From its rich Celtic culture to the breathtaking beauty of its varied landscapes, Ireland is a travel destination that lives up to its nearly mythic reputation. The Emerald Isle is that green, the sights are truly spectacular, and the people are genuinely friendly. Despite its small size, bustling cities, and sprawling suburbs, Ireland still boasts stretches of roads and trails where visitors can feel like they have the island all to themselves. Here's a look at the best places to visit in Ireland:
Galway: West Ireland's largest city, Galway, is best known for its art galleries and shops, most of which are along the winding lanes and cobblestone streets of the city's charming medieval quarter. Galway is also considered a major center for traditional Irish music, with several live music venues and a thriving pub scene. The harbor city is also known as one of the few places left in Ireland where the Irish language is still spoken on the streets.
Aran Islands: Located off the west coast of Ireland at the mouth of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands have attracted visitors for centuries. Isolated from the mainland, island inhabitants have maintained a more traditional lifestyle than in other parts of Ireland, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's rich past. The three islands are dotted with prehistoric forts and early Christian sites, while the coast offers spectacular views from limestone cliff tops.
Kinsale: Known as "the prettiest town in Ireland," Kinsale is nestled at the mouth of the River Bradon, famous for its particularly colorful, brightly painted rows of shops that make walking around town a joy. Nearby is the Old Head of Kinsale, a rocky outcrop that juts dramatically into the Celtic Sea, complete with a 17th-century lighthouse.
Dingle Peninsula: The Dingle Peninsula encompasses the westernmost tip of Ireland, offering visitors the appeal of a faraway destination with the convenience of a nearby town. The landscape has remnants of Bronze Age settlements, prehistoric stone markers, and over 500 monastic stone huts. Dingle Town, with its lively pub scene, offers fun and relaxation at the end of the day.
Glendalough: Just a few kilometers south of Dublin lies Glendalough, a monastery founded in the 6th century by Saint Kevin, a hermit monk who figures prominently in traditional Irish legends. Situated near two lakes in a glen surrounded by forests, visitors are drawn by the area's scenic beauty and rich history. The most prominent structure in the monastery is an unfinished 9th-century cathedral, but it's the round tower that many visitors find the most striking.
Giant's Causeway: Situated at the base of cliffs on the northeast coast of Ireland, the Giant's Causeway is a natural rock formation that looks as if giants fashioned it. The honeycomb formation of hexagon-shaped basalt columns appears too geometrically perfect to have been shaped by nature. Clifftop trails offer great views of the rocks, and a flight of steps leads to sea level.
Killarney National Park: Scenic Killarney National Park has to be on your Ireland itinerary. It is not only the park home to a sprawling ivy-covered mansion and a 15th-century castle but also a captivating landscape that makes up a biosphere reserve. The best way to experience Killarney is to drive along the 11-kilometer road, through the Gap of Dunloe, and across a landscape sculpted by glaciers.
Bru na Boinne: Remnants from Ireland's ancient past are found all over Ireland, but the Brú na Bóinne mounds in Boyne Valley are not to be missed. Three 5,000-year-old burial mounds have been fully excavated and are open to visitors. Newgrange is the most striking with its carved granite boulders and white quartz façade.
Dublin: The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is surprisingly large for a country with a total population of around five million. Historical attractions include Dublin Castle, a Norman fortress built in 1204, and St. Patrick's Cathedral, completed in 1260 and still the nation's largest cathedral.
Cliffs of Moher: Located in Ireland's County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are an awe-inspiring sight. The coastal cliffs are made up of steep 214-meter stone and run for 14 km. The Aran Islands can be spotted across the sparkling waters from the top of the cliffs.
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