23 Best Places to Visit in Ireland
What are Ireland's most popular tourist attractions and must-see spots? Discover the best places to visit in Ireland for your next vacation.
With cliffs, castles, farmlands, mountains, cities, megalithic monuments, bogs, seaside villages, and scenic drives, it's not hard to see why Ireland is an ideal destination for your next holiday.
There is so much to see and do on the Emerald Isle that planning your Ireland itinerary requires all your attention.
Now, you're probably wondering what the most beautiful places to see in Ireland are.
If you want to narrow the almost endless list down, you've come to the right place.
Here is our list of some of Ireland's best places to visit.
Bru na Boinne
Bru na Boinne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a short drive from Dublin.
Even though it's still not that famous, the Boyne Valley is one of the top attractions in Ireland's Ancient East.
This stunning valley is home to some of the best-preserved megalithic structures in the world.
As some of the structures were built more than 5,000 years ago, it has significant archaeological and historical importance.
The main attractions in this Neolithic landscape are the passage tombs of Newgrange, Dowth, and Knowth.
Keep in mind that Newgrange and Knowth can be accessed only by a guided tour that starts at the Bru na Boinne Visitor Center.
It's strongly recommended to book your slots in advance.
Dublin
We've traveled all over Ireland and think of it as one of the world's best destinations for a road trip. Every great road trip has its start and end.
Dublin, Ireland's capital city, is one of the best places to kick off or end your adventure.
Whether you've got one day or several, there are plenty of things to see and do in Dublin for every traveler.
The city offers a perfect mix of old and new. From its rich history and culture to vibrant nightlife and great pub scene, you'll enjoy every second in the city.
The combination of classic architecture, tourist landmarks, and modern development is truly captivating.
For starters, take a sightseeing tour or walk around the city on your own. You should see Trinity College, Dublin Castle, or St Stephen's Green.
Then, get some culture by checking out the city's many museums and art galleries. The National Museum of Ireland, Dublinia, Chester Beatty, or the Irish Museum of Modern Art are nice places to visit.
At the end of the day, soak in the atmosphere by visiting one of the local pubs, Teeling whiskey distillery, or the iconic Guinness Storehouse.
By the way, the famous Temple Bar has some of the best pubs in Dublin.
Dublin is often ranked as a very expensive city. If you travel on a budget, check out this post on free things to do in Dublin.
Wicklow Mountains
If you enjoy hiking, you will love a visit to the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The rugged mountains, glacier-carved valleys, and pristine lakes are one of the main draws of this park.
If departing from Dublin, make sure to drive along the Old Military Road, one of the most scenic routes in County Wicklow.
The tiny village of Glendalough is home to many trailheads and is one of the most popular places within this area.
There are several short, easy, and family-friendly trails, as well as more challenging ones, like the Spinc Trail, which offers great views over the national park.
Apart from hiking, you can tour the ancient Glendalough Monastic Site, which you can find right in the village.
As the Wicklow Mountains are located just a short drive from the capital city, this area is often regarded as one of the best day trips from Dublin.
By the way, the Wicklow Mountains have no entry fee, which is great news for everyone visiting Ireland on a budget.
Kilkenny
The medieval town of Kilkenny is the embodiment of a great travel destination, especially for those visiting Emerald Isle for the first time.
Firstly, there are tons of things to see and do in Kilkenny for every traveler.
Secondly, the town contains more than 800 years of history, best explored by walking the Medieval Mile Trail.
And lastly, the town is easily reached from Dublin by car or train.
The main attraction in Kilkenny is the 13th-century castle, one of the most famous historic sites in Ireland.
The imposing Kilkenny Castle dominates the town; you can explore it on a self-guided tour. You can also visit Rothe House, St. Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower, the Black Abbey, and Smithwick's Brewery.
If you want to see more, Jerpoint Abbey, Kells Priory, or Dunmore Caves are just a short drive from the town.
Whether you have a few hours or a whole day in Kilkenny, it's pretty evident that you won't get bored.
Rock of Cashel
With more than 1,500 years of history, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's iconic historic sites.
Sitting on a prominent green hill, this 12th-century castle is bursting with history and heritage.
The history of this site dates back to the 5th century CE, though. Originally, the Rock of Cashel was the seat of the kings of Munster until the site was given to the church as a gift.
Some of the most notable structures you can find there are a Gothic Cathedral, a Romanesque chapel, the Hall of the Vicars, and the Round Tower.
Remember that Cormac's Chapel, which contains the impressive Romanesque frescoes, can be accessed by guided tour only.
We can't fail to mention that the ruined castle dominates the whole area and is extremely photogenic.
There are also two really interesting legends connected with this site.
In the 5th century, St. Patrick baptized King Aengus, who became the first Ireland's Christian ruler.
The second legend says that Brian Boru was crowned here in 990 CE, a High King who united Ireland.
If Rock of Cashel is crowded on the day of your visit, make sure to walk to nearby Hore Abbey.
This ruined Cistercian monastery is only a short walk from the Rock of Cashel, and it's well worth visiting.
As this is one of the most visited attractions and most important archaeological sites in the country, it's not surprising that it made it on our list of must-see places in Ireland.
Cork
Sitting on the River Lee, the city of Cork is undoubtedly one of the must-visit places in Ireland.
In fact, together with Dublin and Galway, Cork is the most popular city you can visit in Ireland.
As this is the second largest city in Ireland, it's no surprise that there are so many things to see and do in Cork for every traveler.
Some of the most notable places you should see in Cork are St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, English Market, University College Cork, Shandon Bells & Tower, Crawford Art Gallery, and St. Patrick's Street.
The city is very compact and can be easily explored on foot, which adds to the immersive experience.
Cork is known as one of Ireland's foodie destinations, and the central area presents many great restaurants and artisan food makers.
If you're looking for a mouthwatering culinary experience while in Ireland, Cork won't disappoint.
And then there's the history. According to tradition, Cork was originally a monastic settlement founded by St. Finbarr in the 7th century.
The city witnessed the events of the Vikings and Anglo-Norman's arrival, the Irish Rebellion of 1641, the Great Irish Famine, the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Civil War, etc.
Honestly, taking a historical walking tour in Cork is one of the best things you can do while there.
If Cork is too busy and crowded, you can always visit one of the nearby picturesque villages dotting the coastline.
For medieval history, you should see the famous Blarney Castle.
Blarney Castle
One of the things you need to know about Ireland is that this country is home to tons of castles.
Arguably the most famous of them all is Blarney Castle. It's located only a short drive from Cork's city center and can be easily reached by car or bus.
The original wooden fortress structure was replaced by a stone castle in 1210, together with a new fortification.
The castle was destroyed in the 15th century and then rebuilt by Cormac Laidir MacCarthy.
There are many reasons why Blarney Castle is so popular among travelers. We already mentioned that the castle is quite interesting and has a strategic location.
There is also the famous Blarney Stone at the top of the tower. Those who dare to kiss it will be blessed with a 'gift of the gab.'
One of our favorite parts of the experience was the extensive gardens. The castle park is well-kept, and paved trails interconnect various gardens, such as Poison Garden or Himalayan Valley.
The gardens are constantly changing throughout the year, so the walk around the gardens is a fabulous experience.
Some of our other favorite castles we visited during our trip to Ireland, apart from those we have already mentioned in this post, were Cahir Castle, Donegal Castle, Bunratty Castle, and Birr Castle.
Each castle provides a unique experience, and there are no wrong choices here.
Kinsale
County Cork is known for its cute and charming small towns and villages.
Kinsale, 30 kilometers south of Cork, is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque seaside towns on the island.
The town is known for its lively atmosphere, colorful houses, great hotels, and delicious seafood.
Really, Kinsale's restaurants serve some of the best seafood in Ireland. There is also an interesting Charles Fort on the edge of the harbor, only a short drive from the town center.
If you want to see the ocean and the cliffs, visit the nearby Old Head of Kinsale.
If you think Kinsale is a bit more touristy for your taste, visit nearby Cobh. This town is not as cute as Kinsale, but still a great place to explore.
The town was formerly known as Queenstown and is home to Titanic Experience Cobh.
On 11 April 1912, Titanic set sail on its ill-fated journey across the Atlantic Ocean. And it was right from this little seaside town located in the south of Ireland.
Ring of Kerry
Positioned at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the Ring of Kerry has the power to stir emotions in every traveler.
This 170-kilometer scenic looped route is packed with amazing sights and places.
It's one of the most famous Ireland destinations that is pretty much on every bucket list.
And if you're road-tripping the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry will be most likely one of the most anticipated stops on your itinerary
Most visitors start their journey along the Iveragh Peninsula in the small town of Killarney, another must-visit place in Ireland (see down below).
After exploring Killarney, the national park, and every attraction this area has to offer, you can finally hit the road and drive around the peninsula.
There are many amazing stops on the Ring of Kerry. For nature, visit Derrynane Bay.
Cahergall Stone Fort and Staigue Stone Fort are ideal for visitors interested in history.
If you want to explore small seaside villages, make a stop at Waterville or Cahersiveen.
If you want to see more, extend your journey to Skellig Ring, home to Kerry Cliffs and Ballinskelligs Beach.
From Portmagee, you can catch a boat to Skellig Michael.
This pair of islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient Gaelic monastery and huge sea bird colony and was used as a movie location in Star Wars.
If that's still not enough, you can continue even further and explore Valentia Island.
This small island is dominated by Geokaun Mountain and boasts a history of transatlantic communication.
Without any doubt, the Ring of Kerry is one of the unmissable places when touring Ireland.
Killarney
The town of Killarney is a perfect place to base yourself before exploring the Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry.
The Killarney area is packed with so many amazing places, so we believe it deserves its own section.
First, you can explore the small town of Killarney, which is a gateway to Killarney National Park. The town is within easy reach of beautiful lakes, hiking trails, mountains, waterfalls, and historic buildings.
For history, visit the Ross Castle and the old mining trail.
Then, continue to Muckross House and Muckross Abbey, where you can learn even more about Killarney's history.
If you're looking for an easy trail, make sure to visit Torc Waterfall.
Right after you start your Ring of Kerry road trip, you can make a detour to Gap of Dunloe.
This iconic scenic drive will take you across a mountainous pass and features some of the most beautiful landscapes within the area.
One of the best ways to explore the Killarney area is to take a tour to Gap of Dunloe, which also includes a boat tour across the Lakes of Killarney.
Dingle Peninsula
Another of Ireland's top-rated attractions can be found only a short drive north of the Ring of Kerry.
Enclosed by the Atlantic Ocean, Dingle Peninsula is home to amazing scenery, warm hospitality, beautiful beaches, and narrow roads.
The most beautiful part of the Dingle Peninsula is the scenic drive known as Slea Head Drive.
The main attractions of this route are Dunmore Head and Coumeenoole Beach, marking the western edge of the peninsula.
The Conor Pass offers the most scenic way to reach the other side of Dingle, although the road is quite narrow at times.
The peninsula is also home to many other beautiful places, such as super long Inch Beach, charming Minard Castle, photogenic Dunquin Pier, ancient Gallarus Oratory, and informative Blasket Center.
Dingle Town has good accommodation options if you want to spend a night in this area.
By the way, Ireland's southwest has three more peninsulas you can explore. Mizen Head, Sheep's Head, and Beara Peninsula.
These peninsulas are not as popular as Ring of Kerry and Dingle, so you can expect fewer crowds there.
Adare
Founded in the 13th century, the charming village of Adare is a great place to visit when visiting County Limerick.
It's often regarded as the most beautiful village in Ireland, though we need to emphasize that this is highly subjective.
This small village has traditional thatched cottages, an abbey, a town park, and a beautiful river bank walk.
The nearby Desmond Castle can be explored with a guided tour from Adare.
There are also several nice little pubs that will get you a chance to experience authentic Ireland.
Thanks to its strategic location, Adare is pretty much a mandatory stop for visitors traveling between Limerick and Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, or Dingle.
So, if you're looking for one of the most charming villages in Ireland, Adare should be on your list.
Cliffs of Moher
Stretching between the village of Doolin and Hag's Head, the famed Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top attractions.
The highest point of these iconic cliffs reaches over 200 meters, and you can find it at the main entrance.
The Cliffs of Moher have a completely vertical drop in many places and are home to many bird species.
The best way to explore the cliffs is on foot. You can walk from Doolin to Hag's Head (or vice versa) or just explore some shorter parts of the coastal trail.
The visitor center is known as the Cliffs of Moher Experience and provides great background information on the history and geology of the cliffs.
Even if you just want to explore Irish cities or stay in Dublin, you really should consider visiting the Cliffs of Moher.
By the way, due to the lengthy drive, the Cliffs of Moher are best visited on a day tour from Dublin.
Aran Islands
Situated at Galway Bay in County Galway, the Aran Islands provide one of the best ways to see Ireland from a different perspective.
This small archipelago consists of three islands. The Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer.
The karst limestone islands have Celtic and Christian heritage, an extensive stone wall network, many sacred sites, and ancient ruins.
Arans are also home to some of the oldest archaeological remains in Ireland. Aran Islands are now more popular than ever thanks to the movie The Banshees of Inisherin, which was filmed on the largest of the Aran Islands.
There are plenty of things to see and do on the Aran Islands, so you might consider staying overnight.
Getting to the Aran Islands is relatively easy. The passenger ferries depart from either Rossaveel, Galway, or Doolin. Just remember that only the ferry from Rossaveel runs all year round.
The most accessible island is Inishmore, the largest of the bunch.
The Burren
After a couple of days in Ireland, you will quickly understand why it's known as Emerald Isle.
Once you arrive in the Burren, you will realize that Ireland is much more diverse than this nickname suggests.
The moon-like area on the island's west coast has some fascinating geology and is home to some incredible places.
Most importantly, there are so many things to see and do in the Burren.
The Burren National Park lies in the heart of this region and offers the best way to experience this unique landscape.
This national park has some amazing trails for all types of visitors. Our favorite hike in the Burren National Park is Mullaghmore Loop Walk.
You can also visit Fanore Beach if walking across rocky trails is not your thing. Or explore the stunning Doolin Cave on a guided tour.
Those visitors interested in Neolithic history can drive up to the Poulnabrone Dolmen, which is a large megalithic portal tomb.
Alternatively, there is a ruined Corcomroe Abbey worth seeing in the north.
As you can clearly see, this karst geopark is a truly remarkable place to visit, and you will feel like you're in a totally different world.
Clonmacnoise
There are several great sites on this island you can visit if you're interested in Ireland's monastic history.
Clonmacnoise is pretty much at the very top of the list.
The 6th-century monastery is one of the best things to do in County Offaly, attracting visitors and pilgrims from all over the world.
One of the best things about Clonmacnoise is that it's located near the town of Athlone, which is roughly halfway between Dublin and Galway.
Speaking of Athlone, you can take a boat trip from here to Clonmacnoise to follow the footsteps of the Vikings who sailed along the Shannon River all those centuries ago.
As Clonmacnoise is just off the M6, it's also really easy to get there by car.
And what is so special about Clonmacnoise? The site was founded in 546 CE by Ciaran and eventually became one of Ireland's most important Christian centers.
Even the High Kings of Tara were buried at Clonmacnoise between the 9th and 11th centuries.
Today, you can find there a nice museum, a large collection of Early Christian grave slabs, three high crosses, two round towers, ruins of a cathedral, and several churches.
Only a short walk from the monastic site is Clonmacnoise Castle, one of the most recognizable structures in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
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Galway
The pulsing coastal City of Galway is famous for its bohemian vibes, Irish music, great pubs, rich art scene, exciting festivals, and fun attractions.
The city is beloved by tourists and well accessible from Dublin via M6.
Sure, Galway can be too touristy at peak months. The upside is that there is always something going on in the city, and you won't get bored here no matter when you visit.
Visitors can discover the rich history of this important port town, walk along the Latin Quarter's cobbled streets, and have a pint of Guinness at one of the buzzing pubs that line the charming streets.
You can also take a leisurely stroll along the promenade to Salthill and back, listen to the buskers and street performers on the High Street, or experience the local seafood scene at one of the lovely restaurants.
Just don't ask us whether you should visit Galway or Cork, as both cities are definitely worth a visit.
Connemara
Connemara is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland.
This rugged region in County Galway is home to stunning mountains, lakes, woodlands, trails, coastlines, scenic drives, castles, and abbeys.
You can attempt to see the best of Connemara in one day, though having an extra day is recommended.
If you love hiking, you need to visit Connemara National Park. There are plenty of great hiking trails in Connemara National Park for all fitness levels.
Our favorite hike is Diamond Hill Loop, which offers a moderately challenging trail and breathtaking views over the entire region.
The Sky Road, Aasleagh Falls, and Killary Harbour offer a great opportunity to enjoy the stunning landscape from a car.
Those interested in history can visit Kylemore Abbey or Clifden Castle, which are located near the town of Clifden.
But Connemara offers much more, and it's only up to you how you decide to spend your time in this amazing region.
Queen Maeve's Cairn
Situated in County Sligo, Knocknarea Hill is a 327-meter hill dominating the Coolera Peninsula.
Knocknarea Hill offers several great walks that will take you to the hill's summit. Here, you will find another surprise: one of the largest cairns in Ireland.
The massive cairn should contain a Neolithic passage tomb, though it has never been excavated.
According to a legend, this site is believed to be the burial place of Queen Maeve.
While this is up for debate, Knocknarea offers some of the most spectacular views in County Sligo.
If you have more time, the area around Sligo Town is packed with amazing places.
You can explore Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, Benbulbin, Mullaghmore Head, Strandhill Beach, or Glencar Waterfall.
Slieve League
There are tons of amazing cliffs in Ireland. But Slieve League is in its own league.
These impressive cliffs rise more than 600 meters above sea level, meaning these are one of the highest cliffs in Ireland.
The views right from the first viewing point are nothing short of spectacular.
If you feel adventurous, you can walk along the trail all the way to One Man's Path, though this hike is only recommended in good weather.
While the hike can be challenging at times, it's well worth the effort.
You can also spot EIRE 71 on the way to the cliffs. Pilots used these huge stone signs as a navigational aid during WW2.
Ireland is safe to visit, but the cliff areas can be very treacherous. Always be extra careful around cliffs and steep drops.
Slieve League can be easily explored by car from Donegal Town or Killybegs.
Glenveagh National Park
Situated in the heart of County Donegal, Glenveagh National Park is another incredibly beautiful place you should visit in Ireland.
Like other national parks in Ireland, Glenveagh is free to enter. Plus, you can easily reach the main entrance at the visitor center by car.
Glenveagh National Park boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland, rich fauna and flora, pristine lakes, deep valleys, gushing waterfalls, dense forests, rugged mountains, and old settlements.
There are also several trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks around the visitor center to several more challenging trails.
Nestled on the shores of Lough Veagh, the Glenveagh Castle is the most popular attraction within the national park.
The castle, with a four-story rectangular keep, can be visited on a guided tour. The adjacent garden boasts some exotic plants and can be explored on your own.
Undoubtedly, Glenveagh is one of the most romantic castles in Ireland.
Malin Head
There is no better way to conclude our story than a trip to Malin Head, Ireland's most northernmost point.
Malin Head lies in County Donegal and can be easily reached by car.
The main draws of this Wild Atlantic Ways signature points are the dramatic landscape, serene atmosphere, and endless ocean views.
The feeling of standing on the northern edge of Ireland is hard to describe.
What we liked most about Malin Head, though, was that the whole area offers a very basic and rugged experience.
So what is there to see and do at Malin Head?
You will get a chance to see a 19th-century signal tower, a WW2 lookout post, a multi-layered Ballyhillin Beach, a Star Wars filming location, and an 80 EIRE sign.
There is also a nice and easy trail along the coast that has cliffs and a place known as Hell's Hole.
If you arrive in the off-season, you might be lucky enough even to catch the Northern Lights here.
Coastal Causeway Route
While this guide is focused on the Republic of Ireland, we wanted to add at least one amazing place in Northern Ireland to this list.
It was not an easy choice, as this country is also packed with tons of awesome places.
After a short discussion, we decided on the Causeway Coastal Route, basically the essence of the Ireland road trip.
This 200-kilometer scenic drive along Ireland's north coast connects Belfast and Derry and boasts stunning scenery, historic sites, charming seaside towns, and epic views.
There is so much to see and do along the way that you will need at least several days to see everything.
The main highlight of the Causeway Coastal Route is the cliffs and hexagon-shaped pillars of Giant's Causeway, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can also stay overnight at the seaside town of Ballycastle, taste whiskey at the Old Bushmills Distillery, marvel at Dunluce Castle, and explore Game of Thrones's filming locations at the Dark Hedges or Ballintoy Harbour.
Ireland Road Trip
As you can clearly see, Ireland is packed with amazing places.
Planning your trip carefully and well in advance is important to ensure you have a stress-free holiday.
That's why you should also read our guides on Ireland's itinerary and how to get around Ireland.
Weather plays a major role during every holiday, so choosing the best time to visit Ireland and what to pack for Ireland is critical.
As the island is best explored by car, read our posts on driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland.
Undoubtedly, the Ireland road trip is an unforgettable travel experience. Just make sure you come prepared.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
