Ireland Things to Do

  Howth Castle
by suvanki
 
  • Howth Castle
      Howth Castle
    by suvanki
  •   Things to Do
    by IrishFem
  • The oldest church in Ireland
      The oldest church in Ireland
    by SusanVC
  • The local pub and eatery
      The local pub and eatery
    by SabrinaSummerville
  • Old Monastery
      Old Monastery
    by salisbury3933
 

Most Viewed Things to Do in Ireland

1.

Kilmainham Jail   Dublin

Kilmainham Jail, Dublin

 70 Reviews  The tour of this gaol and its museum was the highlight of our trip to Dublin. Fascinating insight to the more recent Irish history and the struggles for independence. Our tour guide was fantastic -... 

 See All 2,147 Things to Do in Dublin

2.

Blarney Castle   Cork

Blarney Castle, Cork

 30 Reviews  We weren't actually going to visit this castle, as we are 'over' queueing and really didn't think we wanted to do the tourist thing. Sooooo glad we did. We were there at 9am when it opened and were... 

 See All 223 Things to Do in Cork

3.

Archaeology, castles and ruins   Galway

Archaeology, castles and ruins, Galway

 27 Reviews  This arch is one of the oldest buildings in Galway, dating back to 1584. Although the name suggests a connection to Spain, no real link has been ascertained. It was originally known as the 'head of... 

 See All 178 Things to Do in Galway

4.

King John's Castle   Limerick

King John's Castle, Limerick

 12 Reviews  Entry is through the Visitors Centre. First you walk though a static display explaining about the castle's history, then a slide show and up to the second floor to hear a story and see some wooden... 

 See All 62 Things to Do in Limerick

5.

Ring of Kerry   Killarney

Ring of Kerry, Killarney

 24 Reviews  The Ring of Kerry is a scenic 175 km (110 mile) road that circles the Iveragh Peninsula, a very popular draw for tourists who visit Ireland. You can visit via a self driving tour if you are willing to... 

 See All 133 Things to Do in Killarney

6.

Waterford Crystal Factory   Waterford

Waterford Crystal Factory, Waterford

 12 Reviews  Waterford Crystal is now located in the heart of Waterford city and consists of a brand new manufacturing facility, visitor centre and retail outlet. Visitors can enjoy all aspects of the... 

 See All 57 Things to Do in Waterford

7.

Kilkenny Castle   Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

 27 Reviews  Kilkenny Castle - home to an ancient aristocratic Irish-Norman family who were Butlers of Ormond. THE thing to see in Kilkenny. The grounds are lovely to stroll around in too. We did the tour and it... 

 See All 120 Things to Do in Kilkenny

8.

Benbulben Mountain   Sligo

Benbulben Mountain, Sligo

 6 Reviews  Benbulbin or more correctly Ben Bulbin is a huge formation of shale and limestone which is believed to have been formed during the Ice Age 320 million years ago. It can be seen for miles around as it... 

 See All 61 Things to Do in Sligo

9.

Charles' Fort   Kinsale

Charles' Fort, Kinsale

 9 Reviews  Even though it was raining I enjoyed my visit to the fort and the walk to it from the centre of Kinsale. It is run by the OPW and it is 3 Euro 70 to enter. The best thing about our visit was the free... 

 See All 58 Things to Do in Kinsale

10.

The Dolphin Fungi   Dingle

The Dolphin Fungi, Dingle

 10 Reviews  Sure it's touristy -- but then, you ARE a tourist, aren't you? Come on, you know you want to. Climb aboard a EUR 12 boat tour, enjoy the harbor views and wait for Fungi. Don't worry, he's almost... 

 See All 97 Things to Do in Dingle

11.

Howth Pier   Howth

Howth Pier, Howth

 26 Reviews   A crowd of people on the piers edge, were peering into the water and pointing excitedly. I was quite surprised to see a couple of seals bobbing around in the water, looking further, I could see... 

 See All 119 Things to Do in Howth

12.

St. Colman's Cathedral   Cobh

St. Colman's Cathedral, Cobh

 11 Reviews  It would be impossible to go to Cobh and not notice St. Colman's Cathedral. The huge church overshadows the small town sitting high on a hilltop overlooking the harbor. We left the Heritage Center and... 

 See All 52 Things to Do in Cobh

13.

Dun Aengus   Inishmore

Dun Aengus, Inishmore

 12 Reviews  You will have to go to the visitor centre and pay your admission ticket (2 euro) before you can enter the fort. From here you have to go by foot towards the fortress Dun Aonghasa (Dun Aengus). It’s... 

 See All 65 Things to Do in Inishmore

14.

Donegal Town   Donegal

Donegal Town, Donegal

 2 Reviews  Spend some time at the Scotsman, a small pub on the Diamond (town center). It doesn't look like much from the outside but it's nice inside...There's music every night provided by the pub owner, his... 

 See All 18 Things to Do in Donegal

15.

Bunratty Castle   Shannon

Bunratty Castle, Shannon

 17 Reviews  The name Bunratty, Bun Raite (or possibly, Bun na Raite) in Irish, means the 'bottom' or end of the 'Ratty' river. This river, alongside the castle, flows into the nearby Shannon estuary. Bunratty... 

 See All 35 Things to Do in Shannon

16.

General Information   Tralee

General Information, Tralee

 2 Reviews  I absolutely loved going to see the dolphin...it was such an amazing experience for me. To see Fungi in his natural habitat was something that I would love to experience again and again and i would... 

 See All 13 Things to Do in Tralee

17.

The Cliffs of Moher   Doolin

The Cliffs of Moher, Doolin

 27 Reviews  Everyone has to see the cliffs. They are breathtaking. Hike to them from Doolin. It's about 8 miles, but sometimes you can con a ride from a tour back to Doolin once you get there. Almost every tour... 

 See All 62 Things to Do in Doolin

18.

Powerscourt   Wicklow

Powerscourt, Wicklow

 16 Reviews  This spot is on the itinerary of all tourists to Wicklow. Once one of the most magnificent Palladian mansions in Ireland and home of the Wingfield family for 350 years, it passed to the Slazenger... 

 See All 53 Things to Do in Wicklow

19.

Browne's Hill Dolmen   Carlow

Browne's Hill Dolmen, Carlow

 3 Reviews  Brownshill Dolmen is a megalithic tomb that is rumoured to have the largest capstone in Europe...100 metric tons.The site was never excavated but is believed to be the burial place of a local king.... 

 See All 5 Things to Do in Carlow

20.

Swilly Walk/Father Hegarty's Rock   Buncrana

Swilly Walk/Father Hegarty's Rock, Buncrana

 1 Review  The "Swilly Walk" begins near town centre and runs past several Irish landmarks. First, over the Castle Bridge, past the Buncrana Castle, the "Keep", and then out along the Lough Swilly. There is a... 

 See All 28 Things to Do in Buncrana

21.

Newgrange   Drogheda

Newgrange, Drogheda

 2 Reviews  This part of the Boyne Valley has many prehistoric monuments, the most important being the 'passage graves' of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. These huge stone and earth mounds are approximately 5,000... 

 See All 14 Things to Do in Drogheda

22.

Croagh Patrick   Castlebar

Croagh Patrick, Castlebar

 3 Reviews  West of Castlebar lies Westport, and west of Westport lies the mighty mountain Croagh Patrick. It can be seen from afar. On this mountain, St. Patrick is said to have ordered all snakes to leave the... 

 See All 16 Things to Do in Castlebar

23.

Aillwee Caves   Ballyvaughan

Aillwee Caves, Ballyvaughan

 7 Reviews  The Burren is a large area of ground made up of limestone. Because limestone is porous, over the years, water has penetrated to the lower strata and formed many caves and chambers... 

 See All 13 Things to Do in Ballyvaughan

24.

Achill Island   Achill Island

Achill Island, Achill Island

 2 Reviews  Achill Island in the north-west of Ireland is at most places inhabited by a very few people only. The climate is a bit more rough and there seems to be a bit more mist than on the... 

 See All 15 Things to Do in Achill Island

25.

Skellig Island   Great Skelligs

Skellig Island, Great Skelligs

 19 Reviews  On the way back, we had a last look at Small Skellig with its birds (first photo) The second photo was taken when we passed the end of Small Skellig with Great Skellig in the background. The third... 

 See All 38 Things to Do in Great Skelligs

Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices

Sponsored Links

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Guinness Storehouse

by Maryimelda

The Storehouse was originally built as the fermentation plant for the famouse Guinness Stout. In 2000 it was opened as the official visitor's centre building at the brewery and is open to visitors 7 days a week except for Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day (Boxing Day).Your journey through The Storehouse takes you through the Guinness Story beginning with the 9,000 year lease signed by Arthur Guinnes in 1759. The property was a disused brewery at St James' Gate. The actual lease is on display on the ground floor of the storehouse.From there on you are in a Guinness wonderland, where you are not only privvy to the colourful Guinness hostory, but where you can actually learn to pull a pint for yourself. There is also a wonderful restauarant serving not only foods that go well with Guinness but that have the velvet liquid included in the recipe. Your visit will...

Tip Photo
The Bank of Ireland

by Maryimelda

The first time I saw the Bank of Ireland building in Dublin , I remember thinking that there was something different about it that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I made mention of this to my Irish friends who asked me if maybe the fact that it had no windows might make it look a little different to other buildings of its ilk.When this building was under construction in the 1730's a tax was introuced in England and Ireland whereby windows in all new buildings were heavily taxed. To save money, it was decided to fill in the window apertures till they could be replaced by glass at a later date. that date never eventuated and so the filled in windows are still there today.This building was originally the Parliament Building and had a very colourful history for centuries.Certainly worth googling up.

Tip Photo
First stop .....Dublin

by Maryimelda

With a history that dates back to the 9th century and earlier, Dublin began as a Viking settlement and later became the Kingdom of Dublin. It grew from strength to strength until about 1800 when it began a period of stagnation as a result of the Act of Union of 1800. But of course, the stoic, proud and brave people of Ireland fought the good fight until Ireland was decalared the Irish Free State in 1922 and later the Republic of Ireland. The history of its journey to becoming a Republic is well documented all over the world and is a fabulous story of pride and sheer strength of will.Dublin stands at the mouth of the River Liffey and is a vibrant city which is easy to get around. It has something of interest in every block and on every corner. Spend the day soaking up the local history from the windowless Bank of Ireland building to Trinity College with the Book of Kells and before you...

Tip Photo
Donegal Town

by Maryimelda

Donegal Town can be found at the foot of the Barnesmouth Mountains on the banks of the River Eske where it flows into Donegal Bay, in the far north west of Ireland. To me this is the ultimate Irish town, the one that all the stories are written about. The hub of the little town is The Diamond and the best way I can describe this is the Town Square in the round.Donegal is home to Donegal Castle which dates back to the early 16th century and has in recent times, undergone major renovations. It is open to visitors from mid-June to October from 9.30am to 6.30pm.I love to go to Donegal Town to shop. The atmosphere is so amazing there. Probably the most renowned shop in the town is Magees right in The Diamond. Magees is famous for its beautiful Donegal Tweed clothing and accessories, not to mention Irish Linen, Waterford crystal and a wonderful restaurant as well. The Donegal Tweed is still...

Tip Photo
A Walk through Powerscourt Gardens

by swissfondue

Beautiful Powerscourt Gardens near Enniskerry in County Wicklow are worth seeing at any time of the year. I visited in late November and enjoyed the gardens immensely even though the day was cool and overcast. The house and gardens are open daily from 9.30am - 5.30pm (closing earlier in winter). They are closed on 25th and 26th December.Ballroom and Garden rooms are open every Sunday between 9.30am - 1.30pm and every Monday 9.30am - 1.30pm (1st May - 30 Sept)The Garden Pavilion is open all year round 9.30am - 5.30pm (from 10.00am on Sundays)There are many points of interest throughout the gardens and visitors may follow a one hour route or a shorter 40 minute route. There is disabled access.Italian Garden: Designed by Daniel Robertson, the terraces were laid out during the 1840's and took 100 men over 12 years to complete. Statues of Apollo Belvedere, Diana and Fame and Victory dating...

Tip Photo
Picture Postcard Adare

by swissfondue

Adare is often called Ireland's most picturesque village and it is certainly quaint and beautiful. There is a visitor information and heritage centre in the main street near Holy Trinity Church which has free maps and information about the village and some interesting displays. Most of the places to see are located in this street including some ancient churches and gorgeous thatched cottages. Its very compact and can be seen in an hour or two. There are a few cafes and pubs. I had a nice lamb roast at the pub on the left side of Main Street near the intersection with Rathkeale Road. Sorry but the name escapes me. Desmond Castle, which can be seen on the left as you enter the village from Limerick is having renovation work done and may be closed.

Tip Photo
Mighty Cliffs of Moher

by dustmon

The cliffs are amazing in almost any kind of weather but be real careful if the wind is blowing hard!Please stop and listen to this and other musicians in Ireland---this guy was in the parking lot for our walk up to the Cliffs of Moher and was incredibly talented! We really do need more musicians in the world, don't you think? Let's give a hand to those that we encounter around the world---they all share the same passion for music, whatever it's origin!

Tip Photo
Killiney

by MalenaN

Before going to Dublin I was advised by a Dubliner I met in Stockholm to visit Killiney for a walk on the beach and to go up to Killiney Hill to admire the view. I watched the weather forecast and visited Killiney on my first day in Dublin, as it was going to be the sunniest day. It is a lovely place and I would definitely return here another time when I visit Ireland.Killiney is a seaside suburb situated almost 10 km south of Dublin. To buy a house here is very expensive, but I’m not surprised as the location is great. From the beach you can see the obelisk on top of Killiney Hill. The hill is 153 metres high. Walk up there and you will have an amazing view over Sorrento Bay and the Wicklow mountains in the distance. In another direction you will see Dalkey Island.Killiney Hill is together with Dalkey Hill part of Killiney Hill Park. The area is crossed by many walking tracks where you...

Tip Photo
Malahide Castle

by MalenaN

Malahide is a picturesque maritime village situated 13 km north of Dublin city centre. Together with the castle and the parklands surrounding the castle Malahide makes a great destination for a daytrip out of Dublin. For more than 750 years the same family was living at Malahide Castle. The Talbot family lived here between 1185 - 1973, except the years when Cromwell was in Ireland 1649 - 1660. The last Lord Talbot died in 1973 and then his sister sold the castle to the Irish state and moved to a family plantation in Tasmania.To see the castle you must join a guided tour. I don’t think you will have to wait very long, I didn’t even if it was February when I visited. The first room the group was taken to was a 16th century oak room with beautiful carvings. In the castle there are many lovely furniture and portrait paintings (many of the paintings are from the National Gallery), but you are...

Tip Photo
Dalkey

by MalenaN

Dalkey is a lovely small town 8 km south of Dublin, it is actually part of County Dublin. In medieval times Dublin’s most important port was here in Dalkey, and still Dalkey has some buildings/ruins from that time. The town has a rich history and some nice shops, pubs, art galleries, a Heritage Centre and nice walks. Together with the fact that the town is situated along the beautiful coastline makes it a great destination for a daytrip out of Dublin city centre.I arrived to Dalkey by foot from Killiney. Going back to Dublin I used the DART.DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) is the train going through Dublin to the villages and towns (suburbs) north and south of Dublin. It is very convenient to use if your doing a daytrip to visit the places along the coast. Tickets can be bought from machines or the booking-office . At Connolly Station the line for buying the ticket was very long early...

Tip Photo
Fun things to do in Ireland

Top 3 Hotels in Ireland

Westbury Hotel  Dublin

 4 Reviews and 722 Opinions  If location is a must and you have the extra to spend, Westbury's is certainly a place to go. Just... 

 Hotels in Dublin

Fitzgerald's Vienna Woods Hotel  Cork

 1 Review and 172 Opinions

 Hotels in Cork

Park House  Galway

 2 Reviews and 657 Opinions  I selected the Park House Hotel because it is very convenient to both the bus and train stations in... 

 Hotels in Galway

1,841 Hotels in Ireland
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of Ireland attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Ireland sightseeing.

Experience Ireland
Things to Do: Cities in Ireland
  1. Dublin Things to Do
  2. Cork Things to Do
  3. Galway Things to Do
  4. Limerick Things to Do
  5. Killarney Things to Do
  6. Waterford Things to Do
  7. Kilkenny Things to Do
  8. Sligo Things to Do
  9. Kinsale Things to Do
  10. Dingle Things to Do
  11. Howth Things to Do
  12. Cobh Things to Do
  13. Inishmore Things to Do
  14. Wexford Things to Do
  15. Donegal Things to Do
  16. Tralee Things to Do
  17. Shannon Things to Do
  18. Doolin Things to Do
  19. Wicklow Things to Do
  20. Westport Things to Do
  21. Dun Laoghaire Things to Do
  22. Ennis Things to Do
  23. Carlow Things to Do
  24. Dungarvan Things to Do
  25. Buncrana Things to Do
  26. Drogheda Things to Do
  27. Blarney Things to Do
  28. Bunratty Things to Do
  29. Malahide Things to Do
  30. Cashel Things to Do
  31. Castlebar Things to Do
  32. Ballyvaughan Things to Do
  33. Trim Things to Do
  34. Bray Things to Do
  35. Blarney Castle Things to Do
  36. Achill Island Things to Do
  37. Dalkey Things to Do
  38. Clifden Things to Do
  39. Kenmare Things to Do
  40. Athlone Things to Do
  41. Carlingford Things to Do
  42. Ballina Things to Do
  43. Enniscorthy Things to Do
  44. Athlone Things to Do
  45. Knock Things to Do
  46. Great Skelligs Things to Do
  47. Aran Island Things to Do
  48. Mullingar Things to Do
  49. Killiney Things to Do
  50. Dundalk Things to Do

More Cities in Ireland

 

Popular Regions in Ireland

County Dublin Things to Do  County Cork Things to Do  County Kerry Things to Do  County Galway Things to Do  County Clare Things to Do  County Donegal Things to Do  County Waterford Things to Do  County Limerick Things to Do  County Sligo Things to Do  County Mayo Things to Do  County Kilkenny Things to Do  County Wexford Things to Do  County Wicklow Things to Do  County Tipperary Things to Do  County Louth Things to Do  County Meath Things to Do  County Westmeath Things to Do 

More Regions in Ireland

Questions and Answers

Skeena63 profile photo

Q:  Well we finally purchased our plane tickets everyone!! My daughter and I will be visiting Ireland in October of this year. We are... 

leics profile photo

A: I'm sure you'll have a super trip! You will take the 'bus' rather than the 'coach'. Getting around Ireland by bus is easy, although some journeys may take quite a... 

Read 8 Replies

postQuestion_button

Click here for best deals for Ireland

Save Up To 50% On Hotels
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates

Sponsored Links