From heritage sites to cities of culture, these are the 21 places to see in Ireland in 2021.
Ireland is an ancient land of Celtic mysticism and natural wonder. The island is a tapestry of historical towns, World Heritage Sites, and national parks.
Should you be planning to pepper your diary with adventures and experiences on the Emerald Isle, these are 21 places to see in Ireland in 2021.
21. The Burren, Co. Clare – for a lunar-type landscape
This karst landscape offers a surreal backdrop similar to a lunar-type landing in County Clare. The hairline-fractured limestone rock is a result of a glaciation that took place in the last Ice age around 15,000 years ago.
Address: 2 Church St, Knockaunroe, Corofin, Co. Clare
20. Powerscourt Gardens, Co. Wicklow – for ‘the garden of Ireland’
Think waterfalls, winding woods, and enchanting forest trails against the backdrop of towering trees and native flora and fauna.
Perfect for a weekend walk and undoubtedly one of the places to see in Ireland in 2021.
Address: Powerscourt Estate, Powerscourt, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
19. Cobh, Co. Cork – for a fairytale town
With painted shopfronts and houses that run in rows to the seashore, a majestic church steeple and artisan shops, it is safe to say Cobh in County Cork takes the title of a fairytale town.
Address: Cobh, Co. Cork
18. Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary – for a fairytale castle
If you want to step things up a notch, then this castle fits the bill.
Perched atop a hill, a spectacular sunset will make this look like a scene plucked straight from your favourite fairytale.
Address: Moor, Cashel, Co. Tipperary
17. Carrauntoohil, Co. Kerry – for Ireland’s most mighty vista
Carrauntoohil is Ireland’s tallest peak, and part of the most mighty mountain range: the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Although more suited for seasoned explorers, novice hillwalkers can enjoy some of its more laidback trails.
Location: County Kerry, Ireland
16. Bundoran, Co. Donegal – for the surfers
Surfers from all over the world flock here for a good swell, and the town’s energy during the summer months is electric. Needless to say, one of the best places to see in Ireland in 2021.
Address: Bundoran, Co. Donegal
15. Belfast City, Co. Antrim – for a night out in the north
Belfast is a city of great history, but it is also a contemporary centre of culture and nightlife.
With a vibrant social scene and critically-acclaimed restaurants, a night out in the north is highly advised.
Address: Belfast, Co. Antrim
14. Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry – for nature in full bloom
Killarney National Park is home to stunning sights including Torc Waterfall, Ladies View, and Muckross Park, and any trip here is bound to leave you filled with absolute wonder for nature in full bloom.
Address: Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry
13. Benbulben Mountain, Co. Sligo – for a majestic mountain
Benbulben Mountain is one of Ireland’s most impressive mountains for its distinctive shape. Set against the backdrop of the Sligo countryside, this mountain is as majestic as they come.
Location: Sligo, Republic of Ireland
12. Galway City, Co. Galway – for a city of culture
Galway City earned the title of ‘European Capital of Culture’ in 2020 and for a good reason: it is a thriving metropolis that celebrates art, music, dance, and performance.
Address: Galway, Co. Galway
11. Inishowen, Co. Donegal – for Ireland’s northern tip
For those seeking a sight for sore eyes, head north to Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula where you are bound to be amazed at the wild, rugged beauty in this remote part of Ireland.
Top sights include Glenevin Waterfall, Tullagh Strand and the nearby animal sanctuary, Wild Ireland.
Address: Inishowen, Co. Donegal
10. Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare – for a sunset stroll
Situated along the Burren in County Clare, these tower cliffs are one of Ireland’s most known attractions but don’t let that deter you; they are simply stunning, particularly at sunset.
Address: Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
9. Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim – for a natural wonder
The Giant’s Causeway consists of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns stretching from shore to sea.
It is a pure wonder to experience and one of the places to see in Ireland in 2021 without a doubt.
Address: Bushmills BT57 8SU, United Kingdom
8. Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry – for a lost community
Step back in time on this remote island.
Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Kerry, Skellig Michael still houses the remains of a 6th-century Gaelic monastery which can be explored on foot.
Those who’d like to stay put on the mainland, check out the Skellig Ring scenic drive for great views of the islands.
Address: Portmagee Marina, Portmagee, Co. Kerry
7. Dublin City, Co. Dublin – for the capital city
Dublin City is famous for many reasons, from its culture to classical literature, and if you’re looking for places to see in Ireland in 2021, this has got to be one of them.
From its live music venues and food scene to seaside towns, Dublin has it all.
Address: Dublin, Co. Dublin
6. Slieve League, Co. Donegal – for the outdoor enthusiast
Credit: Tourism Ireland
Tracing the Atlantic Ocean, Slieve League is one of the most cinematic mountains to trek in Ireland due to its breathtaking backdrop of land and sea.
Location: County Donegal, Ireland
5. Connemara, Co. Galway – the all-in-one
Whether you’re seeking remote beaches or mountain passes, scenic drives or fishing villages, Connemara has it all.
The town of Clifden is along the route, and here you can see some top trad sessions in the local pubs.
Address: Letterfrack, Co. Galway
4. Aran Islands, Co. Galway – for island life
Care to experience a world unaffected by modernity and technology? Welcome to the Aran Islands.
These inhabited but remote islands are located in an Irish-speaking region, and residents enjoy a slower-paced life surrounded by the sea.
Location: Atlantic Sea, Co. Galway
3. Glendalough, Co. Wicklow – for a monastic site
Only a stone’s throw from Dublin is Glendalough in County Wicklow. This is a preserved monastic medieval city and a scenic spot for a Sunday stroll, year-round.
Address: Glendalough, Co. Wicklow
2. Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry – for a weekend in Kerry
If you’re seeking a weekend excursion in Kerry, the Ring of Kerry is undoubtedly one of the top places to see in Ireland in 2021.
The route takes about six hours and covers scenic drives, stunning beaches, mountains, valleys, lakes, heritage sites, and seaside towns.
Address: Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry
1. Wild Atlantic Way – for the ultimate road trip
Spanning 2,500 km (1,553 miles) along the west coast of Ireland, this is the world’s longest defined coastal route and one of the best places to see in Ireland in 2021, if not the best.
With endless sights along the way, we suggest at least three weeks to take it all in.
More info: HERE
