Things to do in Ireland

Now that my time in Ireland is nearly through, let me give you some advice on what to see and do in this beautiful country!

I spent this semester studying at the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland. This city is the third largest in all of Ireland, but it does not always feel so. My university is located separately from downtown Limerick, so there are a lot of opportunities for travel and nature. One of my favorite things to do in Limerick is to walk along the stunning Shannon River that runs through the area. This is not strenuous, but provides some of the most gorgeous views, and you can even rent kayaks to float down the river.

A view along the Shannon River in Limerick.

Outside of exploring nature, Limerick has some solid Irish pubs that can give you an authentic experience, such as The Stables Club, The Hurlers, and The Red Hen. Some places, like The Locke Bar and Dolan’s Pub and Restaurant, even have live traditional Irish music every week, so make sure to check their schedules online before going. Downtown Limerick is also home to the Milk Market, which happens every Friday-Sunday, featuring various restaurants, food stands, local crafters, vintage stores, and more for you to peruse. Furthermore, King John’s Castle, the Hunt Museum, and more can give you the historical experience of Limerick.

An iconic must-see in Ireland is the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. One of the easiest and safest ways to see this sight is by paying for a bus tour, which often shows you other towns and views along the Wild Atlantic Way. These cliffs provide stunning views, and there are even walkways for you to explore along them. However, make sure to be aware of the weather and prepare for strong winds and rain. There is also a gift shop and a museum for you to check out and get shelter from the elements.

One of my favorite spots to visit in Ireland is the Aran Islands. There are three of them, but my favorite is Innisheer. I got there by a tour bus to Doolin, another cute town, to meet a ferry and cross the water to the island. This is a great place to go if you want a relaxing time to wander beaches, mazes of fields and stone walls, an ancient castle, a shipwreck, a lighthouse, and the few local shops and restaurants.

Some friends and me exploring Innisheer.

Another wonderful sightseeing view in Ireland is the Ring of Kerry. This ring is a 111-mile road that takes you through some of the most stunning sights in Ireland: Killarney National Park, Ladies View, Moll’s Gap, Sneem, Derrynane Beach, Waterville, Dingle Peninsula, and more, depending on your route and preferences. I explored this by tour bus as well since I do not have a car and preferred Irish locals to decide the best route. This trip has endless opportunities for tailoring to your desires.

Dublin is the largest city in Ireland and a must-visit on St. Patrick’s Day or around other holidays. In my opinion, the city is a little grey and dreary, but the architecture, culture, and vast opportunities can help make up for it. There are countless restaurants, the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol, and more for you to explore.

The Temple Bar in Dublin, an especially famous spot around St. Patrick's Day.

Galway is one of the most authentic Ireland experiences with its gorgeous beach views, top-notch fish and chip spots, and gorgeous historical sights. I recommend walking along Salthill Promenade, seeing the Riverside Walk houses, admiring the Galway Cathedral, shopping down Quay Street, strolling through the Latin Quarter, and just exploring the different parks.

Sun shining through the stained windows at the Galway Cathedral.

These are some of my favorite Irish spots, but keep in mind that there are many more! Before every trip I plan, I make sure to review posts on platforms like Reddit and Instagram to see what there is to do and learn some handy tips. Ireland is the perfect country for lovers of nature, hearty food, and live music.