Best vacation places in ireland

There are many sights and things to see in Ireland, but some of the most wonderful places are little known. Many people don’t know that Ireland is one of the top ten eco-friendly destinations in the world. What you may think of Ireland as a place just for Guinness, whiskey, castles and wonderful stiff upper lips is not at all what it really is. It has so much more to offer than this. There are many places which will charm you with its lush green forests, mountain ranges and cliffs with awe inspiring views. The best vacation places in ireland hide magic behind their doors, just waiting for you to fall in love and spend your holidays there over and over again.

The most popular vacation place in Ireland is Dublin. It’s the capital and the largest city of Ireland. It’s also an important industrial center and home to many technology and financial companies. Annual cultural events include the Dublin International Film Festival, Dublin Theatre Festival, and Dublin Writers’ Festival, among others. Known for its rich history, live music scene, arts festivals and literary heritage, Dublin is a great place for visitors and residents alike to enjoy themselves.

Finding the best vacation spots in ireland can be quite a difficult task, given the diversity of locations available in this island. The sheer number of tourist attractions ranging from cities to lakes to hot springs can leave one feeling daunted and confused about which attractions to visit during their holiday trip. Whether it is for business or pleasure, you would surely want to spend your time at places that are fun and exciting with ample opportunities for recreation and sightseeing.

Best vacation places in ireland

There are many reasons to visit Ireland. The country has a rich history and culture, and it’s renowned for its beautiful scenery and friendly people. If you’re looking for a truly unique vacation experience, Ireland may be the perfect place for you. Here are some of our favorite places to visit in Ireland:

1) Dublin

Dublin is one of the most popular destinations in Ireland, thanks to its lively atmosphere and rich history. When planning your trip, don’t miss out on a visit to Trinity College Library or St. Patrick’s Cathedral—both are architectural masterpieces that will leave you in awe! If you’re looking for something more relaxing than sightseeing, check out Temple Bar area where you can grab a pint at one of the many pubs or take part in some traditional Irish dancing!

The best vacation places in Ireland are a destination that you will never forget. The country has beautiful scenery, friendly people, and delicious food. There are many things to do in Ireland, including visiting historical sites, hiking along the coast or mountains, and exploring the many museums. You can also enjoy some of their famous festivals!

Best Vacation Places In Ireland

Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin City

Best for learning about Ireland’s struggle for independence

If you want to understand Irish history, especially the long-running resistance to British rule,  then a visit to this former prison is an absolute must. A threatening grey building, Kilmainham Gaol was built in 1796, it’s played a role in virtually every act of Ireland’s painful path to independence, and even today, despite closing in 1924, it still has the power to chill. The tour is gripping, but maybe not suitable for younger children, as it ends in a courtyard where the leaders of the 1916 rebellion were executed. 

Wild Atlantic Way

Best for road trips

No visit to Ireland is complete without tackling some part of the 1555-mile long Wild Atlantic Way. Depending on what direction you travel, the craggy, crenellated Donegal coastline is either the dramatic finale of the Wild Atlantic Way or its breathtaking beginning. Ireland’s northwestern corner is an untamed collection of soaring cliffs (the tallest in Europe), lonely, sheep-speckled headlands and, between them, secluded coves and long stretches of white, powdery sand. Among them, in the county’s southwest, is Rossnowlagh, one of Europe’s premier surf beaches and a hotspot for big-wave surfers.

The Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim

Best for bucket list ticking

This spectacular rock formation – Northern Ireland’s only Unesco World Heritage site – is one of Ireland’s most impressive and atmospheric landscape features, a vast expanse of regular, closely packed, hexagonal stone columns looking for all the world like the handiwork of giants. The phenomenon is explained in the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience, housed in a state-of-the-art ecofriendly building half-hidden in the hillside above the sea. Visiting the Giant’s Causeway itself is free of charge but you pay to use the car park on a combined ticket with the visitor centre; parking-only tickets aren’t available.

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Croagh Patrick in County Mayo

Best for hiking 

Mayo has wild beauty and haunting landscapes, but you’ll find few tourists here, which means there are plenty of untapped opportunities for exploration by car, foot, bicycle and even horseback. Bright and vibrant even in the depths of winter, Westport is a photogenic Georgian town with tree-lined streets, riverside walkways and a great vibe. From here, pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick, the mountain where Ireland’s patron saint fasted for 40 days and nights. Climbing the 764m holy mountain is an act of penance for thousands of believers on the last Sunday of July (Reek Sunday) On a clear day, the tough two-hour climb rewards with stunning views over Clew Bay and its sandy islets.

Belfast Murals, County Antrim

Best for understanding Ireland’s recent history

The gable walls of Belfast have become an important tourist attraction, depicting the Troubles of the 1970s and 1980s.  As the ‘voice of the community’ the murals were rarely permanent, but changed to reflect the issues of the day. Many nationalist murals in West Belfast commemorate the hunger strike of 1981, when 10 men IRA men starved themselves to death in prison. The Loyalist battle cry of ‘No Surrender!’ is common, along with red, white and blue painted kerbstones. There are various tours that will give a good explanation of the history of Northern Ireland and the murals that depict significant events, or you can take a self guided walking tour. 

Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, County Antrim

Best for thrill seekers

Now firmly on the tour-bus route, Carrick-a-Rede has become so popular that you need to book in advance of a visit. Mornings tend to be quieter; the coaches arrive in the afternoon.

The 20m-long, 1m-wide bridge of wire rope is not for the faint hearted, swaying 30m above the rock-strewn water. Crossing the bridge is perfectly safe, but frightening if you don’t have a head for heights, especially if it’s breezy (in high winds the bridge is closed). From the island, views take in Rathlin Island and Fair Head to the east.

The Aran Islands

Best for traditional lifestyles

The three Aran Islands are situated 40 minutes by boat from Galway, but each has a very distinct flavour.  Inishmore (Irish: Inis Mór) is the largest island and home to the only town, Kilronan. Inishmaan (Inis Meáin) preserves its age-old traditions and evokes a sense of timelessness. Inisheer (Inis Oírr), the smallest island, has a strong traditional music culture. Dún Aonghasa is one of the largest prehistoric stone forts in Europe and stands guard over Inis Mór on the edge of a 100-metre sheer cliff drop.  

Galway City

Best for music and nightlife

Galway is one of Ireland’s most energetic cities, while it’s steeped in history, the city buzzes with a contemporary vibe. Brightly painted pubs heave with live music, while restaurants and cafes offer front-row seats for observing buskers and street theatre. Remnants of the medieval town walls lie between shops and pubs and a long promenade leads to the seaside suburb of Salthill, on Galway Bay, the source of the area’s famous oysters.

St Declan’s Way, Ardmore, County Waterford

Best for starting the Irish camino

The seaside village of Ardmore was once one of the most important Christian settlements in Ireland.  Today’s visitors come mainly to enjoy the beaches (both the town strand and secluded Ballyquin Beach), as well as water sports and bracing coastal walks. The Irish Camino, St Declan’s Walk, starts from Ardmore through 56 miles (96 kilometres), crossing the Knockmealdown Mountains to Cashel in County Tipperary. Follow the blue signposts along the route and consult this local website for advice. The five star Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore is a destination hotel. If budgets allow, the eight course menu in the Michelin-star House restaurant is something to savour.  

Rock of Cashel

Best for a Game of Thrones-like location

Soaring up from the green Tipperary pastures, this  ancient fortress takes your breath away at first sight. The seat of kings and churchmen who ruled over the region for more than 1000 years, it rivalled Tara as a centre of power in Ireland for 400 years. Entered through the 15th-century Hall of the Vicars Choral, its impervious walls guard an awesome enclosure with a complete round tower, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral and the most magnificent 12th-century Romanesque chapel in Ireland. Entry is free, but tickets must be reserved online. 

Adare Village, County Limerick

Best for a postcard-perfect houses

Overtouted as ‘Ireland’s prettiest village’, Adare’s fame centres on its string of thatched cottages built by 19th-century English landlord, the Earl of Dunraven, for workers constructing Adare Manor. Today the pretty cottages house craft shops and fine restaurants, while prestigious golf courses nearby cater to golf enthusiasts. The Irish name for Adare is Áth Dara – the Ford of the Oak. The village is 16km southwest of Limerick, on the approach to the village is Adare Manor, today it is a luxury 5 star hotel and golf resort  – visitors are permitted to drive in and take a a look at the incredible grounds and castle. 

The English Market, Cork City

Best for food lovers

The English Market is a true gem, with its ornate vaulted ceilings, columns and polished marble fountain. Scores of market traders set up stalls of local fresh produce  including meat, fish, fruit, cheeses and takeaway food. Queen Elizabeth II made a memorable trip here on her first visit to Ireland, where she  shared a joke with fishmonger Pat O’Connell. On a sunny day, take your lunch to nearby Bishop Lucey Park, a popular alfresco eating spot.

Glendalough

Best for stepping back in time

No trip to Ireland would be complete without a visit to Glendalough. Why? It is one of the most beautiful places in the country, and has been recognised for its romantic landscape since the arrival of St Kevin who made a home here in the 5th century. 

During the Middle Ages, when Ireland was known as “the island of saints and scholars”, Glendalough became a monastic city catering to thousands of students and teachers. The site is entered through the only surviving monastic gateway in Ireland. Around the monastic site can get congested with visitors, but head away from the crowds and up to the lakes of Glendalough for scenery that will take your breath away.