southern irish tourist board

20 Best Places to Visit in Southern Ireland

Posted on October 13, 2023 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on October 13, 2023

Planning a trip to Ireland? Let me help you! I have just gotten back from an epic vacation in Ireland and share below my top recommendations for the best places to visit in the south of the country.

I’ve added a blend of well-known destinations you simply can’t miss as well as hidden gems and alternatives , so you can pick and choose where you want to visit and get a good overview of what this area has to offer.

You can also check out my 7-day Southern Ireland itinerary featuring most places listed here as well as my South East Ireland travel guide featuring many more places to visit if you have extra time.

If it’s your first time trip to Ireland , I’d recommend you pack layers and be ready for all weather, no matter what time of the year you go – a good raincoat and sturdy shoes are a must!

Also, renting a car will make your trip much easier as many places can’t be visited via public transportation. If renting a car is not an option, you could base yourself in Galway, Killarney, then Cork, and take day tours from there.

Without further ado let’s dive into the best places to visit in Southern Ireland.

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Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare

One of the most visited sites in Ireland , the majestic Cliffs of Moher are a must-visit in Southern Ireland ! There are several ways to see the cliffs , either from above or from below.

Taking a cruise to see the cliffs is one of the most relaxing ways to visit. Departing from Doolin, the cruises last for around an hour , with multiple daily departures. They follow along the coastline providing great views from different vantage points . The ferries run from April to October .

Another option is to hike along the cliffs . The Doolin Cliff Walk  is considered one of the most scenic trails in Ireland, running over 10 miles (15 kilometers) from Doolin to Hags Head, with the visitor center more or less in the middle. You can choose to hike all or part of it.

If you head straight to the visitor center (where most tours take you), you can see the cliffs from there without having to walk too much.

Burren National Park, Co. Clare

One of my favorite places in Ireland, the Burren is a land like no other, featuring incredible landscapes and awesome opportunities for hiking . Head to the national park for the best views.

The start of most hikes is at the “Gortlecka Crossroads” where you can park and see the map of trails with length, duration, and difficulty level. I did the Blue Trail , which offers the best views but is quite challenging (still doable if you take breaks). It took us around 3 hours back and forth (it’s a loop).

There are also a couple of easier and shorter trails you can hike if you want something more laid back.

There’s nothing there, so pack enough water and snacks . The park’s Visitor Center is located in Corofin, during the summer months they offer a  free park-and-ride service as parking space is limited at the trailheads.

Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry

With a plethora of hidden gems and popular sights , the Dingle Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Southern Ireland . It’s best visited as a road trip but you can also spend some time in the charming seaside town of Dingle and go on a couple of hikes from there.

The Tralee to Dingle Walk , also known as the Dingle Way , is a popular multi-day hike you can go on if you’re craving a unique and adventurous experience. The walk takes 8 to 9 days to complete passing by stunning landscapes, archaeological wonders, and quaint villages. You can choose to hike only part of it if you’re short on time.

You can also just drive around, following the coastline, for a day or two. Don’t miss stopping by the beautiful Glanteenassig Forest Park , Fermoyle Beach , the longest beach in the country, and Brandon Point .

Make sure to also drive by Conor Pass and the Slea Head Drive where you can stop at Cashel Murphy, Dunmore Head, Clogher Strand, and the Gallarus Oratory.

Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is another of Southern Ireland’s top attractions that you simply can’t miss. Same as for the Dingle Peninsula, it’s better to visit it as part of a road trip , otherwise you can hike, bike, or book a tour.

Following the coastline, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic landscapes and stunning scenery with plenty of places to visit in between.

There are a lot of beaches you can stop at, however, I would recommend not missing Kells Bay and Derrynane Beach , from there, you can cross over to Abbey Island (at low tide) and visit the ruins of the 6th-century Ahamore Abbey. Within walking distance of Derrynane, you’ll also find Derrynane House , the former home of Daniel O’Connell, an important figure in Irish history.

Among the many towns you can stop by for a meal or to spend the night, don’t miss Kenmare, Waterville, and Portmagee , all scenic seaside towns. Valentia Island is also a must-visit, from Bray Head you can get a stunning view over the iconic Skellig Islands.

Other must-sees include the Kerry Bog Village Museum , a living history museum depicting a traditional 19th-century Irish village, and the majestic Skellig Ring leading to dramatic cliffs.

Depending on your schedule, you should be able to tour the peninsula in a day , however, you can plan to spend more time there as there are plenty of things to do, especially if you like hiking.

The Kerry Way is a popular multi-day hike in Ireland. It’s a quite challenging hike as the elevation varies a lot, so you need to be prepared. It’s divided into 9 sections so you can also choose to hike only part of it.

If you’re going to book a tour, I would suggest booking one from Killarney this way you can also visit the park the day before or after. This full-day tour from Killarney is a good option – you’ll also find tours from Cork and Limerick . If you can afford it, do book a private tour .

Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry

Technically part of the Ring Of Kerry, Skellig Micheal deserves a part all to itself. From May to September, spend the night in Portmagee and go on a morning cruise to the island.

Fans of Star Wars will recognize it as Luke Skywalker’s Island Sanctuary on the planet Ahch-To – it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It used to be a Gaelic monastery, founded between the 6th and 8th centuries. Today you’ll use the stairs the monks built to reach the top, where you’ll find the ruins of the monastery.

You can either book a tour including some time on the island , or book an eco-tour where you just circle the island and stay on the boat. If you’re planning on visiting the island, book the cruise as soon as you can as the number of daily visitors is limited.

While there, keep an eye out for gannets, puffins, razorbills, and grey seals .

Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry

Surrounded by incredible scenery, I loved just driving around Killarney National Park and making stops to viewpoints and for short hikes . Most people stick to seeing the main highlights, Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle, and Muckross House , but I highly recommend going on longer hikes and exploring the park further.

The town of Killarney is a great base to explore the park from. There, you’ll find accommodations to fit all budgets, supermarkets, and restaurants.

If driving, make sure to take the scenic road , entering the park (or leaving it) from the west, and driving through the iconic Gap of Dunloe .

You can also rent kayaks and explore the park through its lakes and waterways or go on a boat cruise.

Beara Peninsula, Co. Kerry & Co. Cork

One of the wilder and less touristy peninsulas in the south of Ireland, the Beara Peninsula feels like another world. Featuring rugged landscapes, cute villages, and archaeological sights , the peninsula is a must-see. I just loved the remoteness of it, we barely saw anyone there, even on the road.

It took us about half a day to drive it, including stops, but you can definitely plan to spend more time, especially if the weather is nice enough for some beach time or if you like hiking .

Along the way, you can go for a hike at Gleninchaquin Park , see archaeological sites like the Uragh, Derreenataggart, or Ardgroom Stone Circles , and stop for a meal at quaint villages such as Ardgroom, Eyeries, Allihies, or Castletown.

Don’t miss driving the Healy Pass , heading to the tip of the peninsula to take the only cable car in Ireland , and kayaking to a seal colony in Adrigole.

Sheep’s Head, Co. Cork

If the Beara Peninsula feels remote, Sheep’s Head feels like a world apart. The 43-mile (70-km) loop will take you through spectacular landscapes . Make sure to drive all the way to the tip and see the lighthouse and high cliffs.

Mizen Head, Co. Cork

The last peninsula on this list to visit in Southern Ireland, Mizen Head is often overlooked by international tourists but is well-known by locals. Drive all the way to Mizen Head Station and cross the bridge (on foot) trying to spot seals, dolphins, and whales .

From there, you can also hike to the ruins of Dunlough Castle known for its three towers that withstood time.

You can easily visit both Mizen Head and Sheap’s Head within the same day.

If you’re heading to Cork or Kinsale next, you can stop by the 3000-year-old Drombeg Stone Circle, one of the best preserved in the country, take a whale-watching cruise from Baltimore, and go surfing at Inchydoney Beach.

Gougane Barra Forest Park, Co. Cork

The Gougane Barra Forest Park is a popular place to hike among locals looking for an escape from the city. The forest is beautiful and peaceful with several trails for all levels. You can walk through the forest and around the lake or go up the mountains for stunning views.

On your way there, there’s a hotel with a restaurant and a shop if you need something. Once in the park, there’s nothing, just restrooms. Some people park before the entrance to not pay for parking, but then you have to walk for a while before reaching the beginning of the trails.

While I loved hiking there, if you’re short on time, I would say you can skip it. It’s a nice stop if it’s on your way and you have some extra time, but I wouldn’t necessarily say you HAVE to see it.

Kinsale, Co. Cork

Kinsale is a popular coastal town known as Ireland’s culinary capital. It’s a nice place to go for a stroll through the historic streets and, of course, to enjoy a meal. From a Michelin-starred restaurant to unpretentious eateries, you’ll find plenty of options.

You can plan to spend a few days there and just enjoy the laid-back vibes, maybe taking a few day trips to explore the area, or just pass through. A few hours are enough to see everything.

Make sure to tour the Kinsale Museum  housed in the 16th-century Town Hall and, a bit outside of town, Charles Fort .

Some people think Kinsale is overrated, and that there are better coastal towns to visit, while it might be true, I still enjoyed walking around, seeing the colorful buildings and paved streets. However, I would say you can skip it if you’re short on time, but it ultimately depends on the type of places you like to visit, it is a charming town after all.

Cork, Co. Cork

Cork is a busy historic city with plenty to offer. Start by strolling around the downtown area, passing by the English Market, the Butter Museum, St Anne Church, University College Cork, and St Fin Barre’s Cathedral .

This should take you a couple of hours, but you can also choose to base yourself there for a few days and take day trips from there. It’s also a good option if you don’t have a car, as there are plenty of day tours you can take from Cork.

Cork is known for its potato pies which have nothing to do with what you can imagine, it’s actually breaded and fried mashed potatoes formed into a ball, usually served with French fries. You’ll find the best ones at Jackie Lennox’s , where I discovered that white vinegar on fries is actually quite good.

Nearby, you can tour the Jameson Distillery and sample rare whiskeys in Middleton, there’s also a weekly farmers market held in the town every Saturday morning. People who want to learn more about the Titanic can head to Cobh , its last port of call, where you’ll find 2 museums with exhibits centered on the iconic liner and its sinking.

Blarney Castle, Co. Cork

Not far from Cork, Blarney Castle is one of the best places to visit in Southern Ireland, and kissing the Blarney Stone is a must-do! Try to visit it at opening time , especially if you want to kiss the stone, as the line can get quite long. The stone is believed to grant you the gift of gab if you kiss it.

The castle was entirely rebuilt in the 15th century on the ruins of an older castle. The gardens are definitely worth a stroll – don’t miss the Arboretum with its trees from all over the world and the mysterious Poison Garden .

If you like historic castles and estates, in the area, you can also visit the 16th-century Blackrock Castle , Fota House , known for its painting collection and gardens, and Doneraile Estate .

Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary

One of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval castles, the Rock of C ashel is a must-visit in Southern Ireland. The castle is over 1,000 years old and was a symbol of power for kings and priests for centuries.

Sitting on top of a hill, there are several viewpoints from which you can see the castle, make sure to go to at least one to get a nice overview. There’s one easily reachable on the main road, at the Circle K.

Once inside you can tour the castle on your own or book a guided tour if you want to learn more about its architecture and history. Note that to visit Cormac’s Chapel , one of the highlights of the castle, you’ll need to go with a guide – guided tours have a set schedule so make sure to check it out first.

If you don’t have a car, you can take a bus to the town of Cashel – from there, a 5-minute walk will take you to the castle.

In town, you can also stop by the Cashel Folk Village to learn more about Irish history (visits by appointment only during the off-season), and check out what’s happening at the Brú Ború Heritage Centre .

Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a popular destination in Ireland even for locals, usually looking for a weekend escape. There are plenty of fun things to do while there like taking a brewery tour and tasting at the Smithwick’s Experience or checking out the activities at Castlecomer Discovery Park .

Don’t miss touring the castle too and learning more Irish history at St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum . The historic Rothe House & Garden is also worth checking out.

The town’s historic center is an ideal place to go for a stroll , do some shopping, and enjoy a meal or drink at one of the many pubs.

If you’re on a tight schedule, half a day is enough to visit but you can also base yourself here for a few days and visit the surroundings.

Copper Coast Geopark, Co. Waterford

A UNESCO geopark, the Copper Coast in Southern Island is a beautiful place to visit with pretty beaches and dramatic cliffs.

Start with an easy hike to Mahon Falls , then rent a bike at O’Mahonny’s Pub and  cycle the Waterford Greenway which follows the coast.

You can take as long as you want, especially during summer, when you might want to spend some time at the beach. Otherwise, you can make it into a short trip and continue on along the southern coast.

Waterford, Co. Waterford

Waterford makes a great base to explore all that the county has to offer. Founded in 914AD by Vikings , the town is the oldest one in Ireland and definitely a must-visit on its own.

Don’t miss the Viking Triangle, Reginald’s Tower, the Medieval Museum, and the Bishop’s Palace .

The town is also known for producing some of the best crystal in the country – head to Waterford Crystal to tour the main factory.

Saltee Islands, Co. Wexford

The Saltee Islands are a paradise for birders with many  Gannets, Puffins, Guillemots, and Razorbills  being spotted frequently, depending on the season.

Take a ferry from Kilmore Quay. Saltee Ferry  offers daily departures from April to September . You get around 3.5 hours on the island where you can just stroll around and enjoy the views and abundant wildlife. 

Pack a picnic and bring enough water, as the islands are mostly uninhabited.

Be ready to get wet  on the boat and to get your feet in the water when disembarking (there is no pier on the island).

Wexford, Co. Wexford

County Wexford is known for its beautiful beaches, historic towns, and its wide array of outdoor activity options . The town of Wexford is a great base, worth a visit as well. Don’t miss the ruins of the 12th-century Selskar Abbey , strolling around the historic district , and catching a show at the National Opera House.

A bit outside of town, don’t miss the Irish National Heritage Park , a living history museum with costumed guides and reenactments. In the opposite direction, the Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens is also worth checking out.

If you like hiking or birding, spend some time at Wexford Wildfowl Reserve before hitting beaches like the famous Curracloe Beach , featured in the movie “Saving Private Ryan”, or Rosslare Beach , great for water sports.

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Southern Ireland: My Top 7 Places to Visit

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The green countryside, dramatic coastlines, spectacular touristic sides and friendly residents make Southern Ireland an attractive destination in Europe. It may not be a part as popular as, the North, where the well-known Cliffs of Moher are located. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s less pleasing and intriguing.

I decided one day to take my mom and sister, who live in ireland, on a short weekend trip along the southern coast of ireland. and i have to admit, it was a sweet surprise i found the countryside so mesmerizing. driving through adorable seaside towns and stopping along the way to admire the beauty of small irish villages, was an unforgettable experience., here is a list of my 7 top places to visit in southern ireland, cobh is a bright spot on the ireland’s map, this picturesque seaport town attracts lots of visitors for its famous ”deck of cards”, a row of colorful houses stacked up on a steep hill and the st. colman’s cathedral. it is very unique and like no other town in southern ireland., interesting fact is that cobh was the last port call for titanic. the white star line ticket office, from where the last 123 irish passengers departed that day, is now the titanic experience cobh. you can step back in time and learn more about how and why the legendary titanic sank on that fateful night and experience conditions on board., 2. st. finbarrs oratory, gougane barra is a perfect example that the irish countryside can surprise, st. finbarrs oratory is a small magical chapel set on an island in the beautiful scenery of gougane barra national forest park in southern ireland., surrounded by pretty lake, lush bush and connected to the mainland by a causeway, it is like a secluded oasis of calm and beauty. fun fact is that the attractively located church became a popular wedding spot in ireland. it is said, that to be married here, irish need to wait for years., 3. kerry cliffs, kerry cliffs are the kerry’s most magnificent cliffs and the most famous cliffs in southern ireland., once i reached the top of the 300m hill, the view just took my breath away. when walking along the cliff path, you can easily spot the skellig islands and puffin island. kerry cliffs is home to thousands of birds, what make this place a very popular bird watching spot in southern ireland., the kerry cliffs were formed over 400 million years ago., elegant yet easygoing, welcome to ireland’s largest city, cork is located on the banks of the river lee and is home to 30 iconic bridges. despite being a city, i found it a very relaxing place. a trip to cork can delight you with its welcoming residents, art galleries, museums, fantastic restaurants and charming coffee shops. take the time to wander around the city and do it on foot. walk along the banks of the river, discover the unique bridges and soak up the city’s buzzing atmosphere, 5. killarney, killarney is a popular tourist destination located on the ring of kerry iconic drive in southern ireland., surrounded by national parkland and three beautiful lakes and the highest mountain peaks, it offers a real taste of the irish countryside. my favorite part is the ross castle situated on the edge of lough leane in killarney. the bay, set in the front of the castle, is lined with plenty of colorful boats that creating a pleasant atmosphere here, kinsale is an adorable fishing town located in country cork. famous for its historic port, it provides dolphin and whale watching tours, sailing trips and yacht charters. so, with a bunch of leisure activities, you will never get bored here kinsale is also full of small cozy pubs, restaurants and colorful houses, which allow you to experience and feel the authentic ireland., 7. valentia island, what a pleasant surprise at the end of the route one of ireland’s best kept secret, valentia island was the last place, we visited on our trip along the south coast of ireland. it is one of ireland’s most westerly points, which lies in the southwest of country kerry. without a doubt, valentia island is a true off the beaten track destination in ireland. this is a wild place where nature rules., surrounded only by cheerful sheep, cows and goats, i felt like on the remote island. we decided to stay here overnight and we found the most amazing little house , it was the coziest evening ever we were drinking hot chocolate, talking and looking at the fire burned in the fireplace., during the day, i truly recommend to discover the beautiful land and visit the valentia lighthouse at cromwell point., like it pin it.

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Southern Ireland

Take a 12 Day Tour of the South of Ireland. Starting in Shannon, this tour encompasses areas from Galway, Kerry & Cork and also takes in Dublin. Upgrade to luxury 4 and 5 star accommodation in our premium tour.

Ross Castle in County Kerry

Gap of Dunloe near Killarney

Ireland's wonderful South West

The English Market in Cork City

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Take a 12 Day Tour of the South of Ireland. Starting in Shannon, this tour encompasses areas from Galway, Kerry & Cork and also takes in Dublin. Upgrade to luxury 4 and 5-star accommodation in our premium tour.

The Southern Ireland self drive vacation is a great place to travel on your honeymoon in Ireland or as a family vacation in Ireland , talk to one of our vacation specialists for more information. Alternatively, if you are looking for guided tours then contact us to find out about our group tours to Ireland, escorted bus tours Ireland or Ireland tours with private driver .

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Day 1:  On arrival into Shannon Airport at the start of your  vacation in Ireland , head towards the City of Limerick for your first night.

Day 2 & 3:  From Limerick drive onto  Killarney  for your next 2 nights. On your way don't miss to stop at the beautiful village of Adare . Visit the  Muckross House , Killarney National Park,  Ross Castle  or even go for a round of golf at one of Killarney Golf and Fishing Clubs two Championship courses.

After dinner you may explore some of the traditional pubs and maybe enjoy an Irish Music Seisiun. From Killarney also you can travel 40 miles to Dingle town, the most westerly town in Europe. Dingle is a charming little fishing town that offers quite a lot for visitors to see and do. Dingle was the setting for movies such as Ryan's Daughter and Far and Away.

Also enjoy the popular  Ring of Kerry  tour where the winding road leads you between breathtaking Atlantic coastline and the higest mountains in Ireland. Glenbeigh, Waterville and Sneem are on route and there will be plenty of stops to admire.

Day 4 & 5:  Depart from Killarney and drive west along the north side of the  Beara Peninsula  to Allihies, Castletownbere, Glengarriff and in to Bantry where you can stop for lunch. Bantry House is superbly located overlooking the harbour and is well worth a visit. Continue on to Skibbereen which is a small busy town packed with tourists in the summer time. From there drive onto Baltimore for your next two nights stay. From Baltimore you can go sailing and also visit Clear and Sherkin Islands.

Day 6:  From Baltimore drive up through  West Cork  to Kinsale otherwise known as the "Gourmet Capital of Ireland". Its location ensures a plentiful supply of seafood for the town's restaurants and eateries. These premises, in guaranteeing their reputations, insist upon the highest quality of locally produced meat, vegetables and dairy produce. An extensive selection of pubs, restaurants and hotels are available as would be expected from such an acclaimed centre of tourism. The yachting and sailing fraternity frequent the town through the summer and the Point to Point Festival at the end of May is just one of the town's many annual events.

Day 7:  From Kinsale drive towards Wexford passing through Waterford City and maybe stopping for lunch and explore the city and maybe stop for some  Waterford Crystal  at the Crystal Factory. Once in Wexford also know as the "Model County" you will see the most beautiful coastal villages, sunny seashores with numerous beaches and bird watch reserves. Upon reaching the Viking town of Wexford you should try and visit the  JFK Arboretum , a 252 hectare arboretum which is dedicated to the memory of the late US President. The county is also proud of its 50 castles and you should try and visit some of them, Ballyhack Castle, Ferns Castle and Slade Castle to name but a few.

Day 8 & 9:  Leave Wexford and drive a short distance north to Dublin. Take a guided tour of Dublin's City Centre, eat at one of Dublin's many top class restaurants and sample Dublin's nightlife. Ireland is famous for its friendly pubs and these are but a drop in an ocean of fun to be had in Dublin!

Day 10 & 11:  Drive to Galway, regarded by many as Ireland's nicest city. Connemara lies north west of Galway and has some of the best scenery in the country. You could decide to stay in Connemara for an extra day to see it in more detail. Travel south to the  Cliffs of Moher  to see one of Ireland's most popular attractions. Visit the Burren Interpretive center. Doolin, Lahinch (famous for the Golf course) and Lisdoonvarna are worth a visit also.

Day 12:  Leave Shannon Airport to return home with foud memories of your memorable trip to Ireland

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10 Stellar Things to do in Southern Ireland

Don’t tell the rest of Ireland, but southern Ireland might be our favorite region. It’s packed with breathtaking driving routes, castles upon castles, and seaside villages…yeah, we’re in love. These are the 10 best things to do in southern Ireland, from exploring the Ring of Kerry to snacking at the English Market to learning about Irish whiskey at the Jameson Distillery. 

Whether you’re visiting Ireland or planning a staycation, work with an Irish local to plan your trip . Our locals in Ireland will plan a safe trip away from the crowds—full of up-to-date info you might not find online. Learn more .

Table of Contents

#1: spend a day at killarney: ireland’s favorite national park, #2: meet fungie the dolphin in dingle, #3: watch for wildlife on the abandoned blasket islands, #4: snack away at the english market.

• #5: Kiss the Blarney Stone (or, explore Blarney Castle) 

#6: Explore the Ring of Kerry Route

#7: raise a glass at the jameson experience.

• #8: Enjoy small-town life in Cobh (or Kinsale! Or Waterford!)

#9: Kilkenny Castle

• #10: Mizen Head 

Ireland’s many shades of green are so breathtaking that Johnny Cash even wrote a song about them—which makes exploring the gloriously green Killarney National Park one of Ireland’s must-dos ! Killarney has it all: lakes, mountains, trails, wildlife, caves, waterfalls, and a castle , spread across 26,000 glorious acres. Woof. That’s a lot to explore.

We think Killarney is one of the best places to see in Ireland (and the Irish agree ). Whether you want to kayak its lakes, hike its hills, or explore the 15th-century Ross Castle, you’ll find tons of awesome stuff to do. 

Pro tip : Ireland is about to get a lot more green! The country aims to plant 22 million trees every year until 2040. 

Meeting Fungie the Dolphin, Dingle’s most famous resident is one of the best things to do in Dingle (maybe all of Ireland—hello, this is a friendly dolphin ). He isn’t much of a talker, but Fungie loves humans and has popped up alongside boats in Dingle Bay for decades.  Ask an Irish trip planner about the best way to meet Fungie: they can add a boat tour to your itinerary. 

Pro tip : If you lack sea legs, visit the Fungie statue in downtown Dingle (we told you! People love this dolphin. ) Or, check out Dingle Oceanworld —although you won’t meet Fungie here, it’s Ireland’s largest aquarium and home to tons of amazing sea life. 

Get off the beaten path in Ireland (literally) and explore the isolated Blasket Islands near the Dingle coast. Abandoned by humans since 1953, the islands today are a paradise for wildlife—from humpback whales to seals to puffins. It’s easy to get to the Blasket Islands—just hop on a ferry from Dunquin .

The Blasket Islands are among the more unique places to stay in Ireland —you can set up a campsite or book a stay at one of the island’s cottages . But if you just want to visit, sign up for a boat tour. Some tours cruise the coast and others make landfall, but either way, you’re bound to see some great wildlife. 

Pro tip : Love island adventures? Southern Ireland is full of them! Ask your Irish local about their favorite island destinations. We adore taking the cable car to Dursey Island .

Eating is one of the best things to do in Ireland (hello, full Irish breakfast, my old friend), and there’s no better place to snack than the English Market in Cork . Corkonians have delighted in the market for over two hundred years (talk about an endorsement) and you’ll understand why as soon as you arrive. Aside from the great selection of food, the market itself is gorgeous—the arched wooden ceilings make it feel like a grand chapel. So enjoy the atmosphere, rub elbows with locals doing their shopping, and pick up some locally-made treats, like fresh bread or cheese.

Pro tip : You’ll find tons of great stuff to do in Cork . It’s one of our favorite cities to visit in Ireland ! Plus, many of Ireland’s treasures are located in the surrounding county, which means day trips galore . 

#5: Kiss the Blarney Stone (or, explore Blarney Castle)

Yeah, we know —the Blarney Stone is like, the Irish tourist attraction . Kitschy, perhaps. But it’s fun! And for a simple smack, you could be rewarded with the gift of eloquence (or so goes the legend). Who doesn’t want that?

If clinging to an iron bar and bending backward to kiss the wall doesn’t appeal, we’d still recommend exploring Blarney Castle . Dating back to the 15th century, the castle is full of tightly wound spiral staircases, ramparts, and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. 

Why is the Ring of Kerry so amazing? This spectacular driving route hits many of the best places to visit in Ireland —towns like Killarney and Kenmare, as well as awesome natural sights like the Torc Waterfall and the Skellig Islands. But honestly, the time in between sights is the best part—mile after mile of ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant green pastures. Renting a car is an easy way to enjoy this breathtaking route, but you can also sign up for guided tours from Cork (or other major cities). 

Pro tip : Pressed for time? We get it! Connect with a local who can tell you about the best sites to see along the Ring of Kerry. 

Stroll through the cheery red doors of the James Experience in Cork and into the world of whiskey . Yes, one of the best things to do in Dublin is to explore the Jameson Distillery there but the one in Cork *actually* produces whiskey—in Dublin, it’s more of a museum. (You can taste whiskey at both, but it’s fresher in Cork.)

Since enjoying the pub scene is one of the best things to do in Ireland , step behind the curtain and learn how that magnificent Irish whiskey is made. Tour the distillery, learn about whiskey, and (of course) taste whiskey—here, you can see how Jameson stacks up to other brands. 

Pro tip : If you’re into the idea of local booze, one of the best things to do in Kilkenny is the Smithwick Experience , a tour of a brewery that’s been around since 1710. You’ll see lots of local beer like Smithwick around Ireland—just ask a local for their recs! 

#8: Enjoy small-town life in Cobh (or Kinsale! Or Waterford!) 

We love visiting small Irish towns . Luckily, southern Ireland has some of the country’s cutest.  This is an area where an Irish local will definitely know best —after all, Ireland is full of hidden gems that usually don’t make internet lists—but we have a couple of favorites. Both Cobh and Kinsale in County Cork burst with color and charm. And the town of Waterford, about two hours from Cork, is full of incredible historical sights. Seriously—these are some of the best places to visit in Ireland . 

You can’t leave Ireland without seeing a castle or six, and luckily the south of Ireland has one of the country’s very best: Kilkenny Castle . Visiting this fortress is seriously a must-do in Ireland —this 12th-century fortress is enormous, beautiful, and well-preserved. Connect with an Irish local who loves history—they can fill you in on the castle’s dramatic past, starting with Strongbow, one of the first Norman invaders of Ireland. 

Pro tip : Southern Ireland is full of amazing castles to explore. Of course, there’s the famous Blarney Castle (home to the Blarney Stone), but you’ll find tons more—including Desmond Castle, which is also home to a wine museum, and Gallarus Castle in County Kerry. 

#10: Mizen Head

Since you’re in the south, go all the way . Mizen Head is Ireland’s most southwesterly point—which means it provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The seascape is so beautiful that it even rivals other Ireland points of interest , like the well-loved Cliffs of Moher (although perhaps without the crowds). 

Pro tip : If you want to go to Ireland’s most southern point, that’s Brow Head, a little over 2 miles from Mizen Head. 

For even more things to do in southern Ireland, have an Irish local plan your trip . Since no one knows Ireland like the Irish, they can point you in the direction of tons of amazing stuff to do in the south (or even in the north of Ireland ). With your input, they’ll create an entire itinerary that hits all of Ireland’s best spots. Why see Ireland like a tourist when you could see it like a local? Learn more .

• Connect With a Local to Plan Your Trip
•   Lovely Things to Do in Limerick
• The 18 Best Things to do in Belfast in 2024
• All the Great Stuff to Do in Galway
• 15 Magical Things to Do in the West of Ireland
• Things to Do in Donegal: 15 Amazing Experiences

Looking for more info?

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Detailed itineraries + travel guides

7 Day Ireland Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide For The South

Last Updated March 26, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 7 Day Ireland Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide For The South

This 7-day Ireland itinerary guide is broken into three main parts – trip planning decision points, the comprehensive breakdown of each day, and my personal planning tips.  This is meant to be super comprehensive and is everything I would have wanted to know when I planned this South Ireland road trip, along with what to see in 7 days.

Ireland is a place where legends, epics, and science fiction become reality.  Ireland is a breathtaking ancient landscape, rolling green hills and craggy sharp rock. Ireland is céad míle fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes).

Read more about Ireland

• Things you have to see and do on your Ireland road trip
• 6 of the Best Things to do in Galway
• Must-read Ireland travel guide

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELING IRELAND

• Our favorite spot – You’ll discover this as you go through the itinerary but if I had to pick, I’d say it was our day at Skellig Michael , not only as a Star Wars nerd, but our timing in being able to see the puffins in droves.  Truly a special day.
• Where to stay – We used Booking.com for all of our stays and is great for finding those charming B&Bs. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
• Renting a car – An important part to a road trip is obviously a car. Save the most money through car rental coupon codes and always start your search with Discover Cars and RentalCars so you know what the best deals are.
• Flights – International flights are never cheap, but with the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature you can find the best deals. Check how much it would be for you to get to Ireland!
• Insurance – This is a must for a road trip! Check out the best travel insurance .
• Hottest deals – Bookmark our frequently updated travel deals page .

In This Article

Recommended travel time

Areas to focus, best time to go, packing essentials, where to stay, flying into ireland, interactive map, itinerary day 1 – a peek inside the ancient east, itinerary day 2 – from castles to a ring called kerry, itinerary day 3 – magic on skellig michael, itinerary day 4 – a day in killarney, itinerary day 5 – coastal adventures on dingle peninsula, itinerary day 6 – mighty cliffs and the burren, itinerary day 7 – clash of gaelic sport and dublin delight, itinerary flexibility and changes, frequently asked questions, travel resources for your next trip, ireland road trip planning.

Planning a South Ireland road trip isn’t hard.  There’s a few things to consider as you put everything together before you start planning.

For more details make sure to read everything you need to know when you plan a trip to Ireland .

There’s three scenarios here: 1) You have limited vacation days, 2) you found a flight deal with specific dates, or 3) there’s flexibility.

If it’s #1 or #2, you already know your answer but if it’s #3, things become intriguing.  It’s in part dictated by your decision on how much you’d like to see and the pace at which you travel.

Our week in Ireland wasn’t enough to see everything we wanted in the south but was the perfect amount to see the highlights.  I’d say Ireland in 7 days is a bare minimum and your itinerary will be decently packed.  Any less, you’ll have to focus on less regions or drive aggressively which isn’t recommended.

Two weeks is the perfect amount whether you decide to deep dive in a specific area or see the whole island.  For the sake of keeping this guide focused, let’s say you only have 7 days to work with.

A week in the Emerald Isle is certainly not enough but if you’ve got limited time like we did, you’ll have to make a pretty critical decision.  Do you focus on the North, South, or the whole island?  Do you want to take it slow or hit up as much as you can? 

The island of Ireland is divided into two parts.  The majority of the land is covered by the Republic of Ireland (officially named Ireland) and the other sixth is Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom to the northeast.

One of the most recognizable places of Ireland is Giant’s Causeway and it’s the reason you’ll want to come to this part of the island.  The unusual basalt pillars are incredibly unique and will boggle your mind.  In the north, it’s cities like Belfast and Derry which present the most compelling and fascinating political history if you’re interested in learning about that and the complicated past around Ireland’s independence.  There is plenty to see here and it’s just as beautiful as the southern part of the island.

Other highlights include:

• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
• Dark Hedges
• Donegal – There’s a reason why this region was picked as ‘Coolest Place on the Planet for 2017’ by  National Geographic Traveler

There is no official “southern Ireland” borderline but we’re labeling that as everywhere below the line connecting Galway to Dublin.

Southern Ireland is dramatically different in terrain and sights than the north.  The south is where you’ll find a majority of the larger cities of Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Galway city, and Limerick.

Our main reason for doing a South Ireland road trip is to experience the Ring of Kerry, Skellig Michael, Dingle, Connemara National Park and explore castles and ancient ruins.

The full loop

The island itself isn’t that large (area wise, it is in fact smaller than Iceland) and doing a loop is certainly possible in 7 days.  It’s an ambitious schedule but definitely possible.

Ultimately we chose to do the south because we had done Northern Ireland on a separate short stopover trip and wanted to see a different side to Ireland.

The summer months are short and in the winter most things in the country are shut down.  As a result, it kind of makes it simple in terms of when to plan your trip.

July and August are the peak of high season; school is out and you contend with the large hoards of tourists, both domestic and international.  On average these months have a high of 20C.

Spring and fall are going to be a bit temperamental but, if you’re okay with rain, you’ll find awesome flight deals and cheaper hotels.  Expect the temperatures to be colder though with highs of 15C.

The sweet spot, however, has to be June .  It’s during the summer solstice with the longest days of the year and it’s the start of high season.  You get the best of amazing weather and smaller crowd sizes.  It was incredible that there was enough light to sightsee until 10PM.

Packing for a South Ireland road trip shouldn’t be too hard as you’ll be staying at B&B’s and hotels all the way through.

Since you’ll have access to a car you don’t have to pack ultra-light.  You will want to rent the smallest car possible though, which means minimal trunk space.

Waterproof – You’re not going to skip every spot you have on your itinerary because of rain.  This means that you’ll have to brave the elements.  Have rain gear with you in case you need it.

GPS – If you have a data plan, using your smartphone for GPS will be your first choice so you can leverage any traffic information to take the most optimal route.  If not, a stand-alone unit will work just as well. Don’t assume your car will have GPS built in.  Before your trip, make sure you save areas offline on Google Maps and Save/Star all your destinations.  Google Maps will work offline (minus traffic adjustments).

Money – Ireland is part of the EU and as such, Euro is the currency.  Cash or credit is widely accepted.  If you’re from Canada, make sure you have the right credit card to either minimize on foreign exchange fees or maximize points.

Always cool – In the summer, it tops out in the low 20Cs.  Evenings drop down to the 10Cs or lower so pack accordingly.  I had a light Quiksilver hoodie always ready to go in the car in case things got chilly.

Other gear that I recommend for a trip to visit Ireland .

After deciding the focus area of your trip and having a rough idea of the spots you want to see, the next step is figuring out where to stay.

The best part about Ireland is the hospitality and it’s a big reason we had such a great time.  The scenery blew our minds, but those conversations with the owners of the B&Bs and hotel staff made for a lasting impression.

B&B’s:   You’ll only find hotels in the big cities. In the country-side you’re going to rely on family owned B&B accommodations.  Each one is unique and the best part is the delicious breakfast included.

Hotels:   In the bigger cities you’ll have the option to stay at a hotel.  We quite enjoyed our big rooms, luxurious beds, and room cleaning when we had the opportunity.  Not to say we didn’t have that at the B&Bs, but it was nice to go into a hotel knowing the level of service and quality that you’d expect.

Glamping:   When I found out about Galway Glamping with Mongolian yurts, I knew we had to try it.  You get an experience that gets you into the charming countryside setting while not sacrificing the comforts of a hot shower, kitchen, and lounge rooms.  Similar to B&Bs, the hosts are just as accommodating, friendly, and helpful.

Places we stayed across Ireland in 7 days:

• Kilkenny – Newlands Lodge
• Portmagee – Skellig View White Room Airbnb
• Killarney – The Lake Hotel
• Dingle – An Portán
• Lisdoonvarna (near Doolin) – Slieve Elva B&B
• Galway – Galway Glamping
• Dublin – The Croke Park Hotel

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Tips and Advice:

• Be careful about check-in times.  Typically there are very specific time slots where they expect you to come in.  If you aren’t able to, make sure you reach out to them beforehand, give the owners an estimate of when you’ll arrive, and get approval.
• When glamping, make sure to ask what facilities are available so you come prepared.  In Galway Glamping’s case, they did not provide towels so we had to bring our own travel towel .

The main international airport is Dublin (DUB) but there are also airports in Shannon (SNN), Belfast (BFS), Cork (ORK), and Knock in West Ireland (NOC).

Coming from Canada, Dublin airport will be your primary access point into Ireland.  Our choice of airline is Air Transat .  We flew economy and were greeted with great leg room, a solid entertainment system, excellent service and amazing food.

If you’re coming from another part of Europe, you have even more airports open to you.

• Kerry Airport : Served by flights from Dublin, Manchester, London-Luton, London-Stansted and Frankfurt.
• Waterford Airport:  Served by flights from London-Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bordeaux, Lorient.
• Galway Airport:  Served by flights from Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradfort, London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton.
• Donegal Airport
• Sligo Airport
• George Best Belfast City Airport
• City of Derry Airport

These options allow you to get creative with your itinerary.  For instance, instead of doing a round trip journey in and out of Dublin, you could start in Dublin on the East side of the island to Shannon on the West.

Table of Contents

The 7 Day Ireland Itinerary

With the basics covered, the next step is to plan your day by day Ireland itinerary.

This high level outline shows everything we did across the 7 day road trip including sights, restaurants we tried, where we stayed, and invaluable insight we learned through adventure and misadventure.

This is meant to be a guideline because everyone’s situation will be different.  That said, if you’re looking for a baseline to start from, this guide is probably the best out there.  Sign up to become an insider and get access to the downloadable spreadsheet .

If you’re coming from North America, you’ll most likely be taking a red-eye flight, flying out in the evening and arriving the next morning.  This means you may be too tired to hit the ground running.  For us, we tried to sleep through the flight so that we’d have enough energy to last the first day.

Upon landing in Dublin and out of the airport by 1PM, we made an explicit decision to hit the road right away.  There’s more details in the driving section of our road trip guide but since I knew driving in Dublin was going to be a headache, it seemed more logical to finish there, return the car in the city and then rely on local transportation.

After picking up our rental car from Europcar we found our way to Glendalough in the gorgeous Wicklow Mountains region.  Glendalough Monastic City ruins were very impressive and almost fairytale-like with the Round Tower, Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, the high crosses in the graveyard, and the priest’s house.  Make sure not to miss the walk up to the Upper Lake which has a postcard worthy view.  It’s roughly a 30 minute walk each way.

We then drove to the city of Kilkenny, our final destination of the day.  We arrived too late to do the Kilkenny Castle tour but there was plenty to see walking around the grounds, including the massive green park on one side and the rose garden on the other.

After dinner, we treated ourselves to Murphy’s Ice Cream.   Our favorite flavor has to be their Dingle Sea Salt, try it!

If we had more time:

Smithwick’s Experience – Smithwick’s ended up being our beloved beer for the trip and would have loved to have done this tour.  They also had an evening experience that sounded fun.

PETRONELLA RESTAURANT & CAFE

Quaint restaurant down a small alleyway in Kilkenny that serves excellent European dishes that span Irish to Italian.  Ordered the Baked Goatsbridge trout and Pappardelle pasta and both were very good.  Loved the decor here as well.  Best part was when the manager, Frank, came out to greet all the customers to see how everything was.

TripAdvisor

NEWLANDS LODGE

Just outside of Kilkenny, this B&B is a lovely property that will exceed all expectations whether it comes to the spacious rooms that are impeccably clean, friendly service from owners Mairead and Jimmy, and delicious all-inclusive breakfast.

Booking.com

Tips and Tricks:

• Car rental and driving tips – See everything you need to know to plan a trip to Ireland . We found our car rental via Discover Cars .
• Parking at Glendalough – We parked at the first parking lot we saw which turned out to be the Glendalough Hotel.  The parking was “free” and we weren’t ticketed although I’d say in high season it may not be as easy as it was for us.
• Glendalough Monastic City – No admission required.
• Relieve and hydrate – The walk to the Upper Lake is long and there isn’t much cover at the main site so either use the visitor center or Glendalough Hotel for the bathroom facilities.
• Kells Priory – This is an off-the-beaten-path spot that would be worth considering in your itinerary.  Read more about it here .

With a full stomach from our Irish breakfast, we hopped into our car and made our way to the Rock of Cashel .  

On a green hill with banded limestone, ancient fortifications create a ring around the Gothic cathedral, round tower, and chapel.  We were able to walk through the open, yet remarkably intact, ruins while also enjoying the rolling countryside of Tipperary.

Next stop was the famed Blarney Castle just outside of Cork.  The grounds of Blarney Castle and Gardens are huge and require a half day to fully explore everything.  We walked straight to the castle tower to line up to kiss a stone famed for giving the gift of eloquence.  

Wrapping up at Blarney Castle, we rushed through Killarney and connected to the Ring of Kerry to start our counter-clockwise rotation.  

The scenery at this point dramatically changed from tree lined country roads to coastal cliffs and crashing waves.  This is where you’ll appreciate having your own car .

After a few impromptu stops along the way, we made our final stop of the night at Kells Bay House & Gardens .  Here, we had a lovely and surprisingly authentic Thai meal at their in-house Sala Thai Restaurant.

We had the Summer Solstice on our side and there was still a ton of light out after dinner.  This made navigating the road to Portmagee and over to our Airbnb much easier.  Sadly, we had to skip pretty much everything along the way along this part of the Ring of Kerry except a quick stop at a gas station to pick up breakfast and snack items for the next day.

• Cork – It would’ve been nice to explore Cork and their English Market and visit the Cobh Heritage Centre.
• Blarney Gardens – I would have loved to have spent more time doing the various walks around the Poison Garden, Fern Garden, Arboretum, and the endless other garden walks that explore the mystical and magical landscapes.
• Killorglin – This is the first town we passed by along the Ring of Kerry.  We zipped right through but I would have loved to have stopped here even for a few minutes to get a feel for a small town like this one.
• Cahirciveen – This is home to the Ballycarbery Castle and the Old Barracks which is built in the Schloss style.  Legend says they mixed up plans for this and a building designed for somewhere in Punjab, India.

SALA THAI RESTAURANT

This is the in-house restaurant as part of the Kells Bay House property.  As someone that’s had a lot of Thai food, I have to say that the curries, noodles, and skewers we had were all very good and very authentic.  The only knock I’d have on this place is the service.  Our order took way too long to get to the table and only after following up did they realize that they missed our order completely and had to make it from scratch at that point.

SKELLIG VIEW WHITE ROOM AIRBNB

A no frills kind of Airbnb that I booked pretty early on because I was worried that the town of Portmagee would sell out.  Our host, Marie, was very accommodating of our late check-in request and I appreciated the free passes to Kerry Cliffs.  The room was just the right size and in relatively clean condition.  Wifi included as well.

Check rates

Tips and Tricks :

• Rock of Cashel – Parking is right up the narrow road right at the base of the hill.  It’s an automated parking system where you pay the machine when you’re leaving.  This parking costs 4.50 EUR.  To save money you could park in town and walk up.  Entrance is 8 EUR per person.
• Blarney Castle  – Be ready for lines to kiss the Blarney Stone.  If you’re not in a rush, I recommend doing the other parts of the garden, waiting for the line to subside and then doing the castle itself.
• Blarney Gardens –   Entrance is 14 EUR per person booked online.

Thinking about what to see in Ireland in 7 days, this is my #1 must-do.  The entire pilgrimage experience of zipping across the North Atlantic to discover that the white tipped Little Skellig was in fact covered by white gannets and adorable puffins that made Skellig Michael their home.  Then following in the ancient footsteps of Luke Skywalker and Rey up to the monastery itself was pure magic.

The 2.5 hours we had on the island seemed like a lot initially but once we started climbing the steps and exploring the beehive huts of the monastery, time passed quickly.

Back on the mainland and after lunch, we explored the lesser-known Valentia Island.  We wouldn’t have known about this part of the Ring of Kerry if it wasn’t for incredible photos I had seen from this area.  With the higher vantage points of Geokaun Mountain (5 EUR per car) and the slate quarry behind Valentia Lighthouse (5 EUR per person), the scenery was as close to postcard perfect as it gets.

We then continued along our ring road journey by joining up with the Skellig Ring where we stopped by Kerry Cliffs (4 EUR per person) which is an impressive view of the jagged edged rocky coast.  It’s at the edge of the peninsula where the land rises and then sharply drops into the ocean.

The driving adventure continued along until rejoining the main Ring of Kerry.  Due to time, we couldn’t stop in the towns along the way.  From Waterville and onwards, it was straight driving.  Since we weren’t close to the coast there wasn’t much to stop and see.

At Molls Gap , we took a quick break before descending into Killarney National Park with sunlight starting to wane.  We were able to make quick stops at Ladies View where you can see where the glaciers carved through the valley before the opening into Killarney itself.

It was late by the time we checked into The Lake Hotel so no restaurants were open.  We hopped downstairs to the Devil’s Punchbowl Bar , grabbed a pint, and ordered a sandwich.

• Waterville, Sneem, Caherdaniel, and Kenmare – It would’ve been nice to take our time through these idyllic coastal towns but I feel the trade off of spending more time on Valentia Island and the Skellig Ring was worth it.

THE BRIDGE BAR

With barely any time to snack on Skellig Michael, we were famished by the time we arrived back in Portmagee.  Right along the main street is this nice little local restaurant which gets all the Skellig tourists.  Their fish and chips definitely hit the spot.

THE LAKE HOTEL

A historic hotel that is full of character but doesn’t show its age.  The rooms here are incredibly spacious and comfortable.  Breakfast as part of the B&B package was of the highest quality and the perfect charge-up for the day.  Location wise, it can’t be beat either being practically on Killarney National Park Grounds with that amazing view of the old castle ruins at the footsteps of Lough Leane.

• Booking:  You must book at least 4-5 months in advance in order to guarantee a spot for a specific date.  If you haven’t, don’t fret because cancellations happen all the time.
• Casey’s Tours to Skellig Island
• Skellig Michael Cruises
• The Skelligs – Force Awakens Boat Trip – Leaves from Ballinskelligs which is a totally different pier from Portmagee
• Skellig Boat
• Skellig Walker Cruises
• Skellig Michael Voyage
• The Skelligs Tour – Departs from Caherdaniel
• Skellig Experience Visitor Centre also has a page for boat tours here .
• Weather:  If the weather is poor for the boats, they’ll cancel the trip.  That’s why Skelligs Rocks ensured we called the morning of to confirm whether the trip would be a go or not.  There’s not much you can do here other than perhaps planning 2 days in the Ring of Kerry area so that if one day doesn’t work, you can reorganize things so you can have a second day to attempt a trip out.
• Boat ride:   With the speed of the boat, you’re not going to get that rocky, nausea inducing feeling that folks sensitive to being on the water get.  That being said, the water does get choppy especially on the way out which is why you have to wear the waterproof gear provided by the boat.  For those that get sea sick easily, they do offer medicine on board prior to leaving the pier if you need it but nobody on our boat ride had issues.  Make sure you tuck your camera away once the boat is out in open water because you will get very wet especially if you sit near the back.  The captain was also nice enough to provide big zip-loc bags in case.
• Difficulty:   There are two main sets of steps to the Monastery but I would say it’s relatively easy.  The first set slowly winds up with some natural spots for breaks.  The steps are wide enough to allow people to pass.  The second set of steps are more steep but if you take your time, you’ll make it up with no issues.  Compared to the Inca Trail where altitude was in effect , this felt very easy since it only required short spurts of energy.
• Tour:  Make sure you stick around for the educational talk given by one of the rangers when you get to the Monastery.  I don’t think there’s a fixed schedule but I could be wrong.  It felt like it was every hour.
• Valentia Lighthouse  – Admission to here was 5 EUR per person but didn’t think it was worth it.  The lighthouse and the small museum weren’t too interesting and the views weren’t anything special.  What was a nice view was in fact from the slate quarry which is visible when you look back inland from the lighthouse.  From here you get sweeping views of the lighthouse and the sprawling peninsula fingers that meet here.
• Skellig Ring – The Skelligs are in view for most of the drive around here and was honestly more of a joy to drive through compared to the Ring of Kerry because the large coaches don’t come here.  There weren’t designated stops per say but it was a joy to find pullovers to see the villages below.
• Ring of Kerry –  I would recommend driving counter-clockwise which is the official designated route for all the coach buses.   I’d much rather be stuck behind one and feel comfortable that opposing traffic will have to yield and when the opportunity arises to pass.  The driving section will cover this in more detail but I’ll say two things. 1) The speed limit is way too high so don’t feel pressured to drive that fast and 2) As scary as everyone made driving the ring sound, it wasn’t that bad because you’re never at a cliff’s edge and there are usually tiny pull offs for oncoming cars.

After a hearty breakfast at The Lake Hotel , we ventured about the hotel grounds.  The hotel backs right into the largest lake of the national park and as part of that, there’s also the ruins of The McCarthy Mór Castle.

You’ll need a full day exploring Killarney National Park because it’s huge.  For us, we wanted to hit up the main sights.  We were able to see Muckross Abbey, Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and Ross Castle.  I was probably most impressed with the Abbey and its courtyard that must’ve inspired Tolkien.

Wanting to spend time in the town of Dingle, we hit the road right after we finished at the castle.  The drive through the southern coast of the peninsula was amazing with views of the water as you winded through.  The Ring of Kerry side was always visible across the water and we made quite a few stops along the way.

We quite enjoyed our time in Dingle as we were able to take a relaxing stroll along the main streets of town, popping into the small shops that were painted in a variety of colors.   After dinner, we also made sure we tried a few more flavors at Murphy’s Ice Cream.

• Killarney National Park – I would’ve loved to have done a few hikes in the park.  I was also sad that we weren’t able to take the boat across from Ross Castle to the Meeting of the Waters and Old Weird Bridge.
• Gap of Dunloe – This was part of the plans but had to be cut.  There’s an awesome hike there that takes around 2 hours with breathtaking views of the lake, a heritage cottage, and the surrounding mountains.
• Killarney City – If there’s one city we completely skipped because of time, it was Killarney.  It’s supposed to be a charming city with great food options like Quinlan’s Seafood Bar and Lane Cafe Bar.

OUT OF THE BLUE

If you love seafood, this is your spot.  The seafood chowder is out of this world.  The fish is all locally caught and fresh and it comes through in the two dishes we had – sea bass and pollock were probably the best of the entire trip.

This is one of the few B&Bs located on the western part of Dingle Peninsula which is the perfect spot to launch into the main sights along Slea Head Drive and the ferry out to the Blasket Islands.  The owners, Rónán and Geraldine are warm and friendly hosts that also serve up delicious breakfast.  The rooms are spacious, clean, and even come furnished with a rocking chair.

Starting in Dunquin, which is where our B&B was located, was a bit of a blessing and a curse because it allowed us to jump right into Dunquin Harbour and The Blasket Centre but since driving counter to traffic is highly inadvisable as we were told, we had to cut across the mountain in order to drive on Slea Head Drive in the clockwise direction.

When it comes to Slea Head Drive , there really wasn’t a specific sight that you’re looking for.  It’s very much a look out into the ocean as you’re driving around.

We were told that the Famine Cottages are a tourist trap so we skipped that.  There are also beehive huts along the way but because as we had done Skellig Michael, we passed as well.  Cross at Slea Head is a good spot for a quick stop where you’ll see great views of the Blasket Islands.  From there, you can see Coumeenoole Beach .  The beach is a good spot for a picnic and there’s a nice hike to the peninsula’s edge.

We continued around the peninsula with stops at Clogher Head, which is more or less another beach, and the Louis Mulcahy Pottery studio (good for a bathroom break and quick peek).

We drove back into town for another quick stop before detouring north to cross Conor Pass.  At the peak, there’s a carpark where we stopped briefly to check out the magnificent sights here.  You can see the coast in the distance, farms at the valley floor, along with lakes and cliffs.

This is when the heavy driving started as we had to wind up Northeast towards Limerick before turning Northwest.  Along the way, we stopped in the city of Ennis where it started pouring but we ducked into Cruises Pub for dinner.

• Gallarus Oratory – This was on our itinerary for the drive around Dingle but because we didn’t have enough time, I quickly flew the drone and continued along our way.
• Quaint small towns of Dingle – Our B&B hosts recommended that we stop by Ballydavid but short on time, we had to skip them.
• Blasket Islands – This is a full day kind of event but if you had a couple of days in the area, we recommend getting a ferry over to the Great Blasket Island to create your own eco adventure.

CRUISES PUB

This spot was a bit of a happy accident for us.  Originally we wanted to eat at The Cloister Restaurant & Bar but they weren’t taken anyone without reservations.  This pub was full of energy when we stepped in with a Gaelic football match televised with live Irish music.  There was a good selection of local beer here on top of comfort Irish bar food.  The Guinness meat pie and bangers and mash were perfect.

SLIEVE ELVA B&B

Just outside the town of Lisdoonvarna is this amazing B&B which features cosy guest rooms which are both spacious, clean, and modernly renovated.  What makes any stay special is the hospitality of the owners Kris and Ireen who will go out way to make you feel at home.  Their breakfast is marvelous and you will love their personal touch of home made bread and jams.  On top of that, each room gets Ireen’s homemade biscuits.  This would be my B&B of choice for anyone want to visit Cliffs of Moher or The Burren in County Clare.

• Driving in Dingle – Having done the drive myself, I can confidently say that you do not want to drive counter-clockwise.  Slea Head Drive is designated as a two way road but some parts along the coast are only wide enough for one car.
• Tarbert to Killimer Ferry – Instead of driving through Limerick as we ended up doing, there’s an alternative route that involves a ferry from Tarbert and goes across to Killimer.  We were originally going to do this but it didn’t save us any time so we just kept on driving.  However, if you plan it well or just have a more flexible schedule, check the schedule beforehand and this’ll be a great way to cut down driving time.  It costs 19 EUR per car or 17.10 if you book online .

We started off by crossing through the countryside before dropping to the coast.  Where there were rolling valleys before, large forested areas popped up and the ground burst with streams of sharp jagged limestone.

The Cliffs of Moher were staggeringly impressive with its continuous sheer drop of 214 meters that winds out as far as the eye can see.  Where the vistas truly opened up was beyond the fences of the maintained park.  There, I only dared to walk to the death-defying edges a few times before following the ridge line down to the most northern point.   We ended up spending quite a bit of time here.

Our next stop was Burren Smokehouse .  What we learned was that the Smokehouse itself is just a store and next to it on the same street is the Storehouse.  We grabbed a sample platter to eat one of our few lunches on the trip.  It was so good that after lunch we picked up a few for home.  The tricky part was figuring out how to keep it refrigerated the remainder of the trip.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in Burren National Park , followed by a quick walk around the portal tomb, Poulnabrone .  The Burren region is out of this world.  Even though we didn’t get to do a full hike in this geopark, it shows the power of glaciers that carved through and left behind limestone pavement with fissures created by rainwater dissolution.  The end result is something that is so dramatically different from anywhere else in Ireland.

We closed out the day in Galway , my favorite city in Ireland.  We didn’t get to stay there long but it was somewhere that was full of energy with all the street performers.  Pedestrian streets ruled the downtown core, making it easy to walk and so approachable with its many shops and restaurants.

At the end of the night, we drove outside of the city to get to Galway Glamping where we had a chance to meet the owners and get a full tour of the grounds.  This night was hands down the most memorable of stays with an eclectic assembly of furniture in the Mongolian yurt which was surprisingly very cozy and warm thanks to the electrical heater.

We closed out the day in Galway which has got to be my favorite city in Ireland.  It’s not like we even got to stay there that long but it was somewhere that was full of energy with all the street performers.  Pedestrian streets ruled the downtown core which made it easy to walk and so approachable with its many shops and restaurants.

At the end of the night, we drove outside of the city to get to Galway Glamping where we had a chance to meet the owners where they gave us the full tour of the grounds.  This night was hands down the most memorable of stays with eclectic assembly of furniture in the Mongolian yurt which was surprisingly very cosy and warm thanks to the electrical heater.

• I put together an article about top things to do in Galway .  Head over there for more ideas.
• Ballyvaughan Fairy Fort – A hidden spot in The Burren, this ring fort is said to be on the road up to Poulnabrone, just opposite the left hand turn into the Ailwee Caves. Access is restricted but it’s supposedly easy to walk in.
• Ballyvaughan – Pretty thatched cottages, nice crafts shops, and restaurants.
• Aran Islands – The easiest way to get there is by catching a ferry from Doolin.  I’d recommend staying overnight at a minimum.  There are 3 islands in the chain but the most interesting is Inis Mór which features the cliff tops prehistoric ring forts.  A ton to see and explore here.
• Burren National Park – I’m still a bit disappointed in the hike we attempted here.  With a little better planning, I would’ve picked a better marked hike.
• Aillwee Cave/Pollnagollum  – Pollnagollum is a secret spot but if you know where to look, you can find the cave that inspired Lord of the Rings’ character, Gollum.  Entrance to the longest cave in Ireland, the more accessible way is through Aillwee Cave which is open to the public.  The best way to see it is to join up with a local caving tour ( Back West Adventures ).

THE BURREN STOREHOUSE

Everyone raved about The Burren Smokehouse and their restaurant (Storehouse next door) and it sure didn’t disappoint.  After our morning at the Cliffs of Moher, we made our way over here for a quick bite.  While they have a ton of other great menu items such as their pizza, what we really wanted to try was a sampling of their smoked fish. Luckily they have the Smokehouse Platter which has 6 of their products.  Two of us shared one plate and it was just right for a half lunch.  There’s often live music playing here as well.

GALWAY GLAMPING

The most unique accommodations of our Ireland itinerary.  Who would’ve thought we’d be able to stay in a Mongolian yurt in the middle of the Irish countryside.  What used to be an estate in ruins, the grounds have now been converted to this eclectic mix of yurts, axe-throwing, group games, party rooms, and other funky rooms.  What makes it glamping is that all rooms are furnished and powered while also including super clean bathroom, kitchen, and lounging facilities next door.

Book Directly

• What the entry ticket is actually for – The entry ticket is only to get into the mass lot across the street.  Once you’re parked, all you do is cross the street and that’s it.  This kind of makes sense because there’s no way to police the cliffs to the north and the south.  Anyone can walk in.  They just bank on everyone driving.  You do have to get in the same line as everyone regardless if you purchase your ticket online ahead of time.
• How to get in for free – There’s a farmer that has land right next to the most northerly edge of the cliffs who is apparently super cool with people parking along the road as long as his car can still drive through.  The photo below is the spot that you should be looking for.  If you’re coming from the north, you’ll see this before the mass parking lot.  You can use either side as you can see.
• Best time to go – If I were to do it again, I’d definitely plan to go after 4PM.  During the middle of the day, there are way too many tourist buses and the sun is right above you which creates incredibly harsh shadows.  I’ve seen the photos and sunsets are epic here.
• Best spots for photos – To get that postcard perfect shot, you need to leave the official bounds of the tourist site (there are signs that let you know).  We couldn’t do both ends but chose to hike to the northern edge which gives a full view of the pinnacle and a long depth of cliffs front to back.

• Burren National Park – This park is unique because there aren’t any specific boundaries and isn’t run like a national park that we’re used to.  That’s why the visitor center is in the nearby town of Corofin.  We didn’t go there and just plotted a route to the park via Google Maps.  In retrospect it wasn’t a good idea because I had no clue where the hike trails were.  At the Gortlecka Crossroads, we saw a bunch of cars parked here so we did as well.  Thing is, there’s only one board here that indicated there was a trail here.  We tried to follow it but eventually got side tracked by a gate opening that we thought was the right way.  Long story short, we gave up and turned back.  Either we are terrible at hiking or the trails are just poorly marked.  Lesson learned:  Get a trail map from the visitor center first.
• Tunnel toll – When driving up to Galway, we hit an unexpected toll since there’s a tunnel you have to go through.  This is an unattended machine so you have to make sure you have enough coins for this.  The toll is 1.90 EUR.
• Galway parking – You’re probably not going to find free parking here.  We circled around for a bit to see if we could get free parking to no avail.  In the end, we found a paid lot.

On our last full day in Ireland we started early.  We had an exciting morning planned with Clash Gaelic Games and we needed to travel East to get there.  While that sounds daunting, it was mostly on the motorway (highway) and took about 2 hours.

One thing you need to understand about Ireland is that while European football is popular, it pales in comparison to the Gaelic sports.  Gaelic Football and Hurley are the top two sports in the country and what better way to end off the trip than to get to learn how to play these two sports.  I had found out about Clash Gaelic Games through my research and I thought it was such a fun way to learn about culture while burning a few calories and making a fool of ourselves.  

After our mini workout, we had to get into the city, check into our hotel, cab over to Kilmainham Gaol prison, then make it late to Trinity College’s Old Library to see the Book of Kells .  We were able to stroll the streets and get some retail therapy at the hyper cheap Penny’s following.

With one night to make it count, we had dinner at L. Mulligan Grocer and spent the rest of the night drinking Guinness and listening to live Irish music at The Temple Bar .

• Dublin  – I would have liked to have seen St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Green, done more shopping, tried more restaurants, and drank a little harder.
• Pubs – The Temple Bar is the most popular one in the city but there are so many other good ones including The Dame Tavern and The Brazen Head.
• Guinness – While we weren’t big fans at the beginning, this famous stout grew on us throughout the trip.  The Guinness Storehouse is in Dublin and would be a fun place to visit for any lover of this beer. You can get advance tickets here .
• Newgrange – While technically not in Dublin, north of the city is a large and ancient burial site built of stone and architectured to only let light into the ritual chamber at sunrise on Winter Solstice.
• Howth – This is a village north of Dublin and near Portmarnock.  Located on a bulbous peninsula and featuring sweeping coastal views, it includes a superb food and crafts market.  It’s a place that gives you a flavor of everything we saw on the west coast without driving too far from Dublin.
• Malahide Castle & Gardens – While I’m sure this would’ve been impressive, we couldn’t fit this in with how long Clash went.  I wasn’t too sad in this case though since we had seen Blarney Castle & Gardens and I imagine it would be somewhat similar.

L. MULLIGAN GROCER

It’s a peculiar name for sure and it’s a bit far from the city centre but well worth it for the wide range of craft beers on tap and menu items.  We tried a most interesting watermelon wheat beer which tasted like…you guessed it…watermelon!  Our Moules Frites and Free Range Chicken Kiev were most excellent.

THE CROKE PARK HOTEL

This Doyle Collection hotel is located right next door to the famed Croke Park stadium where all the biggest Gaelic sport matches are held.  This signature hotel in the Dublin is a contemporary hotel that is big on comforts.  Their mattresses are heavenly with velvety duvets, there’s good table space to work, comfy furniture to relax, and the marbled bathrooms.  If you get the packing that includes breakfast, you’ll be treated to a wide buffet selection including honey straight from the honeycomb and my favourite, the croissants, which were delightful.  The staff was incredibly friendly and lastly, parking is included for free.  It’s the perfect hotel to launch your Dublin adventures from.

• Clash Gaelic Games  – While it was a bit of a specialized session with just the two of us, if you’re traveling with a big group of friends or if you’re a family, this is a great way to stay active and honestly try something you’d never be able to do anywhere else.
• Driving in Dublin – Everyone said “don’t do it” and they were right.  The core is a mess especially with the construction going on.  You do not want to drive in the city.  Taking a cab or local transit is the way to go so make sure you either return the car rental, wait to rent the car later, or your hotel has free parking.
• Uber – I experienced the most peculiar thing with Uber in Dublin.  There were numerous times when I’d order a cab and while it was on its way, they could cancel the ride.  I couldn’t understand why this kept happening until I realized that all the Uber drivers were regular cabbies essentially.  Every cab had Uber and another local app running on their phones and so they had to allegiance to any one of them and if they found a more convenient ride along the way, they’d take it.  On top of that, Uber also doesn’t display prices because it’s all standard meters.  At the end of the day, just understand that hailing a cab or ordering an Uber is no different.  In Dublin, I’d say hailing is just easier if you’re in a busy area because you won’t get canceled on.
• Kilmainham Goal is 8 EUR per person (plus booking fees online) and Book of Kells is 10 to 13 EUR depending on peak or off-peak hours per person.

Trips never go as planned.  This one was no different.  For the most part though, nothing dramatically changed where we had to restructure things around.  This trip was one where I simply packed too much in and had to make the call to fast forward if time was running low.

Here’s a little insight into why I feel that our plans deviated to help in your own planning:

• Not starting the day early enough – We could’ve fit more in if we hit the road after breakfast by 8AM instead of 9 or 10AM on most days.
• Taking too long in each spot – Between photos, videos, drone, and eyes, we spent more time than we had planned for.
• Driving time according to GPS is inaccurate – If you drove by Ireland’s ridiculously high speed limit and didn’t stop, sure, but the reality is that you’ll be making stops to take photos of the views and you’ll be slowing down around all corners and when there’s opposing traffic.
• Skipping meals – This is more of what happened as a result of a packed schedule.  Since we always had breakfast included by our B&Bs or hotels, lunch was the first thing to go out the window.
• Unexpected stops – You can’t plan for these but we stopped along the Ring of Kerry to help a couple with their flat tire which put us behind.  Alternatively, I didn’t have much planned for Dingle but we got a long list of suggestions from the B&B, so we ended up spending more time there before driving out of the peninsula.
• Losing track of time – As much as it was a massive advantage to have incredibly long days (usable light up until 10PM), it was also easy to just keep going.  As a result, there were a few times where we got to our dinner spot too late and had to make alternate plans.

So there you have it, the itinerary guide for a south Ireland road trip.  It was an ambitious trip for sure, but we only covered a small portion of everything Ireland has to offer.

Hopefully you’ll be able to use this as a starting point for your trip planning and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

Make Trip Planning To Ireland A Breeze Make sure to read this companion travel guide to planning the best road trip in Ireland.

No, as long as you have a valid driver’s license you do not need an international one. A valid driver’s license allows you to rent a car as well. Note that there are different age requirements in Ireland when it comes to renting a car, be sure to look into that if concerned.

The amount of days really depends on what parts of Ireland you’d like to see and if you’d like to take your time seeing them all or not. You’ll need to decide if you want to do the north part, the south or the full loop. In our case, 7 days was barely enough to tour southern Ireland, but to do the full loop we would recommend more.

The best month to travel Ireland is June. There’s not as much rainfall during this month and the days are longer due to summer solstice, therefore you get more time to do and see more.

What you should read next

• A Week in Ireland – Enchanting Castles, Wild Coastline, and Star Wars
• 10 Must-See and Do Things For Any Road Trip in Ireland
• Ireland Road Trip Travel Guide – Everything You Need To Know
• Why You Absolutely Must Do A Road Trip Around Ireland In Photos

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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10 Must-See Attractions in Southern Ireland

Ireland has many beautiful attractions that appeal to all sorts of travellers. History, castles, national parks, beaches, and cliffs – Ireland has it all! Here is a list of 10 must-see attractions that I visited in southern Ireland. Enjoy!

Powerscourt Estate

Powerscourt Estate was the first stop on my road trip through southern Ireland and I was blown away by the beauty of the estate’s vast grounds. You could spend hours walking around the gorgeous property and admiring the backdrop of the Wicklow Mountains. 

Glendalough

The magical monastic ruins of Glendalough will transport you to medieval Ireland. Additionally, there are great hiking trails along two different lakes and several spots to stop and admire nature.

Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle is my favourite castle that we visited in southern Ireland. For over 200 years, people around the world have climbed the steps of the castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. According to legend, kissing the stone grants the gift of eloquence! After kissing the stone yourself, make sure to explore the surrounding estate. Don’t miss the Castle Gardens, Blarney House, and the Rock Close.

Rock of Cashel

Just a short drive from Blarney Castle is the Rock of Cashel. This fortress has one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture in Europe. The ruins are fascinating and the views from the castle of Irish pastures are stunning!

Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is a stunning area of natural beauty in southern Ireland. I went horseback riding through Killarney National Park with Killarney Riding Stables and it was wonderful. I highly recommend trying it as a way to explore the park! 

Muckross House

Located in Killarney National Park is Muckross House; a beautiful Victorian mansion where Queen Victoria actually stayed for a visit! You can tour the house and traditional farms, walk around the estate, and hike or take a horse and carriage ride to Torc Waterfall.

I was stunned to come across this expansive beach with soft sand and views of the Irish coastline. Can you believe that the Atlantic Ocean was warm enough to take a dip?

Cliffs of Moher

Of course the Cliffs of Moher are on this list! Despite the number of tourists, the Cliffs of Moher are a must-see in southern Ireland.

The Burren will blow your mind. This limestone landscape is rugged and uniquely beautiful. You will feel like you are on another planet – especially when you have the place to yourself!

Kylemore Abbey

Before becoming an Abbey, Kylemore Castle was built in the late 1800s by a wealthy businessman, inspired by the love for his wife. How romantic! You will love exploring this gorgeous estate. Make sure to take the shuttle to the Victorian Walled Garden. 

I hope you enjoyed this list of 10 must-see attractions in southern Ireland!

To read my blog post, “A Road Trip Through Southern Ireland,” click here.

To read my blog post, “10 Amazing Castles in Southern Ireland,” click here.

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What's On In Southern Ireland

Things to do in southern ireland.

Attractions and Places to Visit in Southern Ireland

Dublin is the capital city of Ireland and it nestles at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin is a city of exemplary museums, exciting music and sports events, and enticing modern restaurants. The climate here is classified as a maritime climate, usually with cool summers and mild winters. This vibrant city is noted as much for its Georgian buildings, museums, theaters and attractions, as for its leisure activities and adrenaline-fuelled adventures.

Enjoy the historical castles and cathedrals in the Cork area from Barryscourt Castle in Carrigtwohill and Fota House and Cobh Cathedral to the wonderful Abbey in Timoleague and the Bridgetown Priory and mills in Castletownroche

A visit to Ireland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a historic attraction . Dunguaire Castle is a 16th century tower house sitting on Galway Bay’s rocky shores. It’s open to explore during the day, or you can catch a medieval-themed show there at night. Check out a local church or cathedral like St. Nicholas’s or Galway Cathedral, and explore the city’s history at Galway City Museum.

Dublin Castle

Since its foundation in 1204 Southern Ireland Castle has been at the heart of the history and evolution of the city. Today, spanning an area of over 44,000 square meters (11 acres). Read More

Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse is a Guinness-themed tourist attraction at St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. Since opening in 2000, it has received over 4 million visitors.

Kilmainham Gaol Dublin

Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol held some of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history such as Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell, the 1916 Rising leaders and Eamon de Valera. Read More

National Aquatic Centre

The National Aquatic Centre is under the remit of the National Sports Campus Development Authority and is operated by a wholly owned subsidiary of the NSCDA.In 2015 over 980,000 people... Read More

National Botanic Gardens

Located just 3 km from Southern Ireland city centre, the National Botanic Gardens are an oasis of calm and beauty, and entry is free. A premier scientific institution, the gardens also contain... Read More

National Museum of Ireland

The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology is a branch of the National Museum of Ireland located on Kildare Street in Southern Ireland, Ireland. It features displays on prehistoric Ireland. Read More

Galleries & Art Cork

The Lewis Glucksman Gallery in Cork City can be enjoyed after enjoying a walk around the grounds of UCC. The Lee Gallery, Crawford Art Gallery, the Lavit Gallery along with Buckley's Fine Art Gallery are all in Cork City. The Vanguard Gallery of Macroom offers national and contemporary art to delight the visitor. Read More

Museums & Castles Cork

Cork Museums can include a visit to Desmond Castle & Wine Museum, and then on to Kinsale Museum. Bantry House offers an insight into the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry with its many tapestries, paintings and many important pieces of furniture of European origin.

Beaches Cork

Blue Flag Beaches in Cork can be enjoyed whatever the season. Cork is well known for its sandy beach and safe swimming waters. Garrylucas is a sandy beach with sand dunes in part. Inchydoney is a sandy beach, located on Inchydoney Island a few miles from Clonakilty.

The Aran Islands

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands situated in Galway Bay, just about 45km off the coast of County Galway in the west of Ireland. These islands are very special places as they... Read More

Kylemore Abbey & Garden

A visit to Connemara would not be complete without a visit to the magnificent Kylemore Abbey & Garden - the jewel in the Connemara crown! Read on to find out why Kylemore Abbey & Garden...

House of Waterford Crystal

Nothing compares with the atmosphere of the blowing room, the heady mix of heat, noise and bustling activity makes this experience all the more breath-taking as you edge closer to the 1400 c furnace. Read More

Crag Cave Kerry

Crag Cave is a cave in Ireland, located just outside Castleisland,County Kerry. Formed in elevated limestone rock, the system extends to 3.8 kilometres (2.4 mi) of surveyed passage, on two levels. Read More

The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry (or Iveragh Peninsula to give it its correct name) is the Kerry tourist trail and part of the mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Read More

Ross Castle Kerry

Ross Castle is a 15th century tower house and keep on the edge of Lough Leane, in Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Ireland. It is the ancestral home of the O'Donoghue clan... Read More

Best things to do on a Southern Ireland road trip

With its cosy country pubs, rolling hillsides, and charming towns, you’ll be captivated by the welcoming atmosphere and number of great things to see when you visit Southern Ireland.

Here you’ll find some of the most beloved towns in Southern Ireland – Killarney, Kilkenny , and Cork – and the famous the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula.  The latter is the perfect spot to lace up your hiking boots and ramble through the landscape or explore ancient ruins with your expert leader on a small group tour in Southern Ireland. Think of it as the ultimate Southern Ireland road trip with someone to take care of the driving along all those challenging, winding country roads. Here are some of the best things to see and do along the way.

HOW TO SEE NORTHERN & SOUTHERN IRELAND ON THE ONE TRIP

Kiss the Blarney Stone

Even if you aren’t keen on hanging onto a ladder and leaning over backwards to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, Blarney Castle is well worth a visit. A stroll through the grounds reveals a magical landscape that many believe is haunted. On a chilly morning or afternoon, it’s not hard to see why as the landscape looks almost magical with the mist rolling through it. You can also visit the castle and admire its formidable battlements and venture underground to see the castle’s dungeon. Walking backwards up and down the Wishing Steps without stopping is said to make your wish come true.

Cork is the largest city in Southern Ireland and famous for The English Market which has been selling the best of the region’s produce since 1788. Wander its stalls and chat with the stall holders to learn more about the fare on offer. You can also pull up a seat and dine on traditional dishes like drisheen and pigs’ trotters at the market’s Farmgate Café. Other highlights in the town of Cork include touring the Cork City Gaol, strolling around Elizabeth Fort, admiring the stained glass at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and sampling traditional brews at the Franciscan Well Brewery.

Visit Torc Waterfall

Visiting the Torc Waterfall near Killarney Town is easy as it is only a 200 metre walk from the carpark to the beautiful 20 metre high falls which are at their best when the weather is wet. If you can, time your visit after it rains as you’ll get to see delicate curtains of water tumbling down the falls. For a lovely view over Middle Lake, take the steps that lead up to the second higher viewing point after you’ve enjoyed your first look at the falls.

WALK THE WICKLOW WAY IN SOUTHERN IRELAND

Killarney is a lively tourist town that’s the perfect base for explore nearby Killarney National Park which was the first National Park created in Ireland. The colourful streets are a hive of activity, especially during the summer months, with plenty of cute gift shops and boutiques to explore. Allow time to visit Ross Castle, down on the shores of Lough Leane, a stronghold built by the O’Donoghue clan. The tower house has borne witness to much of Ireland’s history over the centuries. The 15th-century Muckross Abbey is another historic building worth exploring.

Drive the Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry, a circular 179km driving route, takes you through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and reveals countless unspoiled natural wonders. However, while there is no denying the rolling green hills, crystal clear lakes, and towering cliffs are superb, you’ll be glad your leader is driving. Many of the roads are barely wide enough to fit one car. Along the way, keep a lookout for castles, historic mansions and shepherds tending their flocks. A farm visit and herding demonstration is one of many highlights on this scenic journey.

Dingle is a cute little town that’s big on country charm. Rub shoulders with the locals at one of the many pubs, where you can listen to songs sung in the traditional Irish language, or take a short drive to Slea Head, Europe’s westernmost point. From here, it’s a short hike along the coast to admire the best of Dingle’s stunning scenery. You’ll stroll along country lanes and past beaches and cliffs where nesting seabirds, seals and even dolphins are a common sight. Don’t miss the Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian Church of unknown age and origin.

Kilkenny is located in one of the most ancient parts of Southern Ireland and the perfect spot to try your hand at the Gaelic game of Hurling – one of Ireland’s treasured national sports. Cycle through the lush Irish countryside as you explore the Waterford Greenway, a traffic-free trail built on a disused railway line, or hike along the River Nore to Kilkenny Castle. This defensive castle with magnificent rose gardens and charming walking paths was remodeled to make it more genteel in Victorian times. Evenings can be spent at the pub with traditional live music and whiskey tasting.

SEE MORE OF KILKENNY AND ITS SURROUNDS

Galway is sure to get your toes tapping with traditional live music, either at one of the town’s atmospheric pubs or while you’re walking down the street as the buskers here are incredible. Take a drive to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the most visited spots in Ireland, which are fringed with wild waves and plunge dramatically into the ocean. While you’re in Galway, you can also visit the impressive Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas. If you enjoy seafood, the oysters plucked from the nearby ocean shouldn’t be missed.

Feeling inspired?

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Intrepid has been leading small group adventures for over 30 years. We’re a certified B Corp, which means we want to be the best travel company not just in the world, but for the world. To create positive change through the joy of travel. You can read our latest adventures right here.

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South West Ireland Travel Guide

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South West Ireland Visitor's Guide

The coastline of the South West is a meandering mix of inlets, coves and peninsulas, so there is plenty of opportunity for cliff-top walks and rambles. Inland, the landscape is scarcely less rugged: throughout the region, farmland is interspersed with rocky outcrops and bogs which break up the luscious green vistas. The South West is also home to two of Ireland's top tourist towns: with good reason, Killarney and Cork are firm fixtures on the to-do lists of most first-time visitors to Ireland.

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Top Attractions in the South West

In recent years, the towns and their people have become the main attractions of the southwest. Boasting the likes of Kinsale, Clonakilty, Kenmare, Killarney, and Dingle, to name but a few, the Counties of Cork and Kerry have become synonymous friendly, welcoming atmospheres, vibrant nightlife, and stunning scenery.

The region is also home to world-famous attractions such as the Blarney Castle, the English Market, the Ring of Kerry and the Jameson Distillery. Below we have drawn up a list of the essential visits during your time in the southwest.

1 Cork City

Cork is the second-largest city in the Republic, but the locals call it "the real capital of Ireland". They might not be the most impartial judges, but many visitors are inclined to agree, leaving this compact and alluring destination with an enduring fondness and a full belly: Cork is known throughout Ireland for its exceptional food. While it is compact, Cork City has essentially two main streets, and you could walk from one end of the city to the other in about 10 minutes—it's packed full of hidden gems. If it's possible, find a Cork local for a tour of the city. The places that are off the beaten track, and rarely mentioned on Travel Guides, are the most memorable. Head down the side-streets, some that lead onto others, some that are dead-ends, and it's likely that you'll come across a unique place to have a drink or something to eat.

If you're sampling any of Cork's many pubs, be sure to try a pint of Beamish – Cork's answer to Dublin's more famous Guinness. The transition from the city to the suburbs is pretty blunt in comparison to other European cities, walk out of Cork City, in any direction, and within 10 minutes you'll be surrounded by leafy roads, ponds, woodlands and the general great outdoors. The city has been reinventing itself with outdoor dining, pedestrianized street and covered markets with food stalls.

If you're looking for the best way to see the Rebel on foot, check out our Cork City Walking Tour page .

Insider Tips

Perhaps the best way to experience this charming and friendly seaport is on foot, though be aware that it is a little hilly! A signposted walking tour will guide you past St. Finn Barre's Cathedral and the riverside quadrangle of University College to the panoramic viewing point of Shandon Church tower.

2 Blarney Castle

Situated five miles north-west of Cork city, Blarney Castle is a solid fixture on almost any tour itinerary. It is best known for the famous "Blarney Stone" which visitors are encouraged to kiss, in accordance with a tradition which spans the centuries.

Built 600 years ago by Cormac MacCarthy, one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Blarney Castle has attracted millions of visitors who continue to flock here in the hope that they will be gifted with the power of persuasive and elegant speech - or, as we call it in Ireland ... Blarney.

The spiral steps up to the famous Blarney Stone can feel very narrow at peak times. Those with limited mobility should proceed slowly and carefully however many people may be waiting behind.

Buy you tickets online to get an online discount.

Practical information

You will find Blarney Castle 8 km from Cork City in Blarney Village. We recommend that you spend 3 hours to explore both the castles and garden with caves, lake walk, fern garden and arboretum. Maps are available at the ticket office in several languages. Audio guides in English are also available.

Opening hours

The opening hours for Blarney Castle and Gardens in June to August are 9:00 to 19:00 on Monday to Saturday and to 18:00 on Sundays. Opening hours are shortened from September to May. The opening hours can change according to weather conditions. Find out more about the opening hours.

Admission fee

Children under 8 go free. A ticket for adults costs 18 euro and 8 euro for children aged between 8 and 16.

If you look up the word 'quaint' in a dictionary, don't be surprised to find a little picture of Dingle, a fishing port full of charm and allure. Expect its narrow streets to be bustling with visitors during high season. When you're ready to take time out, stop off at one of the many small Irish pubs and enjoy a pint of Guinness with the locals.

This picture is from Dingle Whiskey Distillery which is well worth a visit if you're partial to a tipple. You could easily fill a day with a distillery tour of Dingle, in recent years there has been a surge in the number of distilleries and breweries setting up in the town and the surrounding areas. Dingle is also known for its vibrant yet relaxed night-life, especially during the summer months. Hotels and B&B's in the area, from April to September, can fill quickly, so, it is well worth booking your accommodation well in advance.

Self-drive tourists should keep in mind that the roads leading to Dingle are quite twisty and narrow, and you will likely come across some tour buses en route. Turn off the radio, tell the kids to pipe down and enjoy a slow, safe journey to a destination that is well worth the trip.

Take one of many the boat tours along Dingle Bay

4 Jameson Distillery

Even since production moved to a modern facility nearby, the world-famous Old Midleton Distillery continues to draw huge numbers of visitors who are as curious about The Jameson Experience as ever before. Over 130,000 tourists visit Midleton every year to learn more about the home of Irish whiskey.

The charm and elegance of the original distillery buildings reflect the pride in the product that was made here. Expect an engaging insight into the culture and history of Ireland, told through one of the nation's most famous exports.

At the beginning of the tour, there is a very informative audio-visual presentation detailing the whiskey-making process used by Jameson throughout the ages. You are then taken to the old distillery dotted along the trail there are antique vehicles, water mills, barrels and casks which really add to the sense of heritage.

The final leg of the tour is the pay-off... a glass of Jameson! There is the option to have this straight up or with Ginger & Lime. If you are quick enough to volunteer there is a comparative tasting of an Irish whiskey, a Scottish whiskey and an American bourbon with an explanation on the differences and making of each.

Road signs to the Distillery are not as obvious or as plentiful as you might expect. Drivers should plan their directions before they set off.

You can take a tour between 10:00 and 16:00. The gift shop and bar start selling alcohol after 10:30 on Monday to Saturday and 12:30 on Sundays.

An adult ticket will cost 23 euro and a child (under 18) ticket 11 euro.

5 The Ring of Kerry

Ireland's longest circular route covers some staggeringly beautiful scenery, including lakes, beaches, glens, castle ruins, off-shore islands, mountains and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean to the west. A journey around the Ring of Kerry is a must for any first-time visitor to Ireland.

In a car or bus, the Ring of Kerry's 180 km can provide distractions enough to fill a day, but there is no shortage of places to stay overnight and, depending on your interests, you can certainly find plenty of interesting diversions to make it a trip of two or more days. If it's your first time driving country roads in Ireland, the Ring of Kerry would not be an advisable place to start. Even the most seasoned of Irish drivers can struggle here. Sometimes the road will be so narrow as to barely fit one car, add the endless amount of tour buses passing up and down the road and you'll have a front row seat for some very skilled manoeuvring.

The skellig ring, a shorter and less travelled route, is an extension of the Ring of Kerry. This hidden gem is just as quaint as the famous Ring, but without the tour buses. If you can't get enough of the peninsula, you can explore the heartland as well with it's windy roads that cut through the hills.

The route can also be cycled or even walked. Look out for the 230km "Kerry Way", Ireland's longest way-marked trail, which passes through towns such as Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, Waterville, Sneem and Kenmare. During the peak season, the Ring of Kerry (or Iveragh Peninsula) can be quite slow-moving, especially heading in the anti-clockwise direction favoured by tour buses. So sit back, relax and enjoy the mesmerising views.

6 Killarney

The definitive Irish tourist town, Killarney has something for everyone and, after Dublin, is generally the first place name to be added to the itinerary of any Ireland tour. The town has been welcoming visitors for over 250 years. As the perfect base to explore Kerry and the National Park, Killarney can get quite busy during the summer months.

Though perhaps offering fewer historical and cultural attractions than its east-coast counterparts, Killarney more than makes up for this with the welcoming bustle of the town itself and the staggering natural beauty of its neighbouring namesake, the national park just five-minutes' drive away.

The town of Killarney will provide ample diversion for those looking to go shopping and those looking for a Guinness and some traditional music. For the many who choose to do both, there is no shortage of good restaurants to segue your daytime and night time activities in the town.

Those who are seeking a little culture during their time in the South West should head to the heart of the Killarney National Park, where they will find the region's most impressive stately home, Muckross House. Just one mile away, you will also find Muckross Abbey, a beautiful construction which - after two hundred years of service - was burned to ruins by Cromwell's troops in 1652.

7 Killarney National Park

Muckross Estate, the focal point of the Killarney National Park, was donated to the Irish Free State in 1932. Its grounds became Ireland's first national park and. Over time, it has expanded to encompass nearly 25,500 acres of lakes, mountains and native oakwoods and yew woods. This includes the highest mountain range in Ireland, called MacGillycuddy's Reeks.

The jewel in the crown of the park is its majestic lakes, Lough Leane (the lower lake), Muckross Lake (the middle lake), and the Upper Lake. These lakes make up a quarter of the park's area and continue to draw admirers in huge numbers ever since the park first opened. Hidden behind Dinis Cottage you can find the place, called Meeting of the Waters, where these three lakes meet.

Killarney National Parks & Lakes are located a short distance from the town of Kenmare on the Wild Atlantic Way .

Weather permitting, one of the best ways to see a large portion the park in one day is by hiring bikes. There are numerous bike hire shops in Killarney town.

8 Cork City Gaol

As a city, Cork retains a great deal of its historical and archaeological heritage. There is no finer example of this than Cork City Gaol, a towering edifice situated just 2km north-west of Patrick's Street. Opened in 1824, the gaol was heralded as "the finest in three kingdoms", though inmates at the time might not have agreed.

Located in the Sunday's Well area of Cork, Cork City Gaol is currently a museum and visitor attraction. Visitors can step back in time and witness what life would have been like for both prisoners and guards of Ireland's most famous gaol. Opened in 1824 to replace the old Gaol of Northgate Bridge it soon became seen as a marvel of architecture and a feat in logistics for its time.

In its heyday of the 19th and early 20th Centauries, Cork City Gaol was home to some of Ireland's most notorious prisoners. During the early 1800s, the gaol's walls housed many temporary prisoners before they were taken to convict ships bound for Australia. Later in the same century, the gaol's guests included Young Irelanders Derry Lane, Terence Bellew McManus, Ralph and Isaac Varian. In the 20th century, its most famous prisoners included Fenians James Mountaine and Brian Dillion and revolutionary nationalist Countess Markievicz.

Today the gaol has been redesigned as a visitor centre, refurbishing the cells as they would have been hundreds of years ago. Original scrawlings on the walls of the cells added with eerily realistic wax figures of both guards and prisoners give the whole experience a very voyeuristic feel.

Unlike their predecessors, visitors today have the freedom to roam the gaol's catacombs for the price of €8 (concessions available). The tour takes visitors back in time, recreating the harsh realities of nineteenth century incarceration while exploring some of the underlying causes of contemporaneous crime.

The self-guided tour of the gaol is available in 13 different languages. Cork City Gaol has a souvenir shop, tourist information, picnic area and a café.

Be warned that this is an old stone building and prisoners here did not enjoy the benefits of central heating. Wrap up warm if you tend to feel the cold.

The self-guided tour of the gaol is available in 13 different languages. Cork City Gaol has a souvenir shop, tourist information, picnic area and a cafe.

The most up-to-date opening hours can be found here: .

Unlike their predecessors, visitors today have the freedom to roam the gaol's catacombs for the price of €10 (concessions available). The tour takes visitors back in time, recreating the harsh realities of nineteenth century incarceration while exploring some of the underlying causes of contemporaneous crime. Audio guides are available for €2 extra.

Bring your Euro and a sense of curiosity as you explore the small, Bohemian shops, great restaurants and pubs, which line the narrow streets. A favourite destination for international and Irish visitors, Kinsale is hugely popular on our own Ireland tour vacations .

Travel magazine, Condé Nast, recently hailed Kinsale as one of Ireland's Most Beautiful Villages. Kinsale, located only 25km from Cork City is also the start/finish point of the Wild Atlantic Way and has been named 'The Gourmet Capital of Ireland'.

The tourist information offers maps of the narrow shopping streets which surround it in Kinsale centre. This is the starting point for most of the local walking tours. There is a beautiful coastal walk leading to Charles Fort.

Take one of the guided walking tours leaving in front of the tourist office, if you want to learn more about the rich history of Kinsale.

10 Cork City Museum

Built in 1845 the Cork Public Museum known then as The Shrubberies is located on the grounds of Fitzgerald Park. It was originally built by the Beamish family and was for years their family home. Cork Corporation eventually purchased the house and its surrounding land and used it as a showcase for the Cork International Exhibition of 1902 and 1903.

The museum officially opened in 1910 but after the burning of Cork City in 1920 it was used as the city's Municipal Offices. After being used as an Air Raid Protection office during World War II the museum finally opened in 1945.

Today, the Museum gives an expansive history of Cork and covers a wide selection of topics. Everything from barrel-top caravans to costumes of the 18th century, from Ireland's oldest shovel to a selection of Cork Silver can be found within the museum exhibitions.

The Riverside Café has recently opened within the Museum and gives visitors the perfect opportunity to enjoy the marvellous views. Cork Public Museum really has something for all ages and, if the weather holds up, a walk around the magnificent Fitzgerald Park is a must. Entry to the museum is free and you can find out more about the opening hours here .

A good museum for those with children. It's quite small and interactive. If they get bored or restless, the park outside is a great place for them to let off steam.

Fitzgerald Park

Opened to the public in 1906 and has since become a bustling attraction for both visitors to Cork City and locals alike. The magnificent gardens of the houses of Sunday's Well can be seen from one side of the Museum while the roadside view is flanked by buildings owned by University College Cork.

11 Franciscan Well Brewery

The Franciscan Well Brewery was founded in 1998 by Shane Long. It was built on the site of an old Franciscan Monastery . It is said that the well within this monastery had was given to curing the ailments of those who drank from it. People would come from across Ireland to make use of its miraculous powers.

Brewers, operating from the well today, still harness their unique output while adding modern technology and techniques learned from across Europe. It is currently Ireland Number 1 Craft Brewery. The Franciscan Well has collaborated with fellow Cork drink makers Jameson Whiskey to create a truly Corkonian beverage a Jameson-Aged Stout.

The brewery is where new drink ideas are formed and if they pass the brewers standards they are then served up at the Brew Pub in Cork City. If they are successful here then they will be exported further afield.

The Brew Pub, located within the original brewery on Cork City's North Mall, is currently one of the city's hot spots. It's a modern pub with a historical twist. The original brewing vat sits in the middle of the beer garden, alongside a huge pizza oven. The latest creations from the brewery are tested by the clientele and, if the weather holds out, entire evenings can be spent arguing about the best pizza and beer combination.

The inside of the pub, built on the burial ground of the old monastery, is also a fantastic spot to sample some of Cork's finest delights ...as long as you don't mind the occasional ghost.

Arrive hungry and try the freshly baked pizza which is available in the beer garden out back. Delicious, salty dough that makes you want to linger for just one more trip to the bar!

Our own visit

We couldn't resist visiting this amazing brewery ourselves to sample the legendary beers and pizza. Click here to find out how our visit went .

12 Kenmare & Sneem

Ideal for a lunchtime stop more than a full-day excursion, Kenmare and Sneem both give a great insight into the relaxed pace of life which characterises this part of Ireland. Pull up a chair and take your time over a nice coffee ... or maybe a Guinness. A farmers market with local produce is held every Tuesday from June to September in Sneem.

The more spiritually-minded might enjoy a detour to Kenmare Stone Circle. But some visitors find the €2 entrance fee to be an all-too-earthly welcome to such a mystical spot.

13 Kerry Bog Village Museum

A living-history museum, Kerry Bog Village offers a heritage-award-winning insight into the harsh realities of life for the rural poor in famine-ravaged 18th-century Ireland. Thatched cottages within the village are decorated and furnished to represent, with well-researched exactitude, the real-life experiences of those who lived their lives in this part of Ireland during the nation's harshest times. A valuable and rewarding trip if you want to understand this chapter of Ireland's history.

Stop for an Irish coffee to warm the cockles!

Situated on the N70, half way between Glenbeigh and Killorgin. Next to the Bog village you will find the Red Fox Inn Bar and Restaurant where you can buy a ticket if nobody is at the Gate to the Bog Village. Comprehensive booklets are available in different languages at the museum entrance.

Open 7 days a week from 09:00 to 18:00.

Adult will pay 6.50 euro and children 4.50 euro to enter the village and explore the 18th century way of life.

14 Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael, also known as Great Skellig, is a rocky outcrop island located 11.6 km to the west of the Iveragh Peninsula in Country Kerry. Sceilig Bheag (Little Skellig), its twin island is small and completely inaccessible. Skellig Michael is a world heritage site and was used as a monastic settlement by monks in the 7th century. Hollywood came calling to the island in 2014 when Episode VII of the Star Wars franchise chose it as a location for its final scene. The location was chosen for its otherworldly appearance thanks to its unique combination of Old Red Sandstone and compressed slate.

To visit Skellig Michael you will have to book a landing tour with one of the boat operators. We advise to book your tour well in advance as only 180 people are allowed to access the island each day. The landing tours are subject to weather conditions and can be cancelled if they are bad. The boat trip normally takes around an hour and the visit to Skellig Michael approximately 2,5 hours. Most boat tours leave from Portmagee pier and are available from May to the beginning of October.

Visitors to Skellig Michael should be prepared for what is a very tough ascent to the summit. The stone steps can be dangerous when wet and there are no handrails. This ascent is only advisable for people free of any mobility issues.

15 Elizabeth Fort

Elizabeth Fort was built in 1601 by Sir George Carewan and was named after Queen Elizabeth I. It is located outside the medieval walls of Cork City, Originally built on wood, stone and mud it is torn down within two years by the people of Cork after the death of Queen Elizabeth. English reinforcements are brought in and seize control. The people of Cork are forced to pay for the forts reconstruction

In 1626 the fort is rebuilt in stone. The design takes on the present-day star shape and the majority of the fort from this rebuild survives today. Oliver Cromwell orders the fort walls the be heightened in 1650.

During the 18th century, the fort is used as an army barracks. Including the barracks in the nearby Barrack Street , there are 750 soldiers housed here. In the early 19th century the fort is used as a prison for convicts waiting on transportation to Australia. In 1929 the Fort became a Garda station and was in use as such up until 2013.

Today the Fort is a free visitor attraction and a fascinating step back into history. There are different aspects of each of the stages of the fort's history including statues of soldiers, cannons and model radio control rooms. Probably the most spectacular part of the tour today is the view that visitors receive of Cork City and the nearby St.Finbarr's Cathedral.

Parts of the fort, the car park and the restrooms are all wheelchair accessible, making this one of the city's more appealing historic buildings for those with lower mobility.

General admission is free of charge and the fort is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00. The opening hours on Sunday are 12:00 to 17:00. A guided tour starts at 13:00 every day and costs 3 euro.

16 English Market

The English Market is a food market that connects Princes Steet and The Grand Parade in Cork City . It has been in its present location, in one form or another, since 1788. The English Market is closed on Sundays, but open on all the other weekdays.

The name 'The English Market' was thought up in the 19th Century to differentiate it from The Irish Market (currently the Bodega on Cornmarket Street). From 1788 until 1980 the interior of the market changed very little. A fire on 19 June 1980 saw the Cork City Council undertake an extensive refurbishment of the property.

Today the market is a focal point for Cork's shoppers. The diversity of its products, friendliness of its traders and its overall aesthetic beauty ensure both locals and visitors to the Cork City flock to its stall on a daily basis. Queen Elizabeth II, on her 2011 Tour of Ireland, made sure to drop by The English Market to take a look around.

Breaks from shopping can also be enjoyed in the market's cafés. The ready to eat hot dogs, from one of the many butchers, are also an unmissable treat. So if you are in Cork and are looking for the best quality food, exotics produce or simply going for a stroll, a visit to The English Market is essential.

One amazing treat that we came across was in The English Market was The Chocolate Shop. A delightful one-stop shop for the finest chocolates found throughout Europe. They are completely independent and are not tied down to any particular manufacturer. They only stock chocolate that passes their standard... and wow, it's quite a standard. A must for any chocolate lover in Cork City.

If you're staying in self-catered accommodation in Cork, then the Market is a must. Lots of the produce available here is fresh meat and fish. A dream for any visiting foodie. There are also lots of ready-to-eat delights available to enjoy while you wander around.

17 Spike Island

Spike Island, lying off the coast of County Cork, is a 104-acre island. It is a five-minute ferry ride from the town of Cobh. Over the past 1,300 years, Spike Island has been home to a monastery, a fortress and, most recently, a prison. Fort Mitchel, built in the 18th century by the British Army to defend against enemy forces, dominates the landscape of the island. It is a 24-acre star-shaped Fortress that was used as a base by both the British and Irish armies.

Later, Fort Mitchel became a prison that could house up to 2,300 prisoners, both men and women, many of whom were later sent to finish their sentences in the USA or Australia. The fort was completed in 1850, and at the time was at the cutting edge of military technology. Today, it houses Ireland's largest military gun park. Fort Mitchel became a full-scale prison in 1847, in the middle of the Great Irish Famine. It had also been used as a place to hold prisoners, during Cromwell's time, but the rise in crime caused by the desperation of the Irish people during the Famine created the need for it to become a fully-fledged prison.

During the War of Independence (from 1919 to 1921), the prison held members of the Irish Volunteers. The most famous escape from the prison came during this time when Seán MacSwiney, Tom Malone and Con Twomey fled the island and were picked up in a boat by members of the IRA. In September 1985, the prison was the scene of a riot by prisoners, who eventually took over the island. Hours later, Gardaí arrived and seized back control. The island remained a prison and a military base under Irish rule until its eventual closure in 2004.

Today, Spike Island is one of Ireland's top tourist destinations. In fact, it was named the top tourist destination in Europe for 2017 at the World Travel Awards, beating off competition from the likes of the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum and Buckingham Palace. Part of the reason for the success is the Spike Island tour guides. Full of enthusiasm, with genuine knowledge of all aspects of the island, you can't help but get lost in their stories and insight.

The sense of history you feel, as you walk through the prison's eerie corridors and into its cramped cells, is in equal measures overwhelming and exhilarating. Slash hooks and make-shift knives, used by prisoners during the riot of 1985, are on display, along with other utensils crafted by the prisoners during their day-to-day lives. The military side of things is well catered for too, with displays including uniforms, guns and countless documents. Perhaps the most impressive part of the tour is the military gun park. Featuring over a dozen exhibits, ranging from tanks to anti-aircraft artillery, it is the largest of its kind in Ireland and is a firm favourite with both military enthusiasts and children alike.

As the majority of the tour takes place outdoors, be sure to dress for the possibility of rain.

For those seeking out the eerier side of things, there's After Dark tours available, where you are taken through the prison corridors by candlelight.

As parking in Cobh can be relatively expensive, your best bet is to catch a train from Cork City and back. These run around every half hour and cost around €10 return.

An adult ticket to Spike Island costs 22 euro and includes the crossing on the ferry. Your return ferry is 3.5 hours later. A guided 45 minute tour is also included in your ticket. For more information and times follow this link .

18 Shandon Bells

Built in 1722 and overlooking North Gate Bridge, Shandon Tower is one of the most famous members of Cork City's skyline. Originally the site housed St. Mary's Church before it relocated to Shandon Street in 1693. At the start of the 18th century, the area around Shandon became the hub of the world's butter trade.

The famous Red and White sporting colours of the Cork teams in both Gaelic Football and Hurling are said to have their origins within the walls of Shandon Tower. The North and East walls are made of red sandstone while the South and West walls are made of white ashlar limestone.

The eight bells of The Shandon Tower are accessible through steep steps that take you up past the clockwork operating the four sized clockfaces. These clock faces became known locally as 'the four-faced liar' due to the four clocks seemingly never showing the same time. The salmon shaped weather vane known as 'the goldie fish' is four meters long and covered in gold leaf.

Caulfield Orpen designed the World War One memorial and is said to be one of the finest of its kind. There are five stunning stained-glass windows including St. Luke's window by Hubert McGoldrick. After climbing the 132 steps the views on Cork City are nothing short of breathtaking. Ringing the bells that are heard across the city of Cork is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A bucket-list experience for anyone who wants to ring church bells, but a less attractive prospect for anyone with mobility issues. You should arrive expecting lots of narrow steps.

Please Note that access to the tower depends on weather conditions and religious services in the church. Check their social media posts before your visit.

Open in June to September from 10:00 to 16:30, Monday to Saturday and from 11:30 to 16:00 on Sunday.

Open in March to April and October from 10:00 to 16:00, Monday to Saturday and from 11:30 to 16:00 on Sunday.

Open in November to February from 11:00 to 15:00, Monday to Saturday and from 11:30 to 15:00 on Sunday.

Adults will pay 4 euro and a ticket for children (aged 5 to 15), is 2 euro.

19 Beara Peninsula

The Beara Peninsula runs along Ireland's southwest coast, between Kenmare Bay in County Kerry and Bantry Bay in County Cork. There is evidence of human settlements in the Beara Peninsula dating back to 3,000 B.C. In the 17th century, the area was used by the British army against the French invasion. There are currently 6,000 people living here. Before the Great Famine of the 1840s, there were almost 40,000. It is home to two mountain ranges, Slieve Miskish Mountains & Caha Mountains, and is part of the Wild Atlantic Way.

To get the most out of this beautiful and expansive landscape, a car will almost certainly be needed. Hire a car in Cork or seek out a local tour guide to show you the best local spots.

On hearing about the rejuvenating tranquility of this magical place, we couldn't resist a visit of our own. Find out more about our journey to the Beara Peninsula

20 Torc Waterfall

Located 5 miles from the County Kerry town of Killarney, Torc Waterfall is one of the town's more spectacular tourist attractions. The surrounding woodland is heavily populated with red deer. A public hike leads from the waterfall to the top of Torc Mountain. The waterfall is one of the highlights of the 120-mile Kerry Walking tour.

If you would like a slightly longer hike there is a loop trail that takes you up and around the falls for a beautiful view of the lake and then down into the meadow where you might even see wild deer.

There is a car park on the N71, located 300 meters from the waterfall. However it is tiny, so it can be hard to find a spot. There is another car park a bit further down the road. Please note that you will have to walk down a busy road if you park there.

21 Muckross House

Muckross House is located between two of the Lakes of Killarney, Muckross Lake and Lough Leane. It was designed by Scottish architect William Burn and was completed in 1843. The first occupants of Muckross House were Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife Mary Balfour. In total, the Tudor style house has 65 rooms. After paying for renovations to the house, in anticipation of Queen Victoria's visit in 1861, the Herbert family fell into financial difficulty. They sold the estate in 1899 to Arthur Guinness, great-grandson of the Guinness Brewery founder of the same.

Arthur Guinness never lived in the house, instead, he rented it out as a lodge for wealthy hunting groups. The estate was again sold in 1911 to a mining magnate from California, William Bowers Bourn. As a wedding present the estate was given by Bowers Bourn to his daughter Maud. After Maud's death, from pneumonia in 1929, Bowers Bourn, his wife and their son-in-law Arthur Rose Vincent donated Muckross house and its 11,000-acre grounds to the Irish state. It was to become Ireland's first National Park, known as "Bourn-Vincent Memorial Park" and went on to form the basis of what we know today as Killarney National Park.

Today, Muckross House itself, as well as its gardens and traditional farms form the centre of Killarney National Park. The park is open daily, except for the Christmas period. A whole day can easily be filled on the grounds of Muckross House, not to mention the surrounding woodlands, mountains and lakes.

The house itself can only be viewed in the presence of a guide. For adults the cost is €9.25 or €15.50 if you'd like to include the traditional farms as well. Children under 12 go free. The attractions surrounding Muckross House, such as the park and the lakes, are all free to explore.

22 Black Valley

The Black Valley is an area of MacGillycuddy's Reeks in western County Kerry. MacGillycuddy's Reeks is seen as a remote part of Ireland. The area was the last part of Ireland to be connected with electricity and telephone networks, (1979). The valley is located between the Gap of Dunloe to the north and Moll's Gap to the south.

There are lots of B&Bs, hostels and other accommodation options in the area, making this a beautiful spot for a secluded overnight retreat. However, keep in mind that most pubs and eateries are 25-30 minutes' drive away.

23 Gap of Dunloe

The Gap of Dunloe is a mountain pass found between the Purple Mountain (to the east) and the MacGillycuddy Reeks (to the west) formed by glacial flows. The river Loe, from which the Gap takes its name, runs through it.

One of the stand out features in the Gap of Dunloe is the Wishing Well, located between Bridge Coosaun Lough and Black Lake. Locals will tell you making a wish here is guaranteed to come true. There is a road running through the gap, going from Kate Kearney's Cottage in the north to and descending to the Black Valley in the south, which runs approximately 11 km. You can hire private jaunting cars from Kate Kearney's Cottage that will take you on a tour of the Gap of Dunloe and back.

It is recommended that you either drive or take a jaunting car through the Gap of Dunloe as the walk long and features plenty of hills. There are designated spot where you can stop, take photos and even have a picnic. If your are not used to driving on Irish country roads, it would be advisable to take the pony and trap option as meeting oncoming traffic will require lots of manoeuvring and reversing.

24 Inch Beach

Inch Beach, contrary to its name, is a 3-mile long blue flag beach. It is not one of the best-kept secrets but, due to its remote location, is usually only visited by people in its vicinity. If you are lucky enough to be nearby on a good weather day you won't want to be anywhere else on the planet. It is a haven for bathing, angling and water sports. Inch Beach is located 14 miles east of the town of Dingle, County Kerry.

This is a very popular spot for kite surfing but many visitors will get just as much enjoyment by simply packing a camera!

Getting to the South West

Arriving by plane, cork airport.

Cork is served by an international airport with connections to 49 European destinations. The airport is just 8km from the city centre and is well served by local taxis and buses. Flights from non-European cities are only possible via Dublin or with a European stop-over. Taxis from the airport are available directly outside the terminal. Details for the airport-to-city bus service (journey time: 10-20 mins, bus numbers 226, 226A and 252) can be found here.

You have a number of options if you're travelling from Cork Airport to Kerry. To drive will take an hour and 30 minutes. There are a number of car rental companies located in the arrivals hall of Cork Airport. There is no direct bus from Cork Airport to Kerry but Parnell Bus Station operates a route to Tralee, the bus between Cork Airport and the city leaves every 30 minutes during the day. The same bus can also take you to Kent Railway Station in Cork City, from here you can catch a train to either Killarney or Tralee.

Dublin Airport

If you are flying to Ireland from North America your best bet is to fly into Dublin Airport and head southwest from there. Unfortunately, there is no longer a flight connecting Dublin and Cork airports. If you are renting a car, Dublin Airport has numerous car rental companies on its grounds. The journey to Cork City will take 2 hours and 50 minutes (travelling on the M7 and M8 motorways). Travelling to Killarney will take 3 hours and 40 minutes (travelling on the M7 motorway). The most popular way to travel from Dublin Airport to Cork is via the bus. The direct services of Expressway or Aircoach are a cheap and hassle-free way to travel. To travel to Kerry from Dublin Airport means travelling to Heuston Station in Dublin City ( route 747 ) and from there taking the express service to Killarney ( M7 Express Service ).

Shannon Airport

The best way to travel to the southwest from Shannon Airport (in County Clare) is by bus. Bus Eireann's Route 51 travels to Cork City, via Limerick. The bus from Shannon Airport to Kerry would also require a change over in Limerick. You can rent a car at Shannon Airport and drive the relatively short distance to either Cork or Kerry (1 hour and 50 minutes to Cork City & 1 hour 57 minutes to Killarney).

Arriving by Bus

There are two primary places that buses and coaches stop in Cork. The first is Parnell Place bus station . This is the main bus terminal for all of the state-run buses in and out of Cork. The other location ( Patricks Quay ) is just across the river via a footbridge from the main station. This is where all the private bus companies pick up an drop off passengers. Both of these are right in the city centre. Both are also an easy walk to Patrick Street – the main street of Cork and also the ideal place to catch buses for local journeys .

The main bus stations in Kerry are found in the towns of Tralee and Killarney. Both of these connect Kerry with bus routes to and from the larger towns and cities of Ireland. The bus from Dublin City to Tralee takes 3 hours and 40 minutes and Killarney takes 3 hours and 48 minutes.

Arriving by Train

Kent Station is Cork city's only railway station. It is within easy walking distance of the city centre (journey time: 10 minutes walking). You will find information about trains to and from Cork here . Top Tip: Tickets are much cheaper online so it is worth booking ahead.

The towns of Killarney and Tralee are home to Kerry's two main train stations. You can find routes in and out of these stations to and from larger towns and cities across Ireland. Both Killarney and Tralee train stations are located in their town centres.

Arriving by Car

Arriving in Cork by car is quite straightforward. The city is well serviced by motorways and there is a clear ring road around the city. The best city centre location to aim for is Parnell Place bus station. This is close enough to the edge of the city to not be stuck in traffic and also close enough to the centre to make it an easy walk. There are a number of multi-story car parks in the centre ( see here ). Alternatively, if you do not want to go into the city centre, there is a park-and-ride system which is available here .

Kerry also has a great road network between its main towns. Like most counties in Ireland, once you go beyond the primary and secondary roads in Kerry everything seems a lot more compact and narrow. This is especially true on the infamous roads of the Ring of Kerry.

Arriving by Ferry

There are direct ferry services to Cork harbour (20 minutes from the city) from France and Spain. There are also ferry services to Ireland from the UK and the Isle of Man. These arrive in places like Rosslare (3 hours from Cork) and Dublin (3.5 hours from Cork). You will find more information on Ferry routes to ireland here.

Getting around Cork

Cork Bus Services

Cork is well served by a reliable bus service and you're well advised to look into bus routes before making any final decisions about student accommodation.

The most common bus routes for UCC and CIT students are the 205, 208 and 219.

Coke Zero Bikes

The city benefits from an affordable bike hire scheme which can be a very cost-effective (and eco-friendly) way of getting to and from your places of study. Cork has a total of 32 pick-up and drop-off stations, two of which are in the vicinity of UCC.

An annual pass costs just €10. Thereafter, the first 30 minutes of each journey is free and trips lasting up to one hour cost just €0.50. Find out more...

A good taxi cab service is in operation throughout Cork and you can find the main taxi rank situated conveniently in the centre of Patrick Street. Some taxis are licensed to pick up passengers on demand (known as hackney carriages), others are for advanced bookings only.

A taxi from Patrick Street to UCC might cost in the region of €5-8 depending on traffic. The same journey to CIT's Bishopstown campus would be more like €8-12.

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Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

About Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.

Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way .

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

About Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.

Blarney Woollen Mills

About Blarney Woollen Mills

Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.

Visit their website...

Culloden Battlefield

About Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.

Glenveagh Castle

About Glenveagh Castle

Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.

Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.

King John's Castle

About King John's Castle

Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.

About Moriarty's

Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Congreve Gardens

About Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

About Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.

Muckross House

About Muckross House

Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.

Muckross House Traditional Farms

About Muckross House Traditional Farms

Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.

The Quiet Man Museum

About The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.

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Top 10 Places To Visit In Southern Ireland Before You Leave For Mars!

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Table of Contents

Welcome to our blog post “Top 10 Places To Visit In Southern Ireland Before You Leave For Mars!”

Well, we decided to draw the Southern Line at Limerick, so that basically includes the lowest 8 counties, as this kind of works with our other articles about East & West Ireland. Enjoy!

1.Hook Lighthouse

The Hook Lighthouse is in the county of Wexford and is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, being built 800 years ago by the Knight William Marshall. Recently voted as one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Ireland, The Hook Lighthouse offers guided tours all year round, so you can marvel at the exhibitions and stories of the Medieval Lighthouse. There are even Whale & Dolphin sightings from the shores with a decent pair of binoculars in the winter months.

• Address:   Hook Lighthouse,  Churchtown, Co. Wexford, Y34 KD93, Ireland
• Phone Contact:  +353 51 397-055 / 397-054
• Web Address:  www.hookheritage.ie
• 40 minutes from New Ross town
• 50 minutes drive from Wexford town
• Opening Times: January to May Daily 09:30 – 18:00 Tours every half hour from 10:00 – 17:00 June, July & August Daily 09:30 – 18:00 Tours every half hour from 10:00 – 17:30 (and later during peak periods) September to December Daily 09:30 – 17.30 Tours every half hour from 10:00 – 17:00
• Adult €9.00
•  Senior / Student €8.00
•  Child under 5 yrs free (with accompanying adult / family)
•  Family (1+1) €12.00
•  Family (1+2) €15.00
•  Family (2+1) €20.00
•  Family (2+2) €22.00
•  Family (2+3) €24.00
• Online Booking: Online Booking Available
• Parking:  Hook Lighthouse hosts an extensive free visitor car park for cars and mini buses and coaches

2. Waterford

26 Miles North West from Hook Lighthouse is the medieval City of Waterford. The origins of the City are closely linked to the River Suir. The Vikings used the river to help them build a settlement here in the 10th Centruy, where they thrived and controlled much of this area for many decades. You must visit the Viking virtual reality adventure world in Baileys New Street, nearby the Waterford Viking Triangle.

Waterford is mainly famous for it’s Crystal’s, first manufactured here in 1783 and is renown throughout the world. You can visit the factory and take a tour to see how the crystals are made. It really is fascinating!

There are many attractions in Waterford and has you would expect, many bars, cafes, shops & restaurants catering for all tastes, but it also has wonderful beaches, including nearby at Dungarvan & Tramore.

3. Kilkenny Castle

Built in the 12th Century, Kilkenny Castle served as a dominating Norman fortress beside the River Nore. By the 14th Century, it was owned by one of Ireland’s most powerful family’s the Butlers, but the Butlers’ wealth and the Castles condition deteriorated and the Castle was sold to the town of Kilkenny for £50 in 1967. Now restored to a state of noble grace, the sophisticated rooms are decorated with period paintings and furnishings lovingly restored by the current owners.

There are Craftsmen on site to show you some of the Medieval ways, who also produce and sell their original works. The guided tours are particularly fascinating.

• Address:  The Parade, Kilkenny City, R95 YRK1, Ireland
• Phone Contact:   +353 56 770 4100
• Web Address:  http://kilkennycastle.ie/visitor-information/
• Getting There: From nearby Dublin City Centre, 1.5 hours S/W journey
• Opening Times: Monday – Sunday 9.00 to 5.30 June-Aug, 9.30 to 5.00 rest of year
• Price:  8 Euros Adults, 4 Euros Children & Students & 6 Euros Senior Citizens
• Parking: Plenty of parking spaces & disabled access to ground floor only

4. Cahir Castle

Cahir Castle is nestled along the banks of the River Suir in County Tipperary. It’s one of the largest in Ireland and was built by the O’Brien family in 1142. In the 1960’s the Castle was left to the Irish state, after Lord Cahir died.The Castle was besieged twice in 1847 & 1850, the latter when the guardian of Lord Cahir, George Matthew surrendered to Oliver Cromwell, without a single shot being fired, during Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland.

In 1981 the Castle was used as a location for a battle scene in the Film Excalibur.

The Castle’s attractions include a fantastic audio visual show full of great information for the visitors.

• Address:  Castle Street, Cahir, Co. Tipperary, E21 P652
• Phone Contact:   +353 (52) 744 1011
• Web Address:  http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-east/cahircastle/
• Getting There:  Centre of Cahir Town (Heritage Town).
• Opening Times: March – Mid June Daily 09.30 – 17.30Mid June – August Daily 09.00 – 18.30September – Mid October Daily 09.30 – 17.30Mid October – February Daily 09.30 – 16.30 Closed:  24th  – 30th December inclusiveAverage Length of Visit: 1 – 1.5 hours
• Price: Adult: €5.00, Group/Senior: €4.00, Child/Student: €3.00,Family: €13.00
• Parking: Plenty of parking spaces
• Payment facilities:  Please note there are no credit or debit card facilities at this site.

5. Rock Of Cashel

Legend has it that the Devil took a bite out of a nearby mountain (known as the devils bit) and broke his tooth. In Agony,he dropped the piece of rock and the Cashel was built n top of it. The Rock Of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most spectacular historical sites. The Castle is in the middle of a prominent green hill, surrounded by ancient fortifications. The enclosure contains a 13th Century Gothic Chapel, a complete round tower, and a 12th Century Romanesque Chapel, High Crosses and hall of vicars.

The word ‘Cashel’ is an anglicised version of the Irish word “caieseal” meaning fortress. The site is also known as “The Cashel Of Kings” & “St Patrick’s Rock”.

As well as the wonderful buildings, the Rock also has Guided tours (Check with site) and an audio-visual show plus exhibitions.

• Address:  St. Patrick’s Rock of Cashel, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, E25 KX44
• Phone Contact:   +353 62 61437
• Web Address:  http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-east/rockofcashel/
• Getting There:   Location:  500m from the centre of Cashel town off the Dublin Road. Bus Route(s): Contact Busaras, Travel Centre +353 1 836 6111
• Opening Times:  9am-7pm early Jun–mid-Sep, to 5.30pm mid-Mar–early Jun & mid-Sep–mid-Oct, to 4.30pm mid-Oct–mid-Mar
• Price:  Adult : €8.00, Group / Senior : €6.00, Child / Student : €4.00, Family : €20.00 (Please note you can only purchase tickets at the site only)
• Disabled Access: By prior arrangement, please contact site

6. Blarney Castle & Stone

Probably one of Ireland’s best known attractions. The Blarney Stone isn’t the only reason to visit this top site. The Castle is a great historical importance in its own right, so it’s great to have two attractions in the same site. The Blarney Stone sits high on the tower of Blarney Castle. To kiss the Blarney Stone one leans backwards holding onto an iron railing. Once kissed you gain the gift of eloquence. The saying goes “Kiss the Blarney Stone and never be lost for words again”

The Castle was built 600 years ago by Irish Chieftain Cormac McCarthy and here are just some of it’s attractions:

• Badger’s Cave
• The Dungeon
• The Witch Stone
• The Battlements view
• The Stone from Below
• The Wishing Steps
• Witch’s Kitchen

All of these are quite fascinating. For more information as to what they are please see this site exploreblarneycastle

• Address:  Blarney Castle & Gardens, Blarney, Co. Cork
• Phone Contact:   +353 (0) 21 438 5252
• Web Address:   www.blarneycastle.ie
• Getting There:   Location:  Blarney Castle is situated in Blarney Village which is 8 km northwest from Cork city in the South of Ireland. See the map on the site.
• Opening Times:  9 am to 5 pm Winter, 9 am to 7 pm Summer, check site for variations
• Price:  Adult €18, Senior/Students €14, Children (8-16/under 8 free) €8, Family 2 Adults & 2 Children €45, discounts for online bookings
• Parking:  Free car parking and coach parking on-site.
• Disabled Access:  The Castle is partially wheelchair accessible.

Cobh is situated in Great Island in Cork Harbour on the South Coast. Just 15 Miles from Cork City, this picturesque waterfront town has some interesting history. It was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic (visit the Titanic museum) and was also a departure point for 70,000 emigrants during the Famine of 1848-50 many of them heading for the USA. All told this port has dealt with over 2.5 emigrants between 1848-1950.

What really makes this town stand out is the beautifully painted houses that line the Streets, with a mixture of Yellows, Greens & Blues playing a prominent role.

There is also a beautiful the impressive Coleman’s Cathedral to see, along with some other top attractions such as:

• Cobh Heritage Centre
• Escapade Cobh- Escaping from a prison on an island
• Spike Ireland- Ireland’s answer to Alcatraz
• Fota Wildlife Park
• Golfing & Sailing
• Spike Island Adventure
• Titanic Experience
• Cobh’s Road Train
• Cork Harbour Boat Ride
• Cobh Rebel Walking Tours

For more information on a visit to Cobh please visit http://www.visitcobh.com/

8. Mizen Head

Mizen Head is Ireland’s most South Westerly point, at the head of the Mizen point, where the cliffs of Mizen rise high above the Atlantic Ocean. This really is an exhilarating place to visit, whether it be watching the waves crash into the coastline or scanning the Ocean for Whales & Dolphins. Here are a few more Mizen Head Attractions you must see:

• Mizen Head Signal Station
• Mizen Head Visitor Centre
• The Fastnet Lighthouse
• Fastnet Hall
• The Arched Bridge
• SS Irada Propellor
• Navigational Simulator
• Many Many More

See the Mizen Head official website for all attractions here: http://www.mizenhead.ie/

9. Skellig Islands

The Skellig Islands are Skellig Michael & Small Skellig. They sit in the wind-swept Atlantic Ocean off the South West Coast of Ireland. They are twin pinnacles that are renowned throughout the world. Skellig Michael is 712 feet high and was famously used for a filming location in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. It is famous in the world of archaeology for it’s well-preserved monastic outpost of the early christian period and now designated a World Heritage Site. Small Skellig is also renown, but in the world of bird watchers as it has 27,000 pairs of Gannets, the second largest population of these sea birds in the world. There’s a strange mist that often drifts above the islands giving off a volcanic impression, but they are not volcanic islands.

There are tours to Skellig Michael but visitors to Small Skellig are not allowed. These boat tours do not continue in the winter or in periods of bad weather.

The Skellig Experience Centre is open all year apart from Winter months and is located on the waterfront at Valentia Island Bridge at Valentia, County Kerry.

10. Ross Castle

Completed in the late 15th Century by one of Ireland’s Chieftains O’Donoghue Ross, Ross Castle is a typical example of a Chieftain’s stronghold during the middle ages. Ross Castle was the last Munster stronghold to hold out against Oliver Cromwell’s infamous army, until finally being taken by General Ludlow in 1852.

The Castle is well defended, surrounded by a fortified bawn, and it’s walls defended by circular towers, of which 2 still remain. Legend has it that Brian Boru, Ireland’s most famous High King was educated on the site of the castle by Monks in the 9th Century.

There are regular guided tours which always makes sense to me!

• Address:  Ross Castle, Ross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 V304
• Phone Contact:   +353 (64) 663 5851
• Web Address:  http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/rosscastle/
• Getting There:   Location:   2km from Killarney, off N71 (Kenmare Road)
• Opening Times:  2nd March – 6th November, Daily 09.30 – 17.45, Average length of visit: 1 hour, Last admission 45 minutes before closing, All groups of 10 people or more must be pre-booked
• Price:  Adult: €5.00, Group/Senior: €4.00, Child/Student: €3.00, Family: €13.00
• Parking:  Car Park close to the site
• Disabled Access:  Access on ground floor only

Please Note, this Castle gets very busy during the summer months so expect delays

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Southern Ireland Tours & Trips from Dublin

An adventure starting in Dublin is a great way to see Southern Ireland. We have 136 tours that range from 3 days up to 15 days. The most popular time for tours from Dublin is June, which has the most tour departures.

136 Southern Ireland tours from Dublin with 4,653 reviews

7-Day Great Atlantic Adventure Small Group Tour

Great tour to see so much of Ireland. Great locations and great activities packed into the tour. Our guide Finn was beyond expectations. His knowledge, experience and contacts kept us well interested, well fed, and well watered. He was great!

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Best of Ireland (10 Days)

Fantastic tour guide and exceptional driver! Every excursion was well worth the cost. I enjoyed the food and sights! I would highly recommend it

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Irish Highlights (Summer, 7 Days)

The trip was interesting. The tour guide did a great job giving explaining things. We left early each day to miss the crowds. I loved the Cliffs of Moher. The optional experiences were extremely entertaining and fun.

7-Day Emerald Explorer Small Group Tour

Personal local experiences paired with great advice on places to eat., drink and listen to music made this tour special. Small group, great accommodation and wonderful breakfasts were a feature.Sensational scenery, knowledge of where to go and flexibility on timing made it a smooth operation. Our tour guide was experienced, knowledgeable and entertaining.

The Celtic Voyage - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

Mike and Team do a great job, friendly and very professional in accommodating people from all over the place. A very good selection of attractions, pointing out special locations, ending in a awesome relaxing tour! Looking forward for similar tours in the future!

10 Day Wild Irish Experience - Small Group Tour

I had the most wonderful time on the 10 Day Wild Irish Experience. Our group was only a small one but everyone got along very well and it was oftentimes more of a family outing than strangers travelling together. Our driver/guide Lee was very invested in all of our wellbeings - making sure everyone's interests and needs were met, and then going the extra mile in the little details (like carrying our bags or providing little insider tips on what to do or where to eat for every town we stayed in). He was always available to answer any questions our group might have and could also entertain with a story or background information about a town or region while we where driving to it or through it. Especially on the often narrow and winding Irish country roads he made sure everyone was comfortable during the twists and turn and I (having the seat upfront and the best view of the landscapes and vistas but also the roads and the traffic) always felt safe and in the most capable hands with him. Even though our trip took place in the pre-season, for the most part of it we got to enjoy very lovely weather, with blazing blue skies and already emerald green hills doing their reputation justice. When one of the destinations on our itinerary wasn't open yet for the season or closed for construction (this happened only on one or two occasions out of more than thirty-five), our driver/guide knew this beforehand because he checked with all of them - and the tour operators of Irish Experience provided more than adequate alternatives so that our group didn't miss out on anything. I can only recommend this tour most wholeheartedly and to everyone. It was an excellent introduction to the Irish culture and country and the lives of Irish people and has made me want to return soon to the island. Thank you to my lovely fellow travellers - but mostly to everyone at Irish Experience and to Lee!

• €99 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

8 Day Castles & Coast Experience - Small Group Tour

AMAZING TOUR! Loved every second of it and can't wait to go back to Ireland! Kieran and Lee were our guides and can't say enough about their knowledge and their helpfulness. Thank you!

Introduction to Ireland

Our tour guide was Tiarnan....he was excellent and had a wealth of knowledge. I would definitely go with Globus again!! :)

3-Day Blarney Castle, Kilkenny & Irish Whiskey Small-Group Tour from Dublin

Marcus, accomodation, and the tour was great

Wild South - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland

Perfect size small group tour to allowed some small deviations due to weather and group vote that highlighted the most picturesque, historical, and thrilling sights of Southwest Ireland. Diarmuid and Michael proved worthy guides who are proud, passionate and knowledgeable about their homeland. My daughters and I truly enjoyed some of the recommended extra excursions (Gaelic Roots show with premium seating, Skellig Islands boat tour, and kayaking) along the way. Bring your rain gear and see Ireland without worrying about driving (these country roads are narrow). Absolutely amazing. Accommodations and breakfasts were nice, though room temp is generally out of your control in Ireland. Our favorites were Mizen Head, the Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney National Park. Will stick with us for life!

Great Tour of Ireland ( 7 days )

Kerry Royal

Adrian was a great driver, I felt he did a wonderful job navigating the treacherous roads. Gordon, our team guide, was a good sport and tried his best to keep us all on schedule. He was knowledgeable, interesting and entertaining. I am not sure that he liked the driver though. There seemed to be some tension between them. I thought the Dingle peninsula area was spectacular. I loved the sheep dog demo, the farm visits and nature visits throughout. The hotels were all comfortable and clean. The breakfasts were plentiful. The entertainment options were lovely.

• Hiking & Trekking

Highlights of Ireland

Focus on Ireland (Classic, 7 Days)

Fantastic director, great stops and awesome coach

3-Day West Coast Explorer Small-Group Tour from Dublin

Great sites. Very friendly driver. Great bus.

What people love about Southern Ireland Tours from Dublin

Exceeded my expectations. Culture, landscapes, language, history, activities…so much in just a week. Accommodations were very comfortable, food was delicious and plentiful, people were welcoming and generous. Our guide (Pat O’Mara) made the entir3 experience an absolute joy. He was knowledgeable, told stories and histories in a folksy and humorous tone. He was competent, flexible, and inspired with a clear love of his own country that made us love it too.

This was my first time in Ireland. I absolutely loved everything about this trip. Tour guide and bus driver were amazing. Totally worth every penny. Would go back in a heartbeat

The entire trip was wonderful, very well organized, and satisfying. Peter Flood was an excellent tour guide. He was as knowledgeable as could be, funny, and helpful; and really seems to love what he does.

Tours starting from Dublin

• Dublin to Dublin tours (104)
• Dublin to Belfast tours (7)
• Dublin to Shannon tours (7)
• Family from Dublin (103)
• Explorer from Dublin (78)
• In-depth Cultural from Dublin (67)
• Coach / Bus from Dublin (42)
• Active from Dublin (16)
• Self-Guided from Dublin (12)
• Private from Dublin (12)
• Hiking & Trekking from Dublin (9)
• Custom from Dublin (5)

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