27 incredible ways to experience the authentic Ireland

From castle stays to modern dining: discover the authentic island of Ireland.

From nature experiences and castle stays to world-class museums, foraging for seaweed and so much more: there is so much to the island of Ireland than you could ever imagine. Get off the beaten track and discover the backbone of the island with this list of some of the best places to visit in Ireland.

Sleep in unique Ireland accommodation

From historic to cutting-edge modern, the island of Ireland has accommodations to not only suit every traveller, but are an experience in their own right.

1. Ballynahinch Castle

Looking for a piece of Irish history? Go back to 1500s with a stay in Ballynahinch Castle in County Galway. This castle hotel pays homage to its roots as a grand castle and defence structure built in 1546 for not just any old queen – but Ireland’s Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley.

Today, it’s luxury fit for royalty of any kind. Nestled away from any main roads and surrounded by natural forest and the babbling Salmon River (yes, fishing is on the menu of hotel activities, but it’s now catch and release to replenish the local salmon), it’s impossible not to feel at peace. Be sure to check out the kitchen garden, growing herbs and vegetables to be served up inside the hotel’s casual Fisherman’s Pub & Ranji Room or elevated Owenmore Restaurant. Inside, the rooms are large and elegant. Think neutral tones with pops of colour – from sage green skirting boards to vintage-look gold and burnt orange sofa chairs.

Live like royalty in the majestic Ballynahinch Castle.

2. Slieve Donard Hotel

In Northern Ireland, the legendary Slieve Donard Hotel connects the old with the new, honouring its original 125-year-old style with a modern flair. Many of the rich and famous throughout history have walked through these doors, including Charlie Chaplain, Tiger Woods and Bishop Desmond Tutu. While the rooms themselves are gorgeous, so too is the ocean and mountain view right outside their windows. If you’re lucky, you may even have a curious seagull visitor, eager to peek in.

Sleep in old-world style with a modern flair.

3. Drummond Tower

Travelling with a group? Book one of the most unique Airbnb listings of Drummond Tower in Ireland’s Ancient East. Built in the Victorian Period in 1858, it was originally a folly tower (aka, ornamental rather than practical) built in remembrance of the owner’s late mother. Now, its four floors have been fully restored with one bedroom and space for four to sleep. Wake up in a piece of history, overlooking the serene Irish countryside, then get out about in the surrounding gardens.

Enjoy a cup of tea on the rooftop.

4. Teapot Lane Resort

In Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, discover the adults-only Teapot Lane Resort. This is glamping at its most glamorous, offering accommodations in a range of eye-catching abodes. Stay in an eye-catching geometric dome, get romantic in a treehouse, stay cosy with a group in the cabin and plenty more. Share the woodland dining shelter, communal barbecue and shower area and be surrounded by the true locals of this two-hectare woodland area: wild deer, foxes and badgers.

Spot wild deer, foxes and badgers from your cosy lodgings.

Wander through Ireland’s nature

The island of Ireland’s nature has to be seen to be understood. Suddenly, the fairytales of your youth make complete sense. As do Irish folklore stories that tell of how certain formations came to be.

1. Cavan Burren Park

Head into Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands for some of the most incredible hikes on the island. Find 5000 years of history inside Cavan Burren Park in West Cavan. Besides the beauty of its forest and rolling green hills, this prehistoric park in the UNESCO-designated Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark is home to geological wonders, like the glacial erratics. These are huge sandstone boulders deposited on the limestone floor of the Cavan Burren about 13,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. Then, there are ancient archaeological features, like megalithic tombs. Five different walking trails make it easy to navigate.

Discover megalithic tombs at Cavan Burren Park.

2. Fowley Falls

For something completely different, take the easy three-kilometre trail to Fowley Falls in County Leitrim. Sit and watch as the Glenariff River makes its way over a series of drops down to Lough Melvin, forming a beautiful cascade.

Follow an easy walking trail to Fowley Falls.

3. Ballinastoe Woods

Ireland’s Ancient East is also a top spot for nature walks, like Ballinastoe Woods in County Wicklow, a favourite among locals. If ever there was a forest walk that inspired all the fairy tales of yore, this is it. Luckily, an easy wooden platform makes it easy not to stray from the path.

Walk into a fairy tale at Ballinastoe Woods.

4. The Saltee Islands

Bird watchers must get themselves to The Saltee Islands bird colony, five kilometres off the coast of Kilmore Quay. During spring and autumn, the likes of Puffins, Gannets, Gulls and Manx Shearwaters can be spotted as they head along their migratory route. The largest of these islands is also home to a population of great seals. Not to mention evidence of primitive stone-age people have been found on the islands.

See puffins on the Saltee Islands.

5. The Wexford Slobs

Back on the mainland, The Wexford Slobs are home to the Wexford Wildfowl Nature Reserve. Spot over 250 bird species among these golden sandy beaches, craggy coves and rugged crevasses.

Spot over 250 bird species. (Image: DanielJara)

6. Tyrella beach

Keep animal close encounters going with one of Northern Ireland’s favourite pastimes: horse riding. Join Seahorse Polo & Beach Rides for horse polo lessons or a ride along Tyrella Beach in Downpatrick. And that’s all while marvelling at the breathtaking view of the Mourne Mountains.

Ride a horse along Tyrella Beach.

7. Strandhill

Horseriding isn’t the only way the Irish take to their beaches though. It may come as a surprise, but the Wild Atlantic Way has some of the best surf beaches in the world (you’re just going to need a good wetsuit). Stop by the National Surf Centre in Strandhill to get the lay of the land, then wake up early with locals to refresh yourself with an ocean dip.

Learn to surf in Ireland. (Image: Rory O’Donnell)

Discover Ireland’s history and culture

The Island of Ireland has a great deal of history and culture that can seen through the places and people. It’s a truly fascinating place, with plenty of experiences to help you get to the bottom of its heritage.

1. Newgrange

Ireland’s Ancient East is filled with Viking history and local legends passed down for centuries. It has fascinating links to the past, and no place more so than Newgrange.

Catch the shuttle bus to Newgrange, an ancient tomb estimated to weigh 200,000 tonnes. (Image: Sonder Visuals)

The sheer size of this tomb is an awe-inspiring sight. About 80 metres in diameter, this cairn is estimated to weigh a massive 200,000 tonnes in total, with some of the larger stones decorated with European Neolithic art. A circle of standing stones surrounds the mound, believed to have been erected sometime after 2000BC.

Adding a bit of magic to the structure, a small opening was built so a beam of sunlight would shine directly down the entry passage into the tomb at dawn on the winter solstice every year – a day that was believed to signify nature’s rebirth and renewed life.

Visit on Winter Solstice to see the sun reach inside the ancient tomb. (Image: Brian Morrison)

2. Cobh

Cobh is not only the site of departure for the Titanic (and home to a very good Titanic Experience Cobh museum), but also the place where most Australia-bound convict ships sailed from. Today you’ll find small but incredibly well-put-together museums to discover the past and a modern-day filled with colourful buildings and seaside eats.

Discover dramatic colours and histories at Cobh.

3. Wicklow Goal

About a three-hour drive away you’ll find the historic Wicklow Gaol. Once a place of misery for many people whose crimes were as simple as being in poverty, it’s now a fascinating museum that informs part of Australia’s history.

Learn the harrowing history of historic Wicklow Goal. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

4. King John’s Castle

Kylemore Abbey is (rightfully) a popular historical attraction along the Wild Atlantic Way, but King John’s Castle in Limerick holds its own intriguing history. Here, siege after siege saw the castle change hands from England’s King John (yes, the one from Robin Hood) to the Irish locals and back again. See siege tunnels and torture devices and hear its numerous ghost stories.

Get a medieval point of view at King John’s Castle.

5. Aran Islands

A trip off the mainland to the Aran Islands is another must. This is a place where the Irish language, Celtic churches and prehistoric ruins are all preserved. You’d be hard-pressed to find anything else that gives you such a sense of what ancient times were like in the area, and the locals are excited to share their heritage and culture with visitors.

For more history, visit World Heritage-listed Dún Aonghasa, the largest prehistoric stone fort on the islands, or Dún Eochaill, a fort estimated to be from the Iron Age.

Marvel at World Heritage-listed Dún Aonghasa. (Image: Gareth McCormack)

6. Irish Workhouse Centre

Ireland’s famous Great Famine wreaked devastation across the land in the 1800s. Head to Portumna in the Hidden Heartlands to deepen your understanding of what it was like, starting with a visit to the Irish Workhouse Centre, housed in one of 163 workhouses operating in Ireland at the time. Take a tour to learn the living conditions, stories of those who needed it, and of those who ran it.

Deepen your understanding of the Great Famine.

Taste Ireland’s best food experience

The Irish food scene is about far more than its reputation of potatoes and Guinness (although both those things are popular and delicious). Treat your tastebuds to the changing food scene around the island of Ireland.

1. The Sea Gardener

No place is better to continue a seaweed foraging journey than The Sea Gardener in Ireland’s Ancient East. Seaweed foraging is an ancient tradition in Ireland, as synonymous with traditional dishes here as it is in Japan.

Learn all about it with Marie Power, an expert in seaweed cookery and foraging and wonder of The Sea Gardener. Take a walk, and learn tips on foraging, but be sure to book a beach picnic to taste seaweed for yourself.

Learn the art of foraging. (Image: Peter McCabe)

2. Cork City Fab Food Trails

Why try one restaurant when you can try a whole bunch? Join Cork City Fab Food tours to discover the hidden culinary gems on a three-hour walk of this vibrant and historic city. Tapas bars, traditional pubs and relaxed bistros are all on the menu. Start at the famous English Market, but then head outside the typical food route to get a real taste of authentic Cork.

Start at the famous English Market.

3. The Burren Smokehouse

Ireland meets Sweden at the highly acclaimed and award-winning The Burren Smokehouse. Here, sustainably sourced local salmon is dried out in their specially built and patented kiln using real fire and smoke. This traditional method of smoking was introduced by Swedish owner, Birgitta Curtin. Take a tour, enjoy a taste of their famous smoked salmon and stock up in the gift shop afterwards.

Take a masterclass in the smoking process.

4. The Roadside Tavern

Just down the road, find Birgitta’s husband and The Roadside Tavern owner, Peter. As authentically Irish as they come, you’re sure to be regaled with wild local stories by the man himself as you sit down to classic Irish pub fare. Be sure to try the brews crafted onsite. According to Peter, even Irish culinary students are sent here to try his black beer – there are none quite like it anywhere else in the world.

Be regaled with wild local stories by the man himself. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

5. Ballygally Castle experience

Heading North, experience a truly authentic whiskey-tasting experience at the iconic Giants Causeway. Enjoy a sip of Bushmills (the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world) 12-Year-Old Distillery Reserve whiskey on the Whiskey On The Rocks Tour. Start in the visitor centre and walk out over the unique basalt columns created about 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions.

Then, take a seat on these rocks as a Bushmills tour guide explains the history and methods that date back to 1608. Sip this famous drop as you listen, and even take a mini bottle home with you.

Sip whiskey overlooking the iconic Giants Causeway.

6. Graphite

The modern Graphite Restaurant in Newcastle is a hard one to miss. With delicate, interesting dishes, the menu is a hard one to pin down. You’ll find everything from Buttermilk fried chicken to Miso eggplant. No matter what you order, however, it will be delicious and unique, served with a friendly smile.

7. Kelly Oysters

Kelly Oysters have been a local favourite institution for the past 60 years. This family business grows oysters, mussels and shellfish in the beautiful waters of Galway Bay along the Wild Atlantic Way – and you can get up close and personal on a tour. See how these ocean delicacies are harvested, then taste them for yourself.

Follow the oyster process, from harvest to plate.(Image: Yukiko Kanada)

9. 54° 9° Restaurant

The setting of 54° 9° Restaurant had a unique start. It was once the icehouse that housed the ice that was used by one of Ireland’s most renowned salmon fisheries. Today, the rough white walls are lit with moody red and purple lights for a striking dining room. The menu created by Chef Anthony Holland honours this seafood tradition and his own childhood spent fishing and foraging to create a modern iteration of traditional Irish cuisine.

Eat in an old icehouse at 54° 9° Restaurant.

Find out more about Ireland and start planning your trip at Ireland.com.