Ireland is a land of green stretches, a thousand warm welcomes, and legends of leprechauns. Whether you’re passionate about nature, history, or gastronomy, this small island on the far west of Europe has something to offer every type of traveler. From the capital Dublin to the unspoiled counties of the northwest, this article will guide you through the 9 must-see places to include in your Irish itinerary.
- 1. Dublin: the lively capital
- 2. Galway: the Capital of the West
- 3. Tipperary: the heart of Ireland
- 4. Donegal: Wild Ireland
- 5. Kilkenny: the medieval city
- 6. Waterford: the Viking city
- 7. Kerry: natural beauty
- 8. Cliff of Moher: the most famous cliffs in the world
- 9. Wexford: the family-friendly county
- 10. Antrim: the coastal route
- Final Thoughts
Dublin is often the starting and ending point for visitors to Ireland, thanks to its international airports with direct flights from many countries. Despite the high costs, the city offers many free attractions, such as museums and art galleries, and a wide choice of budget hostels. Among the most famous points of interest are the Kilmainham Gaol, the Guinness Storehouse, the Jameson distilleries e Teeling, the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum and the Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship. Dublin is also a great starting point for day trips around the rest of the country. To explore Dublin, a car is not necessary. The city can be easily visited on foot or by using public transport. If you want to move to other parts of Ireland, we suggest renting a car, so you have more flexibility in getting around.
Galway, located on the western coast about 2 hours and 20 minutes by train from Dublin, is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway without needing a car. This city, smaller than the capital, is easily explored on foot, with its historic center characterized by cobblestone streets, pubs, cafés, and shops. In addition to the lively city atmosphere, Galway also offers the possibility to quickly reach the Salthill beach, where you can stroll along the waterfront promenade. Galway is a perfect stop to combine with Dublin in an itinerary in Ireland.
The county of Tipperary is best known for its main attraction, the Rock of Cashel, an imposing ruined abbey located on a hill. Aside from this majestic attraction, Tipperary also offers the Cahir Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in Ireland, and the picturesque Swiss Cottage, a nineteenth-century residence. The county also boasts numerous other castles, hiking mountains, religious sites, and the Mitchelstown Caves. If you are traveling between Dublin and Cork/Kerry, a stop at Cashel o Cahir will allow you to discover the treasures of Tipperary.
The county of Donegal, in the northwestern corner of Ireland, is one of the country’s least visited but most unspoiled areas. Here you find the starting and ending point of the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, with majestic cliffs such as those of Slieve League and the Glenveagh National Park. Donegal also offers numerous beaches for walking and surfing, as well as lakes ideal for water sports and trekking. Reaching this remote region takes about 3-4 hours by car from Dublin but the journey is definitely worth it to admire one of the wildest and most natural corners of Ireland.
Just 1.5 hours by car south of Dublin, Kilkenny is one of the best cities to visit in Ireland for a weekend. Here you can admire the majestic Kilkenny Castle, dating back to the 13th century, and get lost in its medieval streets full of pubs, live music venues, and local craft shops. Besides the castle, Kilkenny also boasts a museum, a cathedral, and a round tower. The city also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, such as the Kilkenny Tradfest, the Kilkenny Arts Festival and the Kilkenny Cat Laughs Festival.
Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland, founded by the Vikings, is the ideal place to immerse yourself in Viking history outside of Dublin. In the historic center, known as the “Viking Triangle“, you can still admire the remains of the ancient city walls and visit Reginald’s Tower and the Medieval Museum. Besides the historic sites, Waterford is also home to the famous crystal factory Waterford Crystal, with guided tours to discover its craftsmanship.
The county of Kerry, located in the southwestern corner of Ireland, is one of the most beautiful and natural places in the country. Here you find the Killarney National Park, crossed by the spectacular Ring of Kerry, a 179 km circular route offering breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and coastlines. Other unmissable stops are the picturesque town of Dingle, the Skellig Michael (a Star Wars location) and the imposing Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain. Kerry is an ideal destination for nature and landscape lovers.
The Cliffs of Moher, majestic cliffs located on Ireland’s west coast, were recently named the country’s top tourist attraction. This renowned destination, stretching for eight kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean coast, offers breathtaking views and an immersive experience in wild and unspoiled nature. With over a million visitors each year, the Cliffs of Moher are not only a natural landmark but also a symbol of Irish cultural heritage, attracting tourists from around the world.
Located in the southeastern region of Ireland, the county of Wexford is a perfect destination for families thanks to its numerous child-friendly attractions. Among these stand out the ancient Hook Lighthouse, the Johnstown Castle with its agricultural museum, the Irish National Heritage Park and the Dunbrody Famine Ship, which allows you to relive the Irish emigration experience. Wexford also boasts beautiful beaches, historic abbeys, and the JFK Arboretum, a beautiful natural park. Reachable in less than 2 hours from Dublin, Wexford is ideal for a family holiday in Southern Ireland.
County Antrim, in the northern part of Northern Ireland, is a must-see stop thanks to the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route which connects Belfast a Derry/Londonderry. Along this coastal road are some of the main attractions of theNorthern Ireland, like the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Dunluce Castle and the seaside town of Portrush. Belfast, the county’s capital, also offers numerous museums, botanical gardens, and the Titanic Quarter, where you can visit the museum and hotel dedicated to the famous ocean liner.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to explore the lively capital Dublin, immerse yourself in the unspoiled nature of Donegal, or discover the Viking history of Waterford, this selection of the 10 best places to visit in Ireland will help you plan an unforgettable trip to the Emerald Isle. Each destination offers unique experiences, from the charm of medieval towns to the natural wonders of wild coastlines. Choose the stops that best suit your interests and get ready to live a unique adventure in one of the most fascinating countries in Europe. We recommend traveling by campervan in Ireland, for a slow and scenic journey. Alternatively, you can choose unusual places to stay which Ireland has no shortage of, such as, for example, sleeping in a castle or in luxury Irish residences.
