The natural beauty of Ireland provides a sense of magic that is unmatched anywhere else in the world. It’s like driving through the pages of a fairytale, including medieval castles, mighty mountains, and majestic vistas. Planning a trip to Ireland can be overwhelming because you’ll want to explore every inch of the country. I will help you narrow down where to go and what to do while visiting the Emerald Isle with our Ireland bucket list.
Ireland Bucket List
Guinness Storehouse
One of the best places to start your Ireland bucket list is at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland. It offers history, culture, city views, delicious food, and the best beer in the country directly from the source.
As one of Dublin’s most famous attractions, the Guinness Storehouse is an excellent day out and should be on everyone’s Ireland bucket list, especially if you love Guinness.
Enjoy a creamy pint in the Gravity Bar and check out the panoramic views over Dublin.
Trinity College
One of the world’s most beautiful libraries awaits in Dublin. Trinity College is home to the Book of Kells, Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure, a 1,200-year-old manuscript, and the Long Room, a spectacular library that looks like something from Harry Potter’s Hogwarts.
In order to visit the Long Room, you need to buy a ticket for the Book of Kells.
Marveling at the Long Room fills you with a sense of history and wonder waiting to be discovered between the pages of over 25,000 of the oldest books.
EPIC Museum
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum covers the history of the Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, and artists all over the world.
It’s the perfect addition to your Ireland bucket list to understand the history of Irish people and what it means to be Irish.
Galway City
Galway is referred to as the “Cultural Heart of Ireland,” and the title is well-deserved. Located on the west coast of the country, the city is well-known for its museums, the Latin Quarter, and the medieval city walls.
If you’re looking for an authentic Irish experience, make your way to Eyre Square and find a pub to enjoy some live, traditional folk music.
Our favorite pub in the entire country is Tig Choili, located in the Latin Quarter, well known for it’s traditional Irish music sessions.
Don’t miss the opportunity to order a Guinness and listen to talented musicians while surrounding yourself with some of the nicest, most welcoming people in the world.
Galway Bay Boat Tour
Galway Hookers are waiting for you on a customized sightseeing trips around Galway Bay and Claddagh. Galway Bay Tours is a family run business, operating boat tours and fishing trips around Claddagh and Galway Bay since April 2012.
Their love for the sea comes from generations of family sailing and fishing, with roots going back over 100 years to the fishing village of Claddagh, and it’s obvious on every tour that they do. Their wealth of local knowledge is first-hand, and it’s their passion for the water that makes each tour unique.
A Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip
2,500km of legendary coastal roads make up the Wild Atlantic Way.
Running from Donegal to Kinsale, you can marvel at jagged cliff faces, rolling waves, and blazing sunsets along this once in a lifetime journey.
Images of Sky Road pulled me towards the Wild Atlantic Way. It covers 16km of the West coast of Ireland along the rough Atlantic coast. There are very few places in Ireland which can rival the rugged beauty seen from Sky Road. It was my favorite day trip in Ireland.
There is a car park at the highest point of Sky Road so you can stop to enjoy the view. For an extra special afternoon, pack a lunch and enjoy it while taking in the scenic views of the Kingston peninsula.
Kylemore Abbey
As part of your journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, Kylemore Abbey is a haven of history, beauty, and serenity.
Even if you choose not to purchase a ticket to go inside the abbey, you can walk around the lake, take in the abbey views, and stop for some food at the cozy pub located on-site.
Cliff of Moher
There is nothing like standing on top of the Cliffs of Moher to truly get the Ireland experience.
The Cliffs of Moher tower over the rugged West Clare coast, and the view is one of the most beautiful in the world. The combination of white cliffs and rugged coast make for an unforgettable landscape.
Burren National Park
Burren National Park is located in the southeastern corner of the Burren and feels a little like visiting the moon. The word “Burren” comes from an Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place. The name couldn’t be more appropriate considering the lack of soil and the extent of exposed limestone pavement.
There are marked trails in the park that take you through many fascinating and beautiful habitats, such as calcareous grasslands, woodlands, and limestone pavement.
Entry is free and there are both driving and walking trails to explore the park.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park gives you the opportunity to visit the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland.
The site on which Bunratty Castle stands was in origin a Viking trading camp in 970. The present structure is the last of four castles to be built on the site.
At Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, you can take a tour of the iconic fortress, experience life in 19th-century Ireland, and enjoy stunning views across the Clare countryside. With over 30 buildings, including grocery stores, homes, and tradesmen’s studios, you can stroll along the village street, browse the shops, and have a drink in a traditional pub. Learn about the lifestyle of a bygone era while chatting to costumed characters.