The Perfect Irish Bucketlist

Ireland and Northern Ireland, two regions where nature, folklore, and adventure meet. These beautiful regions have a wide variety for nature lovers and everyone alike. Here are some of my favorite experiences I got to have in Ireland!

1) Explore an Ancient Irish Castle and Kiss the Blarney Stone

The Blarney Castle and Gardens is one of my favorite places to see in Ireland.

This unique castle was finished in 1446 and contains the legend of the Blarney Stone.

For over 200 years, people (myself included) have climbed the stairs of the castle to kiss the Blarney Stone to gain the gift of eloquence. Outside of the castle, there are numerous gardens, plants, and rivers to explore. It's such a fun place to explore and get lost in the beauty of Ireland!

For more information about Blarney Castle, please visit their website: https://www.blarneycastle.ie 

2) Visit the Cliffs of Moher

If you are looking for the most Instagrammed place in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher would definitely be it. These cliffs have been featured in many different movies, like Harry Potter & Leap Year. Regardless of its movie star status, these cliffs offer the most breathtaking views Ireland has to offer.

For schedules and more info, check out their website at https://www.cliffsofmoher.ie 

3) Experience the legendary Rock formations at the Giant's Causeway

Photo by Hugo Kemmel

It is currently a UNESCO site and a geological phenomenon. It is a bit of a walk down to the causeway, but there is a tram that can help you along the way! It is quite a remarkable sight to see!

Here is a cute video from Giant Causeways depicting the legend of Finn the Great:

https://giantscausewayofficialguide.com/about/myths-legends-of-the-causeway/. 

And for all my Geology nerds, you can find a video breaking down its formation: https://youtu.be/Yf_Gc-ThlA8. 

For more info, please check out their website, https://giantscausewayofficialguide.com/about/. The Giant's Causeway is a natural rock formation with over 40,000 columns and was created over 60 million years ago.

It is currently a UNESCO site and a geological phenomenon. It is a bit of a walk down to the causeway, but there is a tram that can help you along the way! It is quite a remarkable sight to see!

4) Bike Around Kilkenny

The Irish city of Kilkenny is quite charming. Kilkenny has everything from your classic Irish Castle, Irish Churches, a brewery, the Dunmore cave, an art gallery, and many gorgeous places to hike. One of my fondest memories is taking a bike tour around the city.

For more information about the bike tour: https://kilkennycyclingtours.com/. The Irish city of Kilkenny is quite charming. Kilkenny has everything from your classic Irish Castle, Irish Churches, a brewery, the Dunmore cave, an art gallery, and many gorgeous places to hike. One of my fondest memories is taking a bike tour around the city.

For more information about the bike tour: https://kilkennycyclingtours.com/. 

5) Listen to Live Music

Although you can experience live music in almost any pub in Ireland, the city of Galway is famous for having the best live music! One famous pub is called the Quays (pronounced the Keys). It has been around for over 400 years and has a live organ behind its stage. Another intriguing fact about this pub is that the musicians are above you, so there is easier access to see the stage!

For more pub recommendations in Galway, check out this list: https://travelinspires.org/live-music-in-galway-here-are-galways-best-music-pubs/ 

Although you can experience live music in almost any pub in Ireland, the city of Galway is famous for having the best live music! One famous pub is called the Quays (pronounced the Keys). It has been around for over 400 years and has a live organ behind its stage. Another intriguing fact about this pub is that the musicians are above yo,u so there is easier access to see the stage!

For more pub recommendations in Galway, check out this list: https://travelinspires.org/live-music-in-galway-here-are-galways-best-music-pubs/ 

6) Learn to pour your own Guinness

The Guinness Storehouse is a great experience for any stout lover! You can learn how Guinness is made and how to pour your own Guinness properly! At the end of the tour, you can drink your Guinness at the Gravity Bar and see the best view of Dublin.

For schedules and more info, check out their website at https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/. The Guinness Storehouse is a great experience for any stout lover! You can learn how Guinness is made and how to pour your own Guinness properly! At the end of the tour, you can drink your Guinness at the Gravity Bar and see the best view of Dublin.

For schedules and more info, check out their website at https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/

7) Discover Irish History through Art

For those who don't know, Ireland is separated into Northern Ireland and Ireland. Northern Ireland is a part of the UK, and Ireland is a part of the European Union. The tumultuous history between the two regions has gone on for centuries. As Brexit comes into fruition, the tensions between the two regions continue to rise.

In light of all this, the city of Derry (Northern Ireland) is rich in history and has a large collection of street art depicting the many struggles between the two regions. I would definitely recommend taking a walking tour and hearing their stories. For those who don't know, Ireland is separated into Northern Ireland and Ireland. Northern Ireland is a part of the UK, and Ireland is a part of the European Union. The tumultuous history between the two regions has gone on for centuries. As Brexit comes into fruition, the tensions between the two regions continue to rise.

In light of all this, the city of Derry (Northern Ireland) is rich in history and has a large collection of street art depicting the many struggles between the two regions. I would definitely recommend taking a walking tour and hearing their stories.

8) Become the ultimate Whiskey Taster

The Jameson Distillery in Cork, Ireland, is a fantastic place to learn about the making of Whiskey and taste test their different products. There are cool art pieces made of Jameson bottles, and they have fabulous merchandise to choose from. Perfect for Whiskey Lovers!!

For more info, please visit their website at https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/. The Jameson Distillery in Cork, Ireland, is a fantastic place to learn about the making of Whiskey and taste test their different products. There are cool art pieces made of Jameson bottles, and they have fabulous merchandise to choose from. Perfect for Whiskey Lovers!!

For more info, please visit their website at https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/. 

9) Discover the Aryan Islands

A short ferry ride from Derry is the Aryan Islands. The Aryan islands consist of three islands: Inisheer, Inis Meáin, and Inishmore. The Aryan Islands offer amazing views of ancient sites, carriage rides, wool shops, and a chance to hear Gaelic (the traditional Irish language) in its natural form.

For more information about the Aryan Islands, check out their website: https://www.aranislands.ie/. A short ferry ride from Derry is the Aryan Islands. The Aryan islands consist of three islands: Inisheer, Inis Meáin, and Inishmore. The Aryan Islands offer amazing views of ancient sites, carriage rides, wool shops, and a chance to hear Gaelic (the traditional Irish language) in its natural form.

For more information about the Aryan Islands, check out their website: https://www.aranislands.ie/