Things To Do
--Dublin--
We find that it is often easiest (read: cheapest) to fly in and out of Dublin for our Ireland trips. We usually spend our first and last nights in the country here to acclimate to the time change and keep our travel days a couple of hours shorter. While in town, we love the local pub and restaurant scene: Brazen Head and Fish Shop are faves! But walking around without a real plan is great too!
Guinness Storehouse
If you spend more than a few hours in Dublin, we highly recommend booking a tour at the Guinness Storehouse.
--County Cork--
The hotel for our guests is in Bantry, which is a great jumping-off spot for exploring Southwest Cork. Below are some favorite spots in the region.
Blarney Castle & Gardens
Between Dublin and Cork is a gorgeous and famous stop: Blarney Castle. While we haven't kissed the stone, the walk around the grounds is stunning!
Gougane Barra
Gougane Barra is an easy 30-minute drive from Bantry and a great spot for scenic waterfalls and pretty hikes.
Mizen Head
A great day trip from Bantry is Mizen Head Peninsula. The Mizen Head Lighthouse is the most southwesterly point in Ireland and the closest spot to the US! In addition to the lighthouse, there is Barley Cove beach nearby, and the cute town of Crookhaven where we really like O'Sullivan's Bar.
Glengarriff
Our home in Ireland, the village of Glengarriff, is an absolute gem. Go for a walk to the blue pool, take a ferry to see the gardens at Garnish Island, wander through the Bamboo Forest, and wander through the forestry to check out Lady Bantry's Lookout. While you're in the village, grab a pint at our favorite pubs, Bernard's and the Blue Loo. Shop at Quills and grab a bite in the food truck plaza. Get the real charm of southwest Ireland here!
Ring of Beara
Another great day trip from Bantry is doing the Beara Peninsula loop. There are lots of great towns and pubs along the way: MacCarthy's Bar in Castletown-Bearhaven, Causkeys Bar in Eyeries, Helen's Bar in Kilmakilloge. Don't miss out on viewing the bog at Barley Lake, taking the cable car to Dursey Island, driving over the Healy Pass, and seeing the Hag of Beara. End your trip with some shopping in Kenmare before driving over the Caha pass to make your way back to Bantry.
--County Kerry--
If flying in or out of Shannon, you will go through County Kerry on your way. If you plan to extend your Ireland trip, there are tons to see and do.
Skellig Islands
One of the most spectacular places in all of Ireland, the Skellig Islands are worth planning a trip to. Skellig Michael is known for its well-preserved early Christian monastery and the filming location for a Star Wars scene. In May, as you climb the 618 stone steps to the monastery, you’ll pass rows of “puffin hotels,” where thousands of these bright-beaked birds make their homes along the cliffs. Be sure to book ahead and be prepared for a cold and sometimes journey out to the island. We used the link below to book, but any operator out of Portmagee is great.
Killarney National Park
Kilarney National Park has gorgeous waterfalls, scenic lakes, and wonderful hikes up Ireland's tallest peaks.
--County Clare--
If you're flying into Shannon, you'll be in County Clare. While we're partial to southwest Ireland, there are a few spots you can't miss if you spend an extra night before or after your flight.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
While it might come off as a bit cheesy, the banquet at Bunratty Castle is not to be missed! Book ahead and enjoy a night of drinking mead, eating a traditional medieval meal, and listening to traditional music. Just be careful not to get thrown in the dungeon! Before or after your meal at the restored castle, pop across the street to one of the best pubs in the country: Durty Nelly's.
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks, soaring up to 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. The views will not disappoint!
--Galway--
For folks looking for a little more hustle and bustle, Galway is a vibrant, bohemian city on Ireland’s west coast, known for its colorful streets, live music, and lively arts scene.