10 Top Authentic Experiences in Ireland

1. Experience: Cruit Island, Donegal

“Out of all my memories of this rugged part of the world, a cycle to Cruit Island on the Wild Atlantic Way remains the sharpest. I never imagined there could be somewhere so beautiful. Gorgeous beaches (12, no less), wild horses on the shore, and a tiny population. Paradise.”

2. Experience: Visiting Titanic Belfast

“The building struck me first, with its glimmering sail-like shapes. Inside was no different: Titanic Belfast is a world-class exhibition right at the heart of the ship’s story. From clanking shipyard rides to an underwater journey to the Atlantic wreckage site, it turns emotions upside-down.”

3. Experience: The Rock of Cashel, Tipperary

“I first visited The Rock as a child and spent the day escaping Mum by darting in and out of nooks and crannies – giving the Viking sarcophagus a wide berth. Even now I’m older, it still holds a certain fascination. Fields, ancient history and a High King’s HQ: what’s not to love?”

4. Experience: Local GAA match, Galway

“There is no place more emotional than the sidelines of a Gaelic football match. At a recent game, county rivals and objective spectators alike surrounded me, all sharing their commentary at full volume. When the full-time whistle went, we were so hoarse we could barely cheer!”

5. Experience: Cliffs of Moher, Clare

“It was a particularly blustery day and I could hear the wind gushing in my ears as I stared down at the main attraction: the crumbling cliff edges, the huge drop to the Atlantic waves churning underneath – and the serious adrenaline rush when I took it all in.”

6. Experience: Exploring Dingle, Kerry

“To me, Dingle is perfect. Where else can you take a boat to meet a celebrity dolphin (Fungi), have a pint in a pub-come-grocery store (Foxy John’s), and treat yourself to an ice cream of toasted Irish oats (Murphy’s)?”

7. Experience: Game of Thrones, Northern Ireland

“I’m addicted to HBO’s Game of Thrones, and the fact that it’s filmed here makes it even easier for me to follow my passion. I took an archery lesson in Castle Ward Estate (House Stark), where Jon Snow and Robb gave Bran archery tips. It’s also probably the only place in the world where a person like me can play at being a GoT star shooting – and losing – arrows.”

8. Experience: Cruising Lough Erne, Fermanagh

“Water lapping against the side of the cruiser, a feeling of calm…I saw things I’d never see from the road, like Boa Island, with its strange, two-faced Janus figure. Life on the water is slower, quieter and a little bit more mysterious around here.”

9. Experience: Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival (August), Meath

“Vintage farm machinery, dog shows, ladies selling homemade jams and blacksmiths demonstrating the best way to shoe a horse. This is one of Ireland’s longest-running agricultural shows, and I’m there every year. It’s a glimpse of old Ireland.”

10. Experience: Dublin Coastline

“I love getting the Dart train from Dublin to Dun Laoghaire: you can see right across Dublin Bay to the headland out at Howth. After a walk along the East Pier, a legendary Teddy’s 99 ice cream is pretty much compulsory as a reward.”

Eager for more on the island of Ireland? We've even got plenty of FREE things to see and do – perfect for making your own memories!