Explore regions of Ireland
Ireland’s 12 airports, five ports and extensive road network (see map) mean that every part of the island can easily be accessed.
The different regions offer something for every visitor. Be it spectacular scenery, historic monuments, a bit of culture or exciting nightlife, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.
Select a region on the map and see what it has to offer.
North West
Entry Points :
Shannon Airport, Galway Airport, Knock Airport, Sligo Airport, Donegal Airport, Derry Airport, Belfast Airport, Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Dun Laoghaire Port, Belfast Port
This beautiful region will enchant you with its spectacular scenery, rich heritage and culture. It is renowned for its relaxed, easy pace and the genuinely warm welcome from its friendly people.
Some things to Do and See
Glenveagh National Park: mountains, lakes, glens and woods, herds of red deer and a stunning Scottish-style castle
Slieve League: spectacular views from the highest sea cliffs in Europe
Lough Derg Visitor Centre and trip to the island: a penitential shrine that attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims every year
Rossnowlagh Beach: regarded by many as among the most dramatic and scenic beaches in Ireland, world famous for its surfing.
Drumcliffe Church: burial place of the poet and playwright WB Yeats
Donegal Castle: a fully restored castle in the heart of Donegal town
Glencar Waterfall: an enchanting sight made famous in Yeats’s poem “The Stolen Child”
The stunning lakes of Cavan and north Leitrim
Donegal County Museum: houses a fascinating display of artefacts dating from the prehistoric to the early medieval periods
Scenic coastal drives: some of the finest scenery in Ireland is on view from the roads that hug the Atlantic Ocean
Parkes Castle: a beautifully restored 17th-century fortress
Cavan and Leitrim Railway: step back in time and enjoy the scenery of hidden Ireland by narrow-guage rail
The Lake Isle of Innisfree on Lough Gill: Yeats turned it into one of the most recognisable place names in the world
Lisadell House – former home of the Gore Booth Family and confidantes of Yeats
Fort Dunree: has played a pivotal role in Ireland’s coastal defence for centuries
Sligo Abbey: contains some wonderful carvings and the only sculpted 15th-century high altar to survive in any Irish monastic church
Northern Ireland
Entry Points :
Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport, Belfast Port, Larne Port, Sligo Airport, Donegal Airport, Derry Airport, Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Dun Laoghaire Port
You know somewhere is special when international travel publishers put it on their “must visit” list. One travel bible has urged readers to discover Northern Ireland, as a place “buzzing with life, pulsating cities and happy people”..
Some things to Do & See
The Giant’s Causeway: a geological phenomenon and a World Heritage Site
The Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge: a mesmeric walk, swaying as the waves crash beneath
The Mountains of Mourne: an area of outstanding natural beauty
Belfast City Hall: A magnificent Edwardian “wedding cake” building that houses a poignant memorial to the victims of the Titanic, which was built in the city
Glenarrif Forest Park: set in the “Queen of the Glens” of Antrim
The Antrim Coast Road: possibly the most scenic anywhere in Ireland
Carrickfergus Castle: representing over 800 years of military might, this imposing edifice dominates the local landscape
The Crown Bar: this traditional pub is one of Belfast’s oldest and best-loved landmarks
Scrabo Tower: breathtaking views across Strangford Lough
Marble Arch Caves: one of Europe’s finest showcaves, a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum: set in over 170 acres of rolling countryside, this outdoor attraction tells the story of local life in the early 20th century
Titanic Boat Tours: guides you around the place where the world’s most famous ship was launched
Walk along the historic walls of Derry City
The Guild Hall in Derry
Derry’s Tower Museum
The St Patrick Centre, Downpatrick: find out all there is to know about Ireland’s patron saint
Mount Stewart House, Gardens and Temple of the Winds: a celebrated National Trust property with dramatic views over Strangford Lough
The West
Entry Points :
Shannon Airport, Galway Airport, Knock Airport
Widely regarded as Ireland’s cultural heartland, enjoy the vibrancy of Galway city and take the time to experience mystical Gaelic Connemara, the raw beauty of County Mayo and the secrets of County Roscommon.
Some things to Do & See
Galway City: a vibrant artistic paradise, with lively street theatre, music and culture
Ceide Fields Visitor Centre: a vast prehistoric landscape, perfectly preserved
Croagh Patrick: Ireland’s holy mountain has magnificent views over Clew Bay
Westport: a heritage town and one of Ireland’s best-loved tourism destinations
Aran Islands: boasting rich culture and stunning scenery, these islands on Europe’s edge will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and early Christians
Knock Shrine: Ireland’s world-famous national Marian shrine
Strokestown Park House: an 18th-century mansion, faithfully restored, where visitors can browse freely through the stately surroundings
Kylemore Abbey: a picturesque abbey and gardens, with magnificent views in the heart of Connemara
Lough Key Forest Park: 350 hectares of mixed woodlands complemented by lakes with boat hire
The Connemara National Park: one of the last unspoilt regions in Europe
The Atlantic Drive, Achill: a coastal rollercoaster drive through some of the most wild and remote scenery on the edge of Europe, with spectacular beaches
Westport House: situated in a magnificent parkland, with a lake, terraces and gardens overlooking Clew Bay
National Museum of Ireland Country Life: a walk through Ireland’s rural past
Portumna Castle and Forest Park: one of the most important castles in Ireland, its extensive gardens host a maze
Shannon Region
Access:
Shannon Airport, Cork Airport, Kerry Airport, Galway Airport
The Shannon area has Atlantic seascapes, dramatic cliffs, quiet country roads, the lunar landscape of the Burren, lively towns and the hospitality of the world-famous Bunratty Castle.
Some Things to Do & See
The Burren and the Burren Centre: area famed for its flora and fauna
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park: one of the most popular tourist attractions, 4.5 million visitors can’t be wrong
Craggaunowen – The Living Past Experience – Ireland’s original award-winning prehistoric Park
Ailwee Cave: the best way to get under the skin of the Burren
Adare: a picture postcard village
Scattery Island Centre: interprets the 6th-century monastery sited on this small island in the Shannon estuary
The Cliffs of Moher: a majestic, unforgettable experience
Dolphin watching in Kilrush and Carrigaholt
Caherconnell stone fort: one of the best preserved stone ringforts in Ireland
King John’s Castle: Limerick’s impressive fortress
East Coast and Midlands
Entry Points :
Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Dun Laoghaire Port, Knock Airport, Shannon Airport
Stretching from the east coast to the majestic Shannon River, this region boasts some of the most important historical sites in the world, along with period homes, castles and gardens.
Some things to Do & See
Newgrange: Neolithic burial chambers and an interpretation of the Boyne valley area
World-famous monastic sites like Glendalough, Clonmacnoise and Monasterboice
The Irish National Stud: Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra’s Gardens, a popular destination and an internationally renowned heritage site
Wicklow: “the garden of Ireland”, famous for its mountain and lake scenery
Powerscourt House and Gardens: an architectural wonder
Hill of Tara: historical seat of Ireland’s high kings
The K Club: the golf venue of the 2006 Ryder Cup
Mount Usher Gardens
Battle of the Boyne Interpretative Centre: site of one of Ireland’s pivotal battles
Relics of St Oliver Plunkett: the head of the famous Irish saint is preserved in Drogheda
Birr Castle: historic science centre, once home of the world’s largest telescope
Trim Castle: the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland
Carlingford: a little gem of a town
Millmount Museum: the fascinating history of Drogheda town’s oldest structure
National Sealife Centre, Bray: spectacular displays of underwater wildlife
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, Longford: an Iron Age experience
Dublin
Entry Points :
Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, Dun Laoghaire Port
If you’re looking for history on every street, vibrant culture, the best in Irish music and fine food in a compact, cosmopolitan city where the nightlife is legendary, then Dublin’s the place for you.
Some Things to Do & See
The Guinness Storehouse
Trinity College: home to the Book of Kells
The Jameson Experience
Dublin Castle: at the heart of Irish history
The National Museum of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland
Dublin Zoo: one of the most popular in Europe
Temple Bar: Dublin’s nightlife epicentre
Dublin’s Georgian squares
The National Botanic Gardens
Kilmainham Gaol: relive Ireland’s turbulent history
Dublin’s churches and cathedrals
Phoenix Park: Europe’s biggest city park
The Hill of Howth: enjoy beautiful vistas over Dublin Bay
Malahide Castle: one of the best preserved castles in the country, set on 250 acres of park land in the pretty seaside town of Malahide
Dalkey: this pristine village is also home to many Irish and international celebrities
South West
Entry Points :
Shannon Airport, Cork Airport, Kerry Airport
An extremely popular holiday destination for many reasons – enchanting beaches, high mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, ancient monuments, top restaurants and some of the liveliest traditional music pubs in Ireland.
Some things to Do & See
Blarney Castle: site of the famous Blarney Stone
The Ring of Kerry: an area of outstanding beauty
Killarney National Park: with the famous Lakes of Killarney
The Blasket Islands: walk on the edge of Europe
The Cobh Heritage Centre: a memorial to the millions of Irish emigrants
The Dingle peninsula: an area of archeological significance and pristine beauty
Muckross House and gardens: one of the most popular visitor attractions in Ireland
Ross Castle: an imposing building dating from the 15th century
Inch Strand: more than a mile of golden sand, the setting for movies including Ryan’s Daughter and The Playboy of the Western World
Fota Wildlife Park: a place to enjoy animals in their natural habitat
Skellig Michael: this island monastery is a World Heritage Site
Ilnacullen Gardens: an enchanted garden island in a sheltered inlet of Bantry Bay
Kenmare: a beautiful haven of tranquility, gourmet food and unspoilt scenery
Sherkin Island: steeped in history and blessed with natural beauty
Crag Cave: Ireland’s leading showcave, thought to be over one million years old
Charles Fort, Kinsale
Crawford Art Gallery, Cork
South East
Entry Points :
Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, Waterford Airport, Rosslare Port, Dublin Port, Dun Laoghaire Port
It’s known in Ireland as the “Sunny South East” because of its benign climate. Other attractions include ancient castles and monuments, sandy beaches, stunning scenery, quiet villages, vibrant resorts and lively towns and cities.
Some things to Do & See
Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary: the traditional seat of the kings of Munster
Cahir Castle: one of Ireland’s largest and best preserved castles
Waterford Crystal Visitors Centre: home of the legendary crystal
Ancestral home of John F Kennedy: discover the roots of the late US president
St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny: dates from 13th century and is beautifully preserved
Dunbrody Famine Ship: an experience you will never forget
Brú Ború Cultural Centre, Cashel: a national cultural centre celebrating Irish music, song, dance, theatre and celtic studies
Johnstown Castle Gardens, County Wexford: a fairytale setting
Reginalds Tower, Waterford: a restored, imposing defence tower
Altamont House and Gardens, Carlow: one of the loveliest in Ireland
Kilkenny Castle and gardens: a 12th-century castle remodelled in Victorian times
Holy Cross Abbey, Thurles which was founded in 1168
Duncannon Fort, Waterford: a stunning castle dating from 1588
Curraghmore House, Waterford: magnificent building and gardens dating from 1170
Hook Lighthouse Visitors Centre: the oldest working lighthouse in Northern Europe
The beaches at Tramore and Ireland’s South East
