Things to do in  Ireland

Towering 702 feet (214 meters) above the Atlantic Ocean at their highest point and stretching for 5 miles (8 kilometers) along the water, the famed Cliffs of Moher define the raw beauty of the west coast of Ireland. They’re also one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, with tours from Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick, Killarney, and Doolin.

Covering an area of more than 115 square miles (300 square kilometers), the Burren is a vast, otherworldly expanse of scarred and fissured limestone rock, naturally sculpted through acidic erosion. Though it may look barren from afar, this rocky plateau is anything but lifeless. In spring and summer, wildflowers and rare plants thrive here.

Trinity College Dublin—Ireland’s most prestigious academic institution—was founded in the 16th century and boasts alumni including literary legends Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, and Samuel Beckett. Travelers from the world over come to wander the historic cobblestoned campus in the city center, admire its handsome Georgian and classical architecture, and see The Book of Kells—a 9th-century illustrated manuscript housed in the Old Library.

Taste Ireland’s legendary stout at the source at the Guinness Storehouse, also known as the Guinness Brewery. This landmark is one of the Irish capital’s top attractions, offering a self-guided tour with interactive exhibits and the chance to learn how to pour the perfect pint. The view from the rooftop Gravity Bar over Dublin is reason enough to visit. You may want to elevate the standard visit with a Connoisseur Experience that includes an exclusive tasting.

The Giant's Causeway is a cluster of approximately 40,000 basalt columns rising out of the North Atlantic Ocean on the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland. A UNESCO World Heritage site and National Trust property, the area attracts thousands of tourists each year who come for the dramatic coastal views, landscape photography opportunities, and the chance to learn about the geological forces that created this impressive natural landmark.

Sitting on an outcrop jutting into Galway Bay, the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle appears like a fairy-tale vision to drivers traversing the coastal road, prompting many to pull over and reach for a camera. The site housed prominent local clans for centuries before famous Irish surgeon, poet, and playwright Oliver St. John Gogarty bought it in 1924. He then turned it into a hangout for Ireland’s literary elite, including Lady Gregory, W.B. Yeats, Seán O'Casey, and George Bernard Shaw. Today, most travelers admire the castle from afar, though some do venture inside.

Built on a Viking settlement in the 13th century at the behest of King John, the medieval fortress that was first Dublin Castle was ravaged by fires in the 17th century, and rebuilt in the Georgian style that you see today. Through all this time, Dublin Castle has been a seat of power for Ireland’s different rulers and decision-makers, and it’s considered one of the country’s most important historical monuments, hosting presidential inaugurations and state visits.

Set on the banks of the River Ratty, this imposing 15th-century castle has been immaculately restored and is filled with period furnishings. The estate encompasses a re-created 19th-century village where visitors can explore typical rural dwellings and businesses, as well as observing demonstrations of traditional jobs and crafts.

Dating back to 800 AD, the illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels known as the Book of Kells is renowned for its extraordinary illustrations and ornamentations. Its intricate drawings, incorporating Celtic and Christian traditions, are a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of the medieval monks believed to have created it. Despite Viking raids, theft, and fights between various Irish and English factions, 680 astonishingly detailed vellum (calf-skin) pages of Latin text remain intact.

The bronze Molly Malone Statue commemorates the young woman featured in the local ballad, 'Cockles and Mussels'. As the song goes, this beautiful woman plied her trade as a fishmonger through the streets where her statue now rests, until she suddenly died of a fever. As a nod to the folk song, a statue was erected on the corner of Grafton and Suffolk streets and unveiled at the 1988 Dublin Millennium celebrations. This tune has been adopted as Dublin's unofficial anthem, boosting this heroine to eternal fame. Though there is debate as to whether or not a Molly Malone like the one in the song ever existed, she is real to the people of Dublin and is remembered both in song as well as on June 13, National Molly Malone Day. The statue also acts as a popular rendezvous spot for groups as the beautiful bosomy woman with her cart cannot be missed.

Explore beyond Dublin with a day trip to Glendalough, a sixth-century monastic complex one hour south of the city center. Set between two lakes, Glendalough is a popular destination for travelers who want a taste of the Irish countryside. It’s also a common stop for hikers setting out along the Wicklow Way, which runs through the valley.

The Blarney Castle and Gardens is most famous as the home of the Blarney Stone. Legend states that if you kiss the stone, you will never be at a loss for words. While people travel from all over the world to kiss the mystical stone (which involves hanging upside down from the castle’s tower), this 600-year-old fortress is also a draw for its lovely gardens and ancient stone formations called Rock Close.

Established as a small Viking church in the 11th century, this magnificent cathedral was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century under orders from Norman knight, Strongbow, whose tomb is now held here. In the late 19th century, it was given a neo-Gothic makeover, though original elements including the 12th-century crypt remain.

The Wicklow Mountains, a destination for dramatic Irish landscapes, are a popular day trip from Dublin, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) from the capital city. Low mountains, serene lakes, and deep glacial valleys offer the chance to fish, kayak, hike, picnic, and more. Film buffs are also drawn here to see backdrops from favorite movies like Braveheart.

The largest church in Ireland, the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral has borne witness to nearly 800 years of Irish history. The church was supposedly founded on the site where Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, baptized converts and is known for its exquisite stained-glass windows, marble statues, and medieval tiling. St. Patrick’s is as much a significant spot for literary pilgrims as it is for their religious counterparts; Jonathan Swift, the esteemed author of “Gulliver’s Travels” once served as dean here and is now buried within its gray stone walls.