20 Unique And Captivating Things To Do In Ireland

A notable feature in the bleak social story of Ireland is Kilmainham Gaol, and it is located in Dublin. Famous for giving shelter to most of the Ireland revolutionary heads including the leaders of the Easter Rising of 1916.

The museum’s guided tour actually gives an inside look at the struggle for Irish independence with creepy cells and narratives.

It may be a little busy at times so ensure that you have booked the tickets in advance. Following that you can also pay a visit to the Irish Museum of Modern Art and spend the full day in enjoyment.

You should definitely consider visiting the Guinness Storehouse while traveling to Ireland. This can be the best stuff to do in Ireland if you are someone who loves to see the making of beers.

Here, you will get a chance to familiarize yourself with the history of the product. You will also get a chance to taste freshly made beers.

Also, the Gravity Bar which is located at the top level provides spectacular views of the city of Dublin. So, you are advised to be early to avoid the crowd, and you should not miss the self-serve perfect pint pouring.

Visiting the Cliffs of Moher falls under the top things to do in Ireland. Stretching 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs of Moher in the county of Clare are perhaps one of the most beautiful in the country.

During good weather, you can view the Aran Islands and the Galway Bay. No matter whether you stay only in the visitor center or go further along the paths, the landscapes are guaranteed to leave you stunned. 

Photographers can capture this place best just before dawn or during dusk because of the light. Don't forget to wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a windcheater.

This is indeed another cheerful and unusual museum with a focus on Dublin’s history located in the very city center. The museum boasts a rather eclectic collection illustrating Dublin and its inhabitant's history.

It also features vintage advertisements, items, and artifacts of the 20th century as well as a room entirely dedicated to U2: the stories that would otherwise go untold and the humor involved offer an amusing insight into Dublin life.

We recommend that you hire a guided tour because the guides offer interesting historical anecdotes about the items in the museum.

If you are interested in whiskey or indeed have some spare time while in Dublin, a trip to Jameson Distillery Bow St. is a must.

It is situated in the city center of Dublin and allows visitors to take the tour guiding services to know the traditional manner of production of the Irish whiskey such as malt, mash, distill, and mature.

Here you can attend a guided tasting that compares Jameson to other whiskeys from around the world. Do note that tickets have to be purchased online and the sessions book up very quickly, especially on the weekends.

The Book of Kells with Four Gospels is one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts widely remaining from the Dark Ages, and it is with treasure now in Trinity College, Dublin.

The patterns and colors of this medieval artwork depict the quality work that early Irish monks were able to produce. Following the spectacle of the manuscript step through the Long Room Library; a stunning room, filled with high shelves of old books.

We suggest you buy a ticket that combines both a tour with an actual tour of the campus to know more about the history of Trinity College and visit it in the morning to avoid big crowds.

This is one of the best things to do and see in Ireland. St. Stephen's Green is the ideal place for a stroll or a snack, laid down in the plot of grassy Parnell, parted by narrow walkways and interconnected by beautiful pools of water.

The park also has sculptures and monuments that depict the history of Ireland and main events such as the famine. You can also pay your visit side by side with other places like Grafton Street; it is Dublin's finest shopping arena.

If you are a fan of the music, then you should go here which is in the heart of Dublin's Temple Bar district. It pays tribute to Irish bands like Thin Lizzy, and U2 and lets people go through the forbidden doors of recording studios and rehearsals.

These fascinating and lively experiences make it compulsory for the enthusiasts of music in Ireland. The wall of fame that is located outside the museum curb includes images of Ireland's most celebrated icons in music.

Following your visit, take a stroll around the Temple Bar where you can listen to more music, watch street performances, and enjoy exploring a number of very unique pubs.

Killarney National Park is one of the best natural reserves in the County Kerry. Here you will see beautiful mountains, lakes as well as woods.

Sights to see include Muckross House, beautifully green grounds. This 19th-century architectural concept is in a romantic setting a beautiful Victorian mansion Torc waterfall has a nice thorough greenery.

For hikers, especially the adventurous ones, the Gap of Dunloe is home to the tracks that pass through most of the wild formations. Alternatively, visitors can hire a bicycle or even a jaunting car that is in fact a small horse-drawn carriage.

Blarney Castle is one of the most popular in the country, famous for its venerated Blarney Stone.

Apart from the traditional fairy-tale history, Alnwick Castle boasts magnificent gardens that also house the Rock Close, the set of old druidic stones, and the Poison Garden; the place where toxic and medicinal plants grow.

Therefore, expect to go up a flight of very steep and very slim spiral staircase before getting to the Blarney Stone.

This stylish modern museum in Dublin's Docklands is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Irish emigration.

Moving from starvation to flight to the success stories of the Irish population across the globe, EPIC brings a very personal touch to the emigrant experience of Ireland.

This makes it a one-of-a-kind experience with the help of digital displays and personal stories. It is recommended to spend at least 2 hours in the exhibition to be able to investigate all the details properly.

In contrast with most whiskey distilleries, the Irish Whiskey Museum is interested in the history of whiskey in Ireland and the spirit's processes.

This museum is in central Dublin and offers groups of folk a tour featuring whiskey-tasting sessions; it fits everyone, be it a new whiskey drinker or an old one. The best way to approach this is to upgrade yourself to the premium tour to get a taste of the old and very hard-to-come-by whiskeys.

It is also near Grafton Street thus one can easily do both shopping and eating before and after the museum visit. Also, before going here, book your ticket in advance from its official website.

Glasnevin Cemetery is an area that is both historical and allows visitors to get an emotional experience of Ireland's great people.

Some of the political figures attacked here are Michael Collins and Daniel O'Connell. There are also tours offered on the history of writers and revolutionaries buried here.

The first point of interest in the Rose Cemetery is the museum which contains more details of Ireland's historical past. You can pair your visit with the nearby National Botanic Garden for a day of culture and a relaxing day out.

The Wild Atlantic Way is an extraordinary touring route consisting of 2,500 km of driving along the stunning Irish west coast.

This route provides an authentic taste of real Ireland: great cliffs at Malin Head, the most northern cape of the island, and the quietude of the southern coast, Kinsale.

On the way, you will also visit picturesque fishing villages, Landmark archaeological sites, breathtaking islands, and some of the most beautiful territories on the planet.

Another best things to do in Ireland is visiting Spike Island. Spike Island is a proud piece of Irish history that has developed over the centuries. Initially a monastery, after a while a fortress, and finally a prison for many years and nowadays a unique attraction place.

It has tall walls which you can tour and view the prison cells, you can also enjoy a hike around the island since it is surrounded by beautiful Cork Harbour. The tour starts from the town of Cobh where one has to take a short ferry ride after which the true journey starts.

If you are someone who loves mesmerizing landscapes, with a very small crowd, where you can relax and go with family then Slieve League is a must visit attraction in Ireland.

This serene and beautiful cliff stands tall to a height of about 600 meters above sea level and is considered one of the highest cliffs in Europe. Here you will get the beautiful views of the shoreline.

Unlike the crowded and busier Cliffs of Moher, this place provides you with a more serene and intimate experience. Here you can enjoy the scenic walk or go for the challenging trail along One Man's Pass for more breathtaking views.

Go back to the past by visiting one of the most popular sights listed under the World Heritage Site, Skellig Michael. This place is perfect to visit with your family irrespective of age.

This island of County Kerry is well preserved monastic settlement and is hugely known as the filming location in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. You will definitely see many Star Wars fans in this place.

To go here, you need to take the boat as it is the only medium of traveling. As the island is still under the protection of the government and local authorities allow only a limited number of entrants per day, book the boat tour in advance.

Visit the Jeanie Johnston, an exact duplication of a famine ship at Dublin port that takes guests through one of the gravest moments in Irish history.

This lively museum focuses on the sufferings of immigrants who left their homeland due to famine and looking for a better life across the Atlantic.

The tour is emotional and offers an understanding of the Irish people because of the challenges they faced. So, make time and visit here with your family when in Ireland as this is one of the best things to see in Ireland.

Only an hour away from Dublin lies the Wicklow Mountains National Park, a beautiful and quiet area with well-developed area of hills, lakes and ancient castles.

The main attraction of the park is the Glendalough, which is a monk settlement of the VI century. Here you can also discover the morbid Round Tower, beautiful lakes, and beautiful hiking trails passing through the gory valley formed by glaciers.

Hence, if you are a lover of history you will enjoy the ancient Church and the photographer will enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Slea Head Drive is one of the most beautiful attractions any visitor must explore while in County Kerry in Ireland.

This drive offers you a fantastic route offering a mix of narrow roads, strictly right-hand traffic, and superb scenery of the Irish coasts, local villages, and historic landmarks.

The highlights are Coumeenoole Beach where the great swell thunders against the gleaming sand and the Blasket Islands off the shore.

You will also find the oldest bee-hive huts, castle ring-forts, and even Gaelic-speaking people who will take you back to Ireland's cultural prehistoric past.