The 11 Best Places to Visit in Ireland

Lush green landscapes, breathtaking natural wonders, and vibrant cities characterize the beautiful country of Ireland. Also known as the Emerald Isle, it sits at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists—and it’s easy to see why! If you’re planning a trip and want to discover the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland, you’ve come to the right place. Today at Civitatis, we’ve compiled a list of the top 11 places to visit on your trip to the Emerald Isle, as well as top tips for getting around, and some hidden gems along the way, all according to a trusted local.

1. Dublin

To kick off our list of the best places to visit in Ireland, let’s head to the capital city. Brimming with history and culture, Dublin is the perfect place to get your first introduction to Ireland. Start your trip by hitting a few birds with one stone by booking this sightseeing bus tour of the city. If you want to make the most of your time in Dublin, getting the Dublin Pass will be a lifesaver. It includes admission to over 30 of the city’s top attractions!

Dublin has no shortage of interesting landmarks, with iconic churches such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral, the famous Trinity College, and Kilmainham Gaol. Some of the most fascinating are the monuments that played key roles in the fight for Irish independence. For example, the General Post Office, which served as the headquarters of the leaders of the Easter Rising, still has bullet holes in it to this day. If you want to learn more about Dublin’s history, join our free tour of the city.

History buffs will also be excited to see the famous Book of Kells displayed at Trinity College Library. The pages are turned every 12 weeks, showing two pages at a time. You can see this ancient manuscript by taking this guided tour of Trinity College and Dublin Castle.

Dublin also has a vibrant modern side, within which pub culture is central. We highly recommend visiting the Temple Bar area, which is full of lively pubs. If you want to really immerse yourself in Dublin’s pub culture, join us on a pub crawl of Dublin. If you want to dive even further into the culture of Irish drinks, why not visit the Irish Whiskey Museum? Alternatively, you can take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery. The views from the Gravity Bar in the Guinness Storehouse are unmatched!

Check out our blog about the top things to do in Dublin to learn even more about the Irish capital.

2. Wicklow

Just an hour south of Dublin lies the county of Wicklow. Known as the “Garden of Ireland,” Wicklow is one of the country’s most breathtaking counties. It’s home to incredible landscapes such as Glendalough, a stunning glacial valley steeped in history and natural beauty. Famous for its Monastic Site, which dates back to the 10th century, Glendalough is one of the best places in Ireland to go hiking. Besides its rich history, you’ll find picturesque lakes and waterfalls, as well as stunning panoramic views from the top.

Another jewel in Wicklow is the Wicklow Way. This 81-mile (131-kilometer) long-distance trail stretches through the Wicklow Mountains, starting at Marlay Park in Dublin and finishing in Clonegal, County Carlow. It’s one of Ireland’s most popular trails, with about 24,000 people walking parts of it each year. Avid hikers will love it!

If you visit during summer, be sure to visit one of the county’s beautiful sandy beaches such as Silver Strand, Brittas Bay, or Bray Beach. You can experience all the “Garden of Ireland” has to offer by joining this day trip to Glendalough, Wicklow & Kilkenny from Dublin.

3. Cork

Heading to the south of Ireland, next up is Cork. As the biggest county and the second most populated city, Cork is one of the best places to visit in Ireland. Located on the banks of the River Lee, Cork City is dotted with cozy cafés, bustling pubs, and charming streets. Just like Dublin, Cork is home to a famous whiskey distillery, the Jameson Distillery. You can learn all about it on this tour of the Jameson Distillery.

The beating heart of the city is the English Market, a food market stretching from Princes Street to Grand Parade. The market’s breathtaking mid-19th-century architecture, not to mention its abundance of delicious, locally produced food, makes it popular among tourists and locals alike.

Another of the city’s famous landmarks is St. Anne’s Church, home to the iconic Shandon Bells. This church is a symbol of the city’s skyline, with the tower literally towering above the city. Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is another religious icon of the city. The Gothic-style cathedral is famous for the copper and gold foil angel that adorns its façade. Visit both of these landmarks on this guided tour of the city. Another great way to explore the city is on this sightseeing bus tour. You’ll see the city’s most famous streets such as Grand Parade, Patrick’s Street, and MacCurtain Street.

During your time in Cork, be sure to venture out of the city, because the county is home to some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes and beaches. Particularly beautiful is West Cork. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a movie scene as you admire landscapes of green fields, sandy beaches, and charming countryside roads lined with stone walls. If you want to see it for yourself, don’t hesitate to book this tour of West Cork.

4. The Blarney Castle

Another gem of the south of Ireland is the iconic Blarney Castle. Located in the town of Blarney, in County Cork, the castle is one of Ireland’s most famous monuments. The castle was built in 1446 by Cormac MacCarthy, King of Munster. Over the years, millions have flocked to Blarney Castle making it a top landmark.

As well as its magnificence, the castle’s popularity might have something to do with the Blarney Stone which you’ll find at the top of the tower. Legend has it that if you kiss the stone, you’ll inherit the gift of the gab, which is the ability to speak confidently. If you want to chance your luck at getting the gift of the gab, join this guided tour of Blarney Castle and Blarney town.

5. The Ring of Kerry

The next destination on our list of the best places to visit in Ireland is the Ring of Kerry. With some of the most stunning scenery in the country, it’s an absolute must-see, especially for nature enthusiasts.

Traveling this route takes you through charming towns like Waterville and Coomakista and past breathtaking spots like the Skellig Islands and Moll’s Gap. Perhaps the most exciting part of the route is across the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, a 12-mile (19-kilometer) mountain range of sandstone and siltstone.

As the highest mountain range in Ireland, the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks are also home to the country’s highest peak, Carrauntoohil, which stands at 3,407 feet (1,038.6 meters). If you’re up for a challenge, you can climb Carrauntoohil by booking a trekking tour. To make your adventure even more epic, take this guided tour of the Ring of Kerry!

6. The Cliffs of Moher

If you feel a calling towards the West of Ireland, don’t miss out on the Cliffs of Moher! Stretching for 9 miles (14 kilometers) and towering up to 702 feet (214 meters) at their highest point, these impressive cliffs offer jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands. The Cliffs are also home to a variety of wildlife, including native birds like the cormorant and the adorable puffin!

At the top of the cliffs, you’ll find O’Brien’s Tower, built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O’Brien, a local landlord and Member of Parliament, as a viewpoint for tourists. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you’ll be treated to views of the Aran Islands and even the Twelve Bens Mountain Range of Connemara across Galway Bay.

While you’re there, check out the Visitor Center, where you’ll find shops selling traditional Irish products like jewelry and knitwear. One of the most popular items is the Claddagh Ring, a traditional Irish symbol where the heart stands for love, the crown for loyalty, and the clasped hands for friendship. Did you know that the way you wear it has a special meaning? Don’t forget to ask the friendly staff at the jewelry store for the full story!

If you want to see these stunning cliffs for yourself, join this day trip from Dublin—it even includes a visit to Galway, Doolin, and the Burren!

7. Galway

Staying west, the next place on our list of the best places to visit in Ireland is Galway. One of the most traditional Irish cities, Galway is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Irish culture and history.

A hub for art aficionados, Galway is known as Ireland’s ‘Capital of Culture‘. With a flourishing art and cultural scene, Galway is home to fantastic local talent. A great time to visit the city is during the Galway International Arts Festival, which is held annually in July. Galway is also a fantastic place to learn more about traditional Irish music and dancing. We highly recommend booking a ticket for the Trad on the Prom: The Show—a showcase of Irish dancing and traditional music.

Galway city is potentially one of the most picturesque in Ireland. As you walk along its charming streets lined with colorful buildings, you’ll find snug cafés and traditional pubs. You can also admire landmarks such as the Spanish Arch, Lynch’s Castle, and Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church. If you want to dive into the city’s history and see its top landmarks, join our free walking tour of the city. You can also explore the city in the comfort of a sightseeing bus with this ticket to the Galway sightseeing bus.

8. Connemara

Another of Ireland’s most beautiful places to visit is Connemara, a region on the Atlantic coast of western County Galway. The area has strong links with traditional Irish culture and is home to Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht, which is an Irish-speaking community.

Oscar Wilde once called Connemara a place of “savage beauty”, and it’s clear to see why! As one of the most rural areas of Ireland, Connemara is home to some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes, with vast areas of bogland, fields and forests, as well as mountains such as the Twelve Bens. If you want to experience this rural side of Ireland for yourself, book this Connemara tour from Galway. You’ll also explore parts of the Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,553-mile (2,500-kilometer) route along the entire west coast of Ireland.

Connemara is also home to several ancient castles such as Aughnanure Castle and Kylemore Abbey, a breathtaking site built in the 19th century. If you want to learn more about the castles in Connemara, book our Connemara Castles tour.

9. The Aran Islands

No list of the best places to visit in Ireland would be complete without a mention of the Aran Islands. This trio of islands includes Inishmore, the largest, Inishmaan, the second largest, and Inisheer, the smallest. Visiting these islands feels like taking a trip back in time to a version of Ireland from long ago.

Famous for their rugged landscapes dotted with stone walls, iconic knit sweaters, and charming cottages, the Aran Islands are truly captivating. It’s no wonder that the islands have served as inspiration for writers, poets, and artists for years.

The islands have strongly preserved traditional Irish culture and heritage. A testament to this is that all three islands are prominently Irish-speaking communities. But don’t worry, they all speak English too! If you want to experience the Aran Islands for yourself, join this day trip to Inisheer from Galway. You’ll also get to visit the Cliffs of Moher!

10. Belfast

Moving to the northern part of the country, let’s explore Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Belfast is a lively city, perfect for a city break, and a great place to dive into Ireland’s complex history. In the city center, you’ll find landmarks like City Hall, the Albert Memorial Clock, and St Anne’s Cathedral. You can visit these landmarks and more on a free walking tour of the city or by hopping on the Belfast sightseeing bus.

As you may or may not know, Belfast has a turbulent past. Walking through its streets, you’ll see murals reflecting the social and political struggles the city faced in the 20th century. To fully understand Belfast’s political history, we recommend taking this Belfast political tour. It will give you a deeper insight into the conflict that lasted over 30 years.

Another noteworthy chapter of Belfast’s history is its connection to the Titanic. Did you know the famous ship was built here? It was constructed by Harland & Wolff, a Belfast shipbuilder. Today, you can visit the very site where the ship was built at Titanic Belfast. In the museum, you’ll learn about the ship’s origins and its tragic maiden voyage with the help of archives from the shipwreck and interactive exhibits. If you’d like to visit the museum, why not book this Titanic tour that also includes a visit to the Giant’s Causeway?

11. The Giant’s Causeway

Last, but certainly not least on our list of the best places to visit in Ireland is the Giant’s Causeway. With approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, this natural wonder in Northern Ireland is one of the country’s most iconic sights.

But where did these incredible columns come from? Legend has it that they’re the remains of a path built by the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill. A popular version of the story tells how Fionn was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant Benandonner. Fionn accepted and built the causeway across the North Channel so they could meet…

Whether or not you believe the legend, this stunning landscape is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to the Emerald Isle. Don’t just take our word for it, see it for yourself by joining this day trip to the Giant’s Causeway from Dublin—and don’t forget your camera!

How to Get Around Ireland

One of the best ways to get around Ireland is by train. Irish Rail, the national railway service, offers connections from Dublin to most major cities. Another solid option is Bus Éireann, the national bus service. However, if you’re planning to explore multiple destinations across the country, we highly recommend renting a car. Some of Ireland’s more remote spots can be tricky to reach using public transport, and having a car lets you travel at your own pace. Plus, if you have a car, you can opt for the scenic route and enjoy Ireland’s charming country roads. Just a heads-up, though—some of those roads can be a bit nerve-wracking! And don’t forget, in Ireland, they drive on the left!

So there you have it, a list of the absolute best places to visit in Ireland, according to a local. No matter what type of adventure you want to embark on in the Emerald Isle, you’ll be greeted by green landscapes, lively cities, historical landmarks, and above all, a warm Irish welcome (and maybe a sprinkle of rain). If you would like to find more inspiration for your trip, browse our full catalog of guided tours and activities. Slán go fóill!