Scenery and Photo Opportunities
1. Moll’s Gap Moll’s Gap, located along the Ring of Kerry, offers an awesome, life-affirming view of the landscape and the Macgillycuddy Reeks mountain range. One of the most breathtaking places to see in Ireland, you should definitely stop for a photo on your trip around Ireland South! 2. Cliffs of Moher A bucket-list entry for many tourists, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the most famous places to see in Ireland. The breathtaking sheer drop of the cliffs into the Atlantic Ocean shouldn’t be missed by anyone travelling the Emerald Isle. Be sure to stop at the cliffs during a full circle of the island. 3. The Ring of Kerry The mythical Ring of Kerry is the crown jewel of places to see in Ireland. The breathtaking route snakes around Kerry’s coastline, through mountains, valleys and fields, giving an eagle-eye view of some really gorgeous countryside. If you’re passing through the West, it’s a must-see attraction and is great for driving at a relaxed pace. 4. Clew Bay One of the frequently overlooked photo opportunities on the Emerald Isle, Clew Bay stands alone in its magnificence. The bay overlooks a purported 365 islands – one for each day of the year! The Bay can be viewed from all over Westport and is definitely a must-see stop on any self-drive tour 5. Dingle Peninsula Dingle Peninsula resides on the west Atlantic coast of Ireland and is encircled by soft, sandy beaches and awesome juts of rock and cliff. If you’re interested in seeing the untouched beauty of the island, then the Peninsula should be added to your list of places to see. It’s a great romantic backdrop for a honeymoon, and you might even catch sight of a dolphin or two – they’re known to inhabit the coast of Dingle.
National Parks and Nature
1. Killarney National Park Tranquility, serenity, flora and fauna all await you in the haven of Killarney National Park. The park covers acres of forestry, lakes and nature, and is a fantastic way to learn more about the botany of Ireland. Take a jaunting car ride through the park and perhaps you’ll see some native deer on the way. A self-drive tour is the best way to see Killarney in all its splendour. 2. Connemara National Park Connemara offers a landscape that is uniquely Irish, strewn with rugged juts of mountainside, lush marshes of bogland and vibrant greenery. The National Park is full of things to see and do, exploring that which makes Ireland so beautiful. It’s one of the most interactive and fascinating places to see in Ireland. Take a luxury tour of the park and learn more. 3. The Burren The Burren is a karst landscape of harsh, unforgiving limestone stretched across the southwest county of Clare. The national park is along the gorgeous Wild Atlantic Way, and is home to a plethora of caves, cliffs, archaeological sites and intriguing rock formations. The jagged landscape provides a unique photo opportunity for those interested in more than greenery. 4. The Giant’s Causeway The most famous of places to see in Ireland and especially in the north of Ireland, The Giant’s Causeway offers a view that’ll sweep you off your feet. The huge expanse of hexagonal basalt columns is buried in folklore and legend. The Giant’s Causeway is an Irish classic and is not to be missed. 5. The Wicklow Mountains The Wicklow Mountains national park is an Irish treasure, stretching across over 20,000 hectares of wild, lush nature. The park is home to native flora and fauna as well as the towering Wicklow Mountains, and provides some excellent photo opportunities. Be sure to stop at Glendalough!
Culture, Arts and Music
1. The Hill of Tara Home to countless Irish myths and legends, the Hill of Tara is rich in folklore and history. The archaeological complex was once the seat of the High King of Ireland, and today is home to many interesting artefacts and historical sites. To learn more, click here. 2. Waterford Crystal The luxurious House of Waterford Crystal specialises in all things sparkly and is one of the most elegant places to see in Ireland. Take a tour of the factory and learn about the history and production of the world-renowned crystal – there’s also a gift shop full of authentic crystal souvenirs. Our array of self-drive tours feature stops at Waterford Crystal. 3. National Stud The National Stud and accompanying Japanese gardens are alive with flora, history and Irish tradition. Take a tour of the stud where many thoroughbred racehorses are bred and cared for. Highlights of the attraction include the tranquil St. Fiachra’s Garden and the immersive Horse Museum. 4. Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) Located in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, IMMA is home to many interesting exhibits, such as Gaze – an exhibition of artist Sigmund Freud’s work. The museum is easily one of the best cultural spots in all of Dublin, and is a must-visit for any art fans. The Historical Ireland tour features an entire day spent in Dublin with time to stop at the museum. 5. Aran Islands The Aran Islands are set off the West coast at Galway. The islands have been a place of cultural significance for many decades, being one of the few places in Ireland where Gaeilge is still the primary language. Explore traditional Irish life, learning about the islands, flora, fauna and history. The Full Circle Tour features a breathtaking trip to the islands.
Castles and Gardens
1. The Rock of Cashel Without a doubt one of the most impressive places to see in Ireland the Rock of Cashel is the stuff of legend. The hulking castle stands glowering over the town of Cashel, with a mythology dating back to the days of St. Patrick. The famed stronghold is a must-visit. 2. Blarney Castle and Gardens Blarney Castle and Gardens is home to the famed Blarney Stone, notable for giving kissers the gift of the gab. The castle itself has plenty to explore, and the gardens are definitely one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Ireland. Go Irish Tours offer excellent self-drive tours featuring a stop at this well-known monument. 3. Kilkenny Castle Kilkenny Castle is definitely one of the most interesting places to see in Ireland. The castle has a rich history and offers a wonderful tour of the stronghold and its grounds. The stunning fortification dates back to 1195 and is definitely worth a visit when on a private escorted tour of Ireland. 4. National Botanic Gardens The National Botanic Gardens are a sparkling gem set in both Dublin and Wicklow. The twin gardens offer an in-depth view of Ireland’s naturally-occuring flora and fauna as well as many other gorgeous plants and ecosystems, all set on a tranquil and artistic landscape. A visit to the Gardens will show you why it’s one of the nicest places to see in Ireland. 5. Trim Castle Set in the heart of the Midlands along the River Boyne, Trim Castle boasts halls and grounds that are bursting with stories and artefacts. One of the oldest places to see in Ireland, the castle even served as the backdrop for the famous film Braveheart. Trim is a must-see stop during a full circle tour of Éire.
Spiritual and Religious Sites
1. Knock Situated in Knock, County Mayo, Knock Shrine is a place of reverence and pilgrimage for many worshippers and visitors. The Shrine offers a museum, daily Mass and other points of interest and faith. Knock is believed to be the site of an apparition of Our Lady. Visiting Knock is one of the most spiritual things to do in Ireland. 2. St. Patrick’s Cathedral The tallest and largest church in Ireland, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the spiritual center of the city of Dublin. The cathedral features some stunning iconography, Gothic architecture, and religious culture. The cathedral was founded in 1191 and has a rich history, which is illustrated throughout the building. Tours of the Cathedral as well as daily Mass and Eucharist are all to be availed of. It is an essential stop on any spiritual tour of Ireland. 3. Clonmacnoise The Clonmacnoise Monastery is one of the oldest houses of worship on the entire island of Ireland. Founded in 544 AD by Saint Ciarán, the monastery is situated in Co. Offaly and has a closely entwined history with the Kings of Connacht. The site is comprised of Cathedral ruins, seven churches, two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian tombstones in Europe. 4. Trinity College & The Book of Kells The sparkling jewel of Ireland’s historical and spiritual artifacts, the priceless Book of Kells has resided in Trinity College Library for decades. The book is a must-see exhibit, featuring the four gospels of the New Testament and stunning illuminations. Trinity College is also home to the famed Long Library and has plenty of spiritual and historical things to learn.
History & Folklore
1. The Titanic Experience, Belfast This award-winning attraction is the single most immersive walking tour of the history of the Titanic. The tour offers the opportunity to follow the footsteps of the people who built and boarded the doomed ship, learning the history of the shipyard and the region. The museum is an essential stop on our Northern Welcome tour. 2. Poulnabrone Dolmen The portal tomb of Poulnabrone is situated in County Clare. The dolmen dates back to the Neolithic period – somewhere between 4200 BC and 2900 BC – and is one of the oldest archaeological sites on the island. The site is rich with history and also serves as a wonderful spot to observe the stars. 3. Temple Bar The famed Temple Bar area of Dublin is awash in history, folklore and culture. Enjoy a walk through the cobbled streets of the area known as the Cultural Quarter, hearing traditional music, chatter and general liveliness. The area has a rich history dating back to Anglo-Norman times and is an important part of Ireland. Our Historical Ireland Tour features an immersive stop at Temple Bar. 4. Loughcrew Passage Tomb The Loughcrew Passage Tomb, also known as Hill of The Witch, is a collection of ancient cairns dating back to around 3200 BC. The cairns feature intricate carvings and were built to track the passage of time – visiting on an equinox is guaranteed to be a special occasion. 5. Newgrange Newgrange is one of the most easily recognisable historical things to do in Ireland. The prehistoric monument stands proud as a testament to the endurance of Irish history, offering insight and clarity into a part of our ancestry. The building is thought to be older than both Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. Be sure to visit the famed monument during a full circle of Ireland.
Hidden Gems and Curios
1. Aillwee Cave Based in The Burren National Park, the brilliantly strange Aillwee Cave is a great place to spend an hour or two. The Cave consists of weird caverns and oddly-shaped formations and is also home to a Bird Conservation Centre and a Visitor’s Centre. The area has been used to breed and care for endangered red kites and vultures. Contact us today to find out more about tours with stops to this fabulous natural monument. 2. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge Linking the tiny island of Carrickarede to the mainland of Ireland, this famous rope bridge is perfect for adrenaline junkies and curious people alike. The bridge is one of the lesser-known things to do in Ireland but is definitely worth a walk across for the stunning views alone. 3. Belvedere House Belvedere House is a stately house and gardens situated in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The House is rich in history, featuring interesting sites such as the Jealous Wall and the shores of Lough Ennell. The gardens also offer an adventure, rambling through trees and flowers to find swing-sets and streams. Photo courtesy of Belvedere House and Gardens(must credit photographer! Kevin Monaghan) 4. The Long Room Library Nestled in the halls of Trinity College, Dublin, the Long Room Library is a breathtaking stretch of books and culture. The Library is home to marble busts, historic artefacts and relics, and over 200,000 books and documents. A tour of the Long Room Library is one of the more cultured things to do in Ireland on a short break away. 5. Glasnevin Glasnevin is a sprawling cemetery situated in Dublin. The cemetery is the final resting place of hundreds of famed Irishmen and women, including Michael Collins and Charles Stewart Parnell. Tour mausoleums and learn more about Irish history through the extensive and modern on-site museum.
Haunted Hotspots
1. Charleville Castle A Gothic castle hiding in the oak forests of Co. Offaly, Charleville is a favourite spot for ghost hunters and history fanatics everywhere. Tour the eerie halls and learn all the secrets of the fortification, which has a surprisingly spooky past. A chauffeur driven tour to Charleville is a must. 2. Castle Leslie The secluded Castle Leslie estate possesses an eerie beauty and, according to rumours, is home to a friendly ghost. The castle’s famous Mauve Room is said to be haunted by the Lady Leslie, while the Red Room is home to the late Norman Leslie. Be sure to visit to learn more about the spooky inhabitants. 3. Kylemore Abbey The Benedictine monastery of Kylemore Abbey is swathed in stories of hauntings, apparitions and mysterious happenings. It has served as a refuge for Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium during the First World War, while acting as an international boarding school for Catholic girls until June 2010. It is high on our must-visit places to see in Ireland. The Abbey is a great stop on a haunted Ireland tour. 4. Leap Castle Bestowed the title of “world’s most haunted castle”, Leap Castle is guaranteed to give you the willies. The castle has a bloody and wild history spanning centuries, and comes equipped with its own tomb. Legend has it that the mad Captain Darby buried gold in the castle, and killed the two servants who helped him – their spirits reportedly haunt the halls. Be sure to visit during a self-drive tour. 5. Kilmainham Gaol The infamous Kilmainham Gaol is the stuff of horror movies and spooky stories. Not only does the Gaol serve as the backdrop for some of Ireland’s most important history, it also is reported to house several spirits and ghosts. Take a self-drive tour and visit the Gaol to learn more about it.
Food & Drink
1. Galway City Seafood Selection Ireland’s cultural heart is Galway City. Offering a cornucopia of fresh, delicious seafood, the city has endless places to sample native mussels, crab, snapper and more. Make sure to snack on some of Galway’s locally-sourced, fresh seafood during our Irish Gold tour if you want a real taste of Ireland. 2. Kilbeggan Distillery Situated in the Midlands on the River Brosna, sampling locally-crafted whiskey at the Kilbeggan Distillery is one of the tastiest and most interesting things to do in Ireland. The distillery was founded in 1757 and offers a fabulous tour of the building as well as samples and a gift shop. Meet the team and get in touch with us to plan a tour featuring a stop at the distillery. 3. Guinness Storehouse Were you really in Ireland if you didn’t enjoy a taste of the black stuff? The Guinness Storehouse is situated in Dublin City and provides a fantastic tour chock-full of interesting history, culture, and secrets as to what makes Guinness so great. Make sure it’s on your list of things to do in Ireland – were you really ever here if you didn’t have a pint? 4. Irish Breakfast at Taylor’s Three Rock Pub Taylor’s Three Rock is a beloved pub and restaurant situated in Dublin. The quaint, charming pub offers a slice of old Ireland served up next to a traditional full-Irish breakfast, washed down with a pot of tea. The pub is definitely a highlight of many of our private escorted tours. 5. Afternoon Tea For a walk on the more elegant side of Irish life, treat yourself to afternoon tea in any of our cities or towns. Many hotels will put on a fabulous spread of finger foods, cakes, sweets and of course, a big pot of tea to be enjoyed. Take advantage of our hospitality and feel like royalty for an afternoon!
