Updated April 2026–If you’re excited about visiting the Emerald Isle and seeing its jaw-dropping scenery, unspoiled beauty spots along with its centuries-old castles, you won’t be disappointed.
But Ireland isn’t just about castles and cliffs.
It’s about climbing sea stacks, paddling ancient rivers, flying hawks, surfing Atlantic swells, and foraging along wild coastline, all activities that are mentioned below.
If you’re looking for experiences you won’t find in a typical guidebook, here are 15 unique things to do in Ireland.
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Use the interactive map above to explore all of the unique cultural and nature-related experiences across the island of Ireland that are mentioned in this article.
Be sure to click on the square in the top right-hand corner to expand it to full screen, and once there, use the layer menu to filter by adventure, dark sky, music, wildlife, and coastal experiences. You can also save the map to your Google account for easy access during your trip.
1. Collect Seaweed Off the County Kerry Coast
Make your way to the County Kerry coast and enjoy a day of collecting seaweed with John Fitzgerald of Atlantic Irish Seaweed.
Located off the Ring of Kerry on the Wild Atlantic Way, Fitzgerald and his wife Kerryann, have been offering seaweed workshops and discovery courses since 2009.
Spend the day along the shore close to the Derrynane Beach gathering different types of seaweed and learning about the story of seaweed and how it has been used throughout the generations by Irish people.
Fitzgerald will tell you that Ireland’s rocky coastline and its climate, warmed by the Gulf Stream, is a favorite spot for seaweed species, with over 600 of the world’s seaweed found in Irish waters.
Afterward, enjoy a feast of delicious seaweed dishes or join in a hands-on workshop.
Not to be Missed in the Area: Skellig Michael (take the ferry from Portmagee, a half-hour drive from the beach).
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Discover the Goodness of Wild Irish Seaweed
2. Rafting on the Ancient River Boyne
Ireland’s River Boyne, located in County Meath, is a river rich in historical, archaeological, and mythical heritage.
It is the place where the infamous Battle of the Boyne was fought and where Ireland’s high kings once lived.
What better place to go on a rafting adventure and experience one of the unique things to do in Ireland?
Rafting trips are available for guests of Rock Farm Slane Glamping, a popular glamping accommodation in the Boyne Valley.
With the help of an experienced guide, you’ll paddle downstream, navigating six weirs and numerous rapids and finishing at the historic Slane Castle.
To prepare for the 3-hour experience, you’ll be outfitted with a wet suit, water proof jacket, buoyancy aid and helmet.
The rafts accommodate up to 7 people and are suitable for participants age 11+, although younger children can take part provided a parent or guardian is on board.
Not to be Missed in the Area: The Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre, where you’ll see the ancient monument complex known as Newgrange.
3. Kayak at Dusk in West Cork
Most people opt to go kayaking during the daylight hours.
However, kayaking at night is a popular and unique adventure in West Cork that you might want to consider.
The unique Starlight/Moonlight trips are run by Atlantic Sea Kayaking and take place at dusk or one hour before darkness.
Enjoy a paddle on Lough Hyne or in Castlehaven Bay.
Both tours cost €75 per person, but so worth it, according to the organizers who cite the joys of being on the water at this time of day, including “the sounds of the seabirds coming to roost, the sunset, the rising moon, the aromas of honeysuckle and gorse on the breeze, and the panoply of stars overhead…”
Tours are not available until early spring. You must be 18 and over to participate.
Not to Be Missed in the Area: Garinish Island – a tranquil island setting with a walled garden and Martello Tower.
4. Go Back in Time to the Great Blasket Island
Three of Ireland’s best-known writers in the Irish language, Peig Sayers, Muiris Ó Súilleabháin (Sullivan), and Tomás Ó Criomhthain (O’Crohan) were born on the Great Blasket Island, part of a rugged six-island archipelago off the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry.
Residents lived on this windswept island until the middle of the 20th century when the Irish government evacuated the last of them. You can see the remains of the island’s small fishing village when you visit.
Take the ferry from either the Dunquin Pier, the marina in Dingle, or Ventry Pier.
It is available from the beginning of May through mid-September.
Not to be Missed in the Area: Before visiting the island, be sure to stop by the Blasket Centre in Dingle, which chronicles the history of the islands, as well as their unique fishing heritage.
5. Explore County Donegal’s Rugged Scenery on Horseback
Explore the beaches, bogs, mountains, and more in County Donegal thanks to the Donegal Equestrian Centre, which offers equestrian experiences for all ages and abilities.
Gallop down Tullan Strand, about a mile from the town of Bundoran as your horse splashes in the cool waters of the North Atlantic.
Not to be Missed in the Area: The Horn Head Loop – a short circular drive and hiking trail, with magnificent views of the Donegal coast.
6. Climb a Sea Stack in County Donegal
Even if you’re comfortable with climbing, scaling a sea stack might be a bit of a challenge.
However, you’ll be in good hands with Iain Miller of Unique Ascent, a Falcarragh resident who guides the curious to the top of Donegal’s many sea stacks using kayaks and ropes to access these amazing natural wonders.
Donegal is a rock climber’s paradise, with over 100 sea stacks off its coast. Miller, an experienced mountaineer, rock climber, and marine engineer, acts as a guide for those who want to climb sea stacks and mountain summits or explore the remote islands off the coast.
These truly unique outdoor experiences are open to everyone and are developed around participants’ fitness levels, weather, and sea conditions. Prior climbing experience is not required.
Not to be Missed in the Area: Glenveagh National Park and Glenveagh Castle.
Read More: Ireland’s Parks in World’s Top 11
7. Caving in County Fermanagh
Considered to be the finest and most extensive caves in Britain and Ireland, the Marble Arch Caves in County Fermanagh is a unique underworld just waiting to be explored.
The series of natural limestone caves, about 7 miles long, were originally formed from three rivers that drained off the nearby slopes of the Cuilcagh Mountain.
Conditions are of course dependent on the weather, but all going well, you’ll be able to see the cave system’s amazing subterranean rivers, winding passages, and lofty chambers and hear about the early explorers of the caves who dared to brave the unknown.
The Marble Arch Caves are part of a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Not to be Missed in the Area: Florence Court – a beautiful 18th-century home and National Trust property. It was also the location for the movie “Miss Julie” starring Colin Farrell and Jessica Chastain.
Experience Ireland’s North Atlantic Coast on a 5-Day Small Group Tour from Dublin
8. Supping in County Leitrim
Supping, otherwise known as Stand Up Paddling, is a popular activity across Ireland, especially in the summer months.
While it may take a little getting used to at first, there’s no need to rush with this unique adventurous activity.
In fact, it’s all about taking it slow.
The ideal place to experience a Supping adventure is at the Lough Allen Adventure Centre in Drumshanbo.
The center’s kayaking and SUP tours take participants through what is locally known as “Drumshamazon,” which is part of the Shannon-Erne Blueway that was sensitively restored and re-opened in the mid-1990s, as well as O’Connor’s Island, leading paddlers and kayakers through a system of pristine waterways and past Ireland’s only floating boardwalk.
Two tours are offered each day, at 11 a.m. and again at 3 p.m.
Not to be Missed in the Area: The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo Visitor Experience
9. Surfing in County Sligo
The Wild Atlantic Way is a haven for surfers, with many of them choosing County Sligo as their base.
There are two locations in Sligo where the waves are worth riding.
One is Mullaghmore, which is among the top 10 big wave destinations in the world, and the other is Easkey, which is farther south along the coast.
While you’ll need to be a professional surfer to brave the waves in either location, you can become acquainted with the sport by taking surf lessons with the Sligo Surf Experience in Strandhill.
There are other companies that also offer surfing lessons in the area, and the recent opening of the National Surfing Centre in Strandhill certainly adds to the experience.
Not to be Missed in the Area: Climb Knocknarea, the reputed home of Connaught’s Queen Maeve.
10. Getting Up Close to a Hawk at Ashford Castle
Are you fascinated by hawks?
At Ireland’s School of Falconry, you’ll have the opportunity to fly a Harris hawk around the beautiful grounds of Ashford Castle in a one-hour private Hawk Walk, a true one-of-a-kind unique experience to top off your Ireland vacation.
There are 23 hawks at the castle’s falconry, each with their own distinctive Irish names.
Many visitors to the falconry have talked about the privilege of holding such a beautiful and powerful bird.
An extended walk is also available, which provides for more flying time and greater insight into the world of hawks.
Perhaps the most exciting part of this whole experience is learning to launch one of the birds, only for it to return to your gloved hand again.
Handlers are always close by to ensure the safety of all.
Rates are €140 for one participant, €210 for two, €255 for three, and €300 for four.
You don’t have to be a guest at Ashford Castle to avail of this cool experience. Cheaper accommodation is avalable at the The Lodge at Ashford Castle.
Not to be Missed in the Area: Treat yourself to afternoon tea at Ashford Castle (a pricey €78 per person but worth it), a tradition since 1868, followed by a visit to The Quiet Man Museum or take a walking tour of locations used in the making of the infamous movie.
NEW–Additional Unique Things to Do in Ireland
11. Coasteering on the Wild Atlantic Way
This relatively new tourism activity combines cliff scrambling, rock hopping, wild swimming, sea cave exploration and optional cliff jumping. Truly an activity for the adventurous tourist!
West Cork is ideal for this unique activity due to its dramatic sandstone cliffs, natural sea arches, deep tidal inlets, and sheltered coves.
Warmer waters due to the Gulf Stream also make this region ideal for coasteering.
A typical experience is about 2-3 hours long, with gear (wetsuit, helmet and life jacket) provided. Providers will tailor routes based on weather, tidal conditions and group ability. Even if you’re a beginner who is moderately fit, you can definitely try out this unique activity.
The Cliffs of Moher region in County Clare is also a popular spot for coasteering due to its rugged, dramatic setting.
West Cork coasteering providers include Atlantic Offshore Adventures. In County Clare, look for Nevsail Watersports.
Other coasteering experiences can be found in Connemara, County Galway; Cahersiveen and Sea to Summit Adventures, both in County Kerry; along the County Wexford coast, and on the County Antrim coast.
12. Exploring Tory Island, Ireland’s Most Remote Offshore Island
Located off the coast of County Donegal, Tory Island — one of Ireland’s many offshore islands — has a strong Irish-speaking community, with fabulous Wild Atlantic Way views without the crowds.
While there, you can scope out the island’s early Christian sites, including The Tau Cross and the remains of a 6th-century monastery founded by St. Colmcille.
There are some impressive rock formations on its coast such as An Tor Mór, meaning the Big Rock or the Big Tower.
You can get to Tory Island on the Queen of Aran passenger boat, owned by the Arranmore Ferry. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
Download the Tory Ferry app to check on the ferry schedule.
13. Take a Guided Climb of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s Highest Peak
If you’re up for a challenge, you might want to consider climbing Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain.
While the climb can be done independently, I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re not an experienced mountain climber since weather can change on a dime.
There are several companies offering guided hikes. They include Kerry Climbing, Kerry Hiking, The Lodge & Reeks Guiding Company, Mountaintrails, Sea to Summit Adventures, as well as Pat Falvey Adventures.
Once you get to the top, enjoy spectacular views over the Kerry lakes and the Dingle Peninsula.
14. Experience Ireland After Dark: Stargazing at its Dark Sky Reserves
The island of Ireland is possibly the best place in Europe to experience the dark starry skies thanks to low population density in certain parts of the country and limited light pollution.
It boasts three dark sky parks, including the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve on the Iveragh Peninsula, which provides designated viewing points and tours.
In County Mayo, take a drive to Wild Nephin National Park and experience the dark skies there at the Mayo Dark Sky Park.
There are three designated viewing points in the park. They include the Ballycroy Visitor Centre, the Claggan Mountain Boardwalk and the Brogan Carroll Bothy.
In the heart of the Sperrin Mountains in County Tyrone, the OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory includes an observatory and stargazing platform.
Book a guided tour and then explore the ancient landscape that surrounds it.
All of these experiences not only offer a unique glimpse of Ireland but encourage everyone to slow down and soak in the beauty that the island has to offer.
15. Attend a Traditional Irish Music Workshop
Many tourists to Ireland are eager to sit in on a traditional Irish music session, but what if you could take a hands-on traditional music workshop on the bodhrán, the tin whistle, the fiddle or other instrument?
Below are some that you might want to consider.
The Doolin Music House in the lively village of Doolin in County Clare offers a unique educational insight into the music of Ireland, as well as commonly used instruments and traditions, all in an immersive setting.
The Glór Irish Music Centre in Ennis, County Clare, offers trad sessions as well as concerts, educational programs and workshop events.
Workshops in fiddle, tin whistle, the uillean pipes and traditional singing (sean nós) are all available at various times of the year.
Many sessions are led by accomplished performers who are deeply rooted in the Clare Irish music tradition.
If you happen to be in Ennis for Fleadh Nua, which will take place this year from May 23rd through June 1st, you may be able to avail of the above and more.
The Queen Maeve International Summer School in Sligo town is another unique opportunity to embrace the Irish music tradition.
Taking place between Aug. 7th and 11th, it includes instrument classes, group workshops by skill level, master classes, céili dance, and more.
Sligo has a rich musical heritage and is famous for its fiddle tradition brought to a worldwide stage by Sligo native Michael Coleman.
What’s New in 2026
- The National Surfing Centre in Strandhill continues to expand its programming for both locals and visitors. They include beach-based surf sessions in coordination with the Sligo Surf Experience
- Demand for falconry experiences at Ashford Castle remains high—advance booking is recommended.
- SUP and Blueway experiences are growing in popularity across Ireland. This includes the Shannon Blueway, which runs from Counties Leitrim through Roscommon and on to Longford in Ireland’s Midlands. The water trails are ideal for canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Several walking and cycling trails can be found near Ireland’s first floating boardwalk calld Acres Lake in Drumshambo in Leitrim.
Which of these unique things to do in Ireland would you try first? Let me know in the comments below.
