Sitting pretty in the North Atlantic is the lush green country of Ireland, known for its stunning cliffsides, Guinness draft (and let’s not forget about Irish whiskey), castles, legends and leprechauns, and welcoming locals. From medieval castles, unforgettable road trips along the coast, and the best tours to experience – here are the top things to do in Ireland.
There are many things to do in Ireland so it’s no wonder Tourism Ireland reported an 11% increase in visitors from Canada and the U.S. in the first two months of 2019. Air Canada and Aer Lingus offer direct flights year-round, and Air Transat and WestJet have cheap flights on a seasonal service, which means it’s never been easier for Canadians to visit the Emerald Isle. Use Skyscanner search engines to source the best airfares with our weekly flight deals to Europe, hotels, and car rentals. Keep reading for the top things to do in Ireland.
The Best of Ireland: Things to do in Dublin and around Ireland
1. Experience Ireland’s ancient history
Ireland’s Ancient East is a great way to see the country off the beaten path while experiencing 5,000 years of European history. Trace the steps of ancient settlers, explore Viking castles and fortresses or enjoy the hospitality of friendly locals. In the north, it’s known as the Land of 5,000 Dawns. It’s here where you’ll find fascinating history and Irish mythology. Every local has their own story to tell about the locations and landmarks. Take a drive and find out for yourself! Below are some of the top sights in Ireland’s Ancient East (spoiler alert: there are leprechauns).
Newgrange
In County Meath lies Newgrange, a passage tomb. The UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to 3200 B.C., which makes Newgrange older than the Pyramids of Giza. Once a year during the Winter Solstice, the burial chamber is illuminated by the sun piercing through a small opening to honour the dead. Tickets to access to the inside of the chamber during the Winter Solstice is done by lottery earlier in the year in September, but visitors are welcome to stand outside.
The Cooley Peninsula
Located along Ireland’s northeast is the Cooley Peninsula, home of Ireland’s Cooley Mountain. Walk up the highest peak of Slieve Foy on a guided or self-guided hike and picturesque views of the sea. The nearby seaside town of Carlingford has some beautiful medieval buildings and the Carlingford Castle. Carlingford is also known as the home of the last leprechauns of Ireland, where a leprechaun’s suit and bones were found in a nearby cave. Visitors can do a tour of the Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern, which includes some history and storytelling about the leprechauns here in this area of Ireland.
2. Visit the castles and ancient ruins of Ireland
Doonagore Castle
Situated high on the hill above Doolin Point is Doonagore Castle. The 16th-century tower house is surrounded by a stone wall and today is a private residence. The castle isn’t open to the public but it’s still worth a look and a few pics. If one of your goals in life is to spend an overnight in a real castle (and who’s isn’t?!?), there are plenty you can stay in during your Ireland trip. Ashford Castle, Crom Castle, and Dromoland Castle are all castle hotels in Ireland.
Clonmacnoise
Founded in 548 AD by St. Ciaran, Clonmacnoise was once the centre of organized religion for all of Ireland. While the site is now mostly ruins, the visitors’ centre and museum are homes to many artifacts including the Cross of Scriptures and the North Cross that date back to 900 AD. The museum also has a visual timeline of the site and a collection of Christian gravestones.
Cahir Castle
Built as a defensive castle, Cahir Castle is one of the largest castles in Ireland and was a major site during the Irish Confederate Wars. The preserved Castle sits right in the middle of the town where visitors can join guided tours or watch the audiovisual shows.
Glendalough
Located just 90 minutes drive south of Dublin are the ruins of Glendalough, a monastery and village founded in the 6th century. The Glendalough Valley is known as the “valley of two lakes” and one of the top things to do in Ireland for nature and architecture buffs. Some of the ruins dating back to the 12th and early 13th centuries remain surprisingly intact including The Gateway, Round Tower and Cathedral.
Kylemore Abbey
Head west to Kylemore Abbey on the grounds of Kylemore Castle in Galway. The entire area is open to visitors during the day, and travellers can explore the Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Garden. The Walled Garden is also the largest in the Republic of Ireland! The Abbey is Benedictine monastery which has been occupied by a Benedictine community since 1920. There’s also a coffee shop and a lovely tea house on site. Shuttles leave for the Abbey throughout the day. Check the website for information on times and tickets.
3. Follow the Irish Whiskey trail
Everyone knows the Irish like their alcohol, and the world likes what they produce. Start at the Jameson Distillery in Dublin to learn all about the birth of Irish liquor. This location is not used to make the smooth, brown liquor for commercial distribution but you can make some for yourself by signing up for the Whiskey Makers Experience. The Irish Whiskey Museum is also located in Dublin, where travellers can learn even more about Ireland’s famous alcohol.
Head over to Cork County on the southeast corner to attend the Irish Whiskey Academy to nerd-up on all things whiskey. Drinking Irish Whiskey is a must when you visit Ireland just as much as drinking a pint of Guinness.
4. Take a trip to the medieval city of Cork
Visiting the picturesque, medieval city of Cork is right up there with drinking Guinness when in Ireland.
Foodies will love browsing the 50+ stalls at the English Market, a historical public marketplace, to pick up traditional foodstuffs (pigs’ trotters, anyone?) as well as fresh bread, fish, and locally grown produce. Declared the best in the UK and Ireland by celebrity chef, Rick Stein, it’s an unmissable stop for food-lovers. To indulge your cravings for more of Cork’s food history, be sure to visit the Butter Museum. For an unforgettable experience, head to the nearby Ste. Anne’s Church and ring the famous Shandon Bells!
5. Drink a Guinness in Dublin
Tourists and the Irish alike visit the capital city of Dublin in search of history, architecture, excellent nightlife, and of course, a pint of Guinness.
Like the many travellers before you, stop into the Guinness Storehouse. Here’s your chance to learn everything you need to know about the famous Irish stout beer. If you haven’t had a Guinness in Dublin, you haven’t really been to Ireland.
For some architecture, history, and spirituality 101, make time during your trip to Dublin to visit some of the city’s many churches. Admire the Gothic-style architecture of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and head to the stunning Saint Theresa’s Church, a Carmelite church dating back to the 19th century.
6. Kiss the Blarney Stone
This is probably one of the most well-known things to do in Ireland! Legend has it that kissing the Blarney Stone grants the kisser the gift of eloquence, also known as “the gift of the gab”. If you aren’t into putting your mouth on a rock that’s been kissed a million times over, that’s okay. The beautiful Blarney Castle Gardens are worth a visit any time of year.
7. Visit Ireland’s Cliff Coast
Experience the Atlantic Ocean from another perspective and head to the west coast for some of the best landscapes and views in Ireland. Start your adventure at the Cliffs of Moher, located in the beautiful County Clare.
Rising up to 214 metres out of the Atlantic Ocean, these sheer cliffs are part of Ireland’s natural, raw beauty. There are plenty of dedicated walking trails in the area. It’s free to visit the Cliffs of Moher but guests must pay a small parking fee of 6 Euros per person, which counts as the park entrance fee.
Loop Head is another stunning display of granite cliffs. Take a drive (78 km south of Cliffs of Moher) to the Loop Head Lighthouse for dramatic coastal scenes, giving you way too many photo ops to give your friends at home some serious FOMO.
Ready to Visit Ireland This Year?
If these things to do in Ireland have you ready to board a flight, look for the best deals on airfares, hotels, and car rentals right here at Skyscanner Canada!
