The Irish midlands is a charming region, yet it’s often overlooked by travellers who flock to the country’s many coastal wonders. That’s understandable considering how many of them there are! But if you’re planning a road trip through Ireland, we think that there are some other less-travelled routes that are worthy of your consideration as well.
Are you planning a trip to Ireland but don’t know where to begin? We’re here to help. We’ve gathered data from two of the most trusted sources out there when it comes to planning holidays in Ireland - Fáilte Ireland’s official list of Ireland’s top visitor attractions and TripAdvisor users’ top rated things to do. Taking this information, we’ve built the ultimate list of where to go and what to see in Ireland. We’ve broken it down by region and type of attraction to help you pick out your own personal must-see spots.
We know, Ireland may not be held in the same culinary esteem as the likes of Italy or Spain, but the truth is, there’s a wealth of exceptional places to eat all over the country. In recent years, the food scene has gone from strength to strength, with plenty of funky new concept restaurants appearing alongside the traditional ‘pub-grub’ type food we all know and love.
Ah, Dublin. The capital city of Ireland and home to some of the country’s most famous sights, landmarks and people. It may be hard to believe given the small size of Ireland, but every city has its own form of subculture where you’ll find different types of characters, slang, food, drink and general way of life. Dublin is no different and acts as a bit of a cultural melting pot due to large multinationals setting up their EU headquarters here.
You’ve picked up your rental car from Dublin Airport and have made your way across the island of Ireland to beautiful Galway. You’ve heard all about the amazing scenic drive from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher and now you’re ready to embark! But wait, there’s so many places to see along the way it can be hard to choose
Planning a trip to Ireland? Ireland has many treasures crammed into one relatively small country – rugged landscapes, ancient historical sites, varied wildlife, hearty food and drink and hospitable people. There’s just one question that crops up time and again, and that’s: “When is the best time to visit Ireland?”
Whatever type of Irish road trip you’re planning, there are many different routes you can take to experience this wild, rugged country up close.
While the Wild Atlantic Way tends to garner the most attention as one of the world’s most iconic bucket list drives, for the history buffs and lovers of Irish mythology and folklore among you, a road trip along Ireland’s Ancient East is real must do.
With a mild climate, numerous driving routes, and non-stop beautiful scenery, Ireland stands out as the perfect place for a road trip. And renting a car is about as easy as it gets when it comes to finding your way around the country at your own pace.
Ireland is so famous for its charming small towns and natural beauty spots, it makes it difficult to argue against travelling around this country by car.
Of course, you’ll have little problem travelling between Ireland’s main cities using public transport. Major hubs such as Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick and Kerry are all well connected through Ireland’s national rail and bus services.
However, to truly experience everything that makes Ireland unique, the hidden gems and friendly characters, a car is an essential.
A holiday in Ireland is bound to be packed with curious exploring, breath-taking views and plenty of ‘craic’. Come the end of the day (or the early hours of the next!), you’ll want somewhere comfortable to lay your head. Whatever your preferred accommodation style, or if you want to try something new, be it high-end hotels, charming B&Bs, wild camping, or anything in between, Ireland has what you (and your budget) require. Read on for a little inspiration on where to stay in Ireland.
