11 Amazing Experiences in Ireland Every Traveler Must Have

Are you ready for some more amazing experiences in Ireland?

I wrote a post about 6 weeks ago called the The 9 Best Experiences in Ireland Every Traveler Should Have.

It was intended to be 1 post with about 10 adventures on it.

But, you know me and Ireland — I can go on and on and on …. and on!

Why not create 2 posts, I thought to myself.

So here is part 2 of some of my favorite things to do in Ireland.

Explore Killarney National Park by foot, drive over Molls Gap to lay your head in Kenmare

I love Killarney National Park.

And I love Kenmare.

So for me one of the most amazing experiences in Ireland is to put these 2 together.

Spend some time in Killarney National Park.

You can visit Muckross House, walk along one of the lakes, hike on one of the more adventurous trails or even take a ride in a carriage pulled by horses.

Get out and explore Ireland’s first national park on foot.

Really delve into this stunning landscape.

When you’re finished, make the drive over Molls Gap, taking in stunning views of the mountains.

It’s one of my favorite drives.

Just pack your patience as the road — the N71 — is a narrow 2 lane road.

Once over Molls Gap, the N71 will take you into the charming town of Kenmare.

Kenmare is one of my favorite Irish towns.

You’ve booked yourself into one of the lovely B&B’s here such as Rockcrest, Abbey Court, The Lodge or Sallyport.

Freshen up then head out for a good pub meal and some traditional Irish music.

I recommend PF McCarthys and the Coachmans.

The Coachmans has a wonderful menu — a notch above pub grub — and has an incredible array of whiskeys.

PF McCarthys has good pub food with some delicious fish and chips.

Typically PF McCarthys has traditional music early so no need to stay up late to catch a session.

A perfect day in County Kerry!

Drive through North Mayo

While many folks might know the piece of County Mayo where Westport is or have visited the famous Ashford Castle in the southern part of the county, don’t skip the northern part of Mayo.

Why?

Well North Mayo is stunning!

First of all there is Ireland’s newest national park, Ballycroy.

Ballycroy National Park is made up of Atlantic blanket bog and mountains — specifically the Nephin Beg mountain range.

The bog in the park — Owenduff bog — is one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Ireland and Western Europe.

So we’re talking about some special and very unique land.

Ballycroy also happens to be part of a dark skies destination that comprises some of the surrounding area in North Mayo.

Cool, right?!

Take one of the looped walks through the park.

Then make your way north to the North Mayo coast.

Wow!

The North Mayo coastline is stunning with cliffs and sea stacks.

A drive along the R314 is magnificent and is one of the best experiences in Ireland.

Along this road you’ll find the intriguing Irish heritage site, the Céide Fields.

What is this?

Well, the Céide Fields are the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world.

This impressive site consists of systems of fields, living areas and megalithic tombs.

The stone walled fields that cover thousands of acres are almost 6000 years old.

Yup.

These are the oldest known fields in the world.

And these fields are now covered by a natural blanket bog with its own unique vegetation and wildlife.

To top it all off, the Céide Fields sit on a cliff about 110m high and are right along the Atlantic Ocean.

So the views are gorgeous!

What an amazing experience in Ireland!

Explore Mizen Head and finish off with dinner in Schull

There are 5 peninsulas in southwestern Ireland.

The most southerly one is Mizen Head.

And it is one of the best destinations in Ireland.

Mizen Head is less visited than the Dingle Peninsula or the Ring of Kerry which are the 2 most northerly peninsulas and the 2 most popular ones — with the Ring of Kerry holding that number 1 spot.

However, I might argue that Mizen Head is the most beautiful.

You can begin the drive at Ballydehob as you make your way off the N71 onto the R592 toward the harbor village of Schull — which we’ll come back to.

After Schull the scenery wow factor really picks up.

Stop by the Altar Wedge Tomb to take in a piece of history as well as some fabulous views of the coastline.

It’s around here that you pick up the R591.

Don’t miss Barleycove Beach — one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches.

Be sure to get out and walk on this sandy stretch of gorgeousness.

You can take a side trip to Crookhaven or Browhead.

But you want to be sure you make your way all the way out to the end of Mizen Head to the Mizen Head Experience.

The trails are superb and the views are stunning.

It has an end of the world feeling.

I think this is one of the most amazing experiences in Ireland.

I was awed by it for sure.

After your day on the peninsula, make your back to Schull which is a great base for exploring this part of County Cork.

Have a lovely dinner at Newman’s West with a pre or post dinner drink at the adjoining pub, TJ Newmans.

And finish off your day with a pint or a wee dram at Hacketts Bar which is just across the street.

If you’re lucky, there will be some music at Hacketts.

Another perfect day in Ireland!

PS I recommend staying in this harbor village for a couple of nights.

Wander through Ards Forest Park and lay your head in Dunfanaghy

Ards Forest Park is one of those awesome places you find that is mostly visited by the locals.

Yup.

I love these places too.

This forest park is located just 8km from the charming village of Dunfanaghy, County Donegal.

The name “forest park” is a bit misleading as this park has both forest and coastline.

The Ards Friary is located here as well although this is more a retreat and conference center for groups.

But you can attend mass at the Oratory or have a bite to eat at the cafe.

However, you’re coming here for the nature.

There are all kinds of paths to wander along.

Trails that go through the trees.

Paths that skirt along the coast.

There are beaches to walk on or sit on with a picnic lunch.

You’ll find some sand dunes.

And there are some marshy areas for watching birds.

It’s a beautiful piece of nature in Northern County Donegal where you can spend a few hours.

I was definitely surprised at all the treasures this little park holds.

After you’re finished soaking up all that wonderful fresh Irish air, you can head back to Dunfanaghy.

Perhaps you’d like to have dinner at Arnold’s Hotel or a burger at the Arnold’s owned Arnou.

I highly recommend a visit to Patsy Dan’s or the Oyster Bar for a pint and some music.

And you can lay your head at The Whins B&B or Anseo B&B which are both just a wee bit outside of town, but within walking distance (under 1km).

Another amazing experience in Ireland.

Kayak Glengarriff Bay with the seals

I was not prepared for the beauty, the stories nor all the seals as I set off on a short kayak adventure on Glengarriff Bay with Outdoors Ireland.

Nathan, the owner, was my guide.

There were just a couple of us and the water was calm.

Nathan is young, from Kenmare, and has so much knowledge of the area — the flora and fauna and the legends and myths of the bay.

Oh, and all those splashes happening around you?

Those are “the boys” as Nathan calls them.

Seals of all sizes splashing about in the salty waters of Glengarriff Bay.

They would pop their heads way above the water to check you out.

So cute!

We beached at a little island where Nathan started a small fire to cook some oysters he had been collecting.

And we finished it off with tea and chocolate.

Then we paddled a bit more, heading back toward the harbor.

This is truly one of the most amazing experiences in Ireland I have ever had.

It is a unique way to see Ireland — from the water and slowly.

To see the wildlife.

To hear the stories.

*Sigh*

One of those memories that will forever live on in my mind and heart…

Visit Clonmacnoise and take in the River Shannon

Clonmacnoise is located in the center of the country in County Tipperary.

What is Clonmacnoise?

It’s St Ciaran’s monastic settlement — or, more precisely, what is left of this 6th century Christian site.

And it happens to sit along the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest and most important river.

Often the interior of Ireland gets overlooked because the coast of this country is so spectacular.

But there are some beautiful spots in the interior of Ireland AND some really cool sites such as Clonmacnoise.

The visitor center is a must as the short film gives insight into why St Ciaran chose this spot.

There are also some beautiful relics of the original settlement with some gorgeous high crosses.

So don’t miss spending some time in the visitor center before you go wander about outside.

My favorite part was wandering about the ruins and gravesites, gazing up at the round towers and taking in the views of the River Shannon.

This part of the river attracts a lot of birds so stop for a while and take it all in.

Definitely one of the most amazing experiences in Ireland.

Drive the Dingle Peninsula and finish off with dinner at Out of the Blue and a wee dram at Dick Macks in Dingle Town

The Dingle Peninsula is definitely not a destination that is off the tourist track.

But I think it’s absolutely gorgeous and Dingle Town is a fun place to be.

So for one of the most amazing experiences in Ireland, I have a put together the perfect day.

Drive from your hotel/B&B in Dingle Town out the Slea Head drive.

This is the Dingle Peninsula loop drive.

Take your time, stopping at the pull offs along the way.

Pay the few euro to wander around some of the stone beehive huts on the hillsides.

Stop to snap pics of the stunning coastline.

No need to rush as the drive isn’t that long at 47km.

Explore Coumeenoole beach near Dunmore Head.

Wander about the Dunquin Cemetery.

Walk on Clogher Strand.

Stop for a bite to eat, a spot of tea or a pint (for the non-drivers) at one of the small cafes or pubs along the road.

Make a quick side trip to Gallarus Castle or St Brendan’s Oratory.

And do stop at Dooneen Pier for fabulous views to the Three Sisters.

There are so many places to stop on this loop drive so do stop.

Take your time and really drink in all the awesome scenery of the Dingle Peninsula.

When you get back to Dingle Town have an outstanding fish/seafood meal at Out of the Blue (reservations highly recommended).

You’ll be treated to the freshest and most delicious fish or seafood.

Then it’s time for a wee dram at Dick Macks.

This pub has an incredible wall of whiskey.

Choose one and settle in with the locals.

And if you want to hear some traditional Irish music?

Then wander about town and go into any of the other pubs where the music strikes your fancy.

There are loads of pubs in this wee town and they all serve up outstanding music.

This is one of the most amazing experiences in Ireland.

Period.

Explore Loughcrew Cairns and take in the views of pastoral County Meath

County Meath is the home to so many of the important ancient sites of Ireland — Newgrange, Knowth and the Hill of Tara.

Loughcrew Cairns is another of these megalithic sites, specifically another megalithic tomb.

Loughcrew is spread over a couple of hills — East and West.

I visited Carnbane East, home of the impressive Cairn T and its satellites.

It’s a fun drive through the pastoral landscape of County Meath to Carnbane East.

You’ll see signs so it’s not too hard to find.

Just be sure NOT to go to Loughcrew Estate and Gardens as this is not where the cairns are.

However, if you want to get the key to enter Cairn T, then do stop at the Limetree Cafe at the Estate and Gardens first.

I was short on time, so I went straight to Carnbane East.

There’s a small parking area at the bottom of the hill.

From there it’s a lovely walk up the hill to Cairn T and some other tombs and stones.

Cairn T is impressive as hell.

But some of the other structures — stone circles, smaller tombs — are just as extraordinary.

And, if you have good weather, you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views of the bucolic Meath landscape.

My advice is to go early or late in the day to really enjoy the beautiful light and avoid any crowds.

It’s a wonderful spot to slow down, take in the ancient history of Ireland and relish in the pastoral landscape.

Sit quietly and listen to the bleating of the sheep and the cows mooing, maybe some bells clanging in the breeze.

This off the tourist track site is one of the most amazing experiences in Ireland — and one of the most peaceful.

Drive the Copper Coast and lay your head in the Nire River Valley

This is one of those amazing experiences in Ireland where you get to take in the beauty of both the coast and the inland hills and mountains.

First of all there is the gorgeous coastline of County Waterford.

Actually the Copper Coast is a designated geopark that extends 25km from Kilfarrasy in the East to Stradbally in the West.

It was the first geopark to be designated in Ireland and it comprises some really cool geological features.

I’d say you can stretch the drive from Tramore in the East to Dungarvan or even Ardmore in the West to take in the full coastline.

But the geopark is strictly between Kilfarrasy and Stradbally.

While the coastline here is not as dramatic as it is in the western part of Ireland, it is no less beautiful.

I refer to it as gentler and softer in most places although there are some impressive cliffs at Ballydwan Bay.

It’s really spectacular with some wonderful seaside villages, magnificent overlooks and fabulous beaches to stop at such as Kilmurrin and Bunmahon.

And as tempting as it is to stay along the coast, I suggest heading north from the coast inland to the Nire River valley.

Here you’ll find the Nire River and the Comeragh Mountains.

The landscape is gorgeous.

There is excellent fishing in the river and loads of rural roads to walk along and trails in the mountains.

My advice is to stay at either Hanora’s Cottage or Glasha Farmhouse — both are near the town of Ballymacarbry.

Both are gorgeous, out in the middle-of-nowhere, upscale B&B’s where you’ll also get your dinner.

It’s quiet and peaceful in this part of Ireland.

And much less touristed — although you will find the Irish know this area.

To me this is one of the most amazing experiences in Ireland that the typical traveler may not know about.

Visit Creevykeel Court Tomb then walk on Mullaghmore beach

County Sligo is one of the more under visited Irish counties.

However, it’s awesome.

There are parts of Sligo known as “Yeats Country” as the Irish poet, W.B. Yeats, spent time here and wrote about it.

My amazing experience in this part of Ireland included visiting an ancient site and spending time on an Irish beach.

First of all, I highly recommend staying just west of Drumcliff as there are lots of B&B’s scattered about in this area around Lissadell, Ballinfull and Cloghcor.

It’s a little peninsula that is really beautiful, quiet and a great place to stay to take in this piece of County Sligo.

I stayed at Ardtarmon House which I definitely recommend for those who love old houses.

Anyway, from the Drumcliff area drive north on the N15 to Creevykeel Court Tomb.

The sign back in 2017 was small and may still be.

In fact I drove by the parking area 3 times before I realized that nice parking area was indeed for this site.

Creevykeel is literally right off this main road.

There is the parking area, some trees and there it is.

This site dates to the Neolithic period, so somewhere between 4000 – 2500BC.

A court tomb has an oval or semicircular open space — a court — that precedes the actual burial chamber.

Creevykeel happens to be one of the best examples in Ireland — where you’ll find a good amount of court tombs.

I love this site as you can walk around it and in it.

And it doesn’t seem to be that busy.

After getting your history geek fix, make the short 5 minute drive to the seaside village of Mullaghmore with its beautiful beach.

Pack a picnic lunch and sit on the beach, taking in the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean — weather permitting of course.

Walk the beach which is about 3km long.

It’s beautiful!

So, there you go.

One of the most amazing experiences in Ireland.

And another off the tourist track one at that!

Drive the Renvyle Peninsula, walk on 3 beaches then eat, drink and sleep in Clifden

I’ve saved one of my absolute favorite experiences in Ireland for last.

The Renvyle Peninsula is not an obvious destination for most travelers coming to Ireland.

It’s part of County Galway and specifically in the Connemara part of Galway.

There aren’t a lot of sites on Renvyle.

But there is some incredible natural beauty — namely 3 beautiful beaches.

Coming from Clifden — which we’ll come back to — you can head toward Letterfrack on the N59 then look for signs for Creggans and Tully Cross on your left.

You’ll get on some R or L routes as you explore this peninsula.

But you really can’t get too lost as it’s not all that big.

To visit your first beach, head toward Tully Cross then keep left.

You’ll probably see some signs for Renvyle Beach or White Strand.

This stretch of sand is known as both.

And the Renvyle Beach Caravan and Camping Park is right behind the beach so keep your eyes open for these signs as well.

This is a lovely stretch of sand with lots of sea life on it — tide pools, seaweed, barnacles.

And the views across to Mweelrea are fab!

You can drive from White Strand out to the end of the peninsula where you’ll have more views, this time out to some of the small islands off the coast.

I drove around to the south side of the peninsula along Tully Mountain where I had stunning views of the mountains of Connemara.

Coming back to Tully Cross, I picked up the road heading toward Gowlaun then onto the next beach, Lettergesh.

Lettergesh has a big parking area and is a wide beach.

Go at low tide if possible.

There are more fantastic views.

So now that you’ve hit 2 fabulous beaches and done a wee bit of driving, we’ll come to the best of the 3 beaches.

Continue on that road known as the Connemara Loop just a little bit further.

You’ll cross over a river.

Just after that look for signs for beach, or trá in Irish, and look for the sign for Scuba Dive West.

This is a wee road — just a bit over one lane wide.

Follow the signs for beach that will take you right into the parking area.

You have arrived at Glassilaun Beach — the most stunning beach in Connemara.

If you have good weather, sit on the beach and have a picnic.

Walk the length of the strand.

Take in Mweelrea which is right there!

Oooo and ahhh at the color of the water.

I love this beach.

It’s stunning!

And now that you’ve been on 3 beaches, you can make your way back to the N59 and to the town of Clifden where you’re staying.

I highly recommend Hillside Lodge — about 1.5km out on Sky Road — or try Sea Mist House right in the heart of Clifden.

You’re probably hungry after all the fresh air, driving and walking on these beaches so head to Restaurant Darcy Twelve for a delicious dinner.

Be sure you’ve made a reservation!

Then walk just a few doors down to Lowrys for a pint or a wee dram and some awesome Irish music.

Whew!

This is one of the most amazing experiences in Ireland and a day you will not forget.

You’re welcome 😉

And be sure to check out A Slice Of Ireland: Guide To Clifden & Connmeara for more information on this amazing piece of Ireland!

So what do you think of all these amazing experiences in Ireland?

Between the 2 posts there are 20 ideas for your trip to Ireland.

And — while I know we can’t travel right now — we will travel again.

So save these ideas for those future travels.

As I write these and read them over, I want nothing more than to return to this country I love so much.

I want to have more amazing experiences in Ireland so I can share them with you.

And some of these, I’ll go have again — because these experiences are so fabulous once is not enough!

If you have some awesome Irish experiences, I’d love to hear about them.

Drop them in the comments below or send me an email.

Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many destinations and attractions found on this website will not be operating. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO. I do plan to continue to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about travel. This way when we can all travel again, you’ll be ready to go! For now, stay home and stay safe!

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