It’s no surprise Ireland is famed for birthing some of the best storytellers, poets, and musicians. Inspiration abounds in every village, city, and town. The rolling hills and steep sea cliffs are eager to sweep you away, as well, if you’re willing.
With such a vibrant culture, it’s difficult to hone in on only ten must-see sights. But, if your time in this enchanted land is limited, then these are your best bets for a taste of this everlasting and magnetic culture.
1. Quay Street | County Galway
The entire city of Galway is vibrant and full of life. The main street, however, is particularly festive. As a pedestrian-only lane, this is where you’ll go to indulge in some tasty fish and chips, pick up a Claddagh ring at a local jeweler, and savor some of the finest live Irish music.
Quay Street Kitchen has wholesome, delicious food on its menu. Their potato leek soup will warm your soul on a blustery day. Right across the street, you’ll also find McDonagh’s if you’re more in the mood for some fried fish and chips.
Come five o’clock, everyone abandons office life and follows the music notes floating through the air to a local pub. Tig Cóilí is a great spot to hear some talented locals, as is The Kings Head.
2. Ennis | County Clare
Further south, you’ll find several charming villages along the west coast. It’s hard to pick just one, but let’s go with Ennis.
Here, you’ll find a medium-sized city with a lot on offer. Filled with bookshops, antique stores, and plenty of cafes and restaurants, you won’t be short on things to do. An absolute must-visit, however, is Tony Honan Antiques.
Stepping through their doors is like stepping through a portal in time. Filled from floor to ceiling with ancient goods, you’ll want to take a little bit of everything home with you to fill your house with whispers of the past.
3. Doolin | County Clare
There’s a roadway in Ireland called the Wild Atlantic Way. It starts up north in Donegal, trails the west coast, dips south into Cork, and ends around Kinsale – a happy little harbor town.
If you follow it, you’ll want to stop in every local village or town just to give it an air hug. Along the way, you’ll find Doolin, known to be the mecca for live Irish music, or trad. It’s a tiny little village with a population of just over 300 people.
And, yet, the entire world is drawn to it because the craft of trad is perfectly maintained here. There are three main pubs: Gus O’Connors, McGann’s, and McDermott’s. Come evening light, all you need is a stool by the turf fire while you wait for the magic to unfold.
4. Inisheer | County Galway
From either Galway City or Clare, you can hop aboard a ferry to visit a small trio of islands known as the Aran Islands. Here, there’s very little car traffic, as most people prefer to get around on foot.
Inishmore is actually the largest, most popular island, while Inisheer is the smallest. That may be why it’s so magical, however. On this island, you’ll find 10th-century church ruins, 15th-century castle ruins, and yet another pub that dishes up the best Irish music – Tigh Ned.
There’s a clean, affordable, and well-maintained hostel right beside TIgh Ned. If you can make a night out of this trip, you’ll be rewarded with refreshing Atlantic views in the morning and a feeling that you’re about as far removed from everyday life as possible.
5. The Cliffs of Moher | County Clare
This one’s a bit touristy, which may be a tough pill to swallow after you’ve gone so far off the beaten path in Inisheer. But, what the heck. It’s popular for a reason.
The Cliffs of Moher stand tall and proud – a little over 500 feet – above the Atlantic Ocean. They offer stunning views of the sea, and a tiny little glimpse of the Aran Islands if you look close enough.
From Doolin, there’s a breathtaking coastal walk that will take you from the delights of the village to these magnificent cliffs. It’s well worth putting in the steps to get there and it’ll also help you avoid the cost of parking in one of the crowded lots.
6. The Burren | County Clare
The Burren is an ancient and unrivaled expanse of land near the Atlantic Ocean that is so unique and fertile, flowers grow out of every corner, including limestone formations and other rocks.
This is the place to drive around with the windows rolled down and breathe in the air of mystery. You’ll find plenty of places to take in showstopping views of the Atlantic, as well as a few more enchanting villages.
If you put The Burren Perfumery in your GPS, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful drive, as well as a destination filled with local, hand-crafted goods like lotion, soap, and loose leaf tea – all drawn right from the land.
7. Dingle | County Kerry
Let’s dip further down the coastline and enter into the charms of County Kerry. There’s a roadway here called the Ring of Kerry that rewards visitors with magnificent views over mountains and valleys.
With countless villages and cities to explore like Kenmare and Tralee, Dingle always receives top billing for its summertime fun. During peak season, the streets are overflowing with people looking to enjoy a delicious meal and, you guessed it, take in some trad.
There’s a charming little bookstore called Dingle Bookshop that you’ll be happy to patronize. Once you’ve picked out a book or two, be sure to treat yourself to a vanilla cone from Murphy’s Ice Cream.
8. Kinsale | County Cork
Kerry’s neighbor, County Cork, is also filled to the brim with colorful villages and towns. Although there are quite a few, Kinsale is chief among them for its colorful facades and close proximity to the water.
As a harbor town, seafood is the catch of the day when you’re here. There are also plenty of local businesses to explore, including Kinsale Leather. The owner makes all her leather goods by hand and has a keen eye for classic designs that will last through the ages.
9. Cobh | County Cork
In terms of colorful shop fronts, it’s a close call between Kinsale and Cobh. Cobh was the last port of call before the Titanic set sail for America. While you’re here, their museum is well worth a visit.
St. Colman’s Cathedral is a working church with stunning architecture and exhilarating views over Cork Harbor. If your knees are up for it, it’s a worthwhile hike up the steep hill to light a candle.
Of course, there are plenty of seafood restaurants in town, as well, being right on the water. But, Cobh is an easy place to get lost in time as you wander its ancient streets.
10. Kilkenny | County Kilkenny
The city of Kilkenny is a nice stopping point if you’re flying out of Dublin and want to avoid the big city streets. You can easily take the hour and a half drive to the airport on your day of departure.
With a castle as its centerpiece, you know you’re in for an intriguing stay. Kilkenny Castle is a Victorian remodeling of the original 13th-century defensive castle. Open year-round, this should definitely be on your list when you visit the city.
If you’re a ghost hunter, the winds of fate that travel down the Medieval Mile will be happy to greet you. It’s a fascinating discovery trail that runs through the center of town with plenty of ancient buildings to explore and a number of local boutiques and galleries to dip in and out of.
As the former capital of Ireland, Kilkenny knows a thing or two about history and will be happy to share a few of its secrets with you when you visit.
Ireland Is Calling
Those windswept cliffs and colorful towns are calling. Are you ready to respond? If so, you’ll be rewarded with handshakes from friendly locals, the best folks music this side of heaven, and seafood dishes that will exceed all your expectations.
Whether you’re sticking close to Ireland or heading further abroad, we have a destination guide to help you craft the perfect itinerary. Here’s hoping we can raise a pint to you on Quay Street someday.