30 Best Places to Visit in Ireland

For many people, Ireland is the most important country in the world. This can be seen in the Irish diaspora around the globe, with large communities sending money back home to Ireland and supporting its culture. The warm and welcoming Irish culture is one reason why so many tourists return annually to visit the Best Places in Ireland.

Whether you are going on holiday or a business trip, you will quickly notice how different Ireland is from the rest of Europe, even though it has been heavily influenced by Western culture. This is because of its unique history, geography, and culture. Ireland’s landscape has always been an inspiration for writers, poets, and artists. It has also been a place where people have found spiritual relief in the peacefulness of its wilderness areas.

1. Dublin

Dublin is one of the most historic cities in Ireland. It has an extensive collection of historical antiquities, right down to the smallest details. The city’s layout consists of small streets and squares that have not changed much over time. What was once the heart of medieval Ireland is now a modern European capital that is home to many businesses and international organizations such as Google and Facebook. Many writers, musicians, and artists call Dublin home, which gives it a more cosmopolitan feel.

The city’s reputation for partying is an economic driver for tourism, with the number of visitors almost doubling between 2007 and 2011. The Guinness Storehouse and St Patrick’s Cathedral are two attractions that are well worth visiting.

2. Galway

Galway is located on Ireland’s west coast and is famous for its “rice and turf”. There are many historical sights to see including the Galway City Mercantile Library and St Mary’s Cathedral, which was built in the early 15th century. The city’s layout looks very much like Dublin with its small streets and ancient structures. Galway also has a vibrant arts scene and is home to the National University of Ireland.

3. Belfast

Belfast has grown from a small fishing village into the largest city in Northern Ireland. The city is an industrial powerhouse with many large corporations such as BAE Systems and Harland & Wolff choosing to base their operations there. Some of the most famous landmarks include Belfast City Hall and the Titanic Quarter, which commemorates the sinking of RMS Titanic. The Titanic Belfast museum is a major tourist attraction that draws people from all over the world.

4. Boyle, County Roscommon

County Roscommon is one of Ireland’s most scenic counties. The River Shannon flows through it and supplies many people with their livelihoods through fishing, farming and tourism. Boyle is a thriving town that has grown significantly in recent years due to the growth in tourism in Ireland. This formerly quiet town is now surrounded by modern developments that include a new hotel and golf course. The river also flows through the town and channels are cut out of the rock that allows people to walk along its banks.

5. Tralee, County Kerry

Tralee has always been a popular spot due to it being located on the River Lee estuary, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean nearby. The town has been nicknamed “the city of the Shannon and the Ring of Kerry”. Tralee is also home to the only restaurant in Ireland that serves oysters. It also has a famous music festival known as the Tralee International Musical Eisteddfod, which attracts people from across the globe each year.

6. Causeway Coast

The Causeway Coast is located in Northern Ireland, which is a coastal region that has an abundance of historic sites. One of the most famous attractions on the coast is Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, which was established in 1777 and has become a tourist attraction since then. Other attractions include Carrick-a-rede lighthouse and Clifton Suspension Bridge, which was built in 1806 and provides a great view of the area.

7. Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland. The cliffs rise up to 700 feet above the sea, which offers visitors a dramatic and breathtaking view. There is an extensive walking trail that follows the rock face, with one end at Doolin and the other at Liscannor. It would be foolish to miss out on this opportunity for an amazing view and there are many hotels nearby where you can stay.

8. Connemara

Connemara is a historic county in western Ireland that has remained relatively untouched by the modern world. It is located in the Gaeltacht which is an area that retains its Irish language and culture. The main town in the area, Galway, receives a large number of tourists each year who want to experience Ireland’s far western culture first-hand.

9. Killarney National Park, County Kerry

Killarney National Park was established as a park in 1932 and covers over 1,000 square miles. The park features many lakes and forests and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. One of the most popular attractions in the park is Ross Castle, which was built by the O’Donoghue clan in 1460.

10. Dingle, County Kerry

Dingle is a small fishing town that is known for its amazing scenery and friendly locals. The town has a long history of association with the sea and has always been an important port in southern Ireland. Today, its main source of income is tourism, which has become one of its most important industries. Dingle is not a large town and its main attractions are the Blasket Islands and Ceide Fields, which covers over 17 square miles.

11. Malin Head, County Donegal

Malin Head is a small island directly in front of the county of Donegal, in Ireland’s north-west. The island is very scenic with cliffs, beaches and stacks on its coast line. There are no roads on Malin Head and all tours must be booked by boat. It is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations due to its dramatic scenery and remote location.

12. Slieve League Cliffs, County Donegal

The Slieve League Cliffs are located in the west of Ireland, which is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Corryvreckan. The cliffs rise up to 656 feet above sea level and are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. Over 300,000 tourists visit each year to see the cliffs and experience their dramatic views for themselves.

13. Wicklow Mountains National Park, County Wicklow

Wicklow Mountains National Park is a mountain range that runs through the center of Ireland. The mountains were created millions of years ago and are one of Ireland’s most impressive landscapes. There are over 40,000 hectares in the park and it is home to a wealth of wildlife. The park includes Glendalough which is one of Ireland’s oldest monastic settlements, as well as Powerscourt Estate, which has a great view over the surrounding landscape.

14. Derry City in Northern Ireland

Derry / Londonderry is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and was originally called Doire, which means “Oak Grove”. The name was changed after it became a famous stopping point for pilgrims on their way to Croagh Patrick. Derry is also known for its walls that were built to protect the city, but have since been renovated and are now a popular tourist attraction.

15. Doolin , County Clare

Doolin is a village in the county of Clare. Its main attraction is Doolin Cave, which has been popular for centuries among locals and tourists alike. It has also been used as a spot to stash alcohol during prohibition in America. There are lots of music festivals that are held in the area and many people go to Doolin on vacation to see their favorite artists perform.

16. Dublin City

Dublin was originally founded by a prince named Dubh-Laghlen in the 6th century. Due to its strategic location in the country, it became a center for commercial and political activity in the region. The city is now home to 700,000 people who are mainly employed in services and manufacturing. The city has over 1,000 pubs that offer a wide selection of beer and spirits.

17. Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a city in the state of Ireland known for its historic buildings and many music festivals. Kilkenny Castle has been a prominent attraction in the city for centuries and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. The castle also features an art gallery, where one can see many paintings by local artists and a library that holds over 15,000 books.

18. Kinsale, County Cork

Kinsale is a seaside town on the South West coast of Ireland, which is famous for its 13th century castle as well as its many seafood restaurants. The main attraction around the town is the seafront, which features many shops, pubs and restaurants on its promenade.

19. The Burren, County Clare

The Burren is located in the west of Ireland and was once a large sea bed that has been eroded by water over the centuries. Today, it is a huge rock formation that is incredibly beautiful. The Burren has many different attractions, including caves and ancient burial sites.

20. Ashford Castle, County Mayo

Ashford Castle is a luxury castle located in Ireland’s western region. The castle was built over a hundred years ago and has been in the same family for four generations. The Ashford Castle estate covers over 2,000 acres and includes several beautiful gardens as well as trails that are great for hiking. In the medieval period, Ashford Castle was a magnificent building. The castle was situated on the banks of the River Test, from where it dominated much of northern Kent and its surrounding countryside. The castle is best known for being a royal residence for the many kings who visited Ireland.

21. Blarney Castle, County Cork

Blarney Castle is located in County Cork and is a beautiful place to visit. As the name suggests, the castle was built on Blarney. The castle is also known as a tourist attraction and has played an important role in Irish history. It is well-known for its legend of the “Blarney Stone”. The stone is said to grant visitors the gift of the gab. It was brought to the castle by Cormac McCarthy in 1446 and tradition has it that if you kiss this stone you will be blessed with the gift of eloquence.

22. Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick is a mountain on the western edge of Ireland, which is also known as “The Reek”. The mountain rises to 914 meters at its peak and is a pilgrimage site for many Catholics. The mountain was named after Saint Patrick, who climbed it in the 5th century. St. Patrick climbed it as an act of penance after he was unable to convert the Irish people. The climb is a difficult one and many die from exposure each year.

23. Aran Islands, County Galway

The Aran Islands are three small islands that are located off the west coast of Ireland and have strong historical ties to the Irish language. They have connections to many different languages around the world and is one of Ireland’s major tourist destinations. The islands feature several prehistoric forts, stone forts and churches that date back hundreds of years. Many people visit the islands each year to see these ancient sites for themselves.

24. Waterford City, County Waterford

Waterford is a small city in Ireland that is known for its 13th century castle, which is one of the largest in Ireland. The city is also a center for the insurance industry, with many companies based there. The River Suir runs through the city and has a long history as an important site for trade and commerce. Many people visit the city every year to see its historical sites as well as its many shops and markets.

25. Bundoran, County Donegal

Bundoran is a small town located in the western part of Ireland. It is located on the northwest coast, and was named after the local Irish family – O’Bundoran. The town was built by a wealthy shipping merchant so that he could be near the sea. Today, Bundoran is a popular tourist destination and has many hotels that cater to both locals and tourists. Several historic sites are also evident around the town and they feature some magnificent architecture from the 18th century.

26. Carlingford Lough, County Louth

Carlingford Lough is a large body of water located in Ireland. It is the largest freshwater lake in Europe and is just 2.3 miles wide. The lough has its origins in the most ancient times and was once one of the major trade routes for the Irish people. The waters around Carlingford Lough are considered to be some of the richest fishing grounds in the world, with many types of fish living there. The loch also features many islands that are worth visiting.

27. Bantry Bay, County Cork

Bantry Bay is a large stretch of water located on the south western coast and is one of the main tourist attractions in Ireland. It has a fascinating history and is famous for its many sandy beaches. It stretches for over 30 kilometers, with some parts being deeper than others and having various underwater caves. The bay itself is quite deep and extends to over 100 meters in some places.

28. Cuilcagh Mountain Park, County Tyrone

Cuilcagh Mountain Park is a natural park that is located in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The park has over 1,400 hectares of land and was once a boggy area that was covered by vegetation. Today, the park is home to many different species of animals, including deer, badgers and woodpeckers. The mountain itself is over 250 meters high and features several ancient burial sites. The park was designated a national nature reserve in 1983 and is one of the most important sites in Ireland.

29. Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal

Glenveagh National Park is a national park that has been a protected area since 1986. It is located in the western part of Ireland and stretches over 26 square kilometers. The park is famous for its beautiful landscape and there are many different areas to visit, including mountains, rivers and forests. The park is also home to several historic sites that are worth exploring. Many people visit the park each year to see some of Ireland’s most beautiful natural landmarks.

30. The Mourne Mountains, County Down

The Mourne Mountains are located in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is the highest mountain range in Northern Ireland and stretches over 100 kilometers. The mountains are important to the people of Ireland as they contain many prehistoric remains. The mountains also contain many lakes that serve as reservoirs for water, and some of these lakes are man-made. The mountains were designated as a national park in 1999 and have appeared on several postage stamps since then.

Final Word

Ireland has many historical sites, ranging from prehistoric monuments to castles. It is an island full of history and culture that is worth exploring. Tourists visiting Ireland can also visit the many museums that are spread all over the country, which feature exhibits on various aspects of their culture, heritage, and history.

You can visit Ireland any time of the year and there are plenty of things to see in whichever part you go.