Top 10 things to do in Ireland

In 2017, I spent 4 months in Ireland at the University College of Dublin. During my study abroad experience I was able to travel around Ireland and embrace its mystery and beauty! In this post I would love to show you Ireland's beauty and encourage you to get there yourself!

I could write a novel about everything I did in Ireland, but here I will tell you the top 10 things you have to do or see while you are abroad.

1. Temple Bar

Temple bar is considered a touristy area in downtown Dublin, and you may not find many locals here, but it is full of amazing restaurants, bars, beautiful architecture, and statues. As a Bostonian I found myself extremely comfortable in Temple bar, with its cobble stone roads, and historical buildings it was like stepping into Faneuil Hall, but even more Irish.

2. Howth

Howth is a coastal city north of Dublin. You can get there with the train out of Dublin. In Howth you will see wild seals, amazing views, great food, and a mild hiking trail.

3. Donuts!

Irish donuts are unlike any I have ever had in the United States and you MUST try some when you are there! While taking the train out of Dublin you need to grab half a dozen donuts from offbeat donuts ! I have never had a better donut in my life after eating donuts in Ireland!

Other Donut shops in Dublin:

The Rolling Donut

Krust Bakery

Dublin Doughnut Company

Best donut i've ever had in my life caught on camera, was in Galway, Ireland! On the weekends, there is a farmers market in Galway, and there is a man who makes fresh donuts. Their name is BoyChik donuts.

Donuts at BoyChik at the Galway farmers market

4. Malahide Castle

Malahide Castle is in Dublin County and is a 45 minute bus ride from Connolly Station. There are so many ruins of castles in Ireland, and this is because once the English were out of Ireland, the Irish people did not want any English history left. Malahide Castle was not destroyed and has been kept in amazing condition over the years. The castle was gifted to Richard Talbot by King Henry the II due to hid loyalties to the crown. The castle was sold to the Irish state in 1973 by the Talbots and now is open to tour. The castle is not the only site on the grounds as there is an amazing greenhouse and cafe!

The Greenhouse at Malahide Castle

5. Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher reside on the southwest side of Ireland and are probably the most known landmark of the country! The cliffs are about 3 hours west of Dublin and there are multiple bus services you can use to get there! When I went, I took the Wild Rover bus tours and had a great experience! The tour not only takes you to the cliffs but stops in Galway and Burren National Park.

6. Galway

Galway, Ireland is a city in western Ireland and is full of culture, food, activities, and beautiful landscapes. In Galway you can go to farmers market, museums, visit the local college, and enjoy nightlife.

7. Trinity College

Trinity College is the home of the Book of Kells. This college has the most beautiful library and campus in all of Ireland. It is located in downtown Dublin right near Grafton street. Grafton street is full of shops and bakeries to stop before or after your visit to the book of Kells.

8. Causey Farm

At Causey Farm, you can feed a horse, milk a cow, meet the Border Collies, make some bread, play some sports and so much more! Get a true Irish farm experience at Causey farm.

Other Farm experiences:

Burren Farm

Farm tours

9. Guinness Factory

Visit the Guinness Factory in Dublin for the most popular beer of Ireland! This is unlike any museum experience you will ever have. At the factory you will learn about the history, how the beer is made, what goes into it, and at the end testing the beer!

10. Kilkenny Castle

The town of Kilkenny is a quaint, and charming place with a stunning castle right in the middle of it! Not only is the staff extremely knowledgeable on the history, but all the locals take pride in their history! Ask anyone about the castle or the town and most would be happy to answer.

Ireland is an amazing country full of mystery and enchantment. There are many more things to do and experience, but these are the top 1o things I think someone going to Ireland must do! I promise you'll have a crack in Ireland!

Other memorable experiences:

Phoenix park and the Dublin Zoo

Kilmainham gaol prison tour

Natural museum of Ireland: Natural History

National Leprechaun museum

A couple of things I didn't care for:

Blarney's Castle

Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Dublin Castle

The Jameson Experience

Taisteal Dea