*UPDATE - The Ireland Bucket List for 2018. The below information is still entirely valid but it was such a popular post that we've expanded and updated the list for 2018. You can view the updated bucket list right here.*
The question of what to see in Ireland will inevitably be top of your list when it comes to planning a trip in 2017. Hopefully, no one is under any illusions. You're not coming here to sit by the pool and top up your tan. If you are, then please contact us before you book anything - there's a few things we need to tell you about.
Perhaps more than anywhere else on the planet, a trip to Ireland is about getting out, getting active and seeing the sights. And with that in mind, there really is more than enough to keep you occupied regardless of how long you're planning on staying.
When you travel with YourWay Ireland, your trip is 100% about you and your interests. We don't 'one size fits all' tours. It's not how we like to travel and it's not how we want you to see Ireland. If you'd like to travel with us, your trip is yours from start to finish. From itinerary through to transport and accommodation we get to know you before planning the kind of trip that we know is perfect for you. And we want to help you save money while we're doing it.
Having said all that, there's no doubt that the highlights are highlights for a reason. We like a bit of individualism but we're definitely not travel snobs. So, to help get you started, the good folks over at Ireland.com have come up with a bucket list of seven activities and attractions to tick off when your visit us over the coming year.
What To See In Ireland - 2017 Bucket List
7. The Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
Once you make a trip to the Guinness Storehouse, you’ll see why it’s Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction. Located in the original Guinness brewery, the tour charts the history of the iconic black stout through detailed exhibitions, demonstrations and tasting rooms. End by savouring a complimentary pint in the Gravity Bar, a 360-degree panoramic bar with views across Dublin City. See more here.
6. The Skelligs, County Kerry
What do Jedi, hermit monks and puffins have in common? They all lived on Skellig Michael at one time or another, a remote island that rises from the Atlantic. The massive outcrop appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and will have an even bigger role in Episode VIII. Boat tours – not the Millennium Falcon –can take you there in 2017. See more here.
5. Glendalough, County Wicklow
If you want to see Ireland’s 40 shades of green, look no further than Glendalough. Part of the Wicklow Mountains National Park, this glaciated valley is a haven of woodlands, moors and lakes. It was first inhabited by St Kevin in the 6th century ,whose monastic site can still be seen in the round tower and Celtic crosses that remain at the lower lake. Hey, if it’s good enough fora saint... See more here.
4. Titanic Belfast, Belfast
The pride of industrial Belfast, this tribute to the Ship of Dreams truly is the stuff of dreams. Recently named the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, it’s situated on the exact spot the Titanic was built over a century ago. Equal parts museum and interactive exhibition, you’ll have no time to argue over whether Rose really could have shared that piece of wood with Jack Dawson... See more here.
3. The Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim
Northern Ireland’s coastline is dotted with crumbling castles,rugged islands and secluded beaches. But the most impressive of all its coastal quirks has to be the Giant’s Causeway, a sweeping path of 40,000 hexagonal stone columns that tumble into the sea in a blaze of black basalt. Some say it was made by warring giants, others volcanoes. Whatever you believe, there’s no doubt that this is a must-see stop. See more here.
2. The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
There’s a good reason why almost 1.5 million people visited the Cliffs of Moher last year alone. First of all, look at them! Considered one of the natural wonders of the world, the dramatic cliffs stretch for 5 miles and soar over the churning Atlantic below. Getting a photo here has become a rite of passage for those travelling in Ireland – just watch out for the 30,000 pairs of seabirds photobombing! See more here.
1. Game of Thrones® Territory, County Antrim
Any Game of Thrones® fans worth their salt need to make the quest to the real-world Westeros in 2017 – Northern Ireland, to be exact. Home to more Seven Kingdoms locations than anywhere else, you can dress up in authentic costumes and combine epic location tours with activities like archery and medieval banquets. This is as close as you’ll ever get to claiming the Iron Throne. See more here.
How To See It All
With all that said, hopefully your plans for your trip to Ireland in 2018 are starting to become a little bit clearer. If there's anything at all that we can do to help, you only need to ask. You can contact us at this link with any questions you might have and we'd be delighted to answer as best as we can.
We've also put this handy guide together to help you figure out a budget for your trip. We'll get back to you in no time with a quote as well as a personalised itinerary for your trip that's yours to use as much or as little as you want. And with that, all that's left to say is we can't wait to see you in Ireland in 2018!!!
