Ireland draws travelers from across the globe with its green countryside, ancient castles, and locals who make you feel welcome from day one. From Dublin’s lively streets to the rugged Atlantic coastline, the country offers more than most visitors expect. The things to do in Ireland range from hiking in national parks and kissing the Blarney Stone to sipping Guinness with a view of the city skyline.
This guide covers the country’s most iconic landmarks, coastal drives, historic castles, and cultural highlights, along with the best food spots, shopping areas, and the right season to visit.
1. Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher stand 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean along County Clare’s coastline. These sea cliffs stretch for 8 kilometers and draw over 1.5 million visitors each year. On clear days, you can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay from the viewing platforms. The visitor center is built into the hillside to blend with the natural setting.
O’Brien’s Tower, constructed in 1835, offers panoramic views from its rooftop. The site forms part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. This is one of the must-see places in Ireland for nature lovers and photographers alike.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Co. Clare, Ireland
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Vary based on the weather and season)
- Entry Fee: For adults, €8/ INR 869, for seniors aged 65+, €6/ INR 652, for students aged 13+, €6/ INR 652, and free for children up to 12 years; plan to spend a couple of days exploring the nearby area
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2. Guinness Storehouse
Ireland’s most visited attraction sits at St. James’s Gate in Dublin. The Guinness Storehouse spreads across seven floors inside a building that has brewed beer since 1759. Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease for this site. Today, visitors walk through exhibits on brewing history, ingredients, and advertising before finishing with a pint at the Gravity Bar.
The 360-degree views from the seventh floor look out over Dublin’s skyline, stretching to the Wicklow Mountains on clear days. The storehouse welcomed its 25 millionth guest in 2024. This spot tops many lists of fun things to do in Ireland.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland
- Timings: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and Sunday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Varies by season)
- Entry Fee: Ticket prices start from €22/ INR 2,391 per person; set aside 2 – 3 hours when you visit the famous tourist attraction
3. Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry loops 179 kilometers around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. This driving route passes through small villages, along Atlantic coastlines, and beside mountain ranges. The circuit starts and ends in Killarney and includes stops at Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, and the towns of Kenmare, Sneem, and Waterville.
Charlie Chaplin spent holidays in Waterville, where a statue now honors him. The Kerry Cliffs rise over 1,000 feet above the ocean and offer views that rival the more famous Cliffs of Moher. This drive ranks among the best things to do in Ireland for tourists who want to see the countryside.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Co. Kerry, Ireland
- Timings: Open year-round; best during daylight hours
- Entry Fee: Free (individual attractions may charge fees); Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 days to explore the area
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4. Giant’s Causeway
Around 40,000 basalt columns rise from the North Atlantic coast at the Giant’s Causeway. Volcanic activity created these formations 60 million years ago. Irish legend says the giant Finn McCool built the causeway to reach Scotland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits near Bushmills in County Antrim.
The visitor center offers guided tours with storytellers who share the geology and folklore of the site. Four walking trails wind through the area, ranging from 20-minute strolls to longer coastal hikes. The stones can be accessed free of charge via the public right of way established in 1897.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills BT57 8SU, United Kingdom
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (varies by season)
- Entry Fee: For adults aged 18+, £15/ INR 1,882, for children aged 5 – 17, £7.50/ INR 941, and free for children under 5; set aside 2 to 3 hours for exploring this famous tourist attraction
5. Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle stands about 8 kilometers northwest of Cork City. Built in 1446 by the MacCarthy dynasty, the castle rises nearly 90 feet above the River Martin. Millions of visitors climb to the top to kiss the Blarney Stone, which legend says grants the gift of eloquence.
The castle grounds cover over 60 acres and include the Poison Garden, Rock Close, and walking trails through ancient woodlands. The gardens contain rare plants and specimen trees, some of the largest of their kind in Ireland. Budget at least 3 hours to see everything.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Blarney, Cork, Ireland
- Timings: Open year-round, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; (hours vary by season)
- Entry Fee: For adults, €23/ INR 2,500, for students and seniors aged 65+, €18/ INR 1,956, for children aged 6 – 16, €11/ INR 1,195, and free for children aged 5 and under; set aside to 2 to 3 hours
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6. Book of Kells at Trinity College
Trinity College houses the Book of Kells, a 1,200-year-old illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels. Celtic monks created this decorated text around 800 AD. The exhibition sits in the Old Library, and visitors then walk through the Long Room, which holds 200,000 of the library’s oldest books.
The Long Room has been called one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Recent renovations added the Gaia installation and digital exhibitions that bring the manuscript’s symbolism to life. Entry is timed, so booking online is recommended.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: Trinity College, The University of Dublin Trinity College, College Green, South-East Inner City, Dublin, Ireland
- Timings: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Saturday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Hours might differ depending on the season and weather)
- Entry Fee: Book of Kells Experience starts from €21.50; set aside 1.5 – 2 hours for exploration
7. Killarney National Park
Ireland’s first national park covers 26,000 acres of mountains, lakes, and oak woodlands. Established in 1932, Killarney National Park holds UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. The park contains Ireland’s only wild red deer herd, descendants of animals that have lived here since the last Ice Age.
Muckross House, a Victorian mansion, sits at the heart of the park and offers guided tours. Ross Castle dates to the 1400s and overlooks Lough Leane. Torc Waterfall drops 20 meters through woodland and requires only a short walk from the car park. Entry to the park is free.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: Co. Kerry, Ireland
- Timings: Open 24/7 year-round
- Entry Fee: Park is free but paid guided tours are available; plan to spend a couple of days in the national park
8. Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast tells the story of the RMS Titanic from design to sinking. The six-floor museum opened in 2012 and sits beside the slipways where the ship was built. Interactive galleries take visitors through the ship’s construction, launch, and maiden voyage.
The experience includes entry to SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line vessel. This ship transported passengers to the Titanic. The building’s aluminum-clad exterior represents the bow of four ships, echoing Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5
- Location: 1 Olympic Wy, Belfast BT3 9EP, United Kingdom
- Timings: Daily 9:45 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: For adults, £24.95/ INR 3,131, for children (aged 5 – 15), £11.00/ INR 1,380, for students and seniors aged 60+, £21.95/ INR 2,754 (Monday to Friday only), and free for children under 5; set aside 2 to 3 hours to explore this famous musuem
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FAQs
What are the best things to do in Ireland for first-time visitors?
Dublin makes a wonderful starting point with the Guinness Storehouse and the ancient Book of Kells waiting to be admired. Head west to experience the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the welcoming streets of Galway City. The Ring of Kerry offers mountain and coastal views that capture rural Ireland beautifully, making it one of the best things to do in Ireland for tourists.
What shouldn’t you miss in Ireland?
The Cliffs of Moher draw more visitors than any other natural attraction in the country, and the views explain why. The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland reveals nature’s remarkable ability to create unusual formations. Killarney National Park brings together lakes, forests, and historic buildings, earning its place among the must see places in Ireland.
What are the best things to do in Ireland during the day?
Daytime hours fill easily with hikes through Killarney National Park or scenic drives along the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula. Castle grounds at Blarney and Ross Castle reward visitors with history and beautiful settings. Museums like Titanic Belfast work well on rainy days, while coastal walks offer fun things to do in Ireland when skies clear.
What are the best things to do in Ireland at night?
Irish pubs come alive with traditional music most evenings, particularly in Galway, Dublin’s Temple Bar, and charming Dingle. Walking tours after dark share ghost stories and local legends that bring history to life. The Gravity Bar at Guinness Storehouse offers evening views over Dublin’s skyline with a pint in hand.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in Ireland?
Killarney National Park features easy walking paths and jaunting car rides that children find delightful. Titanic Belfast uses interactive displays designed to keep young visitors engaged throughout their visit. Dublin Zoo and Tayto Park Theme Park cater specifically to families, ranking among the fun things to do in Ireland for all ages.
What are the best cultural things to do in Ireland?
The Book of Kells displays medieval Irish artistry preserved for over a thousand years. Newgrange connects you with people who walked this land five millennia ago. Traditional music sessions in Galway pubs and the powerful history of Kilmainham Gaol make these top things to do in Ireland for culture lovers.
What are the top food experiences in Ireland?
Fresh seafood along the west coast draws food lovers to Dingle and Kinsale year after year. Cork’s English Market has welcomed shoppers since 1788 with local cheeses, meats, and seasonal produce. Oysters paired with creamy Guinness at coastal restaurants create a taste memory you will carry home with you.
What are the best shopping areas in Ireland?
Grafton Street in Dublin offers high-street brands alongside Irish craft shops in a lively pedestrian setting. Galway’s Latin Quarter holds independent boutiques selling local designs and handmade jewelry. Blarney Woollen Mills stocks Irish woolens and quality souvenirs, while Kinsale and Kenmare feature smaller shops with local art.
What’s the best time of year to visit Ireland for sightseeing?
May through September brings the longest days and mildest weather for outdoor adventures across the country. Spring and early autumn balance pleasant conditions with fewer crowds at popular sites. Top things to do in Ireland, like the Cliffs of Moher, remain accessible year-round, giving you plenty of reasons to plan your trip.
