Where to go in Ireland? Our tips for your trip

There is an old Irish phrase about travel, Bíonn siúlach scéalach. Roughly translated it means "Travelers have tales to tell." Inspired by that phrase, the My Irish Jeweler team have been chatting about our holidays in Ireland both past and planned.

Here is our collection of the team’s recommendations for the best spots in Ireland to get away, with something for everyone no matter their interest. But be warned it’s a bumper list - it may take more than one visit!

Those looking for ancient Ireland

No visit to Ireland would be complete without a visit to one of the many neolithic sites. Ireland’s ancient east in particular is dotted with sites, built in alignment with the rising or setting sun.

Brú na Bóinne

Although more closely associated with the winter solstice, people travel in their thousands year round to take in Brú na Bóinne (the palace of the Boyne) and the spectacular neolithic sites of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth. A UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason, even with hundreds of visitors each day, they have an otherworldly presence that seems to transport you back thousands of years.

Many visitors will only take in Newgrange, but Knowth is certainly worth a look. You will find the oldest known illustration of the moon in history and over 200 individual pieces of megalithic art.

Those that want to visit these two sites will need to book tickets online for the visitor center in advance to avoid disappointment. But if you forget, you needn’t miss out on the whole experience - you can drive up directly to Dowth and take a look outside without tickets.

Loughcrew

If you prefer to go a little off the beaten track, a visit to the spectacular ruins at Loughcrew will give you ancient Ireland without the crowds. A favorite camping spot for my own family, a visit to the site requires a short, steep but safe climb, even for children, up the spookily named Sliabh na Caillí, the Hill of the Crone. The view from the top alone is worth the hike - it's said that on a clear day you can see at least 18 counties! An added prize for climbers is a visit inside the chamber of Cairn T, intricately decorated with ancient art.

Caves of Keash

For those looking for truly ancient Ireland, bring your decent walking boots and an adventurous spirit and head west to the spectacular Caves of Keash in Co. Sligo. Also known as Kesh Caves or the Caves of Keshcorran​​, this is a favorite spot for our own Head Jeweler and customer service superstar, Gemma.

These caves have been used by a variety of creatures, including humans for thousands of years. The spectacular view alone is worth the sometimes slippery and steep climb. The caves also contain the bones of animals that were once native to Ireland like bears and wolves. Some of these remains date back to 10,000 BC.

Ireland for those looking for romance

We are firm believers that Ireland is the home of romance. So if you would prefer to swap ancient sites for love on your visit to Ireland, there are several spots that should get pride of place on your itinerary.

Lough Ouler

You will need to keep your walking boots handy for our first romantic spot. One of my own favorites, romantics will be rewarded for their 2 to 3 hr hike up Tonelagee Mountain with a view of stunning, heart shaped Lough Ouler in Co. Wicklow. This is a beautiful view that would soften the hardest heart. It is the perfect spot for couples who share a passion for the outdoors.

Howth Head

If you are a romantic of a more literary bent, you could take in the stunning and accessible cliff walk at Howth Head. The cliff walk is site of the famous and passionate soliloquy from Molly Bloom in James Joyce’s Ulysses. It is easy to see how a proposal on this stunning coastline could set the heart to pounding!

Whitefriar St. Church

Have you heard this before? A church may seem like an odd pick for a romantic spot but hear us out! This tucked away church off Dublin’s busy Aungier street is the home of a shrine to St. Valentine himself. Each February 14th, couples visit this church to receive a special “blessing of the rings." And romantics visit this spot year-round, to ask the patron saint of love to bless them with love, and protect and strengthen their bond.

Ireland for castle stormers

If you're looking for romance of a different sort, and have always fancied storming a castle, Ireland is said to have more than 30,000 to choose from. A mind boggling number for such a small place. It seems everywhere you go on the island, you are bound to find at least one castle. Here are some of our favorites:

Dublin Castles

Three castles have been the symbol of Dublin since 1230AD. The capital certainly boasts a wealth of spectacular examples including Dublin Castle itself or Malahide, Howth, Swords and Ardgillan in the north of the county.

Castles in Ireland

If you want to venture outside of the capital, you will encounter a number of fairytale castles around Ireland’s beautiful green countryside. Special mention must go to Slane Castle in Co. Meath, Donegal Castle in Co. Donegal, Ross Castle in Co. Kerry, Cahir Castle in Co. Tipperary, and Bunratty Castle in Co. Clare - where you can even take in a medieval banquet.

Ireland for star gazers

"How far away the stars seem..." wrote Irish poet W.B. Yeats. But given our location out on our own at the edge of Europe, in Ireland the stars can seem closer than usual. Ireland is rightly regarded as a top location for astronomers, star gazers, and night sky photographers.

Kerry Dark Sky Reserve

Co. Kerry has been designated a gold tier International Dark Sky reserve - one of only 3 places on the planet with this accreditation. All you need is a clear sky for this one - not always a given but spectacular when it happens.

Blackrock Castle Observatory, Co. Cork

Those visiting Kerry and the Dark Sky Reserve should also swing past Blackrock Castle Observatory. The oldest surviving structure still in use in the city of Cork, it is a 16th century fort that is now used as an observatory and science center - a popular spot for those that love the stars.

Birr Castle, Co. Offaly

Yet another castle that should be on the hit list for those interested in stargazing. Birr Castle in Co, Offaly has been synonymous with astronomy in Ireland for hundreds of years. With a solar trail that puts our place in space in perspective, this spot offers a fun day out with plenty to do, especially for families.

Ireland for island hoppers

We know - Ireland is an island! But while here, we highly recommend really getting away by taking in one or more of Ireland’s lovely offshore islands.

Aran Islands

Home of the iconic Irish sweater of the same name, an archipelago of three islands just off the coast of Galway has much more to offer than winter woolies. The Irish language is alive and well on the islands with traditional music and storytelling in the local pubs in the evenings. There are also beautiful forts, spectacular blowholes and sea cliffs and stunning landscapes. Accessible by ferry from Galway, these islands are well worth the trip.

Skellig Islands

An island chain of an entirely different sort is found off the coast of Kerry. Made famous by the Star Wars movie, ‘The Force Awakens’ Skellig Michael is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a truly wondrous otherworldly place. The island is home to a sixth century monastery built by Christian monks on a precipitous ledge 160m above the wild Atlantic.

This was an isolated religious refuge but it can now be visited each year only in summer by a few lucky visitors brave enough to take the crossing by boat. Once onshore, visitors climb the 618 stone steps to the monastery, many of which have become uneven with the passage of time. It is now the home of sea birds of all types including puffins. Every view is spectacular - bring your camera.

Gemma told us all about her out of season boat trip to take in the Skelligs and more of the treasures of "the Kingdom" in Co. Kerry last October.

Achill Island, Co. Mayo

This beautiful spot off the coast of Co. Mayo is a bit easier to reach - either by car or bike via the bridge at Achill sound. Home of the third highest sea cliffs in Europe and the highest in Ireland, the Croaghaun cliffs are a breathtaking 688 meters (2,257 ft).

For fans of The Banshees of Inisherin, much of the fictional island was shot on location in Achill - there is even a trail to follow. There are spectacular beaches, an eerie deserted village, surprising wildlife, and tasty cafes and restaurants to check out. Myself and my family spent a very happy week holidaying here last summer - we had a wonderful relaxing trip.

Ireland for cyclists

The winding roads of Ireland can be a little tricky to navigate in a rental car, and the idea of cycling them might be a bridge too far for many. But happily there are several greenway cycling routes in Ireland exclusively for touring Ireland on two wheels.

Great Western Greenway - Achill to Westport

You could start on the Great Western Greenway while visiting the island of Achill. With a 42km route along a disused railway, this is a relatively easy cycle with spectacular views of Clew bay and Croagh Patrick. Bike rentals are available at either end and with the lovely town of Westport as your destination, it is a rewarding and not too difficult cycle for all ages.

Waterford Greenway

In Ireland’s “sunny south” cyclists can tackle the slightly longer, 46 km Waterford greenway all in one go or in six stages to suit any level. The sun may not always shine, but a cycle along this beautiful route from the former viking stronghold of Waterford City to the beautiful fishing and foodie market town of Dungarvan is a slice of heaven in any weather.

Ireland for foodies

And speaking of food - Ireland is coming into its own in gastronomic circles with offerings from Michelin starred restaurants to delicious street food trucks in spectacular spots to suit all tastes and budgets.

Despite being best known as the home of an iconic Irish drink, Dublin is home to many delicious eats. Cork, Galway, and Waterford also vye for the title of foodie capital of Ireland.

Ireland for a literary feast

While in the capital, those looking for a feast of a different sort can get their fill at several literary spots in Dublin.

Book of Kells

A favorite for several of the My Irish Jeweler team, this ancient illuminated manuscript is a must-see for most visitors to Ireland whether avid readers or not. Bonus points for being housed in one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.

MoLI

After seeing Ireland’s most treasured book, a natural next stop is the Museum of Literature Ireland or MoLI for short. Housed in a beautiful building on Dublin’s iconic Stephens Green, with a hidden gem of a cafe in the garden to the rear, MoLI is worth a visit for the setting alone. But literature lovers will love the interactive displays introducing them to lesser known Irish writers as well as the big hitters like Yeats, Beckett, Wilde, and of course Joyce - complete with a Ulysses inspired treasure hunt.

Joyce’s Dublin

Fans of Joyce and his most famous work can do their own Ulysses treasure hunt around the city. Each June 16th, The city comes alive with characters straight out of Joyce’s imagination for Bloomsday.

Fans of the book can construct their own hunt for treasures like the tower in Sandycove, Davy Byrne’s or Sweny’s pharmacy.

Ireland for anyone

If you haven't already been inspired with wanderlust, the Wild Atlantic Way should do the trick. Almost anywhere along Ireland’s spectacular west coast is a safe bet for anyone visiting Ireland. From stunning Cork and Kerry in the south, to the epic surfing of Co. Clare, the vibrant city of Galway, the rugged lands of Connemara, or the spectacular and secluded beaches of Co. Donegal - the Wild Atlantic Way has it all.

You would be hard pressed to find a spot along Ireland’s wild west coast that is not worth a visit. Many in the My Irish Jeweler team have been holidaying along this coast for years but we are still finding new gems with each visit. Our only advice here is to go and explore.

Share your story

So those are our picks. What do you think? Did we miss anything? We love hearing stories of visits to Ireland from our friends around the globe. Stories like a romantic Ogham stone inspired engagement, a clifftop wedding in Clare, or tracing the footsteps of Irish ancestors around Ireland.

Care to share your story or your own travel tips for Ireland? Just comment below or send us an email. We would love to hear from you.