Ireland must see/experience?

[AK Troutbum]

Hello all, I'm headed to Ireland in a couple weeks and having never been there (or anywhere in Europe for that matter), I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on absolute must see or experience. I'll be renting a vehicle in Dublin and then just traveling around the Island for a week. I'll more than likely not go up into Northern Ireland, but anything's possible I guess.

 

[Grumman]

I’d get some fresh Guinness on tap while I was there. I’ve not been to Ireland, but the UK had some great beers. Enjoy it that sounds like a fun trip.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ten Bears]

I think I have been to Ireland and Northern Ireland around 20 times over the past 20 years.

Hit the Guiness Factory if you drink. Also most whiskey factories do some great tours and tastings. (The Scotland ones are better though, along with the whiskey)

Dublin is a major city now and is typical of most European cites. Still a good town with some nice folks. The real gems of Ireland/NI/Scotland are the small towns and countryside, especially their highlands.. Breathtaking. I always pack a small rod and reel and hit the road. The old towns with their respective pubs are always fun for a pint and grub. If you end up needing advice about any country throughout Europe feel free to reach out.

 

[DavePwns]

Go see the cliffs of moher, blarney castle, Ashford castle, trinity college exhibit, bunratty castle, rock of Cashel is breath taking, just a few places that were really memorable to me. Oh and DO NOT EAT anything that says "pudding"..... It is not pudding

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

 

[Beendare]

Go see the cliffs of moher, blarney castle, Ashford castle, trinity college exhibit, bunratty castle, rock of Cashel is breath taking, just a few places that were really memorable to me.

^Agreed, some good destinations...I would add the Ring of Kerry...cool little towns. Skinny roads all over if you drive.

The Guinness factory is a must see...amazing story. The whole country was drinking Ales back in those days....he told his employees they are changing over all production to the stout as he believed that if you drink Guinness for 2 weeks....you would be hooked. When moving his facility in the height of a depression they asked, "How long a lease" and he told them he is in for the long haul.....they signed a 2,000 yr lease. Amazing guy.

 

[bridgerbenson]

We really enjoyed Dingle Bay and the little village of Cong as well as the previous places mentioned. If you're in to golf, there are some great courses right along the ocean with incredible scenery.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

 

[AK Troutbum]

Hey guy's, thanks so far for the suggestions. I was definitely planning on checking out the Guinness factory in Dublin, then getting out of Dublin (I'm not much into cities), and seeing as much of the countryside as possible along with visiting a castle or two and some cliffs. I basically want to check out the "real" Ireland, and spend the majority of time visiting smaller, coastal villages. I was also thinking about taking a fly rod and maybe doing a little brown trout fishing if the opportunity presented itself.

 

[ChrisS]

Trinity college is pretty cool, at least the Old Library and the Book of Kells. It's spendy for a ticket and a long wait in line if you're not there early, but how often do you get to look at a 1,100 year old book? However, across the street is the Irish Whisky Museum and for 20 euro, you get a tour, a thorough explanation of Irish whisky types and three pours of various styles - it ain't just Jameson.

The Dublinia Viking museum has some nifty stuff on display and a history of Dublin. Christchurch Cathedral is directly across the street. Not far from there is the Brazenhead Pub, which is a bit touristy, but it maintains the status as Dublin's oldest pub (1295). All of that is pretty close to the Guinness Brewery and St. James Gate.

Dublin is a small city and you can walk a fair amount of in a day.

 

[Wellsdw]

I was there about 4 years ago on a bus tour thing..... hit most Regions in the country. My groups take on Ireland was the west coast was by far the best. West port and kilearny were awesome towns. Kerry ring tour, the cliffs, Waterford all must see. Also hit a pub near some mountains somewhere and bring up deer hunting. Believe it or not lots of people in Ireland dream of hunting like we can here, and it’s not accessible or feasible. The guys we talked to couldn’t believe we
Actually bowhunted (illegal there) as is you pocket knife! My take on
Dublin was see the book of Kellis and
Guiness on your way out of Dublin then leave. Small towns and countryside is what Ireland is about. Enjoy

 

[dotman]

I have nothing to add other then jealousy