Things to do in Ireland and event guide for 2021

Bask in the atmosphere at Temple Bar

A visit to Dublin wouldn't be complete without stepping by Temple Bar and the surrounding pubs to enjoy live music, drunk Guinness and meet travellers from all over the world. It doesn't matter what time of day you visit, Temple Bar is always buzzing with locals and tourists all enjoying the friendly Irish hospitality.

• Our top pick: Dublin Bar Crawl

Be one with nature at Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is home to 64,750 square metres of breathtaking lake and mountain scenery. There are self-guided trails you make use of or you can can book a guide who can share the history of the park and show you the best off-the-beaten path trails to explore if you're after a more immersive experience.

• Our top pick: Lakes of Killarney Scenic Coach Tour

Discover Ireland's best beer

Explore the history of Guinness beers with a guided tour that will inform you about how the beer was created. Visit the tasting room to sample, learn about the branding behind Ireland's popular beverage and capture beautiful views of the city.

• Pocket-friendly option: Guinness Storehouse Admission Ticket
• The ultimate experience: Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tour

Visit Dublin Castle

Take a step back in time to Dublin Castle, dating back 800 years. The castle has played a significance in key moments of Ireland's paste. Nowadays, the castle is a popular attraction featuring museums, pristine gardens and walking tours.

• Pocket-friendly option: Dublin Dark Side Tour
• The ultimate experience: Early Access Book of Kells and Dublin Castle Tour

Explore Dublin with a walking tour

Admire the architecture and landmarks of Dublin's north side with a walking tour that will direct you through the streets towards iconic attractions and hear stories of Dublin;s past with a qualified guide. Feel free to ask any questions in regards to the city's past and places to visit while you're visiting.

• Our top pick: Dublin North Side Walking Tour

Take a day trip from Dublin

When you visualise Dublin, cliffs and greenery probably aren't the first things that come to mind. If you venture out of the city, you'll discover the Cliffs of Moher. Flora and fauna encompass this area and you will be met with incredible views. You may even recognise the cliffs from the sixth Harry Potter film, as well as sharks and dolphins. Stop by the village of Doolin for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurant and pub options.

• Pocket-friendly option: Cliffs of Moher Tour from Dublin
• The ultimate experience: Cliffs of Moher and Ailwee Caves Winter Tour from Dublin

Catch a soccer game

After a day of sightseeing, cap it all off with a game of soccer. If you're in Dublin, see if you can time your trip to catch the Republic of Ireland's national football team play at the Aviva Stadium. Don't forget to wear the team's colours to really get involved from the sideline. It's a must-see experience.

See the original Jameson Distillery

Get your taste buds ready for a day of whiskey tasting. Start the experience with an Irish coffee before exploring the original James Distillery, completing a whiksey tasting and winding down with a lunch at Malt House Restaurant.

• Our top pick: Dublin Bar Crawl

Hop-on hop-off tour of Cork

If you're short on time or you want to see as much of the city as possible, jump on a hop-on hop-off bus and explore Blarney Castle, the historical city of Cobb, Fota Wildlife Park and the Jameson Experience at the Old Distillery.

• Our top pick: Dublin Bar Crawl

Have an adventure at Giant's Causeway

Belfast is the perfect place to be situated if you want to visit Giant's Causeway. Located in Northern Ireland, Giant's Causeway is a magnificent showcase of nature comprising of towards and rocks that have been formed over the years from an ancient volcanic eruption. The result? A spectacular sight of geometrically shaped rock pillars that undulate towards the ocean.

Day tours are popular from Belfast, but heads up - it tends to get cold and rainy in this part of Ireland, so it's best to bring a good weather jacket and sturdy boots.

• Pocket-friendly option: Giant's Causeway Day Tour with Luxury Coach Transfer
• The ultimate experience: Giant's Causeway and Rope Bridge Tour

Visit the largest titanic exhibit

The titanic ship was built in Belfast, so it's only right you head to the Belfast Titanic Experience. There are nine galleries to explore, with exhibitions dedicated to each stage of the Titanic's existence and the most significant Titanic artefact in the world, with original doors, panels and staircases from the ship.

• Our top pick: Belfast Titanic Experience

Things to do in Ireland in summer

• All Together Now
• Galway Arts Festival
• West Cork Literary Festival

Things to do in Ireland in winter

• Funderland
• Cork Film Festival
• Killarney Christmas Markets

Things to do in Ireland in autumn

• Electric Picnic
• Dublin Theatre Festival
• Galway International Oyster Festival

Things to do in Ireland in spring

• St Patrick's Day
• Listowel Writers Festival
• International Literature Festival Dublin