Ireland is a magical place that feels like a storybook brought to life. With emerald green hills, windswept cliffs, cozy pubs, and a coastline that has made many a poet weep, what’s not to love?
If you’re planning your first trip to these enchanted lands, we’ve gathered up a list of 15 suggestions to spark the creation of your itinerary. We’ve created a mixed bag of the classic crowd-pleasers and the hidden gems that are worth wandering off the beaten path for. Ready to be completely transformed by one visit to these enchanted lands?
Walk the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
You can’t talk about Ireland without mentioning the Cliffs of Moher. These dramatic cliffs stretch about 9 miles and rise over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. They’re just as showstopping in person as they are in every photo you’ve ever seen.
Start at the Visitor Centre for a quick background on the geology and wildlife, then hit the cliff walk. The further you go, the fewer people you’ll see – and the more wild and untamed the landscape gets.
If you have time, head south along the trail toward Hag’s Head for some of the best views (and far fewer crowds). And, if you’d like to base yourself out of this exquisite corner of the country for a few days, here are ten of the best B&Bs near these famous cliffs. (Spoiler alert: we’re going to highly recommend the tiny village of Doolin.)
Explore the Streets of Dublin
Dublin is the beating heart of modern Ireland. Sure, it’s touristy in spots, but there’s something electric about the city. Grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse (it really does taste better there) before wandering over to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells.
Don’t skip the smaller moments, either. Follow the notes to a traditional music session at a pub in Temple Bar, pick up local crafts at the Irish Design Shop, and sip coffee in a quiet Georgian square. Dublin is as much about the little things as the great, big landmarks.
Cruise the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is a classic for a reason. This scenic loop in County Kerry takes you past mountains, lakes, waterfalls, ancient stone forts, and tiny villages perched on the edge of the sea.
Start in Killarney and make your way counterclockwise to avoid getting stuck behind tour buses. And try to take your time. Pull off the road when something pulls at you, visit Ross Castle, stroll through Kells Bay Gardens, and definitely take the side trip out to Valentia Island for some great additions to your photo album.
Wander Through Galway’s Latin Quarter
Galway is pure charm. The Latin Quarter, with its colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and buskers playing everything from folk tunes to flamenco, feels like a never-ending festival.
Pop into an independent bookstore like Charlie Byrne’s, grab lunch at Neachtain’s (a pub that’s been around since 1894), and then catch the sunset on Salthill Promenade. If you happen to be in town during the Galway Arts Festival in July, then you’re in for a real treat. To help you round out your stay in this exciting city, here are ten more things that make a visit to Galway feel like magic.
Visit the Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim
Located in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a natural wonder made up of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. It looks like something from another planet, but it’s very much real, and steeped in local legend.
As the story goes, the Irish giant, Finn McCool, created a causeway to get across the sea and face his Scottish rival, Benandonner. When Benandonner realized he was losing the battle, he fled back to Scotland, ripping up the causeway along the way, leaving behind what we see today.
While you’re up that way, pair your visit with a walk along the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and a stop at the nearby Bushmills Distillery. The Antrim coastline is one of the most scenic drives in Ireland, with views that just keep getting better.
Explore the Walled City of Derry
Also in Northern Ireland, Derry is one of Ireland’s most compelling cities. Be sure to walk the intact city walls, visit the Museum of Free Derry, and take a street art tour to understand the city’s complex past.
Today, Derry is buzzing with creativity and culture. You can grab a coffee in the Craft Village, check out a local gig, or time your visit with the Halloween festival – one of the biggest and best in Europe. While you’re up there, here are the top 12 sights you can’t miss in Northern Ireland.
Drive the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal
Donegal doesn’t always make it onto first-time Ireland itineraries, but it should. This part of the Wild Atlantic Way is wild in every sense of the word. Imagine towering sea cliffs, windswept beaches, and tiny villages filled with warm welcomes.
Start where you just were, in Derry, and work your way west. Highlights include Slieve League (sea cliffs that are taller than the Cliffs of Moher), the glacial valley of Glenveagh National Park, and the surf town of Bundoran. This is Ireland at its most raw and rugged. To help you plan your drive, here are 15 more must-see villages along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle
Yes, it’s cheesy. Yes, you’re leaning backward over a gap in a medieval tower. But, kissing the Blarney Stone is a rite of passage for many travelers – and who couldn’t use a little extra eloquence?
Blarney Castle itself is beautiful, with extensive gardens and hidden walkways to explore. Don’t miss the Poison Garden (yes, it’s full of plants that can kill you) and the fern-filled Rock Close, which feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale. In fact, you just may find a fairy or two if you’re looking closely enough.
Stroll the Copper Coast, County Waterford
This stretch of coastline between Tramore and Dungarvan is one of Ireland’s most underrated gems. The Copper Coast gets its name from its mining history but, today, it’s known for its stunning cliffs, quiet beaches, and tiny villages.
Base yourself in Dunmore East or Dungarvan and spend a few days hiking the coastal trails, checking out old mining ruins, and enjoying seafood by the harbor. The Copper Coast is peaceful, local, and totally unspoiled.
Hike in the Wicklow Mountains
Just an hour south of Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains are perfect for a day (or two) of fresh air and epic scenery. The highlight here is Glendalough, a monastic settlement tucked into a glacial valley with beautiful walking trails around its lakes.
For more adventure, try the Spinc Loop hike, which gives you sweeping views of the valley down below. Wicklow’s hills are dotted with waterfalls, sheep farms, and cozy cafés that make every step through these enchanted lands extra rewarding.
Visit Dingle and Drive Slea Head
Dingle might just be the cutest town in Ireland. With bright-colored houses, friendly pubs, fresh seafood, and views for days, it’s hard not to fall for it.
Drive the Slea Head loop for unbelievable coastal views. Stop for a swim at Coumeenoole Beach or visit the Blasket Centre to learn more about the islands that lie just offshore. And, of course, when you’re back in town, your options for traditional live Irish music, or trad, are endless, with McCarthy’s and Dick Mack’s being two of the main contenders.
You know the Slea Head Drive made it to our list of ten must-see stops on a road trip around Ireland. Come take a tour with us here.
Discover Cobh and Kinsale, County Cork
Cobh (pronounced “cove”) was the last port of call for the Titanic, and you can still feel the history as you walk along its sloping streets. Visit the Titanic Experience or simply enjoy the pastel-colored houses and waterside views.
Nearby Kinsale is known for its colorful streets, gourmet food scene, and 17th-century Charles Fort. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger for hours over a seafood lunch by the water. Whether you do both in a day, or stay overnight in one, visiting these two cities, back-to-back, is one of our favorite pairings in Ireland.
Take the Ferry to Inishmore, Aran Islands
Hop on a ferry from Galway or Doolin and step back in time on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Here, the locals still speak Irish, donkeys outnumber cars, and stone walls crisscross fields as far as the eye can see.
Rent a bike and head for Dún Aonghasa, an Iron Age fort perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff. Then, take your time exploring the island’s little shops, hidden beaches, and quiet corners. If you can, try to stay the night for the best sleep you’ll ever have before waking up to those cool ocean breezes.
Visit the Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary
The Rock of Cashel rises out of the plains like something out of a movie. This hilltop site is chock-full of history. It’s where St. Patrick is said to have converted a king by accidentally stabbing him in the foot with a crozier.
Today, you can walk through the ruins of the cathedral, round tower, and Cormac’s Chapel, all while soaking up sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a powerful, windswept kind of place that leaves a lasting impression.
Catch a Traditional Music Session in a Small Pub
This one isn’t tied to a specific location because, honestly, you can find a great trad session in nearly every location we’ve just visited. The key is to seek out the smaller, local pubs – not the ones with a large stage and a pre-set show, but the ones where musicians gather in a corner and play for the joy of it.
Ask locals where to go, or follow your ears. Whether it’s a quiet fiddle tune in a Derry pub or a foot-stomping reel in West Clare, these are the nights you’ll remember.
History In Every Stone Wall
From the famous sights to the quiet corners, Ireland rewards those who slow down and look around. There’s history in every stone wall, laughter in every pub, and quiet beauty in every twist of the road.
You’ve probably already picked up on this but, here at Travel Reveal, we’re in a major love affair with Ireland. One of our staffers even packed up her bags and moved from America to Ireland because of its beauty (hello, it’s me, Kit). So, be sure to continue your journey with a tour through our extensive library of destination guides on the Emerald Isle.
With everything from where to stay, where to eat, what to see, and what whiskey distilleries to explore, we’ve got you covered. And, until we meet on those windswept cliffs or in a tiny pub, we hope the luck of the Irish finds you and stays with you forever.