Located in the north-western Europe, the island of Ireland is famous for its ancient rocks and great legends. Apart from the natural beauty of the beaches, lakes, mountains and limestone deserts, the country is also known for its numerous festivals. It is also known as the Emerald Isle as it is rich is poetry, prose, painting as well as tourist literature. With proper warmth and hospitality, Ireland is very popular among the tourists. Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is a great place to start your journey. With all the trappings of a huge city, you’ll be able to experience fantastic nightlife, great food, and concerts.

Ireland is a land full of extraordinary landscapes from the Ring of Kerry in Southern Ireland to the historic and electric hub that is Dublin, and because of this, the best time to explore them is when the weather is at its warmest and driest. This usually means that the months of summer (June, July, and August) are considered the best time to travel to Ireland. While you might enjoy nice weather, summer is also recognized as the peak season so you can expect crowds of travellers at popular destinations and increased accommodation/activity prices.

If you want to avoid the crowds, try travelling in ‘shoulder’ seasons such as spring (March, May, and April) or autumn (September, October, and November). Yes, the weather might not be as good (you should always be prepared for rainfall) but at least there won’t be as many travellers exploring the same landscapes and cities as you are.

The Irish cuisine is considered to be very hearty as it includes a lot of meat, potatoes and cabbage in most of their dishes. The classic Irish dishes include Boxty, Champ, Coddle, Colcannon, Mixed Grill, bacon and cabbage and seafood pie. Irish stew made with potatoes and lamb with celery, carrots and onions is a must try. The Irish breakfast spread consists of bacon, eggs, sausages and a white or black pudding. Donegal in Ireland is considered to be the seafood capital of the country for the enormous amount of seafood dishes it has.

Ireland being a small country, may not have huge shopping districts like London or Milan, but the major cities like Dublin, Galway and Cork offer a good experience for shoppers. The best things to buy there are traditional Irish products like Waterford Crystal, Aran sweaters and linen. These are found in the main boutiques, and always look for the

‘Guaranteed Irish’ symbol which reflects authenticity. Other items for souvenirs can be pottery, tweed, jewellery, Irish whisky and good quality glassware.

Irish, or Gaeilge, is one of two official languages in the Republic of Ireland, with English being the second.

1. DUBLIN

Dublin is Ireland’s capital city and a home for 2 million people, where the suburbs primarily reside outside. It is located in the east coast region of Ireland and at the starting point of River Liffey.

The city is an exciting fusion of modern vibrancy and world charm. The elegant Georgian structure is what draws travellers from different parts of the world. Moreover, it boasts about the vast St Patrick’s Cathedral, sitting in the middle of the Irish Sea’s beautiful coast. No doubt there are numerous amazing places to visit in Ireland, and Dublin alone holds a majority of it. For instance, the Phoenix Park, Stephen’s Green, effervescent Temple Bar, and those who love to enjoy brewery tours must visit the Old Jameson Distillery. Now talking about the activities you can try is party hard in the temple bar, take a stroll over the Ha’penny Bridge, and schedule a picnic in Phoenix Park. Also, don’t forget to explore the Dublin zoo and shop at the Dublin Flea Market.

Places to visit in Dublin: Phoenix Park, Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, Guinness Storehouse, National Botanical Gardens, St Stephen’s Green

2. GALWAY

Galway is a place of supreme scenic beauty, amazing and lively atmosphere, some amazing pubs and restaurants, and a great list of places to visit. This picturesque location in the province of Connacht is historic, and a treat to the eyes and mind.

Galway is often used as the starting point for a trip of this beautiful side of Ireland – the west. But the city is no less of a destination in itself. With a great number of outdoor activities and buzzing neighbourhoods, Galway is sure to get your senses up and running. With supremely picturesque places like the Wild Atlantic Way, the Connemara National Park, and iconic sites like the Spanish Arch and the Galway Cathedral.

Places to visit in Galway: Galway City Museum, Galway Cathedral, Wild Atlantic Way, Quay Street, Eyre Square

3. KILLARNEY

Killarney, Ireland is a beautiful, picturesque destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Nestled in the southwest corner of Ireland, Killarney is bordered by the MacGillicuddy Reeks mountain range and is part of the Ring of Kerry. It is renowned for its stunning scenery, its quaint pubs and its superb outdoor activities.

The main reason for visiting Killarney is its natural beauty, and its many attractions. Tourists can explore the Killarney National Park, which is home to the Lakes of Killarney, the Gap of Dunloe, and Muckross House and Gardens. There are also a number of beautiful beaches and cliffs in the area. The town itself is a great place to explore, with its cobblestone streets, colorful shops, and romantic restaurants.

Places to visit in Killarney: Killarney National Park, Gap of Dunloe, and Muckross House and Gardens, Lakes of Killarney

4. DONEGAL

Donegal in Ireland is a beautiful county located in the northwest corner of the island. It is renowned for its stunning coastline and landscapes, picturesque villages, and its vibrant culture. It is a great destination for travelers looking for an unforgettable experience.

Key attractions in Donegal include the Slieve League Cliffs, the largest sea cliffs in Europe; Glenveagh National Park, where you can explore the majestic mountains and lakes; and the majestic Lough Eske, a tranquil lake surrounded by traditional Irish villages. The highlights of Donegal are the array of outdoor activities available. You can go hiking, surfing, kayaking, and more. There are also plenty of quaint pubs and restaurants to explore, as well as an exciting nightlife.

Places to visit in Donegal: Slieve League Cliffs, Glenveagh National Park, Lough Eske Lake, Donegal County Museum

5. CORK

Cork is the second-largest city in Ireland, perching out on the coastlines of the beautiful country. It is a fun-loving, lively, and laid-back city where locals enjoy flitting between traditional pubs and coffee shops.  Moreover, the city tops the long list of places to visit in Ireland. It has a terrific option of cafes, bars, pubs, and restaurants cramming the street for tourists to explore. The beauty of this picturesque city is hard to put into words.

Further, there are awe-inspiring historic castles and a cathedral that you must not miss at any cost. There is also a wonderful abbey in Timoleague, filled with travellers from different parts of the world. When you plan to visit the city make sure to explore the beaches of Cork; they are all too beautiful to be real.

Places to visit in Cork: Blarney Castle & Gardens, The English Market, Cork City Gaol, St Fin Barre’s Cathedral

6. LIMERICK

Limerick is the third-largest city of the Irish Republic, covering the area over the banks of River Shannon. The city is full of cultural history and wonders which the people come to witness from all parts of the globe.

Moreover, it offers its visitor a wide range of attractions involving astounding art galleries, city museums, theatres, historical monuments, pubs, and restaurants. Besides, the place has an exceptional view when the sun goes down, making all the people hooked.

Places to visit Limerick: King John’s Castle, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Hunt Museum, Thomond Park Stadium

Browse Ireland Tour Packages