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After my first trip to Ireland, I returned home and told my friends and family that I now understood why other people believed in fairies. The country as a whole is such a breathtaking collection of lush green landscapes and charming cities that it is easy to see why it serves as the inspiration for folklore and fairytales.
If this is your first trip to Ireland, the first thing you should consider is which side of the Emerald Isle you want to visit. Would you like to reconnect with nature by hiking through some of our country’s most beautiful national parks? Are you looking for a charming seaside retreat with plenty of cozy teahouses and one-of-a-kind shops? Or do you find that visiting bustling cities with fantastic dining, shopping, and cultural attractions raises your blood pressure?
With a little planning, you’ll have no trouble finding what you’re looking for in Ireland. However, keep in mind that some of the most thrilling experiences in this country are unplanned. If you’re planning your first trip to Ireland, you might want to consider incorporating some of our recommendations into your itinerary.
What should I do in Ireland and where should I go?
One of the most exciting aspects of going on any type of vacation is deciding what you want to do and see along the way. You will have an especially enjoyable time in Ireland because there is so much to do and see. The first step is to decide on the type of vacation you want to take!
When visiting Ireland, you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of exciting activities, such as hiking and swimming in the chilly Atlantic Ocean. If that’s not your cup of tea, how about a city break in Dublin or Cork, where you can spend an afternoon relaxing in one of the city’s pubs or strolling through one of the city’s many parks or museums? Nature lovers can spend their vacation driving along the Wild Atlantic Way or visiting Ireland’s pristine national parks, while history buffs will be enthralled by the country’s ancient culture and ruins.
Consider your ideal vacation and remember that it is possible to have it in Ireland if you are unsure of what to do while you are there.
What items should I bring with me to Ireland?
Because Ireland has a generally mild climate, tourists should have no trouble visiting the country at any time of year. Summer temperatures may not always soar, but this usually means that winter will be milder and more agreeable.
However, Ireland has a well-deserved reputation for being a windy and rainy country, so bring a few extra layers of clothing as well as some waterproof clothing. Even though it’s summer, you should always have a sweater on hand, and a waterproof coat is also a must-have.
Bring a sturdy pair of waterproof boots or shoes with you if you want to make the most of your trip and do a lot of walking and exploring.
The most amazing places to visit in Ireland
Dublin
Dublin, the nation’s capital and the beating heart of the Emerald Isle’s vibrant nightlife scene, is a must-see for first-time visitors. Because the city is on the east coast, visitors can spend their days exploring cobblestone streets filled with music, art, and culture, or they can head to the seaside and feel transported to another era.
If you enjoy the great outdoors, don’t miss out on visiting Phoenix Park and St. Stephen’s Green while in Dublin. These immaculately maintained open spaces feel like a deep breath of fresh air and a world away from the city’s central business district.
Cork
Cork, the Republic of Ireland’s second-largest city, is a popular stopover for visitors who are just starting their journeys around the country. Not only does Cork serve as the starting point for the Wild Atlantic Way, widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most scenic drives, but the city center itself is a lively and colorful district with excellent shopping, dining, and, of course, an abundance of pubs and nightclubs for everyone to enjoy!
Blarney and the world-famous Blarney Castle are only a short drive from Cork, and visitors from all over the world come to kiss the Blarney Stone at the castle. Blarney is in the Irish county of Cork. It is said that kissing the stone will grant travelers the “gift of gab.”
Galway
Galway is not only famous for the song by Ed Sheeran; it is also a beautiful harbor city on Ireland’s west coast that will transport visitors back in time. You should go to Eyre Square, which is an 18th-century meeting place surrounded by shops and the prototypical Irish pub. Locals and tourists alike can frequently be heard performing traditional music (those “trad tunes” that Ed mentioned!) here.
The Latin Quarter in Galway is a great place to go for a dose of history because it not only has cozy cafes, art galleries, and local boutiques, but visitors will also be able to see the city’s original medieval walls.
Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher, located in County Clare, are a well-known landmark in Ireland; therefore, no first-time visit to the country should ever exclude a visit to see them.
These breathtaking sea cliffs, which stretch along Ireland’s glorious southwestern coast for 14 glorious kilometers, are not only beautiful, but they are also well-known for other reasons. The cave scenes in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and “The Princess Bride” were both shot at Ireland’s most famous natural landmark, the Cliffs of Moher.
The Cliffs of Moher are situated in Ireland
A visit to the Cliffs of Moher is an absolute must, whether you go to take in the breathtaking natural beauty or to try to recreate some of your favorite movie stills.
It all depends on what you want to see, who you want to meet, and what kind of experiences you want to have while you’re there. There is a reason why so many tourists visit Ireland each year: there is something about being here that is unlike anywhere else in the world, and many people’s first trip to Ireland will not be their last!
If this is your first trip to Ireland and you want a specific itinerary, or if you aren’t sure where you want to go and need some direction, you should consider booking a group tour. You will not only have your guide’s knowledge and experience to show you the way, but you will also save money on accommodations, meals, and attractions.