I created this ultimate Ireland bucket list because I am a little obsessed with the lush Emerald Isle.
I have been to Ireland three times and I have plans to go back in July and finish off my bucket list because I just can’t get enough.
I highly recommend Ireland if you are planning a trip to Europe – the culture, history and people make it an amazing place to visit.
Let us not forget the scenery either. Ireland is the greenest place I’ve ever seen but it doesn’t stop there. The architecture, churches and pubs that make Ireland well suited for any type of traveler.
This ultimate Ireland bucket list encompasses all this and gives you a taste of all that Ireland has to offer.
1. Kiss the Blarney Stone
This was a terrifying experience for me. You had to lie on your back and look down at a 60 foot drop – maybe it was less and I’m exaggerating but that’s what it felt like.
The guy that is holding me – that’s his job. He sits there all day while people lay backwards and kiss this stone. They also have a photographer on hand to capture the exact moment, but I just had my friends do it because it’s just as great.
Even if you are afraid of heights I highly recommend kissing the Blarney Stone while you are in Ireland! It’s a ritual that is well known throughout Ireland and the rest of the world.
The Blarney Stone is a little outside of Cork, so that can be your base location.
2. The Cliffs of Moher
I can’t emphasise enough how great the Cliffs of Moher are. Even though I went when it was kind of rainy and muddy, they were worth it. The cliffs span for miles and their beauty is completely overwhelming.
The entrance to the Cliffs is free, but consider visiting the lovely cafe built into the top of the cliffs which offers stunning views of the cliffs.
Alternatively I would recommend bringing food and just having a picnic at the top of cliffs if you get lucky with a pretty day. I would, however, not recommend this as a rainy day activity.
3. Temple Bar
The temple bar in Dublin is actually an area of Dublin. It’s in the center of the city and has many blocks encompassing it. The Temple Bar, confusingly enough, is one of the coolest pubs in this area and it has lots of character.
It’s a really lovely place to visit, have a pint of Guinness and listen to the live music that plays throughout the day and into the night. It’s free to get in but be warned that it gets super crowded after around 8pm, so I would suggest getting there early to secure a table.
4. Trinity College
Trinity College is located in Dublin and it’s Ireland’s oldest university. Come rain or shine I would recommend visiting this college and have a walk around.
It has several little courtyards that are picture perfect and a huge green park behind the Book of Kells that everyone will go lay out on or throw frisbees on a sunny day.
This college is also known for The Old Library. It is one of my favorite places I’ve ever been, no matter how many people were in there, because it’s absolutely gorgeous.
5. The Old Library
I highly recommend paying a visit to this place. It’s technically called the Old Library but you walk through the Book of Kells exhibition to get there, learning about the history of the manuscripts and what each of them means.
Entry costs €9 for students but I would pay it again and again. I had only seen this place on Pinterest before my visit, so to see it in real life was an absolute dream. Kind of nerdy, I know, but it’s totally worth it.
6. Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse genuinely surprised me. I am not a huge fan of beer but learning the history of how Guinness started and what makes the perfect pint was really intriguing.
As part of your ticket, you get a free pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar at the top. I couldn’t recommend this place enough to my friends and family.
It’s located in Dublin and is one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions but even so, it’s well worth a visit.
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Like you, I am still crossing places off my Ireland bucket list. And I’ve created a downloadable check list to help you do the same.
Hopefully this helps jump start your visit to Ireland and gives you some guidance on what to do while you’re there.
Have you ever been to Ireland? What is on your Ireland bucket list? Let us know what we’ve missed in the comments below!