Top 10 Things to Do in Ireland to Put on Your Bucket List

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Top 10 Things to Do in Ireland to Put on Your Bucket List
From historical and cultural landmarks to nature’s best offerings, Ireland is chock-full of choices for every type of traveler. But which attractions are worth putting on the top of your list? Here are the top 10 things to do in Ireland that you just can’t beat!
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Nicknamed the Emerald Isle, Ireland is perhaps the greenest and most picturesque island in the world. It’s blessed with an abundance of natural wonders, each with a reputation and beauty second to none. And so, if you’re looking for the ultimate getaway in Europe, Ireland is a great pick!

At least, that’s what 7 million travelers agree upon every year…

The country is home to numerous magical castles, bizarre and beautiful natural sights, and an iconic culture you can’t ignore. Plus, it’s served as the backdrop for productions like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and many more!

So if you’re looking to dip your feet into the Irish scene as a tourist, I’ve got your back. Walk with me through the top 10 things to do in Ireland in this blog and discover the best things to see in Ireland! But before we get to the list, I bet you’re wondering…

Why is Ireland Famous?

Rolling hills and lush greenery are what many imagine when they think of Ireland—and they’re not wrong! Ireland is famous for its natural beauty and interesting sights, such as the Giant’s Causeway. In fact, there’s nothing quite like Ireland when it comes to natural wonders!

But nature isn’t all that makes this island nation oh so special. Ireland is also quite famous for its range of mystical castles with their fascinating myths and of course, the Irish culture. From pub grub to Irish music, there’s a lot of charm that appeals to every type of tourist here.

10 Best Things to Do in Ireland

1. Drive around the Ring of Kerry 

If you want a single route that takes you through some of the most breathtaking Irish landscapes, the Ring of Kerry is your perfect start. Stretching 179 kilometers, this circuit of road goes around the Ivergh Peninsula and perfectly captures the scenic beauty of Ireland.

I’m talking winding hills, pristine beaches, expansive grasslands, medieval castles, quaint villages, and much, much more!

Since the Ring of Kerry is long, it’s best enjoyed in a car and can take you 3 hours to complete without any stops. But obviously, since the entire point of the road is to enjoy the natural beauty, you’ll want to stop in random places and explore what the country has to offer. 

Here are some of my personal favorites that you can find along the Ring of Kerry:

  • Killarney National Park
  • Blasket Islands
  • Ballycarbery Castle
  • Torc Waterfall
  • Skellig Michael

2. Climb the Cliffs of Moher 

If you want to feel your heartbeat in your head and forget how to breathe, the Cliffs of Moher should be on your list. This natural wonder sits along the Wide Atlantic Way and is one of the most popular attractions of Ireland for a reason.

Giving travelers the most dramatic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher are 214-meter tall, rugged limestone cliffs along the Burren region in County Clare. In fact, it’s declared as a UNESCO Global Geopark for its unique geological setting!

When you find your way to these cliffs, you’ll be surrounded by strong winds, a misty atmosphere, and some of the bluest and strongest currents in front of you. And if you visit on a clear day, you might even spot the Aran Islands from these cliffs!

Needless to say, the Cliffs of Moher are famous for romantic proposals, unique photography opportunities, and just an exhilarating experience overall. 

3. Visit the Giant’s Causeway

Have you come across naturally polygonal columns by the sea that also happen to be sixty million years old? If you travel to the north of Ireland, you can observe this magical natural phenomenon yourself! 

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the top things to do in Ireland, attracting almost a million travelers every year, especially between May and September. With waves of the Sea of Scotland crashing gently against these basalt columns, the Giant’s Causeway will stun you with its unique geological structure. 

Legend has it that an Irish giant by the name of Finn McCool created these columns to create a bridge over the sea so he could reach Scotland and fight his rival, a Scottish giant named Benandonner. 

Whether you choose to believe in this myth told by Irish monks in the Medieval period or not, it sure does make the trip and sight better!

4. Get the Gift of Gab at the Blarney Castle

Visiting castles is one of the most popular things to do in Ireland, and each one has a unique story to tell. Among them, 60-year-old Blarney Castle is considered iconic because it offers an intriguing experience for its visitors. 

As legends go, kissing the Blarney Stone here will grant you the gift of eloquence. The castle itself has a mystic and warlike appeal that’s interesting to observe. 

The surroundings are equally worth exploring, with a Poison Garden dedicated to toxic plants, Herbaceous Border for a colorful display of flower varieties during summer, and many other areas of interest, including lakes.

5. Explore the National Museum of Ireland Archeology 

Perhaps one of the best Dublin museums, the National Museum of Archeology houses an extensive collection of artifacts belonging to different eras within Ireland’s longstanding history. Step back in time as you wander through the prehistoric collection learning about the lifestyle of Vikings and Celts. 

The Medieval period is equally interesting to explore with information on castles, monasteries, and social structures that existed back then. 

The Kingship and Sacrifice Exhibition features some bog bodies that are a result of a human sacrifice ritual during the Iron Age. If you’re a history buff who loves visiting museums, this is a must-visit for you! 

6. Be Mesmerized by the Aran Islands

Remember I mentioned seeing Aran Islands from the Cliffs of Moher? Well, these islands are a standard of their own!

Located in County Galway, this trio of Islands seems as if it’s a sight out of Irish fairytales and myths. Rugged natural beauty, sea-sweeping landscapes, and medieval ruins dot the region, making it a spectacular place to visit on your trip to Ireland. 

You can take a quick 35-minute ferry ride to reach the three islands which are known as: 

  • Inis Oírr — Eastern Island
  • Inis Mór — Big Island, and
  • Inis Meáin — Middle Island.

There is a lot to see on Aran Islands beyond the natural beauty so don’t be fooled! The islands are home to a traditional Gaelic-speaking Irish society. Plus, you can spot prehistoric forts built on cliffs, shipwreck preserves, relics of Celtic churches, and stone-built cottages that locals reside in!

The only problem here is figuring out how long to stay because you’ll never want to leave.

7. Drink the Black Stuff at the Guinness Storehouse

One of the best things to do when planning a trip to Ireland lies in the capital city itself. Situated in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse tells the story of Ireland’s biggest export: the Guinness beer. 

While the storehouse is originally a fermentation plant, you can tour the 7-story building to explore the fermentation of this famous beer since its humble beginnings in 1759. And to make things even more exciting, the Guinness Storehouse is home to the world’s largest pint glass that rises through the building!

At the end of the tour, you’ll find yourself on the 7th floor to fine dine and taste a pint of Guinness Beer at the 360° Gravity Bar, paired perfectly with a sweeping city view. In my opinion, this is one of the top things to do in Dublin itself!

Tip: If you want to explore more of Dublin in a single go, I recommend signing up for one of the numerous interesting walking tours in Dublin. These would take you through hotspots like the Guinness Storehouse and many more exquisite cultural sites!

8. Witness the Winter Solstice at Newgrange

Would you give up on visiting a 5,200-year-old passage tomb in the middle of nowhere? I know I wouldn’t!

Newgrange is a remarkable passage constructed by Stone Age farmers in County Meath. This tomb features ancient Irish symbols and has a fascinating construction, complete with a passage and three chambers within. 

If you visit Newgrange during Winder Solstice, you’ll notice the passage and chambers align with the rising sun in the morning to create stunning illumination inside! 

9. Spot Ghosts at Leap Castle

With Ireland being covered in awe-inspiring medieval castles, it comes as no surprise that a few of them are reportedly haunted. One of the more active ones is situated in Offaly, known as the Leap Castle.

This picturesque and partially ruined castle, featuring stonework and creeping algae on its centuries-old walls, is regarded as one of the most haunted castles in the world. And because of this reputation, thousands of travelers flock to Leap Castle to spot these spooky inhabitants! 

If you’re brave enough to look beyond the castle’s rich history, Leap Castle makes up for a great attraction that might give you goosebumps. 

Built in the 15th century, Leap Castle has a bloody history with murders, destruction attempts, and sightings of the Red Lady and two young girls that go by the name of Emily and Charlotte! With a private tour, you’ll uncover much more of the castle’s complicated history and the ghosts that haunt these lands. 

10. Enjoy Irish grub at the Oldest Pub in the World

Of course, I can’t close this blog without bringing up the Irish pub culture! Any visit to Ireland without visiting one of the pubs and enjoying local food would be a traveler’s crime.

If you want to really enjoy Irish grub, Sean’s Bar is the place to go because it’s officially the oldest bar in the entire world! That’s right. Sean’s Bar has been serving locals since 900 AD and the tradition continues right in the center of Athlone today. 

All I’m saying is that the flex of having a pint at the oldest bar in the world is a story for many parties…

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Get Lost in Ireland’s Beauty with Pilot

Acclaimed as the most beautiful European island to visit, Ireland awaits you with its rich tapestry of tourist attractions. From iconic cultural hotspots to natural wonders that’ll take your breath away, the island nation does not disappoint.

If you’re figuring out how to plan a trip with friends to Ireland, make sure to use a trip planner like Pilot. Designed for social trip planning, Pilot leverages AI to help you find the best activities in Ireland and makes it easy for you to create & share travel itineraries with your crew.

Disclosure: Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

Laiba Tariq Blog
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Laiba Tariq
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