Ireland Inspiration: Where to Go
Ireland is a beyond mind-blowing country in terms of raw, scenic beauty…
Somewhere off the road in Ireland; June 2019
Is Ireland Like New Zealand?
It was uncanny how much it reminded me of New Zealand. Similar size, similar population, rolling hills, unpredictable weather, incessant grey, mystical cloudy skies, cows instead of sheep, calling the highway the ‘motorway’, unbelievable landscapes…
Driving through Ireland; June 2019
Ireland looking eerily similar to New Zealand; June 2019
Driving through Ireland; June 2019
How Many Days Should I Stay in Ireland?
If you want to do a trip to Ireland justice, it’s really best to stay for at least a full week – which will allow you to explore Galway, Dublin, Ring of Kerry, and more at a do-able pace.
Is Ireland Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes, Ireland is super safe for solo female travelers – as most Irish locals are friendly and the country isn’t as known for pickpocketing as other European countries are.
View from Blarney Castle in Ireland; June 2019
View of Whitepark Bay Beach in Ireland; June 2019
Souvenirs in Ireland; June 2019
Where Are the Most Underrated Parts of Ireland?
The Ring of Kerry is undoubtedly a very underrated part of Ireland, as it’s a scenic drive you simply can’t miss while visiting Ireland.
Driving Through Ireland; June 2019
Charming places are kind of Ireland’s thing.
Overlooking Scotland in Northern Ireland; June 2019
Is Ireland Vegan Friendly?
Yes, Ireland is very vegan friendly – with lots of bean, mushrooms, tomatoes, and potatoes being served. In fact, I even found vegan baked goods on our gas station stops while driving around the country.
The Irish do really like their potatoes!
On the outskirts of Killarney Nation Park in Ireland; June 2019
Driving through Ireland; June 2019
What to expect when walking the street of an Irish city.
Ireland has roaring country sides, to say the least.
The low, dreary clouds in the sky in Ireland reminded me of the ones in New Zealand.
While I fell in love with Dublin instantly – there are so many other places in Ireland to go.
Wondering what and where those places are?
Here are all of the places I went in Ireland:
Where To Go on a Trip to Ireland
1. Belfast
Remember, this isn’t Ireland – it’s Northern Ireland, meaning they use pounds here.
Sign welcoming you to the city of Belfast; June 2019
Walking around Belfast; June 2019
I opted to hop into a Centra (a great grocery store all over Ireland), grab something to picnic with, and spend my time at city hall…
Belfast City Hall; June 2019
…because I just couldn’t believe how beautiful it was to the naked eye.
2. Derry
There’s a little walk you can do around St. Columb’s Cathedral…
St. Columb’s Cathedral in Derry; June 2019
View of Londonderry; June 2019
… not only is the view great (and reminiscent of San Francisco with all of the houses in such close proximity to one another) if you’re lucky, you’ll run into some school girls in uniform and feel like you’re in one of those 2000s movies for a moment.
3. Giant’s Causeway
Even if it’s windy and cold (which is a high possibility, when it comes to sightseeing Ireland!), you should walk alongside the entire thing.
The Giant’s Causeway; June 2019
The Giant’s Causeway; June 2019
4. Galway
Really picturesque city, especially when the rain hits the pavement and the colorful buildings bring luminescence to the dreary skies…
Walking the streets of Galway; June 2019
… you can take a river cruise, but I found that walking the quaint streets was the most amusing.
Yes, any and every where in Ireland you go is this picturesque.
Is Galway Worth Visiting?
Yes, Galway is worth the trip while in Ireland – as it allows you to see more traditional Irish dances and the town is unbearably cute.
What Should I Do in Galway?
If you’re planning on visiting Galway, here are some ideas on what to do and see:
Walk around the historic town
Day trip from Galway to Connmara
Explore Quay Street
Exploring Galway, Ireland; June 2019
My Recommendation For A Good Pub in Galway
Going to pub here is ideal over somewhere like Temple Bar in Dublin; it felt like a story book image come to life – minus the in authenticity of too many tourists. My friends and I went to the Skeff Bar and we can recommend it!
Inside Skeff Bar in Galway
If you don’t have a burger inside an authentic Irish pub… then you’re not doing Ireland, right.
5. Sligo
Definitely one of the more non-touristy places in Ireland to visit, Sligo offers a more “real” version of Ireland than places like Galway or Dublin can offer.
What Do People in Ireland Eat?
When in Ireland, besides drinking bottomless beers – you need to try one of their famous “soup of the day” offers.
When and if you’re in Sligo, go to this tearoom.
Eating In Sligo At the Pink Clover
The Pink Clover, previously known as the Drumcliffe Tea House – is the perfect Irish lunch experience. If you’re vegetarian, no worries – they often have meat-broth-free options for you.
Be sure to try the soups in Ireland… they hit the spot after sightseeing in the frigid weather.
Can Vegans Eat Irish Soda Bread?
If you’re vegan, and now lactose intolerant like I am, do not eat bread that looks like the one in the pictures above, because that’s Irish soda bread – which is made with buttermilk and can cause an upset stomach to those who don’t eat dairy.
Irish soda bread is made with buttermilk – meaning if you accidentally eat it…
… eh, let’s just say – I want you to learn from my mistakes.
P.S. – buy one of the oat bars at the counter.
Oat Bar from Pink Clover in Sligo; June 2019
P.S.S. – thank me later.
Honestly – I prefer my baguettes any day over the soda bread, because it tastes… thick, bland, and dense.
I don’t know about you, but I like my bread to be fluffy.
6. Cliffs of Moher
You can read more about my Cliffs of Moher experience here, but nevertheless – it is as beautiful as everyone says it is, and it is worth the drive out there even if it’s just as a day trip.
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at the Cliffs of Moher; June 2019
A photograph simply could not capture the details of the cliffs, and how they reflected against the water…
Cliffs of Moher on a clear day in early June.
What Should I Know Before Going to the Cliffs of Moher?
Here are some things to know before going to the Cliffs of Moher:
Busy With Tourists: The Cliffs of Moher are almost always packed, with lots of tour buses and crowds of people hopping off to take pictures.
Souvenirs: There are lots of souvenir shops surrounding the parking lot near the Cliffs of Moher, so it’ll be easy to buy someone a gift.
Dress Accordingly: When venturing to the Cliffs of Moher, it’s important to wear shoes you don’t care about and be prepared for any kind of weather – from sun, rain, and windiness.
7. Bunratty
As a castle town in Ireland, I’d argue Bunratty is underrated – and I wouldn’t have ever heard of it if my tour group didn’t take me there.
Walking the streets of Bunratty in Ireland; June 2019
What Can I Do and See in Bunratty?
You can go up Bunratty Castle, or just walk through the whimsical houses in the surrounding area.
One of the many cottages in Bunratty; June 2019
Walking into a tearoom in Bunratty, Ireland; June 2019
The houses in Bunratty are like Disney princess cottages.
Oh, and there’s a legitimate tearoom called that you shouldn’t miss right behind Bunratty Castle while you’re visiting Bunratty.
A tearoom in Bunratty; June 2019
8. Killarney
Once you’ve been to Galway and Bunratty, you start to get the gist of all the Irish cities – color blocked houses, plants coming out of the balconies, bikes parked everywhere, and charming streets to shop on.
Walking the streets of Killarney; June 2019
Is It Worth Visiting Killarney?
I think Killarney is still worth a visit, but you may not need to go to all three if you’ve already visited Galway and Bunratty.
Killarney; June 2019
Near Killarney; June 2019
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean near Caherdaniel in Ireland; June 2019
… was even more exceptional.
Where Should I Go in the Ring of Kerry?
Be sure to make a stop at Caherdaniel, near Kells, and drive by Muckross Lake.
Overlooking Dingo Lake near Kells in Ireland; June 2019
Muckross Lake looked like glass in person.
10. Blarney castle
I found kissing the rock at the top vastly overrated – but the park itself surrounding the castle is a nice one…
The gardens near Blarney castle; June 2019
Is It Worth Visiting Blarney Castle?
Yes, it’s worth visiting Blarney Castle in Ireland. The views make for irreplaceable photo opportunities, so even if you’re like me and get bored easily with exhibits and tour guides – don’t fret, because you’ll find a way to be entertained here.
View of Bunratty Castle; June 2019
I hope this gave you some ideas on where to go in Ireland! If you’re looking to read more about Ireland, click here.
Want to see all these places in action? Watch all of my Ireland vlogs down below!
Last updated: June 22, 2025