Ireland: 6 Cool Things to Do in Ireland

Ireland is a magical land. A green jewel of an island, where myths, songs and laughter seem to grow as naturally as the thick grass. Ireland’s beauty is legendary, its history is epic, and its modern approach to life is joyous and welcoming. So, what are you waiting for?

Here are six cool things to do on your next trip to Ireland:

Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway is one of the most unique and beautiful landscapes you will ever see. Its strange interlocking polygonal-shaped columns rise and fall like steps into the sea, and legend has it, the rocks were put there by the giant Finn MacCool when he built a bridge to fight a rival giant in Scotland. Start out by climbing the unique rocks for some breathtaking views and photos, and then hike the stunning coastal path over to Carrick-a-Rede, and cross the exhilarating rope bridge out onto the cliffs.

While you’re in Northern Ireland, head to Belfast and explore the city’s strong connection to the ill-fated Titanic. See the slipway where the Titanic was built.  Visit the Titanic memorial on the grounds of the historic Belfast City Hall, listing the names of people who lost their lives when the ship sank.  The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum has a permanent exhibition highlighting the construction, loss and the legends of what it calls “the most famous ship in history.” Finally, you can visit the SS Nomadic, the only remaining boat in the White Star Line, which once served as a tender ship to Titanic.

Sure it’s touristy, but what the heck! Visit the famous Blarney Castle near Cork, for a look back at Ireland’s fascinating past. The castle was built nearly 600 years ago for the great chieftain, Cormac MacCarthy, who demanded the castle walls be built 18 feet thick. The main attraction is the Blarney Stone, or the legendary Stone of Eloquence. It’s said that if you kiss the stone, you’ll never again be at a loss for words.

What better way to experience two of Ireland’s best-known cultural contributions – poetry and pubs – than by experiencing them together? Take a 2-1/2 hour walking tour of Dublin’s famous pubs, featuring actors performing the works of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and George Bernard Shaw, among many, many others.

Ireland’s Atlantic coast is home to Ireland’s other top dramatic landscape, the wondrous Cliffs of Moher.   Jutting more than 700 feet straight up out of the ocean, the Cliffs are one of Ireland’s most visited attractions.  From the top, you can see out to Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. The Cliffs are also home to one of the largest colonies of seabirds in Ireland.

With all that lush green grass, it seems only fitting to go golfing in Ireland.  With more than 300 courses in Ireland itself, and another 80 in smaller Northern Ireland, you’ll have plenty of choice.  The golf courses are world class, but golfers say it’s the informal, friendly approach to the game that makes playing in Ireland truly wonderful.