Best things to do in Ireland

Ireland has many visitors annually because of the hills, cliffs, concerts and warmth of the people. There is always a reason to visit this beautiful country. Furthermore visa is not required if EU citizens want to come and enjoy the country. Besides the European people, the visitors from the United States also often visit Ireland. So, what are the best of the best attractions offered by Ireland?

Best Museum

Dublin’s Natural History Museum still has no competitor. It splits into different sections, each one focused on a particular topic. For instance you can disover everything about archeology and what has been digged out from the ground in Ireland during the century. If you’re fond of decorative arts and history the Museum houses a great collection of local paintings. You can also visited the sections dedicated to country life and natural history. Frozen animals to ancient skeleton are available here.

1. The Titanic Belfast (Belfast) an immersive museum, about the Titanic’s history.
2. The Chester Beatty Library (Dublin) the collection of manuscripts and rare books plus other fascinating items.
3. Crawford Art Gallery (Cork) art museum, with both historical and contemporary works.
4. The Little Museum of Dublin (Dublin) this museum tells the remarkable history of Dublin in the 20th century.

Best Architecture

The Dun na Sead castle is magnificent especially after the refurbishment. This wonderfully restored 13 th century castle is located at the top of an hill overlooking the harbour. The castle was purchased in 2005 by the Mc Carthy family after having been abandoned for 300 years. The owners spent 6 years to redecorate the castle to be a really dreamy house that we can see right now. The hall has been designed inspiring by the original style featuring two fireplaces and dressed sandstone windows.

1. Rock of Cashel (Cashel) this an iconic group of medieval buildings set on a rocky outcrop.
2. St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Dublin) Ireland’s largest church with a stunning Gothic architecture.
3. Cobh Cathedral (Cobh) a majestic hilltop cathedral overlooking the harbour.
4. Kylemore Abbey (Connemara) a Benedictine monastery founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle.

Best place for water activities

The Schull’s Fastnet Marine Outdoor Education Centre is the best place to practice your skill of sailing, kayaking and also windsurfing. Located on the Mizen Peninsula in Schull Harbour in the South West of Ireland. The village is lined with shops, restaurants and pubs and it’s sorrounded by slopes and cliffs which make this place so charming. The center offer courses aiming to teach everyone how to sial or just improve their skills.

1. Surfing at Lahinch Beach (Lahinch) which is popular for its consistent surf waves.
2. Dingle Sea Safari (Dingle) a boat tour to see marine wildlife one of the perfect water activity.
3. Lough Key Water Experience (Roscommon) here you can enjoy boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
4. Bundoran Waterworld (Bundoran) a water park offering aquatic fun for all ages.

Best place for children

The Museum of Childhood, Malahide, is known as the oldest dollhouse in the world. It’s housed in the beautiful Tara’s Palace featuring hundreds of fascinating exhibits, including house in a bottle and many other toys and curiosities. If you bring your son, pick other museums, or just visit the park. 😉

1. Dublin Zoo (Dublin) this is one of the world’s oldest and most popular zoos.
2. Fota Wildlife Park (Cork) an interactive wildlife park that’s really great for kids.
3. Aillwee Cave (Ballyvaughan) don’t miss to explore caves and enjoy the Birds of Prey Centre.
4. Tayto Park (Ashbourne) a theme park and zoo, famous for its crisp-inspired mascot.

Best Place to Enjoy the Scenery

Try the Howth cliff walk. You’re suggested to have a walk in a sunny day as you can enjoy cliff above the sea and if you’rev lucky you could see steals swimming just close to the cliff. The walk is nice a bit long though. It lasts around 7.5 km, but is suitable for people of any ages as it’s not so hard. For many people, it’s remarkably beautiful.

1. Ring of Kerry (County Kerry) a scenic drive with picturesque landscapes.
2. Howth Cliff Walk (Howth) coastal paths with views of the Irish Sea and local wildlife.
3. Connemara National Park (Galway) which offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland.
4. Glendalough (Wicklow) a glacial valley with historic sites and walking trails.

Best place to Drink Up

The Irish has a unique tradition that involves whiskey and stout. The Guinness Storehouse, Smithwicks and the Old Jameson Distillery would be a great option.The Guinness Storehouse provides a fantastic journey discovering Guinness brand and company. The store is located in central Dublin and has benn constantly updated in order to create a blend of fascinating industrial tradition with a contemporary edge. You can spend a whole day in the store without getting bored!

1. Old Jameson Distillery (Dublin) one of the best things to do in Dublin is to experience the history of Irish whiskey.
2. The Crown Liquor Saloon (Belfast) a Victorian gin palace and a landmark in Northern Irish bars.
3. Dick Mack’s Pub (Dingle) this one of the traditional pub with its own brewery.
4. The Temple Bar (Dublin) possibly the most famous pub in all of Ireland, so do not miss it.

Best Artistic Place

The Model Arts and Niland Gallery is considered as one of the best gallery that has the best art collections in the country. Built in 1862 as a model sshool, the existing building has been extended twice in ordet to houst more masterpieces and features. Included in the list, there are WB’s brother and Jack Yeats. The building boasts a restaurant and a coffee bar, a gallery circuit and a huge hall in which shows and concerts are performed.

1. The Irish Museum of Modern Art (Dublin) Ireland’s premier venue for modern and contemporary art.
2. National Gallery of Ireland (Dublin) it houses the national collection of Irish and European art.
3. Crawford Art Gallery (Cork) which offers a range of classical and contemporary artworks.
4. Limerick City Gallery of Art (Limerick) features Irish art dating from the 18th century to today.

Best Pub

There is a bar namely Fealty’s bar that is famous for the people there to hang out. Located in Bantry, perhaps you should book in advance to get an empty seat here. Fealty’s bar in Bantry is renowned for spreading turf on its floor for rugby season.

1. O’Donoghue’s (Dublin) well known for its live traditional Irish music.
2. The Stag’s Head (Dublin) this a historic Dublin pub with a rich character.
3. McCarthy’s Bar (Fethard) a pub, restaurant, and undertaker all in one.
4. Sean’s Bar (Athlone) touted as the oldest pub in Ireland with great historical ambiance.