10 Places You Must Visit In Ireland

Ireland is an enchanting island nation located just across the Irish Sea from England, Scotland, and Wales. Home to historic castles, jaw dropping natural beauty, a unique culture, and plenty of pubs , Ireland should be on every travelers bucket list. I always find myself dreaming of moving to the Emerald Isle, or just looking at flights to Dublin, as this country has a lasting impact on many travelers. These are our top 10 places you must visit in Ireland.

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10 Places You Must Visit In Ireland

1. Dublin

Dublin is the gateway to Ireland, as many travelers begin there Irish journey at the Dublin International Airport. This city is jam packed with culture - lively pubs, magnificent cathedrals, beautiful universities, cobblestone streets, and more. You must spend a couple of days in this bustling city.

☘️Read Next - A Complete Guide To Dublin, Ireland

Top 10 Thing To Do In Dublin

1. Ha'Penny Bridge
2. Explore Trinity College
3. Book Of Kells
4. Grafton Street
5. St. Annes Street
6. St. Stephens Green
7. Temple Bar Pub
8. Dublin Castle
9. Christ Church Cathedral
10. Guinness Storehouse

🛎️Our Favorite Dublin Hotel - The Fitzwilliam Hotel 

2. Howth

Located just 30 minutes outside of Dublin, Howth is a charming coastal town full of stunning walking trails, a lovely beach, cute bed and breakfasts, and more. Whether you are looking to stay in Howth or just do a day trip from Dublin, it is a great town to visit while in Ireland!

🌊Read Next - A Guide To Howth Cliff Walk

Top 10 Things To Do In Howth

1. Howth Cliff Walk
2. Howth Castle & Gardens
3. Howth Harbour
4. Sample Fresh Seafood
5. Visit Ireland's Eye
6. Howth Lighthouse
7. Explore Howth Village
8. Visit The Baily Lighthouse
9. Check out Howth Market
10. Hike to the Summit of Howth Hill

🛎️Our Favorite Howth Hotel - King Sitric

3. Galway

Galway is one of my favorite places in the world. This enchanting city is small and surrounded by natural beauty. Galway is the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the west coast of Ireland as there are many day trips you can take to natural beauties like the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren National Park.

🍄Read Next - The Ultimate Guide To Galway, Ireland

Top 10 Things To Do In Galway

1. Galway Cathedral
2. Latin Quarter
3. Long Walk
4. Charlie Byrne's Bookstore
5. Cliff Of Moher
6. Dunguaire Castle
7. The Burren
8. The Ballyvaughan
9. Galway Harbour
10. Checkout the lively pubs

🛎️Our Favorite Galway Hotel - Number 31 Boutique Townhome

4. The Cliffs Of Moher

Ireland's Cliffs Of Moher are on almost every travelers bucket list. These jaw dropping cliffs are located on Irelands west coast (about 1 hour south of Galway & 3 hours west of Dublin). The cliffs are a great day trip to take from Galway or even Dublin if you are on a tight schedule. The best way to see the cliffs are by tour or by driving if you plan on renting a car. I opted for a tour from Galway and loved it!

🚗Book Here - Cliffs Of Moher Tour From Galway (includes lunch at a local pub)

🚙Book here - Cliffs Of Moher Tour From Dublin (includes stop in Galway City)

5. Cork

Cork is situated in the southern park of Ireland and is a unique city full of history and culture. Often referred to as Ireland's real capital, Cork is most well known for its picturesque harbour, amazing Irish step dancing performances, market, museums, and cathedrals. Cork is certainly worth a visit!

Top 10 Things To Do In Cork

1. Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone
2. English Market
3. Cork City Gaol
4. St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral
5. Fitzgerald Park
6. Cork Harbour
7. Shandon Bells & Tower
8. Crawford Art Gallery
9. The Butter Museum
10. Ring of Kerry (Day Trip)

🛎️Our Favorite Cork Hotel - The Hayfield Manor

6. Sligo

Sligo is a charming town located in the northern part of Ireland (not to be confused with Northern Ireland). The small village is best known for its natural beauty and culture, much like the rest of ireland. But, Sligo is unique because it is home to Benbulben, a flat topped mountain that dominates the landscape. You will also find gorgeous architecture and history buildings such as Sligo Abbey and Lissadell House In Sligo. Sligo is also an easy day trip from Galway (1.5 hours away).

Top 10 Things To Do In Sligo

1. Benbulben Mountain
2. Streedagh Strand
3. Sligo Abbey
4. Lough Gill
5. Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
6. Hazelwood Forest
7. Yeats Memorial Building
8. Glencar Waterfall
9. Drumcliffe Cemetery
10. Easkey Surfing

🛎️Our Favorite Sligo Hotel - The Glasshouse

7. Dingle

Dingle is a small town located in the southwest area of Ireland. Best known for its dramatic coastline, quaint bed and breakfasts, fresh seafood, and pub culture, Dingle is certainly an enchanting place to visit in the Emerald Island. It's the type of place that stays with you after visiting, so if you can stop by the seaside village of Dingle.

Top 10 Things To Do In Dingle

1. Dingle Peninsula
2. Slea Head Drive
3. Dingle Harbour
4. Blasket Islands
5. Fungi the Dolphin
6. Inch Beach
7. Gallarus Oratory
8. Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium
9. Connor Pass
10. Dunquin Pier

🛎️Our Favorite Dingle Hotel - The Greenmount House

8. Aran Islands

The Aran Islands are a series of small islands off the west coast of Ireland. These gorgeous islands are jam packed with beautiful beaches, cliffs, lookouts, shipwrecks, lighthouses, stone forts, and more that are all totally worth exploring. If you love getting off the beaten path and into nature you will love the Aran Islands!

🛥️Book Here - Aran Islands Tour From Galway (includes boat tour of The Cliffs Of Moher)

Top 10 Things To Do On The Aran Islands

1. Dun Aonghasa
2. Inis Mór
3. Cliffs of Inisheer
4. The Wormhole
5. Aran Islands Museum
6. Kilmurvey Beach
7. Teampall Bheanáin
8. The Seven Churches
9. South Harbour
10. Rent a bike & explore

🛎️Our Favorite Aran Islands Hotel - Seacrest B&B

9. Donegal

Located just north of Sligo, Donegal is a lovely seaside village perfect if you are looking for a quite Irish escape. Donegal is best known for the Slieve League Cliffs (some of the tallest sea cliffs in Europe), its history (was once home to the great gaelic family who ruled Tyrconnell), and its captivating spirit.

Top 10 Things To Do In Donegal

1. Slieve League Cliffs
2. Glenveagh National Park
3. Malin Head
4. Donegal Castle
5. Fanad Head Lighthouse
6. Errigal Mountain
7. Killybegs Harbour
8. Ards Forest Park
9. Grianán of Aileach
10. Tory Island

🛎️Our Favorite Hotel In Donegal - Lough Eske Castle

10. Killarney

Killarney is the type of town that a fairy tale would be based off of. This incredible village is situated in southwest Ireland and is home to beautiful landscapes, charming streets, hiking trails, and more. Most notably though, Killarney is the starting and end point of the Ring of Kerry. Killarney is a great place to go for travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in the Irish culture!

Top 10 Things To Do In Killarney

1. Killarney National Park
2. Muckross House and Gardens
3. Ross Castle
4. Torc Waterfall
5. Gap of Dunloe
6. St. Mary’s Cathedral
7. Killarney Brewing Company
8. Ring of Kerry
9. Lakes of Killarney
10. Muckross Abbey

🛎️Our Favorite Killarney Hotel - The Reserve at Muckross Park

10 Places You Must Visit In Ireland

Ireland is a must visit destination. With its incredible natural beauty, fun culture, lively pubs, and friendly locals it is hard to leave once you've experienced what Ireland has to offer. We hope that this guide to the 10 places you must visit in Ireland helps you plan the best trip ever. If you liked this post we think that you will love our 4 Day Ireland Itinerary (especially if you are on a time crunch)! If you are visiting Dublin this fall - A Minimalist Dublin Fall Packing List and 27 Hidden Gems In Dublin.

Happy Travels,

Daisy