“There are only two kinds of people in the world, The Irish and those who wish they were.”
– Irish saying
Ireland offers some of the most breathtaking scenic countryside in the world. The island includes miles of lush green fields, rugged coastline, magnificent cliffs, and natural wonders. It’s also home to wind-swept beaches, over 400 world-class golf courses and spectacular gardens. Rich in culture, history and tradition, Ireland draws over eleven million visitors every year. Over 40 million Americans have Irish heritage, so it’s no wonder that Ireland is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. “Craic” (pronounced crack) is the Irish word for fun. And there’s certainly no shortage of fun things to do in the Emerald Isle. Festivals take place year-round throughout the country. Plan a trip around a festival and experience Ireland at its best.
Regions of Ireland – Attractions and Tours
Each of Ireland’s seven regions has its own distinctive character and unique visitor attractions. Check out each region’s attractions and sightseeing tours below. Regions include:
Top Ireland Attractions
- Belfast Castle
- Blarney Castle
- Boyne Valley
- The Burren
- Cliffs of Moher
- Connemara
- Dingle Peninsula & Dingle Bay
- Gap of Dunloe
- Giant’s Causeway
- Guinness Storehouse
- Hill of Tara and Newgrange
- Killarney & Killarney National Park
- Killruddery House & Gardens
- Kylemore Abbey
- National Museum of Ireland
- Ring of Kerry
- Ross Castle
- Sally Gap & Wicklow Gap
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Trinity College & the Book of Kells
- Wicklow Mountains National Park
- Wild Atlantic Way
Irish Castles
Ireland is famous for its ancient castles which are located all over the country. Many of the castles are in ruins, while others can be rented out for special occasions. With more castle hotels than in England, Ireland is the place to go if you want to stay in a castle hotel. The Irish people are renowned for their charming warm hospitality and wonderful storytelling. Wherever your travels take you in Ireland, may the Luck ‘o the Irish be with you.
Book Ireland Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do
See the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, described as a cross between the Grand Canyon and California’s Big Sur. Visit the cosmopolitan city of Gallway, on Ireland’s West Coast. Explore beautiful Wicklow County. Take a fun Day Trip to Belfast and Giant’s Causeway. Discover Ireland’s stunning Ring of Kerry. Get tickets to the world-famous Guinness Storehouse. Learn about the Dublin brewery, the brewing process… and enjoy a pint of Guinness. Take a fun Dolphin-Watching Cruise around Dingle Bay.
Find Ireland Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do
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The Best Time To Visit Ireland
There is no bad time to visit Ireland. Peak tourist season is in the summer (June through August), so expect crowds. May and September are great times to visit. September tends to be drier than most months, especially near Dublin and Cork. Spring can also be a busy time (St. Patrick’s Day Festivals and Parades). However, not all sites and attractions are open yet. Many of them close down in October and don’t reopen until Easter.
Ireland enjoys relatively moderate year-round temperatures. It doesn’t get too hot or too cold. And it rarely snows. Expect rain year-round, so be sure to pack an umbrella and light windbreaker jacket, whenever you’re planning to visit. And wear layers; you could experience all four seasons in a day!
Ireland is blessed with very long Summer days. The sun is up early in the morning and sunsets are as late as 10pm or 11pm. Winter days are short, with sunsets as early as 4:30pm. You can see more attractions during the lighter summer months, so keep this in mind when booking your trip. Of course, if you’re coming to Ireland to see the countryside, meet the people and have a pint or two in the pubs, then it doesn’t really matter when you visit. Pick the time you want to go to Ireland and chances are there will be at least five Irish festivals taking place throughout the country. 🙂
Ireland is one of the wettest countries in Europe; it’s also one of the greenest. And that lush green countryside – and the Irish people – are just a few of the many attractions that make Ireland one of Europe’s most popular destinations.