UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Book Attractions in Advance

Skip the lines at Ireland's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, castles, and experiences across Ireland.

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Brú na Bóinne Archaeological Park (UNESCO)

Discover ancient passage tombs like Newgrange, over 5,000 years old, with guided tours revealing Neolithic mysteries.

A sacred site aligned with solstices, ideal for history buffs seeking prehistoric wonders.

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Giant's Causeway (UNESCO)

Marvel at 40,000 basalt columns formed by volcanic activity, with coastal paths and legends of giants.

Dramatic seascapes and myths make it a must for geology and folklore enthusiasts.

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Skellig Michael (UNESCO)

Climb to this remote monastic island with beehive huts and puffin colonies, featured in Star Wars.

A rugged pilgrimage site offering spiritual solitude and breathtaking Atlantic views.

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Trinity College & Book of Kells

View the illuminated 9th-century manuscript in the Long Room library, a symbol of Irish scholarship.

Combining Celtic art with university history in Dublin's heart.

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Rock of Cashel

Explore this medieval fortress with a round tower and cathedral atop a limestone hill in Tipperary.

Linked to ancient kings, perfect for tales of saints and battles.

Kilkenny Medieval Mile

Wander cobbled streets from Kilkenny Castle to St. Canice's Cathedral, showcasing Norman heritage.

A living museum with festivals and artisan crafts for immersive history.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures

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Cliffs of Moher

Hike dramatic 700-foot sea cliffs with puffin nesting sites and panoramic Atlantic vistas.

Iconic for sunset walks and wildlife spotting in County Clare.

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Ring of Kerry

Drive scenic coastal roads through mountains, lakes, and villages like Killarney National Park.

Perfect for road trips with stops at ancient stone circles and beaches.

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Wild Atlantic Way

Follow 1,500 miles of rugged coastline from Kerry to Donegal, with hidden coves and surf spots.

Adventure hub for kayaking and storm-watching year-round.

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Connemara National Park

Trek boglands, mountains, and lakes with Diamond Hill trails for wild ponies and heather blooms.

Serene escape for hiking and photography in the west.

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The Burren

Explore karst landscapes with limestone pavements, wildflowers, and megalithic tombs in County Clare.

Unique geology for botanists and caving enthusiasts.

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Slieve League Cliffs

Scale Europe's highest sea cliffs at 2,000 feet, with pilgrim paths and ocean panoramas in Donegal.

Less crowded alternative to Moher for daring hikers.

Ireland by Region

🏙️ Leinster (East)

  • Best For: Vibrant cities, ancient history, and literary heritage with Dublin as the cultural epicenter.
  • Key Destinations: Dublin, Kilkenny, Wicklow Mountains, and Waterford for castles and coastal drives.
  • Activities: Pub crawls, museum tours, whiskey tastings, and hiking in the Wicklow Way trails.
  • Best Time: Spring for blooms (March-May) and summer for festivals (June-August), with mild 10-20°C weather.
  • Getting There: Dublin Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.

🌅 Munster (South)

  • Best For: Dramatic cliffs, ring forts, and music scenes, featuring the Wild Atlantic Way's southern stretch.
  • Key Destinations: Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Cliffs of Moher for natural beauty and urban vibes.
  • Activities: Cliff walks, traditional music sessions, castle explorations, and seafood feasts.
  • Best Time: Summer for outdoor pursuits (June-Aug) and autumn for fewer crowds (Sept-Oct), 15-25°C.
  • Getting There: Well-connected by train from Dublin, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.

🌊 Connacht (West)

  • Best For: Rugged landscapes, Gaelic culture, and island hopping along the Atlantic coast.
  • Key Destinations: Galway, Connemara, Sligo, and Aran Islands for folklore and wild scenery.
  • Activities: Surfing, bog walks, ceili dances, and ferry trips to remote isles.
  • Best Time: Year-round, but summer (June-Aug) for festivals like Galway Arts, with breezy 12-18°C.
  • Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring remote peninsulas and villages.

🪨 Ulster (North)

  • Best For: Mythic sites, coastal drives, and Titanic history in both Republic and Northern Ireland areas.
  • Key Destinations: Donegal, Derry, Belfast, and Giant's Causeway for heritage and adventure.
  • Activities: Causeway hikes, mural tours, Game of Thrones filming locations, and bushmills visits.
  • Best Time: Spring and autumn (April-May, Sept-Oct) for mild weather and wildflowers, 8-18°C.
  • Getting There: Direct trains from Dublin or ferries from Scotland, with scenic coastal routes.

Sample Ireland Itineraries

🚀 7-Day Ireland Highlights

Days 1-2: Dublin

Arrive in Dublin, explore Trinity College and Guinness Storehouse, stroll Temple Bar for live music, and visit Dublin Castle.

Days 3-4: Wicklow & Kilkenny

Drive to Wicklow Mountains for hikes and Glendalough monastery, then head to Kilkenny for castle tours and medieval streets.

Days 5-6: Cork & Cliffs of Moher

Travel to Cork for English Market and Blarney Stone, with a day trip to Cliffs of Moher for dramatic walks and coastal views.

Day 7: Return to Dublin

Final day with Brú na Bóinne visit for ancient tombs, last-minute shopping, and departure with Irish coffee tastings.

🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer

Days 1-2: Dublin Immersion

Dublin city tour covering Book of Kells, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park, and literary pub crawls.

Days 3-4: Southeast Coast

Kilkenny for medieval mile and Rock of Cashel, then Waterford for crystal factories and coastal drives.

Days 5-6: Kerry & Ring of Kerry

Killarney National Park for lakes and hikes, drive the Ring of Kerry with stops at Skellig viewing points.

Days 7-8: Clare & Galway

Cliffs of Moher and Burren exploration, then Galway for music sessions and Aran Islands ferry prep.

Days 9-10: Connemara & Return

Connemara hikes and Kylemore Abbey, scenic drive back to Dublin via Midlands for final sights.

🏙️ 14-Day Complete Ireland

Days 1-3: Dublin Deep Dive

Comprehensive Dublin exploration including museums, food tours, EPIC emigration center, and Howth cliff walks.

Days 4-6: Southeast & Munster

Kilkenny and Rock of Cashel for history, Cork for markets and Kinsale seafood, Limerick for treaty stone.

Days 7-9: Kerry & West Coast

Ring of Kerry drives, Dingle Peninsula pubs, Cliffs of Moher, and Burren wildflower hikes.

Days 10-12: Connacht Adventures

Galway festivals, Connemara national park, Aran Islands cycling, and Sligo for Yeats country.

Days 13-14: Ulster & Dublin Finale

Giant's Causeway and Derry walls, Belfast Titanic museum, return to Dublin for shopping and farewell ceili.

Top Activities & Experiences

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Cliff Walks & Hikes

Trek the Cliffs of Moher or Slieve League for thrilling sea views and fresh Atlantic air.

Guided tours available with birdwatching and photography stops year-round.

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Irish Whiskey Tastings

Sample aged whiskeys at distilleries like Jameson or Bushmills with distilling history tours.

From Dublin to Donegal, learn blending secrets and pair with local cuisine.

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Traditional Music Sessions

Join lively ceili in Galway pubs or Doolin trad sessions for fiddles and bodhráns.

Immerse in Gaelic culture with spontaneous performances and storytelling.

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Scenic Road Trips

Drive the Wild Atlantic Way or Ring of Kerry in a rental car for flexible exploration.

Stops at stone circles, beaches, and viewpoints with left-side driving tips.

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Castle & Abbey Tours

Visit Kilkenny, Blarney, or Kylemore Abbey with guided histories of kings and monks.

Many feature gardens, falconry, and medieval banquets for full immersion.

Gaelic Games Experiences

Watch hurling or Gaelic football in Croke Park, or join introductory sessions in Dublin.

Celebrate Ireland's national sports with stadium tours and cultural insights.

Explore More Ireland Guides