Trip to Ireland: TOP 10 must-sees

Prepare a trip to Ireland The question almost always arises: where to begin? The island boasts breathtaking cliffs, colorful villages, ancient monastic sites, and charming towns, all within a territory that can be crossed in just a few hours' drive. Still hesitating between this and Scotland? Read our comparison. Ireland or Scotland.

To help you see things clearly, we have gathered here the ten places that come up most often in the itineraries we create, then the practical points that really matter: the duration to allow, the season to favor and the way to get around.

Tourism Ireland presents the island as a destination where spectacular nature, ancient heritage and vibrant culture constantly intersect.

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The TOP 10 must-sees for a trip to Ireland

Here are the stages we most often recommend, from the southeast to the extreme northwest.

1. Dublin, for a smooth entry into the country

The capital is easily explored on foot. Trinity College and its Book of Kells, the Temple Bar district, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the national museums can easily fill two days.

It's also the most convenient arrival point: the majority of flights from France land there, and car rental agencies are located directly at the airport. For the capital, follow our itinerary for Visit Dublin in 3 days.

2. Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains

Just an hour south of Dublin, this 6th-century monastic site^e century is nestled in a glacial valley surrounded by lakes.

The area also makes for an excellent first hike, with marked trails for all levels.

3. Kilkenny and Medieval Ireland

This small town has preserved its castle, its cobbled streets and a remarkable density of traditional pubs.

It often serves as a stopover between Dublin and the southwest, and allows you to break up the journey without lengthening the trip.

4. Killarney National Park

Lakes, ancient forests, waterfalls and free-roaming deer: this park remains one of the most beautiful natural areas in the country.

The Muckross House estate and the Gap of Dunloe pass are particularly worth a full day's visit.

5. The Ring of Kerry

This 179-kilometer loop alternates between beaches, mountains and coastal villages.

However, we advise traveling it in the opposite direction to the coaches, i.e. clockwise, in order to avoid difficult crossings on narrow sections.

6. The Dingle Peninsula

Many travellers prefer it to the Ring of Kerry, as it is wilder and significantly less crowded.

The Slea Head Drive also offers some of the most beautiful coastal views on the island, with the Blasket Islands as a backdrop.

7. The Cliffs of Moher

Eight kilometers of cliffs rising to 214 meters above the Atlantic: this is the image that most travelers associate with Ireland.

To avoid the crowds, opt for early morning or late afternoon. We detail the other cliffs in the country in our guide to Ireland's most beautiful cliffs.

8. The Burren

Just north of the cliffs lies a lunar limestone plateau, riddled with fissures where arctic and Mediterranean flowers grow side by side.

It also contains the Poulnabrone dolmen, which is over five thousand years old.

9. Galway and Connemara

Galway is a student city, musical and particularly lively, ideal for an evening in a pub.

Right next door, Connemara unfolds its peat bogs, lakes, and mountains in a light that changes every hour. Our Complete guide to Connemara details the stages of the region.

10. The Giant's Causeway and the Antrim Coast

In the north, these 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The coastal road leading there also passes through the sets of Game of Thrones and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. We have a dedicated guide for it: Northern Ireland: What to see absolutely.

How much time should I allow for a trip to Ireland?

It all depends on your pace, of course, but a few guidelines can help you decide.

In one week, it is therefore better to concentrate on the southwest: Dublin, Killarney, Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher already make a very beautiful itinerary.

With ten days, however, it becomes possible to add Galway, Connemara and a foray to the north.

Finally, two weeks allows you to do a complete tour of the island, including Donegal and Northern Ireland, without rushing from one stage to the next.

The most common mistake is trying to see everything. Irish roads are often narrow and winding, so always allow more time than your GPS indicates.

What season is best for a trip to Ireland?

Ireland can be visited all year round, but each period has its own character.

From May to September, the days are long and the weather is more clement: it's the best window for the west coast and hiking.

Spring and autumn, on the other hand, offer superb landscapes with far fewer people at the most popular sites.

Winter, finally, is best suited to cities and pubs, as the days become very short. We detail this month by month in our guide. when to go to Ireland.

How to get around during a trip to Ireland?

The car remains by far the most suitable solution, as the most beautiful sites are located outside the transport routes served.

Keep in mind, however, that driving is on the left and secondary roads are narrow. An automatic transmission makes the first few days much easier. Our advice for rent a car in Ireland they elaborate on this point.

The train, however, is perfectly suited for traveling between Dublin, Galway, Cork, or Belfast if you prefer to avoid driving. Our guide to train in Ireland detail these lines.

For a first trip, a guided tour can also be reassuring: you can enjoy the scenery without having to worry about the logistics. If a self-drive tour appeals to you, check out our must-sees for a road trip in Ireland, which details the steps region by region.

Should the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland be combined?

The two territories can be crossed without any particular formalities, as the border is completely open.

However, be aware of two practical details: the currency changes, with the euro in the south and the pound sterling in the north, and your mobile plan may switch to a British network.

If your stay exceeds ten days, the combination is nevertheless well worth the detour: the Antrim coast is among the most beautiful coastlines on the island.

Our tips before your trip to Ireland

First, pack waterproof clothing, whatever the season: the weather changes quickly and several times a day.

Book your accommodation in advance during the summer, especially on the Ring of Kerry and around Galway, where availability quickly becomes limited. Our guide to...’accommodation in the United Kingdom and Ireland will help you choose.

Finally, always keep some flexibility in your itinerary. The best discoveries of a trip to Ireland often come from an unexpected stop, a music session in a village pub, or an unexpected break in the clouds on a cliff.

For entry formalities, everything is detailed in our guide on the formalities and visa for Ireland.

Plan your tailor-made trip to Ireland

At Brightside Travel, we build each trip to Ireland based on your dates, budget and travel style.

Our team is based locally: we know the roads, accommodations and service providers we recommend, and we know which stops deserve an extra night.

Whether you dream of a self-drive tour along the Wild Atlantic Way, a family holiday, or a more leisurely exploration of western Ireland, each itinerary is designed specifically for you. Get inspired by our 10-day itinerary on the Wild Atlantic Way or our advice for going to Ireland as a family.

Discover our tailor-made trips to Ireland

To delve deeper into the preparation, also consult our guide on How to organize your trip to Ireland.

From the Cliffs of Moher to the alleyways of Galway, a trip to Ireland It is rarely remembered for just one place. Rather, it is the succession of landscapes, encounters and atmospheres that makes it a unique destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-sees for a first trip to Ireland?

Dublin, Glendalough, Kilkenny, Killarney National Park, the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula form the heart of the south. Then, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, Galway, Connemara and the Giant's Causeway complete the tour of the island.

How many days should I plan for a trip to Ireland?

One week is enough for the southwest. Our 7-day self-drive tour in Ireland This is a good example. With ten days, you can add Galway and Connemara. That's precisely our itinerary. 10-day self-drive tour in Ireland. Two weeks finally allow you to do a complete tour of the island, including Northern Ireland.

What is the best time to travel to Ireland?

From May to September, the days are long and the weather is milder. Spring and autumn, on the other hand, offer beautiful scenery with far fewer people at the major tourist sites.

Should you rent a car for a trip to Ireland?

This is the most suitable solution, as the most beautiful sites are off the main transport routes. However, driving is on the left, and the train remains a convenient way to travel to Dublin, Galway, Cork, or Belfast.

Can the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland be combined?

Yes, the border is completely open. However, be aware of the currency: the euro in the south and the pound sterling in the north. For stays longer than ten days, the Antrim coast is definitely worth a visit.

When to visit the Cliffs of Moher?

Ideally, visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. The cliffs stretch for eight kilometers and rise to a height of 214 meters above the Atlantic.

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