INSPIRING IRELAND

Ireland’s vibrant capital is also its largest city, packed with innovative museums and cultural centers, striking Georgian architecture, and, of course, a lively pub scene. Beyond the city center lie the tiny towns and rural landscapes—glistening lakes, scenic pasturelands and tranquil forests—that make up Ireland’s heartland.

See: Dive into Dublin’s treasure trove of history at Trinity College’s must-visit library, which holds more than 200,000 books. Among them is the Book of Kells, a 9th-century masterpiece that documents the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. More history awaits on the streets of Dublin, where you can stroll past the brightly painted doors of some of the world’s finest Georgian buildings. These vivid entryways have become visual symbols of the city.

Do: Explore the immersive exhibits inside the seven-story museum at the Guinness Storehouse and discover the time-tested secrets of this iconic brew. End your visit with the “perfect pint” and panoramic views at the Gravity Bar. For more tastes of Dublin, go on a guided culinary tour of the city’s many eateries. Sample everything from traditional Irish dishes like shepherd’s pie to local ice cream, and learn about the history behind Irish cuisine.

Go: Trek just outside the city for a hike along cliff-side paths in the coastal village of Howth. Or venture farther into Ireland’s heartland: Explore 5,000 years of history at Athlone Castle, on the banks of the River Shannon. Learn about—and taste—different types of whiskey at Slane Castle Distillery. Climb the ancient Hill of Tara for a view that reveals 16 of Ireland’s 32 counties. Or spend a day at the Irish National Stud & Gardens to meet some of Ireland’s most magnificent horses.

It may be best known for the era of the Troubles and as the birthplace of the Titanic, but Northern Ireland’s capital also teems with art and culture. Belfast makes a great base for exploring the northern countryside and Antrim Coast, too.

See: Take a black cab tour for a close-up look at Belfast’s street art scene. From the political murals that tell the story of the Troubles to the works of a new generation of muralists, locals have used street art as a means of expression for decades. While you’re exploring, stop in C.S. Lewis Square, a public space commemorating the Belfast-born author. Several bronze sculptures inspired by Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe stand sentinel.

Do: Step back in time at Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum that tells the story of the ill-fated ship. The museum rests on the very spot where the RMS Titanic was designed, built and launched. See exact replicas of the cabins and feel what it was like to stand on the deck promenade with the ship’s engines rumbling beneath you. Afterward, sample the fish and chips at John Long’s, which has been serving them up for more than 100 years.

Go: More discoveries await the farther you venture up the Northern Ireland coast. According to legend, Giant’s Causeway, a formation of perfectly shaped basalt columns, was created by the giant Finn McCool as he forged his path across the sea many years ago. The Dark Hedges, an avenue of twisting beech trees planted in the 18th century, served as a backdrop in the HBO series Game of Thrones. And the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, first erected by salmon fishermen in 1755, provides a thrilling walk over the Atlantic Ocean.

Narrow streets lined with 19th-century buildings painted in shades of pink, blue and yellow make Killarney a charming base for exploring Ireland’s great outdoors. The quaint town is right next to Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first, and just a short drive from some of the country’s most spectacular coastline.

See: Take in the stunning scenery along the 95-mile Ring of Kerry. This circular driving route takes you past rocky beaches, through dramatic mountain passes and into charming coastal villages. Don’t miss the detour along Skellig Ring, which provides spectacular views of the remote island of Skellig Michael. Home to a 6th-century monastery (which visitors can access via 600 or so steps), the island was also the setting for scenes from the 2015 film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Do: Spend some time exploring Killarney National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that encompasses woods, waterfalls, mountains and lakes. Take a guided hike or ride in a traditional jaunting car—a horse-drawn carriage that takes visitors on a leisurely circuit of the park. While you’re there, take a peek inside Muckross House, a Victorian mansion that hosted Queen Victoria during her visit to Killarney in 1861.

Go: For a taste of quintessential Old Ireland, head to the port town of Dingle, known for its colorful houses and easy surf access at nearby Inch Beach. Pop into Murphy’s ice cream shop to try the amazing locally crafted flavors. Think gin ice cream made with spirits from Dingle Distillery, sea salt ice cream with salt from local seawater, and Irish coffee ice cream made with beans from Dingle coffee roaster Bean in Dingle and Dingle Distillery’s single malt whiskey.

A small fishing village in medieval times, this lively coastal town now charms with a happy-go-lucky vibe—thanks to its friendly pub scene and penchant for festivals. It’s also an up-and-coming foodie destination and the gateway to some of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes.

Do: Sample Galway’s food scene on a guided tour, getting to know artisanal producers and restauranteurs along the way. Taste some of the city’s favorite dishes, from locally made pizza to classic fish and chips, in both well-known and more-secret food haunts. Galway is also one of the best places in Ireland to experience traditional music, from the street buskers to the folk music sessions in pubs all over town.

See: Soak up panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean with a seaside stroll along the Salthill Promenade, in Galway’s seaside suburb of Salthill. When you reach the end of the promenade, tradition dictates that you kick the wall. Starting in the nearby town of Westport, there’s more to see along the Great Western Greenway. A bike ride along this 26-mile converted railway line takes you to picturesque Achill Island.

Go: Take a day trip from Galway to explore the rugged Aran Islands, with their sandy beaches, craggy cliffs, ancient ruins and sacred sites. The three islands are thought of as an outpost of traditional culture, where the natives still speak Irish. For more visual drama, head to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic sights. These towering cliffs rise 702 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.

Find nearly 800 years of history on display at this 350-acre estate on the shores of Lough Corrib. Built in 1228, the castle was once owned by the Guinness family from 1852 until it became a hotel in 1939. Over the years, it has hosted notable guests including the Prince of Wales (who later became King George V) and President Ronald Reagan, and served as the backdrop for the 1952 movie The Quiet Man.

Do: A variety of activities vie for your attention on the castle grounds, including horseback riding, fishing, golf, clay shooting, zip lining and even off-roading. But one of the most incredible experiences you can have is at the castle’s falconry school—the oldest one in Ireland. Get up close and personal with a Harris hawk as it launches into the sky from your leather-clad arm. Along the way, an instructor will teach you about the exceptional eyesight, speed and agility of these majestic birds of prey.

See: A lake cruise on Lough Corrib is a peaceful way to take in the pristine grounds, along with 365 islands and the surrounding mountains. If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, a stroll through the castle’s formal gardens—largely created by the Guinness family—is a must. Don’t miss the Walled Garden, full of perennial borders, fruits and vegetables. For those who want to get off the beaten path, there are plenty of walking routes accessible from the castle that reward with striking mountain vistas.