From ancient megalithic tombs to the vibrant pub culture of Dublin, Ireland offers a captivating blend of rugged natural beauty and deep-rooted history. This guide explores 10 essential experiences that showcase the island’s unique charm, ensuring your Irish itinerary is packed with unforgettable adventures.
Ireland is a unique experience and is somewhere everyone should visit at least once. What makes this island so great is that there is something for all types of travellers, from wild landscapes to fascinating culture and history.
To help narrow down the infinite places and things to do in Ireland, here are 10 of the best, from hikes to museums and everything in between.
Explore Ireland with the Wicklow Way
With such wonderful and rugged scenery, there are so many places and hikes to explore. If you have done the Cotswold Way and are looking for a similar adventure, why not try the Wicklow Way? Stretching 128km (80 miles), it’d take around six days to complete the whole hike. But much like its English cousin, you can pick and choose your favourite parts and come back for the rest.
Adventure to Coney Island at low tide
Another great trek to consider when in Ireland is walking to Coney Island. This journey is accessible only by car or on foot at low tide and by boat during high tide. Situated in County Sligo in the north, the island gets its name from the vast number of rabbits you can see at any time.
Kayak at night on Lough Hyne
Keeping with the outdoor adventures, kayaking at night on Lough Hyne may seem special in itself, floating down a lake under the stars. But what truly makes this experience special and unique is the bioluminescence. Here you’ll find bioluminescent plankton just below the surface of the water, bringing the underwater world alive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unj1BVOUzdc&t=92s
Discover a monument older than the pyramids
For a sense of history, a visit to the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery in Sligo is a must. Older than the great Egyptian pyramids, the Carrowmore is one of the country’s most important megalithic sites. Discover huge dolmens, tombs and stone circles as you wander around the mysterious stone structures.
See a real-life dinosaur footprint on Valentia Island
Going even further back in time, if you’re on Valentia Island, you should definitely take a moment to see the fossilised tetrapod tracks, which are believed to be at least 350 million years old. Scientists suspect the footprints were made when Ireland was still south of the equator. To this day, they are well preserved.
Sceilg Mhichíl (Skellig Michael) is an iconic filming location
Fans of Star Wars will recognise this stunning island in Kerry. Featured in some of the films, Skellig is home to a monastic settlement and beehive huts that date back to the sixth century. You can explore the island through landing tours, but to truly appreciate the beauty of Skellig, a boat tour is a must.
Visit Kilkenny Castle for history and architecture
For a mix of history, culture and architecture, a tour of Kilkenny Castle on the banks of the River Nore in Kilkenny should be on your itinerary. The highlight of Kilkenny Castle is the Butler Gallery. This room is filled with detailed portraits whose eyes seem to follow you around the room. Learn about the castle’s history on one of the daily guided tours, taking you through three floors.
Take a trip in Ireland’s only cable car
For a unique experience, head to Cork for a ride in the country’s only cable car. Enjoy the scenery above the Atlantic as you go from the Beara Peninsula to Dursey Island. Naturally, you’ll get the best views on a clear and sunny day, and if you’re lucky enough, you may spot a dolphin in the blue waters below.
Enjoy a pint in Ireland’s oldest pub
Ireland is full of history, dating back centuries. Pub culture is a highlight, and to get an authentic experience, why not visit the country’s oldest pub for a refreshing drink? Open since 900AD, Sean’s Bar in Athlone, Westmeath is Ireland’s oldest pub. Admire ancient artefacts on the pub walls and enjoy the atmosphere around an open fire.
A visit to the Guinness Storehouse is a must
Finally, no trip to Ireland, or Dublin more specifically, is complete without visiting the Guinness Storehouse. Here, you can learn about the history of Guinness and its production. You can also learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness. The best part? After the tour, you can enjoy a pint in the Gravity Bar as you check out the panoramic views of the capital.
