I get asked quite often about the best places to visit in Ireland (Éire or Éireann in Gaelic) so i have decided to blog about it to make both my life and those i share this information with easier 🙂
Note: This guide is for the whole Island of Ireland and no distinction is made between the Republic and the North. One thing to remember is that Pounds are used in Northern Ireland rather than Euros. Ireland is split up into 4 provinces, Ulster[North], Leinster[East], Munster[South] and Connacht[West]. Each Province then in turn is split up into Counties with a total of 32 on the Island. The following Maps explain the concept further:
The first and most obvious place to visit is Dublin, our Capital City. Located to the east it is a thriving and busy mixture of culture and History with plenty of attractions for those interested in exploring it.
First things to note would be a means of transport to get you around, Although smaller than many European cities, walking from one attraction to another will quickly ruin the experience for you.
- Dublin Bus: They will take you almost anywhere in the city
- Luas: Tram system in Dublin with routes to the most common streets
- Bike Rental: With bicycle lanes throughout most of the city this is a good option
If you see the following symbol 
it will open the location in Google maps.
- Croke Park: The home of the GAA, Irelands own brand of sportmanship through Gaelic Football and Hurling. The best time to visit here would be during the annual All Ireland Football and Hurling Finals. The atmosphere can be amazing.
- Botanic Gardens: For those interested in plants and flowers this can be a rewarding experience.
- Dublin Castle: A historical and symbolic part of Dublin.
- Kilmainham Gaol: This Gaol played a big role in the Struggle for Irelands Independence.
- Guinness Storehouse: Visit where Guinness is brewed and stop off for a pint yourself.
- Kingfisher Restaurant: Excellent selection of typical Irish meals.
- National Museum of Ireland: For those interested in the History of Ireland this is a must see.
- Pheonix Park: If you want a quite stroll, the Pheonix park is one of the nicer gardens to preview.
- Trinity College: Regarded as the pinnacle of third level education in Ireland and steeped in Historical relevance, not to mention home to the Book of Kells an ancient manuscript.
- Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum: A museum on a ship covering the ragic Famine ships that took irish refugees to the States during teh Great famine.
- O’Connell Street: The Main street in dublin, Home to the Spire and the General Post office among others this street easily holds the most historical signifcance of any other in Irish History.
I think a day or two is enough to browse through what Dublin has to offer. If you are looking for more info check out Visit Dublin. Irelands countryside is where the real gems of the Emerald Isle can be found. In order to experience them all your really going to need a means of transport.
The best would be to befriend a nice Irish person who will drive you around and show you the attractions.
If you cannot manage that, renting a car will maximize your ability to seek and locate the best points of interest in the wilderness of Ireland.
Bus Éireann is one of Irelands Bus services running on a daily basis to most of the countries larger towns and cities.
Trains do not run everywhere in the country and can be expensive.
