If however you choose to visit the bustling cities of Cork or Dublin, these exciting and dynamic destinations have so much to offer the seasoned traveller. The cuisine here is without doubt heartwarming and comforting. Whether you’re visiting Ireland on a holiday or short break, it is certainly a location with an array of pursuits to enjoy.
Ireland Tourist Board: The official website for the Irish Tourist Board – a useful resource for planning your trip to Ireland.
Know Before You Go: Travel advice from the FCO for Ireland.
Things to see and do
- Visit the Guinness Storehouse, part of the world renowned brewery and Dublin’s most visited attraction.
- Visit Kilmainham Gaol where most of the rebels against British rule were incarcerated.
- Explore the Neolithic burial sites of Brú na Bóinne, west of Drogheda in counties Louth and Meath, which predate the pyramids.
- Listen to some traditional music in one of the traditional music bars in County Clare.
- Enjoy some equestrian pursuits from racing to horse riding. Race courses are at Leopardstown, Fairyhouse, The Curragh, and Punchestown.
- Explore one of Ireland’s long-distance paths. The most famous is the Wicklow Way which runs from the Dublin suburbs to County Carlow.
- Drink a pint of Guinness. Dublin is the ideal place to do this with its fashionable pubs and good places to eat.
- Explore the Ring of Kerry, a stunning scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula.
Festivals and events
- Don’t miss the Irish leg of the World Rally Championship. (November)
- Cork Jazz Festival showcases the best Jazz artists from across Ireland. (October)
- See dance, theatre, new music, jazz, blues, world music, exhibitions, comedy, film and education at the Belfast Festival at Queen’s. (October)
- Visit the medieval city of Kilkenny, during one of the annual festivals which include the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival. (June)
- Kilkenny Arts Festival lasts for ten days and celebrates the best art, music and theatre. (August)
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