Creating a list of best places to visit in Ireland is probably the hardest thing I have done in quite a while; the plan was supposed to be 10, but it increased from 10 to 15, and now it’s 20. I have been here for more than a year now. Even though it is such a small country, you never get bored with the scenery it has to offer. Ireland is a fascinating and charming country filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored by travellers like you.
And your very own local guide is here to tell you all about the best places to visit in Ireland. Plus, this isn’t just for people from different countries but also for the local folk who are tired of lockdown and want to travel; why not start domestic? Here’s the list for top places to visit in Ireland.
Dingle Peninsula
Dingle is described as one of the most beautiful places on Earth by National Geographic. The peninsula is stunning with sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, pretty little villages, and quaint pubs. Perfect for a weekend away from the bustling city!
How to get there: Getting to the peninsula is a huge part of the adventure. Many options are available. I would suggest taking a road trip to the peninsula; the views Ireland’s roads have to offer are a different experience altogether (it is also cheaper than other options if you already own or have rented a car)
Cliffs of Moher
The most popular tourist destination on this list is the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs offer a flawless view of the Atlantic Ocean for 8kms, and I promise your jaw will drop from anywhere you stand because of the view. I have written multiple articles about these majestic beasts if you want to know more about them.
How to get there: The easiest way to access the cliffs is by road from Galway or Limerick, which takes about one and a half hours. You can also get there from Dublin, which will take you about 4 hours, but the drive is worth it!
Ring of Kerry
The amount of scenic places Ireland has is not even fair to other countries, and the Ring of Kerry is at the top of that food chain. This 180 km drive is a total paradise for you and a feast for your eyes. Starting and ending in Killarney, the drive has a little of everything. National parks, Christian monastery, beautiful rocky islands, the Kerry Cliffs, and waterfalls.
How to get there: Road trip to Kerry would be most convenient for visitors, but Bus Eireann are also available.
Donegal
This Irish-speaking county is famous for its castles and rugged mountains, and the Glenveagh National Park. Donegal is also home to Glenveagh Castle, which is the second most visited place in the county. The Slieve League is a hidden gem since there are not so widely known as the Cliffs of Moher as much recognition as its rival because they are equally picturesque and remarkable.
How to get there: Closest airport would be the Ireland West Airport that is 2 hours away. If you are coming from Galway, the drive would be around 3 hours via the N15 or N17.
Glenoe Waterfall
Tucked away between Larne and Carrickfergus, the Glenoe Waterfall is a little challenging to find. Since not everybody knows about it, the waterfall can be a brilliant sight to see and hear. The raging water comes thundering down. Many steps go up and down through the location for people to see the waterfall from different angles.
How to get there: Cars, buses, and railway options are available.
Carrick-a-Rede, Co. Antrim
Second Northern Ireland location on the list, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a famous bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim. The bridge links the mainland to the tiny Island of Carrickarede. It spans 20 meters and is 30 meters above the rocks below. The bridge is mainly a tourist attraction and is owned and maintained by the National Trust.
Murder Hole Beach
Donegal is jampacked with spectacular beaches, but this beach is exactly the kind Microsoft would use for its screen savers. It is one mysterious beach since no one I know even knows where the name comes from. It is also quite hidden, and there are no clear directions on how to get there, but once you do, it is worth it!
Guinness Storehouse
Since Ireland is known for its beer and Guinness, it would almost be not nice to add this in. The storehouse is a brilliant experience for alcohol drinkers and non-drinkers. The tour is very informative, and in the end, you get to drink beer, so why not, you know?
Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, Ireland
Valentia Island
Valentia Island has located off the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry and is one of the county’s largest islands. The Island is home to the Geokaun Mountain and is one of my favorite places to visit Kerry. There are other things you can do on the Island, but for that, you’ll have to visit the place!
How to get here: The Island can be accessed through the bridge from Portmagee and by ferries that cross the lake every 5 and 10 minutes.
Great Skellig
The bigger one from the two Skelligs. The Great Skellig or Skellig Michael is a rocky island in the Atlantic Ocean and reasonably the best feature in the drive. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 6th-century monastery is the main attraction on the Island. If you are a Star Wars fan, you have an extra reason to come here since the Last Jedi scene was shot here.
How to get there: Since it’s an island, the primary transportation method is through ferries and cruises. The boat ride can be a little rough so if you get seasick quickly, remember to carry a plastic bag!
Sligo
Home to W.B Yeats’ grave, Sligo is also called the “Yeats Country” since he included so many local places in his works. From seal-spotting to prehistoric passage tombs, there is a lot to see and do here.
How to get here: It’s a two and a half-hour drive from Dublin Airport to Sligo, but you can also take buses and us Irish rail to get here.
Connemara
Sitting at the very edge of the continent, Connemara is an unspoiled, sparsely populated district of Ireland. Boasting spectacular landscapes, majestic mountains, bluest beaches, and bogs, it is considered to be the real emerald of the country by the locals. Make sure you see the National Park and the fairy-tale-like Kylemore Abbey. If you want to know more about this place, read my other article about things to do, places to see and stay in Connemara.
How to get there: Take a road trip! Doesn’t matter where you are coming from in the country; take a road trip here, and you will never regret it.
Glendalough
An irresistible place in Wicklow, Glendalough is home to the 100ft round tower that sneakily pokes its head through the trees surrounding the Wicklow Mountains. Glendalough’s name roughly translates to the ‘valley of two lakes.’ The location is a nature lover’s paradise; it offers the most beautiful hiking trails and stunning scenic drives.
How to get there: The easiest way to get here is by road through a rented car or buses available for €5 for an adult and €3 for a student.
Aran Islands
These three gorgeous isles are more than enough reason to travel to Ireland. One of Ireland’s best locations, the Aran island, consists of the Inishmore, Inisheer, and Inishmaan. Each more beautiful than the other, the islands are an authentic Irish experience. Top attractions include Celtic churches, World heritage site Dun Aonghasa, beautiful beaches, and gorgeous forts. You can read more here.
How to get there: Located just off Doolin and Galway, the most convenient way is to take a ferry from Rossaveal (Connemara) and Doolin. You can even get there by air of Rossaveal, which is a 10-minute scenic experience.
Killarney National Park
The Killarney National Park is generally your first stop in Killarney and not to mention a fantastic start. What makes this extra park special is the unique combination of mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls. The main attraction in the National Park for tourists is the Muckross House and its Surrounding Gardens.
How to get there: The closest international airport is the Kerry Airport, and the nearest major city would be Cork, which takes about one and a half hour via N22.
Dublin
We’ve come to the capital of the Emerald Isle. The capital is filled with modern architecture with a splash of historic vibe to it. This progressive city has a full life atmosphere, from history buffs to soccer fans and connoisseurs or people who are just here to have a good time. There is some for everyone here. Have a drink in Temple Bar or relax for a while in Phoenix park; there is so much to do that you will never get bored. Find out more about the city here.
How to get there: There are direct flights from all over the world here. If you are travelling domestically, many other options are available, including ferries, roads, and trains.
Galway
Galway is a harbor city that is widely known for its vibrant lifestyle. It is a perfect blend of arts and culture is has become a haven for students from all over the country. Named as the European Cultural Capital 2020, Galway has the youngest population in Ireland. So, if you are looking for a fun time, make sure Galway is on your list! You can check out my article for more information about Galway.
How to get there: Shannon Airport in County Clare is the closest International Airport to Galway. If you are coming from Dublin, it will take you about two and a half hours to get here.
Rail, cars, and buses are also available.
Cork
Known as the ‘real capital of Ireland by Corkonians, Cork is the second-largest city in Ireland. This exuberant young city has a lot to offer, from kissing the Blarney stone to shopping at the English Market. Since it is also the country’s food capital, you can try some unique dishes in Cork. If you wish to know more about the city you can check out my article that gives you more information about the city.
How to get there: Cork has its international airport so you can fly in, but other services like buses, ferries, and trains are also widely available. You can even drive from Dublin that takes you about 3 hours via M7 and M8
Birr Castle
The Birr Castle is famous for many things; Its five-star gardens, its magnificent structure, its archives that have been preserved for ages, and the fact that it is celebrated its 4ooth anniversary this year. The castle has also contributed a lot to astronomy and engineering. You can appreciate the great telescope built by the 3rd Earl of Rosse, who was the first to discover that galaxies are spiral. The exploration continues as a part of the I-LOFAR project.
How to get there: The best way would be to rent out a car and drive the way!
Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a beautiful medieval town on the banks of River Nore. Because of its lively nightlife, Kilkenny has gained a lot of attention from the locals and has become a top spot for weekend getaways in the country. Kilkenny was also the Irish capital for a brief period for its historical importance and is home to the majestic 12th-century Kilkenny Castle. If you are a huge sports fan, discover the game hurling (fastest game on grass) as Kilkenny is the proud home of the Kilkenny Cats!
How to get there: There are no direct flights available, but all the main airports are only a mere 2-hour drive away from the town. You can rent a car and drive through the countryside to get there.
Conclusion
Ireland is a gorgeous country and since I have been living here for so many years, writing about it is genuinely one of the most enjoyable things to do. I hope to help at least one of you reading this in planning your next trip to Ireland. Comment below and let me know if you think I missed a spot or tell me about your experience in one of these places.
Actually the places are very scenic and attractive , I wish to visit them in future as I like to explore new places.
The places are very scenic and attractive. I would like to visit them in future as I like to explore new places.
Major thanks for the blog article. Much thanks again. Really Cool. Adeline Symon Alia