Have you ever been to Ireland? You’ve probably heard about Dublin, but there’s a lot more to it than just the capital. The island is actually split up into 2 countries, The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (which is a part of the United Kingdom). And here you’ll find a lot of amazing scenery, unique traditions and culture, and much more!
A while ago, I did a DNA-test, and the results were quite fascinating. For instance, it told me that I have 2% Irish DNA, how cool is that! Now, I have a legitimate to dress up and celebrate St Patrick’s Day!
In this article, you will find a mix of iconic places and classic reasons to visit Ireland. To make this list even better, I have reached out to some of the top travel bloggers from Ireland to share their favorites!
I can also start by saying that, of course, there are more than 55 Reasons why someone should visit Ireland, but I believe this is a good start, and if you got more suggestions, feel free to leave a comment at the end of the article!
Dublin
The Capital of the Republic of Ireland is famed for its Temple Bar and Trinity College, but every person I know that have been to Dublin is telling me that it’s one of the best cities they’ve visited, so clearly, there’s more to Dublin than just the Temple Bar and Trinity College!
Photo: JihunKim94 / Shutterstock.com
St Patrick’s Day
One of the most famous celebrations in the world, and a good reason to visit Ireland!
Photo: Shutterstock
Galway
A beautiful city, located in the Western part of the country.
Photo: Shutterstock
Blarney Castle
Photo: Shutterstock
Visit an Irish Pub
You might have been to an Irish pub outside of Ireland, but it’s always best to get the local experience.
Ashford Castle
Did you know that it’s possible to stay overnight here?
Photo: Shutterstock
The Mayo Greenway
One of the world’s most beautiful bicycling roads.
Photo: Maria_Janus / Shutterstock.com
Irish Stew
A classic Irish dish.
Photo: Shutterstock
Gaelic Games
If you want to soak up some Irish culture – go for Gaelic Games.
Photo: JASPERIMAGE / Shutterstock.com
The Irish Accent
There is something fascinating about the Irish accent, it just makes me happy and smile in a good way. So that’s definitely another good reason to visit Ireland, to hear the Irish accent all around you live in person!
Ballymaloe Relish
Puffins
One of the most beautiful birds in the world.
Irish Brown Bread
Mmmmm Irish brown bread, fresh from the oven pic.twitter.com/c9oYgekeQR
— David Works (@David_Works) August 1, 2015
Fungie the Dolphin
In Dingle, you can meet a very special resident called Fungie the Dolphin, a wild Bottlenose Dolphin who’s been around for more than 30 years. He’s quite friendly, so don’t be surprised if he comes up close with his friends.
Joining a local boat tour and meet Fungie is definitely one of the more unique reasons to visit Ireland!
Purple Snack
Apparently, this treat is a popular snack in Ireland!
TK Red Lemonade
Cliffs of Moher
I’ve seen so many beautiful photos from here, and I can’t wait to see this place with my own eyes!
Photo: Shutterstock
Cork
Photo: Shutterstock
Slieve League
Kylemore Abbey
One of many dreamy places in Ireland.
Photo: Shutterstock
Ring of Kerry
One of the most popular places to visit in Ireland!
The Wild Atlantic Way
Photo: Shutterstock
Kilkenny Castle
Photo: Shutterstock
Poulnabrone
Photo: Shutterstock
Benbulbin
Photo: Shutterstock
Trinity College
Lakes of Killarney
Photo: Shutterstock
Tayto Park
Go for a ride on Europe’s biggest wooden rollercoaster!
Irish Blogger’s favorite reasons to visit Ireland
So, to make sure that you get the best tips on places to visit in Ireland and activities, I reached out to some of the best Irish Travel bloggers out there for expert advice. Below you can read the best tips from Tara Povey, Sarah Slattery, and Allan Wilson.
Giant’s Causeway
Another good reason to visit Ireland!
Photo: S-F / Shutterstock.com
Dark Hedges
A classic filming location from the popular tv-series Game of Thrones.
Photo: Shutterstock
Stay at Lismore Castle
How about staying exclusively at a 12th-century castle? The whole place can be yours for a week for about 50.000 Euros.
Photo: Shutterstock
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
This rope bridge is more than 200 years old!
Dunluce Castle
Photo: Shutterstock
The colorful streets of Eeries & Allihies
Sherkin Island
Hike around the Gap of Dunloe
Photo: Shutterstock
Friday night in the Shelbourne Bar in Dublin
Stay in the hotel if you can afford it. The Shelbourne Hotel and Bar is a classic landmark in Dublin.
A traditional music session in Doolin
Photo: Gimas / Shutterstock.com
Visit Skellig Michael
Photo: Shutterstock
Dingle & the Slea Head Drive
Newgrange (older than the pyramids)
A so-called “Passage Tomb” dating back to the Stone Age!
Photo: Shutterstock
Taste a PROPER pint of Guinness
Apparently, they taste different in Ireland, so it doesn’t really count if you had a Guiness outside of the country.
Photo: SB_photos / Shutterstock.com
Tayto crisp sandwich
Another classic thing to try while visiting Ireland!
Wexford strawberries
Wexford Strawberries sold at the side of the road, naturally I pulled over to buy a punnet.?????? pic.twitter.com/R1gIkAoBI9
— Debbie Hickey (@DebStudioTen) July 18, 2015
Curracloe Beach, Wexford
Wicklow National Park
Photo: Shutterstock
Caramelised Brown Bread ice cream from Murphy’s in Dingle
Céilí dancing / Irish dancing
Check out the video to see some Irish Dancing.
Join a pub crawl in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter
If you’re visiting Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, Travel blogger Allan Wilson recommend you to join the pub crawl in the famous Cathedral Quarter!
5-Star Sea Views at the Cliff House Hotel in Waterford
Photo: Allan Wilson
Start the morning with an Ulster or Irish Fry
Photo: Shutterstock
The Bushmills Whisky Distillery Tour
The Mourne Mountains and Slieve Donard
Photo: Shutterstock
The ‘Game of Thrones’ filming sites in Northern Ireland
Game of Thrones is easily one of my favorite tv-series, and if you like it too, you might get excited when I tell you that Ireland is home to quite a few of the filming locations. There is actually so many that you could easily make a whole Game of Thrones trip.
A big thank you again to Tara Povey from Whereistara.com, Sarah Slattery from Thetravelexpert.ie and Allan Wilson from live-less-ordinary.com for sharing their favorite places and reasons to visit Ireland!
Book your trip
Hotels & Bed and Breakfasts in Ireland
I hope this got you inspired to visit Ireland! If you have already been, feel free to share some more beautiful places or fun activities to try.
My Irish heritage of 2% might be small, but it has got me really excited to experience the country, and learn some more about the culture and people. Unfortunately, I haven’t yet been to Ireland, but I would love to go soon on a big round trip around the country!
Normally, I only write about places and topics from my own experience, but this article is an exception, as it’s a part of my DNA-tribute series, where I’m exploring my DNA-heritage, where I will write about and visit each country that was mentioned in my DNA-test.
Do you know more reasons to visit Ireland? Feel free to share and leave a comment below!
Raymond French
Thursday 31st of May 2018
A walk around Dalkey and Killiney on a sunny day is fantastic. Go to the top of Killiney Hill and see the panoramic view over Dublin. Get a pint or two in the pubs on Dalkey main street. Walk the coast road from Dalkey village past Bullock Harbour round to Killiney Beach. Most beautiful part of Dublin and so easy to get to on the Dart from central Dublin. Also, stop off in nearby Dun Laoire and walk the east Pier of the harbour. Fantastic part of Dublin.
Kelly
Monday 28th of May 2018
Lets not forget Kerrygold butter and Jameson!