There are so many things to explore in Ireland, and I feel I could always come back and discover something new. But for those first-time visitors, I put together a list of Top things to visit in Ireland and things you should definitely not miss out on! If you’re up for a challenge and looking for an unforgettable adventure, check out this hiking itinerary that’s designed to take you through some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes. With a moderate to high level of fitness and hiking experience, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences along the way. And if you’re planning on renting a car to explore the country, this guide to everything you need to know before renting a car in Ireland is a must-read. So get ready for an adventure in one of the world’s most beautiful countries!

Everywhere you look, you see lush green hills. Taking a deep breath, you feel like the air is fresher here. You’re driving around, and suddenly you get blocked off by a herd of sheep standing in the middle of the street. All this is Irland and why I fell in love with this country.

Cliffs of Moher

Ticket Price: Free entry, Parking costs: 6€

Opening hours:

Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm

Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct: 08:00 am – 07:00 pm

May – Aug: 08:00 am – 09:00 pm

Let’s start with one of the most famous sights and definitely one of the top things to visit in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher. Almost vertically are the cliffs rising from the roaring Atlantic Ocean, and at their highest point, they are a stunning 214 meters tall.

Since the sight of the cliffs is truly breathtaking, it is not surprising that the Cliffs of Moher have served as the location for numerous films, including Harry Potter or Hear my Song. The eight-kilometer-long stretch of coastline impresses with grassy plateaus that end abruptly, allowing a dizzying view into the depths. With some luck, you can observe the birds that live here in the rocky niches on the cliffs.

For a breathtaking view, it is worth climbing up O’Briens Tower. The cliffs are, of course, no longer an insider tip, which is why it is very touristy here, especially in the summer months.

If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, you should come after 4 pm. At sunset, when everything is sun colors, everything in a romantic red, it is most beautiful here anyway.

Murder Hole Beach

The Murder Hole Beach or Boyeegther Beach, as it is actually called, is quite remote and is still a real insider tip. Hardly any tourists stray here, so it may well be that you have the whole beach to yourself. It is rumored that the name originates from the nineteenth century when a young woman reputedly fell from a cliff near the beach. Other reports suggest that the name is derived from how the dangerous currents make swimming perilous.

You can find the beach on Rosguill, a peninsula on the north coast of County Donegal in northwestern Ulster, the northern province of Ireland. The beach is located at the northeastern end of Rosguill, near Melmore Head. The drive is winding but breathtaking.

Once in Melmore, you will need to park your car and walk to the entrance of the field where the hike to Murder Hole Beach begins. There is no assigned parking, and most visitors park on the side of the narrow road.

At high tide, the beach splits into two sections that rejoin as one at low tide. However, you should avoid visiting at high tide for your own safety. The raging Atlantic Ocean has repeatedly proven its power, creating a fascinating rock formation with a mysterious cave. Standing in the cave gives you an impressive view of the sea and the beach. The cave is, therefore, a popular subject for all photographers and bloggers.

Three Head Castle

The Three Castle Head in southwestern Ireland, County Cork, is a fascinating sight. Three Castle Head refers to the remote ruins of Dunlough Castle, which got its name from its three towers.

You can reach the ruins from Mizen Head, the southwesternmost point of the country. Park your car at the parking lot of the Mizen Head Museum and walk from there to Three Castle Head. You will reach the former castle in about half an hour, passing a beautiful lake. Built in 1207 by Donagh O’Mahony, it is one of the oldest Norman castles in the south of Ireland.

There are numerous myths about the place, and even a ghost in the form of a woman dressed in white is often mentioned. Whether you believe all the stories or not, this place is mystical.

Rock of Cashel

Ticket Price: 8€

Opening hours: 09:00 am – 04:45 pm

Often referred to as the Irish Acropolis, the Rock of Cashel is a real tourist magnet with its towers, battlements, and pointed gables rising into the sky.

The former royal seat is enthroned on a mighty rock, surrounded by the beautiful green countryside. You can already make out the impressive silhouette of the Rock of Cashel even from a distance.

But not only the view from below up to the castle ruins is something special. You will have a brilliant view of the fantastic Irish landscape from above. You can visit the beautiful and especially very old graves on the backside of the ruin. The individual graves are decorated with beautiful crosses and tombstones.

Ring of Kerry

Ireland is often called the “green island” because of its unique and beautiful nature. Therefore, it is unsurprising that the Ring of Kerry’s breathtaking scenery is one of Ireland’s most stunning sights.

The 179-kilometer-long Panoramic Coastal Route from and to Killarney on the Iveragh Peninsula in the country’s southwest overwhelms with its natural beauty. Both tourists and the Irish themselves love to explore this part of the country by bike, car, or on foot.

In addition to the coastal landscape, there are numerous restored stone forts, a heritage museum, and picturesque lakes in Killarney National Park. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery, stop in small fishing villages, and discover cliffs that are just as impressive as the Cliffs of Moher.

To see all the major sights along the Ring of Kerry, you should rent a car and plan at least two full days. It is also recommended to drive the Ring of Kerry clockwise, as the many tour buses are only allowed to circle the Ring of Kerry counterclockwise.

Highlights of the Ring of Kerry:

• Killarney National Park
• Cahergal Stone Fort
• Skellig Islands

Kylemore Abbey

Ticket Price: 14€

Opening hours: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm

Another essential item of top things to visit in Ireland is Kylemore Abbey. Since 1922, the castle has contained a Benedictine monastery and a boarding school for girls. With its beautiful location at the foot of a green mountain slope and directly on the shore of Lough Pollacapul, it looks like the perfect setting for a romantic movie.

The school is highly respected and enjoys a good reputation among its more than 150 students and far beyond. Visitors can only see the main entrance hall, the Henrys’ dining room, the nuns’ reading room, and the gallery hall; the other rooms are closed to the public.

The surrounding nature with many exotic plants is also wonderful to see. The Gothic chapel “Church of Our Old Lady of the Wayside,” a miniature version of the English Norwich Cathedral, should not be missed.

Guinness Brewery in Dublin

Ticket Price: 26€

Opening hours:

Monday: 10:00 am -05:00 pm

Tuesday: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm

Wednesday: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am -05:00 pm

Friday: 09:30 am – 06:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm

Sunday: 09:30 am – 05:00 pm

All beer lovers among you definitely can not miss this next sight. I am talking about the Guinness Storehouse in the middle of Dublin. The almost black national drink of the Irish plays a vital role in the country’s culture, and the Guinness Storehouse offers the perfect opportunity to find out everything about the unique beer.

From ingredients and processing to the brewing process and the building of the Guinness brand, you can learn all about Guinness beer on the seven floors of the pint-shaped building – and, of course, try it for yourself. You can even put what you’ve learned in the museum to use by tapping your own pint.

After you’ve seen it all, you can’t miss the view from the Gravity Bar on the top floor, with a glass of Guinness, of course.

---

Slieve League

To whom the Cliffs of Moher are too crowded with tourists, or if you prefer a coastal hike, I recommend a day trip to the Cliffs of Slieve League. These somewhat less touristy cliffs on the west coast of Ireland are three times as high as their famous sibling cliffs in County Clare. With an elevation of almost 600 meters, they are among the highest cliffs in Europe.

The 11-kilometer round trip hike starts in the sleepy village of Teelin to Ireland’s highest cliffs. From the viewpoint of the Slieve League, the walking paths become increasingly rocky. So please be extremely careful when walking on these trails. Some spots can be narrow and dangerous when strong winds and gusts come up.

Experienced hikers looking for a challenge can walk Pilgrim’s Path along One Man’s Pass all the way up to the cliffs.

Hook Head Lighthouse

Ticket Price: 6€

Opening hours: 09:30 am – 05:00 pm

Among the top things to visit in Ireland is also the Hook Head Lighthouse. You can find Hook Lighthouse at the tip of the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford in Ireland. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world and the second oldest operating lighthouse after the Tower of Hercules in Spain.

The black-and-white striped structure is over 800 years old. It is said that monks lit signal fires at this site as early as the 5th century to guide sailors safely into the bay.

On the grounds of the lighthouse is a small exhibition about seafaring in Wexford. In addition, an outbuilding houses a café and a store. The Hook lighthouse itself can be visited during a guided tour. In 1810 the lighthouse was modernized. Since 2001, visitors can tour the lighthouse and look around the old lighthouse keeper’s buildings in the visitor center.

The creepiest of the top things to visit in Ireland: The Loftus Hall

Throughout Irish history, magnificent mansions were built all over the Emerald Isle. Among them, some are famous landmarks today. Still, others fell into disrepair over the decades and remained forgotten and abandoned ruins in the Irish landscape.

Loftus Hall, an old manor house on the Hook Peninsula in County Wexford, falls into this category. Once a magnificent residence, its last owners left it to decay. One reason the owners left Loftus Hall is the ghost story surrounding the house. A spooky tale of the devil and creepy paranormal activity. That’s why Loftus Hall is Ireland’s most famous haunted house. A sight only the bravest should visit.

Guided tours of the house provide insight into the history of the house and its spooky legends. During this time, visitors see the grand parts of the house, such as the wooden staircase and ornate mosaic floor. However, the mysterious story surrounding the devil’s visit is also noticeably reconstructed.

A visit to Lady Anne’s room is also not missing during the tour. Exhilarating is the more extended tour after dark, and there is also the possibility of visiting the otherwise closed upper floors of the house.

Update: The house has been recently sold as part of an auction. Therefore it is uncertain if there will be tours through the mansion again.

This article may contain affiliate links.  I receive a small commission when you purchase products or services through these links at absolutely no extra cost to you. This is a free way to support me and allow me to continue to create inspiring adventure travel guides. See my disclosure notice for more information.