It takes days, weeks really, to see the best of the greenest country in Europe – and trying to figure out what to do can be a bit overwhelming. Tourism Ireland has shared a list of the top 11 things for any visitors’ bucket-list in 2023.
1) Seek adventure on the Wild Atlantic Way
Certainly one of the must-see areas for awesome scenery on an Irish holiday, the Wild Atlantic Way is also an un-spoilt adventure playground and full of sustainable activities. Littered with charming coastal villages and incredible national parks, visitors can partake in any kind of outdoor pursuit imaginable. Surfing, horse riding on the beach, whale spotting, mountain climbing, bathing in the forest, cycling greenways, and walks through eons of history are just a few of the activities that the Wild Atlantic Way has in store.
2) Steal away to an island
For the ultimate in remote experiences, visitors can escape to the tranquil and idyllic Rathlin Island, lying six miles off County Antrim and just a quick ferry ride from the seaside town of Ballycastle in Northern Ireland – where they’ll soon fall in love with the magic of this wild, L-shaped, and un-spoilt island. They can walk the car-free roads, cycle for miles in solitude, or watch out for seals in the bay. The island’s not short on activities either – offering towering lighthouses to explore, a tranquil bird sanctuary to visit, or pints at the island’s only pub by the sea.
3) Try an ultra-luxury hotel experience
Once home to the Guinness family, the 800-year-old Ashford Castle in County Mayo has long played host to presidents, royals and the famous for an iconic Irish experience. Situated in a spectacular 350-acre estate, it’s full of sumptuous rooms and suites, amazing interiors, antique furniture, fine fabrics, and unique features at every turn, all underpinned by ambitious sustainability practices, making it the ultimate indulgent experience in the west of Ireland.
4) Explore a magical dark sky
Tourists with a penchant for mysticism can explore Ireland’s ancient past and experience a magical link between astronomy and archaeology at Northern Ireland’s OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. Fringed by Davagh Forest at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains in County Tyrone, the park is close to the Beaghmore Stones, a series of mysterious Neolithic stone circles often mentioned in Irish folktales. The perfect place to visit at any time of day, the park also offers exciting mountain biking trails while the sun is out, and a clear night sky perfectly suited for stargazing away from the city.
5) Go green in an eco-destination
The protected, moon-like eco-friendly terrain of the Burren in County Clare is perfectly apt for the environmentally conscious traveller. Along with the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark – where sustainable, socially responsible, nature-based tourism and excellent eco-travel experiences are the norm. The location offers sustainable accommodation, locally sourced food and a number of environmentally friendly activities and experiences.
6) Play one of Ireland’s best golf courses
The island of Ireland is an iconic destination for golf – the choice of exceptional championship courses in spectacular locations is truly amazing. With world-ranked links and stunning parkland layouts, a golf trip is always an incredible experience. If visitors could only single out one destination, Ballybunion Golf Club in County Kerry would be right up there. Home to two wonderfully challenging links courses, it’s ranked as one of the very best golfing experiences in the world.
7) Feel the energy of Celtic Ireland
Visitors looking for a trip through history can experience prehistoric Ireland at Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the lush green paradise of the Boyne Valley. This area was once the territory of Ireland’s high kings and boasts a rich history and culture. The Stone Age passage tomb at Newgrange is part of the famous Brú na Bóinne complex, one of the world’s most important prehistoric landscapes. An immersion in this jewel in the crown of Ireland’s Ancient East is unforgettable.
8) Drive the Causeway Coastal Route
Combining stunning coastal scenery with a host of historic sites and picturesque towns and villages, the famous Causeway Coastal Route stretches 130 miles from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry into Game of Thrones® territory. A road trip like no other, it’s home to countless key stops, attractions, and experiences. It could be The Gobbins – a white-knuckle cliff path walk at Islandmagee – the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Game of Thrones® film locations or the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
9) Soak up the all-Ireland Fleadh
Ireland boasts many musical extravaganzas with something to suit everyone, but there is nothing to beat the annual Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann or the All-Ireland Music Festival. The largest festival of Irish culture, music, song, and dance in the world takes place this year in Mullingar in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Running from August 6 to August 14, it’s going to be special.
10) Discover Dublin’s Coastal Trail
Dublin’s long coastline is dotted with a raft of unexpected experiences and outdoor activities. The Dublin Coastal Trail highlights these hidden gems. A quick journey on the DART rail line reveals castles, beaches, harbours, heritage and more all on foot. From Skerries to the north of the city down to Killiney in the south, it offers everything from incredible sea views and thrilling watersports to the freshest of seafood, cliffs, walks and culture on Dublin’s doorstep.
11) Dive into the National Gallery of Ireland
Those looking to indulging their love for the arts have plenty to look forward to at the National Gallery of Ireland in 2023. One of Dublin’s most popular attractions, the gallery is just a short stroll from Trinity College and Merrion Square in the city. It houses the nation’s collection of European and Irish art from about 1300 to the present day, and an extensive library and archive. From January 21 to October 8, Still Life, 2013-2016 (yellow version), James Coleman’s most recent work, will be on show in the Sir Hugh Lane Room. The video installation presents a silent, large-scale projection of an uprooted poppy against a black background. This will be the first display of the work at the gallery and its first appearance in Ireland. Highlights for the summer include a solo exhibition entitled Lavinia Fontana: Trailblazer, Rule Breaker (6 May – 27 August 2023). The late sixteenth-century Bolognese artist Fontana was a ground-breaking artist of her time and is widely considered to be the first female artist to achieve professional success beyond the confines of a court or a convent. The full 2023 exhibition programme is available at the National Gallery of Ireland.
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