What’s on your Ireland bucket list? The mighty Cliffs of Moher? Driving the beautiful Ring of Kerry? Surfing on the Wild Atlantic Way? There’s so much to see and do on the Emerald Isle that it’s easy to feel like you’re missing an unmissable experience! Well, that’s where this list comes in.
At Overland, our small-group tours of Ireland cover the length and breadth of the island, exploring rugged coastlines, magnificent countryside, and lively cities where the best food and drink await (and where the atmosphere is always electric). We’ve spent years exploring the magical place we call home, so we’ve decided to share some of our picks for the best things to do in Ireland.
If you need a little inspiration to create your perfect holiday to Ireland, here are 27 recommendations! And if you have any questions as we go, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
See the Cliffs of Moher
We simply cannot talk about the best things to do in Ireland without mentioning the legendary Cliffs of Moher. They are Ireland’s second most popular attraction (second only to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin), and most of our tours journey here.
Located on the edge of the Burren region in County Clare, these majestic cliffs are remnants of the last Ice Age. They stand at 702 feet tall and stretch along the coast for nine miles. There’s no better way to explore the cliffs than on foot, with a two-and-a-half-hour hike to really take in those views.
Don’t miss our five amazing facts about the Cliffs of Moher to find out more about this natural wonder.
Have a Night Out at Temple Bar in Dublin
If there’s one thing that can be said about the Irish, it’s that they know how to have fun and make their guests feel welcome. Experience the true meaning of ‘craic’ (AKA, having a great time) on a night out in Dublin. We recommend exploring the famous Temple Bar area, where you’ll find a choice of pubs and bars with everything from live folk music to DJ sets. There are some great places to eat, too, for those who prefer to line their stomach before a big night.
Check out our blog What are the Best Things to See in Dublin? to plan more fun-filled times in Ireland’s capital.
Walk to the Edge of Dún Aonghasa on the Aran Islands
For a true taste of Ireland – in the most traditional sense – don’t miss the Aran Islands. We recommend adding a ferry trip to these rocky isles, where people are native Gaelic speakers and time feels like it has stood still. Inishmore is the largest of the islands and is home to one of the country’s most stunning attractions. The stone fort of Dún Aenghus lies 100 metres above the ocean, offering the most mind-blowing views.
Numerous Overland experiences head out to the Aran Islands, including the 10-day Ultimate Ireland tour package.
Soak Up the Scenery on the Ring of Kerry
Our tours can also take you around the Ring of Kerry, one of the most famous drives in Ireland. This is the part where you’ll want to stay wide awake, as it’s a truly scenic loop. One of our favourite places to stop is Kenmare. It’s a gorgeous heritage town with a brightly coloured main street, and plenty of good cafes and pubs to grab some refreshments. If you’ve got time, you may also want to do a spot of shopping as there are lots of lovely independent shops.
Read our Guide to Visiting the Ring of Kerry to learn more about this iconic driving route.
Go Kayaking in Dingle Bay
Dingle is a must if you love the water. Here, you can go kayaking in the bay and see the coast from a whole new perspective. Spend a couple of nights here to make the most of the town, where there are famous pubs, superb restaurants, and some of the best live music around.
Is Dingle on your must-visit list? We think you’ll love our blog about the best things to do on the Dingle Peninsula during your Irish tour.
Witness The Burren in Full Bloom
The Burren’s glacial limestone landscape is out of this world. The cracked rock formations, caves, and cliffs will make you feel like you’re visiting another planet. Visit the Burren in the month of May and you’ll be able to witness this otherworldly landscape at its most beautiful, with wildflowers growing between the rocks creating an explosion of colour.
Take a Whiskey Tour in Dingle
Whiskey drinkers will love the Dingle Whiskey Distillery, where visitors get to sample award-winning whiskeys. Even if it’s not your tipple of choice, the distillery is still worth a visit as you can learn more about the history and production of ‘the water of life’ (uisce beatha in Gaelic), as they also have some lovely gins and vodka to try.
Drink a pint of Guinness in Kehoe’s, Dublin
No tour of Ireland is complete without a good pint of the ‘Black Stuff’. If you ask us, the best Guinness can be found in the city of Dublin. It is home to the Guinness Storehouse and museum after all. But nothing beats an authentic drink at an authentic pub, like Kehoe’s on South Anne Street. It’s considered to be the finest pub in the capital, according to some folk.
We don’t want to get involved in the ongoing local debate on Dublin’s top pub, though, so you should also pop into Grogan’s, Mulligan’s, and Toners – then you can decide for yourself! We provided a guide on how to spend 24 hours in Dublin, but it’s totally up to you if you want to spend that time in pubs!
Cycle Through Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful areas in Ireland, and one of the best ways to get around it is by bike. Not only is it an excellent exercise for your tour group, but you’ll cover a lot more in one day than on foot. Explore the park on two wheels and you can feel the wind in your hair, whilst taking in those glorious lake and mountain views.
And if you’re looking for more ways to explore Killarney actively, don’t miss our recommendations for five adventures in Killarney for your Ireland trip.
Step on the Stones at Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland
The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is another of the top-visited attractions on the island of Ireland. With more than a million visitors each year, it’s a bucket list destination for many. Over 40,000 hexagonal columns shoot out of the water and are fabled to be the work of Finn MacCool, an Irish giant. In reality, these black basalt formations were formed when molten rock was forced up through the earth’s fissures to create a lava plateau. We agree that the giant story sounds much better, though!
Tempted to visit? Find out everything you need to know about the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland before your trip there.
Kiss the Blarney Stone for Good Luck
Don’t leave Ireland without kissing the legendary Blarney Stone! A famous block of limestone was built into the battlements at Blarney Castle. According to folklore, kissing the stone will bring you good luck and give you the gift of eloquence, AKA the gift of the gab. The castle itself is well worth a visit, with wonderful gardens to walk around in, a lake, as well as dungeons and caves.
Find out more about why you should kiss the Blarney Stone.
Take a Famous Belfast Black Cab Tour
If you don’t have long in Belfast, take a Black Cab Tour to see the sights. You can bring your whole group in their 6 and 7-seater cabs, driving to all the major tourist spots such as the political murals of Shankill and The Peace Line, Crumlin Road Jail and Court House, City Hall, Albert Memorial Clock, and the spectacular Crown Liquor Saloon.
We include a Belfast Black Cab Tour as an optional extra on our excursions that visit the city, including the 5-day Wild West and North Ireland Tour.
Stay in the “Real Capital of Ireland” (Cork City)
Dublin is a must on a trip to the Emerald Isle. It’s the capital of the Republic of Ireland, and also our country’s largest city. But if you want to visit the “real capital”, according to locals, make sure you add Cork to your itinerary. As one of Europe’s most vibrant centres, there’s so much to do. Pop into the famous English Market, go shopping down St. Patrick Street, take a stroll through Fitzgerald’s Park, and go to the Cork Public Museum.
Hike Up Mount Brandon in Dingle for 360° Views
Did you know that Ireland is one of the healthiest countries in the world? With so many great hikes, it’s easy to see why. Our favourite? The trail up Mount Brandon. Once you get to the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Castlegregory down below. The short route will take you between three and four hours.
Are you looking to explore our famous countryside on foot? We think you’ll appreciate our guide Hiking in Ireland: Best Hikes on the Emerald Isle.
Experience Bohemian Galway
The cultural gem of Galway is a medieval city with a laid-back bohemian vibe, and it’s filled with cool shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s also home to many of Ireland’s top festivals. There’s always something going on here, no matter what time of year you visit. In the summer, street performers entertain passersby, and local pubs regularly feature live music. It’s no surprise that Galway is known as Ireland’s cultural heart.
Go Surfing in Ireland’s Seas
Catch some quality waves at some of the most well-known beaches in the country. Bundoran in County Donegal is always a hit with the locals, or there’s the pretty surf village of Strandhill in County Sligo. For anyone who’s planning to spend a day kayaking at Dingle Bay, Inch Beach is a great place to get some beginner surf lessons at the local surf school.
Find even more inspiration for your adventures with our picks for the best surf beaches in Ireland!
Visit the Little Museum of Dublin
It may only be small, but it was named “Dublin’s best museum experience” by The Irish Times. If you’re in the city, it’s definitely worth a visit. Located within an 18th-century Georgian townhouse, the setting is utterly unique. Inside you’ll find 5,000 artefacts, all collected through public appeal, to tell the story of the capital. There really is nothing quite like the Little Museum of Dublin!
Indulge in Award-Winning Food in Kinsale
Not too far from Cork is the seaside town of Kinsale, and it’s one of our top overnight stops. It’s a foodie heaven, known for its award-winning culinary delights and the biggest concentration of restaurants in the country. Two of our favourite places to recommend to hungry holidaymakers are The Supper Club on Main Street and Fishy Fishy Kinsale at Crowleys Quay.
If you’re travelling to Ireland in October, you won’t want to miss the Kinsale Gourmet Festival, where the freshest seafood and local artisan flavours are on offer. And the good news is that some of our tours visit this picturesque town, including our most comprehensive experience: the 11-day Full Irish Active Tour of Ireland.
Spend the Day in Clonakilty
Clonakilty, often shortened to just ‘Clon’, is a charming seaside town located in West Cork, in the south of Ireland. It was named the “best town in Europe” in 2017, and it’s known for its many festivals and events, as well as its fantastic music and culture. The colourful main street is a great little place for shopping, getting coffee and cake, or grabbing a few drinks to warm yourself up after a long day of sightseeing.
Walk Through the Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland
Game of Thrones fans have to spend some time at The Dark Hedges on Bregagh Road between Armoy and Stranocum in County Antrim. This atmospheric tunnel of beech trees is a well-known filming location, so make sure you bring your camera to capture the moment. Whether you watch Game of Thrones or not, it’s still a lovely stop on your tour – and it’s lots of fun for the kids too.
Taste Galway Oysters
Want to taste the best oysters in Ireland? Come to Galway, where oysters harvested in the county are recognised worldwide for their superior taste. If you enjoy your seafood, you have to come to the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, which started back in 1954 and takes place every September. You’ll get to witness the amazing World Oyster Shucking Championships, whilst sampling the finest shellfish.
Take the 599 Steps to the Top of Skellig Michael
There are nearly 600 steps to the top of this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site in County Kerry, but it’s truly worth the effort. The crag rising out of the wild Atlantic Ocean features one of the oldest and best-preserved monasteries in Europe, and it was also the location for Luke Skywalker’s hideaway in the Star Wars saga. Skellig Michael is just a few miles west of the Iveragh Peninsula, has a peak of 700ft, and is only accessible by boat.
If you’re in good health, come and take the 599-step challenge. Your legs will ache, but the views are just glorious. Read our Guide to Visiting the Magical Skellig Islands to find out more!
Treat Yourself to One of Ireland’s Waterfall Walks
Walking tours can be so much fun for all ages and various group sizes. We particularly love waterfall walks, like Glenariff Nature Reserve, Mahon Falls, Glenbarrow, Powerscourt Waterfall, Kilfane Glen, Glendalough Upper and Lower Lakes, and the moderate Torc Waterfall trail. This is a great activity when the weather is good!
Step Back in Time at Titanic Belfast in Northern Ireland
Titanic Belfast was given the title of ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ in 2016 by the World Travel Awards, and it’s easy to see why. This special place tells the tragic story of the RMS Titanic in an immersive, engaging way. It’s one of the top Titanic experiences in the world, and guests will be able to explore the shipyard, walk the decks, and enter through nine different interactive galleries. On site, there’s a restaurant, café, bar, and a luxury afternoon experience by the Grand Staircase.
Sample the Best Irish Stew in Dublin
There’s so much food to try when you’re touring Ireland. One of our favourites? Traditional Irish stew, a filling dish that will warm you up when the weather’s cold. After a long day of adventure activities, hiking, or sightseeing, you’ll get a much-needed boost. Dublin is a great place to sample this dish, with some of the best spots being O’Sheas, The Bankers, JW Sweetman, and The Hairy Lemon.
Plan a Pub Crawl in Liscannor
This tiny little village makes a popular base for exploring the Cliffs of Moher. There’s not much here, but if you love a good tipple, you won’t be disappointed with the choice of pubs. That’s because Liscannor has the most pubs per person than any other location in Ireland! Head to Vaughans Anchor Inn for a great seafood menu, or Considine’s Bar for close proximity to the cliffs (handy after a long coastal walk).
Feel the Soul of Traditional Irish Music in Westport
A charming town where pubs stay open late and locals are always friendly, Westport is a true hidden gem. Craft beer fans will be delighted with what’s on offer here, and we recommend heading over to Matt Molloy’s if you’re after some traditional music. Live acts play seven days a week, so a party atmosphere is guaranteed anytime you come.
If there’s one place you can relax on your tour, Westport is the perfect town to wind down. You’ll be able to explore Clew Bay and the nearby Connemara National Park.
Book Your Ireland Tour with Us!
Now you know some of the best things to do in Ireland, let’s start planning your time here. Browse our range of small-group Ireland tours and see what stirs your wanderlust. Overland also specializes in tailor-made tours of Ireland, so we can also craft a truly bespoke experience around your wants and needs.
Do you have any questions for the Overland team? Please just contact us for the answers you need.
