Although we may not be able to travel right now, it doesn’t stop us from planning our next adventure! The Republic of Ireland, an island in the North Atlantic, is the perfect place for those who love to immerse themselves in culture, visit historic landmarks, and take in the sights of stunning landscapes. To help you plan your next adventure, here is a list of the top 10 places to visit in Ireland!
Dublin - Dublin is the capital city of Ireland, and is full of vibrant culture! The city lies on the East Coast, and is home to some stunning historical buildings such as the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191! If you’re looking for some green spaces on your trip, there’s no shortage here! You can visit St. Stephen’s Green Park, and the Phoenix Park, home to the Dublin Zoo. You can also visit one of the city’s best pubs, or perhaps visit a few on a pub crawl! If you happen to be in the city in March, make sure to wear your best green outfit for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Mourne Mountains - Also called the Mountains of Mourne, this granite mountain range lies in Northern Ireland, in an area called County Down. The mountains include Slieve Donard, which is one of the highest points in the country, at 850m! This is Ireland’s spot for adventure lovers! You can go hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, and so much more in the Mournes.
Belfast - The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is known as the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, the famous ship that was sunk after crashing into an iceberg in 1912. You can visit a monument to the ship, the Titanic Belfast, which was built to look like the hull of the original ship. Other amazing places to go in this stunning city are the Botanic Gardens or Victoria Park. You can even pay a visit to Belfast Castle, or stroll through the stalls of St. George’s Market! There’s something for everyone in Belfast.
Clifden - Just over an hour’s drive from Galway, Clifden is a small coastal town in the County of Galway, and lies along the Owenglin River where it connects to the sea. The city has a great tourism website full of activities and events to help visitors place their trip! Some ideas include going trail riding on horseback, going on a fishing tour, watching the weekly Irish Music and Ballads concert held at Lowry’s Bar on Fridays, or enjoying local food at the Carriage Restaurant. This Irish coastal town is a perfect getaway.
Cork - You may find this surprising, but Cork is the second biggest city in the country, but only has 210,000 people living there! The two most famous attractions in the city would have to be the medieval Blarney Castle, and Blarney Stone, a limestone slab built into the side of the castle which is said to give the gift of the gab to anyone who kisses it. But don’t be fooled! There’s plenty more to do after you’ve visited Blarney Castle. You should definitely visit the Cork City Gaol (Museum) to learn all about the history of the city. During your stay you should also stop at the Fota Wildlife Park, the Blackrock Castle Observatory, and make a trip over to Spike Island to see its star-shaped stone fortress.
Dingle - Dingle is a small port town which lies along a peninsula of the same name. This town is surrounded by stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and sandy beaches (although they certainly won’t be the warmest). It is home to the Gallarus Oratory, an ancient stone church with a rather odd shape, complete with sloping sides and a narrow front entrance. The Dingle Peninsula and this small town is a great addition if you decide to drive the Ring of Kerry!
Galway - On the West Coast of Ireland, where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic, lies a harbour city called Galway! While this city is full of historic buildings, it manages to feel young, up-and-coming, and vibrant! The 18th-century Eyre Square is a beautiful green space within the city surrounded by local pubs and cafes. There is also Quay Street, filled with waterfront shops, pubs, and amazing restaurants. If you love seeing historic buildings, you need to visit Menlo Castle, a historic stone castle now overrun with ivy. You could also participate in a Galway City Walking Tour, where you can learn about the city’s history and all it’s hidden gems on a tour led by a local! You can’t miss out on Galway!
Doolin - Known as the Gateway to the Aran Islands, Doolin is a small village and is the perfect homebase for those who want adventure. Just off the shore lies the stunning Aran Islands, that you can take a ferry to from the town. The islands are full of ancient ruins, stunning cliffs, and natural pools! From Doolin, you could also pay a visit to the Cliffs of Moher, a 14 kilometre-long stretch of cliffs in County Clare! You can see the massive, free-standing stalactite at the nearby Doolin Cave, or head northeast to Burren, where species of orchids grow in limestone beds. Doolin has got it all!
Limerick - Limerick is a funky city, split into two by the River Shannon. In the middle of the city lies its famous old town district, complete with sites like St. John’s Castle, St. John’s Square, Treaty Stone, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the Hunt Museum. The city is a mix of old stone buildings, and bright-colored homes. There’s no place like Limerick!
Donegal - To finish off this list, I chose the town of Donegal. Lying on the edge of the River Eske, Donegal is surrounded by stunning landscapes throughout the county. You’ll have the opportunity to take in the stunning views of Malin Head, or Slieve League. You can visit the 15th-century Donegal Castle, or the 19th-century Glenveagh Castle! There’s plenty of parks and beaches in and around the town for those who love nature too! You don’t want to skip this place!
Although Ireland is full of funky, and youthful cities that you could easily spend your entire trip exploring, there are also some amazing small towns that are gateways to some of the most spectacular sites you could see in your lifetime! Did you know that on an expedition to Ireland with Acanela, you’ll have the opportunity to visit incredible places like Blarney Castle, Dublin, Cork, the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Limerick, and Galway? This epic 7-day expedition is what dreams are made of! Click here for more information!
Post written by: Demitria Rounis