Top Things to do in Ireland
What to do and see in Ireland, Ireland: The Best Outdoor Activities
Woven with wild greenery and Gaelic legends, the Emerald Isle is one of Europe’s most prized jewels. Rugged Atlantic beaches and mystery-shrouded sites rub shoulders with the cosmopolitan cities of Belfast and Dublin, where literary history and warm Irish hospitality are always in abundance.
Restaurants in Ireland
1. Banna Strand
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 525 reviews
Reviewed By GalwaayGalwaygirl34 - Galway, Ireland
Visited this beach while away.Such a beautiful beach , we walked for a long while , the beach is kept spotlessly clean loved it
2. Slea Head Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,200 reviews
Scenic drive from Dingle Town to the Dingle Peninsula and back.
Reviewed By Scotlandmac - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Loved this area, along with Connemara, our favourites of a week's driving tour. As a big Ryan's Daughter fan, I was thrilled to visit, again after 25 years, this area made famous in the film.Some wonderful coastal views, all feels more open and quieter than the R of K, much shorter of course. Glad we made the 2 hour + journey from St Finan's Bay to enjoy it all again. Some fine archaeological sites too. Highlight is the small spectacular beach of Dunquin. Last time, we also got over to Great Blasket island, a fine trip in itself.
3. Dingle Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 821 reviews
Reviewed By pupumann0 - Ballycastle, United Kingdom
Cant believe this is my first review of anything dingle related - it truest must be on everyone’s bucket list - the peninsula is very rugged and rural full of beautiful vistas and landscapes and peppered with ancient ogham stones cairns and clachan! And around every corner a wonderful country pub or eatery ! Go south out of Dingle as road is narrow and mostly people use this clockwise road route ;-) slea head is a highlight look out for off road historic sites We visited the group if ogham ancient stones at Colaiste Ide just outside Dingle town at Ventry ! A true highlight not to be missed is the visit to the blanket island interpretive Centre , amazing design very thought provoking and a place for mindfulness and delicious home made food in their cafe mmm rhubarb crumble :-) Everywhere you drive there are remnants of old so photo opportunities everywhere ! No wonder they filmed Star Wars there ! Just go !
4. Mount Errigal
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 289 reviews
Reviewed By cahiro447 - Odense, Denmark
There are in fact a few "Tracks" to the very top of the highest mountain in "County Donegal" where of course the view is spectacular !!???????? Even if you find the ascent a bit of a trial the trail coming down is a pleasure ????????????????????
5. The Great Western Greenway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,438 reviews
Reviewed By UndergroundOfHappy
Wonderful day cycling from Achill back to Westport. Love the way the Greenway is close to the road in places although protected or segregated, giving you a picture of the vehicle traffic as you're whistling to yourself, gliding along past picture perfect views. The coastline, hillscape, terrain are all stunning, also nice to see the odd bit of local farm activity along the cycle path. At one point a ram literally said hello to us from high up on a rock (that's what we told ourselves anyway!). Stopped in Mulranny and Newport, both perfect stop offs for bit of food or refreshment, and great views of the coastline or river. We brought two kids of 9 years old and the 42km was just about manageable for them, it's mostly flat anyway. But there were plenty of even younger children we passed along the way too. An unforgettable day's cycling. Highly recommended.
6. Causeway Coastal Route
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,114 reviews
The Causeway Coastal Route is a designated tourist drive around the coast of Northern Ireland between Belfast and Londonderry. The route follows the coast and takes you to several major tourist attractions including The Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, The Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and the Glens of Antrim. There are a further nine shorter scenic routes that loop off the main Coastal Route. These are : Islandmagee, Slemish Mountain, Glenariff, Glendun, Torr Road, Glenshesk, Bann Valley, Binevenagh Mountain and the Roe Valley.
Reviewed By nyackgirl47 - New York City, United States
We rented a car at the airport in Belfast, and drove to Derry. Very inexpensive way to see everything if (a) you can drive a stick shift car, and (b) you can acclimate to driving on the opposite side of the road (we're American, so we had to acclimate!). We spent a couple of days in Derry, and then took the Causeway Coastal Route straight down until we picked up the highway just outside Ballygally (spent the night there enroute). We sought out several of the Game of Thrones sites enroute, so we kind of did our own tour (saw the dark hedges, the caves, and a couple of the doors - one at Mary McBride's pub and the other at the Ballygally Castle). You will see so much along this route - the seaside resort town of Portrush (where the British Open golf tournament is currently being played), the remains of the Dunluce castle, the Carrick rope bridge, adorable little towns. It's wonderful!
7. The Wicklow Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By Familiaturner
This area of Ireland is not to be missed. Very different from anything else we saw. If you start in Roundwood and take highway R759 you will go through some amazing countryside. Stop near Lough Tay and find the trailhead. (There are a few parking areas). You can take a spectacular hike on a beautifully maintained trail (much of which is raised boardwalk) and see amazing views in every direction. Then, drive towards Sally Gap. It's hauntingly beautiful and unique. So worthwhile. You can continue on to Dublin from there. Country roads (narrow) but typical of those in Ireland.
8. Clare Coastal Walk Project
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By WhereToTry - Waterford, Ireland
Spectacular views on this walk. Truly amazing and well-worth taking a few hours out of your day to go on it. It is not too difficult but good walking runners or boots are definitely a must. There are quite a lot of boggy areas (even in dry weather) to cross over. This is definitely a must if in Doolin or nearby.
9. Blackhead Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
The Black Head Path has reopened again after a couple of years being shut for repairs. Its free. You drive down Old Castle Road to use the car park on the sea front in Whitehead (another road, McRae’s Brae, turns into a private road and is not suitable at all). I was surprised to see something new from the path. It happened very quickly; some big, silvery fish, very close to shore, leaping straight up out of the water. Happened twice, in different places. People tell me it may have been sea trout. The weather was rainy, and I did not care. This is a great coastal walk whatever the weather or month of the year. The new wooden railings on the upper path look great. I went back on a sunnier day, and saw lizards. With the path being closed I’d not seen any for years. Out to sea three Archer Class Royal Navy ships were powering into Belfast Lough. You never know what you’re going to see. Returning here is such a good experience. Blackhead Path Preservation Society were the group of private citizens who got together to successfully lobby to get the path restored. The money came from Mid & East Antrim Council, while the work was done by contractors F.P. McCann and ProNet the cliff netting specialists. Good job, many thanks.
10. Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 260 reviews
Carrowholly Stables is situated 3 miles from Westport town in the beautiful west coast of Ireland and is the perfect choice for all your horse riding. We offer pony camps, group parties, beach and trail rides suitable for all levels of riders from the beginner to the more accomplished enthusiast. We have a wide range of horses and ponies from 11hh- 17hh to suit all abilities (We have ponies ranging in height from 107-148 cm and our horses range in height from 149-165 cm). Packages can be tailor made to suit your requirements. Discounts are available for groups and regular bookings. A.I.R.E. and Failte Ireland Approved.
Reviewed By Mollymullet
Carrowholly Stables Westport Co.Mayo. We weren't expecting the experience we got - in a great way. For the price of €30 pp, we got a little more than an hour. The staff were so calming and helpful, that we couldn't have been made feel more relaxed or at ease. I had Graham as my guide. He was gentle and very nice to chat with. I had Molly Mullet as my horse, she was sweet and she took good care when I was on her back. But the nicest thing we got to do was not only trek on the beach but to walk through the water up to the horses chest. Wow what an experience to do and on such beautiful creatures. I would like to thank Kitty and her staff who run a beautiful establishment with so many wonderful horses. What an experience and I would hope tourist will visit this place when in Westpost Co. Mayo, Ireland. You won't be disappointed. Thanks to Joe also who was our other guide. For a beginner and the first time on a horse, I was able to trot after a while, due to the staff. They take great care in every way to make you feel at ease and place you on a horse that suits you. Myself and my 2 friends loved it. I would go again
