Leinster

2. See all Visit in Dublin Recommendations

3. Glendalough, Co. Wicklow

· There’s so much to see here and it’s just about 45 minutes – an hour south of Dublin, depending on where you’re staying, so it’s an easy day trip. There weren’t as any touristy traps (sneaky charges, visitor centers that charge to enter) that I noticed - it’s a pretty self-guided park. Some of our favorite sites on the hike were:

o Powerscourt Waterfall

o Valley of the Two Lakes

o Monastic City Ruins

o Poulanass Waterfall

Ulster (Northern Ireland)

4. The Giant’s Causeway I Strongly Recommend

Antrim, Northern Ireland

· http://www.giantscausewayofficialguide.com

· This is THE BEST. It is stunning, massive in height, and stretches what seems like for miles. It’s like hiking with natural steps, it’s a perfect experience for people of all ages. You can sit and climb in any direction.

· We went first thing in the morning, probably like 8 AM and it was phenomenal. I recommend going early.

· Here’s a link for how to access it for free and avoid parking: https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/visiting-the-giants-causeway/

5. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Ballintoy I Strongly Recommend

· This was scary but worth the temporary fear.

· The view is amazing. This is another Game of Thrones film site.

· You do have to pay for this because you have to pay to access the bridge.

· There’s also an amazing seaside trail that you can hike along. You can see a ton of seaside caves and caverns. I believe there’s also rentals for kayaks if you want to get in the water

· https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carrick-a-rede

6. Ferry to Rathlin Island

· This is a small island off the northern coast of Antrim.

· It’s usually reviewed as a very fun little day trip. I’ve never been, but I’ve considered it in the past.

7. Ferry to Scotland

· You can take a day trip to the UK, Scotland, or The Isle of Mann if you take a ferry out of Scotland. I haven’t been able to do this, but it’s on my list.

Connacht

8. The Cliffs of Moher

Liscannor, County Clare

· http://www.cliffsofmoher.ie

· Pronounced “mor” not “mow-er” or “ma-her”

· You have the option to take a boat up to the face of the cliffs from the sea or to hike up the cliff yourself. It’s gorgeous both ways.

The Aran Islands

Galway Bay, County Clare

· http://www.aranislands.com

· This is off the coast of the Cliffs of Moher so you can double up on things to do.

10. Doolin Caves Strongly Recommend

Liscannor, County Clare

· http://doolincave.ie

· Second largest stalactite in the world! You walk about 70 ft. underground; it is a lot of fun and very picturesque.

11. Aillwee Cave

Ballyvaughan, County Clare

· http://www.aillweecave.ie

Connemara

· This is an area that’s mostly a national park with a “burren” geography

· http://www.connemara.net/category/connemara-visitor-attractions/

Munster

13. The Ring of Kerry

Killarney, County Kerry

· http://www.ringofkerrytourism.com

· My mom said that this is beautiful!

14. The Skellig Islands Strongly Recommend

· I haven’t been able to go, but I really want to. I’s extremely difficult to get reservations if you don’t plan in advance which is how we messed up.

· This is a film location from the latest Star Wars, so it’s been busier than usual.

· https://skelligislands.com/

15. Blarney Castle

Blarney, County Cork

· Kiss the Blarney stone!

· http://www.blarneycastle.ie

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