Somewhere Wonderful In Ireland Is Waiting

The gates to the mystical Emerald Isle have finally reopened. Spend a night in a castle, see natural wonders unique to this land and sip on a cool pint of Guinness when you book a trip to Ireland.

Many people often don’t know where to start when visiting Ireland, but there are two obvious options. You can visit Dublin and explore its surrounding areas on the east coast or traverse the Wild Atlantic Way, covering the western shores of the island from north to south. However, if you want the full Irish experience, you can do both, and while they’re certainly the strongest, there are many other lovely parts of the country to discover, such as the counties of Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Tipperary. For a more in-depth guide to the best coastal destinations and the most beautiful towns in Ireland, check out our expert picks.

Dublin

Temple Bar in the city centre is where the tourists flock

First, there’s Dublin. The Fair City has a population about five times the size of the next biggest city in Ireland, Cork, and is very much the hub for culture, nightlife and mainstream tourism. It can be easy to fall into tourist traps – such as Temple Bar – but this city has a truly wonderful atmosphere and endless pockets of history waiting to be discovered on every corner. You can go on whiskey tours around cobbled streets, visit the creepy Kilmainham Gaol prison museum and see the magical library at Trinity College Dublin.

Wild Atlantic Way

Blarney Castle, near Cork, is home to the famous Blarney Stone

Second, there’s the otherworldly Wild Atlantic Way. It has 2,500km (1,553mi) of shoreline boasting great surf spots, hiking trails, national parks, countless charming villages and some of the most astonishing pieces of coastal scenery you can find anywhere in Europe. Start your journey in Cork, making time for a quick trip to Blarney Castle. The nearly 600-year-old structure houses the Blarney Stone, which, when kissed, is said to reward the kisser with the kind of eloquence and skills of flattery that the Irish lilt has become synonymous with.

Now, you can set off on your journey through Cork and into County Kerry, where you’ll find Killarney National Park – the first national park in Ireland and arguably the most beautiful. From there, you can head north towards characterful Limerick, and after that, County Clare and County Galway, perhaps the most inspiring stretch of the whole journey. In Co Clare, you’ll find the famous Cliffs of Moher, while farther north in Co Galway, you can travel inland a little to explore the wild mountainous grasslands of Connemara National Park, with hiking trails that are sure to blow your mind.

Be careful when you’re hiking the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare

Finally, you can travel to the northern reaches of the island, near the country’s border with Northern Ireland. To get there, you’ll pass through the counties of Mayo, Sligo and Donegal, where you’ll find ancient castles and some of the best surf spots in the nation.

Covid travel rules and guidelines

From Monday, 19 July 2021, Ireland is opening up its borders to fully vaccinated travellers, meaning that people in the UK can cross the Irish Sea without having to quarantine on either side. To get into the country, you’ll need to fill in a Covid-19 Passenger Locator Form and show a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours before departure. Remember that the definition of fully vaccinated includes a period of time after your second jab. The Irish Government defines this as seven days for Pfizer, 14 days for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, or 15 days after AstraZeneca. These rules are valid in Ireland for everyone who has a valid certificate showing they’re fully vaccinated.

In terms of arriving in the UK from Ireland, you simply need a negative result from a pre-departure test, along with a further negative PCR test on or before day two of your arrival.

Things to do in Ireland

If you’re looking for a deep dive into the best things to do here, then read our guide to the 20 must-visit attractions in Ireland. Alternatively, you can search for your dream tours, activities and experiences, bookable on Culture Trip. In the meantime, here’s our pick of three of the most extraordinary places that you can’t find anywhere else on Earth.

1. Skellig Michael, Co Kerry

Natural Feature

This striking green island was put on the global map when Luke Skywalker was found hiding here at the end of Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). But this was an awe-inspiring attraction long before Hollywood landed. Standing 218m (715ft) tall amid the choppy Atlantic, this haven for rare seabirds was made a Unesco World Heritage site in 1996 and was home to monks as far back as the sixth century. Monastic remains still embellish the island’s peak, giving it an almost fantastical atmosphere that would attract any location scout worth their salt. There are several excellent boat tours available every day to explore the island and its surroundings.

2. Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare

Natural Feature

Ireland, County Clare, Cliffs of Moher, 200 meter high cliffs, dusk

The Wild Atlantic Way is a huge stretch of land widely regarded as one of the most spectacular coastlines on the planet, and the Cliffs of Moher are the crowning glory of the whole route. Sheer sandstone cliffs rise as high as 214m (702ft), and lifetimes of coastal erosion have created countless fascinating rock formations, including caves, sea stacks and sea stumps. A wild variety of flora and fauna populate the area, where green meets blue via a craggy grey drop on Europe’s western frontier. You’ll find the cliffs halfway between Limerick and Galway, with plenty of cosy pubs in nearby villages, where you can meet the locals and hear folk tales of underwater cities and mermaids tempting fishermen off the cliff edge.

3. Guinness Storehouse, Dublin

Building, Museum

Close up of the brick exterior of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin

A trip to the capital isn’t complete without a sample of the most famous Irish export. And there’s no better place to have a crisp pint of the black stuff than in the Gravity Bar, a rooftop bar with 360-degree views of Dublin – it awaits you at the end of a tour around the Guinness Storehouse. Discover the fascinating history behind this unique brew, from its founding fathers to the method behind its magic and the ingenious marketing that helped propel it to world fame. And that perfectly poured pint? It’s free with a ticket to the museum.

Where to stay in Ireland

Ireland has no shortage of excellent hotels, apartments, spa hotels and even the occasional castle for you to stay in. If you’re looking for somewhere specific, we have hand-picked the best hotels in Dublin, Galway, Donegal and Cork. However, if you’d prefer to browse yourself, you can search for your personal favourite here.

4. Lough Eske Castle, Co Donegal

Bed and Breakfast, Spa Hotel

Lough Eske Castle, County Donegal_085747cf

Live like royalty in this lough-side castle near the Blue Stack Mountains. The 160-year-old building, sitting on the grounds of a castle dating back to the 14th century, has been masterfully renovated to offer luxurious modern services without sacrificing an ounce of its character. Rooms are elegantly decorated and include garden suites overlooking the perfectly kept greenery, courtyard rooms set in the old stables, or the gorgeous Lake Lodge – a secluded, private house on the shores of Lough Eske. Whatever you choose, make the most of the hotel’s award-winning luxury spa.

5. Iveagh Garden Hotel, Dublin

Boutique Hotel

Looking for a hotel in the centre of Dublin? How about this stylish four-star gem, deemed to be the very first sustainable hotel in Europe. While the classic contemporary stylings, rich textures and bespoke joinery don’t give the impression of your traditional ecofriendly establishment, this hotel is leading the way in terms of renewable energy and having a low carbon footprint. It also holds exceptional standards of accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly rooms and accessible showers. Downstairs, Elle’s Bar offers fine wine, cocktails and craft beers, while Elle’s Bistro serves excellent food for both formal and informal occasions.

6. Baybridge House, Connemara

Cottages

If you want a place you can have entirely to yourself, book a stay at this beautifully designed hillside holiday home near Connemara National Park. The open-plan layout is spacious with plenty of natural light, and you can enjoy stunning views of the coast inside and out, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling lounge windows and large deck perfect for a summer barbecue. The house places you conveniently around the midpoint of the Wild Atlantic Way, surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery on the whole west coast.

Where to eat and drink in Ireland

Ireland may not be thought of as an obvious foodie destination, but don’t underestimate the incredible diversity of great food on offer across the country. From Michelin stars in Dublin to high-class family-run restaurants in Cork and Donegal, it’s home to exciting restaurants making the most of the incredible local produce available.

7. Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Dublin

Hotel Restaurant, Irish, Contemporary, French, European

Head to the capital, near Merrion Square and St Stephen’s Green, and you’ll find the first restaurant in Ireland that received two Michelin stars. This classical French establishment is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2021 and has consistently made headlines in the Irish food scene since its opening. Bring a deep wallet – it isn’t cheap – but you very much pay for what you get, which, in this case, is a beautifully designed and perfectly executed menu, paired with the most extensive wine selection in Dublin.

8. Pilgrim’s, Co Cork

Restaurant, Irish

You’ll find this small, rustic eatery in the quaint seaside town of Rosscarbery in Co Cork. Don’t let its unassuming exterior fool you, as the food here packs a tasty punch. The menu frequently changes, with a seasonal menu highlighting local produce. The end product is a diverse menu that includes modern takes on classic Irish fare, freshly caught seafood and even some delicious East Asian-influenced dishes.

9. Misunderstood Heron, Connemara

Food Truck, Contemporary

You won’t find a better view anywhere in Ireland while dining al fresco. This quirky food truck overlooking the jaw-dropping Killary Fjord in Connemara, on the Wild Atlantic Way, was founded in 2017 by married couple Kim and Reinaldo. They focus on keeping things simple, tasty and fresh, ensuring they master every aspect of their menu before expanding further. Expect clean, flavoursome meals, excellent coffee and a lovely slice of cake to keep you going as you adventure along Ireland’s incredible west coast.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.