10 Reasons to Visit Ireland at Least Once In Your Life
If you’ve ever daydreamed about dramatic coastlines, cozy pubs, ancient castles, and a shade of green that puts emeralds to shame, you might be thinking about Ireland.
This magical little island has a way of capturing hearts, whether you’re into history, food, nature, or a really good pint. If you’re still on the fence about booking that flight, here are ten reasons we think you’ll fall in love with the Emerald Isle – and never want to leave.
The Scenery Is Straight-Up Cinematic
Ireland’s landscapes will make you pause mid-sentence to stare out the window. You’ll hear a lot about the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most iconic natural sights in the country. They rise over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and have views that are so dramatic, they’ve starred in Harry Potter and The Princess Bride.
And that’s just the beginning. You can also drive through Connemara in County Galway. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard with its rolling hills, mirror lakes, and roaming sheep.
The Ring of Kerry is another must-see route, wrapping around ancient mountains and glacial valleys that appear to be untouched by time. Of course, this only scratches the surface. Be sure to enjoy our list of 25 must-visit destinations in Ireland as you sip on a small dram of whiskey by the fire.
Castles, Castles Everywhere
Ireland is absolutely spoiled when it comes to castles. There are over 30,000 castle sites scattered across the country, from crumbling ruins to grand estates still standing tall and proud. You can visit ancient ruins to be transported through time, à la Outlander, or stay a night in some spectacularly refurbished sites like Ashford Castle to live like a king or queen for the night.
One of the most famous is Blarney Castle in County Cork, where you can kiss the legendary Blarney Stone to gain the “gift of the gab.” Just be prepared for the crowds if you come during peak season.
Then there’s Bunratty Castle in County Clare, a fully restored 15th-century fortress where you can attend a medieval banquet (turkey legs included). It’s a great choice, in any way, because County Clare is one of the most beautiful counties on the West Coast. Dunguaire Castle is also happy to give you a show.
Don’t miss Kilkenny Castle, either. It’s been standing since 1195 and offers guided tours that, again, feel like time travel. It’s a great choice, in any way, because County Clare is one of the most beautiful counties on the West Coast.
Up in Donegal, you can treat yourself to a luxurious stay in Lough Eske Castle before driving into the town center to savor the sight of Donegal Castle. These two are chart-toppers on our list of the most unique places to visit in Ireland.
Ireland’s castles make more than one appearance in our 10-day itinerary through this magical land.
The History Is Deep and Fascinating
From Neolithic tombs older than the pyramids to Viking-founded cities like Dublin, Ireland’s history is layered and endlessly fascinating. Head to Newgrange, a 5,200-year-old passage tomb in County Meath that’s perfectly aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice – talk about ancient engineering.
In Dublin, explore Kilmainham Gaol, where many leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were imprisoned. It’s chilling and powerful. Also, you can walk the centuries-old walls of Derry (technically Northern Ireland) – one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe.
The People Are Genuinely Warm
There’s a reason “Céad Míle Fáilte” (“a hundred thousand welcomes”) is an Irish saying. It’s how you’ll feel the minute you arrive. Irish people are famously friendly and love a good chat, whether it’s with a neighbor or a tourist just passing through.
You’ll find that, whether you’re sipping tea in a local café, sharing a table in a pub, or asking for directions on a back road, someone will be more than happy to help – and probably throw in a story or two for good measure.