21 Best Places to Visit in Ireland (A Locals Guide)

I want to start this guide to the best places to visit in Ireland with one important caveat: what’s “Best” is always subjective.

In this guide, you’ll find what I think are the must see places in Ireland.

But, sure, why would you trust me?

• I’ve spent much of the last 35 years travelling around Ireland – these are the places I return to over and over
• I have been directing visitors to these places for 10 years, since starting The Irish Road Trip, and have had nothing but glowing feedback

The best places to visit in Ireland

Although the Giant’s Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher tend to be regarded as the ‘must see places in Ireland’, this is far from a one-or-two-horse island.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from haunted castles and hidden caves to some of the most unique places to go in Ireland.

1. The Inishowen Peninsula (Donegal)

The Inishowen Peninsula is located in the wild and windswept north of County Donegal.

Its biggest accolade is that it’s home to Malin Head – Ireland’s most northerly point, however, there’s plenty to discover on this rugged peninsula.

Visitors can embark on the Inishowen 100 – a thrilling road trip route that covers 100 miles of magnificent beaches, cliffs and historical sites.

If you’re wondering where to go in Ireland, Inishowen delivers not only breathtaking scenery but also locals as warm and welcoming as the landscape is wild.

2. Achill Island (Mayo)

Many of the best places to visit in Ireland, in my opinion, can be found along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way – a 2,500km/1,553mil driving route that starts/ends in Donegal/Cork.

One of the highlights along the route is the glorious Achill Island in County Mayo, around a 40-minute drive from Westport.

The island is connected to mainland via the Michael Davitt Bridge and it boasts over 5,000 years of history.

Some of the highlights include Keem Bay, the Croaghaun Cliffs (Ireland’s highest) and Keel Beach.

3. The Iveragh Peninsula (Kerry)

The Iveragh Peninsula is easily explored on the well-trodden Ring of Kerry Driving Route that starts and ends in Killarney Town.

This peninsula sweeps you into a world of mist-shrouded mountains, winding coastal roads, and timeless valleys over the course of 179km/111mi.

Some of the area’s key attractions include Kenmare Town, the Kerry Cliffs, Muckross Abbey and Torc Waterfall.

The Iveragh Peninsula is one of the top places to visit in Ireland amongst visiting tourists and it’s rare that an adventure here disappoints.

4. Connemara (Galway)

A short drive from Galway City, Connemara unveils wild landscapes of windswept bogs, sparkling lakes, and rugged mountains.

The drive out from the city is a delight, dotted with charming villages like Oughterard and must-see stops like the Quiet Man Bridge.

However, it’s at the latter-end of the drive that you’ll discover some of the best places to visit in Ireland, including:

• Diamond Hill
• Kylemore Abbey
• The Sky Road
• Dog’s Bay

5. The Dingle Peninsula (Kerry)

The Dingle Peninsula vs Ring of Kerry debate is one that rages on amongst many of visitors to Ireland (if you can, visit both!).

The peninsula is arguably best known for two things:

• Dingle Town (a lively harbour town with plenty of pubs and restaurants)
• The Slea Head Drive (a scenic 38km/24mil driving route)

Some of Dingle’s key attractions include the nerve-wrecking Conor Pass and Dun Chaoin Pier – one of the most photographed places to go in Ireland.

6. The Causeway Coast (Antrim)

One of the best places to visit in Ireland if you’re flying into Belfast is the mesmerising Causeway Coastal Route in County Antrim.

Kicking-off in Belfast and finishing in Derry, the Antrim Coast Road is a 185km/115mil scenic driving route that needs to be added to every Ireland itinerary!

This route reveals breathtaking spots—from the legendary Giant’s Causeway and the ruins of Dunluce Castle to the quiet magic of Torr Head, where Scotland peeks through the mist.

While you’d ideally want to be exploring it over several days, you can see the highlights over the course of 1-day.

7. The Beara Peninsula (Cork/Kerry)

If you’re wondering where to visit in Ireland that most tourists tend to miss, carve out some time for the mighty Beara Peninsula.

Straddling the border of Cork and Kerry, Beara is steeped in history, with evidence of human life dating back to 3000 BC and scenery that will imprint itself on your mind.

I’d strongly recommend that all visitors set-off on the Ring of Beara, as it follows a logical route that takes in the best of the peninsula over a 148km/92mil spin.

Some of the highlights include Dursey Island, the Caha Pass, Healy Pass and Allihies – one of the most beautiful towns in Ireland.

8. The Copper Coast (Waterford)

One of the must see places in Ireland for those looking to step-off the beaten track is the outstanding Copper Coast in County Waterford.

The Copper Coast Geopark, named after the vast 19th-century mines that once thrived in the area, offers some of the county’s most breathtaking scenery.

Stretching about 40km along the stunning coastline between Tramore and Dungarvan, it proudly holds the title of Ireland’s only European Geopark.

The route is home to some of the best beaches in Ireland, including Trá na mBó.

9. The Burren (Clare)

Many of the most popular places to see in Ireland are located in what is known as the Burren region in County Clare.

This is a vast, almost moon-like landscape (nope, not the moon—it’s limestone!) stretching across 530 square km/ 200 square miles of breathtaking scenery and historical sites.

While it’s the Cliffs of Moher that puts the Burren on the map, there’s plenty more to discover here, including:

• Doolin
• Kilkee Cliffs
• Doonagore Castle
• The Burren Scenic Drive

10. Belfast City

Belfast City is Northern Ireland’s capital (see the differences between Ireland vs Northern Ireland if you’re confused) and it makes a great destination for a couple of nights.

Arguably best-known for being the birthplace of the Titanic, there are countless things to do in Belfast regardless of what you’re in the mood for.

For fans of history, Belfast Castle, Crumlin Road Goal and the Black Taxi Tours are a must.

If you like to explore on foot, Divis Mountain and Cave Hill both offer breath-taking views of the city.

11. Wicklow Mountains National Park

If you’re wondering where to go in Ireland to explore on foot, the Wicklow Mountains National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that lead through rugged peaks, lush valleys, and serene lakesides.

The jewel in Wicklow’s crown is Glendalough, a glacial valley where history and nature intertwine.

It’s home to a monastic site, which was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, along with countless walking trails.

For those that don’t fancy long strolls, the Sally Gap Drive is a scenic, 26km/16mil route that takes in waterfalls, forest trails and the fabulous Lough Tay.

12. The Aran Islands (Galway)

Galway’s Aran Islands are a trio of rugged gems scattered across the Atlantic, where ancient stone forts cling to windswept cliffs, and traditions thrive.

There are three islands, each of which can be reached by ferry:

• Inis Mór (the largest – home to Dun Aonghasa fort)
• Inis Oírr (the smallest – the Plassey shipwreck is a key landmark)
• Inis Meáin (the middle island – a favourite of poet John Millington Synge)

13. The Boyne Valley (Meath/Louth)

One of the most overlooked places to see in Ireland is the Boyne Valley, a land rich in ancient history with Neolithic tombs, mysterious stone circles, and legendary battle sites.

Spanning counties Meath and Louth, the Boyne Valley immerses you in 5,000 years of history, and is home a plethora of ancient sites.

Some of the top places to visit in Ireland in the area include:

• Newgrange (5,200-year-old passage tomb)
• The Hill of Tara (ancient seat of Ireland’s High Kings)
• Loughcrew (Neolithic cairns with magnificent views)
• Trim Castle (one of the most impressive Irish castles)

14. Dublin

Dublin is Ireland’s capital and it is the most visited of the many cities in Ireland.

This a place that has something for everyone: on one hand, the city brims with cultural and historical treasures, from majestic Trinity College to the centuries-old Kilmainham Gaol.

Then there’s the coast, where charming seaside villages like Howth and Killiney treat you to a completely different side to the county.

Dublin is expensive, there’s no doubt about it—but if you’re wondering where to go in Ireland that’s (1) packed with endless things to see and do, and (2) easily accessible by both plane and ferry, look no further.

15. The Doolough Valley (Mayo/Galway)

The 30.5km/19mil drive between Leenane and Louisburgh is nothing short of enchanting, offering one of Ireland’s most breathtaking routes.

Whether you begin in Leenane, nestled in County Galway, or in Mayo’s charming Louisburgh, the journey through The Doolough Valley feels like a passage into a part of Ireland that time forgot.

You’ll drive towards towering mountains that cradle the valley and alongside the shimmering, inky-black waters of Killary Fjord.

This is one of the best places to visit in Ireland for wild, rugged and unspoiled scenery.

16. The Loop Head Peninsula (Clare)

If you’re wondering where to go in Ireland to escape the crowds, head for the magnificent cliffs near Loop Head Lighthouse.

I’ve been 5 or 6 times and it’s rare that you’ll ever meet more than a handful of people. And that’s what makes them that little bit more special. 

Head for the lighthouse car park – there’s an-often-muddy trail that leads towards the cliffs (listen out for the waves).

If you walk left, you’ll see a massive sea stack. If you walk right, you’ll encounter breath-taking cliff views towards Kilkee.

17. Sligo

Sligo is one of the top places to visit in Ireland for those fond of the outdoors.

This wind-swept county offers a magical mix of mountains, lakes, and beaches, all wrapped in a landscape that inspired the poet W.B. Yeats.

While the county is best-known for the table-top Benbulben Mountain, some of its highlights include:

• The Lake Isle of Innisfree
• Classiebawn Castle
• Gleniff Horseshoe
• Caves of Keash

18. West Cork

West Cork, with its wild landscapes, has long been a muse for artists, writers, and dreamers drawn to its untamed beauty.

This region captivates visitors with its blend of rugged coastlines, rolling farmland, and quaint seaside villages, each revealing a unique charm.

The region is home to one of the most popular places to see in Ireland – Mizen Head, the island’s most southerly point.

Visitors can also explore the ancient Gougane Barra, take the cable car to Dursey Island and enjoy towns and villages like Kinsale and Glengarriff.

19. Kilkenny

While Kilkenny City and the famous Kilkenny Castle are well-known amongst visiting tourists, the wider county is often overlooked.

Yet, it’s beyond the bustling city that Kilkenny unfolds with charming villages, ancient monastic sites, and lush countryside.

The county is dotted with many of Ireland’s hidden gems like Kells Priory, Jerpoint Abbey, and the picturesque River Nore Valley.

Kilkenny is also home to one of the more interesting places to see in Ireland, Dunmore Cave – a place once described as ‘the darkest place in Ireland’.

20. The Skellig Ring

The Skellig Ring in Kerry is one of my favourite places to visit in Ireland, and it’s probably the place that I’ve most visited in this guide.

Beginning just outside Waterville, this 50km/31mil route winds along the coast through Ballinskelligs, Portmagee, and onward to Valentia Island.

It takes you up to Coomanaspig Pass (one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes) and past the Kerry Cliffs, offering views of the Skellig Islands on the horizon. 

Although it can be visited as an extension to the Ring of Kerry, many visitors tend to overlook it, which makes it all the more special.

21. Tipperary

In the heart of Ireland, County Tipperary invites travellers to journey through a tapestry of rich history and natural beauty.

Here, ancient landmarks like the iconic Rock of Cashel and the formidable Cahir Castle rise dramatically from the landscape, echoing centuries of myth and legend.

For those seeking serenity, the Glen of Aherlow offers sweeping views and peaceful walks through the Galtee Mountains, while the Brú Ború Cultural Centre celebrates the country’s traditional music and folklore.

Many planning a trip to Ireland see Tipperary as a quick stopover, but those who linger discover a captivating part of Ireland that’s not to be missed.

Now you know where to visit in Ireland, it’s time to start planning

Deciding where to visit in Ireland is often the trickiest part of planning your trip (aside from deciding when to visit Ireland, that is!).

If you have a trip coming up, make sure to visit my Irish Road Trip hub – it’s home to the world’s largest collection of Ireland itineraries!

If you’re still struggling to decide where to go in Ireland, ask away in the comments below!