Top 10 Ireland for first-timers

Mar 16, 2011 12:01:15 AM

Candace Driskell
Lonely Planet Author

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Ireland’s reputation precedes itself, so first-time visitors might think they know what to expect: fields of clover, gabby locals, etc. But there’s so much more to Ireland than its stereotypical charms. Skip the over-hyped Guinness Storehouse and find better things to do with your lips than kiss the been-around-the-block Blarney Stone. Instead, check out these top 10 experiences for first-timers.

1. Literary Dublin

The Irish are known for possessing the gift of the gab. Not only can they talk up a storm, they can also put pen to paper with flourish (just ask one of Ireland’s four winners of the Nobel Prize for Literature). Experience Ireland’s literary tradition first hand in Dublin, starting with a stroll through Trinity College’s beautiful Old Library. There you’ll find one of the world’s oldest manuscripts, the Book of Kells. If merely looking at books doesn’t satisfy you, visit Dublin on June 16th, when Victorian-garbed masses take to streets to celebrate Bloomsday, a festival devoted to James Joyce’s masterpiece, Ulysses.

2. Galway City

Located on Ireland’s west coast, Galway is an excellent base for trips to the Aran Islands and Connemara. But no one would blame you for not wanting to leave the city at all. The young, college town is so wonderfully lively, even Dubliners flock here for raucous weekends away. The compact, cobblestoned city doesn’t have much in the way of traditional tourist traps, but what Galway lacks in sight-seeing it more than makes up for in atmosphere. And by “atmosphere” we mean pubs. Soak up the old-fashioned charm at The Crane and Taaffe’s, or hang out with young and hip Galwegians at The Blue Note.

3. The Rock of Cashel

Don’t let the unassuming name fool you, the Rock of Cashel, is no mere rock. Rather, it’s one of Ireland’s most spectacular castles. The dazzling fortress stands proudly on a gently sloping hill in County Tipperary. The “Rock” is a historic treasure trove: its structures include a 12th-century Romanesque chapel and a 13th-century Gothic cathedral.

4. Trad

Traditional Irish music, more commonly known as ‘trad’, is the heart of Ireland’s pub scene (and Guinness is the soul, but more on that later). Doolin, a small village in County Clare, is celebrated as the center of Irish music, but lively sessions full of upbeat jigs and heartbreaking ballads can be found in pubs throughout the country.

5. Aran Islands

Located off the west coast of Ireland, three limestone outcrops form the idyllic Aran Islands. Irish is the main language spoken here, a fact that only adds to the feeling that time has left these islands untouched. Inishmór, the largest island is home to Dún Aengus, an ancient stone fort perched high on a rocky cliff. The two smaller islands, Inishmaan and Inisheer are a good bet for those looking to get even further off the beaten track.

6. Ancient Ireland

When you think of Irish history, do you immediately summon to mind the Potato Famine or the Troubles? If so, it’s time to go further back in time and visit one of Ireland’s ancient ruins. The most impressive site can be found at Brú Na Bóinne in County Meath, a necropolis that includes the truly remarkable Newgrange. This ancient passage tomb was designed during the Stone Age with a chamber that floods with sunlight on the winter solstice, but it is well worth a visit on any day of the year.

7. Giant’s Causeway

Located across the border in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway almost feels as if it’s in another world. The hexagonal rock formations jutting out into the sea are one of Ireland’s most fascinating natural features. Part of the popular Antrim Coastal Walk, the causeway is a tourist hot-spot, but it’s well worth braving the crowds for a chance to experience this geological wonder.

8. The Dingle Peninsula

County Kerry’s sublime Dingle Peninsula boasts a scenic drive full of postcard-worthy vistas. The landscape features sandy beaches, Caribbean-blue stretches of ocean, and, of course, Dingle, the charming village for which the peninsula is named.

9. Cliffs of Moher

The heartstopping drop off of the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare might have safety-minded visitors wondering where the guardrail is. Get as close to the edge as you dare (but not too close – people have fallen off) and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view and the cool spray of the Atlantic on your cheeks.

10. The perfect pint

Pouring a pint of Guinness is practically an art form in Ireland, and no trip would be complete without at least one pint of the black stuff. Savor an expertly drawn pint at Mulligan’s in Dublin, Matt Molloy’s in Westport or Séhán Ua Neáchtain in Galway. Just avoid touristy pubs where they commit the sacrilege of drawing a shamrock on the head of your beer.

Experience the best of Ireland with Lonely Planet’s full-color Discover Ireland travel guide. Cut straight to the must-see highlights so no matter what your time frame or budget, you won’t miss the best bits.

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Comments

18 February 2011 11:47PM dublin1 Report this comment
As ususl Lonely Planet has cut through the time wasting and gone straight for the essential must sees in Ireland.
19 February 2011 10:33AM wanderer17 Report this comment
Great article - nice job LP. "the been-around-the-block Blarney Stone" ... priceless!
21 February 2011 4:21PM cfitz Report this comment
I recently traveled for the first time to Ireland, and boy am I glad I stayed in Galway. It is such a charming city with plenty of fun pubs (try the King's Head, its one of the oldest!) and a bustling nightlife. If you're in the area, other "off the beaten path" sights to see:
Joyce Connemara marble workshop- home to some of the world's rarest marble quarries because :gasp: its green! The owners are very friendly and the beautiful jewelry make very special souvenirs.
Clonmacnoise monastery- for history buffs like me, a dream come true. Founded in 545AD, many of the ruins still stand and the ancient grave markers are still readable.
6 April 2011 3:24AM paddyleblanc Report this comment
Perhaps it's because I've lived there for 10 years but I'd avoid Dublin as if it were a rapid T-Rex.
5 March 2012 9:24AM sarah_bellum Report this comment
Totally agree w these highlites of Ireland, especially Galway City, and if I were to go back I would bypass Dublin and head there straight away. It's a great city and a great base to explore both up and down the west coast, from the Cliffs of Moher to the Kylemore Abby in the Connemara. But as LP says, don't forget to plan enough time to enjoy the city itself. Even better if your plans include the Galway Music Festival. The only thing I would add to this list is Kilarney. Tho definitely touristy, the National Park at its edge and the charm of the town itself made it one of the highlites of my trip.
5 March 2012 12:31PM davewrites Report this comment
Stop telling people to avoid Dublin, that's just terrible advice to tourists. Ireland is small enough for all of it to be taken in and enjoyed.
7 March 2012 8:39PM stonehuts Report this comment
Just a few thoughts! Yes the Cliffs of Moher are in County Clare . . . but, The Burren national park is also there, a UNESCO Geo Park, a unique landscape and flora, the most national monuments anywhere, yes, anywhere. You did mention Doolin for the misic, but again there is music in many parts of Clare. In short, Clare is not a day trip or a pass through, its a location to spend as much time as you can! I know, I moved here.
7 March 2012 8:39PM stonehuts Report this comment
Just a few thoughts! Yes the Cliffs of Moher are in County Clare . . . but, The Burren national park is also there, a UNESCO Geo Park, a unique landscape and flora, the most national monuments anywhere, yes, anywhere. You did mention Doolin for the misic, but again there is music in many parts of Clare. In short, Clare is not a day trip or a pass through, its a location to spend as much time as you can! I know, I moved here.
25 April 2012 4:43PM hays_1 Report this comment
im thinking of going to ireland by ferry from england but not sure where to go once im there and how to get around to different places. i wanted to experience the city life and the beautiful landscapes. can anyone give me any ideas please about where to go and how to travel around