Choose from 123 Fun Things to Do in Ireland
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 123 listings.
Kylemore Abbey and Gardens
Standing along the edge of Kylemore Lake, the neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey is every inch a storybook castle. Built in 1868, the abbey’s construction employed grateful locals still reeling from the Irish Potato Famine. Today, the resident Benedictine nuns welcome the public into parts of the abbey and the grounds.
The Basics
The crenelated grey-stone silhouette of Kylemore Abbey is a striking sight amid the rugged, scree-patched hills of the west of Ireland. While you can admire and photograph the abbey and its scenic surrounds from the parking lot, an admission fee is required to enter the grounds. Entrance tickets provide access to the restored ground floor rooms of the abbey, the neo-Gothic church, and the Victorian walled gardens and teahouse, as well as to complimentary history talks and guided garden tours in summer. The abbey is often included on Connemara and Wild Atlantic Way bus and rail day tours from Dublin and Galway city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most guided day tours do not include the price of admission to the grounds and gardens.
- Visitors without tickets can access the gift shop and café.
- The property is partially accessible to wheelchair users, though steps and steep gradients prevent access to some sections.
How to Get There
Kylemore Abbey is located along the N59 between Clifden and Westport. If you don’t have a car or aren’t comfortable driving along country roads, it’s easier to come by guided tour. A shuttle bus runs between the house and gardens.
When to Get There
Kylemore Abbey is open year-round; the garden teahouse is open from March through mid-November. Summer is a good time for lakeside picnics on the grounds, while the colder months showcase the barren beauty of the Connemara winter. June through September are peak visiting months. Arrive before 12pm or after 4pm to avoid crowds.
Romance and Tragedy at the Abbey
Part of the abbey’s greatest appeal is the romantic—and tragic—story behind its construction. No expense was spared by politician Mitchell Henry, who built the abbey for his wife, Margaret, after they had honeymooned in the area years before. Sadly for the Henrys, tragedy struck and in 1874, Margaret died after contracting “Nile fever” on a trip to Egypt. A heartbroken Mitchell had a mausoleum built here to house her remains as well as a beautiful neo-Gothic church dedicated to her memory.
Address: Ireland
From $ 29
Kilkenny
If you don’t believe in love at first sight then you’ve never been to Kilkenny. As the smallest city in all of Ireland (there are 25,000 residents), Kilkenny swaps the traffic and crime for cobblestones and medieval charm. It’s a place most visitors instantly love the moment they drive into town. Impeccably clean and impossibly friendly, it’s a city that’s famous for its historical sites by day and dining and pub life by night. Most visits begin at the Kilkenny Castle—a towering, stone, Norman edifice that’s been standing for 800 years. Wander the alleyways past colorful storefronts selling fine, locally made crafts, or have a drink in a traditional pub where locals have drank for centuries. Take a long, romantic stroll along the banks of the River Nore, or tour the impressive Black Abbey—a Dominican Abbey by the original city walls that dates to 1255. Finish the day at one of Kilkenny’s award winning contemporary restaurants, and submit to being completely enamored with this jovial inland city.
Practical Info
By car, Kilkenny is located 90 minutes from Dublin, two hours from Cork, and an hour from the nearest airport in Waterford. By train, Kilkenny is 90 minutes from Dublin, and since it’s a popular weekend getaway for locals, visiting during the middle of the week will ensure there are fewer crowds.
Address: Kilkenny, Ireland
From $ 16
Little Museum of Dublin
Set in a Georgian townhouse, the Little Museum of Dublin looks at 20th-century life in the Irish capital. Featuring an eclectic collection of items—many of which were donated by Dubliners themselves—the exhibits cover everything from the 1916 Easter Rising to JFK’s 1963 visit to Dublin to the meteoric rise of Dublin rock band U2.
The Basics
Admission to the museum is by guided tour, with tours starting on the hour, every hour. Guides lead visitors around three floors of exhibitions, explaining the significance of the artifact on show. Free entry to the museum is included with some Dublin sightseeing passes and as part of some hop-on hop-off city bus tours.
Other tours, including one focusing on the role of women in Dublin’s history and a walking tour of nearby St. Stephen’s Green, are also organized by the museum. Only museum members, who pay a yearly fee, can wander the museum independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Little Museum of Dublin is a must for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the city.
- A café is situated in the basement of the museum.
- The museum has cloakroom facilities where you can leave umbrellas, strollers, coats, and bags.
- The museum is not wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
The Little Museum of Dublin is situated on the north side of St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin city center, just a 2-minute stroll from the south end of Grafton Street. Both St. Stephen’s Green and Dawson Street Luas tram stops are less than five minutes away on foot.
When to Get There
The Little Museum of Dublin is busiest on weekends from June to August. Though the museum is popular, restrictions on tour numbers combat crowding. If you plan on visiting in summer, book ahead to ensure you get a spot.
Highlights of the Little Museum
The Little Museum of Dublin recounts key chapters from the city’s 20th-century history. Among the standout exhibits is the personal collection of Alfie Byrne, the most popular Lord Mayor of Dublin. The U2: Made in Dublin exhibition chronicles the story of the band over four decades and includes everything from photographs and signed albums to rare recordings and a Trabant car, while the Editor’s Room exhibit focuses on the Irish Times, one of Ireland’s leading newspapers.
Address: 15 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
Lough Corrib
Covering 69 square miles, Lough Corrib is the biggest lake in Ireland and a famous fishing spot that’s well-known for its wild brown trout and salmon. Practically cutting off western Galway from the rest of the country, the lake has inspired artists and writers for centuries, and in 1867, Oscar Wilde’s father, the historian William Wilde, wrote a book about Lough Corrib.
Straddling counties Galway and Mayo, Lough Corrib is a Special Area of Conservation. Since surveys began in 2007, objects that have been discovered in its waters include dugout canoes from the Bronze and Iron Age, a 40th-foot longboat that’s 4,500 years old, and a 10th century ship that was found carrying 3 Viking battleaxes.
365 islands dot the lake, the most famous of which is Inchagoill Island. Known for its secluded beaches and woodland, from Inchagoill you can look out to the Connemara mountains and visit the island’s ancient remains, which include the ruins of a 5th century monastery.
Practical Info
Cruises of Lough Corrib can be taken from Cong, Ashford Castle, Galway City, and Oughterard. You’ll need to purchase a licence to fish for salmon, which populate the lake from June.
Address: Ireland
From $ 35
Loughcrew
In Ireland, passage tombs are mysterious relics left over from 5,000 years ago. In these large tombs from 3300 BC, human remains are often found buried beneath rock formations and cairns, and at this ancient Loughcrew burial site, the graves are over 1,000 years older than the famous Egyptian pyramids. Spread out over three large hills, Loughcrew is believed to be the largest collection of passage tombs in Ireland. While some of the cairns are closed to visitors, those that are open display curious rock drawings that have survived for thousands of years. During the spring and autumnal equinox, crowds brave the early morning cold and trek in the dark to “Cairn T,” where a narrow beam of light that appears at sunrise illuminates the Neolithic art. It’s an ancient place of mystery and wonder that researchers can’t quite explain, and one of the best archaeological sites found anywhere in Ireland.
Practical Info
Loughcrew is located in County Meath a little over an hour from Dublin. Two miles outside of Oldcastle, a narrow road leads to a parking lot that then leads to a grassy trail. A steep climb up the unpaved trail leads to up to the cairns, and there is no admission fee to visit the site. Opening hours in May-September are from 10am-6pm, and if the gate is locked when visiting in winter, it’s often possible to obtain a key in the adjacent Loughcrew Gardens.
Address: Meath, Ireland
Hours: May-September 10am-6pm. If the gate is locked when visiting in winter, it’s often possible to obtain a key in the adjacent Loughcrew Gardens.
From $ 17
Malahide Castle and Gardens
Malahide Castle is one of Ireland’s most easily accessible, important, and oldest castles. The crenelated site was in the hands of the Talbot family for almost 800 years before being sold to the state in 1975. Behind its sturdy stone exterior, the oldest parts of which date as far back as the 12th century, is an antique-rich interior, while the 260-acre (105-hectare) estate features walled gardens and glasshouses.
The Basics
Castle admission can be booked in advance. Once on site, visitors can explore the area with a tour guide or opt to independently tour the castle grounds and botanical gardens, where more than 5,000 species of plants grow. Malahide Castle can also be seen during guided full- or half-day tours of Dublin’s north coast. These typically include round-trip transport from Dublin city center and free time to explore Howth village, which overlooks Dublin Bay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Malahide Castle makes a great day-trip destination for history buffs and gardening enthusiasts.
- Malahide Castle tours last 45 minutes.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring rainproof gear so you can explore the grounds, no matter the weather.
- A visitor center, Avoca café, children’s playground, and shop are located on the estate.
- Special events, such as concerts, take place on occasion.
- The castle is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Malahide Castle is eight miles (13 kilometers) from Dublin city center. Car-free visitors can get there by organized tour, by Dublin Bus routes 32 or 42, or by taking the DART (Dublin’s electric rail system) to Malahide station, which is located in Malahide village. The station is less than a 5-minute drive (25-minute walk) from the castle entrance.
When to Get There
To explore the walled gardens and grounds, and perhaps even enjoy a picnic at the castle, the best time of the year to do so is in summer. This is when the weather is warmest, though be warned—rain is still a common occurrence even in summer. Avoid the biggest crowds by coming on a weekday, or if it’s a weekend, first thing after opening (9:30am).
The Ghosts of Malahide Castle
Malahide Castle is popular among ghost hunters and rumors fly concerning the castle’s spectral residents. It’s said that up to five separate ghosts haunt the estate, with Puck—a 16th-century jester—being the most famous of them all. His last reported appearance was way back in 1976.
Address: Malahide, County Dublin, Ireland
Hours: Daily 9:30am - 5:30pm
Admission: Adults: €12.50
From $ 29
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
Founded in 1877, Dublin’s Archaeology branch of the National Museum of Ireland houses a vast and varied collection of precious archaeological finds. See well-preserved Iron Age bog bodies, Celtic gold jewelry, and other ancient treasures such as the eighth-century Ardagh Chalice, which was used to dispense altar wine, and the intricately detailed Tara Brooch.
The Basics
A common stop on hop-on hop-off tour bus routes of Dublin, this museum is designed to be explored independently. Tours and talks are held here occasionally, with places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Two of the three other branches of the National Museum of Ireland are also located in Dublin: the Natural History Museum on Merrion Square is a 10-minute walk, while the Decorative Arts and History location at Collins Barracks is about a 15-minute drive.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Museum of Ireland is a must-visit for history and archaeology buffs, and anyone curious about Celtic art.
- All ground-floor galleries are accessible to wheelchair users, though the second floor is not.
- The museum houses a gift shop and a café serving locally sourced food.
How to Get There
The National Museum of Ireland is located on Kildare Street in Dublin. Take the Luas (tram) Green Line to St. Stephen’s Green and walk five minutes to the museum, or take the Red Line to Abbey Street and walk 10 minutes. Dublin Pearse railway station is just 10 minutes away on foot.
When to Get There
The National Museum is open year-round. It attracts most visitors during the peak summer tourist season, and is busiest on weekends. Come on a weekday morning to experience the exhibits without the crowds.
The Bog Bodies
Among the most attention-grabbing exhibits in the museum’s collection are the bog bodies. These well-preserved Iron Age human figures were pulled from peat in the Irish countryside. As well as the jarring visible details—you can still see fingernails and even hair—they are also fascinating because of their backstories: according to archaeologists and historians, it’s likely they were victims of torture and ritual sacrifice.
Address: Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
From $ 41
Kilmainham Gaol
Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol is a sobering reminder of Ireland’s fight for independence. Built in 1787, the damp cells of this former jailhouse held many prominent Irish nationalists before the gaol was closed down in 1924. Today, visitors can tour the eerie building and explore its storied past through a number of onsite exhibits.
The Basics
Once one of Europe’s largest jails, Kilmainham Gaol and its bleak, echoing interior transports visitors to a time of Irish political upheaval. Take a guided tour of the gaol to learn about the prison’s history, gain valuable insight into the experiences of prisoners who were once held here, and peruse onsite exhibits detailing Irish history and the country’s long fight for independence from Britain—including the 1916 Easter Rising revolt in which 14 political prisoners were executed at the gaol. With the prison’s tumultuous past, it’s no wonder Kilmainham Gaol has featured in numerous ghost stories over the years—hear tales of the gaol’s resident hauntings and visit other creepy sites on a Dublin ghost tour. Or, visit Kilmainham Gaol on a hop-on hop-off bus tour to also see other city highlights such as the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and the National Gallery.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to Kilmainham Gaol is by guided tour only; visitors should arrive 15 minutes before their tour is scheduled to start.
- A café is located on the first floor, near the museum entrance.
- The ground floor of Kilmainham Gaol is wheelchair accessible; tours for limited-mobility visitors must be arranged in advance.
How to Get There
Kilmainham Gaol is located on Inchicore Road, roughly 20 minutes by road from central Dublin. The site does not have a dedicated public parking lot, but parking is available at the nearby Irish Museum of Modern Art. The gaol is also accessible via Dublin’s public bus system and the Luas tram.
When to Get There
The museum is open year-round, except December 24–25. Summer is the busiest time to visit, when visitors may experience long wait times. To avoid waiting, pre-book your tickets and opt for an early morning or weekday visit. Winter visitors should dress warmly; Kilmainham Gaol is not heated and can be very cold.
Movies Shot at Kilmainham Gaol
Film buffs will recognize the exterior of Kilmainham Gaol from movies such as The Italian Job (1969), The Adventures of the Young Indiana Jones (2000), and The Babe (1992). The jail’s interior was featured in Michael Collins (1996), starring Liam Neeson, and In the Name of the Father (1993), starring Daniel Day-Lewis.
Address: Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Ireland
Admission: Adults: €8; Children: €4
From $ 23
Muckross Abbey
Founded in 1440 as a Franciscan Friary, Muckross Abbey has an exciting and violent history typical of Ireland. In 1589 the monks were expelled by Elizabeth I, and in 1653 Oliver Cromwell's troops burnt it down when he reclaimed Ireland for the English bringing to an end the Irish Confederate Wars. Despite this setback, the friars continued to live here until 1698 when the new Penal Laws against Roman Catholics introduced by the English occupiers forced most in exile in France or Spain. These days it is a ruin but one of the most complete examples of Irish medieval church building you'll see.
Today, the Abbey still has its bell tower and church, and massive gothic arcades and arches. Four of Ireland's leading poets of the period were buried there, three in the church, one in the nearby cemetery. In the centre of the inner court is an old Yew tree. This grew from a sapling taken from the abbey on Innisfallen Island and planted in the new abbey at Muckross. In turn, a slip from this tree was planted at the abbey in Killarney Town.
Within the Killarney National Park, the abbey is a five minute walk from the carpark of Muckross House. It is 3 miles (4.8km) from Killarney Town.
Address: Muckross Estate, Killarney, Ireland
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Number Twenty Nine
The Georgian Period was a regal time, when many of Dublin’s most well to do residents resided in lavish homes. One of those stunning historical abodes is Number Twenty Nine, a Georgian townhome from the late 18th century that’s now a public museum. Tour every corner of this extravagant home, from a basement that holds an authentic collection of Georgian era furniture, to an attic that has carpets, curtains, and artifacts that have been preserved for hundreds of years. In addition to the intriguing period pieces, informative storyboards help to educate visitors on the life of a wealthy homeowner. Similarly, there’s also info on the daily lives of residents who weren’t so well off—particularly the servants who kept the home in such a reputable and high-class state. Wandering through Number Twenty Nine takes the better part of an hour, and seeing as it’s only a short walk from Grafton Street and the city center, it’s an educational and insightful stop on a walking tour of Dublin.
Practical Info
Number Twenty Nine is open on Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm, and on Sunday from noon-5pm. The museum is open from mid-February through mid-December, and while the museum is arranged for self-guided tours, there are guided tours at 11am and 3pm and are a on a first come, first serve basis. The DART drops off at the nearby Pearse Station, or, if traveling on foot, is adjacent to Merrion Square’s southwestern corner.
Address: Number 29 Fitzwilliam Street Lower, Dublin, Ireland
Hours: Vary
From $ 67
Limerick
Despite being Ireland’s third largest city, Limerick is a place that’s far removed from the typical tourist trail. Those who take the time to visit, however, will find a recovering riverside city that—although once depressed by economic downturn—has recently been renewed and reinvented as a burgeoning city of culture. In fact, Limerick was designated in 2014 as the “Irish City of Culture,” and is a place where Ireland’s rich history is fused with its prosperous future. Nowhere is this blend more evident than at the towering King John’s Castle, where 3D models and interactive displays help you envision what battles must have been like at this 13th-century castle. Take a walking tour through sites that inspired the book Angela’s Ashes, or shop for cheese, chutney, and produce at Limerick’s famous Milk Market. Dig deep into artifacts and rare fine art at the privately owned Hunt Museum, or, if your journey to Limerick is fortuitously timed, enjoy a rugby match at Thomond Park Stadium—home to the Munster Rugby team that competes with the best in the world.
Practical Info
Limerick is located only 20 minutes from the Shannon International Airport. It’s a 90-minute to drive to Cork or Galway, or 90 minutes to Dublin by train.
Address: Limerick, Ireland
From $ 6
Leacanabuaile Fort
Set on a grassy outcrop with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, the remote Leacanabuaile Fort is a worthwhile addition to any tour of the beautiful Ring of Kerry. The original fort, thought to date back to the ninth or 10th century, has been partially reconstructed to give a better sense of its original features.
The Basics
Most visitors to Leacanabuaile Fort also take in the nearby Cahergall Fort, which is just a short walk away. Both forts are relatively remote and do not feature on most tourist itineraries, though some private Ring of Kerry tours will stop here, as well as at nearby Ballycarbery Castle, a picturesque 16th-century ruin along the Kerry coast. At Leacanabuaile Fort, visitors are free to explore independently. Informational signage at the site provides historical context.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Leacanabuaile Fort is fun families with children, who will enjoy running around the ruins.
- Take a camera to capture images of the neighboring Cahergall Fort from the ramparts of Leacanabuaile.
- Bring waterproof walking shoes and rain gear in case of wet weather.
How to Get There
Leacanabuaile Fort can be found about 2.4 miles (4 kilometers) southeast of the village of Cahersiveen, which is situated along the main Ring of Kerry driving route. From Cahersiveen, cross over the bridge down by the Old Barracks and follow signposts for the fort. The drive required navigating narrow, rural roads, so some visitors may prefer to go as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
Leacanabuaile Fort’s remote location means it is usually peaceful and uncrowded. However, the parking lot, which this sight shares with nearby Cahergall Fort, is small and can fill up during the summer season. Visit these forts early in the day or during late afternoon to make sure you can find a spot.
What to See Nearby
Also situated near Cahersiveen is Cahergall Fort, a larger and older ring fort that affords superb views out over the coast. Ballycarbery Castle is less than five minutes from the fort by car; though it is not open to the public, this ivy-covered 16th-century ruin can be admired and photographed from the roadside.
Address: Caherciveen, Ring of Kerry, Ireland
From $ 81
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History
Housed within an 18th-century military barracks, the Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum of Ireland displays an eclectic collection of furniture, coins, ceramics, silverware, and decorative objects. Permanent exhibits focus on Irish military history, furniture over the centuries, and the evolution of Irish fashion.
The Basics
Most visitors explore the museum’s exhibitions independently, reading informational signage for context. Free guided tours—typically focusing on one or two exhibitions within the museum—are offered occasionally, on a first-come, first-served basis. Permanent exhibitions cover topics such as rural Irish furniture or silverware, and the history of Irish fashion and clothing. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum usually hosts several temporary exhibitions, too.
Flexible multi-day Dublin tours are available, offering hop-on hop-off transportation plus admission to museums and other attractions; this may be a good option for those who plan to do a lot of sightseeing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum of Ireland is a must for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.
- Pick up a floor plan on arrival to help plan your visit.
- The museum has a cloakroom, accessible toilets, and baby-changing facilities.
- There is seating in most of the galleries.
- All galleries in the museum are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum of Ireland is situated at Collins Barracks on the north side of the River Liffey in Dublin city center. To get there, take the Red Line Luas to the Museum stop.
When to Get There
Like many museums in Dublin, the Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum of Ireland is closed Monday. The galleries are open 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 2pm to 5pm Sunday. They’re most crowded during the afternoon, so arrive early to avoid the crowds.
National Museum of Ireland Collections
The Decorative Arts & History collection at Collins Barracks is one of four branches of the National Museum of Ireland. Two others are in Dublin: the Archaeology branch on Kildare Street showcases precious artifacts, while the Natural History museum on Merrion Square contains taxidermy, skeletons, and specimens representing centuries of Ireland’s wildlife.
Address: Benburb Street, Dublin, Ireland
From $ 67
Ladies' View
In the heart of Killarney National Park, Ladies’ View has a way of showing that natural beauty is timeless. Back in 1861, when Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting visited this Kerry overlook, they were so enamored with the view of the lakes that the picturesque promontory still carries their regal name today. From this panoramic overlook off of N71, gaze down on the three lakes that sit at the middle of the park, and since the light here is constantly changing, if you simply sit and reflect for an hour you may see rainbows, shadows and beams of light that dance on the surrounding hills. Just up the road from the main overlook, there is another parking area with a small trail that offers views of the upper lake, and when standing here on this windswept ridge gazing out on the view below, it’s like looking through a portal to Ireland’s past—where the raw beauty of the Irish countryside exists in its natural state.
Practical Info
The Ladies’ View Lookout is located 12 miles from Killarney when headed in the direction of Kendare. It’s often considered the most popular viewpoint in Killarney National Park, and is also a popular destination when touring the park by bike.
Address: Killarney National Park, Killarney, Ireland
From $ 12
National Gallery of Ireland
Founded in 1864, the National Gallery of Ireland holds works spanning the 13th to 21st century. In addition to its comprehensive collection of Irish art, including paintings by Jack B. Yeats (brother of poet W.B. Yeats), the gallery also has pieces by European artists such as Rembrandt, Titian, Goya, and Picasso.
The Basics
One of Dublin’s premier museums, the National Gallery of Ireland is a common stop on hop-on hop-off city bus tours. Visitors can explore the permanent collection independently or with a tour guide. Free guided tours, which cover topics such as collection highlights and baroque art, take place on select dates. Family-friendly tours are scheduled occasionally, as are free drop-in talks.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibits, which in the past have focused on the works of German expressionist Emil Nolde and on Irish-American artist Sean Scully.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Gallery of Ireland is a must for fine-art lovers.
- A café and gallery shop can be found in the museum’s Millennium Wing.
- Sunday is family day at the museum, with kid-friendly tours and drop-in activities.
- The National Gallery of Ireland is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The National Gallery of Ireland is situated on Merrion Square West in Dublin city center, not far from Trinity College. Ride the Luas Green Line tram to Dawson Street and walk 5–10 minutes from there. Alternatively, ride the Dart suburban train to Pearse Station, which is a 5-minute walk away. Several Dublin bus routes (including 4, 7, 8, 39a, and 46a) have stops nearby.
When to Get There
The National Gallery of Ireland is busiest during the peak summer months of July and August, with weekend afternoons (1pm–3pm) attracting the largest crowds. Try coming in the morning or on Thursday evenings, when the gallery stays open until 9pm.
Caravaggio’s The Taking of Christ
Perhaps the most famous work in the National Gallery’s collection is Caravaggio’s early 17th-century masterpiece, The Taking of Christ, which depicts Judas’ betrayal and the arrest of Jesus Christ. This painting hung in a Dublin Jesuit house for decades before being recognized in the late 20th century by a conservator from the museum as Caravaggio’s lost masterpiece.
Address: Merrion Square, Dublin, Ireland
From $ 23
Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park, with idyllic lakes and ancient woodlands backed by the serrated MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains, is an area of stunning natural beauty. The park is also historically significant, with two heritage buildings on-site: Ross Castle, a 15th-century fortress-turned-hotel, and Muckross House, a stately Victorian estate.
The Basics
Covering around 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares), Killarney National Park is truly vast. Organized day tours can help ensure you get to see all the best parts of Ireland’s first national park. Choose between short 1- or 2-hour tours by jaunting car (a two-wheeled horse and carriage), guided walks, or boat cruises and kayak tours on the lakes of Killarney. Day tours depart from Killarney and Limerick, and include stops at key park attractions such as the Gap of Dunloe, Muckross House, Ross Castle, and the Ladies View scenic lookout. Some full-day tours combine Killarney National Park with the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, and Mizen Head. Multi-day tours depart from Dublin and incorporate sights in Cork, Kerry, and—during longer tours—the west coast of Ireland.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Killarney National Park is a must-visit for walkers, wildlife lovers, and history buffs.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring rainproof gear, as the weather here can be unpredictable.
- Day tours typically last between six and 11 hours.
- Most areas of Muckross House are accessible to wheelchair users. Ross Castle has only limited accessibility.
How to Get There
From Killarney town center, it is just a 10-minute walk or 5-minute drive to the entrance at the north of the park. Sights such as Torc Waterfall and Muckross House are farther from town (about 4.5 miles/7 kilometers), so it’s best to drive or go as part of an organized tour that offers transportation.
When to Get There
Summer is the busiest season at the park, yet it is also the mildest and, therefore, best for outdoor activities. Early morning and late afternoon offer quieter visits, while fall and spring bring more opportunities for solitude. Winter can be cold—but starkly beautiful.
Muckross House
Among the park’s biggest attractions is Muckross House, a 19th-century estate sitting upon the shore of the lake with which it shares its name. Queen Victoria stayed here during a visit to the national park in 1861. Today visitors can explore the impressive mansion’s interior, which is packed with period furnishings, as well as the manicured gardens and on-site farm dwellings that paint a picture of farming life in 1930s and 1940s Ireland.
Address: Killarney, Ireland
Hours: 24 hour pedestrian access
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Muckross House & Gardens & Traditional Farms
One of Ireland’s finest stately mansions, the 65-room Muckross House was built for the Herbert family in 1843. It sits on the shores of Muckross Lake amid beautiful gardens, and is replete with period furnishings and decorative objectives. Three re-created farms on the estate showcase the life of rural dwellers in the 1930s and ’40s.
The Basics
Private and group vehicle tours of the Ring of Kerry—departing from Cahersiveen, Sneem, Killorglin, Kenmare, and Killarney—often combine a stop at Muckross House with a visit to nearby attractions such as Coomakista Pass, the Torc Waterfall, and other picturesque viewpoints and villages along the Iveragh Peninsula. Muckross House also features on guided tours of Killarney National Park and the Lakes of Killarney, which typically include Ross Castle, Ladies View, and the Gap of Dunloe on the itinerary too.
Choose between a ticket that grants access to Muckross House and Gardens or one for Muckross Traditional Farms. Or opt for a combo ticket, which provides access to both venues.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Muckross House is a must-see for history and Victorian architecture buffs.
- A Killarney National Park information center is located at Muckross House.
- The estate has an on-site restaurant overlooking pretty flower beds.
- The house is accessible to wheelchair users as are the gardens, with the exception of the rookery. An accessible shuttle bus transports visitors to the farms, though the farm sites themselves are only partially accessible.
How to Get There
Muckross House is just over 3 miles (5 kilometers) south of Killarney. Take the N71 and follow signposts for the estate. If you are car-free, join an organized tour or catch a shuttle from the Discover Ireland tourist office on Beech Road; shuttle buses usually run from April through October.
When to Get There
Muckross House, Gardens, and Traditional Farms are open from late March through October. The landscaped gardens are at their most colorful in summer, though this is also when the estate is busiest. Try visiting first thing in the morning or late afternoon to experience the site at its quietest.
What Else to See in Killarney National Park
Muckross makes a great base from which to explore the rest of Killarney National Park. From the house, it’s a 20-minute walk or even shorter jaunting car (pony and trap) ride to the ruins of 15th-century Muckross Abbey, and a 45-minute hike to the scenic Torc Waterfall. Other park highlights, such as the Gap of Dunloe and Ross Castle, are fewer than 30 minutes from Muckross House by car.
Address: Killarney National Park, Killarney, Ireland
From $ 12
Kinsale
Seemingly everything in Kinsale—from the fishing, whale watching, and scuba diving to the gourmet fish and seafood—revolves around the Atlantic Ocean that laps at Kinsale’s shores. In summer months when the sun comes out, locals make the drive from Cork to Kinsale’s sandy beaches, and there are places where you can rent a kayak to explore the rocky coast. Back on shore at Charles Fort, walk across a drawbridge into this star-shaped fort that was built in the 17th century. Aside from the views looking over coast, visitors can learn how this strategic town has been sacked, fought over, looted, and rebuilt for the last 1,000 years. For even more history of the town and its headlands, historical walking tours weave through the village and the trails running out towards the coast, or pay a visit to St. Multose Church—which was constructed back in 1190 and is still in use today. By night, sample some of the gourmet food that Kinsale is fast becoming known for, and settle into a traditional pub for some cheery coastal craic.
Practical Info
Kinsale is located 30 minutes from the international airport at Cork. Buses are the most common form of transport, and crowds are lighter during the middle of the week and the shorter days of winter.
Address: Kinsale, Ireland
From $ 91
Monasterboice
Ireland is known for its ancient high crosses, and nowhere are the intricately carved Celtic crosses more impressive that those at Monasterboice. Here at this historic Christian settlement about 50 minutes north of Dublin, three tall crosses form the main centerpiece for the handful of travelers that visit. Of the three different crosses, Muineadach Cross, standing 16 feet high, is one of the tallest crosses in Ireland, and is ornately carved with scenes from the Bible as a pictorial means of scripture. Behind the cross is an imposing round tower that stands 110 feet high, and would serve as a refuge for monks and valuables when under a Viking attack. While the interior of the tower is closed to the public, the stone remains are an impressive example of ancient Irish architecture, and along with the ruins of two small churches, form a small, sacred—and slightly haunting—site in County Louth.
Practical Info
There is no fee to visit Monasterboice, which is located 5 miles northwest of the town of Drogheda. Early morning and late in the day are when the site has the fewest crowds, and Monasterboice is popular with guided tour buses during the middle parts of the day. Access is via a short, gravel, walking path, and there are no facilities, food, or drink available at the site.
Address: Co. Louth, Ireland
From $ 52
Molly Malone Statue
The bronze statue of Molly Malone commemorates the young woman featured in the local ballad, 'Cockles and Mussels'. As the song goes, this beautiful woman plied her trade as a fishmonger through the streets where her statue now rests, until she suddenly died of a fever. As a nod to the folk song, a statue was erected on the corner of Grafton and Suffolk streets and unveiled at the 1988 Dublin Millennium celebrations.
This tune has been adopted as Dublin's unofficial anthem, boosting this heroine to eternal fame. Though there is debate as to whether or not a Molly Malone like the one in the song ever existed, she is real to the people of Dublin and is remembered both in song as well as on June 13, National Molly Malone Day. The statue also acts as a popular rendezvous spot for groups as the beautiful bosomy woman with her cart cannot be missed.
Address: Corner of Grafton St and Suffolk St, Dublin, Ireland
Admission: Free
From $ 57