There’s something about Ireland that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s not just the beauty, though the cliffs, coastlines, and rolling green hills are breathtaking. It’s something deeper. Something ancient and quiet that hums beneath the surface. In Ireland, the land feels alive; the stories touch the heart; and the air whispers of mystery, music, and magic.
To walk through Ireland is to walk through layers of time. You’ll pass stone walls built by hands long gone, follow roads that curve like poetry, and sit in pubs where strangers become friends within minutes. This is a place where the rain feels romantic, the sea sings to the shore, and the wildness isn’t just in the landscape. It’s in the spirit of the people, too.
Below, we have a list of sights to see that aren’t just tourist boxes to tick off. It’s a love letter to places that stir the soul. Some are well-known, others are hidden away. But, each one carries a bit of the quiet magic that Ireland is famous for. Pack light, follow your curiosity, and leave room for wonder. Here are ten things to see when you visit the enchanted, unforgettable island of Ireland.
Drive the Wild Atlantic Way
If you do just one road trip in your life, make it this one. The Wild Atlantic Way hugs Ireland’s West Coast for over 1,500 miles, winding through cliffs, beaches, fishing villages, and landscapes that look like they belong in a fantasy film. It’s dramatic, raw, and wildly beautiful.
You’ll pass through counties like Donegal, Clare, and Kerry, each offering their own flavor. Imagine sheep casually wandering into the road, locals waving from cottage gardens, and tiny pubs with roaring fireplaces and traditional Irish music (trad). You can start up north in Derry or down south in Kinsale but, either way, the journey will stay with you forever.
Spend a Weekend in Galway City
Galway is where Ireland kicks back and lets its hair down. This lively little city on the West Coast is bursting with color, character, and craic (a.k.a. good times). It’s the kind of place where buskers line the streets, and it feels totally normal to dance with strangers at 2 p.m. (or until 2 a.m.).
Stroll through the Latin Quarter to see pubs and street performers, grab some fish and chips by the Spanish Arch, and catch a trad session at Tigh Neachtain. If you’re around in July, you won’t want to miss the Galway International Arts Festival. And don’t skip a walk along the Salthill Promenade. Just be sure to kick the wall at the end like the locals do for good luck.
Take the Ferry to the Aran Islands from Doolin
If you want to step back in time, hop on a ferry from the tiny village of Doolin and head out to the Aran Islands. Inishmore is the biggest, and the most visited, but Inisheer and Inishmaan have their own quiet magic, too. We’re talking stone walls, thatched cottages, and more cows than cars.
Rent a bike when you land and cycle around. Stop to explore ancient forts, secret beaches, and little tea shops that seem to appear out of nowhere. And, if you can, stay overnight. The last ferry leaves in the late afternoon and, once it’s gone, the island goes quiet in the best possible way.
Wander the Gobbins Cliff Path in County Antrim
This one’s for the adventurous. The Gobbins Cliff Path is a dramatic walkway carved right into the cliff face along Northern Ireland’s coastline. It zigzags through tunnels, over bridges, and along ledges just above the crashing sea. It’s not for the faint-hearted but, boy, is it worth it.
You have to book a guided tour (safety first), but your guide will fill you in on the local history, geology, and occasional puffin sighting. It’s a hidden gem even some Irish folks haven’t visited, and it’s hands-down one of the coolest ways to experience the raw edge of the island.
Listen to Live Trad Music in Dingle
Dingle is small but mighty. This harbor town on the Dingle Peninsula is packed with charm: colorful houses, great seafood, and some of the best trad you’ll hear anywhere. Pull up a stool at O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub or Dick Mack’s and let the night unfold.
What makes Dingle’s music scene so special is that it’s not a show. It’s just locals playing for the love of it. You might hear a haunting fiddle solo, a lively bodhrán rhythm, or a song in Irish (Gaelic) that brings the whole room to a hush. You don’t need a plan here. Just wander and follow your ears.
Go Glamping in the Wicklow Mountains
Want nature without giving up your comfy bed? Head to the Wicklow Mountains, just south of Dublin, and try glamping. There are some stunning spots tucked into the hills in the form of yurts, shepherd’s huts, and even eco pods where you can fall asleep under the stars.
During the day, you’ll have endless trails to hike, waterfalls to chase (don’t miss Glenmacnass), and forest paths to explore. Visit Glendalough for monastic ruins and lakeside walks. Then, you can end your day around a campfire with some local cheese and a bottle of red. Pure magic.
Explore the Burren’s Otherworldly Landscape
The Burren, in County Clare, is a limestone landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet. Giant gray slabs stretch as far as the eye can see, broken up by wildflowers and ancient tombs. It’s a strange, beautiful, and supremely peaceful place.
Most people just drive through The Burren on their way to the Cliffs of Moher, but don’t do that. Stop. Walk. Visit the Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of Ireland’s oldest megalithic tombs, and grab a coffee in Ballyvaughan. Follow the signs to The Burren Perfumery and Hazel Mountain Chocolate. And, if you love hiking, the Burren Way offers quiet trails with sweeping views.
Take a Seaweed Bath in County Sligo
It might sound odd at first, but trust us. This is an Irish wellness tradition that dates back over a century. Head to Voya Seaweed Baths in Strandhill and sink into a steaming tub filled with warm Atlantic water and freshly harvested seaweed.
It’s naturally rich in minerals and leaves your skin silky smooth. Plus, it’s oddly relaxing in an ocean-witch kind of way. While you’re in the area, walk the beach at Strandhill or hike up Knocknarea to visit Queen Maeve’s tomb. When it’s time to say goodbye, you’ll feel like a whole new person.
Visit Cobh, Titanic’s Last Port of Call
Cobh (pronounced “Cove”) in County Cork is colorful, historic, and deeply tied to emigration and maritime history. It was the final port of the Titanic before it sailed into the Atlantic, never to return again. It’s well worth touring the Titanic Experience museum in the original White Star Line ticket office.
Beyond that, Cobh is just a lovely place to wander. The rows of rainbow-colored houses against the backdrop of St. Colman’s Cathedral are probably photographed a hundred times a day. Grab a pint at The Roaring Donkey, stroll the waterfront, and imagine what it must have been like to board a ship heading for the unknown.
Get Lost in a Bookstore in Westport
Westport is a charming town in County Mayo filled with colorful shopfronts, a lively music scene, and more than a few cozy corners. But one of the best surprises is the secondhand bookstores. Places like Tertulia and Westport Bookshop are small but bursting with character, and books you never knew you needed.
Pop in during a rainy afternoon, chat with the shopkeepers (who always have great recommendations), and grab something to read while you sip coffee at a nearby café. Westport is also a great base if you want to climb Croagh Patrick or cycle the Great Western Greenway.
The Moments That Stay With You
Ireland is full of iconic sights, but it’s the smaller moments – the ones you didn’t plan – that often stay with you the longest. Take the scenic road, chat with some strangers, and linger a little longer than you meant to. The magic’s in the in-between.
Before you book your ferry tickets, come on over and take a look at our library of destination guides on the Emerald Isle. Our love for Ireland runs deep, and we’ll help you cover the country, from coast to coast, in the most fulfilling, life-changing way. We can’t wait to raise a pint to you upon your arrival.