Ireland is a land of green expanses, a thousand warm welcomes, and leprechaun legends. Whether you love 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 untouched counties of the northwest, this article will guide you through 9 must-see places to include in your Irish itinerary.
- 1. Dublin: the vibrant 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. Cliffs 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 high costs, the city provides numerous free attractions, such as museums and art galleries, and a wide range of budget hostels. Some of the most famous sights include 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 to the rest of the country. To explore Dublin itself, you don’t need a car—the city can easily be visited on foot or by public transport. However, if you want to travel to other parts of Ireland, we recommend renting a car, for more flexibility in getting around.
Galway, located on the west coast about 2 hours and 20 minutes by train from Dublin, is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway from the city without needing a car. This city, smaller than the capital, is easy to explore on foot, with its historic center featuring cobblestone streets, pubs, cafes, and shops. In addition to the lively city atmosphere, Galway also offers the chance to reach Salthill beach, where you can stroll along the seafront promenade. Galway is a perfect stop to combine with Dublin in an Ireland itinerary.
The county of Tipperary is especially famous for its main landmark, the Rock of Cashel, an imposing ruined abbey set on a hilltop. Beyond 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, mountains for hiking, religious sites, and the Mitchelstown Caves. If you are traveling between Dublin and Cork/Kerry, a stop in 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 least-visited but most unspoiled areas of the country. Here you’ll find the starting and ending point of the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, with majestic cliffs like those of Slieve League and the Glenveagh National Park. Donegal also offers numerous beaches for walks 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 trip is well worth it to admire one of Ireland’s wildest and most natural corners.
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 lose yourself in its medieval streets filled with pubs, live music venues, and local craft shops. In addition to 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 Dublin. In the historic center, known as “Viking Triangle“, you can still admire the remains of the ancient city walls and visit Reginald’s Tower and the Medieval Museum. In addition to historical sites, Waterford is also home to the famous Waterford Crystal factory, with guided tours to discover its production process.
The county of Kerry, located in the southwestern corner of Ireland, is one of the country’s most beautiful and natural places. Here you will find the Killarney National Park, crossed by the spectacular Ring of Kerry, a 179 km circular route offering breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and coastline. Other unmissable stops include the picturesque town of Dingle, Skellig Michael (Star Wars location), and the impressive Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain in Ireland. 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 best tourist attraction. This renowned destination, stretching for eight kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean coastline, offers breathtaking views and an immersive experience in wild, unspoiled nature. With over a million visitors every year, the Cliffs of Moher are not only a natural landmark but also a symbol of Irish cultural heritage, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Located in the southeastern area of Ireland, County Wexford is a perfect destination for families thanks to its many child-friendly attractions. Among the highlights are 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 experience of Irish emigration. Wexford also boasts beautiful beaches, historic abbeys, and the JFK Arboretum, a beautiful nature 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 thanks to the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route connecting Belfast a Derry/Londonderry. Along this coastal road you’ll find some of the main attractions of Northern Ireland, such as the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Dunluce Castle and the seaside town of Portrush. Belfast, the county 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 vibrant capital Dublin, immerse yourself in the unspoiled nature of Donegal, or discover Waterford’s Viking history, this selection of the top 10 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 cities to the natural wonders of wild coasts. Choose the stops that best suit your interests and get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure in one of Europe’s most enchanting countries. We recommend traveling by camper in Ireland, for a slow and evocative journey. Alternatively, you can choose unusual places to stay that are plentiful in Ireland, such as sleeping in a castle or in luxury Irish estates.
