Top things to see and do in Ireland

Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s most iconic mountain, stands at 2,507 feet and is located near the town of Westport in County Mayo. Every year on the last Sunday of July, thousands of pilgrims make the climb in honor of Ireland’s patron saint—who, according to legend, fasted and prayed at the summit for 40 days.

On a clear day, the view from the top is spectacular, stretching across Clew Bay and the surrounding South Mayo countryside. To follow in the footsteps of Saint Patrick, plan for about a two-hour hike to the summit and roughly an hour and a half to descend.

Stroll through a labyrinth of cobbled streets and alleyways in the atmospheric city of Kilkenny in the south-east of Ireland. Here you will encounter a fascinating mix of religious roots, national history and medieval architecture.

Immerse yourself in medieval history with a visit to Kilkenny Castle, St. Cainnech's Cathedral and the Black Abbey. Stroll along the banks of the River Nore to admire Kilkenny's attractive architecture and experience delicious food and a lively nightlife. Sample beer and ales from the local breweries and listen to live music in the town's cozy pubs.

Look forward to breathtakingly high cliffs, ancient settlements and prehistoric fortresses. Just a short ferry ride from the Galway coast are the Aran Islands and their historically significant sites.

The 3 islands include Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer, the latter being the largest of the Aran Islands. There is much to discover here, from the clifftop fortress of Dún Aonghasa to the ruins of the medieval Seven Churches. You can also explore the wormhole (Poll na bPéist), a natural basin in the shape of a perfect rectangle, and the stone beehive hut Clochán na Carraige.

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride to explore the islands - an unforgettable tour.

If you've always been interested in the famous Alcatraz prison in San Francisco, then you'll love a trip to Spike Island in Cork! Located in Cork Harbour, this island has a fascinating and varied history.

Over the past 1300 years, the island has evolved from a 6th century monastery to a large fortress and then a prison. Today it is a public museum and the perfect day trip from Cork City! You should set aside a whole day for this activity, as the exciting excursion to Ireland's Alcatraz should be savored.

The colorful port city of Galway delights with its burgeoning arts scene, rich musical background and roots in Irish history and language. Stroll along Salthill Promenade and breathe in the sea air wafting in from Galway Bay.

Don't miss a visit to Galway Cathedral, Galway City Museum and the medieval Kirwan's Lane . This will give you a fascinating insight into the city's heritage and architecture. In summer, the Galway International Arts Festival and the Galway Film Fleadh attract culture lovers from all over the world: immerse yourself in the vibrant arts, theater and music scene.

Cork is a lively city with a history dating back to the 6th century. Admire the striking architecture as you stroll through the magnificent Georgian streets and hidden alleyways.

Today, Cork enjoys the reputation of being the culinary capital of Ireland. There are many inviting cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs offering everything you could wish for. If you're a history buff, a trip to Blarney Castle is a must. This impressive medieval fortress is located north of Cork in a picturesque setting. Here you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone, and perhaps be blessed with the gift of eloquence, as legend has it!

Set out on a scenic road trip through Ireland along the iconic Ring of Kerry—a 111-mile route on the country’s southwest coast. This breathtaking circular drive, part of the Wild Atlantic Way, winds through rolling green hills and dramatic coastal landscapes on the Iveragh Peninsula.

Begin your journey in Killarney, home to the stunning Killarney National Park. Discover historic landmarks like Ross Castle, Muckross House, and Muckross Abbey, as well as ancient stone forts in Caherdaniel and Staigue. Nature lovers won’t want to miss the views at Torc Waterfall, the Skellig Islands, or the winding Gap of Dunloe Pass—each offering a unique and unforgettable slice of Ireland’s beauty.

The rugged Dingle Peninsula is also part of the popular Wild Atlantic Way route and is bursting with natural beauty. Discover remote coastlines, mountain ranges such as Slieve Mish and pristine beaches. Visit one of the small towns and coastal villages to immerse yourself in Irish tradition and culture.

Take a boat trip through Dingle Bay to spot dolphins and other sea creatures or hike up Mount Brandon for wonderful views of wild Ireland. Don't miss a drive on the Slea Head Drive, a circular route located at the westernmost point of the peninsula.

Northwest of Galway lies one of Ireland’s most captivating wilderness areas—Connemara. Spanning County Galway, this region is a striking mix of slate-colored lakes, open moorlands, sheep-dotted mountains, rugged coastline, hidden coves, and charming small towns. Be sure to visit Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord, and take in the scenic beauty of Kylemore Abbey. Near Clifden, you’ll find the Alcock and Brown Memorial, marking the landing site of the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919. For a truly immersive experience, explore the trails of Connemara National Park—nearly 100,000 acres of raw, authentic Ireland. It’s easy to see why this landscape has inspired so many artists, writers, and photographers.

Are you a fan of natural cosmetics? Then you should not underestimate the rejuvenating effect of seaweed. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were more than 300 seaweed baths on the Irish coast, but the number of baths declined in the following decades - today there are only a handful left.

Voya Seaweed Baths in Strandhill is just one of many that have rediscovered this ancient therapy for a whole new audience. They harvest organic seaweed from the beaches and combine it with mineral-rich seawater for a seaweed bath that hydrates your skin, boosts circulation and promotes healing.

Until the 20th century, Ireland had a much more extensive regional rail network than it does today. Many of the now-disused lines have been creatively transformed into scenic walking and cycling trails.One of the most popular is the Waterford Greenway—a 28-mile route connecting the port city of Waterford with the coastal town of Dungarvan. This peaceful trail winds through the countryside, crossing viaducts and passing through moss-covered rail tunnels, all while offering stunning views of Dungarvan Bay and the shimmering sea.The entire route can be completed in a day, or you can choose to walk or bike just a section at a time, stopping to explore the charming villages along the way.

Newgrange is a marvel of early engineering and one of the most remarkable Neolithic archaeological sites in Europe. This vast passage tomb is older than the Great Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge and dates back to 3,200 BC.

Thanks to an ingenious Stone Age design, its main chamber is illuminated once a year (clouds permitting) when a small slit above the entrance coincides with the rising sun of the winter solstice at the end of December. The site is part of the larger UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, which lies in a bend of the River Boyne and is one of the most significant assemblages of prehistoric sites in Europe.

In a deep valley carved by glaciers during the Ice Age, the 100-foot round tower of Glendalough rises among the trees—set against the steep, forested slopes of Wicklow Mountains National Park.

Glendalough holds national significance as a site where landscape and legend come together. This early medieval monastic settlement and pilgrimage destination—whose name means “valley of two lakes”—tells the story of Saint Kevin and Ireland’s transformation through Christianity.

Today, Glendalough is one of the most scenic and meaningful places to visit in Ireland, with peaceful walking trails nearby, including sections of the long-distance Wicklow Way.

Birr Castle, which has been in existence for over 400 years, has been inhabited by the Parsons family since 1620. Visitors have the opportunity to tour the castle and its extensive gardens, which are home to more than 2,000 plant species and a grove of towering redwood trees.

Also on display is the large telescope completed in 1845 by the 3rd Earl of Rosse, who was one of the first to discover the spiral nature of galaxies. The exploration of the cosmos continues with the estate's low-frequency radio telescope, the I-LOFAR, which is part of one of the most ambitious astrophysical research projects in the world.

The Cliffs of Moher may draw the crowds, but the cliffs of Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) on Ireland’s west coast in County Donegal offer their own spectacular edge. Towering nearly 2,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, these sea cliffs are among the highest accessible in Europe—standing three times taller than their famous counterparts in County Clare.They’re especially stunning at sunset, when crashing waves meet golden light in a dramatic display. For those who aren’t afraid of heights, the One Man’s Pass Trail offers an exhilarating hike with sweeping ocean views and the thunder of surf far below.

Overlooking the surrounding area, visitors come here to marvel at both man-made and natural wonders, but the breathtakingly atmospheric ruins are the crowning glory.

The Rock of Cashel, perched on a craggy outcrop beneath which the verdant landscape of County Tipperary has unfolded for more than a millennium, is something of a movie set. Also known as St. Patrick's Rock, this collection of partially ruined church buildings, including a 13th century cathedral, was once the seat of the High Kings of Munster and is one of Ireland's most impressive historical sites.

Stroll through Ireland's capital city with its pretty cobblestone-lined canals and discover the best live Irish folk music. Visit Ireland's oldest university, Trinity College Dublin, where you can see the Book of Kells. Another historical highlight is the magnificent St. Patrick's Cathedral.

No trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to the Temple Bar District. As soon as you enter the famous district, you will hear live music from the many bars and pubs as well as street musicians. Of course, you can't go home without trying one of Ireland's most famous exports: Guinness. Take a look behind the scenes at the Guinness Brewery.

Make your way to the Cliffs of Moher—one of the most breathtaking natural landmarks in Ireland. This awe-inspiring stretch of coastline is a powerful reminder of the country’s dramatic and diverse landscapes. Formed over 350 million years ago, the cliffs rise up to 702 feet and extend for roughly 5 miles along the Atlantic coast in County Clare.

The rugged cliffs, combined with the thunder of waves crashing below, make for an unforgettable experience. The area is also a haven for wildlife, home to Ireland’s largest mainland colony of puffins and over 20 species of seabirds. A true geological and ecological wonder.