Top exciting experiences in the Republic of Ireland

Climb to the top of Carrauntoohil mountain.

Located in the middle of the MacGillycuddy Lam Reek mountain range, Carrauntoohil is the highest mountain in the Republic of Ireland, reaching 1,039 meters above sea level. Surrounding this famous mountain is the Ring of Kerry, covering over 100 square kilometers, and the Iveragh Peninsula, with its wild yet romantic scenery.

While hiking, visitors will enjoy panoramic views of mountain peaks, lakes, and vast farmlands stretching all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. If time and weather permit, visitors can explore Lough Cummeenoughter, the highest lake in Ireland (707 meters above sea level), and enjoy a refreshing swim.

River cruise on the Shannon

The Shannon River, stretching 360km, flows through the tranquil and lush Irish countryside and is the longest river in both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. It's a wonderful experience for visitors to take a boat trip along this famous river, admiring medieval monasteries, rural villages, and picturesque hills alongside the river.

Visitors can spend a whole day exploring the peaceful town of Carrick in County Leitrim, cruising along a narrow river before disembarking at Lough Ree, a wide lake dotted with beautiful islands. Further south, the quaint town of Athlone with its narrow streets and Sean Way pub, Ireland's oldest pub. At the end of the trip, visitors can anchor their boat to explore the mysterious Clonmacnoise Abbey with its tall crosses, round towers, and ancient church.

Cycling on the Great Western Greenway

Stretching from Mayo Bay to Clew Bay, the 42km Great Western Greenway is the longest loop road in Ireland. Starting from the tree-lined Georgian areas of Westport, heading north along the abandoned railway line (out of service since 1937), visitors will cycle across a grand viaduct with seven arches, taking a break at Kelly's Kitchen, one of the most popular cafes in North Mayo.

After a rest, travelers will continue their journey along the coastal trail, admiring the vast golden sands, crossing a swing bridge, leaving the mainland to reach Achill Island and stopping at the end of Green Western Boulevard.

Visit the Doolin Music Village.

Music is an indispensable part of any tour in the Republic of Ireland, especially when visiting the famous village of Doolin. Once a remote fishing village on the west coast of Ireland, Doolin boasts many traditional music pubs such as Gus O'Connor, Dermott's, and McGann, attracting many tourists who arrive by bus.

To enjoy a traditional music performance, head east of Doolin to Pepper Cafe in Feakle, where internationally recognized performers such as accordionist Sharon Shannon and flutist Matt Molloy are featured.

On most evenings of the week, Bunratty Castle in the south of Clare County hosts a four-course dinner accompanied by traditional ballads, at a rather high price but well worth the money. Adults €63, children €35.

Walking in the Garden District, Wicklow

The Wicklow Way, a 131km trail, begins in the unspoiled countryside and winds through mountains, valleys, glaciers, forests, and ancient monasteries. What makes this route special is that it's managed by local hikers. Visitors have plenty of dining options while hiking in the Garden District of Wicklow, particularly in the charming village of Roundwood.

They will also experience a trail down into the picturesque Glendalough Valley, admiring the lakes and Glendalough Abbey, Ireland's most famous monastery with its 1,000-year-old round tower. Afterwards, visitors will continue hiking through forest paths, vast valleys, and hills in southwest Wicklow.

Enjoy the Dursey Island cable car ride on the Beara Peninsula, County Cork.

In the Republic of Ireland, there is only one cable car connecting the mainland to the small island of Dursey. Viewing the coral reefs, mostly submerged under waves at the southernmost tip of Ireland, from a height of less than 30 meters is an unforgettable experience for visitors taking the cable car. On the way to Dursey, visitors can also spot whales, dolphins, butterflies, and rare birds. The cable car ticket to Dursey costs 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children. Interestingly, Dursey has very few inhabitants but boasts restaurants serving delicious local cuisine.

Kayaking on Copper Beach

Sand coves, deep-water caves, and idyllic beaches are just some of the countless stunning natural landscapes that Copper Coast Geopark offers visitors as they explore by kayak. This 25-kilometer coastal route connects the towns of County Waterford, Tramore, and Dungarvan.

This area is the cradle of the copper mining industry. Smokestacks from the mines jut out from the cliff edges, reminding visitors of the history of the Copper Sea region.

One reputable company offering 3-hour sea kayak tours is Pure Adventure. The price is 49 euros for adults and 39 euros for children, including the rental of all equipment and a local guide.

Boating in the Boyne Valley, County Meath

The Boyne Valley is a famous historical site in the Republic of Ireland. In 1690, over 60,000 soldiers gathered in the Boyne Valley to prepare for the centuries-long struggle for power between Catholics and Protestants across the Republic of Ireland. Of course, you can explore the area by car, but a traditional Irish boat trip is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in history. Visitors will experience a 90-minute boat ride through the Boyne Canal, a location that appeared in the blockbuster series “Game of Thrones,” in scenes related to Ironborn.

Visit Aran Island in Galway

The Gaeltacht outposts on the Aran Islands have drawn visitors to their magnificent, windswept shores since playwright J.M. Synge captured its majestic beauty in his 1902 work, *Riders to the Sea*. Visitors to the Aran Islands can also climb Dun Aengus, a hilltop fort with a 3,500-year history.

The following day, tourists set sail to visit Inis Meáin and Aran islands, before taking a late afternoon ferry to Inis Oírr. They spent the night on the most beautiful of the three islands, with its sandy beaches, dry rock walls, and the impressive views of the Cliffs of Moher.

The Phong