Best Things to do in Ireland All Year Long

Ireland is at the top of many people�s travel bucket lists, and there’s no question why with its local charm, rich history, incredible architecture and natural wonders. With so many worthwhile locations to visit, creating a list of places to visit when you’re in Ireland can seem impossible.

To make your trip planning easier, here are some of the most significant places you must not miss in Ireland.

20 Things to do in Ireland

Ireland is at the top of many people�s travel bucket lists, and there’s no question why with its local charm, rich history, incredible architecture and natural wonders. With so many worthwhile locations to visit, creating a list of places to visit when you’re in Ireland can seem impossible.

To make your trip planning easier, here are some of the most significant places you must not miss in Ireland.

2. Cliffs of Moher

Just as you cannot visit Ireland without seeing one of its magnificent castles, it would be a shame to visit the country without seeing some of its jaw dropping natural sights. The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland�s most visited natural attractions, and for good reason. Located in County Clare along the Atlantic coast, is the 8 kilometre stretch of cliffs known as the Cliffs of Moher.

At its highest point, the Cliffs of Moher rise to over 700 feet tall (214 metres) which is more than double the height of Ireland�s tallest building.

For those who are afraid of heights, the Cliffs of Moher are still definitely worth a visit as you will have an excellent view of the sea even far away from the edge. On clearer days, you may be able to see the Twelve Pins mountain ranges, Aran Islands and Maumturks in the distance.

The surrounding area is just as worth visiting as the view itself, with scenic hiking trails for every level of hiker. However, try to visit earlier in the morning or closer to sunset, so that the paths will be less crowded.

4. Titanic Belfast

Thanks to the many movie adaptations, the story of the Titanic has in many ways become a legend in of itself. While many people know the ship departed from England to commence on its trip across the Atlantic Ocean, few actually know that the entirety of the ship was built in Belfast, Ireland.

Over one hundred years later, tourists can visit the Titanic Belfast and embark on self-guided tours to learn about the true history of the world�s most famous boat voyage.

Learn about those who built the Titanic as well as the real passengers who boarded the ship. Although the tour can be quite expensive, Titanic enthusiasts on a budget can still visit the building and the slipway where the boat was first launched into the water.

6. Sean�s Bar

If you are looking to visit only one pub while in Ireland, it should likely be Sean�s Bar, which is actually the world�s oldest bar. Although the small pub may just seem like any other colourful drinking hole lining the streets of Athlone, Ireland, Sean�s Bar is said to have been built over 1000 years ago around the year 900 AD.

Its age was actually discovered during a 1970 excavation, which revealed walls made of 9th century ancient wattle and daub. The pub itself is a classic Irish bar boasting live music, Irish locals and great drinks.

Surrounded by beautiful and colourful Irish architecture, ancient churches, and only a short walking distance away from the River Shannon. River Shannon itself is worth a visit, even for those not interested in indulging in a pint.

8. Kilmainham Gaol

Although tourist attractions such as Blarney Castle and the Giant�s Causeway have undoubtedly been around for longer than Kilmainham Gaol, Kilmainham Gaol may contain more history than the two locations combined.

Built in the late 18th century, Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin is one of Ireland�s most famous prisons, as it had once held almost every imprisoned Irish leader over the course of the country�s long road to freedom.

When it was first built, the Dublin gaol held everyone who hadn�t yet been sent to Australia including men, women and children, who all shared cramped cells. However, over the course of many Irish Rebellions, Kilmainham Gaol began holding more notorious people including Charles Stewart Parnell.

Although it may seem grim to visit a prison during your trip to Dublin, Ireland, it is likely one of the best locations in the country to learn about Ireland�s difficult and troubled history.

On top of the unique way to learn about the country�s past, the upper level of Kilmainham Gaol has actually been transformed into a one of a kind art gallery housing creations from incarcerated prisoners.

Seeing as Kilmainham Gaol is located right outside of central Dublin, a short cab ride away from various other attractions, it is certainly worth a visit for any history buffs.

10. Black Taxi Tour

If you want to learn more about Ireland’s difficult road to freedom, you should take one of the famed Black Taxi Tours in West Belfast. During the time of The Troubles, which plagued Ireland from the 1960s until the end of the millennium, public transportation was no longer safe and neither was walking or taking a cab where you could be easily identified.

By the 1970s, black taxi cabs began picking people up, which provided some sense of safety for those traveling through the city. Today, the black taxi cabs are driven by knowledgeable tour guides, some of whom were actually black taxi cabs drivers during the time of The Troubles itself.

The tours last only around one hour and a half, but within that 90 minute period you will learn everything to know about The Troubles as you drive through the city, areas and locations that were important and affected.

12. Bend of the Boyne

Although Bend of the Boyne is one of Ireland and Europe�s most impressive historical landmarks, it is often overlooked by passing tourists. Located less than an hour away from Dublin, Bend of the Boyne is a World Heritage Site that is believed to have been built in the 32nd century BC, meaning it might predate the Egyptian pyramids.

Although the site itself is somewhat unassuming, almost appearing as grass covered hills rather than megalithic structures, Bend of the Boyne is actually made up of chamber tombs, graves, henges and standing stones.

It took hundreds of years for historians to begin to comprehend how the pyramids could have been built, yet, it is still mostly unknown how the construction of Bend of the Boyne was possible at the time.

Although Bend of the Boyne is an incredible site to see throughout the year, definitely try to visit during the winter solstice as the ancient building was constructed to allow a light beam to travel through the Newgrange passage grave during this time.

14. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, located in County Antrim, is not for the faint of heart since traversers have to walk close to 100 feet above the rocks and water below.

Although the rope bridge has been updated over the course of the years to ensure crossers� safety, the original rope bridge was actually constructed in 1755 for salmon fisherman to cast their nets off of. There is a fee to cross the bridge, so before you arrive ensure you hit an ATM, as there aren�t any nearby.

16. Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick is perfect for anyone looking to soak up a bit of Irish history and nature all at once. Saint Patrick is said to have prayed and fasted at the peak of what is now known as Croagh Patrick for 40 days. For centuries, pilgrims have climbed the mountain to honor Saint Patrick on the last Sunday in July, which is still an honored tradition today, so try to avoid taking your hike at that time if you want to avoid crowds.

On a normal day, Croagh Patrick is not entirely empty, but you will certainly be able to enjoy some peace and quiet in nature if that’s what you are looking for. The hike itself can be considered intermediate and it takes around 2 hours or so to reach the peak where Saint Patrick was said to have fasted.

18. Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula may just be one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland, if not in the world as National Geographic once said. At the foot of the Slievanea Mountain, the Dingle Peninsula boasts jaw dropping picturesque jagged cliffs, dramatic Atlantic ocean views, sandy beaches and rolling hills, all of which combine to make the Dingle Peninsula look more like a perfect painting or postcard.

Nearby, you can visit the charming towns which have traditional Irish restaurants, bakeries, pubs and cute little shops.

20. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way

If you are visiting Ireland and have access to a car, you should definitely drive even just part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2500 kilometre driving route that follows the coast throughout nine counties and three provinces in Ireland.

Although the drive itself is gorgeous, what makes this route special is the over 1000 tourist attractions located along the route including many of the places to visit on this list such as the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Croagh Patrick, and Killarney National Park.

On top of the incredible coastal views, the route is surrounded by charming villages and small towns that all have their own activities, shops, restaurants, pubs and culture to offer.

If you do not have the time to drive the full 2500 kilometres, you can choose a small portion of the route to explore and even join the locals who travel the Wild Atlantic Way on foot or by bicycle. Seeing as the entire route is lined with many things worth noting such as important historical sites and movie filming locations, there is a free Wild Atlantic Way App that you can download which will guide you through the important locations.