Writing down your Ireland bucket list? When you think of European countries, Ireland is undoubtedly one of the most mysterious and intriguing.
It is famed for its beautiful countryside scenery, rugged cliffside vistas, rich culture of music, food and beer, folklore legends, and friendly locals. Thus, Ireland draws in over 10 million international visitors each year.
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So whatever it is that draws you to this endearing part of Europe, you’ll find some awesome activities below.
Drive The Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 1,553 mi (2,500 km) scenic driving route that passes through nine counties and three provinces in Ireland. It runs from Donegal to Kinsale, covering the entire west coast of the country.
The drive is spectacular, with jaw-dropping coastal views featuring rugged cliff tops and roaring waves. It takes a full day to drive from Donegal to Kinsale, but the Wild Atlantic Way is more than just the drive itself.
There are numerous sights to see, including Malin Head, the most northerly point of Ireland. Therefore, most travelers do this road trip as a way to explore Ireland, stopping off at various points of interest and towns over a few days or one week.
This trip is even more awesome because you can get a Wild Atlantic Way Passport to mark your road trip. As you stop off at the Discovery Points highlighted on the map, you’ll gain stickers in your passport, making a fantastic souvenir.
You can buy one online or pick one up from a designated Post Office or the Fáilte Ireland Tourist Information Centre.
Take A Tour Around The Ring Of Kerry
Another famous road trip you should add to your Ireland bucket list is the Ring Of Kerry. This is a 122 mi long (179km) circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry.
The drive takes around 3.5 hours without stops. The route passes through charming seaside villages, lush green countryside, and stunning views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range.
Going on a Ring Of Kerry Day Tour is an excellent way to see the “real Ireland” beyond the bustling cities and big towns.
You’ll also visit Killarney, which is often voted the most beautiful town in Ireland. It is located on the shores of Lough Leane and set amongst a gorgeous national park, giving a breathtaking mountainous backdrop.
Admire The Cliffs Of Moher
The Cliffs Of Moher, which in Gaelic translates to “cliffs of the ruined fort,” are among the most well-known and iconic landmarks in Ireland. They are located in County Clare on the west coast and a signature discovery point along The Wild Atlantic Way drive.
The Cliffs Of Moher have become so famous as they have appeared in many TV shows and movies, including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
There are various things to do here, including hiking the 11.2 mi (18 km) scenic trail. The cliffside walk connects the lively villages of Liscannor and Doolin and takes about 4.5 hours to complete.
There are also shorter walking trails, such as the 3.5 mi (5.6 km) Cliffs of Moher to Hags Head route. You can also climb the 19th-century O’Brien’s Tower, which is perched on the highest part of the Cliffs of Moher and gives spectacular views.
An alternative way to view this incredible sight is from below on a Cliffs of Moher boat cruise from Doolin. As you sail around the waters, you’ll also spot the iconic puffins and other rare sea birds that frequent this area.
Visit The Skellig Islands
When driving the Ring Of Kerry, you will see the picturesque Skellig Islands, including Skellig Michael and the Little Skellig.
Boat tours run to these islands from the marina in Portmagee, lasting around 2.5 hours, so if you can fit it into your Ring Of Kerry day trip, it’s well worth it.
You’ll circle both islands on the boat trip, allowing you to see historical sites like the well-preserved 6th-century monastic settlement of Skellig Michael. You’ll also see plenty of native wildlife like Puffin birds.
Landing on Skellig Michael is very restricted, but some boat tours are permitted to stop from the middle of May to the end of September. If you join a landing tour, you’ll get to climb the 618 steps to the monastery and see filming locations from the latest Star Wars trilogy.
Visit The Blarney Castle
The famous medieval Blarney Castle is located near Cork and dates back to the 14th century. It has become one of Ireland’s most popular attractions because, according to folklore, it is the home of the Blarney Stone.
The Blarney Stone is a block of Carboniferous limestone built into the battlements of the Castle. The legend states that if you kiss the stone, you’ll be blessed with excellent communication skills, particularly eloquence and persuasiveness.
Blarney Castle is a 4-hour drive from Dublin, and many day tours run here from the capital city. The driving route is incredibly scenic, passing through the farmlands of County Cork.
Visit Ireland’s Oldest Pub, Sean’s Bar
Drinking has been a massive part of Irish culture among locals for at least 1,000 years. One of the best places to soak up this heritage is at Sean’s Bar in Athlone county, Westmeath, which holds the title of the oldest bar in Ireland.
From the outside, Sean’s Bar doesn’t look any different from all the other pubs that line the streets. However, it has been operating as a waterhole since 900 AD, making it 1,115 years old and possibly, the oldest pub in Europe!
It even has a Guinness Book of World Records certificate to prove its heritage.
A large amount of the traditional decor inside the pub remains unchanged, so walking into this bar feels like stepping back in time. Athlone is located halfway between Dublin and Galway, so if you’re traveling between the two cities, stop off for a pint of Guinness here!
Go Drinking In Dublin
Dublin is Ireland’s capital city and is most known for its friendly locals who have good “craic”, a particular humor of banter and intellect.
If you walk into any traditional pub in Dublin, you’ll be greeted by a friendly face. Then, if you stay for a few drinks, you’ll indeed find yourself joining in the fun with the locals.
Dublin is also the birthplace of the famous Guinness stout beer.
The Guinness Storehouse is not the original Dublin brewery. Still, it’s an iconic attraction where you can learn the history of this Irish drink.
The Guinness Storehouse has seven floors of attractions. The ground, first and third floors cover the history of Guinness, while the second floor offers a tasting experience.
Then, on the fourth floor, you can try your hand at pulling a pint before enjoying the restaurants and rooftop bar above.
Another alcohol-related attraction in Dublin you should not miss is the Old Jameson Distillery. This building on Bow Street is the original site where Jameson Irish Whiskey was distilled until 1971.
Although it’s not the oldest distillery in Ireland, it’s still well worth visiting. You can take a guided tour of the building, complete with some whiskey tastings.
You can also combine Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Whiskey Distillery on a guided tour lasting 4 hours.
Attend A Festival In Galway
Galway is a harbor city on Ireland’s west coast and is famous for being the festival capital of Ireland. The city hosts an average of 122 festivals and events per year.
Many of Galway’s festivals are cultural celebrations, such as the Galway Early Music Festival in May and The Galway Sessions in June. Therefore, Galways is an excellent place to taste the country’s culture and traditional Irish music.
Galway International Arts Festival is one of the most popular and longest-running festivals in Galway, now in its 45th year. It occurs over 2 weeks in July and is a spectacle of theatre, music, comedy, visual art, and dance from local and international artists.
Even if there is no festival during your trip, a visit to Galway should still be on your Ireland bucket list, especially if you like to party. Galway may look like a traditional small town, yet it is also a college party town where drinking and dancing are always found somewhere.
Final Thoughts On Ireland Bucket List Experiences
This short but sweet Ireland Bucket List is just a snapshot of the incredible sights and activities this country offers.
Whether you’re visiting for the lively drinking culture in the cities, the untouched natural beauty in the countryside, or something else, one thing is for sure; you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
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