Find the natural beauty and historic sites in Ireland that will make for a magical trip across the country.
Ireland is a stunning country with natural attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney National Park.
If you’re taking a road trip, which we highly recommend, you’ll be blessed with historic castles and charming towns along the way, as well as magical green forests and the chance to spot a leprechaun or pot of gold.
Keen?
To help you on your way we’ve put together the top things to do in Ireland, whether you're travelling through Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, or both, that will make for a truly Irish experience.
Top things to do in Ireland
Visit a castle
You can find dozens of castles nestled in the rolling green hills across Ireland.
Some are more worn than others and appear as ruins while others are still standing strong, but all hold medieval history.
Some of the most popular and well-kept include Blarney Castle, Bunratty Castle, Doe Castle, Cahir Castle and Ashford Castle.
Take a road trip
We said it before and we’re saying it again, we highly recommend you see Ireland by car. That’s because the country is quite possibly one of the best places in the world to drive around for its incredible scenery of lush green hills, lakes and charming towns.
Many of the top attractions, such as the Cliffs of Moher, are a day trip from major cities or aren’t easily accessible by public transit, which makes a road trip all the better for flexibility and cost.
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. It’s a must-see experience. Oh, and don’t forget to wear the team’s colours.
Hit the surf
One of Ireland’s worst kept secrets is that it’s a world-class surfing destination.
Catch an Atlantic wave at one of the top surf spots in Dingle, Easkey, Inch or Inchydoney, just to name a few.
Let the Cliffs of Moher take your breath away
The Cliffs of Moher is Ireland’s most visited natural attraction and therefore, can’t be missed.
At some points the cliffs reach heights of 214 metres, offering unbeatable views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Take in the scenery, feel the salty air on your face and watch the birds at this incredible spot.
Be one with nature at Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park is home to 64,750 square kilometres of breathtaking lake and mountain scenery.
There are self-guided trails or you can choose to book a guide who can share the history of the park and show you the best off-the-beaten-path spots to explore.
Have an adventure at Giant’s Causeway
Located in Northern Ireland, Giant’s Causeway is a magnificent showcase of nature comprising of towers of rock that have formed over the years from an ancient volcanic eruption.
The result? A spectacular sight of geometrically shaped rock pillars that undulate toward the ocean.
Day tours are most popular from Belfast – and just a word of warning: it gets cold and rainy in this part of Ireland, so bring a good weather coat and sturdy boots.
Pull one at the Guinness Storehouse
A trip to Ireland is not complete without trying a glass of the country’s most famous beer.
At the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin you can learn all about Irish beers and sample Guinness when you book the Guinness Connoisseur Experience.
