Ireland isn’t just a place you visit. It’s a place that stays with you forever. It’s the hush of ancient ruins cloaked in mist, the roar of Atlantic waves crashing against the cliffs, and the warmth of a pub session where strangers become friends over a pint and a fiddle.
From pastel villages and emerald-coated hills, to wild coastal roads and legends that still live on in the land, Ireland is in a league of its own. Whether you’re drawn to its haunting beauty, its deep-rooted history, or the simple joy of watching sheep cause a traffic jam on a quiet country lane, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
Together, let’s take a tour around the country as we compile the perfect Ireland bucket list. We’ll include a few must-see sights, as well as a few hidden gems to make your Irish adventure truly unforgettable.
Galway City: Where Tradition Meets Street Music
Galway is one of those cities that instantly feels like home. With colorful shopfronts, live music spilling from every corner, and the salty Atlantic breeze blowing in from the bay, it’s no wonder this West Coast gem is a favorite for locals and travelers alike. The city has deep medieval roots and was once a key trading hub during the 13th century. Today, it blends its rich past with a colorful bohemian spirit.
You can spend your days wandering the Latin Quarter, strolling along the harbor, grabbing a seat outside Tig Cóilí for traditional Irish music, and sampling the city’s growing foodie scene. The Galway oysters from The Lane and the seafood chowder from Tigh Neachtain are a must. It’s also a great base for exploring Connemara, the Aran Islands, and the Cliffs of Moher. There’s only one problem with Galway: you’ll find it hard to leave the city once you’re here.
Roundstone: A Tiny Harbor Town With a Big Heart
Here’s a piece of Connemara that will entice you to give up Galway for a day or two. Nestled along the Connemara coastline, Roundstone is a quiet fishing village that feels like a well-kept secret. It was founded in the 1820s by Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo and has attracted artists and writers for generations, thanks to its impossibly pretty views and peaceful pace.
The village sits at the foot of Errisbeg Mountain, overlooking the Atlantic, and is famous for its traditional boatbuilding and music. Stop into the Roundstone Music & Craft shop, where you can see handmade bodhráns (Irish drums) being made. Then, walk along the harbor, breathe in the fresh sea air, and feel the calm set in. Roundstone may be small, but it leaves a lasting impression. Certain corners of Connemara are included in our list of 30 places in Ireland only locals know about.
Dingle: A Small Town With Big Charm
Tucked away on a peninsula in County Kerry, Dingle will also stay with you long after you’re gone. It’s a tiny fishing town known for its pastel-colored buildings, friendly locals, and once-famous resident dolphin, Fungie, who charmed visitors for decades. But, even without Fungie, Dingle still holds its magic.
There’s something special about watching the sunset over the harbor after a day spent exploring the Slea Head Drive. The area is rich in ancient history, too. You’ll spot beehive huts, ogham stones, and early Christian ruins along the way. Dingle also sits in a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) region, so you might hear a cúpla focal (a few words) of Irish while grabbing a pint at Dick Mack’s Pub – another must-see. Dingle definitely makes the cut in our article on the 15 must-see villages along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Kilkenny: Medieval Streets and Castle Dreams
Kilkenny is often called the “Marble City,” thanks to the black limestone used in many of its buildings. But, what really stands out is the blend of medieval and modern. It’s one of Ireland’s best-preserved towns, with cobbled lanes, a majestic 12th-century castle, and a cathedral that’s nearly a thousand years old.
Yet, Kilkenny isn’t just for history buffs. The city has a fantastic arts scene, especially during the annual Kilkenny Arts Festival. Plus, the Smithwick’s Experience (yes, that red ale you’ve seen in Irish pubs) offers a fun dive into its local brewing history. Kilkenny is a walkable town that’s big enough to keep you entertained, but small enough to still feel cozy.
Wicklow: Ireland’s Garden of Wonders
Just south of Dublin, you’ll find County Wicklow: the “Garden of Ireland.” And, once you get a glimpse of its lush hills, hidden lakes, and towering waterfalls, you’ll see why. The star attraction here is Glendalough, an ancient monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. It’s surrounded by forested trails that range from gentle strolls to serious hikes.
If you love nature and old stories, Wicklow must be added to your list. You can visit Powerscourt House & Gardens (ranked among the best in the world), take in the view from Lough Tay (nicknamed “Guinness Lake” for its dark water and foamy white shore), and imagine you’re in a fairy tale the entire time. It’s a peaceful escape, just an hour from the capital. And, to no surprise, Wicklow (and Glendalough) are part of our 12 essential stops on your Irish adventure.
Dublin: More Than Just Pubs and Pints
Which brings us to Dublin. Sure, this is where you’ll find the Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar, and enough pubs to keep you entertained for weeks. But, there’s so much more to Ireland’s capital than the nightlife. It’s layered in history and chock-full of stories from Viking tales to the 1916 Easter Rising that helped shape modern Ireland.
Be sure to wander through Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, stroll along the River Liffey, and dig into Irish literature at the Museum of Literature Ireland. Dublin’s Georgian architecture, cozy cafés, and green spaces (like Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest) make it a great place to slow down and soak it all in. And, yes, you should have that pint at The Long Hall or Kehoe’s – just maybe not every night.
Bantry: A Bay Full of Surprises
Bantry, in West Cork, doesn’t always make the top 10 lists, but it should. Overlooking a stunning bay dotted with islands, Bantry combines natural beauty with fascinating history. One of the town’s most famous landmarks is Bantry House, a beautiful 18th-century estate overlooking the water that’s still owned by the same family. You can explore the house and gardens, then have tea on the terrace with sweeping views of the bay.
The town also has ties to a dramatic chapter in Irish history – the failed French invasion of 1796, when a fleet carrying Irish rebels and French troops tried (unsuccessfully) to land in Bantry Bay. Today, it’s a peaceful spot perfect for exploring nearby Sheep’s Head Peninsula, kayaking on the bay, or just savoring the slow pace of coastal life.
Doolin: Music, Cliffs, and a Lot of Craic
Most people pass through Doolin on their way to the Cliffs of Moher, but it’s worth staying a night or two in this tiny village in County Clare. Doolin is one of the best places in Ireland for traditional Irish music, or trad, with nightly sessions in pubs like Gus O’Connor’s, McGann’s, or McDermott’s. The village also has a laid-back, friendly vibe and some of the best cliff walks anywhere on Earth. At the end of that cliff walk, you just might find the Cliffs of Moher.
Historically, Doolin was a quiet farming and fishing community but, in the 20th century, it became a magnet for artists and musicians. It’s also the departure point for ferries to the Aran Islands, if you’re looking to extend your adventure. Between the cliffs, the tunes, and the chance to stargaze in one of Ireland’s darkest skies, Doolin deserves a spot on every traveler’s list. You can find it on our list of the 10 must-see stops on a road trip around Ireland.
Malin Head: Ireland’s Wild Northern Edge
If you want to feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world, head to Malin Head, one of the best places to visit in Ireland. It’s the northernmost point of mainland Ireland, located in County Donegal, and it’s raw, windswept, and utterly breathtaking. The coastline here is jagged and dramatic, with hidden sea caves, endless birdlife, and waves crashing against rocky outcrops.
Malin Head has been a navigation point for centuries, used by the Royal Navy and later as a weather station. These days, it’s a famous filming location for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. But, beyond the Hollywood credits, what really matters is how Malin feels: quiet, wild, and a little bit otherworldly. It’s well worth the journey north.
Derry: A City of Walls and Resilience
Since you’re already up in Malin, we suggest traveling east across the border to Derry (or Londonderry, depending who you ask). It’s one of Ireland’s most fascinating cities. Located in the North, it’s the only completely walled city on the island. You can still walk the 17th-century fortifications today. It has a layered, often difficult, history, from the Siege of Derry to the Troubles. But, today, it’s defined more by its creativity and resilience than its past.
The Bogside murals, the Museum of Free Derry, and the Peace Bridge all tell parts of the city’s story, and there’s a growing energy in the arts scene, too. Walk the city walls, grab a coffee in the Craft Village, and take time to listen because this treasured place has a lot to say. It’s not always an easy story, but it’s one worth hearing. From Derry, here are 11 more sights you’ll want to see in Northern Ireland.
Where to First?
Whether you’re wandering the cliffs in Doolin, dancing in a pub in Galway, or watching the sun dip below Malin Head, Ireland will capture your heart. And, while the big-name spots are worth the trip, don’t skip the smaller towns and hidden corners, either. They’re where the real magic happens. To keep you going, here are more Irish adventures that whisper tales of the past.
This may not surprise you, but we’re big fans of Ireland here. One of our staff members even packed up her bags and moved here last year. (Hi, everyone, it’s me, Kit.) So, come on over and explore our extensive library of destination guides on these enchanted lands. We’ll lead you to the fairies, the folk tales, the trad music, and everything else in between to make your visit absolutely unforgettable.