Top 10 Reasons to Visit Ireland: Here is Why You Must Travel to Éire

• Whelan’s in Dublin: Dublin’s original live music venue and one of the best indie nightclubs in Ireland! It’s open late into the night 7 days a week.. Open late seven nights a week!
• Roisin Dubh in Galway: One of the most popular music and comedy venues in Ireland, bringing established talent, while also providing a stage for international guests and newbies.
• Dolans in Limerick: A more old-timey Irish Pub for lovers of tradition, it boasts five music venues and a lovely restaurant. is made up of a restaurant and five music venues.

Ireland is home to renowned authors and poets such as James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, Seamus Heaney, and Oscar Wilde. You can learn about them in:

• The Old Library at Trinity College Dublin
• The James Joyce Centre
• Dublin’s Writers Museum
• The National Library of Ireland

Alternatively, you can join the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl to discover details and stories about these famous authors not found in tourist brochures.
Storytelling, once a common form of entertainment, remains an integral part of Irish culture. Legends about figures like Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the Children of Lir, and Tir na Nog are often centred around historical sites such as the Giants Causeway and the Hill of Tara.
For more cultural wonders of Ireland, check out our festival section!

• Vantastival: A family-friendly festival celebrating music, camping, and campervans.
• Galway International Arts Festival: A multi-disciplinary arts festival featuring theatre, music, visual arts, and street performances.
• Galway Oyster Festival: A celebration of the oyster season with seafood, music, and entertainment.
• Púca Festival: A celebration of Samhain with music, fire, and storytelling, marking the Celtic New Year.
• Savour Kilkenny Food Festival: A culinary event where food lovers gather for cooking demos and tastings.
• Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival: One of Ireland’s oldest festivals, offering a blend of music, dance, and matchmaking.
• Galway Races: A thrilling horse racing event held at the Ballybrit Racecourse in Galway.
• Dingle Trad Fest: A festival showcasing traditional Irish music in the charming town of Dingle.
• Dublin Fringe Festival: An arts festival that pushes the boundaries with innovative performances in theatre, dance, and comedy.
• Dublin Bay Prawn Festival: A seafood festival celebrating the delicious Dublin Bay prawn.
• Bloom: A gardening, food, and family festival held in Phoenix Park, Dublin.
• Taste of Dublin: A culinary festival offering a taste of Dublin’s best food and drink.

• TradFest in Dublin (January): Ireland’s largest festival of traditional music, held in the historic Temple Bar area.
• St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations: A five-day affair in Dublin, celebrating Ireland’s patron saint with parades, music, and cultural events.
• Galway International Arts Festival: A highlight of the cultural calendar, featuring an eclectic mix of performances and exhibitions.
• International Oyster and Seafood Festival in Galway (September): A gastronomic celebration with seafood tastings, cooking demonstrations, and entertainment.

When you visit an Irish pub, you can expect:

• A Warm Welcome: Irish pubs are known for their friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
• Live Music: Many pubs feature traditional live music sessions, where local musicians play folk tunes and invite patrons to enjoy the fun.
• Engaging Conversations: Whether with friends or new acquaintances, lively conversations are a big part of the pub experience.
• Delicious Drinks: Enjoy a pint of the famous Guinness or try a locally brewed craft beer.

Some of the best places to experience the authentic Irish pub culture include:

• Dublin: Known for its bustling pub scene, especially in areas like Temple Bar.
• Galway: Offers a vibrant mix of traditional and modern pubs.
• Limerick: Famous for its music venues like Dolans.
• Anywhere.

You can find the craic literally anywhere in Ireland, including places you’d never expect it!

• Wild Atlantic Way
  The Wild Atlantic Way offers dramatic cliffs, stunning coastal landscapes, and pristine beaches. The route features iconic sites such as the Cliffs of Moher and the picturesque town of Dingle.
• Ireland’s Ancient East
  Ireland’s Ancient East is characterised by rolling hills, lush farmland, and ancient ruins. Key sites include the Rock of Cashel and the historic Glendalough Monastic Site. For a personal experience of one of Craic N Campers’ guests from their trip along Ireland’s Ancient East, check out our blog post!
• Glendalough in Co. Wicklow
  Glendalough features two serene lakes surrounded by dense woodland and mountain scenery. The area is also home to ancient monastic ruins, adding historical significance to its natural beauty.
• The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
  The Cliffs of Moher rise dramatically 214 metres above the Atlantic Ocean, providing stunning panoramic views. The cliffs are home to diverse bird species, making it a notable spot for birdwatching.
• Fanad Lighthouse in Donegal
  Fanad Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastal landscapes. Donegal also boasts some spectacular beaches such as Ballymastocker Bay, known for its golden sands and clear waters.
• The Aran Islands
  The Aran Islands feature unique limestone landscapes, rugged coastlines, and ancient forts. Visitors can also experience traditional Irish culture and language on the islands.
• Achill Island off the West Coast of Ireland
  Achill Island is known for its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and mountainous terrain. Keem Bay and Slievemore Mountain are notable highlights of the island’s landscape.
• The Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Co. Antrim
  The Giant’s Causeway is renowned for its unique basalt column formations created by volcanic activity. The nearby Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge offers stunning views of the rugged coastline and ocean.

You’ll be able to admire or hike the high mountains of Wicklow and McGillycuddy’s Reeks. Sailors can walk along majestic lakes such as Lough Erne and Lough Leane.
You can also explore the islands where you can learn more about the Gaelic culture and language.

In Northern Ireland, we recommend following the Causeway Coast. Along the way, you’ll pass the spectacular Glens of Antrim and the Giant’s Causeway. We also recommend a quick stop by the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge.

Some of the wildest, most beautiful places are found along Ireland’s windswept Wild Atlantic Way. This captivating drive stretches over 1,500 miles along Ireland’s west coast and is filled with unforgettable scenery, spectacular cliffs, beautiful beaches, hidden bays, and picturesque towns.

Have you ever wondered why Ireland is called the Emerald Isle? It’s because of Ireland’s stunning landscapes, filled with vibrant green fields and dramatic coastlines. With its rich history and more than 40 shades of green, Ireland’s natural beauty is truly captivating, earning it the nickname.

If you are holidaying in Ireland, there are plenty of activities and sports to get involved in:

• Cycling Tours: Take a cycling tour around the West of Ireland and take in all the scenery.
• Surfing: Surf along the Wild Atlantic Way, home to some of the best surfing spots in Ireland.
• Kayaking and Windsurfing: For water sports enthusiasts, kayaking and windsurfing are popular options.
• Jet Skiing and Kite Surfing: Experience the thrill of jet skiing and kite surfing.
• Abseiling and Skydiving: Adrenaline seekers can try abseiling and skydiving.
• Go-karting: Enjoy some fast-paced fun with go-karting.

Hiking and outdoor activities are hugely popular in Ireland, and you can find many scenic routes and trails to follow. Whether you are a beginner looking for a relaxing walking trail, or a seasoned hiker seeking a more challenging hike, there is something to suit everybody. It’s a hobby that continues throughout all seasons. Considering that the weather in Ireland is rarely extreme (although that can be debatable some days!), it really is never too hot or cold to go hiking, and you will find people happily partaking all year round.

A few more popular trails to follow or mountains to hike include:

• The Cuilcagh Trail in Co. Fermanagh: Known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” this trail features a boardwalk that leads to the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk: This picturesque coastal walk spans 7 kilometres and offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
• Causeway Coastal Route: This scenic drive in Northern Ireland stretches from Belfast to Derry and includes highlights such as the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and the Glens of Antrim.
• The Wicklow Way: A well-known long-distance trail that stretches over 130 kilometres, passing through the scenic Wicklow Mountains and offering a mix of forest paths, mountain trails, and quiet country roads.
• The Dingle Way: This 179-kilometre circular trail takes you through the Dingle Peninsula, offering coastal views, rugged landscapes, and charming villages.
  The Beara Way: Located on the Beara Peninsula, this trail covers 206 kilometres of scenic beauty, including mountains, lakes, and coastal cliffs.
• The Kerry Way: One of Ireland’s longest signposted walking trails, this 214-kilometre route takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Iveragh Peninsula.

If you prefer guided experiences, there are numerous walking tours available that provide insights into Ireland’s history, culture, and natural beauty:

• Dublin Historical Walking Tour: Explore Dublin’s rich history with a knowledgeable guide who will take you through the city’s most iconic sites.
• Galway City Walking Tour: Discover the charm of Galway with a tour that covers its vibrant streets, historical landmarks, and cultural hotspots.
• Killarney National Park Walking Tour: A guided tour through one of Ireland’s most beautiful national parks, featuring stunning landscapes and historical sites.

With thousands of trails to choose from, all surrounded by stunning scenery, hiking in Ireland offers endless opportunities to connect with nature and experience the country’s breathtaking landscapes firsthand. So, lace up your boots, grab a map, and get ready to explore the legendary beauty of Ireland on foot!

Ireland is a small country and so has few cities, however, some of the larger towns should be on a must-see list when visiting different places in Ireland!

Dublin is Ireland’s best-known city and top of everybody’s list when visiting Ireland and rightly so. From the bustling Temple Bar area, the Guinness Store House, Phoenix Park, Kilmainham Gaol, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, National Museum of Ireland, St. Stephen’s Green, soaking up the atmosphere rambling around Grafton Street, Trinity College, a magnificent display of Georgian architecture where the infamous Book of Kells is displayed, take the Dart out on the scenic coastal route to the picturesque villages of Dun Laoghaire, Howth or even out as far as Bray! This and so much more!

Looking to rent a motorhome in Dublin? No problem! Craic N Campers’ new location, just 45 minutes away from Terminal 1 of the City Airport, makes renting hassle-free and convenient. Start your adventure with ease today!

Galway, Cork, Belfast, Limerick and Kilkenny are other popular destinations to visit and all offer something unique to its visitors. Ireland also has some great towns that although smaller are vibrant and offer a different but memorable experience in Ireland. There are Dingle, Kenmare, Westport, Killarney, Malahide, Lismore, Carlingford, Clifden, Lismore, Lahinch, Ardara, and Strandhill to name just a few.

Derry: Also known as Londonderry, a historic walled city in Northern Ireland, known for its turbulent history, cultural heritage, and stunning architecture. Walk along the city walls, visit the Tower Museum, and explore the Bogside murals.

Ireland is a small country so even while staying in one of the cities you are never too far away from the countryside. As mentioned above with plenty of walks and trails to follow you can easily access any of these and there is something to suit all levels of fitness.
Regardless of how hot or cold it is, sunshine or rain once you get out and absorb the fresh air while exploring all the fantastic places to see in Ireland you will feel revived. The remote and romantic landscape and scenery will instantly leave you feeling peaceful and calm, perhaps the most important item on the list of reasons to visit Ireland. So, what are you waiting for?!