5 Places You Absolutely Need To Visit In Ireland 2024

Are You Looking For The Places You Need To Visit In Ireland In 2024?

There are so many places you need to visit in Ireland other than Dublin.

Ireland has so much more to offer in terms of attractions that are located all over the country.

In other words, you can stay in Ireland for at least a week and still have things to do and see.

I do have to say, you get a completely different feel the moment you leave Dublin.

The beautiful green fields, littered with all sorts of livestock, the cute little towns, and the lovely landscapes make exploring Ireland a must-do.

Keep reading to find out the top 5 places you absolutely need to visit in Ireland (besides Dublin). 

🦄 If you want to know more about Dublin, check out this blog post:
5 Places You Absolutely Need To Visit In Dublin
Is Dublin Worth Visiting? Best Places & Things To Do
12 Best Dublin Hotels Near Croke Park Stadium

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Places You Absolutely Need To Visit In Ireland

Let’s begin with the Galway area, located on Ireland’s west coast.

Keep in mind that Galway is located in the Republic of Ireland which is part of the EU and uses the Euro as its currency.

1. Galway City

If you are looking to see an authentic Irish town, then Galway is a great choice.

Tiny and tranquil, Galway has charming cobbled streets and colorful houses.

Where is Galway, Ireland?

Galway is a cute, small town on the west coast of Ireland.

In addition, it is a safe city to explore and one of the places you need to visit in Ireland.

Traveling west, it takes about 2 hours to get from Dublin to Galway.

It is a long drive, but you get to see some beautiful landscapes and livestock along the way.

There are a lot of small shops where you can buy unique souvenirs and gifts from local artisans.

You can also grab a pint in the pub where Ed Sheeran filmed the video to his song Galway Girl.

The bar is called O’Connell’s and is situated near the main square (Eyre Square).

Some of the main attractions to see in Galway are Lynch’s Castle, the Browne Doorway, the Fountain, and the Tribe Banners.

The last three are on Eyre Square, with the castle a short walk away.

What is Galway famous for?

Galway is famous for being the party town and festival capital of Ireland.

There are over 120 festivals, concerts, and events that take place in Galway every year.

To find out more about what festival might be taking place when you visit, check out their official Galway Festivals website.

Is Galway, Ireland worth visiting?

It is worth visiting Galway because the west coast is different than Dublin.

Also, Galway makes the perfect base to explore the rest of the area which is stunning.

In addition, Galway will offer a more authentic Irish experience in terms of food, pubs, and entertainment compared to the capital.

Therefore, if you are interested in magnificent landscapes and are looking for a lively bar scene, a trip to Galway will be worth it.

How to get to Galway, Ireland?

There are a few ways to get to Galway depending on how much time you have and what is your budget.

Does Galway have an airport?

No, Galway does not have an airport. The closest one is Shannon Airport which is about 65 km away.

You would have to depart from Dublin and do a domestic flight to Shannon if you want to fly to Galway.

👉 To book a cheap flight, check out Skyscanner

Should I drive to Galway?

Another option is to drive from Dublin to Galway, which takes about 2 hours.

However, if you want to drive in Ireland, remember that they drive on the left side of the road like in the UK.

The drive is through the countryside and it didn’t seem too difficult.

Therefore, if you are ok with driving on the left, renting a car in Galway, Ireland or Dublin is a great option as well.

👉 Rent a car in Galway, Ireland, or Dublin after exploring the world’s biggest car rental website: Rentalcars

Is there a bus that goes to Galway?

Also, you can go from Dublin to Galway, Ireland by bus using a company called GoBus.

They have a bus going from Dublin City Center to Galway as well as Dublin Airport to Galway.

Dublin City Center option is 13 euros one way or 23 euros for a round trip.

Dublin Airport to Galway is 18 euros one way or 28 euros for a round trip

There are a lot of buses doing both trips every day so you have plenty of options in regard to time.

Is there an organized tour that goes to Galway?

Yes, there are plenty of Galway, Ireland day tours that combine Galway with some of the main attractions in the area.

There are tours that start in Galway (if you are staying there) and ones that start in Dublin.

👉 Here is the exact your, that we did when we visited: Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin

Where to stay in Galway, Ireland?

Staying in a hotel in Galway will be a lot cheaper than staying in Dublin.

Moreover, it is a good base for exploring the entire area including the main attraction – the Cliffs of Moher (see below).

Here are a few of my suggestions for Galway, Ireland hotels.

The Victoria Hotel

• The Victoria Hotel is located in the city center, close to Eyre Square
• Also, close to the bus and train station
• Good breakfast available (included in some of the bookings)
• Options available for free cancellation and to pay at the property vs beforehand

👉 Here is a link to book your stay: The Victoria Hotel

Harbour Hotel

• The Harbour Hotel is located in the picturesque waterfront area
• 10 min walk to the city center
• Most bookings offer Free Cancelation
• Free WiFi is available in all areas

👉 Here is a link to book your stay: Harbour Hotel

2. Cliffs of Moher

If you are planning to go to Galway, you should consider stopping by the Cliffs of Moher.

The Cliffs of Moher are stunning and definitely one of the places you need to visit in Ireland.

Where are the Cliffs of Moher located?

The Cliffs of Moher are located about 75 km southwest of Galway, which is about 2 hours ride.

From Dublin, they are approximately 260 km westward which is about a 3-hour drive.

How were the Cliffs of Moher formed?

The Cliffs of Moher were formed more than 320 million years ago during the Carboniferous Period.

Over this long period, a river dumped sand, clay, and silt into a marine basin.

All these deposits and sediments were collected around the entrance to that river delta.

Due to different geological activities, they compacted and lithified to become the rocks that now make the Cliffs of Moher.

If you want a more detailed explanation of how the Cliffs of Moher were formed, check out this article from the Geological Society.

Are the Cliffs of Moher, Ireland free?

Technically, the cliffs are free as they are part of the landscape of the area.

However, you will have to pay for the Visitor Experience which includes parking as there is nowhere else to park but the Visitors Center parking lot.

Also, part of the admission includes access to all areas, WiFi, an interactive Cliffs exhibition, two cafes, gift store.

Other amenities you will have access to are the toilets, a first aid center, information points, baggage storage, a free app & audio guide.

The ticket for an adult is 7 euros and includes everything above.

Keep in mind that the admission price contributes to the conservation of the Cliffs of Moher and the area.

What is so special about the Cliffs of Moher?

Well, for one thing, the Cliffs of Moher are absolutely stunning and something that you won’t see elsewhere.

In addition, the cliffs are a home and a breeding site for a lot of rare and endangered birds including Atlantic Puffins.

Many movies, TV shows, and music videos have been filmed at the Cliffs of Moher such as Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince, Snow White & the Huntsman, The Princess Bride, The Leap Year, etc.

What should I wear to see the Cliffs of Moher?

Make sure you bring warm clothes, as the weather can be windy and cold even in the summer.

There is some mild climbing and stairs involved, so wear comfortable shoes.

Also, bring a raincoat (the wind might break your umbrella) and rainproofed shoes as it is likely that it will rain.

Height phobia alert: you might have difficulty looking down as the cliffs are tall.

How long do you need to see the Cliffs of Moher?

You will need a few hours to explore the cliffs, as you will need to walk left and then right from the Visitor Centre location.

Remember that the cliffs total about 14 km, so you can spend a whole day here.

Are the Cliffs of Moher worth visiting?

The Cliffs of Moher are unquestionably worth a visit, celebrated for their awe-inspiring beauty and dramatic coastal scenery.

Beyond their natural allure, the cliffs hold geological significance with distinct rock formations and layers, providing both a visually stunning and educational experience.

Renowned in Irish folklore and literature, the site’s cultural importance adds an extra layer of charm.

Cliffs of Moher offer a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a glimpse of Ireland’s coastal grandeur.

Don’t forget to check out O’Brien’s Tower! For a small fee, you can climb to the top and see the cliffs from higher ground.

There is also an option to do a boat tour and see the landscape from the water.

However, if it is your first time I would suggest doing the regular experience where you are on top of the cliffs.

We did the Cliffs of Moher tour from Dublin I mentioned above.

However, if you decide to do the cruise, keep in mind that they all start in Galway and you will also see the Aran Islands as well.

👉 Here is an option for a Cliffs of Moher boat tour: Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise

3. The Burren and Wild Atlantic Way

If you have time, check out an area called the Burren (in Irish it means “great rock”) which is a region covered in karst rocks.

The limestone landscape has been sculpted by water over a long period of time.

The rugged beauty of this area reminds me of the surface of the Moon. 

Where is the Burren located?

The Burren is a large area in the west of Ireland – North of County Clare and East of County Galway.

This region encompasses approximately 360 square km and provides a unique landscape that you would not see anywhere else.

The never-ending karst landscape is littered with cliffs, caves, and all sorts of rock formations.

👉 Here is the exact your, that we did when we visited: Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin

What is the Burren famous for?

The Burren is known for being the home to a wildly diverse ecosystem that is unique to this area.

Also, over 70% of Ireland’s species of flowers can be found in the Burren.

Another interesting fact about the region is that here you will find arctic-alpine plants as well as ones that live around the Mediterranean.

In other words, both types live here side by side because of the unusual environment and climate.

Travel Addicted Unicorn Tip: Make sure to wear comfortable footwear as this terrain can be tricky to walk on.

Also, don’t forget to drive through the winding Wild Atlantic Way, which is a scenic road on the west coast of Ireland.

From it, you can take awesome pics of the gorgeous coastline.

How long is the Wild Atlantic Way?

The entire length of the road is 2,600 km. but of course, you can do parts of it.

It is one of the longest-defined coastal routes in the world.

Therefore, it will take you anywhere between 1-3 weeks to drive from one end to the other, depending on how many stops you make.

Where does the Wild Atlantic Way start?

The Wild Atlantic Way starts in County Donegal and ends in County Cork.

It pretty much encompasses the entire west coast of Ireland from the most northern point to the most southern.

The Wild Atlantic Way is an epic journey filled with majestic cliffs, sleepy little towns, and stunning landscapes. 

That whole area of Ireland is magical and different from the famous green fields of the interior.

It’s definitely worth the visit!

Travel Addicted Unicorn Tip: If you book the tour that we did, you can see all three attractions mentioned so far.

👉 Here is the exact your, that we did when we visited: Cliffs of Moher Tour Including Wild Atlantic Way and Galway City from Dublin

4. Belfast City/Titanic Museum

Let’s move on to a different part of the island – the northern part.

The reason why I am including the next two places here is that 90% of people would visit them when they’re going to the Republic of Ireland.

The reason is that Northern Ireland (UK) and the Republic of Ireland (two different countries) are on the same island.

Therefore, it’s easier to visit both on the same trip.

Where is Belfast, UK?

Belfast is located about 2 hours north of Dublin and is the capital of Northern Ireland (part of the UK).

It is a modern and busy city, despite a violent history.

👉 This is the exact tour that we did: Dublin: Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast Titanic entrance fee

What is Belfast famous for?

Belfast is famous for being the place where the Titanic was built.

Some of the attractions to visit are the city center, Belfast City Hall, the famous political murals, and of course the Titanic Museum.

The Titanic Museum is located beside the area where the Titanic was built – the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard.

The museum is not conveniently located, so you will need some sort of transport to get to it. It is located in the Titanic Quarter, not downtown.

The building itself is designed to look like an iceberg and is unlike anything I have ever seen.

The museum focuses on the story of how the Titanic was built, who was on it, and who survived the sad fate of the ship.

How long does it take to see the Titanic Museum in Belfast?

I would say about 2 hours will be enough to see the Titanic Experience.

However, it is a self-guided tour which means you can spend as long as you wish.

For us, it took a while to see everything as the museum is huge and has a lot of information, so you will definitely need a few hours to explore properly.

Also, you will have the opportunity to see the SS Nomadic ship (below) which used to be the tender to the Titanic.

A tender is a smaller ship that runs back and forth to a bigger ship (it tends to the needs of the larger boat).

We chose to pre-book a tour that drove us to the museum.

👉 This is the exact tour that we did: Dublin: Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast Titanic entrance fee

👉 This is a tour, equivalent to ours if you are already in Belfast: From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway with Titanic Museum Admission

Most of the tours that are starting in Belfast do not include the Titanic Museum and focus on other attractions.

Belfast Black Taxi Tour

A famous activity that is popular in Belfast is doing a Black Taxi Tour around Falls and Shankill Road which is filled with murals.

In addition, the tour includes a professional guide that will tell you the history of the Troubles in Belfast.

On your Black Taxi Tour, you will see the city’s most iconic murals which depict important events and figures in Belfast’s political history.

👉 If you love history and political events, check out this tour: Belfast: Murals Taxi Tour

How to get to Belfast, UK?

Belfast is about 2 hours drive from Dublin.

There is a direct train from Dublin Connolly to Belfast with Irish Rail.

Four ticket options are available – Low, Semi-Flex, Flexible, and First Class.

The price of the ticket depends on the option you choose but range from 13.99 – 31.99 euros.

Also, there are a bunch of departures available every day so it is pretty easy to take the train.

In addition, Belfast has an international airport as well called, you guessed it, Belfast International Airport.

👉 To book the cheapest flight to Belfast, check out Skyscanner

Where to stay in Belfast?

Staying in Belfast is a great idea if you want to explore the attractions in the area.

Most of the hotels are located in the downtown section of Belfast.

Below you will find two suggestions, a splurge, and a budget option.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast (Splurge Option)

• The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast is a boutique hotel located close to City Hall, Victoria Square Shopping Centre, and St. George’s Market
• Titanic Belfast is about 3 km away; Belfast International Airport is 20 km away
• Superb breakfast; Free WiFi is available
• Also, it is dog-friendly

👉   Here is a link to book your stay: The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

Holiday Inn Belfast (Budget Option)

• The Holiday Inn Belfast is centrally located, close to public transportation
• Titanic Belfast is about 2.4 km away; Belfast International Airport is 20 km away
• Good breakfast available; Free Wifi in all areas
• Options available for free cancellation and to pay at the property vs beforehand

👉   Here is a link to book your stay: Holiday Inn Belfast

5. Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is located in Northern Ireland and it is its only UNESCO Heritage Site.

It is located in County Antrim on the north coast of Northern Ireland.

Is Giant’s Causeway free?

Technically, it is free to walk to the Giant’s Causeway.

However, if you want to use any of the facilities at the site you need to buy tickets for the Visitor Experience (similar to the Cliffs of Moher).

That includes parking, a guided tour, use of the audio guides, and access to the shop, cafe, & exhibition.

There is a bit of walking involved, from the Visitor Centre to the actual rocks.

However, there is a small shuttle bus that runs between the two and it costs 1 pound one way or 2 pounds for a round trip.

👉 This is the exact tour that we did: Dublin: Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast Titanic entrance fee

How much time do you need at Giant’s Causeway?

It depends on what you want to do and how much time you have available.

You can definitely spend two to three hours hopping up and down the rock formations.

We had a lot of time on our tour, and we spent all of it exploring and taking pictures around the causeway.

If you are short on time, you would need a minimum of 1 hour to see it fast pace.

However, if you want to do the walking/hiking trails (there are 4 of them) you can spend your whole day at the Giant’s Causeway.

We did the Giant’s Causeway from Dublin tour below:

👉 This is the exact tour that we did: Dublin: Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast Titanic entrance fee

What should I wear when visiting the Giant’s Causeway?

The Giant’s Causeway is close to the ocean and the Arctic, so it can be pretty cold.

Therefore, dress for windy and cold weather (even in the summer).

Packing a raincoat and water-resistant boots is highly recommended.

Unfortunately, if you bring an umbrella, it might break because of the wind.

In addition, comfortable shoes are a must but you don’t need hiking boots or gear.

How far is the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast?

It is approximately an hour north of Belfast (about 100 km) or 2 hours away, driving north of Dublin (170 km).

How to get to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast?

In order to get from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway you will need to do a combination of train and bus which takes a lot longer and is more complicated.

Therefore, my recommendation is to rent a car or do an organized tour (a bunch of them are listed above).

If you choose to drive, remember that they drive on the left side of the road.

Most of the drive will be in the countryside so it will not be difficult.

Therefore, if you are ok with driving on the left, renting a car is a great option.

👉 Rent a car in Belfast or Dublin after exploring the world’s biggest car rental website: Rentalcars

How was the Giant’s Causeway formed?

The Giant’s Causeway is an area with about 40,000 basalt columns that were created by volcanic activity.

It was formed about 50 million years ago when lava from volcanic activity oozed out of fissures in the earth.

Once the lava cooled off, it cracked into those almost perfect hexagonal-shaped pillars.

Essentially, the Giant’s Causeway is the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption

For more info on how the Giant’s Causeway was formed, check out this article from the Geological Society.

Why is it called the Giant’s Causeway?

According to the legend, an Irish giant named Finn MacCool built the causeway in order to meet and fight a Scottish giant called Benandonner (across the North Channel).

Is the Giant’s Causeway worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely! It is far and out of the way but it is so unique and the hexagonal pillars are so perfect, that it’s hard to believe it was not man-made.

The columns are huddled together along to shore leading up to the water creating this stunning sight that you will not see anywhere else.

🎥  Here are two videos from our day at Giant’s Causeway:
The Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland, UK
The Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland, UK Part 2

Another thing that we saw on our trip to Northern Ireland was the beautiful Dunluce Castle.

Unfortunately, only the ruins remain of this medieval castle, perched on the edge of a steep cliff.

It looks like it will collapse into the freezing water any minute!

Dunluce Castle is accessible only through a bridge connecting it to the mainland.

On the tour, we were able to see it only from a distance.

Also, we saw the Dark Hedges which are a country road with a line of beech trees with large branches.

The branches intertwine over the road, creating the illusion of a tunnel.

The Dark Hedges have been featured in many films and TV shows such as Transformers: The Last Knight, Game of Thrones (season 2 as the King’s Road), etc. 

Conclusion: 5 Places You Absolutely Need To Visit In Ireland

In conclusion, there are a lot of places to visit in Ireland, and this list is only scratching the surface.

The five places highlighted in this guide provide a glimpse into the country’s natural beauty and historical significance.

From the iconic Cliffs of Moher to the stunning Giant’s Causeway, each destination has its own unique charm.

They further contribute to Ireland’s appeal as a destination that combines natural wonders with historical landmarks.

Whether you’re interested in scenic landscapes or cultural experiences, these five places offer a well-rounded exploration of what Ireland has to offer.