Updated September 2024–In 2022, the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards list was released, and it included the Top 10 Irish Experiences, including some old favorites and other new attractions that many tourists may not know about.
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The awards honor tourists’ favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants, and things to do, all collected on the popular website over a 12-month period.
1. Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour
Who doesn’t love a grisly tale every now and again?
On this 2-hour walking tour, visitors will learn about murder, torture, cannibalism, grave robbing, brothels, and much, much more.
The tour begins in the lower courtyard of Dublin Castle, once part of Viking Dublin, and then moves toward the upper courtyard nicknamed The Devil’s Half Acre.
The guide tells stories of “brothels, witches, and the infamous Hellfire Club,” and more as visitors take a guided walk of Old Dublin.
2. Guided Climb of Carrauntoohil
Tourists looking for a good outdoor experience can’t go wrong with this highly recommended climb of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain.
Located in County Kerry, this is a challenging 6 to 7-hour hike that rises 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).
With that in mind, participants (over 16 years of age) are asked to carefully consider this activity before purchasing the tour.
Guides provide an abundance of historical, geological, and natural history information that has made this tour a winner among TripAdvisor reviewers.
Come prepared with the proper clothing and footwear.
3. Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin
The Cliffs of Moher is perhaps the most popular outdoor tourist attraction on the island of Ireland.
For visitors using Dublin as their base and looking for good day tours that will take them to other parts of Ireland, this one-day tour is highly recommended by the tourists who have taken it.
The luxury bus passes Bunratty Castle and the village of Lahinch before arriving at the cliffs. A visit to Galway City is also included in the price.
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4. Windmill Lane Recording Studios
The Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin has served international musicians over the years, including U2, The Cranberries, The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, and more.
Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes look at the studios in this immersive 1-hour experience, which includes learning the history of the site, meeting a virtual band, and mixing their own session.
5. Dublin Panoramic E-Bike Tour with Howth Adventures
Getting outside Dublin’s city center offers visitors a change of scenery and the chance to experience the Dublin coastline without traveling too far on the city's public transportation system.
The Dublin Panoramic E-Bike Tour with Howth Adventures is a relatively easy adventure on an e-bike where visitors get the chance to see Howth’s main attractions, including the Summit, the Howth Cliffs, the Baily Lighthouse, and the Sutton Martello Tower (made famous by Joyce, which is now a cool Airbnb), among others.
No doubt there are plenty of Instagrammable-worthy shots to take on this 3-hour and 30-minute excursion that takes participants on back lanes and shortcuts that only local guides would know.
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6. 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour
Learn all about the Easter 1916 Rebellion that took place in Dublin more than a century ago in this popular interactive walking tour.
The local tour guide provides some perspective by recalling the Irish Famine of the 1840s and how events of the following years contributed to its occurence.
Visitors stop at Trinity College followed by the Old Parliament and the Rosie Hackett Bridge.
Famous landmarks like the Daniel O’Connell memorial and the Jim Larkin statue are included, in addition to a stop at the GPO where bullet marks are still visible from the conflict.
The tour finishes at Dublin Castle, the seat of British rule in Ireland until 1922.
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7. Howth Walking Tours
Another experience in Howth that has tourists raving on TripAdvisor is the Howth Walking Tour.
The 3-hour tour starts off on the Howth Cliff Path, with local guide John recalling stories of folklore, myth, and legend while visitors savor the fabulous East Coast views.
8. Dublin Coastal Hike and Pints and Puppies, with Mark and Missy
Yet another popular Howth hiking tour with TripAdvisor reviewers is the Dublin Coastal Hike and Pints and Puppies, with Mark and Missy.
Highlights of this 3-4 hour small-group hiking tour include St. Mary’s Abbey, the Howth and Bailey lighthouses, as well as the Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio, among other Howth attractions.
9. Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience Dublin
Located in the heart of Dublin’s Temple Bar, the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience Dublin gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the story of Irish rock ‘n’ roll and how it impacted Dublin’s youth culture.
Memorabilia from Irish musical superstars Thin Lizzy, Sinead O’Connor, and U2, among others, can be found in this interactive museum. Participants can even record their own compositions.
10. Exhilarating Rib Experience – Dingle Sea Safari
An invigorating ride on a rigid inflatable boat tour gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy the dramatic scenery in the Dingle region of County Kerry, and also catch a glimpse of the local marine life, including whales, dolphins, and puffins.
The tour accommodates up to 12 people.