The 9 Best Experiences in Ireland Every Traveler Should Have

In honor of St Patrick’s Day who, by the way, wasn’t Irish, I want to give you a list of the best experiences in Ireland.

This list, otherwise known as “Lynne’s favorite Irish Experiences” is subjective — as all these lists tend to be.

And it’s going to be a 2 part post because as I started to list these experiences out, I realized that I have about 20!

Imagine that?!

By the way, St Patrick was born in Great Britain — England, Scotland or Wales.

No one knows for sure.

He was kidnapped by some Irish pirates.

Hehe! 🙃

After about 6 years, St Patrick escaped and left Ireland.

Or maybe he didn’t but just thought he did.

Again, it’s a mystery.

Regardless, St Patrick began spreading Christianity to the heathens — those would be those pesky Irish folks.

Anyway…

I digress.

Let’s get on with the list of must have experiences in Ireland.

Because I think this list kicks ass!

Ferry to Inis Mór and walk to Dún Aonghasa

One of my first adventures in Ireland was ferrying from just outside Galway City to Inis Mór or Inishmore, the largest of the 3 Aran Islands.

Inis Mór has a bit more in the way of amenities and can be a bit more touristed than Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) or Inis Oírr (Inisheer).

The main town of Kilronan is where the ferry docks.

But as you get away from Kilronan and explore the island, you’ll find it quiets down.

There are no cars so you either walk, bike or take a carriage ride, known as a pony trap.

The Aran Islands are a Gaeltacht region of Ireland meaning you’ll hear the locals speaking Irish first and you’ll see other Irish traditions.

While the walk to Dún Aonghasa (Dun Aengus) is not a short one at 7-8km (4.5-5mi), it’s incredibly picturesque — no matter which route you choose.

So what is Dún Aonghasa?

It’s actually a cliff top fort that dates back to about 1100BC.

And it’s very impressive.

I think this is one of the best experiences in Ireland because you get the time on the sea with the views back to the mainland, time in a Gaeltacht area as well as visiting an ancient, unique site.

Tip: Spend the night on Inis Mór and enjoy some pub time. Most folks do a day trip so evenings are wonderful for really getting a feel for the local culture!

Dún Aonghasa is a definitely one of the best experiences in Ireland. It’s quite unique!

Ponytrap driver driving his buggy on a deserted road, Inis Mór. I love the desolate feel of the Aran Islands.

Drive through Doo Lough Valley

I have written about this drive in County Mayo a few times because I love it so much!

I won’t go into great detail as you can read more about this hauntingly beautiful valley here.

What I will explain is why it makes my must visit in Ireland list.

To me, the tragedy that took place here, along with the natural, yet desolate beauty of the landscape speaks volumes of the history that is the Irish story.

Don’t miss the Doo Lough Valley.

It really is one of the best experiences in Ireland.

And it’s one of the most beautiful drives in Ireland.

Tip: The Doo Lough Valley is located just north of Killary Fjord. Take the R335 just past the village of Leenaun (Leenane). The valley is right after you pass through the settlement of Delphi.

The Doo Lough Valley is one of my favorite drives and one of my must have experiences in Ireland!

I think the Doo Lough Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.

Walk on Silver Strand, County Mayo

Surreal.

Gorgeous.

Breath taking.

The story of my first visit to this stunning beach in southern County Mayo is one of my favorite travel stories — and one that reminds me of my good friend, Aedín, an Irish woman I met back in 2005 in Spain.

And I think it will always be one of my best experiences in Ireland.

The drive to Silver Strand is a fun, roller coaster ride through the sheep farms of this region, the Atlantic Ocean shimmering off in the distance.

Simply take the road toward Killadoon after you’ve driven through the Doo Lough Valley.

You’ll see signs for Killadoon and for Trá, beach in Irish, near Cregganbaun.

Follow the road until it drops you right into the car park.

I can tell you that I was NOT prepared to see such a beautiful stretch of sand in Ireland.

Silver Strand was my first Irish beach.

And it wowed me.

I remember my friend and I each went our separate ways for a while as we walked this gorgeous stretch of sandiness.

It’s a wonderful spot to walk, meditate and take in the power and beauty of nature.

If weather permits, have a picnic.

Play in the dunes.

This is a place to slow down for a while and simply be.

Silver Strand awed me so much so that I vowed to return and stay nearby for a few nights.

In 2018 I did just this.

And I highly recommend staying in the area for a couple of nights to anyone who wants to relish in the peace and quiet of rural, coastal Ireland.

Plus you can visit the beach at various times of the day 😉

But even if you stop by and spend an hour or 2 frolicking in the sand dunes and walking on this beach, it will be an Irish experience you will never forget.

Tip: There are a few places to stay in the Killadoon area. I highly recommend a night or 2 if you relish peace and tranquility. There’s not much here!

I love this image of Aedín walking on Silver Strand. It’s such a special spot in Ireland.

On my second visit to Silver Strand, I ended up staying for a few nights to truly relish in the peace and tranquility of the landscape. It is heaven!

Climb Croagh Patrick followed by a good meal in Westport and finish off with a pint and a session

One of the top experiences in Ireland has to be climbing up Croagh Patrick.

Located in County Mayo near the lively town of Westport, this peak is 765m/2150ft.

It’s not a big ass mountain, but it’s special.

As you might guess it’s named after and dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint, good ol’ Patrick.

Croagh Patrick is considered to be a holy mountain and many folks do make the hike up its rocky trail as a pilgrimage.

It is thought, though, that “pilgrimages” date back to the time of the pagans, when people may have gathered here to celebrate the beginning of harvest season.

So this has been a special place for many, many years.

The trail is 7km/4.3mi one way and is steep and rocky.

It’s Ireland, so the weather is changeable.

And be ready for lots of wind because it’s the west coast of Ireland!

Be prepared for it all!

However, the views of Clew Bay and the surrounding countryside of County Mayo are stunning.

On the last Sunday of July, known as Reek Sunday, about 1 million pilgrims make the climb up this peak to the chapel there where mass is said and confessions are heard.

It can be a special time for those of faith.

For me, I was happy to climb this on a quiet, windy, chilly day that ended up seeing the clouds break.

After you descend, spend some time in Westport.

Have a good meal at Cronin’s Sheebeen by the water or Sage in the heart of town.

And finish off your day with pint or a wee dram and some traditional Irish music — known as a session — at Matt Malloy’s.

Perfect day in Mayo!

Tip: Beware of weekends as Westport is popular with hen and stag parties. I recommend going through the week … just in case!

Croagh Patrick is the peak under the cloud in the back. It’s a good climb!

The views of Clew Bay from the Croagh Patrick trail. Gorgeous!

Westport is a fun, vibrant town. Be sure to stop by after your hike up Croagh Patrick for a bite to eat and to enjoy a pint and some traditional Irish music. Do stay the night!

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Experience Winter Solstice sunrise at Newgrange

In 2009 I visited Newgrange for the first time.

I’m not sure where I first read about this, maybe in the Lonely Planet guide.

But I knew I needed to visit this ancient site.

Newgrange is located in County Meath about 55km/35mi from Dublin in the Boyne River Valley.

This is one of ancient Ireland’s most sacred areas as this is where the people of that time, Pre-Celtic times, lived.

Newgrange is a passage tomb.

And yes, it’s been reconstructed.

But, hey, this site was under mounds of earth for thousands of years.

I mean, it dates back to about 3200BC so it pre-dates the Pyramids in Egypt.

I know!

It’s old!!

So what’s so cool about this not to be missed site in Ireland?

Well, you enter into this passage way and into a small chamber under the earth.

This was probably a place where the ancients conducted certain rituals perhaps having to do with celebrating and burying their dead.

As you enter that doorway, notice a little window box above it.

Because it’s that window box that allows the winter solstice sunrise light into the chamber — completely lighting up the chamber.

They actually re-create this on the tour.

But you can put your name in for the lottery drawing as each year a couple dozen folks get to experience actual Winter Solstice sunrise at Newgrange.

This is truly one of my favorite experiences in Ireland.

In fact, it was a must when my parents traveled to Ireland with me in 2010.

Non-negotiable!

Tip: Make reservations online to ensure your date and time. This way you won’t be disappointed!

Newgrange is one of my favorite sites in Ireland!

Newgrange is one of the best experiences in Ireland. Don’t miss it!

Walk to and on Tramore Beach in Dunfanaghy and enjoy a session at Patsy Dans after

There are some amazing beaches in Ireland!

And spending time on one (or 2 or 3) of these beaches is one of the best experiences in Ireland.

Tramore is another breathtaking beach.

But it’s one you have to work for.

First of all, it’s way up in the northern part of County Donegal which is the far northwest part of Ireland — the piece that looks like it should be part of Northern Ireland, but is actually part of the Republic of Ireland.

Tramore is just on the outskirts of the village of Dunfanaghy, one of my favorite Irish towns.

I spent 2 weeks here and fell in love with it.

We’ll get to Dunfanaghy.

So this beach…

First of all you’ll either drive or walk from Dunfanaghy on the Horn Head road which you should see signs for at the Western edge of town.

Not far down this road, you’ll cross a lovely bridge.

As you cross over the bridge you’ll see a sign for a car park on the left.

If you’re driving, this is the place to park.

If you’re walking just walk in that direction.

You’ll see the gate and the trail that leads through a small wooded area.

After a short walk through the trees you’ll begin the roller coaster ride part of the walk — through the sand dunes.

I know!

How fun is this???!!!

You may even see some people sledding down the dunes!!

There are lots of different tracks, but all will get you to the beach — eventually.

There may be some that don’t quite get to the right spot but you’ll get there.

My advice is to stay a bit right but not too far right.

It’s about a 30 minute walk to get to the beach itself.

Before you actually get to Tramore, you’ll see it off in the distance.

Wow!

Once you are at Tramore, you’ll probably find that it’s not overly busy unless you are there in the height of summer (July and August).

The beach is 3km/2mi long.

And it’s simply gorgeous.

It’s a wide, crescent-shaped beach that you can’t believe is in Ireland.

Be sure to pack a picnic because there are no services here.

And because you can’t just drive to it and walk 500m, it has a more wild, remote and natural feel to it — much like County Donegal.

Walk the entire beach, exploring the rocks and sand.

Enjoy your picnic, taking in the views of the wild Atlantic Ocean.

Just be at one with nature and with Ireland.

Once you walk back to the parking area, drive or walk into Dunfanaghy.

I highly recommend staying in this town as it’s a great base for exploring this part of Ireland.

And after your day at Tramore stop by Patsy Dans for a pint or a wee dram.

There will be music every night, but Mondays and Fridays are when you’ll hear traditional Irish music.

If you’re a bit hungry the Rusty Oven Pizza is attached to Patsy Dans and a good spot for some pizza while you are having your adult beverage and listening to the music.

Yes, another perfect day in Ireland!

Tip: If you want a fun, vibrant holiday scene visit in summer. If you want it a bit quieter, try spring or September.

Tramore is stunning! I love it!!

Getting to Tramore is half the fun!

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Drive to and then stand on the most northerly point in Ireland

Malin Head.

This is the name of the most northerly point in Ireland.

And it is in the Republic of Ireland and not Northern Ireland.

Located in County Donegal and specifically on the Inishowen Peninsula, this is definitely one of the best experiences in Ireland.

You can drive out the Inishowen Peninsula off the N13.

There are a few different routes to take in the southern part of the peninsula as you make your way North.

You can stick more to the coast or drive through the interior.

Both are beautiful.

As you make your way just keep your eyes on the signs for Malin Head.

Do be prepared to park about anywhere as there aren’t a lot of spaces so you may have park along the road that leads up to the lookout tower and the trails around Malin Head.

Once at Malin Head take in the views.

Walk along the trails.

If the weather is good you can see far out to the North Atlantic Ocean.

You’ll spot islands just off the coast.

And you’ll see sheep dotting the green fields around you.

It’s a fabulous experience for sure.

Tip: Do stay on the Inishowen Peninsula at least one night of not more. My regret is I only stayed one night and only had time for Malin Head. There’s more here!

Looking out to the North Atlantic from Mailin Head. Lots of blue sea!

Views of Inishowen Peninsula and Atlantic Ocean from Malin Head. It’s a must for your Irish experience.

Climb Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park

Getting out in nature is one of the best ways to experience Ireland.

And I can’t think of a better experience than hiking up Diamond Hill.

Connemara National Park is in County Galway — specifically in the Connemara region of the county which is the western piece.

This national park is just near the town of Letterfrack right off the N59.

There are just a few trails in the park — the Lower Diamond Hill/Bog Road Trail, the Upper Diamond Hill Trail, the Sruffaunboy Trail and the short Ellis Wood Nature Trail.

Hiking up Diamond Hill will take you on parts of the first 3 trails.

The best way to tackle this hike is to begin on the Sruffaunboy/Lower Diamond Hill trail.

Continue onto Lower Diamond Hill trail then onto the Upper Diamond Hill trail, staying left at a split part way up this trail.

This will will lead you to the summit of Diamond Hill.

Now Diamond Hill is not a huge peak.

But it’s one of the things you must do while in Connemara.

The views along the trail are amazing over the Connemara landscape — the Twelve Bens (mountains) to the East, peaty bogland to the south and the sea and islands to the west.

Once at the summit take in all those views.

Have a snack.

Then continue across the top of the peak and down the back side.

You’ll be rewarded with fabulous views of some of the Twelve Bens.

As you get lower on the trail you’ll come to a fork in the trail.

If you take the right trail it will lead you down the way you came.

I highly recommend taking the left path onto the Bog Road Trail.

Once you come down to the valley where the peaty bogland is, you’ll have a nice easy walk back to the Visitor’s Center.

And if the heather is in bloom it will be gorgeous.

Even in early spring, you’ll be surrounded by lots of gorse in bloom with its vibrant yellow flowers.

Back that Visitor Centers, do treat yourself with a delicious treat from the Tea Room.

Sit outside if the weather allows.

And do either begin or end your visit with a look see in the Visitor Center.

This is a special landscape with its own unique ecology and it’s very important to the Irish.

So be sure to give yourself a wee bit of education.

Hiking Diamond Hill?

One of THE best experiences in Ireland.

Tip: Do watch the weather as the trail is very rocky. I don’t recommend this hike if it’s raining. Please do dress accordingly with proper footwear and clothing including a rain jacket. This is Ireland! I also recommend having water and a wee snack should you get a bit peckish on the trail.

https://www.connemaranationalpark.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/2017-ahrrga-dept-name-trail-map.pdf

Hiking up Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park is truly one of the best experiences in Ireland.

View from Diamond Hill trail. Even on an Irish day it’s pretty spectacular!

Walking back to the Visitors’ Center along the Bog Road trail is a great way to finish your walk.

Explore the Burren on foot followed by lunch at the Burren Perfumery

The Burren is one of the coolest places I’ve been.

Walking through the Burren is one the best experiences in Ireland especially for those who love the outdoors and who appreciate geology and botany.

So where is the Burren?

And what is the Burren?

The Burren is located in the Northern part of County Clare.

It’s an interesting landscape characterized by limestone.

And it’s one of Ireland’s 6 national parks.

I wrote this post that explains a bit more of what it is.

I think the best way to explore this intriguing landscape is by foot.

You can walk about anywhere but I love the the trails around Mullaghmore as this is such a unique peak.

You’ll find the trails for Mullaghmore near the town of Cloon.

Once you have finished your morning walk, stop by The Burren Perfumery for a late lunch or even a spot of tea and a treat.

This perfumery makes soaps, lotions, perfumes and teas from the plants and flowers that grow in the area.

So it’s all locally grown and made.

And these soaps and teas make great gifts!

Their cafe offers up fresh, locally produced food.

It’s a great reward after all the walking.

You can find The Burren Perfumery about 2.5km/1.5mi from the town of Carron.

Tip: If you go in May the flowers will be blooming in the Burren. It’s a wonderful time to visit, but can be a bit busy. But there are places to find solitude.

Mullaghmore is a wonderful area to walk in the Burren with some nice trails, good views and lots of flowers in spring!

Flowers in the Burren. I love how they grow in the most unexpected places!

The garden at the Burren Perfumery. Such a peaceful place!

Lunch at the Burren Perfumery is a fresh and delicious!

Well those are the first 9 best experiences in Ireland.

I have at least 9 more to share with you in another post that I’ll publish in a week or 2.

So stay tuned.

And during this crazy time, I do hope you keep dreaming of travel…

Because we’ll all be out there traveling again soon.

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