The Best Places to Visit in Ireland & What to Do There
By Eva Alkemade
Jun 18, 2026
Ireland is deceptively small. You can drive from one coast to the other in a few hours, yet somehow this island manages to pack in ancient neolithic tombs, towering sea cliffs, medieval castles, wild Atlantic coastlines, and cities with some of the best pub culture in Europe. The best places to visit in Ireland are not just the obvious landmarks you have seen on postcards, though those are absolutely worth your time too. There are places in Ireland that will genuinely stop you in your tracks, where the history runs so deep it is almost impossible to take in, and where a stranger in a pub will have you laughing within five minutes. We put this guide together to cover the cities, the coastlines, the ancient wonders, and a few spots that most people never find.
The Best Cities to Visit in Ireland
Irish cities are genuinely very different from each other, and each one rewards a couple of days of proper exploration rather than a rushed half-day stop. From the grand Georgian architecture of Dublin to the music-soaked streets of Galway, the great places to go in Ireland are spread right across the island. Here is a quick snapshot of what each city is best for:
Dublin : history, literary heritage, and nightlife. Best for first-time visitors and culture lovers.
Galway : traditional music, coastal walks, and genuine Irish character. Best for anyone wanting an authentic city experience.
Cork : food markets, harbour towns, and independent art. Best for foodies and history enthusiasts.
Belfast : Titanic history, political murals, and a thriving food scene. Best for history lovers and curious travellers.
Dublin: Where History, Pints, and Literary Legends Collide
For most visitors, Dublin is where the trip begins, and we think it is absolutely a strong contender for the best place to visit in Ireland if you want everything within easy walking distance. The city is compact, walkable, and genuinely full of things worth your time.
Top things to do in Dublin:
Trinity College Long Room and Book of Kells : the barrel-vaulted library with over 200,000 ancient books is one of the most extraordinary rooms you will ever stand in. Book at TCD.
Guinness Storehouse : take the tour and enjoy the panoramic views from the Gravity Bar at the top
Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square : some of the finest Georgian architecture in Europe, and a lovely area to walk through
Kilmainham Gaol : we recommend this tour for a genuinely moving lesson in Irish independence history
Grafton Street pubs and traditional music sessions : skip the tourist traps and head into the side streets for the real thing
Guided Tip: Dublin is very walkable. Most of the main sights sit within a 30-minute walk of each other, so save the taxi money for a round of drinks instead.
The evenings in Temple Bar get lively and touristy, but we think it is worth at least one wander through for the atmosphere. For a more local experience, the smaller pubs tucked into the side streets tend to be where you will find the better traditional music sessions.
Galway: The City That Never Stops Playing Music
Is Galway worth visiting? Absolutely, and most people who go end up wishing they had stayed longer. There is something about Galway that gets under your skin almost immediately. Ireland’s places to visit do not come much more enjoyable than this colourful city on the west coast, and we have a particular soft spot for it.
Top things to do in Galway:
The Latin Quarter : a tangle of colourful shopfronts, independent restaurants, and pubs with live music every single night
Eyre Square : a good starting point before heading down Shop Street towards the Spanish Arch
Salthill Promenade : walk almost two miles along the coast and kick the wall at the end
Galway City Museum : near the Spanish Arch, it gives a genuinely good overview of the city’s history
Day trips to Connemara and the Aran Islands : Galway is your natural gateway to both
Did You Know?: Traditional music sessions in Galway pubs run every single night of the week, not as a tourist attraction but simply because people love playing. You will not need to look hard to find one.
Cork: The City That Calls Itself the Real Capital
Cork people are proud of their city in the most endearing way possible, and once you spend a day there, you start to understand why. Among the best places in Ireland to see for food lovers, Cork has built a genuine reputation on the back of one remarkable building, and we think a morning here is one of the best ways to start any day in Ireland.
Top things to do in Cork:
The English Market : one of Europe’s oldest covered food markets, running in various forms since 1788.
Farmgate Café : have breakfast on the mezzanine level, watching the market traders set up below. We loved it
Crawford Art Gallery : excellent art gallery, and free of charge
Kinsale : take a short drive to this pretty seaside town for the afternoon
Cobh : colourful hillside houses and a powerful Titanic connection. The ship made its last port of call here in April 1912
Guided Tip: Arrive at the English Market early, before 9am if possible. By mid-morning it fills up fast and the breakfast queue at Farmgate gets long.
Belfast: A City That Surprised Everyone
Where to go in Ireland for a city that has genuinely reinvented itself? Belfast is our answer, and it deserves more credit than it sometimes gets. The Titanic Belfast Museum is world-class, built on the very slipway where the ship was constructed, and we think it tells the story with far more nuance and depth than you might expect.
Top things to do in Belfast:
Titanic Belfast Museum : one of the best visitor attractions on the island, and we recommend allowing at least three hours
Cathedral Quarter : excellent for food, live music, and culture
Black Taxi Tours : the best way to understand the political murals and the city’s complex recent history
Northern Ireland deserves a dedicated trip of its own. Our full guide to the best places to visit in Northern Ireland covers everything you need on that side of the island.
The Most Beautiful Natural Places in Ireland
The natural beauty here is the reason most people fall in love with Ireland, and the places to see in Ireland extend far beyond the famous postcard shots. From lunar limestone plateaus to wild Atlantic peninsulas, we think the most beautiful places in Ireland tend to reward the people who slow down and take their time.
The Cliffs of Moher: Ireland’s Most Iconic View for Good Reason
What are the Cliffs of Moher actually like? They are genuinely as impressive as everyone says, and that is not something we can say about every famous landmark. Rising 214 metres above the Atlantic in County Clare, the cliffs stretch for over eight miles along the coastline, and on a clear day you can see across Galway Bay to the Aran Islands and the mountains of Connemara beyond.
What we recommend doing at the Cliffs of Moher:
O’Brien’s Tower : climb it at the northern end for the best elevated vantage point
The coastal path : walk in both directions beyond the main viewing area, where the crowds thin out considerably
The underground visitor centre : built into the cliff, and genuinely interesting for the geology and wildlife information
Atlantic puffins : look out for them nesting in the cliff face between April and July
Still deciding between a spring or summer trip? Check out our guide to the best time to travel to Ireland and see what each month has to offer.
Fun Fact: The Cliffs of Moher receive over 1.5 million visitors per year, making them the most visited natural attraction in Ireland. We recommend going early, it makes a significant difference to the experience.
Connemara: Wild, Remote, and Completely Unforgettable
Some of the prettiest places in Ireland require a bit of effort to reach, and Connemara is one of them. What you actually find is a landscape of dark lakes, open bogland, jagged mountains, and a coastline that changes character every few kilometres.
Top things to do in Connemara:
Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park : we recommend this hike for panoramic views across the whole region.
Kylemore Abbey : a Victorian Gothic castle reflected in the lake in front of it, with a beautifully restored walled garden behind.
The Sky Road near Clifden : one of the most beautiful drives we know, looping around a headland above the Atlantic
Killary Harbour : Ireland’s only fjord, cutting deep into the mountains along the Galway-Mayo border
The market town of Clifden makes an excellent base for exploring the region. Lowry’s Pub, voted the best traditional bar in Ireland on more than one occasion, has live music every night and the largest selection of whiskey and gin in Connemara.
Fun Fact: Connemara is home to the famous Connemara pony, a breed native to the region that has roamed these hills for thousands of years. You will spot them in fields throughout the area.
The Burren: A Moonscape That Somehow Grows Orchids
The Burren is one of those places in Ireland that takes a moment to make sense. At first glance it looks barren, a vast plateau of cracked grey limestone stretching across north County Clare, almost devoid of soil. Look closer, though, and you quickly see something remarkable.
Want to experience another side of County Clare? Explore our favourite swimming spots in County Clare, from sandy beaches to crystal-clear natural pools.
What we recommend doing in the Burren:
Doolin Cave : on the western edge, home to the longest free-standing stalactite in Europe at over five metres
The Burren Way : a marked trail passing ancient tombs, ring forts, and wildflower meadows
Aillwee Cave : an underground limestone cave system worth exploring
Combine with the Cliffs of Moher : we recommend pairing both for an extremely rewarding full day out from Galway or Ennis
One of the most picturesque places in Ireland, the Burren rewards slow exploration far more than a quick drive-through. Allow at least half a day, and you will not regret it.
Did You Know?: The Burren is home to 22 species of wild orchid, alongside rare alpine and Mediterranean plants that have no business growing in the same place, let alone in Ireland. Scientists still debate exactly why.
The Dingle Peninsula: Where the Road Runs Out and the Views Begin
Among Ireland’s beautiful places to visit that genuinely surprise people, the Dingle Peninsula consistently comes out near the top. We think Slea Head Drive is one of the most spectacular coastal roads you will find anywhere in the country, passing ancient stone beehive huts (known as clochán) that date back over a thousand years, with the Atlantic crashing below.
Top things to do on the Dingle Peninsula:
Slea Head Loop : drive the full route for the most spectacular coastal views in Kerry
Dingle town itself : colourful pubs, excellent seafood restaurants, and independent craft shops, we think are well worth browsing
Dolphin boat trip from the harbour : arrange one at the harbour to see the resident bottlenose dolphin
Gallarus Oratory : an extraordinary dry-stone church that has remained watertight for over 1,000 years
Did You Know?: The Other Voices music festival takes place in Dingle every December, drawing musicians from across Ireland and beyond to perform in the town’s tiny St James’s Church. It has launched several significant careers over the years.
Scenic Routes and Road Trips Worth Planning
Some of the prettiest places in Ireland are not destinations you arrive at but roads you drive along, stopping whenever something catches your eye. We cannot overstate this: car hire unlocks a completely different version of Ireland, and these two routes are the best starting point.
The Wild Atlantic Way: One of Europe’s Greatest Road Trips
What is the Wild Atlantic Way? It is a 2,500-kilometre coastal driving route running along the entire western seaboard of Ireland, and one of the ireland best places to visit experiences that works as a full holiday in itself.
Here is what you will find section by section:
Donegal : Sliabh Liag cliffs, remote beaches, and dramatic headlands with almost no crowds
Mayo & Sligo : Achill Island, Croagh Patrick, and Yeats country
Galway : Connemara, Clifden, and Aran Islands ferry points
Clare & Kerry : Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the Dingle Peninsula
Cork : Mizen Head, Kinsale, and the Sheep’s Head Peninsula
If you're planning to drive the Wild Atlantic Way or the Ring of Kerry, don't miss our complete Ireland road trip guide. It covers the best routes, stops, and tips for exploring the entire country by car.
The Ring of Kerry: 179 Kilometres of Castles, Coast, and Pure Kerry Magic
Is the Ring of Kerry worth doing? Yes, unequivocally, and we think it earns its reputation comfortably. This 179-kilometre circular route loops around the Iveragh Peninsula from Killarney, and it is one of the most famous places to go in Ireland for very good reason.
Key stops we recommend on the Ring of Kerry:
Torc Waterfall : a short walk from the road and genuinely impressive
Ladies View : an elevated lookout with sweeping views across the Killarney Lakes
Sneem village : a pretty stop worth a short break for lunch
Skellig Ring detour : dramatic views across to Skellig Michael island
Killarney National Park : Muckross House, Ross Castle, and traditional jaunting car rides through the parkland.
Rossbeigh Beach : a three-mile stretch of golden sand excellent for a walk
Historic Sites and Ancient Wonders
Few countries pack as much history into such a small area, and the best places in Ireland for history go back thousands of years further than most visitors expect. These are the sites that, in our experience, tend to linger longest in the memory.
Skellig Michael: A 6th-Century Monastery on the Edge of the World
How do you get to Skellig Michael? By small boat from the Kerry mainland, a 45-minute crossing that can be rough in anything other than calm weather, followed by a climb of 618 steep stone steps cut directly into the rock. At the top, you will find one of the best places to see in Ireland and one of the most astonishing things humans have ever built in such an unlikely location. We think it is genuinely one of the most remarkable experiences Ireland has to offer.
Key facts about Skellig Michael:
Location : 12km off the Kerry coast, accessible by boat only
Age : founded approximately 6th century AD
UNESCO Status : World Heritage Site since 1996
Boat season : May to October, weather permitting
Steps to the monastery : 618, uneven and steep, not suitable for everyone
Also famous for : Star Wars filming location for The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi
Fun Fact: Skellig Michael was used as a Star Wars filming location for The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. The island’s unique appearance made it the perfect stand-in for a remote Jedi hideout. It was extraordinary long before the cameras arrived, however.
Rock of Cashel: Kings, Ruins, and One Very Dramatic Hilltop
Rising abruptly from the flat Tipperary plains, the Rock of Cashel is one of the most picturesque places in Ireland and one of the most historically significant. This natural limestone outcrop was the seat of the Kings of Munster for centuries before being handed over to the Church in 1101. We recommend it unreservedly to anyone passing through the midlands.
What you will find at the Rock of Cashel:
Cormac’s Chapel : a 12th-century Romanesque chapel, beautifully preserved
Gothic cathedral ruins : destroyed in the 17th century but still deeply impressive
A round tower : over 28 metres tall, one of the finest in Ireland
A high cross : dating to the early medieval period
Views across the Golden Vale : sweeping and worth the visit alone
Guided Tip: Visit the Rock of Cashel in the late afternoon when the tour groups have gone and the light on the stone is at its best. The site takes on a completely different character in the early evening, and we think it is far more atmospheric.
Brú na Bóinne: Older Than Stonehenge and Twice as Mysterious
What is Newgrange, and why does it matter? Built around 3,200 BC, the passage tomb at Brú na Bóinne in County Meath is older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe, and we think it is one of the best places to see in Ireland for anyone with even a passing interest in ancient history.
Key facts about Brú na Bóinne:
Age : built approximately 3,200 BC, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids
UNESCO Status : World Heritage Site
Location : Boyne Valley, County Meath, about one hour from Dublin
Access : official tours only, departing from the visitor centre
Winter solstice : the chamber is illuminated for approximately 17 minutes by the rising sun once a year
Nearby sites : Knowth and Dowth tombs are on the same site and worth combining
Book your visit at worldheritageireland and combine Newgrange with the nearby Knowth and Dowth tombs on the same day for a full and genuinely fascinating afternoon. This is one of the places to visit in the Republic of Ireland that consistently exceeds expectations.
Did You Know?: Once a year, around the winter solstice, the rising sun aligns perfectly with a small opening above the entrance and floods the inner chamber with light for approximately 17 minutes. A lottery system allocates the handful of spaces available to witness this in person.
Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Track Places in Ireland
Beyond the well-known sights, some of the most beautiful places in Ireland are the ones that you might have never heard of. We think these two are worth going significantly out of your way for.
Sliabh Liag: The Sea Cliffs Most People Have Never Heard Of
Most visitors head straight to the Cliffs of Moher and never make it to Sliabh Liag in County Donegal. However, if you're looking for spectacular views without the crowds, it's one of the best places to visit in Ireland. At nearly 600 metres, Sliabh Liag is almost three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher, making them among the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
Why we think Sliabh Liag is worth the journey:
Panoramic views stretching across the Atlantic, north to Scotland, and south along the entire Donegal coastline
Exhilarating cliffside walking routes for those who want more than a viewpoint
Almost no queues or coach parties : the peace and quiet alone is worth it
The drive through County Donegal to reach them is spectacular in itself
Among the most beautiful spots in Ireland that most people have simply never heard of, Sliabh Liag is one of the prettiest places in Ireland for anyone prepared to make the effort.
The Aran Islands: Step Off the Ferry and Step Back in Time
A ferry ride from either Rossaveal in Galway or Doolin in Clare brings you to the Aran Islands, three small islands at the mouth of Galway Bay where the Irish language is still spoken as the first language of daily life. We think the experience of arriving here is unlike anything else in Ireland.
The three islands at a glance:
Inis Mór : largest and most visited. Home to Dún Aonghasa, an ancient ring fort perched on a 100-metre cliff with no safety railings and no apology for it
Inis Meáin : quiet and traditional. Ancient stone walls, empty roads, and a genuinely unhurried pace
Inis Oírr : the smallest and most peaceful. A shipwreck on the beach and O’Brien’s Castle are the highlights
Top things to do on the Aran Islands:
Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór : ancient ring fort on a 100-metre cliff. One of the most impressive prehistoric sites in Ireland
Hire a bicycle : we recommend spending a full day cycling between ancient sites and rocky shoreline
An evening traditional music session : in one of the island pubs, always worth staying for
Simply sit somewhere quiet : and appreciate what genuinely unspoiled Ireland looks like
Guided Tip: The islands are busiest in July and August. Visiting in May, June, or September gives you better weather odds and far fewer people sharing the clifftops with you.
Ireland Travel Tips and Practical Information
A few things worth knowing before you go that will make your trip run considerably more smoothly:
Peak season : July and August. Popular spots get very busy, so book ahead
Currency in the Republic : Euro (€)
Currency in Northern Ireland : Pounds Sterling (£)
Driving side : left throughout the island
Speed limits in the Republic : kilometres per hour
Speed limits in Northern Ireland : miles per hour
Getting around : car hire is essential for rural areas. Public transport is limited outside cities
Rural roads : narrow, often shared with tractors and sheep. Patience required
Advance booking : Skellig Michael boats, Newgrange tours, and Cliffs of Moher tickets all need to be booked ahead
Weather : unpredictable year-round. Pack layers regardless of the season
What we recommend packing for Ireland:
A waterproof jacket : always, no exceptions
Layers that can be added and removed throughout the day
Comfortable walking shoes with grip for uneven ground
A portable battery pack for long days out
Cash for smaller rural pubs and markets that do not take cards
Irish pubs are meant to be sat in, not rushed through. We recommend allowing at least one evening where the only plan is to find a pub with good music, order something, and let the night happen around you.
Ready to Start Planning?
Ireland rewards the traveller who resists the urge to rush. Our advice is to pick a region, hire a car, leave some days unplanned, and let the country show you what it has got. Come with a decent waterproof jacket, an open schedule, and a genuine appetite for both ancient history and a good pint, and Ireland will look after the rest. For anyone planning to cross the border, our guide to the best places to visit in Northern Ireland covers everything you need on that side of the island.
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