16 Bucket List Places to Visit in Ireland & Northern Ireland

Planning a trip to The Emerald Isle and looking for places to visit in Ireland? In this post, I will help you narrow down where to go and what to do with 16 bucket list places to visit in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Although Ireland is relatively small, there’s still so much to see and do. This list will save you time by showing you the top places to see, which will be helpful when planning your Ireland itinerary.

Also, if you didn’t know already, Ireland and Northern Ireland are two different countries. And they even run on two currencies – Euros and the Pound! They both have a really different vibe, which is why you should try to visit both of them on your trip. However, if you are only travelling to one or the other I have split this post into two sections. This will help you easily find bucket list places in either just Ireland or just Northern Ireland.

*Pro Travel Tip: Dublin Go City All-Inclusive Pass

If you’re planning a visit to the captivating city of Dublin, Ireland, the Dublin: Go City All-Inclusive Pass is your ultimate ticket to an unforgettable and cost-effective adventure! This incredible pass offers unbeatable value and convenience. It will allow you to explore Dublin’s top attractions while saving a significant amount of money.

With the All-Inclusive Pass, you gain access to a number of must-visit sites! Including iconic landmarks like the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, and the National Gallery of Ireland. Not only does this pass grant you entry to these renowned attractions, but it also includes exciting experiences such as Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours, fascinating walking tours, and even a Jameson Distillery Bow St. Tour.

The Dublin: Go City All-Inclusive Pass ensures that you make the most of your time in Dublin while stretching your budget further. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly atmosphere without breaking the bank. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to discover Dublin’s hidden gems while enjoying incredible savings – grab your All-Inclusive Pass before your trip, and embark on an adventure of a lifetime!

Bucket List Places to Visit in Ireland

1. Trinity College Library in Dublin

I’m not exaggerating when I say that the Trinity College Library, or the Long Room as it’s properly named, is one of the most beautiful ancient libraries in the world! Plus, it’s filled with over 25,000 of the oldest books and a traditional Irish harp. Seeing the ancient architecture of this 18th-century library transported me to Hogwarts, for all my other Harry Potter fans out there.

In order to visit the Long Room, you need to buy a ticket for the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is the original 9th-century medieval manuscript of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which was also incredibly fascinating to see and learn about. This is one place I recommend booking ahead for, especially if you are here around the St Patrick’s Day holiday. I did not pre-purchase a ticket, and as a result, I had to wait in a long line-up, which luckily moved quickly. 

If you are on a budget, I should mention that the outside grounds of Trinity College are equally stunning and free to wander around. So whether you see the Library or not, make sure to come for a walk around the Trinity College.

Cost: €11-14

2. Drink Local Irish Libations

Local Irish libations offer a delightful taste of the Emerald Isle, ranging from the smooth and distinctive flavours of Irish whiskey to the rich and creamy goodness of Guinness stout. Visiting these two places to in Ireland provides not only a delightful taste experience but also a cultural immersion. Here are two experiences that perfectly combine deliciousness and cultural significance to Ireland.

The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin

One of the top place to visit in Ireland, is the famous Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. You can’t travel all the way to Ireland and not try a pint of their iconic beer – Guinness! And if you have never tried it before, now is the time. I was actually surprised how much I LOVED Guinness by the end of our time in Ireland. If you aren’t a big beer fan, order a half pint to give it a try.

At the Guinness Storehouse, learn how they make the brew and master a perfect pour. You will also discover the history of Guinness and how they’ve famously marketed it over the years. In order to skip the lines when you arrive, purchase your tickets before your trip here.

Price:  Ranges from €19.50 to €26.00 – free with the Dublin: Go City All-Inclusive Pass

The Jameson Distillery Bow St. Tour & Tasting

The Jameson Distillery Bow St. Tour in Dublin, Ireland, is an absolute must for whiskey enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This immersive experience offers a captivating journey through the heritage and craftsmanship behind one of Ireland’s most beloved spirits, showcasing the rich history of Jameson whiskey and providing a unique opportunity to sample and savour its exceptional flavours.

Price: without pass €30.00 – free with the Dublin: Go City All-Inclusive Pass

3. Road Trip Around the Country

One of the best ways to see Ireland and Northern Ireland is by car. There are so many tiny towns, scenic drives and hikes, that having the flexibility to stop when you want to is a great benefit. For example, one day we were driving along in the country when the most striking rainbow that took over the sky. Driving ourselves allowed us to pull over to admire the views and towns whenever we pleased.

However, I must warn you that driving Ireland isn’t for the faint of heart. Their roads are not only narrow, but extremely windy, and dangerous. Luckily, my boyfriend Ben was brave enough to drive us, but otherwise, I wouldn’t recommend this to timid drivers. As a great alternative, I would highly recommend travelling with Get Your Guide, as they run trips around Ireland that stop at a lot of these bucket list places mentioned in this post. 

4. Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most iconic places to visit in Ireland and famous for their natural beauty. Be careful when visiting and taking photos in this area, as there are no fences that border the dangerous cliffs. If you aren’t renting a car, there are tons of great day tours that go to the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin. 

Travel Tip: Looking for the scenery but not the crowds? Check out Kerry Cliffs Portmagee – a beautiful look-alike to the Cliffs of Moher, without busloads of tourists. This photo doesn’t do it justice because we were there on a very stormy day.

5. Dingle & Slea Head Drive 

Slea Head Drive is easily one of the most beautiful seaside roads in the country, which makes it a bucket list place to visit in Ireland. I highly recommend staying in Dingle for the night, so you can spend a full day driving around this peninsula. Also, pack a picnic and stop at various scenic spots along the drive. Below I’ve included some of my favourites spots to check out:

• Dunquin Harbour was by far my favourite stop along Slea Head Drive. The dramatic cliffs, emerald coloured water and twisting staircase made for some incredible photographs
• Walk along the beautiful beaches of Wine Strand
• Keep your eyes peeled for Fungie – The Dingle Dolphin. You can take boat tours around the harbour to meet him, or you can see his statue in the town of Dingle 
• Star Wars fans should stop at Dunmore Head, as this is where filmed Star Wars Episode VIII – The Last Jedi 
• Stop in for a pint at Foxy John’s in Dingle that runs as a hardware store during the day and a pub at night. Dick Macs Pub is also a great spot to try!

6. Celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the Temple Bar in Dublin

Join half a million other people and celebrate the ‘luck of the Irish’ at one of the biggest St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world. Dress up in your finest green attire, watch the famous St Patrick’s Day parade, listen to traditional Irish folk music in Temple Bar and party the day away. 

And even if you aren’t in Dublin during St. Patrick’s Day, I still recommend visiting the Temple Bar area. This area is packed full of lively bars playing traditional Irish music! I guarantee you won’t leave without making some new friends over a pint of Guinness.

To hear more about my St Patrick’s Day experience read my Travel Guide to Celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Dublin.

7. Trad Irish Folk Music in Galway

The town of Galway is famously known for having traditional Irish pubs that play folk music (also commonly known as ‘trad music’). So don’t miss the opportunity to order a Guinness and dance the night away. And if you aren’t into dancing, cozy up by the fireplace and share stories from your adventures in Ireland.

From experience, I highly recommend O’Connell’s Bar, Taaffes Bar, and Tig Coili.

8. Ring of Kerry

Located in southwest Ireland, the Ring of Kerry is another scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula. We managed to cover the Ring of Kerry in a day, but if you want a slower pace, you could extend this to do more hiking and relaxing at some of the beautiful beach towns. Along this road trip, we stopped at:

• Killarney National Park to hike to a waterfall
• Had lunch at Kenmare
• Stopped at the beaches of Caherdaniel 
• Kerry Cliffs Portmagee – a beautiful look-alike to the Cliffs of Moher, but without the crowds
• Ended our day with dinner and a drink while listening to trad music in Kerry. 

Learn from our mistake and spend a night in Kerry. We didn’t do this, and instead pushed through to Dingle, but it made for a very long day of driving. Plus the town of Kerry had a really wonderful vibe and lots of trad music. 

9. Kylemore Abby

If you are looking to get off the beaten path and see something different, visiting the Kylemore Abby was really special. Unfortunately, when we were there it was closed for construction, but normally you can go inside to see the female monastery and you can even eat or have tea there. Since it was closed, we walked around the lake, took in the views, and then followed up with a cozy pub lunch at Veldons Seafarer. This place had the most incredible crab claws I’ve ever tasted! Yum.

Cost to go in Kylemore Abby: €13.30

10. Visit The English Market in Cork

Visiting Cork? Don’t miss this beautiful 18^th-century market filled with locally produced foods, handmade pottery and other unique items. Buy everything you need for a picnic or visit The Farmgate Cafe at the back of the market for a comforting soup and sandwich at an affordable price.

Tip: For an inexpensive quick meal eat at The Farmgate Cafe Counter, and for a fancier more relaxed experience, you can have full service and eat in the dining room.

11. Kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork

The Blarney Stone is located at the Blarney Castle, which is about a 15-minute drive from Cork. In order to kiss the Blarney Stone, you need to climb to the top of the Castle, lie on your back, and then lean over a ledge backwards to press your lips on a cold stone wall. In other words, it’s a bit crazy! Kissing the Blarney Stone became popular after a legend proclaimed that kissing the stone would give the person ‘the gift of the gab’, or the skill of flattery.

Although this is one of the more popular things to do in Ireland, we couldn’t bring ourselves to do it. Maybe it’s because the ‘gift of the gab’ didn’t sell us, but I think it was because we heard rumours that locals get drunk and pee on the stone (gross, right?).  Even if you don’t kiss the Blarney Stone, I have heard the Blarney Castle and grounds are beautiful to visit. 

Cost: €6 – €9

Bucket List Places to Visit in Northern Ireland

12. Belfast Famous Black Cab Tours

If there is one thing you do during your time in Belfast, make sure it’s the Famous Black Cab Tour. These tours are put on by locals who have lived through Belfast’s troubled past, to share Belfast’s history to tourists. During this tour, you will see the famous political murals in Belfast, the Peace Line wall, as well as learn about the tragic conflict between the Catholics and Protestants.  

This city has endured so much over the years, and I have to admit that I didn’t know much about it before coming to Belfast. These tours offer a great way for visitors to educate themselves on the issues Belfast still face today, as well as ask questions to their guides. 

Book in advance here.

13. Titanic Museum in Belfast

Continuing on the theme of history I recommend visiting the Titanic Museum. Did you know that the world-famous Titanic was actually built in Belfast? Because of this, so much of the Titanic’s history lies in this city. At the museum, you’ll discover what it took to build the ship, see replicas of some of the rooms, hear about it’s a short-lived journey, and of course learn about its tragic sinking. You can also eat or have tea in one of their Titanic-themed restaurants.

If you happen to be in Belfast around April 14th, check out their unique event that pays tribute on the anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking.

14. Dark Hedges  

The Dark Hedges are located in Northern Ireland along Bregagh Road and are famously known and visited by Game of Throne fans, as they were featured in season one. Funny enough, I have never watched the show. But regardless, this long road lined with massive beech trees was extremely enchanting to see and take photos of. 

To see the Dark Hedges for yourself, rent a car and drive the 50 miles from Belfast. Or jump on this Game of Thrones Locations Tour.

15. The Giant’s Causeway 

The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmark was made an official UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. It is located right on the North Atlantic Ocean and is made up of thousands of rock columns formed by volcanic activity. From Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway is just over an hour’s drive, making it the perfect day-trip from the city. If you aren’t renting a car, you can also do a day tour from Belfast that includes the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

If you do it with your own car rental, I highly recommend giving yourself at least an hour here, as it takes a while to walk from the parking lot to the site. Plus, there are some spectacular ocean views and hikes around the area. 

Travel tip: Wear good shoes to hike up and down the big hill. Also, the rocks and boulders can be slippery, so be careful if you walk on them. If you don’t have the time or the fitness to walk up and down the big hill, you can pay for the bus. 

Entrance Cost: £12.50

16. National Trust Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was a huge highlight from our trip to Northern Ireland. The natural beauty of this area, mixed with the adrenaline crossing the bridge made for a fun experience and one I will never forget. I’m a little scared of heights, so I was basically shaking the entire time I was on the bridge, but these views made it totally worth it.

In order to fully enjoy this area, leave at least an hour to hike out to the Rope Bridge and walk around the park. Also, make sure to bring your camera with you, as the views from this area will take your breath away.

Entrance Cost: £9.00

Northern Ireland Bonus Tip*

If you are short on time in Northern Ireland, or don’t have a car, I really recommend seeing all of these bucket list places by hopping on a day tour. This particular one allows you to see everything above. However, you get to pick either entrance to the Titanic Museum or the Black Cab Tour. Honestly, spare yourself the anxiety of driving narrow Irish roads, and renting a car, and hop on this easy guided tour.

What to Pack for Ireland & Northern Ireland

When embarking on a journey to these bucket list places in Ireland or Northern Ireland, it’s crucial to pack smart and be prepared for the ever-changing weather. The weather conditions can vary depending on the time of year you plan to visit. During our visit in March, coinciding with the vibrant St. Patrick’s Day festivities, we were taken aback by the cold and damp climate. Even in the seemingly pleasant summers, the island’s exposed location on the Atlantic Ocean can bring a slight chill to the air. To ensure your adventure is delightful and hassle-free, while keeping you warm and comfortable, here are five essential items every female traveller should pack for their unforgettable journey.

1. A Versatile Rain Jacket

Ireland’s famously unpredictable weather calls for a reliable and stylish rain jacket. Opt for a lightweight, waterproof jacket that can be easily layered over your outfits. It will keep you dry during sudden showers while allowing you to explore the breathtaking landscapes in comfort and style. I brought the yellow rain jacket (because it made me happy and looks great in the Dark Hedges photos), but I also love the tan, that gives you that trending trench coat look.

And if you are travelling outside of summer, I highly recommend also packing a lightweight puffy jacket. Overall, the weather was colder and wetter than I was expecting in March, so this jacket came in handy. And as you can see in my photos, I wore this puffy jacket daily, since it packs up in a tiny bag that I could throw in my backpack for when the temperature dipped.

2. Comfortable Walking Shoes

Ireland and Northern Ireland are best explored on foot, from wandering through cobblestone streets to hiking along stunning coastal trails. Pack a pair of sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and waterproof boots to ensure you can wander freely and embrace the beauty of the Emerald Isle without any discomfort.

3. Adaptable Clothing Layers

The weather in Ireland and Northern Ireland can vary greatly throughout the day. Pack a range of clothing layers that you can easily mix and match to adapt to changing temperatures. Be sure to include lightweight sweaters, long-sleeve tops, and versatile scarves and wide brim hat that add both warmth and style to your outfits.

4. Travel Adapter

Don’t forget a universal travel adapter suitable for Ireland & Northern Ireland outlets! This handy device will ensure that you can easily charge your electronics and stay connected.We have this one and love it! Not only does it work with my computer and hair curler, it has the additional four USB plugs at the top, to charge all your phone and any other gadgets!

5. Day Backpack

An essential item for any traveler, a reliable day backpack will be your trusty companion throughout your journey. Opt for a lightweight and durable backpack that is spacious enough to carry your essentials such as a water bottle, camera, snacks, and a travel guidebook. It will prove invaluable during your explorations, leaving you hands-free to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of these captivating destinations. I also love this vegan leather backpack, for a more stylish look.

Packing the right items can make all the difference in ensuring an enjoyable and worry-free trip to Ireland or Northern Ireland. By including these five essential items in your luggage, you’ll be well-prepared to embrace the unique experiences, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality that await you in these charming destinations.

Conclusion

So that concludes the 16 bucket list places to visit in Ireland and Northern Ireland. I hope it helps you plan and map out the perfect itinerary for your trip to Ireland. Happy travels!

If there are any other bucket list places to visit in Ireland that I have missed, make sure to let me know in the comments below!

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