The Ultimate Ireland Bucket List (20+ Activities)
Scenic green and coastal landscapes, charming towns and villages, and friendly locals make Ireland a beautiful country to visit.
Whether this is going to be your first time in Ireland or not, and you’d love to have authentic experiences, this Ireland Bucket List includes amazing activities you don’t want to miss during your trip – from visiting breathtaking natural wonders to staying in unique places and tasting the local food.
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Ireland bucket list experiences
1. See the Book of Kells at Trinity College
The Book of Kells, located in the Old Library building at Trinity College Dublin, is a must-see in Dublin.
It’s one of the Medieval treasures, a 9th-century manuscript containing the four Latin Gospels of the Christian scriptures.
You access the library through the shop, and as you climb the stairs, you’ll see this unique book paradise.
Initially, the library was restricted to the public, and only the upper class could get in. As time passed, graduates could get in, and later it was open to the public, but it wasn’t until 1904 that it became an accessible learning place for everyone.
Book of Kells and the Old Library are must-see attractions to add to your Ireland bucket list!
📌 I highly recommend getting fast-track tickets as it can get very busy, and you may need to queue for a while.
2. Visit Temple Bar in Dublin
Recommended by Kerry Hanson of Adrenaline Junkiez
If you’re heading to the glorious capital of Ireland, Dublin, one of the best places in Ireland, be sure to visit the infamous Temple Bar.
Located on the south bank of the River Liffey, this area attracts locals and tourists alike, all wanting to experience the best pubs in the historical Temple Bar district.
Wander down the narrow cobbled streets discovering what makes Dublin’s nightlife so notorious. Come day or night, there is always something to do in the area.
From dining in one of the many restaurants or cafes to enjoying a tipple at one of the wine bars, or just having knees up to live music booming out from the Temple Bar Pub, you’ll be sure to have a lot of fun.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, head there early as the bars and streets can get busy. Be sure to grab a free postcard and beermat from the pub as a memento of your experience.
If you’d like a more chilled day, you can visit the book market during the weekend. If you’re visiting in summer, you can even grab an outdoor film screening at Meetinghouse Square.
Whatever you do, don’t skip the Temple Bar district if you’re looking for the best experiences to have in Ireland.
3. Take a day trip to the Aran Islands
Recommended by Jack & Abbie of A Couples Calling
During your time in Ireland, you just have to go on an Aran Islands day trip!
Sitting off Ireland’s west coast, these islands have plenty to offer for travellers including fantastic scenery, beautiful beaches, and historical sites.
There are three islands to choose from and these are Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer. Inishmore is the largest island and has the most to see, whilst Inisheer is the smallest.
Out of all the islands, Inishmore is the most popular as it’s home to plenty of historical sites including Na Seacht Tempaill, Dún Aonghasa, and Dún Dúchathair. If you decide to visit this island, you’ll also want to visit Kilronan, Kilmurvey Beach, and the Wormhole.
There’s even a local seal colony on the island, so make sure you bring your binoculars with you!
However, the best thing about this island is that there are no vehicles. The only cars you’ll come across are private tour vehicles and these are few and far between!
Instead, you can hire a bicycle from the port to get around or catch a ride on a horse & cart.
You can reach all the islands from Rossaveal which is just 37km (23 miles) from Galway, or you can head there from Doolin. The cheapest way to get there is by ferry, however, you can get to the islands via plane or by tour.
4. Have a pint of Guinness
Recommended by Lowri of Many Other Roads
If you are looking for the best experience to have in Ireland, there is nothing better than a traditional pint of Guinness.
No matter where you are visiting in Ireland, you need to try Guinness at least once. Even though there are endless great spots to get your pint, there is one that stands above the best, the Guinness storehouse in Dublin.
The Guinness storehouse is an iconic part of Dublin that cannot be missed. Starting at €26 You can tour the factory and learn about the history of Guinness and its role in Ireland and the world.
Exploring the Storehouse takes about 3 hours as there is so much to see. Your ticket also includes one free drink at the gravity bar. So make sure you enjoy a pint of Guinness here and enjoy the best views over Dublin.
This is a great activity to do in Ireland for so many reasons. Strolling through the floors and learning about everything Guinness is special enough. Combine this with the sounds of traditional Irish music playing and the most welcoming staff and there is no experience like it.
If there is one thing you need to do here it is to purchase a pint that has your face printed on it right in front of you!
5. Visit Jameson Distillery
Recommended by Nicholas of The World Overload
To really enjoy the full Irish experience while you are in the country, you need to stop by a whiskey distillery. And one of the most well-known in Ireland is the Jameson Distillery located in good old Dublin.
Located on Bow St., this is a great place to visit and here you can get your certification as an official whiskey taste tester.
This unique experience is part of the official tour that you will take of the Jameson Distillery. At the end, you can volunteer yourself to participate in this tasting.
You will be given several enjoyable whiskeys of varying ages to taste and at the end, you will be given an official certificate with your name on it, as now you are a master and have learned the differences in whiskeys.
📌 Tip: Do not just take it like a shot. Take time to really enjoy the flavour and scents. Some of these will have been aged for years and you will no doubt find them surprisingly delightful
Make this a part of your travel list of things to do while visiting Dublin. You may think this a bit touristy if you are looking to get a “local” experience, but no one ever regrets a good whiskey.
6. Drive the Ring of Kerry
Recommended by Faith of XYU and Beyond
The Ring of Kerry is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry, taking you through some of the most breathtaking vistas in Ireland.
The route begins in the Killarney National Park and if you drive yourself it will take around 3 hours if you don’t stop – but trust me you will stop because the views will absolutely blow your mind.
Here’s a tip – the tour buses drive the Ring of Kerry counterclockwise so make sure you drive clockwise and you won’t get stuck behind them. You could also book a Jaunting Cart to enjoy the scenery in a slow leisurely fashion.
If you are fascinated by the night skies make a point to visit Kerry’s Dark Sky Reserve where you can book a tour, they supply the telescopes along with an Evening Sky Map the cost per person is €15 Euro.
Stop by Portmagee which is the jumping-off point for a boat trip out to the Skellig Islands where Star Wars was filmed. Keep in mind that rough seas will mean the boat trip can be cancelled at a moment’s notice.
Or head to the Kerry Cliffs where you can drive the Skellig Loop an 18-kilometre loop with outstanding views of the islands.
On the Ring of Kerry, you will see ancient stone circles, ruined forts and castles; stunning beaches, iconic fishing villages and most of all enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Irish at its finest.
Driving the Ring of Kerry is one of the best things to do in Ireland, so it needs to be on your Ireland itinerary.
7. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Recommended by Pamela of The Directionally Challenged Traveler
One of the best bucket list experiences in Ireland is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin. This celebration is unlike any other St. Patrick’s Day in the world and is an unforgettable experience.
The city of Dublin takes the holiday to a new level by celebrating for a full week! The capital city of Ireland welcomes over half a million people in a sea of green.
Legend says that if you’re wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day (and the party leading up to it) then the leprechauns can’t see you. If you’re not wearing green, the locals may pinch you!
St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the history of Ireland in conjunction with the patron saint. Local restaurants feature traditional Irish food and music.
On March 17th, the parade is the culmination. Be sure to get to your spot early, around 9:00 a.m., even though the parade doesn’t start until noon. You can get tickets in the grandstands along the route for elevated views.
Tickets are posted in September for the following March on the St. Patrick’s Day Festival Ireland Facebook page. The parade highlights the culture, history, traditions, arts, and folklore of Ireland.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is an incredible bucket list experience in Ireland.
8. Go to Northern Ireland
Recommended by Andreea of Andoreia
If you spend some time in Ireland you shouldn’t miss hopping to Northern Ireland for a quick visit. The country, part of the United Kingdom, has a lot to offer, despite its small size.
Giant’s Causeway and Belfast (the capital) are two of the best places to see on a day trip to Northern Ireland. The Causeway is made of basalt columns of hexagonal shape which appeared a long time ago after a volcanic eruption and it’s one of the most popular sights in the country.
In Belfast, you can visit the Titanic Belfast interactive museum to find out more about the famous ill-fated ship or learn about the Troubles, a 30-year-long conflict from which the city suffered greatly.
Other places to add to your Ireland itinerary are Dunluce castle and the Dark Hedges, two places that Game of Thrones fans will recognize from the popular TV show.
You can visit Northern Ireland by car (be warned that they drive on the left side of the road there) or by tour and there are also direct trains from Dublin to Belfast. Since there’s a soft border between it and Ireland, there’s no need to worry about any border checks.
9. Stay in an Irish tower house
Recommended by Natalie of Cosmos Mariners
Immerse yourselves in local culture as much as possible when you travel by seeking out local, unique accommodations.
On your next vacation or road trip in Ireland, book a night or two in a historic Irish tower house.
Ireland doesn’t have traditional castles like you’ll find elsewhere in the British Isles, but they do have these tall, multi-storied stone towers. These towers were once used by the British aristocracy who oversaw the local Irish people during a centuries long occupation.
Today, one of these towers is still standing near Galway, where it is the obvious accommodation for an unforgettable night’s stay. The hosts at Caher Castle are Peter and his family, who have turned this historic tower into a cosy retreat with their own hands.
Guests are given the top two floors: the uppermost floor has a huge fireplace, bed, and loft area, while the penultimate floor houses the kitchen, living room, another huge fireplace, and cleverly designed bathroom.
You can also take the circular stone staircase up to the roof for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Book ahead for this experience as such unique and historic accommodation stays are in demand for Galway visitors.
You will need a rental car or Uber to get from Galway to Caher Castle as the tower house is off transportation routes. There’s a wonderful pub within walking distance of the castle for warm, savoury meals.
10. Drive on the Dingle peninsula
Recommended by Fiona of Travelling Thirties
Ireland is filled with amazing experiences, from tasting Guinness to listening to live music in Galway or marvelling at the dramatic cliffs of Moher.
However, there is no experience quite like driving (or part of) the Wild Atlantic Way. The drive spans 2,500km along the rugged west coast of Ireland.
One of the most beautiful parts of the Wild Atlantic Way is Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula. Although the drive is pretty short, about 30 miles or so, you need to allow yourself 5 or 6 hours to fully enjoy all that the Peninsula has to offer.
Filled with windy roads, hairpin turns, rolling green hills and white sandy beaches you will be forever stopping to take in the view and hear the roar of the Atlantic Ocean.
Once you are on Slea Head Drive maps are relatively unnecessary as the road is well-signed. There are plenty of stops along the way that you need to make but some of the highlights include:
The Famine cottages are a great reminder of how the “typical” Irish family would have lived during the Irish Famine. Not only can you explore the cottages and enjoy some Irish history but also the views from the cottages are beautiful.
The Three Sisters and the sleeping giant are also worth a stop. These three peaks rise out of the Atlantic Ocean near Ballyferriter and are a sight to behold.
When driving along Slea Head Drive it is recommended that you go in a clockwise direction to ensure you drive right along the coastline. Pack a picnic and some walking shoes to make the most of your day.
11. Visit the Cliffs of Moher
Recommended by Erika of Erika’s Travelventures
One of the best experiences in Ireland is to admire its dramatic coastlines, and there’s no better location to do this than the Cliffs of Moher – one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.
These spectacular, sheer cliffs rise between 100 to 200 meters high above the rough ocean waters below and stretch for 14 kilometres along the west coast of Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher are a natural wonder that should be included in every Ireland itinerary!
Visitors to the Cliffs of Moher can walk along a walkway that spans many kilometres in each direction. Every section has spectacular ocean and coastal views on one side, and rolling green Irish countryside on the other.
The main Cliffs of Moher Visitor’s centre showcases the history and geology of the location, in what’s called the Cliffs of Moher Experience. A gift shop, restrooms, and a small cafe are also available on-site.
One tip for visiting the Cliffs of Moher is that rain or shine, it’s almost always windy here because it’s on the coast – so bring a jacket! Admission costs vary based on entry timing and month but can be checked online at the official Cliffs of Moher website.
📌 Check out this guided tour to the Cliffs of Moher.
12. Visit Killruddery House and Gardens
Recommended by Anda of Travel for a while
Ireland is full of castles and ruins, but visiting an authentic Irish 400 year old estate is an experience you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Ireland.
Killruddery House and Gardens is in county Wicklow, only 20 km south of Dublin. The closest train (DART) station is in Bray.
The historic house is surrounded by a formal garden and a working farm. The unique aspect comes from the family still living in the house. They dedicate their lives to preserving the estate and making it accessible to everyone.
You can join one of the house tours or just visit the gardens. You will find a lily pond hidden in a beech hedge circle, the Sylvan Theatre, a wild area, and the long ponds in front of the house. On a sunny day, the attraction is the lawn where you can relax and enjoy some family time in beautiful surroundings.
Don’t miss the farm and walled garden. You’ll discover many beautiful flowers, herbs, and vegetables but also farm animals. And the best part is that you can enjoy a farm-to-table lunch right there on the farm.
The Grain Store Cafe and the Tea Room both serve food made with fresh local ingredients. It’s a great way to complete your local Irish experience.
13. Climb Croagh Patrick
Recommended by Isabelle of Cultured Voyages
Croagh Patrick’s namesake is none other than Saint Patrick himself, Ireland’s patron saint and so it is a rite of passage for a lot of Irish people to climb Croagh Patrick at some stage in their lives.
Known locally as ‘The Reek’, the distinct conical shape of the mountain looms over the surrounding landscape of Westport and Clew Bay.
While Croagh Patrick is heavily visited by Irish people, it’s less likely that you’ll meet a lot of tourists visiting from abroad if you do decide to make the climb, as it’s a little off the beaten tourist path.
While the town of Westport is one of the best along the Wild Atlantic Way, you’re more likely to bump into Irish tourists than visitors from further afield, who tend to stick more to the popular hotspots of Kerry, Clare and Galway.
While it’s not the easiest of climbs, the ascent is more acute than it is long and you can make it up and down Croagh Patrick in half a day. The mountain sees lots of climbers on the weekends, so try to avoid these days and go earlier in the morning if you intend to make the climb.
Take special care when navigating on the screen – as a popular hike, there is much loose rock along the trail, so the path can be a little unstable at times.
The best way to handle this is by wearing a proper pair of hiking boots with ankle support and avail of a sturdy stick before you set off- you can rent one from the kiosk at the visitor’s centre in Murrisk.
14. Go on a road trip to the Wild Atlantic Way
Recommended by Allan of Bangorni
The best way to experience the real beauty of Ireland’s Emerald Isle is on a road trip, and just getting out to explore the remote landscapes of the country.
This is made easy as well with the Wild Atlantic Way, a way-marked Route along Ireland’s rugged west coast starting from the most northern point in County Donegal and travelling down to the most southern at Mizen Head in County Cork.
Along the way, you also pass many larger destinations, like Galway, Limerick and Killarney for more box-ticking, but the real gems of this route are the majestic cliffs and coastlines including Slieve League, countless beaches, and the iconic Cliffs of Moher.
Then there is just everything in between with some of the better-known areas including the Burren, and Connemara in County Galway, and of course the Ring of Kerry which is a standalone road trip in itself.
It is possible to join coach tours on the route, and sections of it, but renting a car gives more freedom to explore, and to reach the more remote attractions that coaches or even camper vans fail to reach.
A lot of the charm comes as well in staying with local B&Bs and Guesthouses to experience Irish hospitality at its most honest. Not to forget the traditional Irish breakfasts.
15. Cycle the Limerick Greenway
Recommended by Amber Haggerty of Amber Everywhere
Cycling the Limerick Greenway is one of the best ways to experience the rural Irish countryside.
Running between Listowel and Rathkeale, with several towns and attractions along the way, the Greenway covers 40 kilometres of rolling hills, charming villages, and working farmland.
Following the old railway line from Kerry to Limerick, the path is paved, largely flat, and closed to all traffic. You’ll only see walkers, runners, and cyclists, aside from the occasional road crossing.
The Greenway offers a glimpse into life in rural Ireland, with cattle crossings located at various points along the path. When choosing your route, try to include the forested stretch through the Tullig Woods from Templeglatine to Abbeyfeale, the Greenway’s most serene section.
Other highlights include the Barnaugh Tunnel, Barnaugh Station, and a beautiful overview from Fergusons Viaduct.
You’ll need to rent a car to get to the Greenway since it’s a bit far from the large tourist centres. The Greenway is drivable from city centres in Limerick or Kerry, or you can stay at one of the guest houses along the route, many of which offer special “Greenway Packages.” Bike rentals are available at several points along the Greenway.
16. Book a Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle
Recommended by Cath of Travel Around Ireland
There are many castles in Ireland to visit and Bunratty Castle in County Clare, one of the best places to visit in Ireland, has something unique to offer visitors. Nestled on the banks of the River Ratty, Bunratty Castle is a 15th-century Tower House that was built on the site of earlier castles.
As well as the castle you will also find a Folk Park, where visitors can experience 19th-century village life in Ireland through a living museum. You will find buildings from the 19th century, a farm and a village, and at seasonal times of the year, there are living characters played by actors.
Each building is decorated from the era it is from, with things like turf fires and two-storey houses without stairs!
What makes Bunratty Castle one of the best experiences is the Medieval Banquets that guests can attend in the afternoon/evening. Held daily in the Great Hall, visitors can enjoy a medieval-inspired banquet that includes at least three courses and a honey mead.
Entertainment is provided through music and dance, and if they are lucky, two guests will be invited to become Lord and Lady of the Manor to preside over the feast.
If you are looking to combine a castle visit with one of the best experiences in Ireland, then make sure to visit Bunratty Castle and book your spot for the Medieval Banquet.
17. See the Titanic
Recommended by Trisha of P.S. I’m On My Way
We’ve all seen the hit movie Titanic, the story of how this massive ship crashed into an iceberg in the North Atlantic within 4 days of its voyage. But more than the love story of Jack and Rose, this popular ship has lots of stories that we don’t really know about.
First, the Titanic was built in Belfast. As part of the big rivalry in shipping lines in the 20th century, the Titanic was first marketed as an unsinkable, no-flaw ship. Stories like this can now be seen in the full picture at the Titanic Belfast, a museum dedicated to the ship that is located in Belfast.
The museum is very interactive as you can walk through the ships and freely explore the decks of the last remaining tender ship of the Titanic.
You will also get the chance to see the slipway where the ship was built. Within the museum, there are three restaurants that are Titanic-inspired such as The Galley Cafe, The Pantry, and Hickson’s Point.
A trip to Belfast can be easily combined with top destinations in Ireland such as Dublin and New Castle (1.5 hours drive).
18. Visit the Blarney Castle
Recommended by Snap Happy Travel
Blarney Castle and Gardens, a 15-minute drive from Cork City, is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. In fact, this historic castle attracts approximately 65,000 visitors every month during the summer!
The ‘blarney stone’ at the top of the castle is said to offer those who kiss it the ‘gift of the gab’ – legend has it the stone’s magic powers were bestowed upon the stone by a local witch who the castle’s owners (the McCarthy family) saved from drowning!
The gardens surrounding the castle are stunning, and you can take numerous walking routes to see the beautiful plants and flowers grown here. There’s a Poison Garden, Fern Garden, Bog Garden, and more, and these gardens are spread across 60 acres – so you can easily spend the whole day here!
The queues to kiss the stone can be very long during the summer months, so aim to get here as soon as they open (at 9 am) if possible.
Blarney Castle and Gardens is open year-round to visitors, and the cost of entry is 15 euros for adults and 6 euros for children.
19. Visit the English Market in Cork
Recommended by Maria of Maptrekking
Visiting the south of Ireland won’t disappoint with its beautiful nature, incredible food, and interesting history. If you’re looking for a way to dive into Ireland’s food scene, Cork has to be on your Ireland bucket list!
County Cork is known as the rebel county because it has always been known for resisting British colonization. Many Corkonians consider Cork to be the real capital of Ireland as well.
You can learn more about this when visiting the ‘English Market’, founded in 1788. Unfortunately, it received its name because, at the time, the English controlled the city and would confiscate and stockpile food there before sending it to England.
Currently, when you visit, you’ll get to see food from all over the world and notice the mid-19th-century architecture.
Not only is it Ireland’s most famous covered market, but it has incredible quality artisanal goods. There is an amazing selection of fresh seafood and meat, so much so that the best restaurants in Cork usually get their ingredients from there.
When visiting, take your time walking around and trying some unique foods. This is a great way to support small, local businesses. Plus, you’ll certainly be able to find some unique gifts to take home to your loved ones!
20. Hike the Bray to Graystones Cliff Walk
Recommended by Krystianna of Volumes & Voyages
One of the absolute best experiences to have in Ireland is to hike the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk.
This is a super easy day trip from Dublin and is authentic because it allows visitors to enjoy the beauty that Ireland has to offer without being in an incredibly popular place like the Cliffs of Moher or Blarney Castle!
It is a fairly long walk at around 4.4 miles (7 km), but it’s well worth it. The majority of the cliff walk is on flat land right near the water. Be warned that if you don’t like heights, then you may want to skip out on this experience, but if you can get over your fear, the views are incredible.
The best thing to do is to pack a boxed lunch and stick it in a backpack to enjoy about halfway through. There are many spots where you can sit and eat while looking out to the water. Speaking of water, be sure to bring a water bottle or two!
The biggest question travellers have is whether to start the hike in Bray or Greystones. It’s completely up to each hiker, but starting in Greystones allows you to have an incredible view of the Bray Promenade at the end, which is very rewarding. Plus, there are many incredible spots to eat in Bray at the end, where you can relax and enjoy the view.
Are you ready to explore Ireland?
Check out these tours and activities in Ireland:
Which activities are you adding to your Irish bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!
Safe adventures.
Cristina x
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Things to do before visiting Ireland
- Check out flights to Dublin on Skyscanner.
- Book accommodation with Booking.com
- Have a look at activities to do in Ireland with Get Your Guide.
- Rent a car if you’re planning to travel to other Irish cities.
- Don’t forget to get travel insurance! SafetyWing offers flexible health and travel insurance.
