Ireland Travel Guide

Marrying history and hipness, lively Dublin has been named Europe’s friendliest city twice. Whether for a day, a weekend, or longer, this UNESCO City of Literature entertains art-and-culture seekers, pub aficionados, readers, film buffs, and foodies. More than 1,000 years of history emanate from the 18th-century parks, cobblestone alleys, and Georgian architecture. Nearby, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the UNESCO Biosphere of Dublin Bay on coastal walks that reveal rugged mountain views. 

As staggering for its sheer rock face as for the beautiful sea views from atop the striated stone, the Cliffs of Moher are geologically astounding and the source of many an Irish folktale. Along the Wild Atlantic Way near Dingle, the cliffs jut out like the prow of a ship and extend to counties Cork and Kerry. The Doolin Cliff Walk follows the full length of the hiking trail right to a characterful visitor center set neatly into the hillside. Watch for countless puffins, razorbills, peregrine falcons, and kittiwakes.

It’s easy to see why the dramatic Giant’s Causeway was rated a top world destination by Lonely Planet. According to legend, a Scottish giant began hurling abuse across the English Channel at the Irish warrior, Fionn Mac Cumhaill. So the two giants could have a fistfight, Fionn built a causeway all the way to Scotland. The steep cliffs and 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns have inspired artists and piqued the curiosity of scientists for centuries. 

The three isolated, rocky Aran Islands are the keepers of traditional Irish language, culture, and music. The largest island, Inis Mor, is home to one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe, Dun Aonghasa. This semi-circular stone fort sits atop a 328-foot drop to the churning sea below, offering mesmerizing views of Galway Bay, Connemara, and Black Head in the Burren.

Killarney National Park is home to several lakes, including the island-studded Lower Lake, on the banks of which are Muckross Abbey and Ross Castle, the Middle Lake, with the quaint Brickeen Bridge at the top of the peninsula, and Upper Lake, surrounded by lush forest of oak, holly, and mountain ash. One of the best walks in all of Ireland follows a stretch of the Iveragh Peninsula above the Lakes of Killarney, past Torc Waterfall and on to Torc Mountain.

Ireland’s legendary “Wild Atlantic Way” runs the length of the country, from the northernmost point at Inishowen Peninsula to Mizen Head in the south. On this epic Ireland hiking tour, traverse the most spectacular 70 miles of the 400-mile route. Walk along dramatic clifftops and white-sand beaches, taking in Ireland’s iconic sites, including the Giant’s Causeway, Donegal Town, the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, and the Lakes of Killarney. With warm Irish hospitality, resident guides and a pint waiting at the end of each day, you may never want to go home!

View Ireland North to South Hiking Tour

Located close to the town of Westport, the elegant Westport Plaza Hotel features spacious rooms, with a Jacuzzi bath and separate shower in the en suite bathroom. Savor sophisticated European food at the Merlot Restaurant, take a quick break at the Plaza Bar over cocktails, indulge in one of Spa Sula’s massages or facials, or unwind in its thermal suite.

Sitting in the heart of Galway City right next to Eyre Square, Park House Hotel is a stone’s throw away from many attractions. The guest rooms are quiet, clean, and comfortable and The Park House is one of Galway’s most popular restaurants, offering full Irish breakfasts and scrumptious dinners. An extremely hospitable staff makes guests feel right at home.

Situated on the beautiful Dingle Peninsula, surrounded by rolling hills and the calm harbor, Dingle Skellig Hotel has offered travelers comfort, warm hospitality, and great service since 1969. After a day on the trail, wind down with a drink at Blaskets Bar or the Cocktail Bar. The Coastguard Restaurant serves locally sourced seafood overlooking the bay and the mountains.

Opened in 1854, the Great Southern Killarney retains its elegant Victorian style and old-world charm. The luxurious rooms showcase a full spectrum of plush perks. Surrounded by delightful gardens, it serves locally sourced food at the Garden Room Restaurant, casual food and fine whiskies at The Punchbowl Bar, afternoon tea in the Grand Foyer, and drinks in the Killarney Wine Rooms.

This traditional manor house hotel offers airy, classic rooms featuring vintage-style furnishings and en suite bathrooms. Each comes with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Room service is offered.

Overlooking the River Foyle, this elegant hotel boasts bright, warmly decorated rooms that feature en suite bathrooms, TVs and free Wi-Fi, as well as tea and coffeemaking equipment. There’s an airy grill restaurant and a library bar, plus a guest lounge.

Located within the historic Cathedral Quarter of Derry City, the Bishop’s Gate Hotel was built over 100 years ago and has maintained its traditional Edwardian architecture style. Each guestroom has modern amenities, such as satellite TV, a coffee maker and Wi-Fi, and has elegant accents to keep with the hotel’s heritage. Sip on champagne at The Wig bar or tea in the Hervey Library to unwind at the end of the day.