Take your pick of some of the best things to do in Ireland today. 

Are you planning a trip to the ever popular and simply stunning Ireland? With all the natural beauty that litters this beautiful country, why wouldn't you be? Today, we are going to go over some of the best things to do in Ireland. Not only that, but we will take a look at some of the most popular things to do in Dublin, one of Ireland's most impressive and popular cities. From exploring the natural history to going out to the many impressive museums and locations, we have rounded up some of the best things to do in Ireland that you cannot miss out on. Let's get started!

1. Cliffs of Moher

One of the most popular things to do in Ireland is to visit the famous Cliffs of Moher. In their entirety, these cliffs are simply amazing. Their highest peaks rise over on 702 ft high. When you re on top of the cliffs, you get stunning views of the majestic Atlantic Ocean below. It is not just the natural beauty that will take your breath away up here. It is also the rich history too. One of the things to experience while you are at the cliffs is the O'Brien Tower. This tower was built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O’Brien. The location of this large round stone tower marks the midway point of the cliffs. 

Unsurprisingly, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Ireland. In fact, they are so popular that they draw in about one and a half million tourists a year. There are a couple of different ways that you can access the cliffs. Although, a majority of visitors choose to access the cliffs through the official Visitor's Center, there are more adventurous ways. There is also a cliff walk that will allow you to experience getting here if you are more interested in taking a nice walk around the cliffs. 

When you are up here, the impressive views are simply stunning. Not only that, but many tourists express a sense of vertigo when they are on the top of the cliffs. When you do get up here, be sure to bring along a comfortable down jacket. The top of the Cliffs of Moher are known to be windy and unforgiving at times. If you will be traveling to Ireland, then without a doubt one of the best things to do in Ireland is to visit the Cliffs of Moher.

2. Visit Dublin Castle

This next thing on our list is easily one of the best things to do in Ireland if you want to explore the history of Ireland. Dublin Castle is not only stunning, but it is a practical building as well. The Dublin Castle is a major Irish government complex. It is also a conference center too. But mostly, it is a huge tourist attraction for the city. The Dublin Castle is located off Dame Street in Dublin. And up until 1922, the Dublin Castle was the location of the British government administration. 

Nowadays, tourists from all over the world flock to Dublin to see this beautiful castle. With so much history behind, it is no surprise why. The Dublin Castle was built in the early 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement. Although it served for many years as the headquarters of the government rule, it eventually turned into a popular tourist attraction.

For the most part, the Dublin Castle is open seven days a week. There are tickets that you can purchase online or directly at the castle's front reception desk when you arrive. When you get here, there are so many things take part in. Currently, you can book your tickets to watch The Horrors in the Black Church play.

When you are not enjoying the scheduled presentations, there are plenty of other things you can take advantage of. A range of exhibitions call the Dublin Castle home.  From historical artifacts to stunning paintings, there is something unique around every corner in the Dublin Castle. When you do make your visit here, do not be surprised to see groups of school children exploring the halls. The Dublin Castle is often used as a popular destination for school groups as it has so much educational value to offer.

3. The Temple Bar

Credit: Temple Bar / Facebook

If you find yourself in Ireland, then one of the best things to do in Ireland is to go out and visit The Temple Bar. The Temple Bar is everything you would imagine Ireland to be. Essentially, The Temple Bar is an eclectic neighborhood that has everything you could want on a perfect day out. There is a range of shops, stores, and cafes for you to hop in and out of. 

What makes this location one of the best things to do in Ireland is the fact that there is always a celebration going on. The pubs that call The Temple Bar home are always bustling with music, bands, and other performances. For a fun evening out on the town,  you are sure to have plenty of fun and entertainment here.

When it comes time to shop, there is no better place to do it then at The Temple Bar. Here, you will find a range of boutiques for you to choose from. The boutiques here sell everything from clothes to crafts to cute little holiday gifts. If you are looking for a great token of memory to bring back with you home, you are sure to find it The Temple Bar.

When it comes time to eating, The Temple Bar does not disappoint either. There are a range of restaurants for you to choose from as well. Take your pick of Asian, American, and of course Irish cuisine to indulge in.

Finally, there are several ways you can explore this eclectic neighborhood. One of the ways we recommend is strolling through the cobblestone streets by foot. This will give you a real appreciation of the beauty around you. If you need to zip around a little quicker, then exploring the neighborhood with a bicycle is another great way to get around. For a great experience, visiting The Temple Bar is easily one of the best things to do in Ireland.

While The Temple Bar is beautiful and stunning whenever you choose to come, it does have moments that make it one of the best locations to go to. If you find yourself in Ireland during the colder months, then The Temple Bar is the place for you to be at. During the holidays, the streets light up with millions of twinkling lights. Celebrate the holidays (along with New Years) in one of the most magical places in all of Ireland. Without a doubt, the charm and beauty of this lovely neighborhood makes The Temple Bar one of the best things to do in Ireland. Be sure not to leave it off your list.

4. Grafton Street

Credit: Robert Linsdell

Although Temple Bar might be one of the most popular neighborhoods as far as the best things to do in Ireland, Grafton Street is a close second. Grafton Street offers the authentic experience of seeing Ireland the way the locals do. Grafton Street is a pedestrian straight that starts at Trinity College and runs down to Saint Stephen's Green. When it comes to getting away from the historical landmarks and museums, Grafton Street is where you want to go to. They offer some of the most prestigious shopping in all of Ireland. Without a doubt, it is one of the best things to do in Ireland.  

This strip is essentially an outdoor shopping mall. Here you can find everything from luxury goods to more artisan made crafts. It is here that you can also get your hands on some authentic Ireland designer wear.

If you are looking for a bite to eat, then you do not need to stray far either. Grafton Street houses many popular dining locations that give you more of a reason to stay in the square. As you sit back and enjoy your meal, you are sure to spot a street performer just several feet away from you to add to your experience here.

Finally, if you are not a shopper in general, then no worries. Instead, come out to Grafton Street to experience the wonderful vibes here. Grafton Street is the premiere location if you are looking to do some good old-fashioned relaxing. This Dublin landmark is also one of the best places if you are looking to soak in some great people watching. People from all over the globe come to this popular landmark, so you are sure to experience the beauty that the world has to offer here. Travelers who love the shopping scene, Grafton Street is easily one of the best things to do in Ireland. 

5. Day Tour to Giant’s Causeway

If you are a fan of the Game of Thrones, then one of the best things to do in Ireland is this next location. Book a day trip to Giant's Causeway, and you are sure to have a memorable time that is downright magical. Essentially, Giant's Causeway is a unique location that is populated with over 40,000 hexagon shaped columns. These columns were the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Because of the eruption, the columns have created a unique formation that is simply stunning. In fact, it is so stunning that the United Kingdom has named it as the fourth greatest natural wonder in the region. When you take a look at this beautiful landmark, you can understand why.

When you take a day trip out to Giant's Causeway, you'll get the opportunity to roam this unique landscape. Not only that, but you will get the opportunity to explore some of the locations that were featured on the popular TV show Game of Thrones. If you are a photographer, then this location will be a haven for you. Stroll over to the beautiful coastline where some of these columns bleed into the shore. You are sure to capture some of the most beautiful images Dublin has to offer here.

While there are several ways you can get to Giant's Causeway, we recommend that you book your trip through a tour guide. When you do get here, you are sure to be away from any and all civilization. This is the perfect opportunity to soak in the tranquility and peacefulness that Ireland is so widely known for. If you are looking for a unique experience, then visiting Giant's Causeway is easily one of the best things to do in Ireland. 

6. Skellig Michael

Credit: Arian Zwegers

This next location is one the best things to do in Ireland. What once was a hidden gem has now picked up steam and has slowly been grasping the attention of many travelers. Skellig Michael is located about 12 km off the coast. What makes it one of the best things to do in Ireland is the fact that the landscape is really neat. Not only that, but it is also home to a 6th-century Monastery. Along with the monastery, there is also a range of other historical sites such a tower house and a megalithic stone row. Skellig Michael also has a twin island called Little Skellig. However, its twin island is virtually inaccessible and closed to the public. 

What makes Skellig Michael (or the Great Skellig as some call it) one of the best things to do in Ireland is the fact that it is home to over 44 acres of rock. These rocks are not just normal rocks either. They are unique formations that make the landscape look out of this world. In fact, the location is so unique that this is where Star Wars decided to shoot its final scene of The Force Awakens. If you are a photographer, you are sure to love these beehive shaped rock structures. They are sure to make for a unique backdrop. 

If you are an avid hiker, then Skellig Michael is one of the best things to do in Dublin as far as exploration goes. To get to the top, there is a set of stone steps that split into two staircases. One staircase leads to Christ's Saddle, while the other leads to the monastery. For a unique experience that is priceless and somewhat challenging, are you sure to have the perfect adventure at one of the best things to do in Ireland.

7. Kiss the Blarney Stone

Credit: Flickr

For all the shy travelers and adventurers, putting the blarney stone on your list of best things to do in Dublin might not be a bad idea. As Legend has it, kissing the Blarney Stone grants all who kisses it the much sought-after gift of gab. While the legend might not be magical to some, the location of the Blarney Stone in certain magical to everyone. It is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Dublin. 

The Blarney Stone is located in a tower of the Blarney Castle. The stone was set in the castle in 1446. Because of the stone's location, the castle has become a popular destination for tourists to come and take part in the kissing of the stone. 

The ritual of kissing this stone has been performed by millions of people all across the globe. Originally, statesman and government leaders, as well as a literary giant, would come to the Blarney Stone in order to get its much-believed powers. The hope was to give them the ability to sweet talk their way into the things they most wanted out of life. 

While kissing a stone that millions of other people have kissed may not sound appealing to some travelers, it is certainly a popular thing to do here. If you find yourself in Ireland, then kissing the Blarney Stone is certainly one of the best things to do in Dublin. If you are not looking to get the much sought-after gift of gab, you can at least say you took part in this very unique tradition. 

8. Visit the Guinness Storehouse Factory

Credit: Guinness Storehouse / Facebook

Another one of the most popular tourist attractions and also one of the best things to do in Dublin is visiting the Guinness Storehouse Factory. The inside of the factory is designed to look exactly like a pint of Guinness itself. Not only that, but it is known to be the largest pint in the world! Guinness lovers, this is easily one of the best things to do in Dublin. 

When you get here, you will want to start off by purchasing a tour for the Guinness Factory. Tickets are fairly cheap and cost about 18 euros. Once you enter the factory, you will begin your journey through the rich history of Guinness. The factory houses seven floors. Each floor is a different operation that gives you an in-depth look at the brewing history of this well-known brand. 

At the end of the tour, you will get the opportunity to check out one of the best bars in Ireland, the Gravity Bar. Along with another award winning bar, the Gravity Bar is located on the 7th floor. This bar not only serves up some of the best craft beer, but there is a great view for you to take advantage of up here as well. Soak in the beautiful 360-degree view of the skyline of Dublin as you sit on some perfectly crafted beverages. If you are traveling with friends and are looking to experience the hospitality and talent that Dublin has to offer, then this factory is one of the best places to do so in. In every corner, there is plenty to learn as soak up about this ever popular brand. 

Not only that, but you will learn all about the Guinness family and how they perfected the craft of making the perfect beer. While many people recognize this iconic brand quickly, not many will have the opportunity to appreciate that. For this reason, visiting the Guinness Storehouse Factory is easily one of the best things to do in Ireland.

9. St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Credit: Tony Webster

This next location is one of the best things to do in Ireland because there is simply so much beauty to enjoy here. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is not only one of the most beautiful churches in Ireland, but it is actually known as the largest church in all of Ireland too. Technically speaking, this building is really one of two churches that were built here. But for many reasons, St Patrick's Cathedral has always been the more popular sought-after location. 

When you are on the outside of the church, you can easily spot the magnificent beauty. The architecture is simply stunning and gorgeous. Along with that, the water fountain located in the front of the cathedral enhances the beauty of this location. Travel photographers, the grounds here make it one of the best places to photograph in. When you enter the building, the beauty of the cathedral only compounds. The inside of the cathedral displays designs and artwork that make you feel like you are among royalty. 

The inside of St. Patricks Cathedral is simply beautiful. When you enter, you will be greeting with magnificent overarching pillars that are the pinnacle of beauty in the cathedral. Along with that, there is a range of ruling flags that line the overhead aisle. If the beauty of the outdoor of the cathedral does not take your breath away, then the inside certainly will. When you enter, you will quickly realize why this cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Ireland.

Literary lovers, you will be pleased to know that the St. Patrick's Cathedral is also the final resting place of Jonathan Swift. Swift was the ever-popular author of Gulliver's Travels and Dean of the Cathedral. If you are looking to travel back into history, then visiting the Saint Patrick's Cathedral is easily one of the best things to do in Ireland.

10. Drive Through the Ring of Kerry 

Credit: Robert Linsdell

If you are going to be exploring this beautiful country with a vehicle, then one of the best things to do in Ireland explores the stunning Ring of Kerry. 

The Ring of Kerry is an incredibly scenic drive that takes you through the Iveragh Peninsula that is located in the southwest County Kerry. This circular route spans roughly 79 kilometers in length. While you are on this beautiful route, there are several landmarks that you should keep your eyes peeled for. For starters, you will be going through rugged and verdant coastal landscapes that are simply mesmerizing. Not only that, but you will pass through a rocky island that is home to an abandoned 7th-century Christian monastery. This abandoned monastery has now become a local hotspot for travelers who take this scenic drive. 

As you drive through here, you will get the opportunity to travel back over 10,000 of wonderful Irish history. The beautiful landscape that surrounds you will easily bring back all the feels of what Ireland looked like before it was settled. 

Along with this, you can expect this scenic drive to take you through an eclectic range of landscapes. You will get the opportunity to explore through the rugged landscapes only to be greeted moments later with the beauty of the crashing waves of the Atlantic. 

While you can book a tour with the many tour groups available, we recommend taking this trip solo or with friends in a rented vehicle. When you travel on your own accord, you will get the opportunity to stop and explore the landscape as you please. When you travel with a group on a formal tour, you will not necessarily have that freedom. 

If you are looking for a great place to explore, then taking a drive through the beautiful Ring of Kerry is easily one of the best things to do in Ireland. For the best time, be sure to go on this adventure during the summer or early fall months when the weather is still promising.

Final Thoughts

The beautiful country of Ireland has so much to offer. If you ever get the change to visit the equally popular and historic Dublin, then you must take advantage of it. Be sure to check out some of our top favorite and best things to do in Ireland. From checking out the local pubs to exploring the natural landmarks, there is something for everyone here.  We are sure that you will not be disappointed.

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