Must-Dos While Visiting Ireland
(Dublin to Galway to the Wild Atlantic Way and Beyond)
Ireland isn’t just a place—it’s a vibe. From windswept cliffs to cozy firelit pubs, every twist in the road feels like the start of a good story. Whether you're hopping a train or road-tripping along the coast, here’s what not to miss.
🚂 Train or Car? Try Both
Taking the train from Dublin to Galway is a chill, no-stress way to ease into Irish travel. Sit back, sip your coffee, and watch the countryside roll by.
But to truly see Ireland? Rent a car and hit the Wild Atlantic Way. We drove from Dublin to Galway and then meandered along the western coastline all the way to Northern Ireland—every major stop, every jaw-dropping view.
🏞️ Explore Ireland's Iconic Stops
Cliffs of Moher – Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s still 100% worth it.
Dingle Peninsula – One of the most scenic drives in the country, complete with sheep traffic jams.
Connemara – Wild, romantic, and hauntingly beautiful.
Giant’s Causeway (Northern Ireland) – A natural wonder that actually does look better in person.
Galway – Vibrant, boho, and full of music. A perfect blend of culture and charm.
Dublin – Big city energy meets historic pubs and Guinness pours done right.
🍻 Pub Life Is Real Life
Tully’s Bar (Kinvara) – The definition of cozy Irish charm. Tiny, friendly, unforgettable.
O’Connell’s Bar (Galway) – Hidden rooms, quirky décor, and a surprise beer garden alley that turns into a party.
Mulligan’s (Dublin) – One of Ireland’s oldest bars, and a pint of Guinness here just hits different.
The Guinness Storehouse – Yes, it's touristy. Yes, it’s actually really fun. Do the tour and get the pint at the Gravity Bar—the view is unreal.
⚠️ Travel Mistakes to Avoid
Ireland is charming, but even here, a few things can catch you off guard. Here's how to stay one step ahead of the crowd (and the tourist traps):
❌ Forgetting They Drive on the Left
Your first roundabout may feel like a video game. Take it slow, and rent an automatic if shifting gears with your left hand sounds like a panic attack waiting to happen.
❌ Underestimating the Weather
Rain, sun, wind, more rain, fog, maybe a rainbow. That’s just before lunch. Layer up and pack waterproof everything. Umbrellas are mostly symbolic here.
❌ Not Booking Accommodations in Advance
Especially along the coast during peak season, charming inns and cozy B&Bs get snatched up quickly. Don’t leave it to luck—book ahead for the best stays.
❌ Only Sticking to Major Cities
Dublin and Galway are incredible, but the real soul of Ireland is in the countryside. Drive, wander, get a little lost—it’s part of the magic.
🚫 Bonus Tip: Watch Out for the “Horse & Carriage Hustle”
In some touristy spots, you’ll see horse-drawn carriages piloted by local teens who’ll tell you “It’s €30 to get there.”
What they don’t tell you? That’s €30 per person—not for the whole ride. By the time you realize it, you’re trotting off into the distance with a bill bigger than your lunch and drinks combined.
Always confirm the total price upfront. Bonus points if you write it down or repeat it back.
🧭 Rhodes Traveled: Real Tips from our Irish Adventures
This is where the guidebook ends and the real stories begin. Here’s what you learn once you’ve been there, done that—and had the Guinness to prove it.
🏰 Stay in a Mansion in Sligo
No, seriously. For less than you'd pay at a basic city hotel, you can live your best Bridgerton fantasy in a full-on manor house in the Irish countryside. Yes, there may be ghosts. No, you won’t care.
🍺 The Coors Light in Ireland? Superior.
We’re from Colorado, and I’m telling you: the Coors Light in Ireland is a different species. Creamier, fuller, and actually flavorful. Who knew?
🚗 Crossing into Northern Ireland Is Wildly Subtle
There’s no big border moment—just a quiet switch from kilometers to miles per hour. So don’t freak out when your GPS suddenly sounds wrong—you're in a new country.
🛤️ Get Off the Beaten Path
Spend a night in a sleepy harbor village. Grab a pint in a pub with no name. Talk to the locals. Ireland rewards those who go beyond the guidebook.
💚 It’s Not Just the Green That’ll Get You
Sure, the landscape is unreal. But it's the people, the warmth, the music echoing from inside a pub, and the way the mist hangs over a hill at sunrise that’ll stay with you.
