12 Things To Do In Ireland And Northern Ireland

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

​Visiting Ireland has been on my wish list ever since finding out that I have Irish ancestries. After watching the movie “P.S. I Love You”, my desire to see the breathtaking green fields only amplified and I jumped on the chance when seat sales made it possible. Read on for my suggestions of top things to do in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Old Library, Trinity College, Dublin

Dublin:
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1. Temple Bar 
Don’t leave Dublin before having at least taken a walk through the Temple Bar quarter. Known for its nightlife, the cobbled stones roads make for a great walk during the daytime as well.

2. Trinity College 
Although it may not sound like your typical tourist destination, Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland and boasts gorgeous architecture and wonderful cobbled stones paths. From a dining hall worthy of Harry Potter to a library to die for, it was enchanting.

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3. St. James’s Gate Brewery
If you want the freshest pint of Guinness, make sure to take the tour of the historical St. James’s Gate Brewery. The best part is the amazing view of Dublin you will get at the sky bar and a free pint of Guinness at the end of your tour.

4. Haunted Tours
We had a blast taking the Ghostbus Tour while we were in Dublin. They picked us up as the sun was setting, and the tour was done in the dark with an entertaining guide. It was frightening, funny and informative all at once, all in all a great time! 

County Clare:
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5. Cliffs of Moher
One of my favourites, the Cliffs of Moher are some of the most majestic views of Ireland. You can walk the path along the top of the cliffs and watch the waves crash against the rocks.   

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The Burren, Ireland

​6. The Burren 
The Burren is another pretty cool spot not far from the Cliffs, with a terrain consisting entirely of rock formations. It makes for pretty stunning sights!

​Galway County:

7. Aran Islands
Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to visit these islands, but they are a popular destination for visitors, especially in the summer time. With Irish as the inhabitant’s primary language and various forts and castles dating from the bronze and iron ages, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the history of this place.

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Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

8. Galway City 
A wonderful little city of cobbled stones roads, Galway is at the centre of Ireland’s cultural scene. With arts, theater and music dominating, the city is always filled with entertainment.
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Antrim County:

9. Giant’s Causeway
A volcanic rock formation, the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World heritage site. Legend says that a giant built it in order to cross the North Channel to fight another giant who had challenged him.

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Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland

​10. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
This rope bridge leading to the tiny island of Carrickarede was a great stop with wonderful views along the way to the Giant’s Causeway.

11. Old Bushmills Distillery
For whiskey lovers, the Old Bushmill Distillery dates from 1784 and is the oldest Irish whiskey distillery still operating.

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Kerry County:

12. The Ring of Kerry
This 179 km circular road in Kerry County takes you through the Killarney National Park and includes numerous attractions along the way such as forts, castles and incredible sights of nature. Don’t forget your camera! 

There you are, my top favourites and must do’s of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The views are incredible and the history is enchanting - definitely a destination to add to your list! Let us know in the comments if you visited other awesome areas or attractions of this beautiful green island. Happy travels, see you out there!!
 
J&C