A Traveler’s Guide to the Best Things to Do in Ireland
The first time I landed in Ireland, I thought my trip would be about checking off big-ticket sights—kissing the Blarney Stone, seeing the Cliffs of Moher, and raising a pint in Dublin.
But one night in Galway changed that. I wandered into a tiny pub where locals were swapping songs in Irish, and suddenly, Ireland wasn’t just a list of things to do—it was a feeling.
That shift taught me something: the best things to do in Ireland aren’t only about attractions, they’re about how you live them. This guide is my way of sharing that discovery.
Inside, you’ll find practical tips, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventures that bring Ireland to life.
Whether you want coastal drives, hidden castles, or nights spent listening to fiddles by the fire, these are the moments that make your trip unforgettable.
Explore Ireland’s Iconic Cities
Things to Do in Dublin Beyond the Pubs
Dublin’s pub culture is world-famous, but the city has layers that go far beyond a pint of Guinness.
Walking through Trinity College to see the Book of Kells feels like stepping into another century.
Trinity College confirms that this illuminated manuscript dates back to the 9th century and remains one of the most important works of Celtic art. I remember standing in the Long Room surrounded by centuries of wisdom—it was so striking the chatter around me faded into silence.
For a more grounded Dublin experience, stroll along the River Liffey at sunset.
Pause at Moore Street Market, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to hot snacks.
Grab a bag of roasted chestnuts in winter or local strawberries in summer.
When you step into a pub, look for smaller ones off the main drag. The music feels more personal, and locals often pull visitors into their circle.
Things to Do in Galway for Arts and Atmosphere
Galway hums with creativity. Its Latin Quarter bursts with street performers, handmade crafts, and cozy cafés where it feels like each cup of coffee is brewed with care.
Lonely Planet describes Galway as “arguably Ireland’s most engaging city,” where “brightly painted pubs heave with live music” and “cafés offer front-row seats to watch buskers perform”
One evening in Eyre Square, I listened to a busker playing fiddle while kids danced nearby. It felt less like entertainment and more like the city was sharing its heartbeat.
If you’re short on time, use Galway as your base. Day trips to Connemara open up rugged mountains, glassy loughs, and fishing villages where you can try freshly caught seafood straight from the harbor.
Insider tip: pick up a takeaway from McDonagh’s Fish and Chips, a Galway classic, before catching live music in a backstreet pub.
Things to Do in Belfast for History and Food
Belfast wears its history on its walls and in its stories. A visit to the Titanic Belfast Museum is a must.
The museum’s official site explains how its nine galleries guide you through the shipyard days, the launch, and the tragic voyage. Walking through, I felt pulled into the grit and pride of the workers who once built the world’s most famous ship.
Take a black cab tour of the peace walls, where murals still tell the story of conflict and resilience. It’s sobering, but it gave me context for the city’s spirit today.
When it’s time to lighten the mood, head to St. George’s Market. The stalls are packed with local bread, artisan cheese, and coffee that will keep you fueled for exploring.
The cities of Ireland pulse with history and culture, but step outside them and the land itself becomes the experience. Coastal roads, crashing waves, and ancient stones waiting in the fields remind you why so many travelers fall in love with Ireland’s wilder side. Here’s where to start.
Breathtaking Natural Escapes
The Wild Atlantic Way
Driving the Wild Atlantic Way feels like chasing the edge of the world.
Stretching over 2,500 kilometers, it’s Ireland’s longest coastal touring route, according to Fáilte Ireland. The cliffs tower over the sea, small fishing towns invite you in, and the Atlantic air fills your lungs with every turn of the road.
When I drove just a short section from Galway, I stopped so often—at a beach, a harbor, a cliff walk—that a two-hour drive took nearly a full day. That’s the point. You’re not meant to rush.
Tip: If you only have a few days, choose Donegal for untamed beauty or Kerry for coastal drama.
Cliffs of Moher and the Burren
Most first-time visitors put the Cliffs of Moher at the top of their list. They should.
But here’s the trick I learned: arrive right after sunrise or just before sunset. That’s when the tour buses are gone, and the cliffs echo only with waves and gulls.
From there, drift into the Burren, a limestone landscape so stark it feels like another planet. Hiking here, with wildflowers sprouting from cracks in the rock, I felt like I was walking on ancient secrets.
The Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is famous, but fame hasn’t dulled its magic.
On a cloudy afternoon, I drove its looping roads and still caught glimpses of shimmering lakes and green valleys. At one stop, a cottage with smoke curling from the chimney felt like it had been waiting just for me.
Important note: Don’t just circle the loop. Pause in villages like Kenmare, where shopkeepers greet you with open arms, or Sneem, where you’ll find colorful houses and riverside walks. These pauses turn a scenic drive into a day you’ll remember.
But that’s not the only thing you can do in Ireland. If you haven’t explored Ireland’s castles and ancient sites then what have you even explored? So, let’s take a look at them now:
Ireland’s Castles and Ancient Sites
Things to Do at Blarney Castle Beyond the Stone
Most visitors head straight to the top of Blarney Castle to kiss the stone. I did it too, but what stayed with me wasn’t the stone—it was the gardens.
The Poison Garden holds plants like wolfsbane and mandrake, each fenced off with warning signs. A short walk leads you into the Rock Close, a mossy path lined with druid stones and waterfalls that feels like stepping into a storybook.
Here’s my advice: give yourself a few hours here. Tourists rush in and out, but the magic lingers in the shaded corners of the grounds.
Things to Do at the Rock of Cashel
Set on a limestone hill in County Tipperary, the Rock of Cashel is hard to miss.
Heritage Ireland calls it “one of the most remarkable collections of medieval architecture in Europe”. Walking through its cathedral ruins and round tower, I imagined the kings who once ruled from here.
Pro tip: visit in the morning before the tour buses pull up. You’ll get quieter moments, especially in the graveyard overlooking the countryside. Pair it with Cahir Castle, only 20 minutes away, where the riverside setting feels just as cinematic but without the same crowds.
Visiting Newgrange: Ireland’s Oldest Heritage Site
Newgrange, in the Boyne Valley, predates the pyramids by centuries.
World Heritage Ireland explains that its passage tomb was built around 3,200 B.C., and on the winter solstice, sunlight illuminates the inner chamber.
Standing at the entrance, I felt both tiny and connected to something beyond time.
Access is only through guided tours, and all tickets are issued via the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. From there, shuttles take you to the site. If you dream of seeing the solstice alignment, apply for the visitor lottery months in advance—it’s one of the toughest tickets in Ireland.
History whispers from every stone, but step into a pub or a festival and you’ll feel the heartbeat of Ireland today.
Things to Do in Ireland for Culture and Traditions
Irish Pubs and Music Sessions
Pubs in Ireland are more than watering holes—they’re community living rooms.
In Doolin, I stepped into Gus O’Connor’s Pub and stumbled into a fiddle session that carried on until midnight. Locals sang ballads, strangers joined in, and before long I felt like part of the family.
Discover Ireland highlights that traditional “sessions” are where music, storytelling, and community life come together.
If you’re traveling, don’t just settle for the biggest pubs. Check notice boards or ask around—small-town pubs host some of the most authentic nights you’ll ever experience.
Festivals and Events
St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is lively, but in smaller towns, the celebrations feel closer to the heart.
One of the best cultural events is The Galway International Arts Festival is one of Europe’s leading arts events, featuring theatre, music, and street spectacle every July.
I still remember a county fair in Clare where I shared fried dough with strangers who became friends by the end of the night. That’s the charm—you go for the event, but you leave with stories you didn’t plan for.
Food That Tells a Story
Irish food has comfort at its core, but freshness defines it now too.
Bord Bia, Ireland’s food board, notes that traditional dishes like Irish stew, soda bread, and shellfish still define the country’s food identity. I still remember my first bowl of Irish stew in a family-run pub—it tasted like warmth and home.
On the coast, order Galway Bay oysters, especially at Moran’s Oyster Cottage, a spot that has been serving them for over 250 years.
For something modern, seek out farm-to-table dining in smaller villages—you’ll taste the land in every bite.
For travelers who crave movement, Ireland’s got something for them as well:
Adventure for the Active Traveler
Best Hiking Trails in Ireland: Wicklow Mountains and Beyond
The Wicklow Mountains gave me one of my best hikes—mist curling over lakes, crumbling monastic ruins, and trails that felt untouched.
At Glendalough, the Upper Lake trail stretches 9 kilometers and rewards you with sweeping views over the valley. If you want something longer, try the Kerry Way, Ireland’s longest signposted trail at 200 kilometers, winding through villages, valleys, and coastlines.
Walking here, I felt like every bend held a new story—from monks who once lived in stone cells to farmers guiding sheep along hillsides.
Cycling Ireland’s Scenic Greenways
Ireland has embraced cycling, and the Waterford Greenway is its crown jewel. Built on an old railway line, it runs for 46 kilometers between Waterford City and Dungarvan.
I rented a bike in Waterford City, and within minutes I was pedaling past stone bridges and wide sea views.
Families, couples, and solo riders shared the trail, and every few kilometers a café or picnic spot tempted me to stop.
Water Adventures in Ireland: Kayaking and Surfing
On Killarney’s Lakes, you can slip into a kayak and glide across water so still it mirrors the mountains.
Guided tours leave right from town, and they’re beginner-friendly if you’ve never paddled before. Picture yourself drifting past swans, hearing nothing but the dip of your paddle, and watching mist lift off the water.
Head north to Sligo’s Strandhill, a village known as one of Ireland’s surf capitals.
You can sign up with Strandhill Surf School, which provides wetsuits and lessons for all levels.
Locals like to say catching your first wave here is like shaking hands with the Atlantic—and they’re right. The moment you stand up on the board, salt spray in your face, you’ll feel the pull of the ocean in your chest.
After filling your days with hikes, rides, and water sports, Ireland still holds secrets. Some of its richest experiences wait off the tourist trail.
Ireland Off the Beaten Path
Things to Do on the Aran Islands
Cycling across Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, feels like time travel.
Picture stone walls stretching on either side, the Atlantic thundering in the distance, and Irish voices floating from cottages.
The highlight is Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric cliff fort perched on the edge of a 100-meter drop, managed by Heritage Ireland.
I remember stopping my bike just to sit on a rock wall and listen to nothing but the sea. It’s raw, it’s quiet, and it feels like Ireland untouched.
Things to Do in Donegal for Wild Beauty
Donegal has a ruggedness you won’t find elsewhere.
Tourism Ireland calls it one of the world’s coolest places to visit for its wild, unspoiled character.
The Slieve League Cliffs, which tower higher than the Cliffs of Moher, left me speechless. Standing at the edge, wind pulling at my jacket, I felt like I had the Atlantic all to myself.
This is where you go when you want solitude, sweeping beauty, and a taste of Ireland off the grid.
Hidden Villages in Ireland Worth Visiting
Some of Ireland’s charm is hidden in its smallest villages.
In Doolin, you’ll find yourself swept into a night of music that goes on until the early hours.
The fiddles, the laughter, and the warmth of strangers turns a quiet evening into some of the best memories.
Then there’s Adare, often called “Ireland’s prettiest village” by Discover Ireland. Its thatched cottages and colorful shopfronts look like something from a painting.
Walking its streets, I couldn’t help but slow down.
If you liked this article, then you’ll also love reading our article on the Ireland Travel Guide. Everything you need to plan your dream trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling in Ireland
What’s the best time of year to visit Ireland?
Ireland is lovely all through, but late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September) tend to bring mild weather conditions and less people. Summer has plenty of daylight and winter nights in the pub and Christmas market.
Do I need a car to travel around Ireland?
Not always. Large cities such as Dublin, Galway and Cork are linked by trains and buses. However, with a car rental you can enjoy the liberty to visit small-towns, scenic roads such as the Ring of Kerry, and destinations along the road less traveled.
Is Ireland expensive for travelers?
It depends on how you plan. Large towns such as Dublin can be expensive particularly on lodging. Smaller towns are cheaper, and you are likely to get a good value meal in a pub or local cafe. Prior reservations also aid in reduction of expenditures.
Do people in Ireland really speak Irish?
Yes, but English is the principal language. You can hear Irish spoken every day in such areas as the Aran Islands or in Gaeltacht of Donegal. Locals will be grateful even in case you learn only Slainte (cheers).
Conclusion
Ireland is not about checking off of a list. It is all about moments: having a few songs in a pub in Doolin, inhaling the sea air in the Wild Atlantic Way, or mist in the valley of Glendalough. These memories remain since they are not only viewed but experienced.
When you are taking your own trip, use these ideas and make them suit into a trip that will work well with you.
Explore the coastal roads, roam through the small towns and be led by curiosity. Ireland has a manner of compensating tourists who take their own time.
I would be pleased to know what you think about Ireland–what is the most inviting part? Post a comment and tell about your dream experience. It could be cliffs, it could be castles, it could be music–I am awaiting your ideas with impatience.
