Ireland attracts visitors from all around the world every year. Most people know about the main cities in Ireland, such as Dublin, Belfast, and Cork — which will undoubtedly feature on our list. These cities offer exhilarating and beautiful travel experiences; however, many other towns and cities in Ireland are lesser known but could rival these tourist hot spots. Below, we will go through our careful selection of the top destinations in Ireland that are worth making the journey to experience.
Surfer’s Paradise in Donegal
First on this list is the beautiful county of Donegal, located high up in northern Ireland. It is home to Europe’s highest seaside cliff, the Slieve League, and the breathtaking Atlantic coastline with its glacial fjords.
You wouldn’t think it, but surfing is one of the most popular activities in Donegal. Discover Bundoran, a small seaside town that has become Ireland’s surfing hub. Bundoran Surf Co. offers visitors surfing lessons, gear hire, and even surf camps for those who want to learn how to ride waves like professionals.
Suppose you don’t fancy an adrenaline rush. In that case, there is plenty more to do here, including exploring the Lough Eske Castle, taking long walks along the stunning beach of Portsalon, and, of course, experiencing diverse Irish-themed entertainment in the local clubs or pubs, where you will be sure to hear some traditional Irish live music.
West Cork
Next on this list is West Cork, which is located on the opposite side of the country from Donegal at the southern tip of Ireland.
West Cork is full of breathtaking wildlife and nature, with some of the most impressive hiking routes and cliff walks.
Additionally, you can hop on a boat and travel to some nearby islands, such as Dursey Island and Sherkin Island. You can even take a cable car to Dursey Island from Ireland’s mainland, which goes to the sea.
After a morning of exploring this beautiful part of Ireland, head over to Bantry House and Gardens for some afternoon tea. For a fantastic dining experience, head into the town of Clonakilty to enjoy some authentic Irish cuisine.
Dublin
Undoubtedly, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Ireland’s capital city. Dublin is a fantastic place to visit; it is full of life and has endless fun activities and things to see.
There are several intriguing breweries, distilleries, and museums to explore, as well as plenty of options for fantastic restaurants offering diverse cuisine. If you are looking for a fun night out, then Dublin is the place to be, with a vast selection of bars, pubs, and nightclubs to enjoy during your time here.
However, if you want a more laid-back trip, you can drive to Dublin Bay to see the breathtaking coastline and escape the busy city. There is so much to see and do in Dublin, which makes it a superb place to include on your list of places to visit during your trip to Ireland.
The Colorful Villages of Kerry
Up next is the gorgeous county of Kerry, located in the southwest region of Ireland, just above Cork. Here, you can embark on the iconic Ring of Kerry Drive, which will take you on an adventure through shorelines, mountains, and boglands. Kerry is also home to several scenic and quaint towns, such as Killarney, Kenmare, Kinsale, and Dingle, all worth visiting if you have the time. From narrow streets, fishing harbors, and colorful Irish homes, there is no place like Kerry anywhere in this part of the world.
Belfast
The final must-see destination is Belfast, Northern Ireland. Here, you will find what many people call the “8th wonder of the world”, The Giant’s Causeway, a marvel worth visiting. It is a rock formation formed by a volcano’s eruption millions of years ago. Interestingly, the formation is hexagonal and looks almost man-made, making it all the more unique. The name of these rocks comes from the legend that they are the steps that giants used to travel from Ireland to Scotland.
The city center of Belfast also has many fun things visitors can see and do. One of the most popular activities is visiting The Titanic Museum to learn about the history of the vessel and its demise. There is also an abundance of fantastic bars, restaurants, and pubs, which often provide live music so you can dance the night away after a day of taking in this amazing city.
Book Your Next Trip to Ireland
So there you have it; now you know about some of the most entertaining destinations you should consider visiting during a trip to Ireland. It truly is an amazing country full of culture, history, and things to see and do. So book your trip to Ireland now and prepare for an unforgettable holiday.