The 30 Best Places to Visit in Ireland, Like, Now

It's illegal to go to Ireland and not see Dublin. The fun and lively capital city is as famous for its craic and culture as it is for its more than one thousand-year history. Get a glimpse into the city’s past at the Little Museum of Dublin or check out modern-day Dublin with a trip to the city’s most famous pubs, restaurants, and second-hand stores in the Temple Bar Cultural Quarter.

This coastal city is not only in the Ed Sheeran song that you can't get unstuck from your head, but it's the festival capital of Ireland and hosts roughly 122 events each year. If you can only make it to one festival, make it the Galway International Oyster Festival or wait, the Galway Film Fleadh…or maybe the Galway International Arts Festival. Okay, well, hopefully you won’t have to choose just one.

The whitewashed stone walls of Ireland’s oldest thatch-roofed pub were once the stopping point along the route between Belfast and Derry wayyy back hundreds of years ago, but today they are a destination in and of themselves (bc this place is a hotspot of legendary live music and whiskey, ofc). Historic receipts and memorabilia line the walls, but near the piano you’ll see musicians serenading guests behind pints of Guinness and flickering candles.

Just the description of these majestic UNESCO cliffs sound cool: “karst limestone hills in the Burren region of County Clare,” right? You’ve likely already seen them in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, The Princess Bride, or even Leap Year, but seeing them in person is way more impressive.

If you don't know it's there, tucked in the Burren Hills of County Clare, you might miss this gem, so you're welcome. Everything at this boutique family-owned perfumery is made by hand from natural and organic ingredients, most of which are foraged or grown onsite. The perfumes and cosmetics are worthy of the trip themselves, but there’s also a gorgeous garden and quaint tearoom for strolling or sitting back with a cup of organic tea and a homemade scone.

This westernmost peninsula of Ireland is arguably the highlight of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, where fishing villages and cinematic sandy beaches dot the coastline. The area’s bohemian vibe has obviously attracted artists like potter Sinéad Lough and designer Conor Holden.

On a clear day you can just make out the hills of Scotland in the distance from Ireland’s most northern point on Malin Head, Banba’s Crown. And on clear nights, it’s even possible to see the Northern Lights. The views from this dramatic overlook were scenic enough to be featured in Star Wars, and they mark the start of a gentle hiking trail that leads to ominous sounding sites like “Hell’s Hole” and “Devil's Bridge” that are equally as picturesque (and def not as scary as their names suggest).

Ireland’s oldest working mill (founded in 1892 by an Irish nun) is still weaving some of the best rugs, scarves, and blankets in the entire country on the banks of the River Moy in County Mayo. Ship your Foxford throw blankets home from the store, but keep that merino stole with you to cozy up with on the plane ride home.

The views from these cliffs—three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher!—are breathtaking, but the real gem here is the ruins from an early monastic site that was used as a makeshift church. Free religion was banned in the 18th and 19th centuries, so early pilgrims hiked three kilometers to the top of the cliffs to worship in secret. Although there are easier ways to get to the top, the original Pilgrim’s Path is a fun option for adventurous visitors.

You can only access them by ferry or plane, but then you can explore this trio of islands by bike so you can take in their thatched roof cottages and slow-paced vibes…and shop for their namesake sweaters! If you only have time for one island, book it to Inis Mór (the big island) to see the world-famous Worm Hole to watch the surreal way the water flows into this natural (nope, not man-made!) rectangular hole.

This medieval city is best known for its amazingly gorge 12th century castle and abnormal affinity for cats. Walk the Medieval Mile to discover historic gardens, a 13th century cathedral, and medieval buildings before stopping in for a pint at the Matt the Millers Bar & Restaurant overlooking the River Nore.

Vibrant weekend markets with pop-up restaurants and sidewalk musicians performing in front of colorful murals are all part of the Limerick experience. Aside from being well-known for a 13th century castle, King John’s Castle, along the River Shannon, the city is also home to one of the country’s top hotels: Adare Manor. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth a visit to experience their afternoon tea in The Gallery room.

Come hungry to Ireland’s second largest city, since it is without a doubt the best place to indulge in all the Irish treats…they even have an entire museum dedicated to butter there! You can’t go wrong with any of the city’s breweries and pubs, but take a trip to the English Market to enjoy the city’s best, like traditional Irish soda bread at the Alternative Bread Company or “Cork Boi” sausage from O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausages.

This quaint town is often used as the home base for a road trip around the Ring of Kerry, but its super cool 19th century buildings and gorgeous national park (the largest in Ireland!) often keep people in town a bit longer than planned. Spend the day paddling the rivers around the town or touring Ross Castle before ending up eventually at J.M. Reidy’s for cocktails and live music.

Bread is legit sacred in Ireland, and you’ll likely hear heated arguments on what makes for authentic soda bread and where to find the best brown bread. Save yourself the fight and head straight for Jaybees Bakery. It’s located in a petrol station in Waterford but run by Amish-Mennonite bread makers, who have become best known for their carrot cake and fresh loaves of banana bread and wheat bread.

Fun fact: This picturesque castle in Galway dates back to 1228, and over the years it has served as the family quarters for the Guinness family before it became a luxury hotel, obv. Today the castle is part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, where guests can sip wine in ancient wine cellars, sleep in one of the 83 luxe rooms, explore the more than 350 acres of the estate, or even go for a private screening in the castle’s cinema room.

Belfast is the spot in Northern Ireland. It has the energy of a college town and and is also a city bursting with stories to tell. Get your history lessons on at Kelly’s Cellars (the oldest traditional bar in the city) or at Titanic Belfast to see where the Titanic was designed, built, and launched. (A Insta reel with the penny whistle solo in the background is absolutely required.)

This is the third castle to stand on the site, built in 1446 in Cork, and considered to be one of the most important sites in Ireland due to one single rock. The Blarney Stone, aka the Stone of Eloquence, is sort of a pilgrimage for anyone with Irish ancestry or anyone seeking the gift of eloquence or persuasiveness (which, aren't we all?!). Visitors today have to lean back and hold onto metal railings to kiss the well-loved stone.

Known locally as “The Reek,” this soaring mountain in County Mayo is both an option for a day hike as well as a glimpse into the history of St. Patrick. Many believe that the beloved patron saint himself fasted for 40 days at the mountain, so you can also make the climb to reach the modern chapel at the top or just take in the panoramic views of the surrounding Clew Bay.

Of course Ireland’s classic beer deserves its own tourist attraction, but this one is actually located on the site of the brewery’s original fermentation plant. The entire multi-sensory experience will teach you everything from the history of Guinness to how to pour the perfect pint before landing you in Dublin’s best rooftop bar.