March 15, 2024

Ireland's rich blend of history, culture, and natural wonders awaits both returning visitors and first-timers

Celebrate the familiar and discover the new on a journey through each of Ireland's unique regions.

By Tourism Ireland

Joshua Hannah/Tourism Ireland

Eyeries in West Cork, Ireland.

Welcome to the island of Ireland, a place where every step unfolds layers of history, culture, and natural beauty. For the Irish diaspora and first-time visitors alike, embarking on a journey through the country promises countless experiences waiting to be discovered.

Across each of these distinct regions, you'll uncover the essence of Ireland in ways that will surprise even the most seasoned travelers.

Dublin

Dublin is a city that's as intimate as a village and as friendly as an Irish pub. Framed by mountains, centered on a river and edged by a beautiful bay, the city's streets and alleys are filled with vibrant art and historic buildings, hip cafés and traditional "old man" pubs, as Dubliners call them. Walk the streets and you'll feel the energy of over 1,000 years of history, as echoes of the Vikings mix with buzzing boutiques, cobbled streets reverberate with the sounds of buskers, and 18th century parks play host to festivals, film and food markets.

Brian Morrison/Tourism Ireland

Temple Bar, Dublin

Dublin is a resoundingly social place, packed with culture, creativity and craic (fun). You'll see it in the busy pubs, in the rolling nightlife scene, in the music and in the chat. But this ancient gem basks in natural beauty, too. Head out beyond the city, and the UNESCO Biosphere of Dublin Bay opens up with coastal walks, little villages, wide sea views and rugged mountain backdrops. Take to the Dublin mountains for a hike, go rock-climbing in Dalkey Quarry, walk the cliff path at Howth or join the Dublin hardcore who sea-swim whatever the weather. There's an adventure around every corner.

Ireland’s Ancient East

At first sight, Ireland's Ancient East is a tranquil and beautiful land of rolling green hills, charming towns and quiet waters, all framed by the River Shannon and the Irish Sea. But dig a little deeper and you'll discover a region that ripples with over 5,000 years of history. There are compelling characters and ancient mysteries, hidden stories and millennia-old myths.

Courtesy/Spike Island Management

Spike Island

There's nothing quite like the feeling you get as you step inside a 5,000-year-old monument. Or the jaw-dropping coastal view from the top of a 13th century lighthouse. But this is what Ireland's Ancient East is all about: experiencing history from the inside out. Ride the waves across to Spike Island in Cork, known as Ireland's Alcatraz, and once the largest prison in the world. Walk in the footsteps of the Vikings through the narrow streets and medieval treasures of Waterford. Or take a moment on top of the mystical Hill of Tara in Meath, dwelling place of the gods. A trip around Ireland's Ancient East brings history to life against a backdrop of unforgettable scenery.

Wild Atlantic Way

Enjoy a journey of a lifetime as you travel the 1,500-mile-long coastal road known as the Wild Atlantic Way. From the wind-whipped tip of Malin Head in County Donegal to the balmy beauty of Kinsale town in County Cork, the west of Ireland will wow you with its epic landscapes and charm you with its quiet moments. This is a place that has inspired dreamers and drifters, poets and painters, with a landscape laced with dry-stone walls, thatched cottages, brooding mountains and deserted beaches. Escape, explore and enjoy an off-the-beaten track adventure on the very edge of Europe.

Brian Morrison/Tourism Ireland

The Kerry Cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way .

It's easy to feel the wild that defines this coastline; it's everywhere, from sheer cliffs that plunge into crashing Atlantic waves to remote, weather-beaten islands. But the west of Ireland is about more than that, it's about moments of connection. It's the chat from locals, the warmth of a fire-lit pub, the tapping feet of a traditional music session. From the elemental weather to the oak-smoked salmon, the essence of the Wild Atlantic Way runs deep.

Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

Defined by its connection to both water and land and heralded for its pure beauty, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is a destination that basks in nature, with under-the-radar experiences that feel like you’re getting to the real heart of Ireland.

Kerry Kissane/All Around Ireland

Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Amidst a natural wonderland of rivers, canals and lakes, the world slows down. Calm your soul with a paddle along glass-blue rivers, lakes and canals; walk centuries-old canal paths once used for horses drawing barges; cozy up over candlelit dinners in waterside thatched pubs; and unearth thousands of years of history in heritage parks, historic abbeys and monasteries. In Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, it pays to take it slow.

Northern Ireland

When it comes to accolades, Northern Ireland has it covered. Come here and you can experience what's been called "one of the greatest drives on earth" (The Causeway Coastal Route), "the best place to spend Halloween" (Derry~Londonderry), and Golf Digest's number one golf course in the world (Royal County Down).

Chris Hill/Tourism Ireland

Royal County Down Golf Club in Northern Ireland

But there's more to Northern Ireland than epic sights and world-class experiences – there's a spirit. This is a land that resounds with myths from the Sperrin Mountains to the Giant's Causeway. It's a place of unbridled creativity, from the music scene in Belfast to literary greats both, past and present. And it's hub of great food, with cutting-edge restaurants and cosy old pubs.

In Northern Ireland, you're never far from a memory in the making. Walk the 16th century walls of Derry~Londonderry. Paddle through the inky waters of Lough Erne, studded with islands where Celts, Vikings and Christian monks have all left their mark. Or discover Westeros on a Game of Thrones® tour of iconic filming locations. But, remember, for every show-stopping sight, there's a quiet moment that will stay with you forever. If you're looking for somewhere to nourish your spirit, Northern Ireland is it.

Plan Your Ireland Adventure

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your homeland to spend time with family and friends, or you’re ready to discover the magic of Ireland for the first time, now is the perfect time to plan your vacation.

Here’s a roundup of great offers on everything from accommodation to activities, attractions and transportation to help you find the best value – and enjoy the best trip of your life!

Tourism Ireland