Top 8 Things to Do in Ireland

As a place where cultural heritage lives, history comes alive in Ireland. Rich in historic landmarks, prehistoric history, and active discovery, there is no shortage of places to explore.

The depth of the past influences contemporary culture with experiences and folklore. The energy and spirit brought by the warmth of traditional culture delight with enchanting scenes, from ancient burial grounds to aristocratic estates.

Best Places for Cultural Tours: Dublin • County Meath • County Tipperary • County Mayo • County Offaly • County Kilkenny

While Irish cuisine may not be as famous as that of other European countries, the island abounds with fine seasonal ingredients. In pubs and Michelin-starred restaurants, there is much to enjoy around the table in Ireland.

Helped by abundant river systems and the cold Atlantic Ocean, sweeping emerald hills, and historic distilleries, Ireland has crafted authentic, elegant, and memorable dishes that embrace local flavors. Simple ingredients like oysters, cheese, salmon, and potatoes have helped bring acclaim to Ireland’s culinary traditions.

Best Places for Food Tours: Cork • Dingle • Dublin • Galway • Waterford

Whiskey is a staple of Ireland, so if you are inclined, a tasting introduces you to an essential part of Irish culture.

The Emerald Isle’s reputation for distilling some of the world’s finest whiskey brings insight into the past while revealing the diversity of flavors.

With different production methods influenced by the mash to maturation, the water to storing techniques, Irish whiskey’s distinguished nature dates back to the 12th century.

Best Places for Whiskey Tasting: Dingle • Galway • County Carlow • Dublin • County Cork

By far, Ireland is one of the best places in the world for cycling, with nearly 62,000 miles of roads that wind through stunning countryside with incredible geographic diversity.

You can follow the trails along the untamed coastal cliffs or ride through the misty woodlands. You might venture over the winding mountain routes or cross inland along a stretch of lush hills coupled with medieval cities, Gothic castles, and regal estates.

Ireland is like a playground for cyclists, giving enthusiasts the satisfaction of relaxing and challenging routes to explore.

Best Places for Cycling: Kingfisher Trail • Great Western Greenway • Rostrevor Route • Inis Mor Loop • Waterford Greenway

Irish museums connect ancient history to contemporary art, allowing you to enjoy the fabric of the island’s cultural heritage.

Brimming with ancient treasures that span thousands of years, Ireland's treasures cover the origins of island culture, the sovereignty of the republic, the travails of Viking incursions, and a timeline of the infamous famine. Each monument, artifact, and artwork adds to its penchant for telling fascinating stories.

Best Places for Museum Tours: National Museum of Ireland - Archeology • National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History • Glasnevin Cemetery Museum • Medieval Museum • Hunt Museum

With more than 30,000 castles and castle ruins, Ireland is an exceptional destination in which to become involved in the drama of the past.

Medieval grounds showcase defensive preserved strongholds or partial remains that have crumbled with time.

From luxurious renovations that have restored castles to their former glory to hidden fragments representing legendary battles, the castles in Ireland are indelibly linked to the national heritage and allure of Irish culture.

Best Places for Castle Tours: Bunratty Castle • Rock of Cashel • Dunluce Castle • Ashford Castle • Blarney Castle

Learn more: Best Castles to Visit in Ireland

Hiking in Ireland will leave you amazed at the natural wonders that spread from the coastline to the hills, slowly revealing the spectacular beauty for which the island is known.

Trails dot the countryside, winding along rolling hills that connect to jagged coastal cliffs, villages draped in pastels, or hidden waterfalls.

With 954 official trails, it is easy to lose yourself in the epic landscape or simply enjoy a casual stroll along the emerald hills.

Best Places for Hiking: MacGillycuddy’s Reeks • Diamond Hill Loop • Torc Mountain • Gap of Dunloe • Dingle Way • Wicklow Way • Muckross Abbey Loop

Golf and Ireland are inextricably linked, with some of the world’s most celebrated courses becoming must-see attractions. Each possesses a wildly different personality that demonstrates regional character, geographical diversity, and local culture all at once.

With more than 300 courses to choose from, you can experience golf’s traditions and innovations on renowned fairways or secret greens known mainly to locals, historic grounds dating back to the 19th century, or new courses that focus as much on the scenery as the game.

Best Places for Golf: Dublin • Cork • Killarney • Sligo • Dingle • Ballybunion

Ireland is mesmerizing, giving you an escape into authentic culture intermingled with contemporary life. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly castle adventure or time on a celebrated golf course, Ireland is naturally charming.

You can find more helpful tips and hints in our Ireland travel guide or browse our featured collection of Ireland tours and vacations.