Over the past few years, we've been publishing a list of sites that are likely to be near the top of everyone's mind when it comes to travelling in Ireland. It has consistently been our most popular post each year so we're back to look towards the coming year with a new and improved Ireland Bucket List 2020.
Last year we managed to whittle the list down to fifteen. However, having been travelling the length and breadth of Ireland all year, it's going to be impossible to stick to fifteen again so we've decided to add in a few more options just to make sure that you're getting the very best of Ireland during your travels.
While narrowing down the list is always nigh on impossible, putting some semblance of a ranking on it has been even more difficult. In truth, there's so much to see and do in Ireland that, no matter your preferences, we're certain you'll have an incredible time. And on that subject, don't feel too pressurised to see everything on this Ireland bucket list. We're not big fans of living life at 100 miles an hour. By all means see the sites but make sure to pencil in some time to sit back and relax!!!
Ireland Bucket List 2020
With that in mind - when you travel with YourWay Ireland, your trip is 100% about you and your interests. We don't do '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.
We'd love to hear from you but, before that, take a look at this year's bucket list to help get some inspiration ahead of your trip to Ireland in 2020.
18. Hook Head, County Wexford
Home to the oldest continually operational lighthouse in the world, Hook Head packs an awful lot of history and intrigue into what is a very small patch of land. With the historical centres of Waterford, Kilkenny and New Ross all just a short drive away, 'the Hook' is now beginning to get some much deserved attention from Irish and international visitors.
The lighthouse is of course the star attraction but the stately remains of Loftus Hall, 'Ireland's Most Haunted House' also sit proudly on the barren peninsula. Occupying a nice middle ground between family friendly and 'what the hell just touched my shoulder?', Loftus Hall certainly adds to Hook Head's charm. Having said that, it's difficult to take too much attention away from a lighthouse that's been in use for over 800 years. See more here.
17. Glendalough, County Wicklow
If you thought it was just Ireland's west coast that was home the jaw-dropping natural scenery, you would very much be mistaken. Just an hour south of the (relative) metropolis of Dublin lies more greenery than you can shake a stick at.
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 for a saint... See more here.
16. Croke Park on Match Day, Dublin
There are few better ways to understand the culture of a country than through its sport. That's true of Ireland perhaps more than anywhere else on earth. Our national sports of Gaelic football and hurling are both uniquely Irish and yet enthralling to witness for any first time spectator.
The third largest stadium in Europe, Croke Park is the epicentre of Irish sporting interest between the months of June and September. And while there are stadiums dotted throughout the country, having the opportunity to join 82,000 passionate fans in cheering on their county is not something to be missed.
Watch this space as we'll be putting together some specific Irish sporting trips over the coming months but if you have any questions about Gaelic football, hurling or anything at all, please don't hesitate to get in contact with us here.
15. Dún Aonghasa and the Aran Islands
A trip to the Aran Islands is an adventure in itself. Located off the coast of counties Clare and Galway, the islands are as socially intriguing as they are geographically beautiful. A trip back to old Ireland some might say. The stone walls of Connemara and the lunar landscape of the Burren continue through to these three islands in the Atlantic Ocean with Inis Mór (the big island) being the most accessible.
While there is plenty to see and do on the islands, there's one undoubted highlight. Situated on the southern coast of Inis Mór lies Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric stone fort that dramatically hangs on to cliffs, 100m above the crashing waves of the Atlantic. Visitors can take the ferry from either Rossaveel or Doolin port, a journey that's more than worth the effort once you're standing in the middle of Dún Aonghasa. See more here.
14. Sliabh Liag, County Donegal
The cliffs of Ireland's Atlantic coast have beguiled visitors and locals alike for centuries. The Cliffs of Moher have being drawing in visitors from far and wide and now it seems as though the stunning Sliabh Liag cliffs (anglicised as Slieve League) in County Donegal are also beginning to get the credit they deserve - and when you have the chance to view a sunset like this, it's easy to see why
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Three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, Sliabh Liag rises to a height of 601 metres over the swirling Atlantic Ocean below. The viewing platform gives a great view but, if you have the energy for it, you can climb to the highest point and feel like you're on top of the world - just make sure to keep a steady footing and watch out for the sheep!! See more here.
13. Kinsale, County Cork
As we mentioned in the introduction, one of the greatest pleasures in Ireland is found in simply taking a step back and watching the world go by for an hour, a day or as long as you might want. You'll find no shortage of places to do just that but one of our favourites has to be the town of Kinsale in County Cork.
While places of interest abound in the surrounding areas, Kinsale excels in creating an atmosphere that's as welcoming as it is enjoyable. With some of Ireland's very best food and drink to be found clustered side by side in Kinsale's narrow streets, it's east to see why some people make it all the way to the south coast and then decide to go no further. See more here.
12. Belfast, County Antrim
We love Belfast and while the big-ticket items like Titanic Belfast are well worth a visit - it's the unusual little corners of the city that really make it such a great place to visit. Getting into St George's Market early on a weekend morning for a breakfast bap and a wander around the stalls tends to set you up perfect for a day of sightseeing that, admittedly is not always sunshine and rainbows.
From the political murals of the Falls and Shankill to the Harland and Wolff cranes which tower over the docks, Belfast's history is never far from sight. However, this is a city that really knows how to bring the past and present together, and with fantastic food, nightlife and people, it's well worth a visit to experience it for yourself. If that's not enough to tempt you, Belfast is also the home of Game of Thrones (let's pretend the final season never happened) and you can visit so many of the iconic filming locations dotted around Belfast and further afield in County Antrim. See more here.
11. Ring of Kerry, County Kerry
The Ring of Kerry driving route is undoubtedly popular and it has been for a long time. In fact, it's not too much of a stretch to say that it's the original star of Irish tourism - something that can be both a blessing and a curse. Given the usual ebb and flow of popularity, the Ring of Kerry is sometimes criticised for being too popular and over-visited with plenty of other suggestions forthcoming for similar driving routes that are 'less crowded with tour buses'
It's simply not true - the Ring of Kerry is home to some of the best scenery in Ireland and it's absolutely possible to get off the beaten track and experience some wonderful views. Granted, plenty of visitors want to experience the Ring and that can lead to some popular spots - particularly in the areas around Killarney but it's a roughly 5 hour driving route and that means there are so many places that you can depart the main route and explore to your heart's content
10. Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary
Rising out of the County Tipperary landscape, it doesn't take long to see why the Rock of Cashel is the obvious stop on so many road trips through the heart of the Irish countryside. It's not just the scale of the complex or the architectural beauty of it all. There's almost a natural quality to it as if the building grew out of the limestone outcrop below.
Originally a site of great strategic importance in pre-Christian Ireland, the site's religious affiliation goes all the way back to St. Patrick in the 5th century. From there, it's religious significance continued to flourish with the oldest buildings on the current site dating from as far back as 1100. See more here.
9. Brú na Bóinne, County Meath
Older than the pyramids of Egypt and twice as impressive!!! Granted we may be biased but this UNESCO World Heritage Site in County Meath contains more than 5000 years worth of history and continues to astound visitors to this day. A series of neolithic passage tombs dotted across the landscape near the River Boyne, Newgrange (above) has long been the most impressive and most visited site.
And while Newgrange will no doubt be near the top of every Ireland bucket list in 2020, the nearby site of Knowth is no less impressive (even more so considering there's a brand new exhibition which brings the history of Knowth to life). The view of the surrounding countryside is a sight to behold and the concentration of prehistoric art in one small field, will have you rethinking just how close we are to our ancestors of five millennia earlier. See more here.
8. Cliffs of Moher and The Burren, County Clare
There’s a good reason why almost 1.5 million people visited the Cliffs of Moher every year. 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!
While the cliffs took pride of place on last year's list, we felt it only right to expand the scope a little bit this year. The cliffs are undoubtedly impressive and, if you're in the area, you should of course visit. However, while you're there, take the time to understand a little bit more about the area and jump head first (figuratively speaking) into everything that the dramatic karst landscape of the Burren has to offer. See more here.
7. Kilkenny Castle and the Medieval Mile, County Kilkenny
As impressive as it undoubtedly is, there are quite a few castles in Ireland which rival Kilkenny in terms of size and historical importance. Having said that, few, if any, are as delightfully intertwined with the modern town which surrounds the castle walls. Of course, the castle is a wonderful attraction in itself but with a thriving arts and social scene taking place alongside the living history of Kilkenny Castle that really makes this such a 'can't miss' stop on any Ireland itinerary.
The castle really is just one stop along the 'Medieval Mile' which makes up the heart of Kilkenny. From the round tower at St. Canice's Cathedral to the Tholsel, Rothe House and countless medieval buildings along the way, Kilkenny is a place that really knows how to bring its fascinating history to life. See more here.
6. Achill Island, County Mayo
The largest of Ireland's island's, Achill is also one of the best road trips in the entire country. Accessed via the Michael Davitt Bridge across Achill Sound from the mainland, the scenery of Achill is rugged, mountainous and everything else you could ask for when it comes to a classic Irish road trip
The road network isn't exactly extensive as you travel to the west of the island but you'll see plenty of dramatic sea cliffs and rolling green hills. The perfect trip sees you make your way to the western most reaches of the island, weaving your along the winding roads until you reach the spectacular beach at Keem Bay where there's nothing more to do but sit back and relax for as long as you want. Combine your trip to Achill with a stay in Westport and you've got the perfect Mayo experience. See more here.
5. The Skellig Ring, County Kerry
What do Jedi, hermit monks and puffins have in common? At one time or another, they all lived on Skellig Michael, a remote island that rises from the Atlantic. The massive outcrop appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and has since had an even bigger role in The Last Jedi. Since the latest installment was released in December 2017, there's no doubt that interest in this fascinating World Heritage Site will increase once more.
If you plan to follow in the footsteps of the Star Wars crew, you'll have to plan ahead and hope luck is on your side. Conservation efforts on Skellig Michael are of paramount importance and visitor numbers are strictly controlled. However, the Skellig Ring, situated at the tip of the Ring of Kerry is more than worth the trip in itself - even if it is just to see the islands from dry land. Add in a trip to Valentia Island (there's a bridge to drive across the narrow strait) and you'll have seen something fantastic, whether or not you actually made it out the Skelligs themselves. See more here.
4. Slea Head Loop, County Kerry
In truth, there's much more to the Dingle Peninsula than simply just the Slea Head driving route (head over Conor Pass to the northern side of the peninsula and the villages of Castlegregory and Brandon) but it gets top billing for a reason even if we would wholeheartedly encourage you to explore the rest of the peninsula. Beginning in Dingle town itself, be sure to travel clockwise around the route - set your sat-nav for Ventry and continue from there - because you really don't want to be the one travelling against the flow of traffic when you get to the particularly narrow stretches of road around Slea Head.
Whether it's scenery, history or culture, this part of Ireland really does squeeze it into a small footprint. The coastal vistas are stunningly beautiful and as you make your way around each corner, the scenery changes and you simply have to stop for a few more pictures.
3. Causeway Coastal Route, 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.
Not only that, the nearby attractions of Dunluce Castle and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge ensure that north Antrim coastline is one route that you definitely won't want to miss. See more here.
2. Beara Peninsula, County Cork (and County Kerry)
The third of Ireland's south-west peninsulas, Beara may not have the world-renowned sites of the Dingle or Iveragh (Ring of Kerry) peninsulas to the north but it more than makes up for it in terms of unadulterated beauty. There are craggy coastal scenes all along the Wild Atlantic Way but, often, you do have to brave some rather narrow roads to get to the best of the scenery. That's very much the case when it comes to the Beara Peninsula.
For example, in the village of Ardgroom, head for the coastal route rather than the straight inland road to Eyeries and then simply enjoy the scenery. Inland routes such as the Healy Pass pictured above ensure that you can jump from one side of the peninsula to the other the northern side featuring the impossibly colourful villages of Eyeries and Allihies is a particular favourite of ours. See more here.
1. Connemara and Kylemore Abbey, County Galway
Travelling from Galway city, it's often best to think of Kylemore Abbey as the halfway point of a journey that is about much more than just travelling to Kylemore Abbey. That, of course, is taking nothing away from the remarkably beautiful Abbey itself. It's simply the case that the journey from Galway through the heart of the Connemara region is like nothing else in Ireland.
Leaving Galway via Barna, the rocky coastline eventually leads you inland to Maam Cross where dramatic sea vistas give way to even more dramatic mountain views. Cutting through the Inagh Valley between the Twelve Bens and the Maumturk Mountains is really something to behold before Kylemore Abbey - home to an order of Benedictine nuns since 1920 - appears as if out of nowhere. The good news is that, having visited the Abbey, you still have to make the return trip to Galway and you can do so via the wonderful surroundings of Killary Fjord. See more here.
How To See It All
With all that said, hopefully your plans for your trip to Ireland in 2020 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. All that's left to say is we can't wait to see you in Ireland in 2020!!!
