While I love most places I’ve traveled, one of my clear favorites is Ireland, and there are many reasons you should visit this country.
Some reasons to visit Ireland include:
- The beautiful Irish countryside
- History and Culture
- Life in Ireland’s cities
- Irish cuisine
Keep reading for some of the biggest reasons that make Ireland the perfect spot for your next trip.
Last updated: May 30, 2024
Published: February 2, 2024
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Are you looking for more Irish guides?
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- Should you visit Galway?
1. Ireland’s Natural Beauty
Ireland is called the Emerald Isle because it has many vibrant green fields and hills. One of the best places you should check out on your itinerary is the Cliffs of Moher, which are enormous ocean cliffs with amazing views. Connemara National Park has lovely lakes and mountains covered in heather.
The Giant’s Causeway is a cool place with rocks resembling steps. Whether you’re walking around the Ring of Kerry or just looking at the peaceful countryside, Ireland is beautiful, and here are some of the highlights:
- Cliffs of Moher: Experience the awe-inspiring views from one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks.
- Connemara National Park: Explore diverse landscapes, from mountains to meadows, in the west of Ireland.
- Giant’s Causeway: Enjoy the wonder that is Northern Ireland’s UNESCO-listed natural attraction.
- The Ring of Kerry: Take a scenic drive or a leisurely walk around this renowned route to witness Ireland’s rural charms.
No matter where you go in this vibrant country, its beauty is undoubtedly one of the top reasons to visit Ireland.
2. Ireland’s History and Culture
Ireland has a long history with many exciting events, which is another reason to visit Ireland. You can see this history when you visit old places like the churches throughout the country. Ireland also has a rich culture with books, paintings, and music.
You can’t learn about Irish history without seeing the old castles. Blarney Castle is famous for a stone you can kiss that’s supposed to give you the gift of gab. Dublin Castle is big and teaches you about Ireland and England”s complicated history. You can find old stone circles and rocks in places like Kerry and Clare.
Ireland also has cool stories like leprechauns and banshees that people tell each other. You can hear traditional Irish music in pubs and watch Gaelic football or hurling, which are important to Irish people. The history and culture of Ireland are exciting things you can see and enjoy.
3. Reasons to Visit Irish Cities
When you visit Ireland, make sure you check out the lively cities. Many of them are small, but they have many things to do. You can walk along the river and visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. You can also hear live music in old pubs or see the Book of Kells at Trinity College.
In Galway, the streets are full of artists performing, and many shops sell handmade things. Cork is known for its good food, especially at places like the English Market, where you can buy local foods.
Don’t forget about smaller towns like Kilkenny, which has an old castle, or Derry, which has a big wall around it. Whether you like going out at night, learning about history, shopping, or eating, Irish cities have a lot to offer and will make your trip to Ireland even better.
4. Savor the Flavors of Ireland
The Irish culinary landscape is a mix of traditional dishes and modern cuisine that promises to live up to the hype. Classic comfort foods such as Irish stew, made with succulent lamb and hearty vegetables, and the renowned Dublin coddle, a warming sausage and bacon hotpot, provide a taste of the wholesome simplicity of Irish fare.
Seafood lovers will enjoy the coastal towns where mussels, oysters, and salmon are as fresh as they come, often paired with a pint of smooth, creamy, stout, or crisp Irish cider. The country’s cheese-making has also been perfected over generations, with Cashel Blue or a wedge of tangy farmhouse cheddar waiting to delight cheese aficionados.
No culinary tour is complete without experiencing the liquid gold that is Irish whiskey. Take a trip to the distilleries like Jameson, Bushmills, or the many small producers for a guided tasting. For an indulgent finish, treat yourself to a slice of warm, rich porter cake infused with traditional stout flavors—a true Irish specialty.
One of the best reasons to visit Ireland is the food; you’ll understand why as soon as you try tasting the delicious dishes.
Seven More Reasons to Visit Ireland
The four reasons above are some of the top reasons to visit Ireland, but there are plenty more if you still aren’t convinced.
Here are even more reasons to visit Ireland:
- Warm Hospitality: The Irish are some of the nicest people I have ever met, with locals in Ireland known for their friendliness and welcoming nature.
- Vibrant Festivals: Attend one of the many festivals happening throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and literature to food and art.
- Outdoor Adventures: Explore the diverse landscapes of Ireland through outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, fishing, and even surfing along the rugged coastline.
- Literary Legacy: Immerse yourself in Ireland’s rich literary heritage by visiting historic libraries, bookshops, and literary landmarks associated with famous writers and poets.
- Traditional Music Sessions: Enjoy traditional Irish music sessions in cozy pubs, where talented musicians gather to play lively tunes on instruments like fiddles.
- Picturesque Villages: Wander through charming villages with colorful facades, traditional thatched cottages, and quaint streets.
- Whiskey Distilleries: Visit historic whiskey distilleries and learn about Ireland’s whiskey-making tradition while sampling some of the finest Irish whiskeys.
Ready to Visit Ireland?
No matter your favorite things to do and see when you travel, there are endless reasons to visit Ireland, plus it’s super safe as a solo female traveler.
Whether you want breathtaking scenery, endless history, delectable food, or a variety of fun cities, you’ll fall in love with Ireland.
Planning a trip to Ireland soon? Here are my favorite travel planning resources:
- Top travel credit cards
- SafetyWing for travel insurance
- Flytographer for professional photoshoots all over the world
- Daily Drop for daily travel tips and tricks in one fun, short newsletter
- Daily Drop Pro for miles and points bookings (learn more in my guide)
- Booking.com for a huge variety of hotels, vacation rentals, flights, and more
- HostelWorld for the best hostels around the world
- Vrbo for vacation homes and rentals
- Going for cheap flight alerts
- Skyscanner for the cheapest flights
- Amazon for travel and packing must-haves
- Priority Pass for airport lounge access
- TripAdvisor for the top hotels around the world
Click for the top hotel deals!