The Emerald Isle: 9 Places You Must Visit in Ireland

If you want to get a feel for the cultural heritage of Ireland within just one itinerary, a drive along the coastal Ring of Kerry route is just the ticket. Cultural highlights abound, from the stately 1930s-era Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms to the much older Cahergall Stone Fort, which dates to the 7th century BC.

You won’t just find historic estates along this road, however. Natural attractions are equally prominent, including the mystical Torc Waterfall and Skellig Michael, known for its old monastery and for its role as a filming location in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Another scenic Irish route filled with equal parts cultural and natural attractions, the Wild Atlantic Way shows off some of the most magnificent spots on Ireland's west coast.

Depending on how long you have—and on your stamina—you can drive the entire 1,600-mile (2,600-kilometer) Wild Atlantic Way trip in one go; however, if you’re short on time, you may want to focus on just one or two segments. A great way to get a taste for the route is by starting from Galway and hiring a private driver to take you out to see highlights including Dunguaire Castle and the Cliffs of Moher.

Related: Know Before You Go: Driving the Wild Atlantic Way

There are plenty of reasons why travelers love Galway. Not only is it a great gateway to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, but it’s also one of the most picturesque historic towns in Ireland, with pretty cobbled streets and more than its fair share of medieval architecture.

Galway’s contemporary scene is worth a look, too: You'll find bohemian pubs and vintage shops alongside chic hotels and high-end seafood restaurants, plus a music scene that rivals that of much bigger cities. Central Galway is also quite compact, making it easy to explore on foot.

If you’re in search of rugged scenery, a visit to Killarney National Park is a non-negotiable. The park is part of the UNESCO Kerry Biosphere Reserve and encompasses roughly 24,700 acres (10,000 hectares) of natural beauty, from towering peaks to peaceful lakes.

The park is along the route of the Ring of Kerry, which means it gets plenty of visitors passing through quickly. However, if you have the time, it’s worth slowing down to go on nature walks or boat rides and fully take in this massive expanse.

If you’ve drafted an Ireland travel bucket list, the chances are good that Blarney Castle & Gardens is close to the top. The castle is best known for the Blarney Stone, which grants all who kiss it the "gift of gab," or eloquent speech—or so says local legend. While this enchanted rock is certainly the Gaelic castle’s main draw, many travelers are equally enthralled by its 60 acres (24 hectares) of meandering gardens.

The castle is a popular destination on day trips from Cork, and it’s often visited in tandem with the charming town of Cobh, which was the last port of call for the Titanic.

On the southeastern coast, compact Waterford is a perfect place for a low-key getaway focused on history and the arts. It's the birthplace of Waterford Crystal, and you can watch expert craftspeople blow and etch beautiful works of glass art at the company's House of Waterford Crystal.

History fans won’t want to sleep on the tiny but mighty Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum or the Bishop’s Palace, which traces the history of the city from the 18th–20th century. Both are within the so-called ”Viking Triangle,” a historic part of town that was once hemmed in by Viking walls.

If you want to throw yourself right into Ireland's cultural heart, there's no better place to be than Dublin. The capital city has a bit of everything. Think: historic attractions such as 13th-century Dublin Castle and world-renowned Trinity College, which houses the Book of Kells, to lively neighborhoods such as party-hearty Temple Bar. Otherwise, go for a classic pint at the Guinness Storehouse (or a whiskey tasting at Jameson Distillery on Bow Street), say a prayer at 800-year-old St. Patrick's Cathedral, or frolic among free-roaming deer in the massive Dublin Phoenix Park.

In many people’s minds, the Northern Irish capital of Belfast is associated with the Troubles, three decades of conflict between communities who were loyal to a unified Ireland and those who wanted the area to remain part of the UK. The conflict officially ended on Good Friday of 1998, and today, many tours—including the city’s famous Black Cab Tours—focus on visiting key sights from the Troubles through a lens of reconciliation.

Insider tip: While you’re in town, stop by Titanic Belfast, a massive museum that tells the story of the famous ship at the very shipyard where it was built.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, the Giant’s Causeway is perhaps Ireland's most unusual geological feature. This massive expanse on the Causeway coast comprises close to 40,000 polygonal columns that are believed to have formed some 60 million years ago.

It’s a popular spot for a day trip from Belfast, and tours typically also include a visit to the 66-foot-long (20-meter-long) Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the eerie tree tunnel known as the Dark Hedges, which you might recognize if you’re a Game of Thrones fan.