What to do in Ireland The 17 most beautiful places to visit

In the west of Ireland, Connemara is a land of legend. It's certainly here that Gaelic soul and culture still thrive. Its bucolic landscape enchants travelers. Sheep graze freely in the lush countryside, while fishermen are knee-deep in the dark lakes surrounded by fir trees. In the center, the impressive Twelve Bens hills are a hiker's paradise. Finally, along the coast, Connemara is sometimes reminiscent of Brittany, with its small fishing villages and intimate coves, or its romantic beaches.

If you'd like to explore Connemara, we recommend booking this guided tour from Galway, which will take you through Connemara . You'll visit the charming village of Cong, Killary Fjord, romantic Kylemore Abbey and much more!

The capital of the Republic of Ireland, yet still a city on a human scale, Dublin is incomparably dynamic. Divided in two by the River Liffey, the capital has two very distinct faces: on the north bank, you'll find the main shopping streets, and to the south, the medieval city and its Georgian mansions. There's no shortage of places to visit. Don't miss the library of the famous Trinity College to admire the Book of Kells, an illustrated manuscript produced around the year 800. It's a good idea to discover the city in all its facets by also stopping off in the Temple Bar district, lively and animated day and night.

If you'd like to visit Dublin, we recommend you book this multi-stop bus tour, which will introduce you to Dublin's history and culture, as well as all the must-see places to visit.

Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway is a natural curiosity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to Celtic legend, these 40,000 lined-up columns are an ancient causeway destroyed by the Scottish giant Benandonner, who took fright at the sight of his Irish rival. Scientists, however, believe it to be the result of a basalt eruption. In any case, this splendid site leaves no traveller indifferent! Click here to book your guided tour of the Giant's Causeway, one of the five most beautiful coastal roads in the world, with several stops along the way to admire all its treasures.

The Burren means "big rock". This almost lunar-like place is a rocky plateau where life seems to have come to a standstill. Cromwell described it thus: "It is a region where there is not water enough to drown a man, not wood enough to hang him, not earth enough to bury him." The silence and ambience here are indescribable, and the ocean landscape breathtaking. It's the ideal place to recharge your batteries.

Enjoya comprehensive guided tour, which you can book here , through the Burren along the Wild Atlantic Way. You'll admire the majestic Cliffs of Moher, discover medieval castles, dry stone walls and the Burren's magnificent rocky landscape.

Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Achill Island is Ireland's largest island. Here, nature has reclaimed its rights, and you'll discover jagged coasts, wild moors and hills of changing colors. Achill Island is also home to Europe's highest cliffs overlooking the ocean. A paradise for photographers and hikers alike, who can explore nature as it changes with the weather.

An industrial city, Belfast may not be one of Ireland's "prettiest" regions, but it does possess a certain charm. The political violence suffered by Northern Ireland over the decades cannot be ignored: it is brilliantly illustrated on the murals that colour the city. But above all, Belfast is a city to be experienced. You can visit the Titanic Museum, where the ship was built, and meet young creative geniuses after dark in the many traditional pubs. If you listen carefully, you'll even hear Gaelic being spoken! We recommend that you book this guided tour of the city to make sure you don't miss out on any of Belfast's must-see attractions, such as the fascinating Titanic Belfast, Shankhill Memorial Park, the famous Albert Clock, the Cathedral Quarter, the Northern Ireland War Memorial or St George's, the world's largest indoor market.

A world apart, an Irish rock lost in the Atlantic, a wild, jagged island that has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1996. Described by Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw as "part of the dream world", Skellig Michael has a singular religious history. Skellig Michael was one of Ireland's first monasteries. After climbing the 2,300 steps, all cut into the rock by the monks, you'll reach the ruins of the monastic complex: two churches, six cells, two oratories, a few tombs... A fascinating end-of-the-world setting bathed in sea spray and often violent rains. Of course, even today, there are no restaurants or cafés on Skellig Michael, so don't forget to pack a picnic lunch for your day out.

It's on the Aran Islands - Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr - that you'll find the strongest testimony to Celtic culture. The vagaries of typical Irish weather, with rain and strong winds, have made this a spectacular site. For centuries, the inhabitants have battled the elements to be able to sow, harvest and live on these islands. To visit them is to discover a world they have shaped.

This guided day trip will take you from the docks of Galway city, taking in the superb views of the Connemara and Clare coasts, before arriving at Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, where you' ll discover the history, heritage and culture of the Aran Islands.

Cashel is dominated by the impressive Rock of Cashel, a medieval fortification built on top of a rock. It was here in 1647, during the violent Wars of Religion, that the local inhabitants sought refuge. Here you can discover two magnificent examples of medieval architecture: a ^12th-century Romanesque chapel and a ^13th-century Gothic cathedral. It's one of Ireland's major tourist attractions. Don't miss this guided tour ofthis world-renowned historic site . Inside, you'll be able to admire one of Ireland's oldest Romanesque wall paintings.

Once the capital of Ireland, Kilkenny is now the island's best-preserved medieval town. Surrounded by rivers, forests and green spaces, Kilkenny is home to monuments of interest such as its famous ^13th-century cathedral, perched on a hill. Its architecture is renowned throughout Ireland for its use of black stone. Today, Kilkenny is a lively town, brimming with pubs and stores. In addition to its medieval streets, Kilkenny boasts a ^12th-century castle, two cathedrals (St. Canice, with its round tower, and St. Mary's) and St. Francis Abbey, where Kilkenny and Smithwick's beers are brewed. Other notable buildings include the Black Abbey (^12th century) and Grace'Courthouse (castle, then prison in the ^16th century). 10 km north of the town, Dunmore Cave is a geological formation with a fascinating history. Discover the enchanting medieval streets and history of Kilkenny on this this tour with a local guide who will tell you all about the history of this charming Irish town.

Situated at the crossroads of some of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions, Galway enjoys great popularity with visitors. The city boasts a dynamic center, a very young population and attractive streets adorned with ornate facades, pub signs and colorful stores . From Galway, it's also easy to get to Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher or the Burren, which explains the large number of agencies scattered around the city, offering all kinds of travel packages and organized tours. Many Americans and young hippies stop off in Galway, which is also considered the capital of Irish music and one of Europe's best places to retire!

Explore the streets of Galway on this small-group walking tour with an expert local guide . You'll immerse yourself in the city's culture, music and heritage, and discover local traditions.

Ireland's second-largest city after Dublin, Cork has the feel of a capital city, a status its inhabitants ardently claim. Cork, which was named European Capital of Culture in 2005, is home to many historic monuments, art galleries, museums, theaters and countless typical pubs. Benefiting from the current advantages of the European Union, many European students choose Cork as their place of study, and many French students are to be found here. Like Ireland as a whole, the city has seen a meteoric economic rise, thanks in particular to the importance of its port nestled in a huge bay, and the establishment of leading companies. This sudden prosperity (sadly slowed by the 2008 recession) has not overshadowed the beauty of the landscape and the friendliness of the locals.

We recommend this this guided walking tour of Cork to discover the traditions and history of this colorful Irish city, and to admire the architecture that reflects Cork's maritime past.

The Ring of Kerry, a 179 km loop around the Iveragh peninsula, is one of Ireland's main attractions and one of Europe's best road-trips. However, who could blame tourists for coming in whole groups, by bus, to discover the most beautiful landscapes the green Erin has to offer: a spectacular and almost endless view of mountains, lakes, forests, cliffs and sandy beaches... So you won't be alone, especially during the high season! The Ring of Kerry can be covered in a day (three days by bike). But, of course, the longer you take, the more you'll appreciate it.

This day trip takes in the spectacular scenery of the Ring of Kerry. You'll also admire the Torc waterfall and panoramic views of Dingle Bay, and visit the villages of Sneem and Waterville.

The Cliffs of Moher are rugged, wild cliffs, stretching for 8 km, some over 200 m high. They are breathtakingly beautiful and a must-see. They offer breathtaking panoramas. On a clear day, you can even see the Aran Islands and the mountains of Connemara. A path leads up to the highest point of the cliffs, where you'll find O'Brien Tower. Along the way, the view of these jagged cliffs changes constantly, and many birds will keep you company. Birdwatchers, binoculars are a must! If walking is the most classic way to observe these cliffs, another option is to contemplate them from the sea. The ports of Doolin and Liscannor organize boat excursions. A truly memorable experience!

Explore Ireland's picturesque landscapes with this this excursion to the Cliffs of Moher visiting Galway, crossing the Burren and discovering the monastic ruins of Kilmacduagh.

Derry, Northern Ireland's second-largest urban area after Belfast, shares a history just as long and tumultuous as the capital. Nestling atop a hill along the banks of the River Foyle estuary and close to the sea, the city has been the scene of sieges and attacks for over a millennium. One of the most significant moments in Derry's history was the siege of 1688-1689, the longest in British history (one hundred and five days). After this battle, a quarter of the population died. This traumatic event profoundly altered relations between the Catholic and Protestant communities. It was also here that the tragic Bloody Sunday took place on January 30, 1972. An infamous date marked by the death of thirteen people during a peaceful Catholic march suppressed by the British army.

Discover the beauty of Derry and immerse yourself in its history on this this audio tour which takes you on a complete tour of the city, including the history of St Columba's Church and Derry's main historic sites.

At Carrick (An Charraig in Gaelic), a boat trip across the Atlantic Ocean to the foot of the Slieve League Cliffs (Sliabh Liag in Gaelic), one of Europe's highest cliffs at 606 m, is a must. While the Cliffs of Moher are much better known across the country, the Slieve League Cliffs offer an even more breathtaking panorama. Before embarking on this memorable escapade and exploring a region brimming with surprises, a brief stopover in the village of Carrick will also prove most enjoyable. In short, an escapade not to be missed when visiting Ulster!

Ireland's westernmost point is like a European (excluding Iceland) and Celtic Finisterre. The Dingle Peninsula has the solitude, sometimes dramatic, of extremes. It also has the tragic beauty of one of Ireland's most rugged points, seemingly protecting the enigmatic Blasket Islands, deserted since 1954. It also boasts a high concentration of Celtic ruins (Beehive Huts, Gallarus Oratory, etc.). Dingle, a charming fishing port, is the most important town on the peninsula. In high season, there's a surprising mix of locals, whose daily lives are far from easy, and the fluorescent influx of visitors. Dingle is also a town where you can enjoy the best seafood specialities. The steep streets are still home to a few old shopkeepers whose dusty treasures you can discover before it's too late..

Don't miss this day trip to the Dingle Peninsula, where you'll be to marvel at the mountainous sc enery as you tour this spectacular peninsula, stopping off at Gaelic villages.

With its wild landscapes, Connemara is an unmissable part of any Irish trip. The region's blend of grandeur and terroir is home to some of Ireland's most exceptional restaurants and hotels. There are two possible routes through Connemara after Galway: the coast (R336) via Spiddal, Roundstone and Clifden to Leenane, or the inland route (N59) from Oughterard to Clifden.