Ireland is a beautiful island in the North Atlantic Ocean. Ireland is one of the friendliest countries in the world and is home to world-famous pubs where Irish bands perform daily. The beautiful parks, natural beauty, and stunning historical castles make Ireland a special place to wonder. Below are six reasons to visit Ireland below!
Fun Facts:
-Ireland is divided into two countries: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland is under the United Kingdom, while the Republic of Ireland is independent. -The capital city of Ireland is Dublin. -Ireland has two official languages: English and Irish -Irish descendants can claim citizenship. -The oldest pub is said to be 900 years old. -Ireland is the birthplace of the world-renowned beer entitled Guinness. -It is illegal to drink in public in Ireland. -70 to 80 million people worldwide have Irish ancestry. -There is a leprechaun museum in Dublin.
My Experience:
My best friend Ariana booked her round-trip ticket to Ireland to visit with her family. Ariana could not make the dates that her family was going. She knows me and my passion for traveling, so she invited me to Ireland. I said yes and booked my last-minute flight. I was beyond excited to see the beautiful green cliffs I had only seen in pictures. My favorite things to do are meeting new people and visiting new places, so I was excited about this new adventure.
Fun Fact: The first thing we ate in Ireland was McDonald’s!
My Favorite Places: My favorite experiences in Ireland were seeing the Cliffs of Moher, horseback riding in Wicklow, crossing the Carrick Bridge, and climbing the Giant’s Causeway. I will never forget the stunning views, old stone buildings, pints of Guinness we drank, and the lovely people we met.
The view from the Cliffs of Moher is unbelievable. You will find the incredible cliffs and the expanse of the ocean on one side and the gorgeous Irish countryside on the other. The cliffs are at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland.
B. Giant’s Causeway
TheGiant’s Causeway is a natural rock formation of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by intense volcanic activity about 50 million years ago. When the lava rapidly cooled, it contracted into distinctive hexagonal shapes. A few stones are as high as 39 feet in Northern Ireland. The legend states that the place was built by Finn McCool, a magical giant trying to reach Scotland without getting his feet wet. The tale also says that one of the formations resembles a giant boot.
C. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
TheCarrick-a-Rede Rope bridge is an exhilarating walk along the coast of the Atlantic. The right side of the bridge has farmlands, while the left side is a 30-meter cliff to the ocean surface. The bridge is 20 meters long and made with rope. Do not forget to take photos and capture crossing the rocking bridge as you hear the waves crash into the rocky shores below!
Reason #2: The Pubs and Live Music are Wonderful.
The Irish consume 98 liters of beer annually, so it is no surprise that there are so many pubs in this country. Guinness is Ireland’s most instantly recognizable export, as it is one of the best-selling beers in the world. The Guinness in Ireland tastes significantly better than anywhere else. Do not forget to visit the Temple Bar in Dublin, a famous pub home to live music and cheerful people. You will hear live traditional Irish Music in a dimly lit setting at any pub you attend. Irish artists create outstanding music that is positively energizing and melodic. The sound is alive and thriving in Ireland. There are also street performers and plenty of festivals to attend.
Reason #3: The Charm of Galway
Galway is one of Ireland’s most vivid cities because of the excellent seafood cuisine and traditional live music played at bars and restaurants. You can visit all tourist attractions on foot and shop in stores selling typical Irish clothes and jewelry like the Claddagh ring, which symbolizes friendship. The International Arts Festival made Galway a cultural tourism destination.
Reason #4: The Historical Castles to Explore.
Ireland has the most castles in the world, totaling more than 30,000. The Castles in Ireland have been untouched for centuries and uninfluenced by other nations. The best castles to visit are Kilkenny Castle, Blarney Castle, Dublin Castle, and Birr Castle.
Reason #5: The People are Kind and Friendly.
The people of Ireland have a reputation for being welcoming and friendly. The bus driver stopped at an ATM for me. Every person that I met was friendly, cheerful, and hospitable. They will help you when you are lost, ask you where you are from, and try to get acquainted with you. The locals make great company over a pint of beer and tell you their life stories. You will truly feel at home, and that feeling is something that you cannot get in every country you visit.
Reason #6. Ireland is Rich in History
Ireland’s history is both fascinating and tragic. I will never forget the bus ride to see the Giant’s Causeway. Our tour guide went into depth about the British rule of Ireland, rebellions, and their independence. He also went into detail about the potato famine and how they have become what Ireland is today.
Have you ever been to Ireland? We would love to hear about your experience. We listed 6 reasons to visit Ireland!
Ireland is a European island within the North Atlantic Ocean. Ireland is one of the world’s friendliest countries, home to world-famous Irish pubs and lives music, beautiful parks, natural beauty, and stunning historical castles. Ireland has the most Castles in the world, totaling more than 30,000. We list the top 10 things to do in Ireland.
Fun Facts:
Ireland is home to two countries: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland is under the United Kingdom, while the Republic of Ireland is an independent country.
The capital city of Ireland is Dublin
Ireland has two official languages: English and Irish
Irish descendants can claim citizenship
The oldest pub is said to be 900 years old
Ireland is the birthplace of the world-renowned beer entitled Guinness
It is illegal to drink in public in Ireland
There are about 70 to 80 million people worldwide to have Irish ancestry
There is a leprechaun museum in Dublin
My Experience:
I visited Ireland, my ancestor’s homeland, in July 2018 with my best friend, Ariana Gomez. I will never forget this once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was fortunate to have met the friendliest people, listened to traditional Irish cheerful live music at every pub, and explored Ireland’s breathtaking scenery. We went to memorable places that I will list below in hopes that this blog post will give you an insight into some things to do while visiting.
Where to Stay?
I highly recommend staying at the cutest hostel entitled Isaacs Hostel in Dublin. Hostels are great if you are on a budget and enjoy meeting new people! Isaacs was a lovely stay because the helpful staff was available 24/7. They truly made the place more comfortable. Isaacs had a delicious, free breakfast every morning, fun bar crawls every night to sign up for, and a long list of guided tours you can book confidentially. We booked all but one of our tours in Ireland through the hostel.
Fun Fact: My grandfather’s family is from Donegal, and my grandmother’s family is from County Clare. My grandparents grew up in the United States and met in New York, where they had six beautiful children.
1. Dublin, Ireland.
Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is the largest city on the west coast.
My Experience: We enjoyed Guinness at the infamous temple bar we randomly came across through the cobblestone streets. We also went to Dublin Castle and visited the H’appenny Bridge. We didn’t go to the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, or the Kilmainham Gaol; however, those are the top places to visit in Dublin.
Below I have created a list of some things to do in Dublin based on my research and experience!
A. Dublin Castle–
This castle was the seat of British power in Ireland for 700 years dating back to 1204. It is currently an Irish government complex, conference center, and tourist attraction. The craft shop, heritage center restaurant, and chapel royal are open to visitors.
Address– Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland
B. Kilmainham Gaol-
Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison and now a museum run by the Office of Public Works. It offers a realistic insight into some of the most disturbing parts of modern Irish history. This place opened in 1796 and closed in 1924. The leaders of rebellions throughout history were detained at this location. Access to the site is allowed by guided tour only!
The Temple Bar is one of the most famous pubs in Dublin. The history of this pub goes back to 1599. The place contains the largest collection of rare whiskey in Dublin.
Address: 47/48 Temple Bar Dublin D02 N725 Ireland
D. Jameson Distillery-
Visit this distillery where expert guides tell the story of Jameson in a recreated distillery scene with tastings and dining.
Address- Bow St, Smithfield Village, Dublin 7, Ireland
Galway has lively pubs, restaurants, street performers, and independent shops through cobblestone streets. The stores in Galway are within walking distance. The city is truly charming!
A. Claddagh Jewelers Shop:
The charming city is home to a Claddagh Jewelers shop. The famous Claddagh ring symbolizes Friendship!
Address: 25 Mainguard St, Galway, Ireland
B. Lynch Castle
The Lynch’s Castle in Galway has an interesting story behind it about the Lynch family who once lived there. The Lynch family was one of the most powerful forces of the city 500 years ago, as they were one of the fourteen founding tribes of Galway. Walter Lynch was sentenced to death by his father as a sacrifice to public justice. Walter murdered a Spanish merchant staying with the family in Galway for being too romantic with his girlfriend. His father’s punishment went down in history as he shockingly hung his son from the window.
Address: Shop St., Galway, Ireland
C. John F. Kennedy Memorial Park
The John F. Kennedy Memorial Park is home to a playground and seasonal markets. Eyre square near Kennedy Park has live street performers who were Irish-Sep-Dancing to traditional music. The park was renamed John F. Kennedy Memorial Park in honor of the American president who made a speech in 1963.
Address: Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland
D. Restaurants:
-Hooked Seafood- They have the BEST fish and chips in the city!
-Ard Bia– This restaurant serves locally sourced and seasonal produce. The gallery upstairs features fabulous artwork.
-White Gables- White Gables offers traditional Irish food with a focus on seafood and lobster.
E. Churches
-St. Nicholas Church- This medieval church was built in 1320!
Address: Market Street, Galway, Ireland
Galway Cathedral- The Galway Cathedral is a renaissance-style Catholic cathedral dedicated to our lady who is assumed to be in heaven and St. Nicholas!
3. Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher is an hour and a half away from Galway. The Cliffs are on the west coast of Ireland in County Clare. WOW! The untouched natural beauty was breathtaking. You can walk along a 5-mile-long path near the cliff if you are not afraid of heights.
TIP: Book ahead and visit during there off-peak hours to get the best deal and save money!
Off Peak Hours: 8am-11am and 4pm-Close
Peak Hours: 11am to 4pm
Adult Prices: Off Peak: 4 Euros Peak: 8 Euros
Student/Senior Prices: Off Peak: 3.50 Euros Peak: 5.00 Euros
Children Prices: FREE
4. Giants Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is a must-see because the beauty of this place is unreal. I have never seen anything so unique and mesmerizing. Visiting was my favorite place in Ireland, even better than the infamous Cliffs of Moher. I highly recommend adding this adventure to the top of your to-do list if you are ever visiting Ireland.
–Myth: The Giants Causeway was caused by a giant
–Fact: The Giants Causeway was actually caused by a volcanic activity 60 million years ago
–Location: County Antrim on the north coast of Northern Ireland.
After visiting the Giants Causeway, we made our way to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, as this was only 9 miles away and was the second to last stop of our tour. There is a winding 1km coastal walk filled with seabirds and glorious sites until reaching the bridge. Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was both exhilarating and fulfilling. The current bridge was open to the public in 2008. The bridge went under construction to comply with safety rules by the National Trust in 2000 to protect tourists.
Fun Fact: The people are super kind in Ireland. I even lost my ticket to cross the bridge. They still let me on the bridge anyway. This would have never happened in New York.
Location: Near Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Address: 119A White Park Road, Ballintoy BT54 6LS
6. Dark Hedges Trees and Fairy Houses
The Dark Hedges trees is an avenue of 150 large mature beech trees planted in 1775 by the Stuart Family. This place has a famous appearance on the HBO Game of Thrones tv series. The trees on both sides of the road form a tunnel. There are mini fairy houses on the Fairy Trail on the way to the Dark Hedges. These houses were adorable, bright, and detailed.
Our tour stopped at Dunluce Castle. There was nothing special about the castle until it was on the hit tv show game of thrones.
8. Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is home to the Blarney Stone. The legend states if you kiss the Blarney Stone, you receive the gift of eloquence or skill at flattery. The Stone is made of carboniferous limestone and is at the top of the castle with 127 steps and 37 feet high.
9. Horseback riding in Wicklow
We went on the Wicklow Mountain Day tour and had a wonderful experience, as the staff was kind, friendly, and helpful. Horseback riding through the mountains of Wicklow was stunning.
10. Glasnevin Cemetery
Ireland’s largest catholic garden cemetery was hauntingly gorgeous. The cemetery was the gatekeeper of over 1.5 million souls covering 124 acres with plenty to appreciate.
6 Reasons to Visit Ireland Ireland is a beautiful island in the North Atlantic Ocean. Ireland is one of the friendliest countries in the world and is home to world-famous pubs where Irish bands perform daily. The beautiful parks, natural beauty, and stunning historical castles make Ireland a special place to wonder. Below are six…
10 Things to Do in Dublin Background: Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is the largest city on the east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin is a vibrant city filled with cultural and historical places to visit. Below you will discover our top ten attractions, activities, and things to…
Paris is a destination that is both iconic and historic. Paris is the capital city of France and is known for its magnificent view from the top of the Eiffel Tower. There are art museums and historic buildings to explore, as well as cute cafes and restaurants to try out! The food is incomparable to…
25 Things to Do in Venice Venice is the most picturesque city in Italy. It is a city surrounded by canals and over 400 bridges. Below are 25 things to do in Venice! My Experience: I traveled to Venice a few times and loved every second of my adventure. Venice is a unique, scenic place, so…
A visit to Italy will 100% be worth your time, energy, and money! Italy is worth a visit at least once in your lifetime, as it is home to world-famous cities, art galleries, and dramatic landscapes. Below you will find things to do in Venice, Rome, and Florence in Italy! Facts About Italy: My Experience:…
10 Things to Do in Switzerland Switzerland is one of the most breathtaking countries in Europe, as it has a ton of beautiful lakes and mountains to explore. My Experience: Switzerland is one of the most beautiful, scenic places. I went to Switzerland in September 2019 with my best friend Ariana. We tried the infamous…
20 Things to Do in Croatia: Croatia is a country at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe on the Adriatic Sea. This dreamy summer destination is famous for its gorgeous waterfalls and spectacular rocky coast. There are more than 1,000 islands in Croatia that you can go and see for yourself! We listed 20…
KRKA National Park is in southern Croatia along the KRKA river. Spending a day at this river is for you if you enjoy mesmerizing, untouched nature. The park has an abundance of waterfalls and a diverse amount of flora and fauna. Below are 6 facts about KRKA National Park in Croatia. #1: How do you…
21 Facts About Croatia Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries to visit in the world. Croatia has over 1,200 islands at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe on the Adriatic Sea. Below are 21 facts about Croatia. We listed 21 facts about Croatia. Have you ever been to Croatia? Please comment below…
Background: Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is the largest city on the east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin is a vibrant city filled with cultural and historical places to visit. Below you will discover our top ten attractions, activities, and things to do in this touristy city based on my research!
My Upcoming Trip: I am going to Ireland and Scotland for the week and am leaving for the airport today! I am doing last-minute research as far as things that we should do while we are there. I will share tips and reasons for visiting Ireland in a future post. I heard that it was beautiful there, and I am beyond excited. Below is 10 things to do in Dublin, Ireland.
1: Kilmainham Gaol
The Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison and now a museum run by the Office of Public Works. It offers a realistic insight into some of the most disturbing parts of modern Irish history, as it portrays what it was like to have been confined in one of these forbidding bastions of punishment and correction. This place opened in 1796 and closed in 1924. Leaders of rebellions throughout history were detained here. Access is by a guided tour only! Address- Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 RK28, Ireland
2: Dublin Castle
This castle was the seat of British power in Ireland for 700 years dating back to 1204. It is currently an Irish government complex, conference center, and tourist attraction. The craft shop, heritage center restaurant, and chapel royal are open to visitors.
3: Malahide Castle
The Malahide Castle is one of the oldest castles in Ireland and is set on 260 acres filled with exotic plants and a beautiful garden. This castle was home to the Talbot family for over 800 years. You can visit four rooms filled with portraits from the National Gallery of Ireland.
You will enjoy the expert guides who tell the story of Jameson in a recreated distillery scene with tastings and dining.
Address- Bow St, Smithfield Village, Dublin 7, Ireland
6: National Museum of Ireland
This museum emphasizes international archaeology and Irish history, art, and culture.
Address: Kildare St, Dublin 2, Ireland
7: Ha’penny Bridge
This bridge is located in the center of Dublin and was built in 1816.
Address- Bachelors Walk, North City, Dublin, Ireland
8: Guinness Storehouse
Don’t forget to try Guinness in Ireland and take a tour of this brewery!
Address- St James’s Gate, Ushers, Dublin 8, Ireland
9: Temple Bar
This is one of the most famous pubs in Dublin. The history goes back to 1599 and contains the largest collection of rare whiskey.
Address: 47/48 Temple Bar Dublin D02 N725 Ireland
10: Irish Potato Famine
The potato famine drove more than 1.5 million people from Ireland to America, both of my great grandparents included. This memorial pays tribute to this troubling time.
Address- St Stephens Green Shopping Centre, Dublin, Ireland
C. Temple Bar-
