5 Places You HAVE to Visit in Ireland

Ireland is a beautiful country. One that is rich in culture, history and craic! Below are my 5 favourite places in the whole of Ireland. All of them are worth visiting. Many of them can be found on the Scratchable Map Ireland who is sponsoring this blog post. So, regardless if you are visiting Ireland or living in Ireland if you haven’t already checked out the below make sure to add them to your list in 2019. 

1. Connemara

Anyone that knows me will not be surprised that this is number 1 on my list. My family have a holiday home on a campsite in Lettergesh so this place is like a home away from home for me. From the lakes to the ocean to the mountains, everywhere you look is extremely scenic and there is something to suit everyone. Must visit attractions are:

Lettergesh Beach – A hidden gem in Connemara. I usually hate beaches but I love this one. It’s so clean and when the tide is out it is a lovely stretch for a walk along the seaside.

Connemara National Park – The park has something to offer everyone. From a hike up Diamond hill to a playground for the kids. Although Diamond Hill looks HUGE! If I can climb it anyone can. But if you’re not feeling up for a hike, give the Ellis Wood Nature Trail a try. It’s beautiful in Springtime with all the flowers blossomed. Although, there is a lot of steps. In some ways, the hike is easier. lol

Kylemore Abbey – Sitting on the lake, Kylemore looks like something plucked out of a fairytale. Although I find the tour to be very disappointing because you get to see very little of the castle, the building itself is amazing. It’s worth it to take a short walk down to the church and around the gardens.

Paddy Coynes Pub – I’ll keep this one short. There are pints, craic and the best food you’ll ever have. Enough said.

2. Kerry

Kerry has so much to offer. Glenbeigh/Killorglin, Dingle and Killarney are just a few of my favourite spots.

 

Glenbeigh/Killorglin – I have family in these parts of Kerry (and no it’s not Retro Flame lol) so I try to visit them as often as I can. Granted, when I do, it is mostly spent catching up over tea and wine but when we do venture out, I love going to Rossbeigh Beach (If you follow Ericka you’ve definitely heard her talking about this beach). Each year there are horse races on the beach too so if you’re in Kerry at that time definitely check them out. Another great festival is Puck Fair in Killorglin where they crown a puck that was found in the mountain to be King of the fair.

 

 

Dingle – If you’re a runner, the Dingle Marathon is a great way to see Ireland’s beauty. I did the half marathon a few years ago in aid of the Manuela Riedo Foundation and the views were breathtaking. I was pretty wrecked after my efforts at running so I went to bed early but I’ve heard the nightlife in Dingle is next to none.

Killarney – A beautiful little town with so much to do. Places I would recommend visiting are: Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, Ross Castle and the Gap of Dunloe. All of these can be found within the Killarney National Park. The jaunting cars are a great way to get around the park in one day. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, check out the Europe Hotel. It is stunning.

3. Guinness Storehouse

What is Ireland known for if not for their Guinness? Steeped in Irish history with a free pint at the end, the Guinness Storehouse is a brilliant tourist attraction. You can learn about how Guinness is made, how it all began back in 1759, how to pour the perfect pint and much more. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy that free pint in their skybar overlooking Dublin City.

4. Cliffs of Moher

Voted as Ireland’s favourite tourist attraction in 2019, the Cliffs of Moher are a must see. Bonus fact, you know the scene in Harry Potter where Dumbledore brings Harry to the cave to find the Horcrux? Those cliffs in that scene are the Cliffs of Moher.

5. Galway City

I love Galway City. I have lived here for as long as I can remember and have no desire to leave. Some of my favourite things about or to do in the city are:

Take a walk down shop street – When the weather is good there is nothing better than starting in Eyre Square, stopping off in Ginos for ice cream and walking down to Spanish arch while enjoying the buckers along the way.

GIAF – The Galway International Arts Festival is an event I NEVER miss. Gigs in the big top are amazing and I always try to fit two or three in. To see which ones I’ve been too check out the List.

 

The Salthill Prom – Another great spot for a walk or if you’re an adrenaline junky why not jump off Blackrock?

Galway Pubs – There are so many great pubs in Galway. Check out this blog for a list of my favourites and a map of where they are.

Galway Races – If there is one thing that creates a huge buzz in the city it’s the Galway Races. I never actually go to the races but always try to catch up with the gang for a few pints after. Whether you’re celebrating your wins or drowning your sorrows over you loses it’s a bit of craic.

Oyster Festival – The World Oyster Opening championships take place on the Saturday of the Galway Oyster Festival. This is the day I usually go and it’s so much fun. Definitely something different to do and you always meet interesting people.

I’d like to give Scratchable Map Ireland a shoutout in thanks for sponsoring this post. Also, make sure to check out my Instagram page for a chance to win one of their beautiful maps. Or use the code ‘sliceofciara10’ for 10% off your entire order.

If you’ve been to any of the places above let me know! Or if there are places you think I should check out, comment below. I’m always looking for more places to visit and have a lot of my map to scratch off yet.

Happy Travels,
Ciara