10 Must-Visit Destinations In Ireland

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.