8 places to visit on a maiden voyage to Ireland that aren’t Dublin

From the rich Celtic culture to the breathtaking natural beauty of its countryside, Ireland offers more than just happy hour at the local pub. With a history dating back some 9,000 years and nearly 30,000 castles dotting the landscape, let’s hit the road and explore the top places to visit on a first trip to Ireland.  

I spent nearly five years living in Ireland while working for a “Big Tech” company in Dublin. Without many family commitments, I spent most weekends and holidays exploring the beauty of the Emerald Isle. This list comprises the places I think every first-time visitor to Ireland should experience. 

8. Galway – Where Music Meets the Sea 

Galway is Western Ireland’s “capital,” a magical port city where culture, music, and history meet. With narrow alleys, cobbled lanes, and brightly painted buildings, Galway’s city center is fun and easy to explore. If you’re here over the weekend, head to the Galway Market to rub shoulders with the locals and purchase ingredients for a picnic lunch in nature. The market is also open daily in the peak summer months. And after a day of sightseeing, head to one of Galway’s traditional pubs to enjoy a drink and live music. Galway is a popular university town, so weekends are usually colorful. 

Don’t miss: The Burren National Park

The Burren National Park is easily explored from Galway. It’s home to strange rock formations but is famous for being one of the few places in the world where flowers from the Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean regions grow side-by-side.

7. Glendalough – A Porthole to the Middle Ages

When planning your stay in Dublin, add an extra day to explore Wicklow Mountains National Park. Lying just south of Ireland’s capital, the Wicklow Mountains make for a fun day trip from the big city, though serious hikers can also undertake the Wicklow Way. Glendalough is one of the park’s top highlights, a glacial valley with stunning landscapes and short hiking trails. Lying near the lower lake is an eerie 6th-century monastery founded by Saint Kevin. Meander around the ancient graves and try to locate the oldest one while admiring the stone architecture and the 30-meter-high round tower that aided in warning settlers of upcoming raids.  

Don’t miss: the highest pub in Ireland?

Cap off a day of sightseeing in the Wicklow Mountains with dinner at Johnnie Fox’s Pub. Founded in 1789, this historic pub/restaurant is loaded with antique furnishings and claims to be the highest pub in Ireland. 

6. Connemara – Ireland’s Wild West

The Connemara region of Western Ireland is one of the few places where the traditional Gaelic language is still the primary language. Vast open plains, alluvial hills, and crystal-clear rivers and lakes characterize the strangely enchanting area that makes up Connemara National Park. History buffs will discover prehistoric tombs, ancient castles, and well-preserved monastery ruins in Connemara. If the weather is decent, head on one of the trails that scale Diamond Hill and enjoy sweeping views of the region.  

Don’t miss: Kylemore Abbey

Set amidst the breathtaking Connemara landscape, Kylemore Abbey was originally built as a private castle in 1868. Nowadays, it’s home to a small community of Benedictine nuns. Check out the impressive interior and the Victorian gardens.

5. Rock of Cashel – Ireland’s Masada 

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most impressive historical sites. It combines ancient Gothic architecture with exceptional panoramic views thanks to its strategic location. The dramatic structure rises above a green hill in the Golden Vale of County Tipperary and is a powerful testament to Ireland’s rich history. According to the legend, the site was the seat of King Angus, who was converted to Christianity by Saint Patrick in the 5th century AD. Explore the castle’s ancient buildings, such as the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, the round Norman tower, and the ancient cross that adorns the site.

Don’t miss: Kilkenny 

As you drive south from Dublin to the Rock of Cashel and further southwest towards Cork, stop for lunch in Kilkenny. This charming town is known as the “Marble City” thanks to the extensive use of black limestone quarried nearby. Sightseeing-wise, don’t miss the stunning grounds of Kilkenny Castle.

4. Dingle Peninsula – The Pearl of Western Ireland

The Dingle Peninsula is a unique corner in Ireland’s magnificent west coast, home to a mesmerizing combination of dramatic landscapes, authentic Gaelic culture, and unforgettable local experiences. The peninsula’s winding roads, such as Slea Head Drive, lead you past towering cliffs that plunge into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, pristine Blue Flag beaches, and emerald hills dotted by grazing sheep. Stop for lunch in the town of Dingle for an authentic pub meal with local fishermen. 

Don’t miss: The Blasket Islands 

If you can spare an extra day in the Dingle Peninsula, head on an unforgettable day trip to the Blasket Islands. This is as west as it gets in Ireland, and the scenery is out of this world. If you enjoy visiting remote places, the Blasket Islands should be on your list. 

3. The Ring of Kerry – Ireland’s Most Famous Road Trip

The Ring of Kerry is Ireland’s most famous scenic drive. This circular route of approximately 180 kilometers showcases Ireland’s “classic” beauty, though you’ll need to share the road with many cars and tour buses, especially during peak months. The Ring of Kerry passes along wild beaches, sleepy traditional villages, gushing waterfalls, and unforgettable coastline seascapes. To get off the beaten path in the Ring of Kerry, hike or hop on a traditional jaunting car in the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass created by melting glaciers. In Killarney National Park, check out Torc Waterfall and Ross Castle. On the ring itself, check out the vista at Ladies View and learn about Irish sheepherding at Kissane Sheep Farm. 

Don’t miss: Skellig Michael

This tip is purely for thrill-seekers. Add another day in County Kerry and head on a boat tour of Skellig Michael from Valentia Island. Rising out of the Atlantic like shark teeth, these twin pinnacles are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With some luck, you’ll be able to scale the rock and explore what remains of the ancient monastic settlement. 

2. Belfast – Learn about the troubles

Northern Ireland’s capital is an interesting (and safe) place to visit. On the one hand, it has a modern downtown, an eclectic dining scene, and a beautiful waterfront home to the (totally worth it) Titanic Museum. However, on the other hand, the city is still unofficially segregated between Catholics and Protestants. Join a black taxi tour to learn about “The Troubles.” Your guide will show you neighborhoods still divided by walls and murals from both sides depicting the long history of political and religious struggle.

Don’t miss: The Antrim Coast

North of Belfast, the Antrim Coast is Northern Ireland’s “Ring of Kerry,” a beautiful scenic drive sprinkled with interesting stops and memorable views. At Dunloce Castle, literally step into a scene from Game of Thrones. Continue to the Giant’s Causeway,  a series of basalt columns that look too geometric to have been created by nature. Continue to Carrick-a-Rede and cross the rope bridge, a right of passage on the Antirm Coast, and wrap up the day at the Old Bushmills Distillery. 

1. The Cliffs of Moher – On Top of the World 

The Cliffs of Moher are arguably the most recognizable attraction in Ireland, after the Irish pubs, of course. Rising vertically 214 meters above the Atlantic coast, the Cliffs of Moher leave every visitor speechless. Travel the path near the cliffs’ edge and take into the breathtaking Atlantic views, including the Aran Islands in the distance. Although it’s one of Ireland’s most visited attractions, finding a quiet spot to enjoy the wild views and the soaring birds is not super challenging.  

Don’t miss: Doolin and the Aran Islands

Most visitors sleep in or near Galway after visiting the Cliffs of Moher, but the tiny village of Doolin is a better option if you’re looking to head a few decades back in time. Doolin is the traditional music capital of Ireland, so warm up near the fireplace and enjoy some fish and chips and a pint of Guinness to the sounds of classic Irish tunes. Visible from the cliffs, head on a day trip to one of the Aran Islands. They’re so scarcely populated that the Irish government recently offered financial incentives for those willing to relocate and live off the grid.  

Final Tip

So when planning your maiden voyage to Ireland, try to include as many of the spots mentioned in this guide in your itinerary. And here’s a tip from a former Ireland resident and seasoned traveler: the best time to visit Ireland, in my opinion, is in mid to late June and early September. In the summer months, Ireland fills up with visitors, but the weather is excellent just before and after the peak months.