Email this guide
Print the full guide-
Ireland
- Overview
- The Basics
- Attractions
- Events
- Public Holidays
- Useful Contacts
- Airports
- Climate
- Currency
- Visa & Passport
- Flights to Ireland
- Tour Operators
- Ireland Map
-
Cities
- Dublin
Ports of Call
- Dublin
What to see in Ireland
Ireland Attractions
Ireland is truly one of the great sightseeing destinations. The local people are wholeheartedly welcoming and genuinely entertaining socially; there is an abundance of beautiful natural landscapes; there are historical and cultural attractions aplenty; and the Guinness really tastes better here at the source. The country also has a wider significance for many American visitors, whose ancestors came from these shores in great numbers.
Although there are must-see attractions like Blarney Castle, Trinity College and the soaring Cliffs of Moher, the real magic of Ireland lies in the unexpected encounters with the local people and unplanned evenings in country pubs where impromptu gigs can set your soul alight. Ireland is full of music and good cheer and no amount of rain can dampen local spirits.
Winter is not the best time to visit as it is cold and rainy, so plan your trip for the summer months between April and September when Ireland is at its best. The ideal way to get around is by rented car (although petrol prices are among the highest in the world), and by bicycle, which you can use to explore the photogenic country lanes. The roads are good in Ireland and driving yourself around is not unduly stressful.
Adare
Nestled in a wooded landscape among the picturesque farmlands of the Golden Vale, Adare is known as one of the prettiest…
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles, built around 1446. An ancient stronghold of the…
Cliffs of Moher
The steep and wondrous Cliffs of Moher, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in County Clare, are one of Ireland's top visitor…
County Kerry
Kerry County is widely regarded as the most beautiful region in Ireland. It's the country's most popular tourist destination…
Guinness Storehouse
Guinness is now brewed all over the world but St James's Gate, in the heart of Dublin, was where Arthur Guinness set…
James Joyce Museum
Nine miles (14km) south of Dublin, the Martello Tower is one of 34 towers built in 1804 to protect Ireland against a…
Kinsale
Kinsale is an old fishing village just 18 miles (29km) south of Cork. It's best known for the world renowned Old Head…
St. Patrick's Cathedral
St Patrick's Cathedral is Ireland's largest church. It's erected on the site where St. Patrick is believed to have baptized…
Temple Bar District
The Irish capital is known for its nightlife and many visitors come to Dublin primarily to enjoy the great beer, food,…
The Old Jameson Distillery
Jameson, who was actually a Scotsman, moved to Dublin to start a whiskey distillery in the 1770s and clearly made a lasting…
Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and counts Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde, along with…
Our Travel Expert
>Read Charlie's tips on Ireland
>Ask Charlie a question
Become our Ireland Travel Expert
We are looking for contributors for our Ireland travel guide. If you are a local, a regular traveller to Ireland or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.
