There are so many things to do in Ireland. This country might be small but it’s packed with history, amazing landscapes, imposing castles, and activities that you can add to your Ireland bucket list.
With this, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the long list of activities in Ireland.
READ MORE: Best and Affordable Castle Hotels In Ireland.
I remember the first time I’ve learned about Ireland. It was through awesome Irish bands who made names in the international scene.
Although my love for music is replaced by my love for travel, my fascination with Ireland remains the same.
So here are the best places to see in Ireland and why it’s worth visiting this country.
Things you'll find in this article
- Ireland Bucket List: 50+ Awesome Things To Do In Ireland
- Ireland Bucket List 1: Be amazed by the natural beauty and landscapes in Ireland.
- Ireland Bucket List 2: Visit the castles in Ireland.
- Ireland Bucket List 3: Explore the ancient sites in Ireland.
- Ireland Bucket List 4: Learn history from awesome museums in Ireland.
- Ireland Bucket List 5: Explore the charming towns in Ireland
- Ireland Bucket List 6: Check out the lakes in Ireland.
- Ireland Bucket List 7: Learn from the amazing libraries in Ireland
- Ireland Bucket List 8: Attend some of the popular Irish festivals
- Ireland Bucket List 9: Explore the vibrant cities of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
- Ireland Bucket List 10: Stay in a castle hotel and feel like a royalty
Ireland Bucket List: 50+ Awesome Things To Do In Ireland
Ireland Bucket List 1: Be amazed by the natural beauty and landscapes in Ireland.
1. Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs Of Moher, Image by Christine Rogador
The Cliffs of Moher are sea cliffs located in County Clare, Ireland. It is one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights and one of the most visited attractions in Ireland with 1.5 million visitors annually. Any Ireland bucket list is not complete without the Cliffs of Moher.
Standing 702ft above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, Cliffs of Moher boasts one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a good day, you can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay.
To learn more about Cliffs of Moher, click here.
2.Wicklow Mountains National Park
Wicklow Mountains National Park is the largest national park in Ireland with an area covering more than 129,500 square kilometers. It is also the only one located in the east of the country.
It extends from County Wicklow and a small area of Dublin which makes it one of the best day trips from Dublin.
The park contains a variety of attractions that include lush forests, fields, and mountains, and the historical Glendalough Valley.
Related read: Wicklow Mountains National Park Guide
Buy your ticket online here.
Check out our guide for the National Parks In Ireland For First Time Visitors here.
3. Glendalough Upper Lake
Glendalough is a glacial lake in the Wicklow Mountains. It is classified as a ribbon lake which means, it is a long and narrow lake formed in a glacial trough. The lake is one of the main attractions in Wicklow Mountains National Parks.
Along with the lower lake, the valley of these twin lakes has drawn a lot of visitors and it’s one of the favorite day trips from Dublin.
Aside from the lake, the Monastic Settlement which has the round tower, St Kevin’s Church, St Kevin’s Cross and the Cathedral are also among the main attractions.
4. Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael is a twin-pinnacled rugged cliff that lies 12 km off the coast of Portmagee in South West Kerry. Rising majestically from the sea, Skellig Michael towers 714ft. (218 meters) above sea level.
On the summit of this awe-inspiring rock, you will find a remarkably well preserved 6th-century monastic settlement. This is one of the best things to see in Ireland and a visit to this major tourist attraction may well be the highlight of your holiday.
Explore breathtaking nature tours of Skellig Michael– check the tour here.
5. Assaranca Waterfall – Ardara, Donegal
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If you’re headed to the quaint fishing town of Killybegs in County Donegal, you won’t miss this beautiful surprise just off the side of the road.
The picturesque Assaranca waterfall is found on your way to the stunning Maghera caves. Stop and admire the winding cascades and take a moment to just enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Seeing this waterfall won’t even cost you hours of hiking so stop, rest for a while and take lots of photos!
Check out this guide for the Best Waterfalls In Ireland.
Ireland Bucket List 2: Visit the castles in Ireland.
6. Blarney Castle
One of Ireland’s most popular attractions is Blarney castle. It was built nearly six hundred years ago by Cormac MacCarthy, one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains. Surrounding the castle are extensive gardens.
Aside from the castle itself, the place is also popular because of Blarney Stone. In order to get the gift of eloquence, for over 200 years many famous people from around the world visit Blarney to kiss the famous Blarney Stone.
Buy your ticket online here.
7. Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways. It was a symbol of Norman’s occupation and it is an important site to the history of Kilkenny. In 1967, the Castle was transferred to the people of Kilkenny for £50.
The Kilkenny Castle is now one of the very few castles in Ireland that offer tours to the public. The garden and park in the castle complex are also open to the public.
Buy your ticket online here.
8. Kylemore Castle
Kylemore Castle was built by Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor from England, as a gift to his wife Margaret in 1871. It was sold to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester in 1903 and was then purchased by the Irish Benedictine nuns in 1920.
Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery was then founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara. Since the 1970s, the estate has been opened to the public.
Nestled at the base of Druchruach Mountain and along the shore of Lough Pollacappul in Connemara, the Abbey is one of the most iconic attractions in Ireland. It is also one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland. And no visit to Ireland is complete without spending a half-day to the castle ground.
Check out this Kylemore Abbey Tour article for more information.
9.The Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock, is a historic site located at Cashel in County Tipperary. It is one of the most spectacular attractions in Ireland and also one of the most visited castles in Ireland.
This iconic Irish landmark was the seat of the High Kings of Munster and was built between the 12th to the 13th century.
10. Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle, Image by Christine Rogador
Dunluce Castle is now a ruined medieval castle in Northern Ireland. It is located on the edge of rocks on the coast of County Antrim. Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster, built the first castle in Dunluce. From then on, this Irish castle witnessed a long and tumultuous history between Scotland, Ireland, and the UK.
Dunluce Castle is also said to be the inspiration for Cair Paravel, the fictional castle in Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. It is also the film location of Game of Thrones for the Seat of House Greyjoy of the great castle of Pyke.
Check out our guide for The 15 Must-See Castles In Ireland here.
Ireland Bucket List 3: Explore the ancient sites in Ireland.
11. Brú na Bóinne
Brú na Bóinne (Palace of the Boyne) or popularly known as the Boyne Valley tombs are passage tombs located near River Boyne, 8 km west of Drogheda, County Meath.
The site covers over 780 hectares where the majority of the monuments are located on the north side of the river.
Bru na Boinne contains one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in the world dating back to the Neolithic period. It is famous for its Megalithic passage tombs called Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth.
Aside from these three spectacular ancient sites, there are over 90 Neolithic monuments dotted across Brú na Bóinne.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, this famous River Boyne Valley is considered one of the best attractions in Ireland.
To learn more about Brú na Bóinne, click here.
To book this tour, click here.
12. Hill of Tara
The Hill of Tara is an archaeological complex in County Meath of Ireland. It is located near the River of Boyne and it runs between Dunshaughlin and Navan. Hill of Tara used to be the seat of the kings during Stone Age.
It contains a number of ancient passages tombs, Ireland’s Stonehenge, and historical ruins.
For more things to do in Meath, click here.
13. Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national nature reserve. It is located in Northern Ireland and it is about a 3-4 hour drive from Dublin in a private car.
Admission Fee
Access to the Giant’s Causeway is free however the visitor center charges £12.50 per adult and £31.00 for a family of 4.
Buy your ticket online here.
14. Fahan beehive huts
Visit the Fahan Beehive Huts of Dingle in Kerry and step into pre-historic Ireland.
They were built in the form of a circle of successive strata of stone, each stratum lying a little closer to the center than the one beneath.
No mortar was used to build these beehive huts by using the corbelling process. These huts dated back to the 12th century and they stand along the panoramic Slead Head drive.
For more things to do in Dingle, click here.
15. Kenmare Stone Circle
Known locally as The Shrubberies this is one of the largest stone circles in southwest Ireland measuring 17.4 x 15.8m and it is the only egg-shaped stone circle in Munster province.
These Stone Circles in Kenmare were built during the bronze age believed to be used for ritual and ceremonial purposes.
For more things to do in Kenmare, click here.
Ireland Bucket List 4: Learn history from awesome museums in Ireland.
16. Kilmainham Gaol, Ireland
This symbol of Irish Nationalism was formerly a jail that got transformed into a museum over the course of history. The 300 years old building has a soul of its own and you can feel it in the chapels, cells, and grounds of Kilmainham Gaol. The museum gives a deep insight into the struggle that the country had to go through in the past.
17. EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum
EPIC Museum Dublin, Image by Christine Rogador Chiquet
The Irish Emigration Museum tells tales of the 10 million people who had to emigrate from Ireland for the sake of earning more or to find new opportunities. Ten million uprooted lives and 10 million stories, that’s what you get to see in this ethereal place.
To book this tour, click here.
18. Irish Potato Famine Exhibition
This museum brings before us the pain and suffering of the people in The Great Hunger. The seasonal museum is well worth a visit if you are planning a visit to Dublin.
19. Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
The 1.5 million people buried in the Glasnevin Cemetery and their artistically designed graves are there for you to search the lineage of old Irish people. A walking tour can be a great venture for tourists.
To learn more about the best museums in Dublin, click here.
20. Donegal County Museum
Letterkenny’s 19th-century workhouse, built to provide Famine relief, now houses the local museum. The permanent collection offers 8000-plus artifacts from prehistoric times onwards.
This county museum in Letterkenny, Donegal is officially recognized by the Government of Ireland as the best museum in the country.
For more things to do in Letterkenny, click here.
Ireland Bucket List 5: Explore the charming towns in Ireland
There are lots of amazing towns in Ireland that you should visit at least once.
21. Dingle
Dingle in Ireland is a small port town in Dingle Peninsula and one of the scenic stops in Ring of Kerry along with Kenmare and Killarney. This town is known for its rugged scenery, trails, and sandy beaches.
To learn more about Dingle, click here.
22. Kinsale
Kinsale is a town in County Cork, Ireland. Originally a medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale is one of the most picturesque and historic towns on the south-west coast of Ireland.
Kinsale has a beautiful set of long waterfront, yacht-filled harbor, narrow winding streets, and brightly painted galleries, shops, and houses. It is also a leading Irish tourist attraction and the southerly starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way trail.
To learn more about Kinsale, click here.
23. Killarney
Killarney is a lakeshore town in the County of Kerry. It is a popular tourist destination in Ireland as it is one of the scenic stops in the Ring of Kerry along with the towns of Kenmare and Dingle.
Famous for its national park, beautiful lakes, imposing castles, wildlife, and gorgeous landscapes, this town is named as one of the top 10 global tourist destinations in the world.
To learn more about Killarney, click here.
24. Cobh, Ireland
Cobh was developed as a Victorian spa retreat in the mid-19th century and became Ireland’s most important port for trans-Atlantic travel.
It is known as the last port of Titanic before the tragedy struck. If you would like to create some memories that will last a lifetime, take the plunge and visit Cobh. It is a captivating town that will hold you in its spell long after you’ve left.
Buy your ticket online here.
To learn more about Cobh, click here.
25. Kilkenny
Kilkenny is one of the most beautiful and charming Irish cities. Located in the center of Ireland, it has a charming medieval center, lively pubs, and a dynamic art scene.
Because of this, there are many unique things to do in Kilkenny, Ireland. From its majestic creeper-clad castle, a bustling crafts industry, cobbled lanes, beautiful churches, and secret passages, Kilkenny will surprise you in many ways.
Buy your ticket online here.
To learn more about Kilkenny, click here.
Ireland Bucket List 6: Check out the lakes in Ireland.
26. Lough Ree
Lough Ree is one of the 3 lakes in the Shannon River Basin along with Lough Derg. The lake serves as a border between the counties of Longford and Westmeath and it’s a popular fishing and boating area. The boats leave from the harbor in Athlone.
27. Lough Corrib
Lough Corrib is the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. This lake connects to the sea at Galway through River Corrib.
Aside from being a Ramsar site, it has also been designated a Special Area of Conservation. Lough Corrib has over 1300 islands scattered around the lake.
Inchagoil Island, one of the islands within the lake has views of the Maumturk range, Joyce Country, and the mountains of Connemara.
To check the best lakes in Ireland, click here.
Ireland Bucket List 7: Learn from the amazing libraries in Ireland
28. Marsh’s Library
Marsh’s Library is one of the oldest public libraries in Dublin that you definitely should not miss in your itinerary.
It holds 25,000 books and 300 manuscripts where many of these are donated by an Archbishop of Dublin, Narcissus Marsh.
This library, like some other attractions in Dublin, has also witnessed much of the city’s history.
Opening Times
Daily except for Tuesday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
Admission Fee
Adult €3 | Student/Senior €2 | Child (U-16) free
Contact Information
Address: St Patrick’s Close, Dublin, Ireland
Email: keeper@marshlibrary.ie
Phone: +353 1 4543511
29. Trinity College
If you enjoy walking down memory lane, give it a shot at Trinity College where you can find a collection of Ireland’s treasured past in its Long Room Library.
This 200-foot-long room holds 200,000 books as old as you can possibly imagine. The most popular treasure in this library is the Book of Kells which has a great role in Irish identity.
Ireland Bucket List 8: Attend some of the popular Irish festivals
30. St. Patrick’s Festival
The biggest and grandest festival in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Festival is one hell of a celebration that you should not miss if you’re planning to travel to Ireland.
This festival which was started by the Irish government in November 1995 eventually turned into a multi-day celebration that takes place somewhere around March 17 every year. The highlight of the festival is St. Patrick’s Day where there’s a grand parade, lots of drinking, and locals and tourists party in the streets all over Ireland.
It is a nationwide celebration where people usually dress up as leprechauns. Spread throughout the St. Patrick’s Festival Week are various activities and events like traditional performances, food fairs, and a celebration of Irish culture.
31. Temple Bar TradFest
Late winter in Dublin is never boring because this would mean non-stop traditional Irish music and unlimited drinking sessions in Temple Bar TradFest.
Today, this festival is already considered the largest festival of traditional music in Ireland long after it started as a small niche music festival in 2006.
The recognition received from this festival has pushed it to expand its goal which now includes the promotion of the next generation of Irish musicians.
TradFest also offers a memorable experience for festival-goers with its live music concert held in some of Dublin’s popular historical sites.
Aside from that, you can also expect to party all night long for free.
Exhibitions, workshops, masterclasses, and film-screenings are also in the lineup of activities. This festival starts around January 21 and ends on January 27.
Ireland Bucket List 9: Explore the vibrant cities of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
32. Dublin
Dublin is the capital city of Ireland. The city surely has a lot to offer to tourists coming in and out of this marvelous city in Ireland.
It has everything in store for travelers of all kinds- solo, group, young or old. From museums to bars, to historical sights, Dublin is surely packed with interesting things to do.
33. Belfast
Belfast is the largest city in Northern Ireland and along with its size comes with a rich historical and political background.
It is also best known for a lot of things like the Titanic and CS Lewis. All these events gave birth to a lot of Belfast tourist attractions that first-time or frequent visitors will surely don’t want to miss.
Today, there are a lot of museums and landmarks that you would want to include in your Instagram feed if you’re paying a visit.
34. Derry
Londonderry, also popularly known as “Derry”, is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland.
Overall, it is the fourth largest city in the country. Derry is derived from an Old Irish name which means “oak grove” but aside from that, it is also known as the walled city.
In fact, it is the only remaining intact walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples in Europe.
Londonderry is engulfed with a lot of history that is why you should not skip it when in Ireland.
35. Cork
There are several things to do in Cork City. Cork surely has a long history behind it.
Being one of Europe’s oldest cities, Cork has gone through several developments which made it a hub for tourists nowadays.
36. Galway
Spanish Arch Galway, , Image by Christine Rogador
Galway City and nothing else comes to mind if we speak about Ireland’s top destination for arts, music, and urban culture. This city on the west coast of Ireland never fails to exceed expectations- from its medieval walls down to the breathtaking view of the River Corrib.
So whether you’re coming over for a quick visit or longer, there’s just so much to enjoy in this harbor city.
Ireland Bucket List 10: Stay in a castle hotel and feel like a royalty
37. Ashford Castle, Mayo
Ashford Castle
If you’re looking for country house hospitality with a touch of royalty, The Lodge at Ashford Castle is a good place to stay. An authentic Irish experience, this castle hotel in Mayo will not disappoint.
Rooms and suites in this hotel are equipped with the latest technology for an advanced comfort- bathrooms have underfloor heating. Wilde’s restaurant is also perfect for guests who share the same passion for food.
Here, guests can enjoy a six-course meal prepared from fresh local and seasonal ingredients. The hotel is only a 40-minute drive from Galway and it is considered one of the best places to stay in town too.
Check hotel rates here.
38. Waterford Castle Hotel, Waterford
One of the best castle hotels in Ireland, Waterford Castle Hotel is situated on a private island in River Suir, Waterford.
This 4-star luxury accommodation is highly preferred by couples who want a very private experience and to experience Irish castle hotels.
Privacy is one of the good things in this hotel. However, even though the castle is detached from the mainland, access to this private island is still very convenient. The rooms in this hotel also come with elegant designs and stunning view.
Lots of activities are also hosted here like golfing, target shooting, and archery. Nature trails and walks are also available.
39. Lough Rynn Castle, Leitrim
Still retaining the historic ambiance of the place, Lough Rynn Castle in Leitrim has now converted some of its spaces into comfortable and luxurious accommodation. This 4-star hotel is sitting on the shore of Lough Rynn.
The castle is combining its ancient design to modern innovation. Rooms still have the original decorations of the castle preserved but with the additional air conditioning, wifi connection, and another state of the art technology for comfort.
Guests can also enjoy a warm meal in the Sandstone Restaurant which serves fine dining cuisines.
Check hotel rates here..
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Vuxs Jefy
Sunday 30th of August 2020
Love this list of Ireland bucket list. Ireland is my dream destination and will definitely do this list.