15 Best Things to Do in Ireland for Tourists

Ireland pulls in tons of travelers every year thanks to wild scenery, old-time ruins, besides lively traditions. Instead of just cliffs pounded by ocean waves, think crumbling forts murmuring stories of warriors and uprisings - the island's packed with things that mix thrill, past times, plus raw nature. If you're figuring out where to go your first time or hunting hidden gems away from crowds, this list spills the top spots across Ireland, along with underrated corners bound to stick in your mind

You'll get backstory, useful advice, plus fresh perspectives most guides miss. This rundown explores what makes Ireland's famous places special, why they matter, and how their charm holds up today - giving your trip more depth, without fluff or hype.

Cliffs of Moher: Ireland's Iconic Sea Cliffs

The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are among Ireland's wildest sights, pulling more than 1.5 million people each year who come to feel that rush of nature's force. Soaring nearly 214 meters at Hag's Head while running 14 kilometers beside the Atlantic Ocean, they took shape across hundreds of millions of years - layer by layer - from ancient sandstone and shale back in the Carboniferous era. Home to Europe's biggest mainland bird community, you'll find puffins digging in during warmer months; dolphins often show up offshore too, seen clearly from lookouts here, turning it into a go-to place for anyone chasing wild encounters

Hiking the marked 700-meter path from the visitor hub brings wide-open views - scenes used in movies such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince along with The Princess Bride. Run by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, a designated UNESCO spot, the center offers hands-on displays about regional rock layers, plant life, myths, plus stories of the Hag of Moher said to have built the cliffs herself. Adults pay roughly €10 to enter while kids under 16 get in without charge; grab tickets ahead through the real website if you want to dodge queues, particularly during busy June-to-August days. Hit early morning or late evening instead - for richer colors across the land and fewer people hanging around. Near Doolin, you'll find shuttle rides that care about nature along with spots where live folk tunes play nightly. The strange limestone stretch of the Burren pulls travelers off track toward ancient burial sites instead of crowded trails. Keeping your phone working out here - where city networks fade - matters more than expected; peek at our eSIM tips for Ireland to stay online across this raw west coast

Travelers get plenty of handy advice: dress in wind-resistant clothes since gusts hit fast, yet take a cruise out of Doolin or Galway to glimpse cliffs up close where seals lounge on secret shelves. Bring a broad lens if you shoot pics - it handles open sea views best - whereas kids enjoy the play area and warm bowls of local fish stew nearby. You'll find a few spots that mix rock formations, wildlife variety, and movie legend quite like this one, so it sticks high on most must-see lists.

Giant's Causeway: UNESCO Geological Wonder

Nestled in County Antrim, Northern Ireland's rugged north, the Giant's Causeway holds roughly 40,000 linked basalt columns - formed by fiery eruptions millions of years back, during Earth's wild reshaping. Created between 50 and 60 million years ago as landmasses pulled apart, these stone shapes lock tightly like puzzle pieces shaped by nature itself. Given UNESCO status in '86, its eerie rows of six-sided rock slabs march down into cold ocean waves, sparking tales of big-footed Finn McCool striding across water to meet his love in faraway Scotland. One of the island's top spots for travelers, it pulls in curious rock lovers along with folks chasing old legends, while tall pillar clusters rise like pipes on a church instrument, forming a stage where wind sings through stone

Start at the National Trust's prize-winning info hub - screens there show how cooled lava formed neat basalt columns packed with crystals. Most folks can walk the main 1km trail, which heads straight to big rock shapes called the Giant's Boot and Wishing Chair, yet those after more adventure try the steeper Shepherd's Path for a better outlook. Ride the old-style Giant's Causeway Train from Bushmills to add fun - it rumbles past green valleys - or keep going toward the wild Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a shaky crossing 20 meters long, hanging 30 meters over rough sea waves. Go during shoulder times such as May or September for nicer weather plus smaller groups; always wear tough grippy shoes when walking on slick basalt

Beyond the rocks, this spot's packed with stories - Dunluce Castle clings to cliff edges close by, whispering about wild banquets and raging gales. Instead of just sightseeing, try a visit to Bushmills Distillery, making whiskey legally since 1608, great for sample rounds. If you're traveling with kids, guided walks led by rangers uncover buried fossils, showing why scientists from Northern Ireland's Geological Survey keep coming back.

Ring of Kerry: Scenic Coastal Drive

Stretching 179 km across the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, the Ring of Kerry offers a classic Irish drive, surrounded by the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, shimmering lakes, or sandy shores. This well-known route - one of the top things to experience in Ireland - passes old stone huts from centuries back, 1700s farmhouses with straw roofs, alongside carved Ogham rocks telling tales of early Gaelic script, linking travelers to over five millennia of native history. Ladies View, once admired by Queen Victoria's attendants, along with Moll's Gap and its wild purple moorlands, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with legendary roads such as California's coastal highway

Fling yourself out of bustling Killirney - the front door to wild national park scenes - and roll westward fast before crowds arrive. Hit Torc Falls next; twenty meters of roaring water drop past ancient oak trees, great for quick walks into green silence. Slide toward Rossbeigh Shore where sandhills meet mountain backsides - views stretch up to Ireland's tallest skyline. Riders grab the nearby Kerry Path instead - a two-hundred-klick journey across days if you're hungry for dirt and sky. Food hunters veer off toward Staigue's old stone fortress from Iron Times, then chase it with salty bites near Portmagee's docks. Plan half a day at least, maybe more; sleep in Kenmare or Windy City when fiddles start late-night tunes

Start with basics - grab a car plus GPS to find hidden lookouts, toss in waterproofs 'cause storms pop up fast, then aim for Coomeenole by dusk where waves blend into sky. The path backs eco-travel through Fáilte Ireland's work, guarding bog areas while boosting hometown makers.

Guinness Storehouse: Dublin's Beer Heritage

Since 1759 at St. James's Gate in Dublin, the Guinness Storehouse tells the story of the dark beer that shaped Irish culture - think Arthur Guinness locking down a wild 9,000-year lease before turning it into a worldwide hit. Spread across seven floors, this hotspot pulls in 1.7 million visitors each year, making it Ireland's go-to destination. Inside, you'll explore how stout is made using shiny copper tanks and hands-on hop activities - one reason it stands out among things to see in Ireland. At the very top, the Gravity Bar serves up sweeping skyline views along with your free pint, carefully poured by STOUTie experts

Exhibits cover Guinness's inventions - think nitrogen widgets - and its role during wars, supported by 1.1 million records from their archive. Go for a horse-drawn ride in nearby Phoenix Park, where you'll find the continent's biggest wild deer group and the president's house, Áras an Uachtaráin. The Pint of History area keeps kids hooked with fun cartoons; meanwhile, serious beer fans grab spots in expert-led sessions. Entry begins at €22, but it costs less if you buy tickets online ahead

Head over to the Teeling Whiskey Distillery if you want a different vibe, otherwise check out the street art in the Liberties area. Shahzeb Shaikh, who started SimCorner, says it like this: "Guinness brings people together across ages with a pint in hand - same way understanding local culture, maybe through an easy-to-use eSIM, adds depth to any trip."

Trinity College and Book of Kells: Ancient Manuscripts

Trinity College Dublin looks after the Book of Kells - a dazzling 9th-century manuscript made by Irish monks first on Iona, later at Kells - featuring tight swirls, creatures, and Bible passages painted bright using rare colors like lapis and orpiment. It sits in the dreamy Long Room - the continent's biggest old library holding 200k historic books - and pulls around a million visitors who see it as proof of Ireland's deep learning amid Viking raids. The school's scholars point out how its four Gospels mix Christian faith with older nature-inspired designs

As Carmel McCaffrey observes:

"Today the Book of Kells is housed in Trinity College, Dublin, where it is displayed to tourists in its own interpretive center at the university."
- In Search of Ancient Ireland: The Origins of the Irish from Neolithic Times to the Coming of the English (1994)

The display follows the book's path through battles, even showing its return in 1953 from Kells Abbey - detailed page views up close. Walk across the stone paths near the tower and see a copy of Ireland's earliest known harp, linked to Brian Boru. Just beyond, street musicians on Grafton Street mix with old-style town squares, adding energy to a city that shaped writers such as Yeats and Beckett. Tickets cost between €18 and €25; go with an audio tour for extra insight

Check out the Trinity Centre's bioengineering chats if you're keen on learning more. This place? Totally worth seeing when it comes to Ireland's smart legacy.

Killarney National Park: Lakes and Wildlife

Stretching across 10,000 hectares in County Kerry, Killarney National Park holds three big lakes, old yew forests that existed before Christian times, also home to Ireland's only free-roaming red deer - living here since glaciers melted. Overlooking Lough Leane, the tower of Ross Castle from the 1400s gives sweeping sights, while kayakers paddle past otters and bright kingfishers, making it one top spot in Ireland for nature-based fun. It earned UNESCO Biosphere recognition thanks to rich wildlife, like uncommon Kerry slugs plus delicate native orchids

Cycle through the park stretch of the Ring of Kerry, while hiking trails in Black Valley lead past waterfalls and wild purple heather. At Muckross House, wander Victorian-era gardens near the old abbey where local artisans show off weaving skills. Instead of walking, hop on a jaunting car ride to reach ancient holy wells; nearby, paths around Torc Waterfall cut through lush greenery like a mini rainforest adventure. Getting in costs nothing, though guided trips run about €15 if you want one

Check out peregrine falcons using the park's app - then grab a snack of wild berries at local cafés. This place captures the raw side of Ireland's travel gems.

Aran Islands: Gaeltacht Culture Immersion

Off Galway Bay lie the Aran Islands - Inishmore (14km²), then Inishmaan, followed by Inishheer - where locals still speak Irish among dry-stone walls and traditional boats called curraghs. Over on Inishmore stands Dún Aonghasa, an ancient fort about 4,000 years old, clinging to cliffs that plunge 100 meters down into the sea, giving wild views across the Atlantic plus perfect lines for solstice sunrises. Life here moves with rhythm: you'll find ceilidh music kicking up dust in halls, hand-knitted sweaters made slow and strong, while nearby the so-called Worm Hole cuts into rock like nature's own endless swimming hole

Ferries leave Rossaveal - about 50 minutes - or hop a flight from Inverin instead; grab a bike to explore Kilmurvey Beach along with the old stone circles called Na Seacht Teampaill. Stay overnight if you want lively pubs where people chat in Irish without hesitation. A return ticket runs around €30. Folks here often tell tales linking seals to mysterious selkie legends

Diving into the Sound uncovers old ships - this deep experience shapes real things to do in Ireland.

Dublin Castles and Kilmainham Gaol: Revolutionary History

Dublin Castle started as a Norman fort back in 1204, later becoming where Ireland's independence rule began - lasting till 1922 - with fancy Waterford chandeliers lighting up its State Rooms. Over at the Chester Beatty Library, old Asian writings stand strong beside the famous Book of Kells. Inside Kilmainham Gaol, prison walls still hold whispers of Easter Rising figures' last hours, kept alive by the heritage team running it. Together, they make key stops across Irish history for anyone who loves the past

Tours cost €8 to €12, connecting you to Viking tales in Phoenix Park. On foot tours, you'll spot bullet dents from 1916 - evidence hidden in plain sight

Wild Atlantic Way: Epic Coastal Route

Running from Malin Head in Donegal down to Kinsail in Cork, this route covers about 2,500 km along the coast - launched in 2014 by Fáilte Ireland to spotlight wild west Irish scenery. It's packed with more than 150 key spots worth stopping at, including Slieve League, where cliffs rise a massive 601 meters - the tallest sea-facing drop in Europe. Then there's Bloody Foreland in Donegal, rough and bold, plus the wide-open mires, rocky ridges, and sharp peaks of Connemara's mountain range known as the Twelve Bens. For travelers who love driving adventures, it ranks high among must-see places in Ireland, linking up Gaelic-speaking towns, empty sandy shores, and hotspots for riding waves - all shaping a journey full of grit, wind, and ocean soul

Take your time - drive this route bit by bit, spreading it across days or even weeks, so you don't rush spots like Benbulben in Sligo, that flat-topped hill shaped like a table, famous in Yeats' poems. Instead of hurrying past, pause at places such as Clare Island, where the old fortress of pirate queen Grace O'Malley still stands strong. For unique moments, try paddling near sea stacks around Achill Island; then again, there's something special about walking among ruins on Skellig Michael - a lonely monastery, also a Star Wars filming spot, now protected by UNESCO. Head north and explore flower-covered trails along rugged cliffs in a place known as the Burren. Try the free Wild Atlantic Way app to find hidden coves, active lighthouses, and small-town spots serving fresh food - like salty oysters from Galway Bay or smoky salmon caught in Killary Fjord. Tour on your own: grab a rental car or campervan, stay in snug thatch-roof homes, then share stories by fires lit with turf when night falls

Look up tide times before going to the beach. Use binoculars at Mizen Head for whale spotting - they make distant ones easier to see. Weather shifts fast here - one moment clear, then fog rolls in quickly. Groups like Fáilte Ireland push small-footprint habits to protect nature spots. Kids enjoy hands-on exhibits at info centers along the way. Walkers often hit paths such as the Great Western Greenway for fresh air and views. This journey shows raw bits of Ireland few see, ideal for travelers wanting peace away from crowds.

Blarney Stone: Kissing for Eloquence

Perched high inside Blarney Castle's old tower near Cork, the famous Blarney Stone sits 25 feet above ground - kissing it is said to give you smooth talking skills, so around 500,000 people visit each year just to tilt backward over empty space. Erected in 1446 by leader Cormac Laidir MacCarthy, the rock might've come from King Robert the Bruce after a big fight at Bannockburn in 1314 - or some say it traces back to Jacob's dream stone from ancient tales; whatever its roots, this spot mixes stories and stones like nowhere else in Ireland. While most come for the lip-smacking stunt, many end up more amazed by the sprawling 60-acre grounds, where dangerous plants fill the Poison Garden while mossy cascades flow through the hidden Fern Grotto

Get to the stone using tight winding steps, helped by metal bars and staff - dress comfy since lines get bad in summer. Instead of just rituals, check out the underground dens, old feast rooms, plus the witch's nook with its ancient slab setup. Adults pay twenty bucks, ten for children, cash that covers lush grounds packed with thousands of rhodos and rocky maze trails. Spend a solid few hours here, then grab a beer down the road at Muskerry Arms

Try forest hikes - or watch bird-of-prey shows; care from the local heritage team keeps facts straight. A lively spot that brings Irish legends to life through fun experiences, sending people home talking more, smiling wider.

Rock of Cashel: Medieval Fortress

Standing tall over Tipperary's lush farmland, the Rock of Cashel - called Cashel of the Kings - juts up from a rocky hill, topped with an old stone church from the 1100s, a round tower from the same time, along with Cormac's Chapel that holds faded wall paintings showing Bible stories. Said to have been handed to the Church by King Donal O'Brien around 1101, it was where High King Brian Boru began his rule in 978 and gathered support after Clontarf in 1014, according to Heritage Ireland, turning it into a top pick across Ireland for fans of medieval times. This historic site packs eight centuries of change - from Irish rulers to Norman clerics - all in one striking place

Walk around the old cathedral - burnt back in 1106 - with no roof left, just blackened walls showing. Entry costs €8 for grown-ups who want a closer look at Celtic stone crosses. Check out a copy of the Brian Boru Harp, though the real one's sitting in Trinity College now. Stroll past tombstones tied to Theobald Wolfe Tone's family line while enjoying open views across scattered farmland. Wild blooms pop up in spring, whereas summer brings glowing light events that spice things up. Audio headsets fill gaps with sound-and-image rebuilds of how it once looked. Tag on a trip to Athassel Priory if you're already this way

Excavations run by the Discovery Programme uncover buried traces, showing just how serious their work is. No cost parking along with a small café keeps things handy for families, giving a feel of old church-centered Irish travel spots.

Dingle Peninsula: Gaelic Charm and Blaskets

The Dingle Peninsula in West Kerry stretches out nearly 50 km of real Irish-speaking country. Along Slea Head Drive, tight winding roads lead you to ancient round stone houses called clocháns. Then there's Gallarus Oratory - still standing after all these years - a church made without mortar. From Dunquin, boats head off toward the Blasket Islands, using a small old pier. At one end of this journey stands Mount Brandon, hitting 952 meters; it's known as Ireland's most sacred peak, once climbed by St. Brendan himself. Walking that trail mixes quiet reflection with wild views. Back near town, The Blasket Centre shares stories written by islanders such as Synge and O'Crohan, people from a cut-off life now gone since their evacuation in '53. One quirky highlight? For decades, locals loved Fungie, the friendly dolphin who followed fishing vessels until he disappeared around 2020

Head out on a spin around the coast road, catching sea sights while you go. Check out sandy stretches near Ventry Harbour or climb up to Eask Tower for wide-open scenes. Try the 3-kilometre path to the old stone hut, or hop on a boat ride - around €25 to €40 - to the Blasket Islands and peek into grottos where seals hang out. When night falls, Dingle lights up with music sessions full of bagpipe tunes. Grab a bowl of fish stew that's worth every bite at Out of the Blue café. Spend the whole day here, using lively Dingle as your base - it's painted bright and packs more than fifty spots to grab a drink

Eco-trips follow whale movements - meanwhile, the region's Irish-speaking label keeps local signs alive along with traditional music. Great for biking thanks to the Dingle Path, this area gives a real feel of Ireland without the hype.

Derry City Walls: Complete Walled City

Derry-Londonderry holds Europe's best-preserved city walls - about 1.5 km of fortification put up between 1613 and 1618 by the Honourable Irish Society, wrapping around Ireland's final walled town, where the 1689 Great Siege unfolded. The star-patterned defenses feature 24 old cannons; from there, you can spot murals tied to Bloody Sunday in 1972 and civil rights protests, managed today by the Museum of Free Derry. Strolling along the top gives sightlines to the river plus glimpses of Guildhall's colored glass scenes showing local history - one solid reason it stands out among Northern Ireland spots worth visiting when exploring struggle and strength

Free all-year entry gives you app-based sound guides; tackle spots such as Ferry Quay to get your bearings. Hook up with Bogside mural strolls (€10), which follow the story behind Peace Bridge. Fireworks light up summer events on the ramparts; colder months fit better with Tower Museum's displays about the Spanish Armada

Funded by Heritage Lottery money, this spot ties Jacobite tales to today's peace efforts - families love the cannon blasts while visiting. A touching destination in Ireland that draws crowds without fuss.

Belfast Titanic Quarter: Shipbuilding Legacy

Titanic Belfast, a €100m building covered in shiny metal, stands right where the RMS Titanic was launched back in 1912 - on the old Harland & Wolff docks. It pulls you into the story of the ill-fated White Star ocean liner through nine hands-on exhibits. One moment you're learning about weak spots in its build; next, you're hearing personal journeys of hopeful immigrants or how its sibling ship, Olympic, sailed for years. Alongside sits the SS Nomadic - the only remaining White Star support vessel - with guided walks along the harbor edge. Real pieces from Titanic, such as wood panels from its lounge, stand out thanks to careful work by experts at the Titanic Foundation. More than just an Irish tourist stop, it brings back memories of when Belfast's shipyards thrived, employing around 100,000 people

Tickets cost €24.50, or just €10 for children - good for both days. A 90-minute walk-through helps you feel how massive the launch structure really is. Catch a performance of Titanic: The Musical instead, or check out Thompson Dry Dock. When night falls, glowing displays cast ship outlines into the air. Not far off, Crumlin Road Gaol gives a glimpse into Ireland's prison history

Multimedia shares tales from 1,500 people, showing how clever design stood out during tough times. Great pick if you love ships and are checking out things to see in Ireland.

Boyne Valley: Neolithic Megaliths

Bru na Boinne's Newgrange tomb was put together around 3200 BCE - before Stonehenge or the pyramids - and lines up just right when winter solstice hits, letting light stream into its 19-meter vaulted room. Run by OPW and listed by UNESCO, this spot includes Knowth with its 127 carved edge stones plus a bunch of smaller graves at Dowth, showing off Europe's biggest prehistoric setup. Built by early farming folks using some 200,000 tons of material, according to dig findings. Definitely worth checking out if you're into ancient Irish history

Bus trips from the main spot cost 18 euros - keeps crowds down inside; if you're lucky, win a sunrise slot during midsummer. Paths along the river connect spots one after another; videos play how old ceremonies might've looked. Hitting at spring's start feels exciting, kind of electric; the eatery dishes out bread made from heritage grains

Miniatures at the visitor spot show star patterns - this place reveals old mysteries of Irish travel sites.

Stay Connected on Your Irish Adventure with SimCorner

Snap photos at Cliffs, then hit the Ring Road using SimCorner's Ireland eSIM - fire it up fast for 5G navigation, otherwise grab a SIM from SimCorner. Daily data deals work great for drivers; pull up the eSIM how-to, order quickly, and stay online from city bars in Dublin to boat rides near Aran. Adventure starts here, fully charged.

FAQs: Top Things to Do in Ireland

Top activities in Ireland for new visitors - what should you try first?

Start with the Cliffs of Moher if it's your first trip - stunning sights await; then head to Giant's Causeway, where strange rock formations tell ancient tales. Instead of just drinking, dive into Irish culture at the Guinness Storehouse. Take a spin along the Ring of Kerry, or wander through Trinity College in Dublin when you need a break. Mix green landscapes, old stories, and good times - one thing leading to another - and keep online easily using an eSIM.

How can you spend 10 days in Ireland?

Spend time in Dublin - check out castles or the Book of Kells. Head west for the Wild Atlantic Way, think cliffs plus the Aran Islands. Loop through Kerry, hit the Ring and wander around Killarney. Don't skip the north, Giant's Causeway is worth it. Combine walking trips, scenic routes, and cozy pubs along the way. Grab a SimCorner SIM while there so you can post updates on the go.

What's the top moment for activities in Ireland?

Go between May and September if you want nice weather for walking trails or coastal trips. Instead, try spring or late autumn to dodge big groups at top places. When it's cold outside, focus on stuff inside - think galleries or old buildings. Bring clothes you can stack, plus a local data plan so your phone works when skies turn rough.

Ireland's cool spots you can see without paying?

Phoenix Park's free, so's the National Gallery - same goes for spots like Kilkenny Castle. Hiking around Dingle or along the Cliffs? No charge there either. Elsewhere, set aside cash for entrance costs; an Irish eSIM keeps map data cheap without roaming bills.

What's worth checking out in Ireland, away from the crowds?

Check out Connemara National Park, or head to Mitchelstown Caves - both are quiet spots worth seeing. Slieve League's cliffs beat the usual tourist traps by far. Want peace? The old tombs in Boyne Valley deliver it big time. Grab a local SIM while you're there, so maps and apps can guide you off the beaten path.