In the Ireland on a Budget Facebook group, first-timers to the forum — and to Ireland — wonder what the Top 10 Irish experiences might be.
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
Admittedly, that is often a tough question to answer as there are scores of attractions and tours that I feel could easily fall into that category.
In 2022, TripAdvisor named quite a few Top 10 favorites as part of its annual review of regions around the world.
Below you'll find more information on those and at the end, I've added a few more that I think are worth putting on your travel itinerary in 2025.
1. Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour
Who doesn’t love a grisly tale every now and again?
On this 2-hour walking tour, you will learn about murder, torture, grave robbing, brothels, even cannibalism, all gruesome activities that were common in Old Dublin.
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.
If you're anything like me and you love a good walking tour coupled with some interesting historical tidbits, then you'll enjoy this Dublin experience.
2. Guided Climb of Carrauntoohil
If you're looking for a good outdoor experience and a sense of adventure, you 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).
Now, you probably need to be in good shape before attempting a climb like this that is better suited to doing during the summer months.
In fact, the guides who run the tour prefer that participants are 16 and over before attempting it.
Over the course of 7-8 hours, expect them to provide you with an abundance of historical, geological, and natural history information, which 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 consistently ranked the most popular outdoor tourist attraction on the island of Ireland and that's not surprising given their grandeur.
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 worth doing.
The luxury bus passes Bunratty Castle and the village of Lahinch before arriving at the cliffs, after which you'll get some extended time in Galway City.
4. Windmill Lane Recording Studios
If you're a fan of U2, you might want to see where they recorded their biggest hits.
You'll find that on a tour of The Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, which has been used by other famous singers and groups, including The Cranberries, The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, and more.
You'll 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 your own recording session.
5. Dublin Panoramic E-Bike Tour with Howth Adventures
Getting outside of Dublin’s city center gives you a change of scenery but also 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 takes place in Howth, one of several seaside towns that, while relatively close to the capital, seem like they are a world away at the same time.
This is a relatively easy adventure on an e-bike where you'll get to see Howth’s main attractions, including the Summit, the Howth Cliffs, the Baily Lighthouse, and the Sutton Martello Tower (made famous by Irish writer James 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 will take you on back lanes and shortcuts that only local guides can know.
Try a 7-Day Free Trial of All Trails
6. 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour
Do you know about the failed Easter 1916 Rebellion that took place in Dublin more than a century ago?
If the history of Ireland and how Dublin plays into that interests you, then you should consider this popular interactive walking tour.
Founded by Dublin man Lorcan Collins, this highly acclaimed walking tour of Dublin will give you some perspective on events in Irish history that led up to the watershed moment, including the Irish Famine of the 1840s.
Stops on the tour include 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 also included, as well as 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.
See More Dublin Attractions with the Go City Dublin Pass and save 50% on Attractions
7. Howth Walking Tours
If you still want to experience Howth but would rather do it on food, the Howth Walking Tour is definitely worth taking.
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 and visit places like St. Mary's Abbey and other historic sites in the seaside town.
8. Dublin Coastal Hike and Pints and Puppies, with Mark and Missy
Yet another popular Howth hiking tour 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.
Alcoholic beverages are included.
9. Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience Dublin
Learn about the story of Irish rock ‘n’ roll and how it impacted Dublin’s youth culture when you sign up for the e Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience Dublin tour.
Memorabilia from Irish musical superstars Thin Lizzy, Sinead O’Connor, and U2, among others, can be found in this interactive museum. What's more, you can even own their own composition on the tour.
10. Exhilarating Rib Experience – Dingle Sea Safari
What's not to love about the Dingle Peninsula?
Most tourists who visit this region of Ireland are blown away by its beauty and authenticity.
One of the experiences that many of them take is the Dingle Sea Safari tour, which includes an invigorating ride on a rigid inflatable boat tour that will give you a glimpse of the local marine life, including whales and dolphins, as well as a unique view of Dingle from the sea.
Other Experiences in Ireland that I Recommend
Kilmainham Gaol
If you're looking for an education on Ireland's fight for freedom, the 90-minute-long Kilmainham Gaol (Jail) tour is well worth doing.
A tour of the museum covers some of the most tragic events in Ireland’s struggle to break away from British rule, from the 1780s right up to the 1920s.
The tour is both instructive and a little eerie as visitors walk through cold stone hallways and get a sense of the conditions that prisoners lived in, especially during Ireland’s Great Famine, when overcrowding was common.
You’ll learn plenty about Ireland’s political and social history, adding context to other historical sites that you might visit during your stay in Dublin.
You'll need to book your tickets in advance as only a select number are released 28 days in advance and can be booked from midnight (Irish time).
The Aran Islands Experience
Visiting the Aran Islands is like stepping back in time.
The region, which includes three islands, Inishmore (the largest one), Inishmaan and Inisheer are all worth seeing, but if you don't have a lot of time, you should make your way to Inishmore.
It is probably the most commercial of the islands, although not anything like we would normally consider commercial.
And that's ok, because the reason why visitors flock to the islands to experience the unique culture and way of life.
Consider taking a leisurely pony and trap tour of if you're feeling more energetic and the weather is good, renting a bicycle is a great idea. There's hardly any traffic on Inishmore or any of the islands for that matter, so it will feel like you have it all to yourself.
Skellig Michael
If there's one attraction in Ireland that captivates the hearts of all who visit, I would have to say that it's Skellig Michael, the craggy island off the coast of County Kerry.
The UNESCO World Heritage site was once home to the inhabitants of St. Fionan's Monastery, founded by Irish monks in the 6th century.
After climbing the 618 steps to the top, you'll see the beehive huts that they once slept in.
The monks left this lonely spot in the 13th century and even after it was deserted, it became a refuge for Catholics seeking a place to pray when the religion was banned because of the harsh Penal Laws.
In addition to the wealth of history that the island provides, it is also a place where you'll find an array of bird life, including puffins.
The Giant's Causeway
This is by far the most popular attraction that people flock to in County Antrim.
The Giant’s Causeway is a unique sight, famous for its unusual basalt columns, some as high as 39 feet/12 meters, left there by a volcanic eruption 50 to 60 million years ago.
Another explanation that is very much a part of Irish folklore is that the warrior Finn MacCool got into a dispute with a Scottish giant named Benandonner, who was threatening Ireland.
An angry Finn grabbed chunks of the Antrim coast and threw them into the sea, forming a path for Finn to follow so that he could get back at Benandonner.
The Giant’s Causeway is actually free to visit, although you must pay an entrance fee if you use the nearby parking lot.
The walks and hikes around the Causeway will add to your experience and showcase the ruggedness and sheer beauty of the coastline on this part of the island of Ireland.
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.
Today, it is an imposing site perched on a hill in County Tipperary, a place that is a must for any tourist visiting Ireland.
Some of the monuments that you'll find there include a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.
It's best to take a guided tour, which includes the mythology of the site and its association with Saint Patrick, who, according to legend, converted the King of Munster to Christianity at the Rock of Cashel.
Are you planning to put any of these Top 10 Irish experiences on your itinerary when you visit? Let me know in the comments below.
Hi Colette,
I’ve been a reader of your emails for a few years now and have been to Ireland several brief times. Now it seems possible that my husband and I will be able to come for the whole month of August, renting a car and a self-catering cottage. So far, I am leaning towards the southwest corner of the country. We like the sea and smaller cities but will want to take day trips to many of the places on this list. I spent a week in Dublin a few years ago and was in Covb for the day from a cruise this last July. Liked Covb a lot. Any thoughts, ideas and suggestions would be welcome.
Nancy Jacobsen
Oh that’s great, Nancy. I’ll send you an email with some suggestions.