Ireland might be small but there are so many attractions to see that it can be daunting. If you're wondering what to put on your itinerary, these unmissable ones are a sure bet.
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1. The Cliffs of Moher
This iconic attraction in County Clare is on almost every Top 10 list of attractions to see in Ireland.
There’s a good reason why.
The popular travel guidebook, Lonely Planet, describes them as “staggeringly beautiful,” with views that stretch to the Aran Islands and beyond, not to mention the sunsets that you can witness, if of course the weather cooperates.
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The Lonely Planet helps visitors plan a visit to the iconic cliffs, which gained UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2011.
The cliffs stretch for 5 miles (8 km) and are 702 feet/214 meters at their highest point.
At the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, you can see exhibits on the fauna, flora, geology, and climate of this unique area of Ireland.
2. The Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is akin to Route 1 on California’s coast (with decidedly cooler temperatures).
The 1,553-mile (2,500 km) route winds its way through nine counties and highlights the dramatic, sometimes craggy, coastline that is typical of Ireland’s western seaboard.
Lonely Planet describes the northwestern section of the route as “an untamed collection of soaring cliffs (the tallest in Europe), lonely, sheep-speckled headlands and, between them, secluded coves and long stretches of white, powdery sand.”
You can start at Malin Head in County Donegal or at the Old Head at Kinsale in County Cork, whichever you prefer.
There’s much to see along the way, with designated discovery points that are intended to provide a better navigation experience.
If you're interested in surfing, for example, there’s plenty of opportunity along the route to test out the waters.
Two outstanding locations are both in County Sligo. They include Mullaghmore and Easkey.
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Get the Wild Atlantic Way Pocket Map from Collins Maps
3. Kilmainham Jail, Dublin
Perhaps one of the most popular attractions in Dublin, especially for Irish history enthusiasts, is Kilmainham Jail (Gaol).
The prison/museum is where many of Ireland’s nationalists died, including the 14 rebels who were executed for their part in planning The Easter Rising of 1916.
The only way that visitors can see the jail is by guided tour.
Lonely Planet writers believe it has “played a role in virtually every act of Ireland's painful path to independence, and even today, despite closing in 1924, it still has the power to chill.”
On a guided tour, you'll hear about the history of Kilmainham Gaol and the prisoners who were held there.
Attached to the jail is a museum that features many of the artifacts and personal effects of the prisoners, making it hallowed ground for most Irish people.
The jail is located within walking distance of the Guinness Storehouse and the Irish Museum of Art.
The tour is not suitable for young children.
4. The Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim
Equally as popular as The Cliffs of Moher is the large rock formation known as The Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, technically part of the U.K but on the island of Ireland.
It contains a series of unique basalt columns that archaeologists believe were left behind by a volcanic eruption 50 to 60 million years ago.
You can learn more about it at the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience.
5. Croagh Patrick, County Mayo
If you're interested in hiking while in Ireland, climbing to the summit of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s “Holy Mountain,” is a doable challenge if you are reasonably fit.
During the 5th century, Saint Patrick fasted on top of the mountain for 40 days, which is why each year in July, pilgrims make a point of climbing to the summit to pay homage to Ireland’s patron saint.
I have to say that the views of Clew Bay and the surrounding area are well worth the effort it takes to climb the 2,506 feet/764 meters.
Westport is a great stopping-off point while in the region.
The town has been a popular tourist destination for decades, with plenty of accommodation available, including quality B&Bs and hotels.
Read More: Clew Bay Bike Trail in County Mayo Open to Tourists
6. Belfast Murals
Taking a black taxi tour of Belfast is the best way to learn about “The Troubles,” the sectarian conflict that affected the lives of people all across Northern Ireland.
Local taxi drivers have a deep knowledge of the murals — and the 30-year conflict — as visitors discover when they take a Black Taxi ride through West Belfast, visiting both the Nationalist and Loyalist strongholds.
7. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, County Antrim
For those not scared of heights, this attraction is the ultimate thrill-seeker.
Perched 30 meters (98 feet) above the North Atlantic, the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge links the mainland with a tiny piece of land known as Carrickarede.
From there, you can see Rathlin Island and Scotland.
The island and its surroundings have been designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest.
8. The Aran Islands
If you're spending time in Galway city, a day trip to the Aran Islands is in order.
Most visitors only have time for Inishmore, the largest one, but the others Inishmaan, and Inisheer, are also worth seeing.
Be sure to visit Dún Aonghasa, the most popular attraction on Inishmore and one of the largest prehistoric stone forts in Europe.
The site is located on the edge of a 100-meter (328 feet) cliff drop.
9. Galway City
Atmospheric pubs with nightly live music, great restaurants, a world-class theater, and a short distance from the seaside suburb of Salthill and the gateway to Connemara, all make Galway a crowd-pleaser, which is why I suggest you add it to your itinerary.
Two major events that draw visitors to the city include Race Week and the Oyster Festival.
10. St Declan’s Way, Ardmore, County Waterford
If you're looking for a different type of experience, Saint Declan’s Way is a pilgrimage walk that links the town of Cashel in Tipperary with Ardmore in County Waterford.
The 96-kilomerter/56-mile fully way-marked trek follows the route that Saint Declan took in the fifth century on his way to meeting St. Patrick in Cashel.
Each year, walkers are invited to participate in all six stages of the route, although all or parts of it can be attempted at any time of year.
This brochure includes details of the route and points of interest along the way.
11. The Rock of Cashel
Once the traditional seat of the kings of Munster, the Rock of Cashel was the center of power in Ireland for 400 years.
Lonely Planet reviewers say, “its impervious walls guard an awesome enclosure with a complete round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and the most magnificent 12th-century Romanesque chapel in Ireland.”
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12. Adare Village, County Limerick
Adare is often touted as Ireland's prettiest village.
The picture-perfect thatched cottages built by the 19th-century landlord, the Earl of Dunraven, are unmatched anywhere else in Ireland and are definitely worth a look.
You will find several craft shops and fine restaurants there today.
The village is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Limerick City.
Other attractions nearby include the luxury castle and golf resort Adare Manor.
More affordable accommodation is available around the Limerick city center area.
Read More: Limerick Greenway Officially Open to Visitors
13. The English Market, Cork City
This is one of Ireland’s most popular indoor markets and a popular tourist attraction.
There is a lot of great food to choose from at the English Market, much of it coming from the County Cork countryside, including traders selling meat, fish, fruit, cheeses, and more.
Some of the best hotels near the market include the Maldron Hotel South Mall, Hotel Isaacs, the Imperial Hotel, and The Metropole Hotel.
14. Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
No trip to Ireland would be complete without a visit to Glendalough.
About 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Dublin, the ancient monastic site can easily be reached by rental car or bus.
In fact, there are lots of day tours from Dublin if you are not interested in driving yourself.
The monastery was founded by Saint Kevin in the 5th century and at the time evolved into the leading monastic learning centers in the country.
The area is ideal for exploration, and hiking around the Glendalough lakes is a popular activity.
Read More: 7 One-Day Tours in Ireland that are Doable Without a Rental Car
15. Garnish Island, West Cork
Described by many as West Cork's best-kept secret, Garnish Island is a must for those who are curious about how exotic plants and unusual species could possibly grow in Ireland.
You can get to this oasis of beauty and tranquility by taking a ferry ride from Glengarriff.
The garden was designed for John Annan Byrce, a Belfast native who purchased the island from the War Office in 1910.
It was bequeathed to the Irish people in 1953.
Things to see on the 37-acre island include the Italian Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Kitchen Garden, which have been lovingly maintained for over a century, in addition to a restored Napoleonic Martello Tower.
You can also take a guided tour of Bryce House, the home of the Byrce family who lived in the home until the last of the family members passed away in 1998.
It has been extensively restored by the Office of Public Works.
Tours are available each year until the end of October. Email [email protected].
16. Sheep's Head, West Cork
During the summer months, hiking is a popular activity in the Sheep's Head region of West Cork, with serious walkers tackling the Sheep’s Head walking route, a 93-kilometer trail that begins in the historic market town of Bantry and ends at the Sheep’s Head Lighthouse.
There are several shorter routes that you can tackle that will of course take less time.
While in the region, you might want to stop off at the tin-roofed Ahakista Bar, which houses a 19th-century Victorian garden.
Durrus Farmhouse is also a popular attraction where local cheese is made.
17. The Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry
Visitors traveling through County Kerry will undoubtedly end up in the Gap of Dunloe, a wild and scenic mountain pass that includes beautiful lakes and waterfalls.
The hair-raising drive is located west of Killarney National Park and is in between Kerry’s Purple Mountain and Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
The Gap of Dunloe Adventure Day Tour from Killarney
18. Croke Park GAA Stadium, Dublin
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the fast and furious Gaelic football and hurling games, to get a true understanding of it – and to feel the thrill that it exudes – a visit Croke Park, the largest sports stadium in Ireland, should be on your itinerary.
If you are unable to snag a ticket to a live game, a visit to the Croke Park Museum is well worth it.
The museum covers the history of the GAA and how it has contributed to the cultural, social, and sporting heritage of the nation.
Read More: Finding the Best Authentic Experiences in Ireland
19. Dublin’s Georgian Squares
In addition to the many free museums that are situated in the heart of Dublin, another cost-free activity that comes to mind includes an afternoon wandering around the city’s Merrion and Fitzwilliam Squares.
The Georgian-styled buildings with their iconic brightly colored doors are a popular tourist attraction, inspiring many a postcard.
While these treasures are located on the south side of the city, I'd urge you to check out the north side, too, especially 14 Henrietta Street, an award-winning museum that tells the story of the building that was once a Georgian townhouse and that turned into a tenement dwelling.
20. The Phoenix Park
This large urban park located in Dublin is home to a herd of wild fallow deer that have made their home there since the 17th century.
In addition to visiting Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the president of Ireland, as well as the nearby Dublin Zoo, I suggest that you put Farmleigh House and Estate on your itinerary.
The Edwardian-styled mansion, which was initially purchased by a member of the famous Guinness family, was designed by the noted architect of the 18th century, James Gandon, who also designed the Custom House.
Farmleigh House is the official Irish state guesthouse, and it is where former U.S. President Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and the late Queen Elizabeth II have stayed, among others.
Guided tours of the house are available but must be booked in advance.
Some of its best attributes include a beautiful library and glass conservatory, not to mention the vast pleasure gardens and lake outside.
21. Benbulben, County Sligo
County Sligo’s Benbulben is an unusual sight to be sure, being one of Ireland's only table mountain.
Why not take a hike on the iconic mountain when you're in the region, but not without an expert guide.
High Hopes Mountain Treks offers guided tours.
Are any of these 21 unmissable attractions on your itinerary? Let me know in the comments below.
