Things to Do in Ireland
Activities to Do in Ireland
Go Kitesurfing on Duncannon Beach, Winter Solstice at Newgrange, Go Hiking on the Highest Peak, River Tubing in Midlands, Rock Climbing in Dalkey Quarry, Sunset Hike to Lough Ouler and many moreThe fun-filled and exhilarating things to do in Ireland attract all kinds of tourists to this flamboyant European country, irrespective of their age groups and travel mood. A myriad of adrenaline-fueled and offbeat activities offered by the various destinations of this country, make it the perfect abode for fun and thrill-seekers, who want to ditch the traditional way of holidaying and go off-centric.
Adventurous Activities to do in Ireland like kitesurfing, trekking, rock climbing, and wakeboarding make it a paradise for the daredevils, irrespective of their level of experience. You can also find various schools here, that can help you learn the right techniques specific to the adventure sport you want to experience or master in. Other enjoyable activities like catching a glimpse of the breathtaking island sunset, experiencing the iconic Winter Solstice, and taking some refreshing swims are some of the very tranquil activities that you can enjoy with your loved ones.
If planning out properly as to what to do in Ireland before packing your bags still seems a task to you, consider going through this informative list of fun activities you can definitely try to enjoy in the country.
Here is the list of best things to do in Ireland:
You will get a dramatic view of the coastline and the Aran island when you stand at the whopping height of 120 meters. It is a very popular place to visit in Ireland where many films like Harry Potter were shot. Moreover, the visitors coming here are able to discover the geographical history of millions of years ago that helped in the formation of strata and shale.
Location: Lislorkan North, Co. Clare, Ireland
Apart from this, the streets are also filled with talent as it is the prime spot for street performers. It mostly includes those who are eager to impress the sightseers and the passing shoppers with their moves. On the street, you may also find Glen Hansard, a reckoned musician who has been performing not long before he got an Academy Award. You can also find plenty of fantastic restaurants offering delicious seafood and a great steak at Shanahan's On the Green. You can also try a great meal at the Pig's Ear.
Location: Grafton Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Moreover, the park stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake. It is one of the three Killarney lakes that is famous worldwide for its beauty and splendor. Apart from this, the house and garden there are the real treat. Plus, you also get to explore the place in style by riding in Jaunting Cars.
Location: Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry, Ireland
One of the prime attractions of the place is the legal deposit library which contains circa five million books and many old famous books like The Book of Kells, Book of Durrow and the Book of Howth. The library is also famous for many rare manuscripts, maps and printed music. The design of the building enthralls you with its wide corridors, lush greenery and a cobbled square.
Location: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
Timing: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Entry Fee: Euro 16
Highlights: Old library, nature landscape, history, photography etc.
Now, the Office of Public Works runs this museum and offers tours, along with guides to elaborate on the details of the troubled Irish past. You can also visit the art gallery on the top-most floor and witness the wide range of sculptures, paintings, and jewellery collections of prisoners. Though the place is now devoid of prisoners, it depicts the horror of the past with apt eloquence and tragedy.
Location: Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, Ireland
Not only this, but there is also a treat from history enthusiasts as they get to discover ancient monasteries, Iron Age forts, and Ogham stones. It is a long tourist route with jaw-dropping Atlantic Ocean views, wild sweeping mountains, stunning Islands to visit, and many picturesque villages.
Location: Cahersiveen, Country Kerry, Ireland
Visitors from worldwide flock to these two lake valleys to absorb the ancient history. They also love to admire the plentiful wildlife, magnificent scenery, and fascinating archaeological findings.People also get mesmerized by the preserved round tower, surrounding lakes, and woodlands. It also serves as a very good spot for people to plan a picnic with their families and friends.
Apart from this, it is also an outdoor lover's paradise, offering some lovely hiking trails, captivating scenic drives, and rock climbing. Moreover, just down the road, you will find the largest waterfall in Ireland, Powerscourt Waterfall, so don't forget to explore it.
Location: Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Further, the garden is around 150 years old, specifically designed to blend harmoniously with the beautiful surroundings. Apart from this, you will find some mesmerizing craft and design shops at the former Palladian home.
Location: Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Moreover, the place falls among the finest medieval architecture, containing a castle, high cross, a round tower, Romanesque Chapel, and a gothic cathedral. Apart from this, there are beautifully terrifying graveyards of Celtic Stones for giving you a spine-chilling experience. Also, don't forget to witness the sweeping views of the jaw-dropping Munster backcountry.
Further, you will also find the restored hall of the Vicars Choral among the famous structures, where you get to enjoy the exhibition and audio-visual show. There are plenty of sites to give you a soul-stirring experience, so do not miss it for anything.
Location: Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
Inside the castle, there is a legendary Blarney stone that draws millions of tourists each year. It has been sitting for around 200 years and has a belief that whoever kisses the stone gains the blessing of eloquence, or you can say "the gift of the gab."
Location: Monaca Pa, Blarney, Co. Cork
Other sights worth watching out at St. Stephen’s Green include an ornamental lake and fifteen commemorative sculptures spread throughout the garden. Children will love here spending time in the playground or near the fountain. If you are here during the summer days, you can also enjoy many free outdoor concerts that are hosted at the park sometimes.
Location: St Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland
Timing: Monday – Saturday: 7.30am – dusk. Sunday and bank holidays: 9.30am – dusk
Highlights: Nature, photography, kids park etc.
Dingle Peninsula is a beautiful place in Ireland that wholly combines history, beauty, wildness, Irish culture, and language. It protects Ireland's language and culture as you will only hear people speaking and singing in Gaelic, although everyone knows English. It sits sandwiched between the elegant cliff of County Kerry and the gorgeous beach.
Moreover, at the Dunmore Head ending point, you will find the peninsula is surrounded by gorgeous Ireland's pristine beaches and rugged cliffs. There are also cute little stone huts scattered in the open landscape that the monks constructed in the early medieval period. Apart from the Atlantic backwater, travelers can also explore the panoramic view of Conor Pass or go dolphin spotting.
The distillery has been running for around 220 years of age and is the fastest-growing whiskey globally. Every visitor that comes to take a tour at this place is rewarded with the Jameson Whiskey signature drink. Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you might get selected as a lucky volunteer to participate in whiskey comparison. Jameson is by far the most famous selling industry in Ireland, with sales of about 31 million bottles per year.
Location: Jameson Distillery Bow St, Dublin 7, Ireland
Bru Na Boinne takes pride in being one of the richest archaeological landscapes located alongside the River Boyne. This is a place that is famous for its tombs and burial sites that date back to prehistoric times. The tombs of Bru Na Boinne consist of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth which attract a lot of visitors throughout the year.
Dublin Zoo, located in Phoenix Park, is a renowned attraction showcasing a diverse array of animals in naturalistic habitats. Visitors can explore habitats like the African Savannah, Asian Forests, and the Kaziranga Forest Trail. With educational programs and conservation efforts, Dublin Zoo offers a fascinating and enriching experience for all ages.
Moreover, do not forget to take a factory tour to witness the master craftsman's work and many other astonishing things. Those who visit Waterford also try biking here. The Greenway route runs from Waterford City to Dungarvan and offers a distance of 46 car-free kilometers. Plus, the view that you get to explore through your journey is spectacular. Further, there are also plenty of refreshment centers in your way where you can stop to take a break.
This beach is also a hotspot because it was used in shooting a part of Game of Thrones where the Seven Idols of Westeros were burned. It is also an interesting thing to know that the beach has won the prestigious blue flag award. Moreover, it has plenty of sightseeing views like the towering sand dunes, the cascading waterfalls, or the prominent Mussenden Temple, the most photogenic building of Northern Island.
Plus, the temple offers some awe-inspiring views of the North coast, Scottish Isles, and Donegal. Just beside the beach, you will find a beautiful town called Castlerock which has some amazing accommodation, restaurants, pubs and a transport system.
Location: Downhill Strand, Londonderry, Ireland
Taking Seaweed therapy is like a tradition here in Ireland for hundreds of years and is the only indigenous spa you can get here. This is a century-old practice for revitalizing every cell of your body and giving you a fresh new experience.
Location: Strand hill, Country Sligo, Ireland
The action of the unrestrained tides and storms of this wild Atlantic way has been continuously structuring Ireland's west coast. With the continuous uniting of the water and the land, a rough and deep indented terrain has risen with a towering cliff, mystical islands, spellbinding beaches, and bays that are still changing.
Location: Atlantic Way, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Although the site with a striking touring route has many tourists, it continues to increase over the years thanks to increasing fantasy. The iconic TV series Game of Thrones has filmed some of its parts here, making it the ultimate destination for GOT lovers.
On top of this, The Dark Hedges along the Bregagh Road serves as one of the most admired spots here. Also, don't forget to visit the Carrick—rede Rope Bridge which has a captivating beauty of the Irish coastline. Moreover, for witnessing the beautiful Irish historic sites, explore Dunluce Castle and Murlough Bay for wonderful scenery. There are many more highlights which you will explore in your way.
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What are the best things to do in Ireland?
1. Go Kitesurfing on Duncannon Beach: One of the most adrenaline-fueled things to do in Ireland is enjoy kitesurfing at the very popular Duncannon Beach. Even if you are a beginner with no prior experience, you can enjoy kitesurfing just by availing lessons from the qualified instructors near the beach. The shallow water and constant winds at the Duncannon Beach let you enjoy the best experience of hooked kitesurfing in Ireland.
Location: Duncannon, Co. Wexford, Ireland
2. Winter Solstice at Newgrange: If you are having a tough time thinking what to do in Ireland that can be offbeat, pay a visit to the very popular pre-historic site of the world, Newgrange to experience the Winter Solstice. While you walk through the array of ancient passage tombs, witness the thin sunray, which reaches the floor of this dark chamber only on the shortest day of the year. Take a guided tour of this place and learn about the history of the phenomenon of Winter Solstice, which is believed to have been first experienced around 5000 years ago.
Location: Newgrange, Donore, Co. Meath, Ireland
3. Go Hiking on the Highest Peak: One of the best adventurous activities to do in Ireland for the seasoned hikers is to trek the highest peak of the country, the mighty Carrauntoohil. You need at least 6 hours to complete this hiking tour, which will take you to an approximate elevation of around 1,0238 meters above sea level and lead you back to the base. While you are at the summit of Carrauntoohil, you can soak in the spectacular rewarding views of serene oval lakes, stunning deep valleys, and majestic snow peaks.
Location: Carrauntoohil, Co. Kerry, Ireland
4. River Tubing in Midlands: If you are looking for an activity that is safe and adventurous enough, river tubing in Midlands can be one of the most recommended things to do in Ireland for you. You can get the best experience of river tubing on River Inny, which flaunts stunning whitewater rapids, surrounded by the majestic Slieve Bloom Mountains and a myriad of quaint offbeat tracks. If you are a beginner, you can go tubing when the water of the river is calm and also demand help from the instructors positioned right at the spot, watching you goof around in the water with the tubes.
Location: River Inny, Midlands, Republic of Ireland
5. Rock Climbing in Dalkey Quarry: Include an experience of rock climbing in your list of things to do in Ireland for a bewildering day of action in the country. You can go rock climbing in Dalkey Quarry, which is a convenient, easily accessible venue, lying in the southern fringes of Dublin. You will find more than 250 trad routes through the quarried granite,with lengths ranging from some meters to many kilometers. If you are a first time climber, you should consider trying Yorkshire Pudding (HS 4b) and Paradise Lost (VD). You can try the Honey Pot Crack (S 4a) route as it offers ample protection. Other amazing routes that avid climbers can choose include Street Fighter (VS 4c), Joas (VS 4c), Jameson 10 (VS 4b), Dirty Dick (VS 4b), Pilaster (VS 4c), and E-Route (VS 4b).
6. Sunset Hike to Lough Ouler: If the splendors of nature fascinates you, one of the most serene activities to do in Ireland for you will be enjoy a hiking tour to the lake of Lough Ouler. Climb the 8.5 kilometers loop to the picturesque corrie glacial lake, which is a part of the breathtaking Wicklow Mountains National Park. The trail offers a moderate to difficult hiking level and you are expected to have excellent energy and some prior trekking experience. You will also get amazing photography options, once Lough Ouler is within the range of your view.
Location: Lough Ouler, Co Wicklow, Republic of Ireland
7. Go swimming in Solomon’s Hole: One of the best things to do in Ireland in the summers is to go swimming at the mystic Solomon’s Hole. You will find a 2 kilometer long rugged black coast at the tip of the Hook Head peninsula. This rocky coast offers an excellent swimming experience at Solomon’s Hole, which is nothing but a huge crack formed in the coast. Walking south, stay alert for a rocky bridge, which is set overlooking a dreamy pool of cool waters. Fed by high tides, this pool will let you enjoy a truly refreshing swim.
Location: Hook Head, County Wexford, Ireland
8. Wakeboarding in the City Centre: If you are wondering what to do in Ireland for an exhilarating experience, head to Wakedock Cable Wake Park in Dublin and experience wakeboarding like never before in the heart of the city. Here, the rider will be pulled by a wakeboard cable along the course, without using a boat. No matter if you are a seasoned rider or a beginner, here you can learn fresh new tricks or brush off your old favorite ones. Here, you will also find a total of five obstacles, including Big Kicker, Small Kicker, A-Frame, Box with Rail, and Box Slider.
Location: S Dock Rd, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 4, Ireland
What are the best adventure things to do in Ireland?
1. Hike the Wicklow Mountains: Go hiking at Wicklow Mountain National Park and soak in the mesmerizing beauty of the lush dense forests, thick woodland, and majestic hills as you climb the mountain.
2. Enjoy Kayaking in Westport: If you are wondering what to do in Ireland for an adrenaline-pumping experience, head to Westport and enjoy sea kayaking on one of Clew Bay’s 365 islands. While you ride across the serene waters on your kayak, soak in the mesmerizing views of the majestic Croagh Patrick, which makes for an amazing backdrop.
3. Scuba Diving at Skellig Islands: Enjoy scuba diving at the very popular Skellig Islands, lying south west of Ireland. Due to the crystal clear water here, you will be able to spot flamboyant marine creatures, including corals, dog sharks, and anglerfish.
4. Surfing at Inchydoney Beach: Go surfing at Inchydoney Beach, which is home to stunning peeling waves that offer mind-boggling thrill. If you are a beginner, you can take surfing lessons and necessary training at Inchydoney Surf School.
5. Mountain Biking on the Ballyhoura MTB Trails: One of the most thrilling things to do in Ireland is mountain biking across the holy grail of Ireland, Ballyhoura. Here, you can bike through hills, single tracks, tricky rock gardens, & boardwalks.
What can you do in 3 days in Ireland?
1. Take a City tour of Dublin: One of the best activities to do in Ireland on your 3-day trip is to enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Dublin, visiting St. Stephen’s Green, Natural History Museum, the National Gallery of Ireland, and Jameson Distillery.
2. Enjoy a Guided Walk through Galway: Take a guided city walk of Galway, exploring the prime places of interest in this quaint city, including the Spanish Arc, the Quay Street, and St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church and the Lynch Memorial Window.
3. Soak in the Beauty of Kinsale: Head to the scenic and historic coastal town of Kinsale and experience the Spanish feel of this place. Spend your time here, enjoying sailing, fishing, and relishing fresh seafood. Visit the majestic Charles Fort & attend the annual Gourmet Festival.
4. Spend some time at the English Market in Cork: Pay a visit to the flamboyant English Market in Cork and spend time shopping for local produce, like fresh cheese, artisan breads, and delectable seafood. You can also hangout here over coffee or dine at the Farmgate Restaurant.
5. Enjoy a Day Trip to the Aran Islands: Take a day trip to the picturesque Aran Islands, which consists of three islands - Inisheer, Inishmaan, and Inishmore. Explore these rocky, windswept, and calm islands, which offer a different local culture from the mainland.
What is the best time to visit Ireland?
The most ideal time to visit Ireland is early autumn and late spring. You can plan your visit to the country during the months of May, June, September, and October for the most pleasant weather conditions and mild temperatures to enjoy all the fun outdoor things to do in Ireland.
What is Ireland famous for?
Ireland is known all over the world for its great writers, traditional Irish music, old jazy pubs, fine castles, enthralling horse races, and the iconic Irish whiskey. This country is also known to have served as an excellent filming location for the popular TV series Game of Thrones and the Star Wars movies.
How to reach Ireland?
You can reach Ireland easily and conveniently by air. Regular flights are available to Dublin through Dubai and Abu Dhabi from the prime cities of India, including Delhi and Mumbai. The important carriers operating in this route are Air India, Etihad, Jet Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa.
Is Ireland expensive to visit?
No, Ireland is not that expensive, if you plan your budget for a modest accommodation, public transport options, and early bird meals. Your per day expense in Ireland will be around €109 per head.
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