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Ireland Bucket List: 30 Unforgettable Experiences

Thirty Ireland bucket-list experiences – from the Cliffs of Moher and Skellig Michael to the Giant's Causeway, trad music in Doolin, Dublin and the Wild Atlantic Way.

By Best Travel Tale Editorial Team
Updated 20 October 2026 · 2 min read

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Collage: The Long Room, Trinity College Dublin, The Cliffs of Moher, Basalt columns at the Giant's Causeway
Photos: Pixabay contributors, credited in the guide below

Ireland is a small island with a huge number of experiences: sea cliffs and islands, castles and monastic ruins, lively pubs, wild mountains and some of Europe's friendliest people. This bucket list brings together 30 of the best, from famous sights to quieter gems, grouped by region. Use it with our Ireland road trip itinerary and Wild Atlantic Way guide.

Dublin and the east

1. Ten experiences in and around Dublin

The Long Room, Trinity College Dublin
Photo: ClickerHappy on Pixabay
  1. See the Book of Kells and the Long Room at Trinity College.
  2. Learn the dark history of Kilmainham Gaol.
  3. Enjoy a pint with a view at the Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar.
  4. Hear trad music in a Temple Bar or Stoneybatter pub.
  5. Take the DART to Howth for the cliff walk and fresh fish.
  6. Swim at the Forty Foot in Sandycove, year-round.
  7. Walk around Glendalough's monastic site and lakes.
  8. Explore the prehistoric passage tomb of Newgrange, older than the pyramids.
  9. Visit medieval Kilkenny and its castle.
  10. Stand on the Rock of Cashel.

The south

2. Six experiences in Cork and Kerry

A road through Killarney National Park
Photo: comuirgheasa on Pixabay
  1. Eat your way around Cork's English Market.
  2. Wander colourful Kinsale.
  3. Drive the Ring of Kerry.
  4. Explore Killarney National Park and the Gap of Dunloe.
  5. Take a boat to Skellig Michael (summer only, weather permitting).
  6. Drive the Slea Head loop on the Dingle Peninsula – see our Dingle guide.

The west

3. Eight experiences on the west coast

The Cliffs of Moher
Photo: Nia_53 on Pixabay
  1. Stand at the edge of the Cliffs of Moher.
  2. Walk the limestone Burren.
  3. Hear traditional music in Doolin.
  4. Cycle to Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór, Aran Islands.
  5. Soak up Galway's Latin Quarter.
  6. Drive through Connemara to Kylemore Abbey.
  7. Climb Croagh Patrick above Westport.
  8. Explore Achill Island's beaches and cliffs.

The north-west and Northern Ireland

4. Six experiences in the north

Basalt columns at the Giant's Causeway
Photo: holmespj on Pixabay
  1. Walk the sea cliffs of Sliabh Liag in Donegal.
  2. Stand on Malin Head, Ireland's northernmost point.
  3. Walk the basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway.
  4. Cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
  5. Visit Titanic Belfast.
  6. Walk the city walls of Derry/Londonderry.

Tips

  • Travel in May, June or September for long days and fewer crowds.
  • Rent a car for the west and north – but allow extra time on narrow roads.
  • Pack waterproofs whatever the season.
  • Start in Dublin: see our Dublin bucket list.

Frequently asked questions

What is the number one thing to do in Ireland?

For most visitors, it's driving part of the Wild Atlantic Way – especially the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula and Connemara – with an evening of traditional music in a village pub.

How long do you need to see Ireland?

Ten days to two weeks lets you combine Dublin, the west coast and Northern Ireland. With a week, focus on Dublin and one region of the west.

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