you with breathtaking views from this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Rossbeigh Beach

Rossbeigh Strand is considered one of Kerry’s finest beaches—and possibly one of the best in all of Ireland—particularly for surfing, thanks to its gentle prevailing winds and gradual slope. As a Blue Flag beach, it also offers excellent conditions for swimming.

This stunning 3-mile stretch of golden sand, located on the outskirts of Glenbeigh, provides breathtaking views of the Dingle Peninsula mountains and is definitely worth a visit.

One of the most unforgettable experiences here is walking into the sea during low tide, allowing you to reach the point that extends into Dingle Bay. This moment offers a thrilling sense of isolation, surrounded by the sea, sky, sand, and mountains.

Top destinations in Ireland: Antrim

Northern Ireland boasts a wealth of sights to explore, beginning with Antrim. Nestled along the stunning Lough Neagh, it features dramatic coastal views, cliff-top trails, and a rich history reflected in the castles dotting the landscape. It’s also the home of Belfast.

Belfast City

As the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast has swiftly moved past its troubled history to become a vibrant city known for its dynamic food scene. It seamlessly blends fine dining with welcoming pubs and lively Irish folk music, particularly in the Cathedral Quarter. Murals scattered throughout the city provide insights into its history, making it a fascinating place to learn more.

Giant’s Causeway

Ireland is home to many extraordinary natural wonders, and among them is the Giant’s Causeway in Antrim. This stunning formation consists of over 40,000 hexagonal columns created by a volcanic eruption around 50-60 million years ago, seemingly cascading into the sea.

According to legend, the stones of the Giant's Causeway were placed by the Irish warrior Finn MacCumail to create a path across the water for a showdown with the Scottish giant Benandonner. You might just find yourself believing this tale once you see the stones up close.

While in Antrim, don’t miss the chance to cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge if you’re not afraid of heights. This 20-meter-long rope bridge sways dramatically—especially in the wind—30 meters above the water, offering stunning views of Rathlin Island and Fair Head.

Cork City

Cork is undeniably one of the top destinations in Ireland. Located in the southwest, this vibrant city straddles the River Lee and boasts a cosmopolitan atmosphere filled with trendy coffee shops, art galleries, and museums, as well as lively pubs. Locals proudly refer to it as the capital of Ireland. The charming coastal town of Kinsale, where you can watch fishermen bring in their catch, is just one of many picturesque towns in the area.

English Market

It's no wonder that Cork's food scene is thriving, thanks to the incredible variety of produce available at the English Market. Stretching from Princess Street to the Grand Parade, this market is one of Europe’s oldest covered markets and is situated within a stunning heritage building.

The market truly embodies the spirit of the city, offering an array of local and organic foods. A highlight is dining at the cozy Farmgate Cafe, which occupies the entire mezzanine floor. It’s an ideal spot to observe the lively market below while enjoying delicious meals. While lunch requires a reservation, breakfast is available on a walk-in basis.

Cobh Harbour

Located on the southern coast of Cork, Cobh Harbour is believed to be the second-largest natural harbor in the world. The town features a striking neo-Gothic cathedral perched on a hill, surrounded by colorful houses lining its steep streets. Cobh was also the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic, and throughout the town, you’ll discover both heartbreaking and inspiring stories about how this event impacted everyday lives.

Top destinations in Ireland: Dublin

Visiting Ireland without exploring Dublin, the capital city, would be a missed opportunity, especially since you’re likely to arrive or depart from here. Dublin exudes a certain grandeur, a testament to its rich history intertwined with an urban edge. This fusion creates a lively city renowned for its dynamic food culture and literary heritage, which is readily apparent to those who seek it.

Explore our comprehensive guide on things to do in Dublin.

Trinity College Library

A significant reason Dublin earned its designation as a UNESCO City of Literature, the Old Library at Trinity College is a must-see. It not only houses the manuscript edition of the New Testament, the Book of Kells, but also features the breathtaking Long Room, which contains over 200,000 ancient books on towering shelves—a spectacle that can be appreciated even by those who aren’t book lovers.

Georgian Squares

As you stroll through this lively city, admire the splendor of Merrion and Fitzwilliam Squares, renowned for their stunning Georgian architecture. Here, you’ll also discover Leinster House, home to the Irish Parliament, alongside the National Museum of Ireland.

Kilmainham Gaol Museum

To gain deeper insight into Irish history, consider a tour of Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison that housed many who bravely fought for Ireland’s independence.

Top experiences in Ireland

With so many experiences available at every turn in this captivating country, selecting just a few can be challenging. However, here are some must-do activities while exploring the best places in Ireland.

Waterford Greenway: a top destination in Ireland

Ireland is a paradise for trekking and cycling enthusiasts, and one of the best spots to experience this is the Waterford Greenway, located in County Waterford.

This traffic-free path spans 28 miles along a former railway line, stretching from Waterford to the coastal town of Dungarvan, showcasing breathtaking scenery, particularly between Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan, which are among the most stunning views on the route.

Bru na Boinne, Newgrange

While Egypt boasts the pyramids of Giza and England has Stonehenge, Ireland offers Bru na Boinne, an ancient site that predates both and stands as one of Europe’s most extraordinary neolithic archaeological treasures.

This remarkable site features a network of tomb passages dating back to 3,200 BC and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, nestled along a bend in the River Boyne.

Once a year, in late December, the main chamber becomes illuminated as a small slit by the entrance aligns perfectly with the rising sun during the winter solstice—a spectacular sight if the weather cooperates. While access to most of the tombs is limited, guided tours are available for some. For tickets, check: Bru na Boinne Ireland.

Voya Seaweed Baths

Recently, Ireland has seen a decline in seaweed baths along its coastline, with only a few remaining. Voya Seaweed Baths in Strandhill, Sligo, is one of the few places revitalizing this ancient practice using seaweed.

The spa employs natural, mineral-rich seaweed, hand-harvested from the Atlantic coast. Treatments range from 20 minutes to a full hour, providing an excellent way to relax, detox, and rejuvenate both body and mind.