As far as European destinations go, Ireland is one of the most popular of the lot. From its stunning natural beauty to the friendly Irish people, the Emerald Isle is a fantastic place to visit. In fact, for holidaymakers, Ireland has an extensive selection of enticing offerings to enjoy.
Alongside listening to traditional Irish music in a pub and savoring some delicious pints of Guinness, Ireland has a strong range of things to see and do.
These popular offerings take place in a country that also offers iconic sights, rich history and culture, eye-catching landscapes, and some of Ireland’s special hospitality.
These things and more can be enjoyed in Ireland today, with the nation welcoming over 3.2 million overseas tourists from January to June in 2024 alone. There’s also a strong chance they all left extremely happy given Ireland’s solid range of things to do.
With that in mind, let’s take a brief look at some of the best things to do and experience on your holiday to Ireland. Make no mistake about it, if you’re planning on visiting the country, then you simply have to factor some of these popular offerings into your plans.
Top 11 Things to Do in Ireland for First-Time Travelers
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1. Traverse the Causeway Coast
Ireland’s lush scenery and stunning natural landscapes are one of its main attractions.
If you’re keen to immerse yourself in the outdoors, then some of Ireland’s most beautiful spots can be found along the Causeway Coast. One for outdoor adventurers and hikers, County Antrim's Causeway Coast is one of Ireland’s scenic highlights easily accessible as a day trip from Belfast.
Walking between Portstewart and Ballycastle, you’ll see it all, from glorious views to castle ruins. It really is a fantastic thing to do.
2. Take in some Irish sport
Taking place all over the country, attending a traditional Irish sporting fixture is worth doing.
Alongside watching a local Irish soccer match or seeing the nation’s rugby team see off rivals like England at the Aviva Stadium, locations like County Kerry, Cork, and Galway have some great sporting encounters to get behind.
Sports like hurling and Gaelic football are particularly popular, although the options are vast in a nation that adores sport.
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3.Experience Zero Latency Dublin
One for any gamers among us, alongside sampling Irish-themed releases like Pragmatic Play’s Gold Party and exploring villages in County Clare through games like Folklore, sampling virtual reality gaming in venues like Zero Latency Dublin is highly recommended.
A multiplayer VR experience that offers some truly immersive gaming-related packages, players are equipped with a VR headset and have an array of games to tackle.
If you’ve never tried VR gaming before, then this leading venue in Dublin is the place to go.
4. Explore wonderful Cork
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Once you’re finished with trying virtual reality gaming for the first time in Dublin, then venturing to Cork is a must.
A lovely city to explore, it’s worth getting out of Ireland’s capital and experiencing the other picturesque locations that are located around the country. Cork is certainly one of them, with Corkonians truly loving their home.
Cork is surrounded by water, resulting in some gorgeous scenery for visitors to enjoy; it has a strong food scene and some historic pubs to frequent, while Cork City Gaol, Charles Fort, English Market, Spike Island, Jameson Distillery, and Saint Fin Barre Cathedral are some of its main attractions.
5. Sample some traditional Irish cuisine
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While we could end with some more cities to explore and an array of other entertaining offerings to experience, trying some of Ireland’s traditional food should be a priority.
From Irish soda bread and Irish stew to coddle and colcannon, there are some historical and hearty dishes to get through in this food-loving nation.
6. Discover the Dramatic Cliffs of Moher
No trip to Ireland would be complete without witnessing the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Rising 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, these magnificent cliffs stretch for eight kilometers along County Clare's rugged coastline.
Standing at the edge, you'll be mesmerized by the raw power of nature as waves crash against the ancient rock face below, while seabirds soar overhead. The visitor center provides fascinating insights into the area's geology and wildlife, but it's the sheer scale and beauty of the cliffs themselves that will leave you speechless.
On clear days, you can spot the Aran Islands and Galway Bay in the distance, making this one of Ireland's most photographed and unforgettable natural wonders.
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7. Step Back in Time at the Rock of Cashel
Known as the ‘Gibraltar of Ireland', the Rock of Cashel stands as one of the country's most spectacular historical sites.
This ancient fortress, perched dramatically on a limestone outcrop in County Tipperary, tells the story of over 1,000 years of Irish history. Once the seat of the Kings of Munster, the site features a stunning collection of medieval buildings including a 12th-century round tower, Romanesque chapel, and Gothic cathedral.
The intricate Celtic crosses and well-preserved frescoes offer a glimpse into Ireland's rich ecclesiastical heritage. The panoramic views across the Golden Vale from the top are simply magnificent, making this sacred site a must-visit for anyone interested in Ireland's fascinating past.
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8. Journey Through the Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is Ireland's most famous scenic drive, and for good reason. This 179-kilometer circular route through County Kerry showcases some of the country's most spectacular landscapes, from pristine beaches and ancient stone forts to charming villages and emerald-green mountains.
Along the way, you'll encounter the colourful town of Kenmare, the picturesque village of Sneem, and the dramatic Gap of Dunloe.
Stop at Ladies View for one of Ireland's most photographed vistas, where the lakes of Killarney stretch out before you like a patchwork quilt.
Whether you drive, cycle, or take a guided tour, the Ring of Kerry offers an ever-changing tapestry of natural beauty that epitomizes the Ireland of postcards and dreams.
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9. Immerse Yourself in Dublin's Temple Bar District
While you've mentioned traditional Irish music in pubs, no visit to Ireland is complete without experiencing the legendary Temple Bar district in Dublin.
This cobblestoned cultural quarter is the beating heart of Irish nightlife and entertainment, where traditional Irish music sessions spill out onto the streets every evening. Beyond the famous red Temple Bar pub itself, the area is home to galleries, vintage shops, weekend food markets, and some of Dublin's finest restaurants.
The atmosphere is electric, especially on weekends when locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate Irish culture through music, storytelling, and craic. It's here that you'll truly understand why the Irish are renowned worldwide for their warmth, humor, and love of a good time.
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10. Explore Ancient History at Newgrange
Older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, Newgrange in County Meath is one of the world's most important prehistoric sites and an absolute must-see for history enthusiasts.
This 5,200-year-old Neolithic monument is famous for its winter solstice phenomenon, when sunlight dramatically illuminates the inner chamber for just 17 minutes each year.
The site showcases the incredible astronomical knowledge and building skills of Ireland's ancient ancestors, with its massive stone circle, intricate spiral carvings, and precisely engineered passage tomb.
Even without the solstice spectacle, walking through this ancient wonder offers a profound connection to Ireland's distant past and demonstrates that the Emerald Isle has been captivating visitors for over five millennia.
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11. Tour to Guiness Storehouse
No Irish adventure would be truly complete without delving into the country's most famous export – Guinness.
This seven-story museum, housed in a former fermentation plant, takes you through the fascinating 260-year history of Ireland's most beloved stout. From learning about Arthur Guinness's original lease (signed for 9,000 years!) to understanding the intricate brewing process, every floor offers something captivating.
The highlight is undoubtedly the Gravity Bar on the top floor, where you'll learn to pour the perfect pint while enjoying 360-degree views of Dublin city.
There's actually an art to pouring Guinness – the famous two-part pour that creates that distinctive creamy head – and mastering this technique is considered a rite of passage for any visitor to Ireland.
Beyond Dublin, you'll find that Guinness tastes different in every pub across the country, with locals passionately debating which establishment serves the best pint.
Whether it's in a cozy Cork tavern or a bustling Galway pub, experiencing Guinness in its homeland, surrounded by friendly locals sharing stories and laughter, is an authentically Irish moment that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.
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Conclusion
From the towering Cliffs of Moher to the ancient mysteries of Newgrange, Ireland truly offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality that's impossible to find anywhere else in the world.
Whether you're hiking along the dramatic Causeway Coast, exploring the medieval wonders of the Rock of Cashel, or joining in the craic at Temple Bar, each experience showcases a different facet of what makes the Emerald Isle so special.
The beauty of Ireland lies not just in its stunning landscapes or fascinating historical sites, but in how seamlessly these elements combine with the genuine warmth of the Irish people and their vibrant culture.
From sampling traditional cuisine and catching a hurling match to taking in the scenic Ring of Kerry and trying cutting-edge VR gaming in Dublin, Ireland caters to every type of traveler while maintaining its authentic charm.
With over 3.2 million visitors already discovering Ireland's magic in just the first half of 2024, there's never been a better time to plan your own Irish adventure. The country's tourism infrastructure is well-developed, the welcome is always warm, and the memories you'll create will last a lifetime.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Ireland today and prepare to fall in love with a country that perfectly balances ancient traditions with modern excitement. Sláinte to your upcoming Irish adventure!
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