I was born in the U.S., but I lived in Dublin for 12 years when I relocated to Ireland for work. During that time, I got to know the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland incredibly well.
I'm creating this page as your gateway to discover all of the best places to visit in Ireland.
While this post will give you a high level overview of my top picks to add to your Ireland itinerary, you'll want to go deeper as you plan your Irish adventure.
Perhaps you have pictures of Ireland in your mind. Check out the hyperlinked articles and linked curated resources to deep dive on places to go in Ireland and bring those pictures to life.
Before you know it, you'll have the perfect Ireland itinerary mapped out: whether you are here for just a short break or if you are planning an extended road trip.
Whether you are visiting Ireland in March for St. Patrick's Day, adding on to a business trip to Dublin in October during shoulder-season, or embarking on your trip to Ireland during the peak summer season, this comprehensive guide has got your covered.
Ireland is full of fantastic tourist attractions as well as quiet out of the way places. Let's go find out what's in store when you the Emerald Isle!
Best Cities in Ireland
Let's start our exploration of the best places to visit in Ireland with my picks of the best cities in Ireland to visit.
Dublin is Ireland's capital and there are a wealth of activities to explore here. Head to the theatre, catch some live music or simply sup a pint of Guinness in one of hundreds of pubs. I've written a comprehensive guide to things to do in Dublin if you plan to spend some time in the Irish capital.
Cork is arguably Ireland's second city. Cork is a university town at it's heart. You'll find a vibrant pub scene, the bustling English Market, and some oddball museums (like the one dedicated to butter). Explore pictures of Cork to accompany this deep dive on things to do in Cork City.
Kilkenny is a small city that punches well above its weight. Here you'll find an amazing castle and grounds for hiking, an intriguing Medieval core, and plenty of festivals throughout the year to keep you busy. I've written a post dedicated to exploring 18 different things to do in Kilkenny if you'd like to take a deep dive.
Limerick is one of the most underrated cities in Ireland in my opinion. The Milk Market is great for a browse and a bite to eat on a weekend morning. You'll find an amazing castle (one of my favorite castles in Ireland) along the river and you can take public transportation to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Read more about all the fantastic things to do in Limerick here.
Galway is another one of my favorite cities in Ireland. Home to National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), the students lend a vibrant buzz to the city. Galway is a great destination for foodies and is home to Aniar which boasts a Michelin star.
Speaking on Michelin stars, why not head to Belfast in Northern Ireland for a meal complete with an edible book for dessert at Deane's Eipic. Belfast is also home to the world-famous Titanic Museum and is a great home base for day trips to Bangor, the Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast. You'll find my top picks of things to do in Belfast here.
The Most Beautiful Places in Ireland
Ireland is full of must-see destinations that are simply beautiful to behold. I've had the privilege of visiting some of the most beautiful places in Ireland.
I especially love the Dingle Peninsula. Here you'll found amazing coastal vistas, historic beehive huts as well as thoroughly modern gin distilleries and even a pub named after a South Pole explorer (Tom Crean) who hailed from the region.
Kinsale is another fantastic and beautiful destination in County Cork and an Ireland must-see if you are a foodie. The town itself is full of colorful buildings and you'll find plenty of top-notch seafood restaurants like Fishy Fishy. There is also plenty to see along the way if you drive from Dublin to Kinsale.
If you are flying into Dublin and have less time for an Irish road trip, head to Carlingford, a place of unparalleled beauty north of Dublin. Here you'll find a romantic ruined castle, one of the most colorful villages in Ireland.
Explore Carlingford Lough with a drive along the southern side in the Republic of Ireland and don't forget to take the ferry across to find the land that inspired C.S. Lewis' Narnia in Northern Ireland.
Ireland Road Trip Destinations
There are tons of Ireland self-drives you can do if you are willing to brave driving on the left (most likely with a manual transmission).
The Causeway Coastal route in Northern Ireland is a real gem of a day trip if you visit Derry for the Jazz and Big Band Festival. The Giants Causeway is an amazing site to behold with row after row of hexagonal stacked rocks leading into the sea.
The Wild Atlantic Way is the ultimate Ireland road trip. The route (largely on small coastal roads) runs from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal and ends in Kinsale in County Cork. I've never driven the whole thing, but I've done a number of segments.
You can combine a road trip to the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary with Waterford and Wexford for a long weekend.
.jpg "Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary viewed from a distance")
West Cork is one of my favorite road trips in Ireland. You'll feel like you've reached the ends of the earth when you arrive in Mizen Head, the southwestern-most point in Ireland. West Cork restaurants in Clonakilty and Skibbereen are one of the key reasons that locals love to spend time here.
Are you looking for a poetry-centered Irish road trip? If so, then head to County Sligo, home to Irish poet W.B. Yeats. My Sligo road trip write-up comes complete with poetic quotes!
Of course, getting there is half the fun when you go a road trip. For example, I absolutely love the places you can stop along the way on a Dingle to Dublin road trip: check out the largest telescope in the Victorian-era at Birr Castle, admire the grand follies at Belvedere House in Mullingar and more.
Ireland Off The Beaten Path
One of the things about visiting Ireland is all the off-the-beaten track places to see. Some of my favorite Ireland hidden gems include Dungarvan in County Waterford where you can cycle the Waterford Greenway.
Strokestown Park House in County Roscommon will give you a sobering look at the 19th century Irish famine and the circumstances that led to it.
You can't get further off the beaten path than County Donegal. Did you know that Donegal has a small airport. Fly in and then rent a car to explore this beautiful and remote corner of Northwest Ireland.
I think that Sligo is one of the most underrated destinations in Ireland. Explore the Sligo Food Trail or hire a guide to take you on a hike up Knocknashee. Stop in for an Irish craft beer at White Hag afterwards.
The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is a fantastic winter destination if you like birdwatching. Here you'll find Greenland White-Fronted Geese over-wintering. Make sure to bring warm layers since the winds coming in off the sea can be biting.
Maynooth is my favorite college town in Ireland and is just a 45 minute train ride from Dublin. Explore the walled garden, campus church, and more.
Tralee in County Kerry is well-known for the global Rose of Tralee competition. The Rose of Tralee festival is held every August and selects a young woman of Irish heritage from around the world who is crowned the Rose.
The winner of the Rose of Tralee competition is the woman deemed best to match the qualities relayed in the song: "lovely and fair". She is selected based on personality, not looks, and is meant to be a role model for the festival and an ambassador for Ireland.
Foynes in County Limerick is my absolute favorite hidden gem in Ireland. Foynes pays tributes to the flying boats that arrived and departed here for a brief period in the lead up to World War II. Some say that Irish coffee was invented here.
Best Places to Visit in Ireland with Family
You may be wondering, what are some good places to visit in Ireland with kids? Take the train from Cork to Cobh. Kids love Fota Wildlife Park which is about halfway between the two ends of the line.
Cobh itself is famous for being the final point of departure of the Titanic before her ill-fated end. Cobh featuures an interactive museum focused on people who boarded the ship in Cobh.
Sticking with County Cork, Blarney Castle is a fun diversion for the family if you'd like to kiss the Blarney Stone and ensure the gift of gab. Just watch out for the ominous poison garden on the premises.
County Wicklow is another great family destination. If the weather if fine in the summer, you can splash around in the lakes at Glendalough. Mount Usher Gardens and The National Botanic Gardens at Kilmacurragh are worth a visit.
Best Places to Visit in Ireland for Couples
A road trip from Galway to Connemara is one of my favorite places to visit in Ireland for couples. Visit posh Ashford Castle where Pierce Brosnan was married and from where you can catch a boat to an island featuring artifacts that date back to the era of St. Patrick over 1500 years ago.
Enjoy the pubs of Clifden including both traditional Irish music performances and Irish dancing.
Spending a weekend in County Mayo to attend the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival is another fun couples activity. Musicians from around the world descend on the area and the pubs and other local venues hum with great and often impromptu performances.
While you are a in Westport, take the time to cycle the Great Western Greenway that runs between Achill Island and Westport Town.
Getting to Ireland
Dublin Airport is your top choice for getting to Ireland. It's well connected to the UK and Europe thanks to Aer Lingus and Ryanair. You'll find a wide range of point-to-point connections to get you to Ireland.
For transatlantic flights to the US, Dublin has the advantage of having US pre-clearance. This means that you can clear US customs and immigration in Dublin Airport, so you can go straight to your connection or to baggage claim when you arrive in the US.
To get to Dublin from Asia, India, or Australia/New Zealand, I recommend flying through Dubai on Emirates. I've personally flown Emirates business class and Emirates first class, and I highly recommend the experience.
You can also connect to Dublin from almost anywhere in the world via airports like Lisbon, Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, Paris, or Istanbul.
There is no metro or train service from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre. To get from Dublin Airport to the city center, you can take a taxi for about €30. There is a surcharge for transportation late at night and on Sundays. The Aircoach or Dublin Express Bus are more economical options.
If the queue is long at the airport taxi rank, consider hailing a ride using Free Now. The pick-up point is in the Zone 18 Car Park.
If you don't want to fly into Dublin, you can get to Ireland via Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, Knock, Belfast, or even Donegal Airport. Shannon has a some direct flights to and from U.S. cities like Boston and New York. You'll need to connect via a European Airport if you want to fly into Cork, Knock, or Belfast.
Donegal Airport has very limited options. The only non-stop flight is from Dublin.
Where to Stay in Ireland
Ireland is an extremely popular destination, especially in the summer and accommodation options are limited relative to demand, so make sure to book early.
Some of my favorite places to stay in Ireland include:
Kilkea Castle in County Kildare, an impressive 12th century castle with spectacular grounds to explore. This is a great home base for exploring the wide array of things to do in South Kildare.
Dromoland Castle in County Clare is relatively close to Limerick City. The castle has tremendous atmosphere including cool suits of armor in the lobby. Play a round of golf or simply explore the sprawling grounds.
I definitely recommend staying along the Ring of Kerry. Parknasilla Resort is an 18th century manor house overlooking Kenmare Bay. Play golf, hit the spa, or take a walk along the bay.
Alternatively, stay in Waterville at the far reaches of the Ring of Kerry. We stayed in an AirBnB that was developed from the old Telegraph Offices. Did you know that the first transatlantic cables came ashore near Waterville? The town is truly historic.
Kilkenny is my favorite small city in Ireland. Stay at Mount Juliet Estate (a Marriott Bonvoy property). From here you can get to Kilkenny City in 20 minutes and also experience some of the amazing things to do around Kilkenny like Jerpoint Abbey, Kells Priory, and the Enchanted Cottage.
Athlone is in the geographic center of Ireland and is a good home base for exploring all the things to do in Ireland's Midlands, like Clonmacnoise, one of the oldest and most important Christian sites in Ireland. We were fascinated by Corlea Trackway, a recently unearthed bog road that dates back to the Iron Age!
Mount Falcon near Ballina in County Mayo is another exceptional place to stay in Ireland. Book into the manor house and then schedule a hawk walk. You'll explore the woods all around the property with a bird of prey serenely perched on your arm.
Sample Ireland Itineraries
Here are my recommendations of the best places to visit in Ireland based on the amount of time you have available.
3 day Dublin city break
Pick three of my 25 Dublin one day itineraries and off you go! Spend a day tasting whiskey in Dublin at places like Pearse Lyons or plan a Dublin walk to places like Killiney Hill, North Bull Island, or Poolbeg Lighthouse. Go Dublin door-hunting or explore the modern architecture of Grand Canal Dock just south of the River Liffey.
1 Week Ireland Itinerary: Dublin, Cork, and Limerick by Train
- Day 1: Arrive at Dublin Airport
- Day 2: Explore Dublin using one of my one day Dublin itineraries most suited to your interests
- Day 3: Take the train to Cork City. Explore things to do in Cork like tour the UCC campus, visit the English Market, and check out the butter museum.
- Day 4: Day trip from Cork to Cobh for a Titantic historic lesson
- Day 5: Take the train from Cork to Limerick (transfer at Limerick junction)
- Day 6: Explore things to do in Limerick City or take public transit to popular Bunratty Castle
- Day 7: Return from Limerick to Dublin by train
1 Week Ireland Itinerary: Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway by Train
- Day 1: Arrive at Dublin Airport
- Day 2: Explore Dublin using one of my one day Dublin itineraries most suited to your interests
- Day 3: Take the train to Cork City. Explore things to do in Cork like tour the UCC campus, visit the English Market, and check out the butter museum.
- Day 4: Take the train from Cork to Limerick (transfer at Limerick junction). Explore things to do in Limerick City like visit the historic Milk Market
- Day 5: Take the train from Limerick to Galway
- Day 6: Explore Galway City. Dine at Michelin-starred Aniar or visit the spectacular NUI Galway campus.
- Day 7: Return from Galway to Dublin by train
There is plenty to see in each Irish city. Double the time in each place to craft the perfect 2 week Ireland itnerary that doesn't require driving.
1 Week Ireland Road Trip Itinerary: Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford
- Day 1: Arrive at Dublin Airport
- Day 2: Drive to Kilkenny and check into Mount Juliet Estate
- Day 3: Explore the Medieval core of Kilkenny Town
- Day 4: Drive to the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary (1 hour from Mount Juliet Estate)
- Day 5: Drive to Waterford
- Day 6: Explore Waterford and Wexford
- Day 7: Return to Dublin, stopping at Glendalough in County Wicklow on the way if you are feeling ambitious.
Add more time in each stop along the way to turn this one week Ireland itinerary into a 2 week Irish road trip done at a more relaxing pace.
1 Week Ireland Road Trip Itinerary: Cork City and West Cork
- Day 1: Fly into Cork Airport (alternatively, fly to Dublin and take the train to Cork City)
- Day 2: Explore Cork City attractions
- Day 3: Spend a day in Cobh with an optional stop at the Jameson Old Midleton Distillery or Fota Wildlife Park.
- Day 4: Drive to Clonakilty with a stop at Blarney Castle on the way
- Day 5: Drive to Bantry stopping at Skibbereen along the way
- Day 6: Drive to Mizen Head and explore Bantry Gardens
- Day 7: Return to Dublin stopping in Macroom for some buffalo mozzarella on the way.
This Ireland itinerary is ambitious in a week. Turn this Cork itinerary into a 10 day or two week Ireland itinerary by adding a stop in Baltimore and an additional day in each place. There is plenty to see, do, and eat in County Cork. You won't want to rush it.
2 Week Ireland Road Trip for Repeat Visitors
If you've been to Ireland before and seen all the top attractions, I recommend heading to Northwest Ireland. Take the train to Westport in County Mayo and rent a car from here.
- Day 1: Arrive in Dublin
- Day 2: Train from Dublin to Westport (alternatively, hire a car at the airport and drive directly)
- Day 3: Explore Westport Town
- Day 4: Take a walk or cycle the Great Western Greenway
- Day 5: Hire a car and drive to Mount Falcon near Ballina. Check in for the night and do a hawk walk
- Day 6: Drive to Sligo Town
- Day 7-9: Home base in Sligo Town with day trips to Strandhill, Yeats' grave, and the various megalithic tombs in the area (like Carrowkeel)
- Day 10: Drive to Donegal (stay near the airport in Gweedore)
- Day 11-13: Long weekend in Donegal exploring beautiful places like Slieve League and Killybegs.
- Day 14: Fly from Donegal to Dublin
Getting Around Ireland
You have a variety of options for getting around Ireland on your trip including train, bus, and car.
Ireland by Train
What's the best way to get around Ireland by train? You could buy point-to-point tickets and pay as you go.
Irish Rail tickets tend to be cheaper if you pre-book in advance. Single tickets range from about 20 EUR to about 60 EUR per adult.
If you are traveling as a family, consider purchasing a family ticket which covers 2 adults and up to 4 children traveling together.
If you are visiting Ireland as a tourist, a Trekker pass (110 EUR at the time of writing) gets you unlimited travel in Ireland by train for 4 consecutive days.
The Explorer ticket (160 EUR per adult at the time of writing) gives you five days of travel over a 15 day period.
You can compare the different types of tickets available on the Irish rail website.
Note that if you are 66 or older and living permanently in Ireland, you can travel by train for free on Iarnród Éireann (aka Irish Rail) via the Free Travel Scheme.
The Eurail Ireland pass covers destinations in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Using this rail pass, you can travel by train between 3 and 8 days in a month. Prices range from about 120 EUR - 230 EUR at the time of writing.
Dublin has two major train stations for intercity travel. Leave from Heuston Station for destinations in the south and west of Ireland. Connolly Station will take you to destinations in the north and northwest of Ireland.
Exploring Ireland by Bus
Getting around Ireland by bus is definitely an option and possibly your most affordable option. Bus Éireann operates a comprehensive network of bus routes across Ireland, including to many rural areas. You can buy bus tickets online or using the TFI Go App.
You could also consider traveling with a private bus company like Dublin Coach or CityLink/GoBus.
Ireland Car Rental Options
If you don't live in Ireland and own your own car, what are your options for exploring the awesome places to visit in Ireland by car? You could consider a traditional car hire or a more deluxe option to explore Ireland on a self-drive tour.
Traditional Car Rentals
Ireland is home to major car rental companies like Hertz and Sixt. Rent a car at Dublin Airport or pick up a car in Dublin City after a few days exploring Ireland's capital.
You could also consider taking the train or a bus to Cork City or Galway and then renting a car from there to shorten the amount of time you are spending behind the wheel.
I recommend hiring a smaller car if you do a proper Ireland road trip. The motorways in Ireland are great, but once you get off the highway and onto regional or local roads, the ride can get much more harrowing.
Smaller rural roads may only have room for a single car with one of you having to back-up if you come across a car going in the opposite direction. Smaller cars make negotiating narrow Irish roads on your Ireland vacation a little easier.
I recommend consulting Google Maps Street View in advance. I've ended up on roads with grass growing down the middle because Google thought it was a shortcut. I'd much rather take a slightly longer route on a less stressful road.
A Luxury Eco-Friendly Self-Drive
If you'd rather ride in style, you could rent an Audi or a BMW from Hertz. You could add an eco-friendly element to your ride by hiring a Tesla from UFO Drive.
UFO Drive will cost you approximately 100 EUR per day, but open this link on a mobile device for a 30 EUR discount on your first ride. However, insurance and tolls are included and since the Tesla is fully electric, you don't have to pay for expensive petrol.
A Tesla from UFO Drive is best for shorter road trips since you get about 125 km included in your rental price per day. If you hire an electric car, make sure to plot out charging points along your route.
One downside of renting a Tesla is that the cars are rather large. Even the smaller Tesla Model 3 feels quite big. The size of the car can make for a white-knuckled ride on some of the Ireland's backroads.
Ireland Travel FAQ
If you are planning a trip to explore some of the best places to visit in Ireland, you are bound to have questions. I've tried to answer a number of common questions throughout the post. Below you'll find a answers to some additional frequently asked questions.
What are the most unique places to visit in Ireland?
Skelling Michael is an offshore monastic settlement that dates back to the 6th century. Skellig Michael has definitely captured the modern imagination after it was featured in Stars Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
The Aran Islands are another truly unique place to visit in Ireland. Located just off the coast of Galway, The Aran Islands are part of the Gaeltacht where inhabitants speak Irish day to day.
The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland are another unique place to visit. The Dark Hedges are a row of 18th century beech trees planted by the Stuart family leading the way to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. Today, the Dark Hedges have found renewed fame thanks to being featured in Game of Thrones.
What are the best places to visit in Dublin?
There are countless things to do in Dublin. Some of my favorites include paying a visit to Trinity College and the Book of Kells, exploring the city's Georgian heritage and fabulous Dublin doors, and hiking to Poolbeg Lighthouse. You can read my comprehensive list of things to do in Dublin here.
What are the top 10 places to visit in Ireland based on popularity?
We've covered a lot of amazing places to visit in Ireland. Now you may be wondering: what are the most popular destinations in Ireland. According to Ireland.com, the top visitor attractions are:
- The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
- The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare
- Titanic Belfast
- Kylemore Abbey in County Galway
- Glendalough in County Wicklow
- The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland
- Killarney National Park
- The Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin
- Dunluce Castle (a great day trip if you visit Derry)
- The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary
How many days do I need in Ireland?
The great thing about Ireland is that you can customize your itinerary to fit the time available, whether you are passing through for just one day in Dublin or you are planning a multi-week Ireland itinerary. I've included a number of sample itineraries in this post.
