50+ Best Things to do in Ireland (Irishman’s Guide)

This is a collection of the best things to do in Ireland based on my 36+ years spent travelling around our little island, from childhood holidays in Kerry to decades of adventures while building The Irish Road Trip.

These are places, like the Skellig Ring, that I’ve visited many times and that I find myself returning to over and over again.

Scroll to discover what to do in Ireland at any time of year, from the Ring of Kerry and the Antrim Coast to Connemara, Wicklow and everywhere in between.

The best things to do in Ireland

Trying to decide what to do in Ireland can be a struggle, especially when you are presented with hundreds of worthy options.

The map above will give you a sense of the spots that you must see in Ireland. I’ll take you through them below!

What to do in Ireland’s west and south

To make this guide easier to browse, I’m going to split it up into 2 sections:

• Section 1: The best things to do in Ireland’s west and south (e.g. Kerry and Mayo)
• Section 2: What to do in Ireland’s north and east (e.g. Dublin and Antrim)

1. Drive the Ring of Kerry route

The mighty Ring of Kerry starts and finishes in the town of Killarney on the Wild Atlantic Way. Best tackled over at least one day, this 179km long (111 miles) route takes in areas of immense natural beauty.

It’s one of the top things to do in Ireland thanks to the sheer volume of attractions packed into the route, from towering viewpoints and hidden beaches to historic estates and lively towns.

You’ll explore Killarney National Park, watch the water ‘plop’ at Torc Waterfall, tackle the bendy Moll’s Gap, saunter along Derrynane Beach and gaze out at Ladies View.

I’ve driven the route 14 times since getting my licence in 2009, and every single visit still delivers moments of magic, just like that first one.

Related read: Check out my guide to 42 of the best things to do in Kerry in 2026

2. Marvel at Mizen Head

Mizen Head sits at the very tip of West Cork, where sheer cliffs, a dramatic concrete bridge and a historic signal station make this one of the most impressive places to visit in Ireland!

The visitor centre covers everything from shipwrecks to lighthouse history, before a steep path leads you towards the viewpoints, the bridge and the roaring Atlantic below.

Expect big winds, bigger waves and a setting that feels as remote as anywhere in Cork. A quick warning: it can be so wild here that a summer’s day often feels like winter. I’ve had visits in July that could pass for January, so dress appropriately.

3. Brave the bends of the Ring of Beara

If you’re looking for some top things to do in Ireland that takes you away from the crowds, slap the Beara Peninsula on your to-visit list and head off on your merry way.

Part of the Beara Peninsula stretches into Kerry, while the rest lies in Cork, and it’s best explored on the 148km/92 mile Ring of Beara drive.

This place boasts bucketloads of scenery around every (often narrow!) twist and turn and some gorgeous towns and villages, like Eyeries, Allihies and the very bendy Healy Pass.

I’d strongly recommend spending a night here, if your Ireland itinerary allows. One of my fondest Irish Road Trip memories is of a summer’s evening spent tucked away in O’Shea’s Bar in Eyeries with my aul lad, sipping pints and looking back at photos from our day on Beara.

Related read: Check out my guide to 44 of the best things to do in Cork in 2026

4. Visit the Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher rise up to 702 feet along a 13km stretch of coastline between Doolin and Liscannor and they are one of the top things to do in Ireland, with 1.5 million visitors each year.

Formed more than 300 million years ago, the cliffs run from Hag’s Head to O’Brien’s Tower – a 19th-century lookout that marks the highest point and offers views out to the Aran Islands and Galway Bay.

Personally, I think the best way to see them is to arrive at sunset when the tour buses have departed and the cliffs are at their most impressive.

5. Discover Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula

The Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal is one of the most magnificent corners of the island.

Long, sweeping beaches, towering mountains and (plenty!) of hidden gems are found dotted along a route known as the Inishowen 100.

This 100 mile/161 km scenic route takes in many of Donegal’s top attractions, including Malin Head, Mamore Gap and Five Finger Strand.

However, Inishowen offers more than just stunning scenery – like many, my favourite thing about it is the people. Here, you’ll experience the true essence of an ‘Irish welcome.’

6. Enjoy Ireland’s best view from Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick is one of the best hikes in Ireland. This is a tough 7km climb that rises to 764m (2,507 feet).

The trail is steep from the outset, but the recently added stone steps near the summit have transformed the final ascent, which used to feel like climbing a scree slope made of marbles.

On a clear day, the view over Clew Bay, with its 365 islands, is one of the best in the country. The mountain’s history runs deep: this is where St Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD, and the pilgrimage tradition continues today, with thousands climbing on Reek Sunday each July.

Whenever I do this hike, I stay in Westport Town as the reward for the tough climb is an evening spent rambling around the town’s lively pubs (Matt Molloy’s is hard to beat!).

7. Drive or cycle your way around Achill Island

A day spent on Achill Island is another one of the best things to do in Ireland, in my opinion.

Now, one of the beauties of this island is that you can drive onto it and follow the Atlantic Drive (I’ve created the map above for you to follow!) or you can cycle onto it via the brilliant Great Western Greenway.

When you arrive, you’ve everywhere from Keem Bay and the highest sea cliffs in Ireland (Croaghaun – 2,257 feet/687 meters) to Minaun Heights, Keel Beach and plenty more to see.

Related Read: Check out my guide to 33 of the best things to do in Mayo in 2026

8. See the Slieve League Cliffs

I’ve visited the Slieve League Cliffs 6 times over the last 15 years, and it wasn’t until my 2025 visit that I finally saw them without a blanket of cloud.

Standing at 601 metres (1,972 feet), they’re almost three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher and remain one of Donegal’s most impressive natural landmarks.

Access depends on the time of year: in peak season you’ll park at the visitor centre and take the shuttle or walk the steep road to the upper viewing point; in the off-season, you can usually drive up yourself and park beside the main viewpoint.

9. See Sligo’s rugged scenery at the Gleniff Horseshoe

The Gleniff Horseshoe is a 10km loop in north Sligo that you can either drive in 30 minutes or walk in around 3 hours.

Set in a glacial valley beneath the Dartry Mountains, it delivers big scenery with very little effort – sheer cliffs, sweeping views of Donegal Bay, and the dark mouth of Diarmuid and Gráinne’s Cave hanging high above the valley floor.

One of the reasons I love this corner of Sligo is that it feels a bit like waking up in an abandoned Ireland – even in peak season it stays quiet, the scenery is raw and untouched, and the cave looms overhead as if it’s keeping an eye on you.

Nearby, you have the likes of Classiebawn Castle, Drumcliff Church (home to Yeats’s grave), the flat-topped Benbulben mountain, and Knocknarea, crowned by Queen Medbh’s grave.

Related Read: Check out my guide to 36 of the best things to do in Sligo in 2026

10. Wander through the rugged Gap of Dunloe

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Ireland, follow the tourist trail and head for Killarney and the famous Gap of Dunloe.

The Gap is a glacial mountain pass between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain, carved out over 25,000 years ago. The route runs for 10km from Kate Kearney’s Cottage into the Black Valley, passing five lakes linked by the River Loe.

You can walk it (short 2km version or full 10km), cycle it, or take a jaunting car and boat combo that returns to Killarney via the Lakes. Having done all three, I’d recommend the boat option as the walk can take a good 4 hours!

11. Tackle the Slea Head Drive

Many of the most famous things to see in Ireland are dotted along the Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula – a 38km scenic loop.

This coastal route packs in big scenery in a short distance: cliff-backed beaches, views of the Blasket Islands, ancient sites, and some of the finest stretches of road in Kerry.

Starting and finishing in Dingle, it’s best driven clockwise, and although you can complete the loop in under an hour, it deserves at least half a day.

Any time I set out to do this drive, I try and stay at least a night in Dingle Town – there’s great restaurants (like FishBox), while some of the pubs in Dingle, like Foxy John’s, will make leaving the town a struggle!

12. Sample pristine sands at Malin Beg Beach

Not all beaches in Ireland are equal, and Malin Beg in Donegal proves it. Tucked at the tip of the Slieve League Peninsula, this horseshoe-shaped bay is reached by 174 steep steps and feels wild, remote and untouched.

The views from the car park alone are worth the spin, but dropping down to the sand gives you towering cliffs on all sides and water so clear it attracts scuba divers.

It’s a brilliant detour after visiting Slieve League or Glencolmcille, but keep in mind there are no lifeguards and the climb back up is steep!

13. Take the ferry to the Aran Islands

Set at the mouth of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands are a trio of rugged islands where the landscape is unspoiled and Irish tradition thrives.

The islands are easily accessible by ferry from Doolin, Rossaveal, or Galway City, or via plane from Galway.

There are three islands (in my opinion, first time visitors should visit Inis Mor):

• Inis Mor (largest island): Home to the prehistoric Dún Aonghasa fort and the Wormhole
• Inis Oirr (smallest island): Boasts Trá Inis Oírr, one of Ireland’s best beaches, O’Brien’s Castle and the Plassey shipwreck
• Inis Meain (middle island): Home to Dún Chonchúir fort, Synge’s Chair and the Dún Fearbhaí trail

14. Take the desolate drive through the Doolough Valley

The Leenaun to Louisburgh Drive is my dad’s favourite spin in Ireland, but it wasn’t until we did it together in 2014 that I understood why.

This 30.5km stretch runs between Leenaun in Galway and Louisburgh in Mayo, cutting straight through the Doolough Valley.

It only takes around 35 minutes without stops, but it lands harder than drives 10 times the length. The atmosphere here is hard to put a finger on.

Even when the valley is empty, you feel anything but alone – the mountains have a watchful presence, and the silence carries a weight of its own. When you remember that this is the same route walked during the 1849 Doolough Tragedy, that feeling sharpens.

Related read: Check out my guide to 41 of the best things to do in Galway in 2026

15. Follow my Connemara road trip

If you’re trying to figure out what to do in Ireland over a weekend, my Connemara road trip, mapped out above, rarely disappoints.

I’ve been doing some version of this spin for years, and it never gets old. Connemara sits in the western half of County Galway, stretching from the edges of Galway City out to the Atlantic.

It’s arguably best known for the fairy-tale-like Kylemore Abbey, which was built in 1868, but there’s plenty more to see and do here.

Spend a sunny morning exploring Connemara National Park on foot or saunter along one of the many beaches in Connemara, like Dog’s Bay.

Or you can kick-back in Clifden, spin along the Sky Road or set off on one of the many hikes in Connemara, like Diamond Hill.

16. Find some of Ireland’s finest scenery on Valentia Island

There’s some gorgeous Irish islands and the spectacular Valentia Island in County Kerry is one of the most rewarding to explore.

Rugged cliffs and historic landmarks like the Skellig Experience Centre and the site of the first transatlantic cable station await!

My favourite corner of the Island, which you can drive onto, is Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs. You can drive right the way up to the viewing point and, if you’re in search of things to see in Ireland that’ll paint themselves upon memory forever more, few places compare.

17. Explore the often-missed North Mayo coast

The North Mayo coastline boasts dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches, and, above all, a profound sense of peace and tranquility.

This remote corner of Ireland remains well off the typical tourist trail, meaning many visitors never venture this far.

Here, you’ll discover the towering Dun Briste sea stack, the ancient Ceide Fields, the rugged beauty of the Mullet Peninsula, and so much more.

If you’re mapping out what to do in Ireland that’ll take you away from the crowds, this corner of Ireland rarely fails to delight.

18. See caves, tombs and coast in the Burren National Park

The Burren National Park in Clare covers an area of around 1,500 hectares while the wider Burren region boasts 200 sq km and includes everywhere from the Aran Islands to Father Ted’s House.

Although it’s one of the best things to see in Ireland, many people visit and leave underwhelmed, as they visit without a good plan of action.

In October of 2025, I spent 2 days following the Burren Scenic Drive road trip that I mapped out for you above. Doolin makes a lively base for a weekend and you can visit the likes of Doonagore Castle, Doolin Cave, Poulnabrone Dolmen and the Aillwee Caves during your trip.

19. Step inside the prehistoric Caves of Keash

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Ireland, carve out some time to see the Caves of Keash in Sligo – these are a series of 17 ancient caves on the western side of Keshcorran Hill.

Archaeological digs found Ice Age animal bones (brown bear, arctic lemming, wolf) and human remains dating from the Early Iron Age and Early Medieval periods, making the site older than the Pyramids.

While the walk here is short, it’s steep – we visited in 2025 and from the car park near the trailhead it took 25 minutes. From the first few caves, the views across rural Sligo are superb, but exploring beyond them isn’t recommended due to difficult access.

20. Saunter around Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey sits deep in Connemara, right on Pollacapall Lough, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Ireland for good reason.

Built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry as a gift for his wife, the castle later became a Benedictine monastery in 1920 when nuns fled war-torn Belgium.

A visit can take anywhere from 1 hour (just the abbey) to 2.5 hours if you include the gardens, neo-Gothic church, mausoleum, walks and viewpoints.

A tip: If you’re stuck for time, you can admire the abbey from afar from the car park

21. Soak up the views at the Kerry Cliffs

One of my favourite places to visit in Ireland is the Skellig Ring – a worthy detour for every Ring of Kerry itinerary!

One of its stand-out attractions is the Kerry Cliffs, which rise over 1,000 feet above the Atlantic.

Formed around 400 million years ago, they offer enormous cliff faces, shifting rock colours, and clear views of the Skellig Islands.

Although there are many viewpoints, I always find the scenery you’re treated to from the southern section is the most impressive!

22. Hike around glorious Gougane Barra

Gougane Barra sits on 137 acres at the edge of the Sheehy Mountains in West Cork, around 54 minutes from Kenmare and close to the Beara Peninsula.

It’s famous for its wild scenery, deep valleys, thick forest, and its link to St. Finbarr, the Patron Saint of Cork. He built his original monastery here, and the ruins still sit beside the 19th-century stone oratory on the lake – one of the most photographed spots in Ireland.

The forest park has five marked trails ranging from easy 30-minute loops to tougher hikes that climb into the mountains with views over the Coomroe Valley.

23. Take a trip to Dursey Island and Bull Rock

 The far end of the Beara Peninsula is as wild and remote as Ireland gets, and two of its most unique attractions, Dursey Island and Bull Rock, sit just off its western tip.

Dursey is reached by Ireland’s only cable car, a 250-metre-high crossing built in 1969 to avoid the violent tidal currents of Dursey Sound.

The island itself is 6.5km long, sparsely populated, and completely free of shops or pubs. A short distance offshore rises Bull Rock, a craggy sea stack that looks like something from Pirates of the Caribbean.

Having done both, I enjoyed the boat trip out around Bull Rock more. Zipping beneath the island is as memorable as it gets!

24. Embark on the Sheep’s Head Drive

The Sheep’s Head Peninsula is one of the must sees in Ireland for those looking to step off the beaten path.

The scenic drive here is a 70km looped drive that hugs the coast from start to finish and that takes in endless coastal views.

If you can, try and stay near the peninsula and get in some walking. There are heaps of trails here to explore.

25. Do the Dingle Peninsula Loop

Kerry’s Dingle Peninsula is one of the more popular places to visit in Ireland (and yes, it’s here that you’ll find Conor Pass – one of the highest mountain passes in the country!).

The Dingle Peninsula Drive starts at Inch Beach and follows the coast right the way around the entire peninsula, taking in the likes of the Maharees, which many tend to miss.

This scenic route takes you past dramatic coastal views, the windswept Blasket Islands, the iconic Dunquin Pier, and the golden sands of Coumeenoole Beach, with glimpses of the Skellig Islands adding to the magic.

26. See the often-missed Loop Head

A visit to the Loop Head Peninsula is one of the best things to do in Ireland, and it’s a section of the Wild Atlantic Way that I find myself returning to each year.

The wider peninsula boasts worthy stops like the Bridges of Ross and the Kilkee Cliffs, but Loop Head Lighthouse is the main attraction. 

You can climb the tower, wander the keeper’s cottage and then follow the path out to the sea stack, the old wartime ÉIRE sign and the Cliffs of Campoy.

Just keep in mind that the trails here get extremely muddy, so a good pair of walking shoes are essential.

27. Stroll the colourful streets of Kinsale

There are plenty of charming small towns in Ireland, each offering its own unique vibe. For those sticking to the tourist trail, well-known spots like Doolin, Cong, Westport, and Kinsale are likely already on your list.

Kinsale, in particular, is steeped in history, with its colourful streets and landmarks like Charles Fort, telling stories of Ireland’s maritime past (I’ve prepared an itinerary map above for you).

But if you’re eager to explore smaller, less-traveled gems, consider Union Hall in Cork, Killaloe in Clare, or Dunmore East in Waterford.

28. Sail out to Skellig Michael

One of the more sought after things to do in Ireland is to take the boat out to Skellig Michael, a towering island off Kerry, home to a 6th-century monastic settlement and some of the most dramatic scenery in Ireland.

You can only reach it on a licensed boat tour from May to early October, and sailings are frequently cancelled due to weather (I was due to visit in August 2024 but stormy weather rolled in and it was canceled the night before).

Skellig Michael was first recorded around 1400 BC, became a monastic site in the 8th century, rises 218 metres (715 feet) above the Atlantic, and is one of just two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Republic of Ireland.

29. See Yeats Country’s famous Glencar Waterfall

Glencar Waterfall sits in a lush, sheltered valley between Leitrim and Sligo, a 5-minute stroll from the car park.

The falls rise around 15 metres, and while they aren’t Ireland’s biggest, they’re famously atmospheric – WB Yeats even referenced them in The Stolen Child.

You’ll also find the Devil’s Chimney a short spin away, but note that it only runs after heavy rain.

30. Hit the trails in Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park was created in 1984 from the former Glenveagh Estate, a vast 19th-century hunting retreat built by John George Adair.

It covers almost 170 square kilometres, making it Ireland’s second-largest national park, and it’s home to Lough Veagh, Glenveagh Castle (completed in 1873), and one of Ireland’s healthiest red deer herds.

If you don’t fancy the ramble, don’t worry – I was here with friends last year and we rented bikes in the car park. Spinning around the park at ease and soaking up the scenery was one of my favourite things to do in Ireland in recent years.

31. Spend a day in Killarney National Park

You don’t have to stay in Killarney and drive the Ring of Kerry – you can just as easily spend a day in Killarney National Park.

It became Ireland’s first national park in 1932 following the donation of the 11,000-acre Muckross Estate to the State.

But the area’s story stretches back millennia – people have lived around the lakes since the Bronze Age, and by the medieval period the shoreline was dotted with monastic settlements and strongholds like Innisfallen Abbey, Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle.

In November 2025, a group of us took an early train to Killarney, spent the day walking around the park and the evening mooching around Killarney’s pubs – a great way to spend a Saturday!

32. Enjoy outstanding views from Galway’s Diamond Hill

One of the best things to see in Ireland is the view from the top of Connemara’s Diamond Hill on a fine day.

Diamond Hill sits within Connemara National Park, a landscape shaped by glaciers over 10,000 years ago and dominated by the rugged quartzite peaks of the Twelve Bens.

The two trails up Diamond Hill are well-marked looped routes, with the Upper Trail following a narrow ridge to the 445-metre summit. 

Having done both, I’d recommend the Upper Trail if your fitness allows – it’s from the summit that you’ll enjoy the view above.

The best places to visit in Ireland’s north and east

The second section of my guide on what to do in Ireland looks at the spectacular north and east of the country.

While many visitors tend to explore parts of both (e.g. Dublin and Belfast), many fail to venture further afield.

33. Drive Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route

The Causeway Coastal Route runs for 185km between Belfast and Derry, tracing the edge of the nine Glens of Antrim and weaving through some of the most dramatic coastline on the island.

Along the way you’ll hit heavy-hitters like the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, the Giant’s Causeway and the Old Bushmills Distillery, but the real magic is in the variety packed so tightly together – cliff-top walks, forest parks, sea stacks, quiet bays and villages carved into the foot of the Glens.

I’ve driven the Antrim Coast 9 times over the years – you can do it in a day (albeit a busy one) or you can spread it over several, stopping the night in one of the coastal towns.

Related Read: Check out my guide to 36 of the best things to do in Antrim in 2026

34. Conquer the Coumshingaun Lough hike

If you’re wondering what to do in Ireland that’ll get heart-rate boppin’, head to Coumshingaun Lough in Waterford.

Although it’s no Carrauntoohil (Ireland’s highest mountain) I found this hike to be extremely taxing, with a near verticle incline from around 20 minutes in.

However, once you reach the 1/2 point of this 3-4-hour hike, the scenery that unfolds before you is out of this world. This is a must do in Ireland but only if you prepare adequately.

35. Set off on the Sally Gap Drive

One of the most rewarding day trips from Dublin can be found in County Wicklow – I’m talking, of course, about the Sally Gap Drive.

This is a short 26km/16-mile loop through the high spine of the Wicklow Mountains, linking blanket bog, corrie lakes, a 121-metre waterfall and some of the most open, desolate scenery near Dublin.

Built in the early 1800s as part of the Old Military Road, the Sally Gap is dotted with mighty scenery and stops like Guinness Lake, Glenmacnass Waterfall and the Ballinastoe Woods Walk.

The route that I mapped out for you above is the one I follow any time I do the drive – take careful note of the turn-off as it’s easy to miss!

36. Step back in time at Newgrange

Dedicating adequate time to exploring the Boyne Valley is one of the best things to do in Ireland.

From the imposing Trim Castle and historic Slane Castle to the ancient Hill of Tara, the mystical Loughcrew Cairns, and the scenic Cooley Peninsula, this region is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty.

However, one landmark reigns supreme – Brú na Bóinne, with its iconic Newgrange and Knowth.  Newgrange is one of Europe’s most important prehistoric monuments – a 5,200-year-old passage tomb.

I’d strongly suggest booking the tour here as far in advance as you can – on my most recent visit in 2025, we booked a Saturday visit 1 month prior.

Related read: Check out my guide to 27 of the best things to do in Meath in 2026

37. See the best of Dublin

Many first time visitors trying to decide what to do in Ireland debate giving Dublin a miss, opting to head straight for the west.

However, it’s well worth dedicating a day or two to the capital. There are some great things to do in Dublin, including:

• Historical sites: Trinity College, the Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol, Christ Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Walks: The Howth Cliff Walk and the Ticknock Hike are some of the finest walks in Dublin
• Culture: There are some outstanding galleries and museums in Dublin, including the National History Museum
• Itineraries: Here’s how to spend one day in Dublin and 2 days in Dublin

38. Uncover stories old and new in Belfast

I avoided visiting Belfast until my mid-20s, part out of weariness from things I’d read and heard. However, when I eventually visited, I knew it’d be the first trip of many.

Northern Ireland’s capital (see my guide on the differences between Ireland and Northern Ireland) is a treasure trove of history, culture and great pubs and restaurants.

If you’re visiting, one of the best things to do in Belfast is the brilliant Black Taxi Tour, that immerses you in the history of the city and its turbulent past.

Spend evenings in the Cathedral Quarter, mornings up Cave Hill or choose between countless day trips from Belfast that require very little driving.

39. Spin along Waterford’s Copper Coast

The Copper Coast Drive runs for 25km between Tramore and Dungarvan, tracing a coastline shaped by volcanoes, Ice Age glaciers and a short-lived but intense copper-mining flurry.

Now recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark, it’s one of the most scenic drives in Ireland, with beaches, coves, sea stacks, cliffs and mining ruins appearing one after another in quick succession. 

If you’d prefer to leave the car, I’d recommend renting a bike and setting off along the Waterford Greenway – this 46km route takes you along a 19th-century railway line linking Waterford City to Dungarvan, complete with viaducts, tunnels and river and mountain views.

Related Read: Check out my guide to 34 of the best things to do in Waterford in 2026

40. Ramble through Tollymore Forest

While Cuilcagh’s “Stairway to Heaven” tends to hog the spotlight, Tollymore Forest Park is every bit as impressive.

Opened in 1955 as Northern Ireland’s first state forest park, it sits at the foot of the Mournes and delivers a cinematic blend of towering woodland, the Shimna River, and old-world features like the 1787 Foley’s Bridge.

Its four waymarked trails (0.7km–13.6km) pull you through landscapes that feel straight out of Tolkien, with caves, grottos, wildlife and stone crossings unfolding at every turn.

41. Visit the Hook Peninsula

I don’t think I’ve ever driven the Ring of Hook without getting drenched, but that’s part of the appeal.

This windswept corner of Wexford has a raw, restless energy to it, with crashing waves, jagged cliffs, medieval ruins and one of the world’s oldest working lighthouses all crammed onto a compact peninsula.

You’ve the 800-year-old Hook Lighthouse standing guard at the tip, Tintern Abbey’s 13th-century Cistercian ruins tucked inland, the Knights Templar links at Templetown, and sheltered coves like Dollar Bay where local legend swears pirate treasure is still buried.

42. Take a tour of Trim Castle

Trim Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Ireland. It’s also the largest Anglo-Norman fortress in Ireland!

This 12th-century stronghold built by Hugh de Lacy, battered by High Kings, seized during the Wars of the Roses and later transformed into medieval York for Braveheart.

Its cruciform keep (the only one of its kind in Ireland), 20 corners, moat and curtain walls make a visit to Trim one of the best things to do in Ireland for good reason!

43. Chase waterfalls at Glenariff Forest Park

I try and carve out time for Glenariff Forest Park any time I’m on the Antrim Coast. This park packs a lot into its 1,185 hectares – waterfalls, river gorges, dense forest, and four well-marked trails.

The Waterfall Walk is the one most people come for. It’s a short loop that drops you into the gorge past boardwalks and steep cliff sections with constant views of the falls.

If you want something bigger, the Scenic Trail climbs to open viewpoints where, on a clear day, you can see across to the Mull of Kintyre.

44. Experience the beauty of Glendalough

Wicklow’s Glendalough is a must see in Ireland. It sits in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains and delivers a mix of serious scenery and deep history in a compact area.

The 6th-century monastic site is still the anchor point, with its round tower and cathedral ruins giving a sharp sense of the valley’s past.

The two lakes are the main draw today, especially the Upper Lake, which hits you with views the moment you reach the shore.

While there are many walks in Glendalough, my favourite is the Spinc Loop – the White Route is a tough, 9.5km/3.5 hour hike that delivers the views pictured above.

Related Read: Check out my guide to 17 things to do in Wicklow in 2026

45. Take a trip to Spike Island and Cobh

A visit to Cobh is another of the best things to do in Ireland if you like to go off handbooks. I don’t, personally, but I’d have to agree.

Now, don’t make the mistake of thinking the Deck of Cards is the whole show. Cobh is anything but a one-horse town, and St Coleman’s Cathedral and the Titanic Experience are reason enough to visit on their own.

A short ferry then takes you to Spike Island, the 103-acre former monastic site, fortress, and prison that adds an entirely different layer to a visit to Cobh.

Related Read: Check out my guide to 11 mighty things to do in Cobh in 2026

46. Uncover ancient Irish history at the Rock of Cashel

Some of the best places to visit in Ireland involve taking a step back in time, and few sites deliver that hit of history as powerfully as the Rock of Cashel.

This hilltop complex in Tipperary was once the seat of the Kings of Munster before becoming an important ecclesiastical centre.

The round tower, the Romanesque chapel, and the great cathedral still dominate the skyline today, giving a clear sense of the power this site once held.

Ireland has no shortage of historic strongholds, of course. Blarney Castle draws crowds for its medieval tower and the famous Stone. Bunratty Castle near Shannon offers one of the most complete 15th-century fortresses in the country.

Dublin Castle stands on the city’s original Viking foundations and later served as the centre of English rule.

47. Visit the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is one of the most striking things to see in Ireland, and its history stretches back more than 700 years.

The first fortress was established in the 13th century by Richard Óg de Burgh, but the McQuillans shaped the earliest version of the castle we recognise today.

The site’s past is filled with conflict and folklore – clan battles, shifting power, and the wreck of the Spanish Armada ship Girona, whose salvaged cannons were mounted on the gatehouses.

It’s also one of Ireland’s Game of Thrones filming locations, appearing as Pyke Castle! I was here in 2025 for the first time in several years, and the viewpoint at the Magheracross Car Park, pictured above, is a very welcome addition!

48. Kick-back in one of Ireland’s ancient pubs

There are thousands of pubs in Ireland but not all are equal. If you can, aim to visit a (or many…) traditional Irish pub during your visit.

Highlights include Sean’s Bar in Athlone, reputedly Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 900 AD, and the historic Brazen Head in Dublin, which has served patrons since 1198.

In many old-school pubs you’ll get the chance to soak up some traditional Irish music while sampling Irish whiskey and/or Irish beer.

49. Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the standout places to visit in Ireland, and its story goes far beyond the famous hexagonal stones.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site formed between 50 and 60 million years ago, when intense volcanic activity forced molten basalt through layers of chalk.

The best-known tale credits Fionn MacCumhaill, who supposedly built the Causeway as a path to Scotland for a showdown with a rival giant.

Having visited here many times, I’d strongly recommend avoiding the visitor-centre parking and using one of the free approaches instead, as the walks from Portballintrae or Dunseverick give you better views and a far less expensive start to the trip.

50. Get lost in the mighty Mourne Mountains

A day spent exploring the Mourne Mountains in County Down is another of the more frequently missed things to do in Ireland.

The Mournes are the highest mountain range in Northern Ireland and they boast endless adventure opportunities.

There’s plenty of hikes to get stuck into here, from Slieve Donard to Slieve Binnian, Slieve Doan, Slieve Bearnagh, Slieve Meelbeg, Meelmore and plenty more.

Related read: Check out my guide to 56 of the best things to do in Northern Ireland in 2026

51. Spend the night in an old Irish castle

Now you know what to do in Ireland, it’s time to treat yourself to a very unique experience.

There’s no shortage of castle hotels in Ireland, ranging from the eye-wateringly expensive (Ashford) to the surprisingly affordable (Ballyseede).

Some, like Lough Eske, are regarded as the top spa hotels in Ireland, while others, like Cabra Castle, are best known as standout wedding venues.

Explore on an Irish Road Trip

Now you know what to do in Ireland, it’s time to plan your visit. Several years back, I published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries.

You can pick your start point, your trip length, your mode of transport and more. Some other useful guides to dive into:

• The best time to visit Ireland
• The weather in Ireland by month
• 7 day Ireland itinerary, 5 days in Ireland and 10 days in Ireland
• The cost of a trip to Ireland, what not to do in Ireland and how to go about renting a car in Ireland

Still can’t decide what to see in Ireland? Feel free to ask in the comments below!