There’s a huge weight of expectation for first-time visitors to Ireland who are looking for dramatic landscapes, traffic jams of sheep and friendly pubs resounding with traditional melodies. Sure, there are top-class attractions, five-star hotels and a sophisticated dining scene, but what makes Ireland truly special are those intangible moments that stay with you long after returning home. A sunset over ancient ruins after a day of rain. An evening in the company of locals in a rural pub. A flock of sheep blocking a country road.
Whatever version of the Emerald Isle you’re coming to find, here are the best places in Ireland to start your search.
1. Dublin
Ireland’s capital and largest city is the main gateway into the country. From world-class museums and entertainment, to superb dining and top-grade hotels, Dublin has all the baubles of a major international metropolis—most within easy walking distance. Dubliners themselves, a garrulous, amiable and witty bunch who prize being good hosts above most other things, will make you feel welcome with their compelling sociability. And did we mention it’s the home of Guinness?
Local tip: Some pubs – especially those frequented by unsuspecting tourists – raise the price of a pint after 11pm or midnight. Keep an eye on what you’re paying and perhaps take your business elsewhere.
2. Dingle
Dingle is the quintessential Irish town and the unofficial capital of the picturesque, ruin-strewn peninsula jutting into the Atlantic from County Kerry. You’ll find all the hallmarks of a quaint Irish town: brightly painted shopfronts, pubs that double as grocery stores, and the busy port full of boats unloading the freshest seafood. While it might be the epitome of Irish, there’s a strong cosmopolitan and creative bent here, too.
3. Connemara
A filigreed coast of tiny coves and beaches is the Connemara Peninsula’s beautiful border with the wild waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The starkly beautiful interior is a kaleidoscope of rusty bogs, lonely valleys and shimmering black lakes. At its heart are the Maumturk Mountains and the pewter-tinged peaks of the Twelve Bens mountain range, with a network of scenic hiking and biking trails.
Detour: The 40km Ballyconneely and Roundstone Loop takes you through the natural wonders of Derrygimlagh and Roundstone bogs. The fishing village of Roundstone is one of the best local spots in Ireland for a revitalizing getaway along with the nearby twin beaches of Gurteen and Dog’s Bay.
4. Causeway Coast
County Antrim’s Causeway Coast is one of Ireland’s scenic highlights, a 53km stretch between Portstewart and Ballycastle that is home to Ireland’s oldest distillery, a vertigo-inducing rope bridge and the UNESCO World Heritage Giant’s Causeway. One look at the outsized basalt columns and you’ll understand why the ancients believed they were created by a mythic giant.
5. A local pub
Even in the 21st century, the pub remains the center of Irish social life. In small villages it’s the heart of the community; in bigger towns and cities it’s the place where the Irish gather to celebrate, criticize and commemorate. There are bars of every stripe, but none match a traditional pub for atmosphere – the flagstone floors, roaring fires and live music in the corner. Luckily, you’ll find one in every hamlet you visit, such as Morrissey’s of Abbeyleix, which has been doing its thing since 1775.
Local tip: Endear yourself to the locals by joining the rounds system where everyone in the group stands a round in turn for everyone else. Sure, you might be committing to drinking more than you initially planned, but you can always opt for something non-alcoholic halfway through!
6. Wild Atlantic Way
In 2024, the Wild Atlantic Way celebrates its 10th birthday, a full decade of wiggly-line signposts along the 2,500km of coastline between Kenmare in County Cork and the craggy coastline of Donegal. One of the world’s great driving routes, the Wild Atlantic Way is packed with everything you came to Ireland to experience: historic sites and quaint villages; towering cliffs and panoramic ocean views; pubs, music and a rich food culture – all framed by the spectacularly rugged scenery of the west coast.
7. Ring of Kerry
Driving the Ring of Kerry is an unforgettable experience, but you don’t need to limit yourself to the main route. Along this 179km loop around the Iveragh Peninsula, there are countless opportunities for detours. From near Killorglin it’s a short ride to the beautiful, little-known Cromane Peninsula. Between Portmagee and Waterville, you can explore the Skellig Ring, while the peninsula’s interior offers mesmerizing mountain views.
Local tip: The Ring of Kerry is Ireland’s most popular driving route, especially in summer. To make the best of the inevitable traffic, take the route counter-clockwise from Killarney up to Killorglin, returning via Kenmare and Ladies View – it’ll make for a better experience, and you’ll avoid meeting tour buses coming the other way.
8. County Clare
Western Europe’s most vibrant folk music is Irish traditional music, which these days expresses itself in a myriad ways, from the plaintive beauty of a sean nós (or “old style”) singer in County Clare to the folk punk energy of contemporary groups like Lankum. To hear it live, make a beeline for a seisún – literally, “session” or performance – in a traditional pub, or you can find a “music house” in places like Doolin, in County Clare, the unofficial capital of Irish music.
Local tip: You’ll find superb trad in most of County Clare’s villages, but none better than Miltown Malbay. There are three great music pubs in the village including Hillery’s, which has live sessions every weekend year-round and every night in summer.
9. Gaelic Games
Watching a football or hurling match is not just a unique Irish experience but one of the cultural pillars of Ireland. Whether you attend a club football match in a rural parish in County Kerry, an intercounty hurling battle between old foes such as Kilkenny and Tipperary, or an All-Ireland final at the cathedral of Gaelic games – Croke Park in Dublin – you cannot help but be swept up in the emotion of it all.
Planning tip: While watching is great fun, you can try your hand at both Gaelic football and hurling at Experience Gaelic Games, where you’ll get to meet members of a local Gaelic club who’ll explain technique and the basics before letting you have a go.
10. Cliffs of Moher
The County Clare coast is a stunning canvas where nature’s grandeur is vividly on display. The Cliffs of Moher ascend dramatically from the Atlantic, an awe-inspiring spectacle as the setting sun casts a golden hue over their rugged facade. This natural marvel, alongside the charismatic puffins, exemplifies the region’s raw beauty – and is one of Ireland’s top attractions.
Detour: Further south, the towering sea stacks and mysterious ruins of the Loop Head Peninsula are a quieter but equally beautiful alternative.
11. Derry/Londonderry
History runs deep in Northern Ireland’s second city. Its very name is a continuing source of conflict: nationalists call it Derry, while unionists insist on Londonderry, even if locals of both persuasions call it by the shorter name. Derry’s tumultuous history is just part of what makes it a fascinating city. The artistic and cultural hub of Ireland’s northwest, Derry draws creatives from the province and beyond. A visit here gives you a first-hand lesson in Irish history, but its pubs and restaurants guarantee a bit of fun while you learn.
12. Cork
Ask any local, and they’ll tell you Cork is Ireland’s second city in size only. Here you’ll uncover a charming city with a broadly progressive outlook on life, a highly developed food scene and an artisan coffee shop on every corner. In between are handsome Georgian avenues and 17th-century alleys packed with pubs, music venues and gorgeous little shops.
Planning tip: Parking in Cork is a nightmare, so if you’re driving use the Black Ash Park & Ride on the South City Link Rd. Parking is €5 a day including shuttle bus service to the city center, which runs every 15 minutes.
13. Brú na Bóinne
Newgrange’s ancient yet eerily futuristic round stone walls topped by a grass dome is a truly extraordinary sight. Part of the vast Neolithic necropolis of Brú na Bóinne (the Boyne Palace), it contains Ireland’s finest Stone Age passage tomb, predating Egypt’s pyramids by six centuries. Most extraordinary of all is the tomb’s precise alignment with the sun at the time of the winter solstice, which sees a shaft of sunlight illuminate the passageway… so long as it’s not cloudy!
14. Coastal Golf Links
If Scotland is the home of golf, then Ireland is where it goes on holiday. There are over 350 courses throughout the country, including extraordinary inland ones, but the most memorable are along the coastlines. Ireland’s collection of links include some of the best in the world. From Ballybunion or Royal County Down to lesser known gems, each course offers golfers the opportunity to test their skills against the raw materials provided by Mother Nature.
15. Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
The collection of stone circles, passage tombs and dolmens at Carrowmore is rich in superlatives: the oldest Stone Age monument in Ireland and one of the largest cemeteries of its kind in Europe. What makes a visit here truly fascinating, however, is the ongoing process of discovery, as archaeologists excavate new monuments and piece together clues to the site’s deeper meaning.
16. Killarney National Park
Along the Ring of Kerry lies the highest mountain range in Ireland with shimmering lakes situated below, near the charming town of Killarney. The expansive wilderness of Killarney National Park is an outdoor haven for hiking, biking, horse riding and boating with natural and historic attractions dotting the landscape. Admire native flora and fauna while wandering the rugged terrain or explore the park’s heritage sites including Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey and Brickeen Bridge.
17. Aran Islands
Nowhere preserves Irish traditions quite like the Aran Islands. Ferrying to Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands, is like sailing back in time. One of the best ways to see the islands is by cycling. Travel the winding roads from Kilmurvey Beach to the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa, then enjoy an evening of classic pub food and live music at Ti Joe Watty’s. The islands are the best place to find genuine Irish wool attire. Aran sweaters are renowned for their intricately textured patterns handcrafted by local artisans.
Frequently asked questions
What is the #1 thing to see in Ireland?
The ruggedly beautiful Cliffs of Moher are considered a must-see for visitors.
What is the best month to see Ireland?
Although there are wonderful experiences throughout the year, the best time to visit Ireland is from late March to May or September to November while it is not too cold or crowded.
What are the must-see historical sites in Ireland?
With towering castles, fascinating museums and Stone Age ruins scattered across the country, Ireland offers centuries of history to explore. Must-see sites include Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare, Dublin’s Trinity College library and Newgrange at Brú na Bóinne.
Are there any recommended scenic drives in Ireland?
The Ring of Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way and Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route are spectacular scenic drives in Ireland – each with shorter loop drives and worthwhile detours to explore.
Is English spoken widely in Ireland?
Yes, English is commonly spoken throughout Ireland.
Ready to plan your trip to Ireland? Here are your next steps:
This article was first published Sep 30, 2021 and updated Sep 11, 2024.
