Ireland Travelers Recommend

With a heady mix of big-city attractions and small-town charm, Dublin is a place that delights. People come from all over to enjoy the Irish capital’s blend of friendly hospitality, traditional music, and of course, great beer and whiskey. From the Book of Kells to Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse, the city is packed with things to see and do. If you’ve got Irish heritage in your family history, a trip to the emigration museum, EPIC, is a must. And don’t forget, Dublin is also a coastal town and an excellent starting point for exploring more of Ireland—head to Dún Laoghaire or Blackrock for some bracing sea air, or farther afield to the Cliffs of Moher or the Giant’s Causeway. Here are our top picks of experiences you can’t miss.

The celebrated charms of Galway's Atlantic coastline—the wild landscapes, modern cities, and historic sites—are easily accessible from Dublin. Here are a few ways to journey from Dublin through the Emerald Isle's heartland to explore Galway Bay.

Galway Bay Day Trips

Head west from Dublin, and it's possible to visit some of Galway Bay's most iconic sites on a day trip. Explore cosmopolitan Galway City, take in the 700-foot (2130-meter) Cliffs of Moher, cruise around Kiary Harbour, walk the lunar landscape of Burren, or tour the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle. Day trips are available by car, coach, and train.

Multi-Day Tours

Travelers with more time can extend their stay on Ireland's Atlantic Coast with a multi-day tour from Dublin. Aside from Galway Bay, these longer, more leisurely experiences might also visit Cork, the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, or the Aran Islands. Opt to travel by rail through the scenic Irish countryside, or make your guided journey by coach.

Things to Know

• Galway lies 129 miles (208 km) west of Dublin. The drive takes about 2.5 hours.

• Expect day trips to last upwards of 12 hours.

• Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket, as rain is a constant in Ireland.

• Wear comfortable clothing and good walking shoes.

The Cliffs of Moher are among Ireland's most dramatic sights, towering over 700 feet (214 meters) high and stretching for 5 miles (8 km) along the coast. Galway is an obvious starting point for a visit—here are your options for trips to the cliffs.

Day Trips

Maximize your time with a guided day tour from Galway and explore other sights along the coast in addition to the UNESCO-listed cliffs. Walk along the coast, then admire the scenic landscapes of The Burren, visit the traditional Irish village of Doolin, or explore the medieval Dunguaire Castle. Alternatively, tour Ireland's renowned Wild Atlantic Way.

Aran Islands Cruises

See the magnificent Cliffs of Moher from all angles by combining a walk across them with a cruise to the Aran Islands. Tours depart from Galway, taking you to the cliffs and to Doolin, where ferries set sail. You'll glide right beneath the cliffs and experience traditional life on the island of Inisheer.

Things to Know

• The Cliffs of Moher are located about 47 miles (75 km) southwest of Galway, a two-hour ride by road.

• Day tours from Galway typically last between eight and 12 hours, so prepare for a long day.

• Be sure to bring your camera, wear comfortable walking shoes, and prepare for changeable weather—it can get chilly on the coastal cliffs.

• Most tours include entrance fees.

North of Dublin and over the border into Northern Ireland, the fast-paced, contemporary city of Belfast is definitely on the up and up, with a vibrant cultural and gastronomic scene. Here's how to visit the Northern Ireland capital from Dublin.

Belfast City Tours

A day trip to Belfast makes exploring the city, whether independently or with a guide, fun and hassle free. Learn about the complex political and cultural history of the capital while visiting some of its major attractions, including the Irish Republican History Museum, Belfast Cathedral, the Harland and Wolff dry docks (birthplace of the Titanic), and the peace walls that stand between the city's Catholic and Protestant communities.

Belfast and Northern Ireland Combo Tours

To experience Northern Ireland beyond its bustling capital, opt for a combo tour. Depending on your interests, you might drive through the glens of Antrim, snap a photo of Dunluce Castle (the House of Greyjoy in HBO's Game of Thrones ), visit UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway, or test your mettle on a walk across the teetering Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

Things to Know

• Belfast is 103 miles (166 km) northeast of Dublin.

• Day trips to Belfast and Northern Ireland from Dublin last upwards of 10 hours, so prepare for a long day.

• Rain is a constant on the Emerald Isle, so dress in layers and bring a rain jacket.

• Wear sturdy shoes with good tread for walking around and climbing on the sometimes slick stones.

A must-see on any European trip, Dublin has much to offer travelers, from atmospheric pubs and vibrant streets once trod by literary superstars to historic landmarks and grand Georgian buildings. If you have three days to get to know the Irish capital, here are a few ways to best spend your time.

Day 1: City Wanders

If you want to get familiar with Dublin’s city center fast, choose a guided city walking tour. With someone who knows the city intimately at the helm, you’re sure to see all the top sights and glean historical information. Alternatively, save your feet from fatigue and opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour with audio commentary instead. Either way, don’t miss Trinity College (your first stop should be the Old Library, which houses the centuries-old Book of Kells), Dublin Castle, the Great Irish Famine Memorial, Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship, and Croke Park, Ireland’s biggest stadium and the site of a museum dedicated to Gaelic games. After a day of sightseeing, unwind with a pub crawl around Temple Bar or a dinner show with live music, dancing, and traditional Irish fare.

Day 2: Coastal Escape

Leave Dublin behind for a day trip to one of Ireland’s most magnificent natural sites: the Cliffs of Moher. Travel by coach to the west coast, where you hike on coastal paths, explore Burren National Park, get a feel for rural life, and—if you’re lucky—hear some live traditional music in the village of Doolin. Another popular day trip destination is Northern Ireland. In just one day, you can explore Belfast and travel along the spectacular Antrim Coast, home to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and several Game of Thrones filming locations. Whichever trip choose, expect to be back in Dublin in time for a late dinner.

Day 3: Grazing, Guinness, and Ghosts

Spend day three getting to know Dublin’s gastronomic scene, which has grown in the past decade or so. During a guided food tour of the city, get the inside scoop from a local on the most beloved cafes, pubs, food shops, and markets. Save room for a pint of stout, which you can enjoy at the 7th-floor Gravity Bar after touring the Guinness Storehouse. As evening falls, opt for a ghost walking tour and put yourself in the hands of a tour guide who shows you the city’s spookiest spots, from Kilmainham Gaol, the former jailhouse where many Irish nationalists were held before their execution, to cemeteries where everyone from criminals to celebrities are buried.

With a busy schedule of open-air entertainment and a good chance of sunny skies, Dublin is at its best during the summer months. To make the most of your time in the city, see below for our top picks of what to see and do in the city this summer.

• Uncover the secrets of Ireland's iconic brew with a Connoisseur Experience at Dublin's Guinness Storehouse.

• Join the locals for a pub crawl and discover Dublin's electric nightlife, or dance to Irish music at a traditional Dublin house party.

• Maximize your time in the city and enjoy great savings with a Dublin Pass, including a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

• Sample Irish whiskey on a guided tour of the Jameson Distillery.

• Cross the border into Northern Ireland and visit sights such as Belfast and the UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway.

• Journey to Ireland's west coast and marvel at the UNESCO-listed Cliffs of Moher.

• Kiss the famous Blarney Stone on a day trip to Cork and Blarney Castle.

• Escape the city to explore the wild landscapes of Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains.

• Learn about Ireland's Celtic heritage with a visit to the Hill of Tara and Loughcrew Celtic Tombs.

Ireland’s second city, Cork is a cultural hub famous for its historic landmarks and Georgian architecture. Whether you’re checking off the sights on a day trip or stopping through on a tour of southern Ireland, here’s how to visit Cork from Dublin.

Cork and Blarney Castle Combo Tours

Most day tours to Cork from Dublin include a visit to the area’s star attraction, Blarney Castle, located just outside the city. In addition to touring the castle and getting the chance to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, you’ll have free time to explore Cork city and make stops at nearby attractions such as the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary.

Rail Tours

Rail tours offer the quickest way to get to Cork from Dublin—it’s only a 2.5-hour train journey between the two cities, and you can purchase drinks and meals onboard. Most tours are accompanied by a guide the whole way and include visits to various top attractions such as Blarney Castle and Cobh.

Multi-Day Tours

Cork is the gateway to south Ireland, and a multi-day tour means you can take in more of the region’s highlights. Opt for a 3-, 4- or 6-day tour by rail or coach from Dublin, and drive the famous Ring of Kerry, visit towns such as Limerick and Dingle, or head up the west coast to Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, or Connemara. Most multi-day tours include hotel accommodation, meals, and roundtrip transport.

Things to Know

• Cork is 156 miles (252 km) southwest of Dublin, or about a three-hour drive.

• Day tours from Dublin typically last about 12 hours given the travel times, so prepare for a long trip.

• Be sure to bring your camera, seasonal clothing, and water and snacks for the journey.

• Some tours provide hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance fees.

Nicknamed the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s gorgeous west coast plays host to medieval castles, traditional Gaelic-speaking villages, windswept beaches, and jagged sea cliffs. Here’s how to explore the coast on a day trip—or longer—from Dublin. 

Day Trips

Head due west on for a full-day tour to take in highlights such as the hulking Cliffs of Moher, the vibrant city of Galway, and the lush landscape of Connemara National Park. If you have a literary bent, follow in the footsteps of celebrated Irish poet William Butler Yeats during a visit to the county of Sligo, where Yeats spent much of his childhood. Take a Wild Atlantic Way day trip from Dublin on your own or via a guided tour, which includes both comfortable transportation and engaging commentary from an informative guide. Many tours combine guided sightseeing with free time to explore the picturesque sites on your own.

Multi-Day Trips

With more time on your hands, you can go farther from Dublin to visit top attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skellig Michael; the 15th-century Listowel Castle; and Slea Head, the westernmost point in Europe. Or travel up to County Donegal in the Northern Headlands to admire some of the highest sea cliffs on the continent, along with secluded beaches and Ireland’s northernmost point, Malin Head. Tack on extra days to cross the border for a visit to Northern Ireland as well. Guided tours take care of all planning and logistics so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

Things to Know

• The Wild Atlantic Way stretches for 1,555 miles (2,500 kilometers) from West Cork to Donegal, covering nine counties and three provinces along the way.

• More than 1,000 attractions along the route offer an endless variety of destinations, from spots for wildlife viewing and epic surfing to historic castles and medieval towns. 

• Temperatures can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. Be sure to bring warm, weatherproof layers in case the wind kicks up or the clouds roll in. 

• Exploring the cities, towns, and countryside on foot is one of the best ways to experience Ireland; wear sturdy shoes.

Whether you’re taking a coastal stroll or enjoying the views, the Cliffs of Moher are a star attraction of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. To make your trip as stress-free as possible, come prepared—here’s a list of a few things you should bring.

Comfortable shoes: Sturdy shoes with a good grip are recommended for the uneven and sometimes slippery cliffside trails.

**Sun protection:**Sunblock and a hat are essential if visiting in the summer months.

**Warm clothing and a raincoat:**Be sure to pack these items (not an umbrella—it’s too windy!) even on a warm day, as the weather can change rapidly thanks to the high Atlantic winds.

**Drinking water and snacks:**Day tours from Dublin can last between 10 and 15 hours, so pack enough water and snacks for the long journey.

**Lunch:**If you’re spending the day at the Cliffs of Moher, bring a picnic lunch—just remember to throw out your garbage. Meals are also available for purchase at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.

**Camera:**On a clear day, the views stretch as far as the Twelve Pins mountains in Connemara, the Dingle Peninsula, and the Blasket Islands in Kerry. You’ll want to capture the views.

Good news for time-tight travelers exploring the Irish capital: Dublin is relatively compact, meaning you can fit in a number of sights and experiences with a bit of strategic planning. If your time in Dublin is limited to just two days, here’s how to make the most of your time.

Day 1: City Strolling, Seaside Castles, and Pub Culture

**Morning:**Dublin is a city best explored on foot. To maximize your morning, join a walking tour and see the city’s essential sights, from Trinity College and Dublin Castle to Temple Bar. If you prefer not to explore on foot, choose a circuit on a hop-on hop-off bus tour instead. 

**Afternoon:**Take an afternoon half-day tour out to the seaside suburb of Malahide. Tour the medieval-era Malahide Castle, take a leisurely stroll around the manicured gardens, and stop in Howth village before returning to the city and readying yourself for a night on the town.

**Night:**In Ireland, the pub is a social institution. If your energy levels allow it, head out on a pub crawl tour around bustling Temple Bar. Alternatively, tuck into a traditional Irish dinner while watching a show that incorporates storytelling, dancing, traditional music, and other mainstays of Irish pub culture. 

Day 2: Wicklow, Whiskey, and Food

**Morning:**Neighboring County Wicklow gives travelers with limited time the opportunity to see the Irish countryside without spending hours on the road. A half-day excursion might have you trekking the rugged valley of Glendalough, known for its lakes, woodlands, blanket bogs, and peaks. 

**Afternoon:**Back in the city, visit the Irish Whiskey Museum to learn the history of Irish whiskey production before sniffing, swirling, and sipping your way through a guided tasting session. If you prefer beer, book tickets to the Guinness Storehouse instead.

**Night:**Having already embraced traditional Irish pub culture, now it’s time to experience a more modern, multicultural side of Dublin. A food tour takes you to spots you wouldn’t discover otherwise to taste plates from chefs championing Irish ingredients and international flavors. End your trip with views of the city on a nighttime bus tour.

There's a reason Ireland is so green and lush—rain is a constant. Luckily, there's no need to let the inevitable drizzle or downpour keep you from exploring the Emerald Isle's capital. Here are a few ideas to keep you busy when it's wet in Dublin.

• Learn about the history of Irish whiskey while sipping a sample at the Irish Whiskey Museum or the Old Jameson Distillery.

• See the famous Book of Kells —considered one of the most important objects in the world—on exhibit at the Trinity College Library.

• Grab a pint of Ireland's favorite dark brew on a tour of the seven-story Guinness Storehouse.

• Jump aboard a hop-on, hop-off bus to tour the city's top attractions from the comfort of a dry seat.

• Museum hop through town with the Dublin Pass, which includes entrance to the National Wax Museum, the Glasnevin Museum, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the Dublin Writers Museum.

While it’s fun to visit Dublin at any time of the year, the Fair City is never livelier than during the annual St. Patrick’s festival. On March 17, the whole city comes together to celebrate Ireland’s national holiday. Here’s how to experience St. Patrick’s Day like a Dubliner.

• Don something green and head to Dublin city center, where crowds gather to cheer on the floats, marching bands, and Irish dancing troupes in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.

• Take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse to learn how the famous stout is made before sinking a pint of the black stuff in the rooftop Gravity Bar.

• Experience the legendary craic during a bar crawl around historic pubs in Temple Bar and Dublin city center, many of which were frequented by revered Irish writers.

• Tour the Jameson, Teeling, or Pearse Lyons distillery, and taste-test various triple-distilled Irish whiskeys.

• Tap your toe to live music, watch Irish dancers perform, and listen to a seanchaí (storyteller) tell their tales during a traditional session in an Irish pub.

• Escape the city entirely for a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Blarney Castle in County Cork; or the Neolithic Newgrange monument, a UNESCO-designated, 5,200-year-old passage tomb in County Meath.

Measuring 700 feet (214 m) high along Ireland’s Atlantic Coast, the Cliffs of Moher are among the Emerald Isle’s most impressive natural wonders. To help you find the right tour for you, here are your options for visiting the cliffs from Dublin.

Day Trips

Maximize your time with a guided full-day tour from Dublin and visit several attractions in one day. Walk along the UNESCO-protected Cliffs of Moher, then admire the unique landscapes of the Burren or visit the traditional Irish village of Doolin, both nearby. Alternatively, couple your visit with a city tour of Galway or Limerick, or cruise out to the Aran Islands and admire the cliffs from the sea.

Multi-Day Tours

A multi-day tour means you can travel further afield and see more of Ireland's sights. Perhaps drive the Wild Atlantic Way, passing the Dingle Peninsula and Galway; head south to tour Blarney Castle, visit Cork, and explore the Ring of Kerry; or continue north along the remote Connemara coast. Multi-day tours typically include accommodation, transport by train or bus, some meals, and entrance fees.

Things to Know

• The Cliffs of Moher are located about 224 miles (36 km) west of Dublin, about 3.5 hours away by car or bus.

• Day tours from Dublin typically last between 10 and 15 hours, so prepare for a long trip.

• Be sure to bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, and prepare for changeable weather—it can get chilly on the coastal cliffs.

• Some tours provide hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance fees.

Three days in Galway allow you to explore the culture-filled city, as well as the wind-whipped surrounding countryside—home to some of Ireland’s most spectacular natural beauty spots, including the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara’s hills, bogs, and rocky peaks. Here’s how to squeeze the most out of 72 hours in Galway.

Day 1: Discover Galway City

Dedicate day one to Galway City, a hub for arts, culture, dining, and nightlife. Stroll along pedestrianized Shop Street, the main shopping thoroughfare and a popular performing ground for buskers; see the 17th-century Browne Doorway at Eyre Square; and browse the Galway-themed exhibits at the Galway City Museum. The city center is fairly compact and can be easily navigated on foot, but other areas, such as the seaside resort of Salthill and the former fishing village of Claddagh, are a little farther afield, and are best reached by bike or hop-on hop-off tour bus.

Sightseeing is hungry work, so follow up your morning’s exploration with an afternoon food tour, on which you taste typical dishes and local artisan produce, from Irish stew to cheese. Sightsee a wee bit more, then finish up your day with a cultural show featuring traditional Irish music, dance, and songs. 

Day 2: Visit the Cliffs of Moher

Just a 90-minute drive south of the city, in County Clare, are the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most well-known natural attractions. Take a day trip here and hike along clifftop paths, cruise along the wave-battered base of the cliffs, and browse the exhibitions at the visitor center, which covers the birdlife, plants, and geology of the region. 

Day trips departing from Galway City often split their time between the Cliffs of Moher and other area attractions, such as the Burren, a protected park known for its strange karst landscapes and unusual flora and fauna. Alternatively, choose a day tour that combines the Cliffs of Moher with the Aran Islands, a remote, wind-pummeled archipelago known for its scenic beauty and traditional rural culture. Back in the city, head to the Docks for a dinner of fresh seafood. 

Day 3: Explore Connemara

Extending west from Galway all the way to the Atlantic Coast, Connemara is known for its wild and rugged landscapes comprised of craggy shorelines, sandy beaches, vast bogs, sheep-peppered valleys, and the quartzite-clad peaks of the Twelve Bens mountain range. 

There are many ways to discover Connemara. Join a guided sightseeing tour around heritage sights such as Ross Errilly Friary and Kylemore Abbey; embark on a self-guided hike through Connemara National Park; cruise to Inishturk Island off the coast of Mayo; or go horseback riding or sea kayaking. Gaelic culture tours, which visit the Irish-speaking communities of Connemara, are another popular option. 

Upon return to the city, pull up a stool at a bar for some comforting pub grub—think hearty beef stew or battered Galway Bay cod. Stick around after dinner and you may catch a live trad music session. 

With over 1,000 pubs throughout the city, Dublin embraces its age-old drinking traditions. Pubs are a part of the Irish capital's greater cultural fiber, and you can experience it for yourself on a Dublin pub crawl. Here are some of our top picks.

For the Culture Lover

Whether it's stories of James Joyce sipping on Irish whiskey or booze-fueled traditional Irish musical performances, there’s a lot of culture to be found once you get to the bottom of a pint glass. Choose a bar crawl that allows you to soak it up—between stops at festive pubs, you may stroll the streets of Dublin’s downtown to admire the statues and architecture and hear stories of the greats who once frequented these haunts. Choose a literary pub crawl to learn about Dublin’s masters of prose, or spend an evening with dinner, drinks, and a live show.

For the Whiskey Drinker

There's an entire drinking subculture when it comes to sipping on Irish whiskey, and you could spend an entire vacation—or lifetime—furthering the depth of your knowledge. Start with a Dublin pub crawl that specifically focuses on whiskey, and you’ll travel between pubs to learn how the classic spirit is distilled, in addition to sipping on some premium labels. In the cozy confines of a dark pub, enjoy a guided whiskey tasting with seasoned Irish pros, or join in a whiskey and food tasting tour to nibble on chocolate and local cheese as you sip your drink.

For the Backpacker

If the focus of your crawl is less about culture and more simply about a good time, consider a backpacker pub crawl to jump right into the party. Enjoy a crazy evening in Dublin with travelers from around the globe as you move between pubs and finish up at a thumping club for a night you’ll never forget.

Small though it is, the Irish capital radiates an outsized charm and offers myriad attractions and cultural experiences. If your visit to Dublin is a quick one and you’ve got just one day to spare, here are the experiences you should include on your 24-hour itinerary.

Morning: Irish History and Sporting Culture

With such limited time, you’re not going to want to waste a minute figuring out where to go and how to get there. A guided tour of Dublin city center ensures a morning of efficient sightseeing, covering top historical attractions, such as Dublin Castle and prestigious Trinity College, home to the ninth-century illuminated Book of Kells manuscript. If you’d rather pick your own highlights, join a hop-on hop-off bus tour and choose where you want to disembark, be it St. Stephen’s Green, Christ Church Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, or Croke Park.

Afternoon: Taste Irish Tipples

Next, peer behind the scenes of Dublin’s drinks industry. The city is the proud producer of two of Ireland’s most famous alcoholic exports: Guinness and Jameson whiskey. At the Guinness Storehouse, browse interactive exhibits and sip a pint of the black stuff while taking in the views from the seventh-floor Gravity Bar. Superfans can upgrade to sample Guinness beers and variants as well as the classic stout. If whiskey is more to your taste, head to the old Jameson Distillery Bow St. instead. Depending on timing, you may be able to fit in visits to both—pre-purchase skip-the-line tickets to save time. 

Evening: Discover Dublin After Dark

Though not traditionally known for its cuisine, the capital has undergone a restaurant renaissance in recent years. Join a guided food tour and sample dishes at several different eateries around town, many of which are off the tourist radar. Once you’re suitably filled, delve into Dublin’s darker side with a late-night ghost tour that visits graveyards, crypts, and other haunted locales. If you’re too spooked to go straight to bed after that, squeeze in one last nightcap in a Dublin pub—you’ll find lots to choose from in lively Temple Bar.

Celebrate your favorite moments from the hit book and TV series Game of Thrones as you transport yourself to the mythical lands of the Seven Kingdoms on a Northern Ireland film site tour. Here are some of the top small-screen sites you can visit.

Castle Ward as Winterfell

Pretend you're part of House Stark for the day as you explore Castle Ward, an 18th-century mansion and historic farmyard. This picturesque estate has played the site for the Starks' Winterfell castle, the traditional center of power in Game of Thrones' Kingdom of the North. Most trips to Castle Ward depart as full-day excursions from Belfast.

Ballintoy Harbour as the Iron Islands

Join Theon Greyjoy and the Ironborn at Ballintoy Harbour, the traditional Game of Thrones filming location for the Iron Islands. The site's rocky coastline and picturesque harbor create the perfect scenery for the home of this fictional seafaring community. Most trips to Ballintoy depart on full-day excursions from Belfast, but a multi-day visit from Dublin is another option

Cushenden Caves as Melisandre's Birthing Cave

The picturesque caves just outside of Belfast served as the setting for the birth of priestess Melisandre's shadow baby in season two of the TV show. Visits to the site depart on full-day tours from Belfast, although multi-day trip options from Dublin are also available. Your tour may also take you to see Northern Ireland's Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridgeand UNESCO-listedGiant's Causeway, neither of which would look out of place in the fictional world of Westeros.

Dark Hedges as Arya Stark's Escape Route

The picturesque tunnel of trees known as the Dark Hedges has become one of the most photographed sites in Northern Ireland. Stunning in bright sunlight, moody fog, and icy snowstorms, this site was featured in the TV show's second season as an escape route for Arya Stark as she departed King's Landing. The Dark Hedges are visited on some multi-day trips from Dublin and full-day excursions from Belfast.

Want to explore all of the Thrones' seven kingdoms? Other spectacular filming locations can be found in Iceland, Croatia, Spain, and Malta.

The birthplace of Guinness brew and the best place in the world to celebrate St Patrick's Day, Dublin is the life and soul of Ireland. Ready to discover Irish drinking culture for yourself? Here are the best experiences for beer lovers in Dublin.

• Wander around the Temple Bar on a walking tour of Dublin's most atmospheric district that includes beer and whiskey tastings.

• Join like-minded revelers for a classic Irish pub crawl and visit several of the city’s most popular pubs.

• Enjoy skip-the-line entry to the Guinness Storehouse and tour the home of Ireland's national brew.

• Taste the many Guinness varieties with a connoisseur experience at the Guinness Storehouse.

• Cruise along the Grand Canal by barge and tuck into a delicious Irish meal as you float past the sights.

A mix of lively Irish dancing, street buskers, festivals, and beer-fueled pub singalongs, Dublin’s music scene is a not-to-be-missed experience for music lovers, who will find plenty of variety in the Irish capital. See below for our top picks.

• Discover Dublin’s legendary pubs and traditional music during a pub crawl through Temple Bar.

• Journey through Ireland’s rich musical history on a tour of the Irish Rock ’N’ Roll Museum.

• Feast your ears on local music and storytelling at a traditional Irish house party.

• Tuck into a multi-course dinner of Irish favorites while enjoying live dancing and folk tunes.

• Join like-minded party-goers for a Guinness-fueled backpacker pub crawl.

Dublin’s cultural legacy and irrepressible creative spirit ensures there is no shortage of museums, galleries, studios, public artworks, and street art. From libraries to art-focused museums to city streets, here are the best places in the Irish capital for art lovers to visit.

Trinity College Library

This library is home to one of the most precious pieces of art in Ireland: the Book of Kells. Created by monks in the ninth century, this illuminated medieval manuscript is kept behind glass in Trinity’s Old Library and is a popular attraction for visitors to Dublin. Book an early-access tour to allow you to view the book without the crowds.

National Gallery of Ireland

This gallery’s collection is dominated by Irish and European artists, from Jack B. Yeats (brother of poet W.B. Yeats) to Rembrandt. Among the National Gallery of Ireland’s most famous works is Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ, which was recovered from the house of a religious order after having been “lost” for years.

City Center Street Art

In recent years, Dublin’s city center has been brightened up by the addition of large-scale murals and street art pieces, which can be found at the likes of Love Lane in the Temple Bar neighborhood and along Drury Street. Most tours of the city will take you past some of the most eye-catching pieces.

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Housed inside the 17th-century Royal Hospital of Kilmainham, which was modeled on Paris’ Les Invalides, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) collection includes an impressive array of modern and contemporary art, with works from the likes of Marina Abramović and Dublin-born painter Louis Le Brocquy.

Hugh Lane Gallery

Though small in size, this compact gallery manages to pack in plenty of masterpieces, including works by French impressionists Monet, Renoir, and Degas. It’s also home to Francis Bacon’s studio, which was transported here piece by piece—clutter and all—from London.

Viator's team of travel insiders is obsessed with finding the best things to do everywhere we travel (and live). From traditional tours to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, we scour the options and find the coolest activities—which is fun for us, and helpful for you! See below for tips, insights, and hand-selected things to do from one of our travel experts.

**The Traveler:**Jenna Valdespino, Managing Editor, Attractions

Describe your time in Dublin.

I visited Dublin for about a week in 2015 with a good friend from college. Working at Viator gave me the travel bug, and this was actually my first trip out of the U.S.—so I definitely did my research.

What was your favorite attraction?

I'm a book nerd, so I loved the Long Room at the Trinity College library. The campus' buildings are so much more historic than anything I had seen at home in California, and the library is especially striking with thousands of old, beautifully bound books shelved to the ceiling.

What are three experiences a first-time visitor can't miss?

1.**Check out some traditional Irish pubs.**I found live music at almost every pub I went to, with some featuring true Irish tunes and other bands playing covers of American classics from the likes of Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond. With hundreds of bars in the city, taking a pub crawl tour helped remove the guesswork of finding the best places to go, especially beyond the main tourist hub of Temple Bar. 2.**Explore by foot.**I spent a lot of time walking around the city—the River Liffey splits the city into northern and southern sections, making it pretty easy to navigate. Whether you wander on your own or take a themed walking tour, you'll find a ton of sights on just about every block in the main downtown area. 3.**Take a day trip.**Dublin has a lot to offer, but Ireland's small size makes day trips easy. I didn't rent a car, so my friend and I took a tour to the Cliffs of Moher to sit and dangle our legs hundreds of feet over the ocean. We also spent time in Cork and visited Blarney Castle, about a three-hour drive outside the city.

What's the best Insider Tip you can offer future visitors to Dublin?

It's best to wear layers in all of Ireland, as the weather can be unpredictable. I expected nonstop rain during my spring visit but instead got warm sunshine at the Cliffs of Moher, chilly nights in Dublin, what felt like a wind tunnel in Northern Ireland, and only one short shower over the course of a week. You'll be glad you came prepared.

Two days in Killarney is enough time to explore both Killarney National Park, a 24,700-acre (10,000-hectare) expanse of lakes, woodlands, and mountains, and the Ring of Kerry, a scenic driving route around the Iveragh Peninsula. Take advantage of 48 hours in Killarney with the following itinerary. 

Day 1: Killarney National Park

**Morning:**Use a hop-on hop-off bus to reach the Lakes of Killarney—Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lake—which together cover about a quarter of Killarney National Park. Then embark on a sightseeing cruise, private boat tour, or kayaking excursion to Innisfallen Island, where the ruins of a 12th-century priory stand.

**Afternoon:**Head for the Gap of Dunloe, a remote and scenic mountain pass. Go as part of a tour that includes a boat transfer and jaunting car (pony and trap) ride, or prebook round-trip transport and walk the valley solo. Adventurous travelers can scale the crags here on a rock-climbing excursion.

**Night:**Back in Killarney town, it’s time to experience the local nightlife. Along High Street and College Street you’ll find a range of traditional Irish pubs, many of which have dining rooms serving comforting pub grub such as lamb stew, bacon and cabbage, and fish and chips. 

Day 2: The Ring of Kerry

**Morning:**Dedicate a full day to this scenic driving route, where every twist and turn of the winding road reveals a new and beautiful beach, mountain, lake, or rugged coastline view. Drive yourself or leave that to a professional with a guided sightseeing tour by coach or bike. 

**Afternoon:**By afternoon you should be about halfway around the loop route, somewhere near the fishing village of Portmagee. Have lunch here, then drive or take the ferry across to Valentia Island, where the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre documents the history of Skellig Michael, a remote island once inhabited by monks.

**Night:**Stick around for a seafood dinner in Cahersiveen, then head out to stargaze. Parts of the Iveragh Peninsula have been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve. While you can bring a telescope if you have one, it’s possible to see loads of twinkling stars with the naked eye. 

Killarney is the ideal base for exploring County Kerry, a rugged, rural, and beautiful corner of southwest Ireland. See below for a 3-day itinerary that incorporates visits to three of the county’s scenic highlights: the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, and the sprawling and lake-scattered Killarney National Park.

Day 1: Explore Killarney National Park

On your first day, turn your attention to Killarney National Park, a 24,700-acre (10,000-hectare) expanse encompassing island-dotted lakes, ancient forests, and historical heritage properties. Join a guided highlights tour of key sights such as Ladies’ View lookout, the 19th-century Muckross House mansion, and the 15th-century Ross Castle. For a little more flexibility, use a hop-on hop-off park bus service to plan your own sightseeing itinerary, incorporating shorter guided excursions, such as jaunting car (pony and trap) rides, walking tours, lake cruises, or guided paddles in Lough Leane. 

As the day draws to an end, return to town and head for High Street, where you’ll find a concentrated cluster of restaurants. Menus tend to make use of local produce, with Kerry lamb and beef, and Skellig Coast seafood, commonplace.

Day 2: Drive the Ring of Kerry

This 110-mile (178-kilometer) loop drive hugs the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula, west of Killarney. You could drive yourself around the winding, 2-lane circuit, but if you want to tear your eyes away from the road and give in to the attention-grabbing scenery out the window, opt for a guided coach tour instead. Bike tours are an option too.

Alternatively, choose a private tour that allows you to dictate where and when you want to stop, and how active or gentle your experience should be—think an adrenaline-charged coasteering adventure or a quiet stroll along a white-sand beach. Either way, don’t miss Derrynane Beach, Valentia Island, and the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Skellig Michael.

If possible, linger until late. Dine in Caherdaniel, Cahersiveen, or Portmagee as darkness falls, then turn your head up to the star-filled night sky. Much of the region is a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, and on a clear night the stargazing opportunities are unrivaled in Ireland.  

Day 3: Discover the Dingle Peninsula

Though smaller in size than the Iveragh Peninsula, the Dingle Peninsula is no less spectacular and warrants a full day’s exploration. Embark on a coach tour from Killarney and cruise along the craggy Atlantic coast, pausing at scenic locales such as the edge-of-the-world Slea Head promontory and the village of Dingle, a small yet cosmopolitan town packed with colorful storefronts and characterful pubs. Private guided tours of the peninsula offer customizable itineraries, meaning you call the shots. 

For a different perspective on County Kerry, take a food and drink–themed day tour from Killarney to Dingle, visiting artisan producers such as the Dingle Whiskey Distillery and the Killarney Brewing Company along the way. Back in Killarney, pull up a stool at one of the city’s many traditional pubs, where you can dine, drink, and—depending on the night—listen to live trad music being performed.

With its youthful population, a general love of chat, and a pub on almost every street corner, Dublin has a booming nightlife scene. From traditional musical performances to pub crawls, here are a few ways to make the most out of a night in the Irish capital.

Pub Crawls

‘Good puzzle would be to cross Dublin without passing a pub’ said Leopold Bloom in James Joyce’s Ulysses. And he had a good point. The streets of Dublin are replete with pubs, but deciding which one to visit can be a challenge. Join a pub crawl to visit several in one go and get the inside scoop on drinking culture; some crawls focus on specific areas, such as the pub-packed Temple Bar, while literary pub tours visit the haunts of Dublin’s best-known writers.

Irish Dance and Music Shows

Traditional Irish music and dance still thrive in Dublin. Performances often take place in pubs or hotels, and many include a traditional Irish dinner—think Dublin coddle (a stew-like dish of bacon, sausages, and potatoes), Guinness stew, and soda bread. While you’re free to sit and simply observe, there’s often the opportunity to get involved and learn a few steps yourself.

Tasting Tours

Thanks to the arrival of many new restaurants and distilleries in recent years, Dublin’s food scene has gone from strength-to-strength. If you’re a food-obsessed traveler with limited time to explore, a tasting tour allows you to sample a range of restaurants and food venues in one swoop. Likewise, a whiskey tasting tour ensures you get to the best-stocked bars to taste both classic and contemporary blends.