Things to Do in Ireland

Beaches and Seaside Resorts

Water Activities

Canals and rivers: Travelling along Ireland’s waterways primarily means enjoying river tourism aboard small houseboats. The most popular route is the Shannon-Erne canal, linking these two rivers across both parts of Ireland.

Canoeing and kayaking:

Diving:

Surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing:

Sailing:

Thalassotherapy and Wellness

Hiking

Hiking on Foot

Ireland is a great country for hikers. While its landscapes may not always be the most spectacular, and the ever-changing, often rainy weather can sometimes be a bit discouraging, walking through Ireland’s scenery remains a pleasant experience. There are plenty of short walks, as well as much longer hikes, to enjoy in the countryside or along the coast. Local tourist offices usually provide good documentation and advice, including weather updates and the current condition of trails. As always, it’s best to be well-equipped with gear to protect against wind and rain. Some of the most popular spots for walkers include:

Bluestack Mountains: A charming small mountain range in Donegal, perfect for hiking.

The Burren: This national park is a limestone desert in County Clare. You can hike through its striking landscapes, which also feature many megaliths and remnants of ancient forts.

Connemara: This famous region in western Connacht, partly designated as a natural park, is renowned for its lakes, hills, ponies, and hiking trails.

Ballycroy National Park: A large park mostly made up of bogs, where you can enjoy hiking.

Killarney National Park: Located along the Ring of Kerry, this site is known for its landscapes, lakes, and treks.

Wicklow Mountains National Park: A lovely park south of Dublin, popular for its lakes and mountains, where you can fish and hike.

Cooley Peninsula: A beautiful region ideal for hiking.

Ring of Kerry: One of Ireland’s most visited spots, typically explored on a 150 to 200 km loop starting from Killarney. Highlights include stunning landscapes and some historical sites. You can also hike or cycle here.

Cycling

Horseback Riding

Outdoor and Nature Sports

Golf

Golf is widely played in Ireland. The country has several hundred courses, some of which are highly regarded or upscale, while most are quite accessible.

Hunting and Fishing

Other Activities

White-water sports:

Climbing:

Paragliding and aerial sports:

Caving: