Visiting Ireland

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Many people visiting Ireland only make it to Dublin, the capital city of the Republic of Ireland.

It’s a shame to miss out on the rest of the country, though, as Ireland has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes and coastline in all of Europe.

Here is my list of the top places to visit in Ireland:

Dingle Peninsula

Cork

Shannon

Dublin

Sligo

Blarney Castle

Aran Islands

Galway

Connemara

Limerick

Cliffs of Moher

It’s easy to get around Ireland by driving or by train.

If you want to get the most of the smaller, less visited places in Ireland, hiring a car in Dublin, Shannon, or Cork airport is the best idea.

Up into the long room
Originally uploaded by Unhindered by Talent

There is no shortage of things to do in Dublin, Ireland. Here are our top 10 things to do while visiting Dublin:

10. Cafe en Seine

Dawson Street’s homage to French Art Nouveau, Cafe en Seine is one of Dublin’s most beautiful bars. Huge and decorated with all the Art Nouveau trimmings, this is the perfect place to start a night in Dublin.

9. Temple Bar Market

On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, Temple Bar Market is the place to be in Dublin. Wander through the gourmet food stalls and sample some of Dublin’s finest cuisine.

8. Dublin Zoo

Established in the early 19th century and located in Dublin’s beautiful Phoenix Park, the Dublin Zoo is the perfect place for family holidays to Dublin.

7. Temple Bar Nightlife

Located on the south bank of the River Liffey, Temple Bar is one of the best nightlife spots in Dublin. Walk through the winding medieval streets as you search for the best pubs in the city.

6. Dublin Castle

Visit the famous Dublin castle to take a tour of the State Apartments, chapel, Garda museum, library, and revenue museum.

5. The Guinness Factory

A tour of the Guinness Factory, home of Ireland’s most famous beverage, is a fun way to spend an afternoon in Dublin. Work your way up from the bottom floor to the top and be rewarded with a tall pint of Guinness and beautiful views over the city.

4. National Gallery

Home to some of Ireland’s most beloved works of art, Dublin’s National Gallery is a must-see for lovers of Irish works.

3. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

The largest medieval church in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic church in the heart of Dublin.

2. St. Stephen’s Green

The most beautiful green space in Dublin, St. Stephen’s Green is perfect for a picnic or a stroll in the spring and summer.

1. The Long Room, Old Library, Trinity College

Home to the Book of Kells and other famous manuscripts, the beautiful Long Room in the Old Library at Trinity College, Dublin is not to be missed on any visit.

The Blarney Stone
Originally uploaded by ctoverdrive

The Blarney Stone refers to the stone on the parapet of Blarney Castle in County Cork, Ireland.

The Blarney Stone attracts visitors because legend says that kissing the Blarney Stone gives the gift of eloquent speech.

People visiting Ireland can travel to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone.