One of the best things about visiting Ireland is how different each region feels, yet how connected everything is by warmth, stories and that easy Irish welcome. You can wake up by the sea, spend the afternoon in a city full of music and history, and end the night in a cozy pub listening to a fiddle session you’ll remember for years.
Let’s take a little lap around the island.
Dublin & the East: Stories, Streets & Iconic Sights
Most trips start in Dublin, where Georgian townhouses, leafy squares and lively streets make it easy to fall into the rhythm of the city. Don’t miss places like Trinity College (and the Book of Kells), Dublin Castle, and a stroll through Temple Bar—not just for the nightlife, but for the cobblestones, buskers and atmosphere.
This is also where you’ll get your first taste of Irish pub culture: not just pints, but conversation, traditional music, and that feeling that strangers become temporary friends by the end of the night. Order a bowl of seafood chowder, a Guinness or a local craft beer, and let the evening unfold.
The West: Wild Coasts & Storybook Towns
On the opposite side of the island, the Wild Atlantic Way serves up some of Ireland’s most dramatic scenery:
- The Cliffs of Moher, towering over the Atlantic
- Colorful, music-filled Galway, with its pedestrian lanes and pubs
- The Burren, a fascinating limestone landscape dotted with ancient tombs and wildflowers
- The Aran Islands, where Irish is still widely spoken and life moves at a gentler pace
Here, you’ll find plenty of chances to experience live traditional music—fiddles, flutes, bodhráns and guitars—often in small pubs where people still gather to play for the joy of it, not the stage. Grab some fresh seafood, a plate of fish and chips or a bowl of mussels, and let the session carry on around you.
The South & Southwest: Ring Roads, Harbors & Castles
Head south to Killarney, Kenmare, Cork or Kinsale, and you’ll find a softer, greener, rolling landscape full of bays, peninsulas and postcard views. Highlights often include:
- The Ring of Kerry or Ring of Beara, for classic Irish road-trip scenery
- Killarney National Park, with lakes, mountains and the historic Muckross House
- Blarney Castle near Cork, where you can (if you like!) kiss the famous stone
- The pastel-colored harbor town of Kinsale, with excellent seafood and winding streets
This region is wonderful for lazy days wandering small towns, sampling local cheeses and seafood, and lingering over a slow dinner followed by a nightcap in a traditional pub.
The North & Northern Ireland: Giants, Murals & Coastal Drama
In Northern Ireland, the coast steals the show with sights like Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site of hexagonal basalt columns rising from the sea, and the Causeway Coastal Route, one of the most beautiful drives in Europe.
Belfast blends history and modern energy, with the Titanic Quarter, political murals and a growing food scene. The walled city of Derry/Londonderry combines dramatic history with a friendly, walkable center and, like most of Ireland, a solid pub-and-music scene.
Food, Pubs, Music & Customs
Ireland’s food scene has evolved far beyond the clichés. Yes, you’ll find hearty stews, Irish breakfast, brown bread and potatoes—but also inventive modern restaurants, farm-to-table dining and seafood that’s as fresh as it gets along the coasts. Expect:
- Gastro pubs with elevated takes on classics
- Local cheeses, smoked salmon and oysters
- Comforting desserts like apple tart with cream or custard
The pubs, though, are still the heart of things. They’re living rooms for the community—places to hear traditional music, catch a big match on TV, or just enjoy a quiet pint and a chat. Customs like toasting with a simple “Sláinte!”, lingering over tea, and taking time to talk are very much alive.
You’ll also notice small but meaningful traditions:
- St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that go beyond parades and green outfits
- Respect for storytelling and local legends
- A deep sense of place and pride in local counties, whether you’re in Kerry, Cork, Galway, Donegal or beyond
Planning Your Own Irish Adventure
The magic of Ireland is how easy it is to weave all of this together: a few days in Dublin, then a mix of coast, countryside and small towns tailored to your pace, comfort level and interests—history, food, music, castles, pubs, or all of the above.
If you’re starting to picture yourself in a snug pub listening to live music, driving past stone walls and sheep-dotted hills, or exploring castles and coastal paths, I’d love to help you turn that into a real itinerary.
👉 For more ideas on where to eat, stay and play across Ireland, and to start planning with me as your travel advisor, head here:
Insider’s Guide to Ireland – with Heidi Dent
We’ll build a trip that feels like your own version of Ireland—full of stories, music and moments you’ll be talking about for years.