Last week, I was invited to attend the Jump Into Ireland event at the Charlotte City Club, to learn about fun things to do in Ireland. While there, I got to experience some delicious, traditional Irish food, see some people perform Irish dances and hear some lovely Irish music. I also was introduced to the beautiful land that is Ireland, and many of the reasons why it is a top tourist destination.

There was really so much information provided that I am having a hard time deciding what all to include {and what to leave out} so that this doesn’t turn into a mini Ireland encyclopedia. So, if I missed any of the fun things to do in Ireland that you would like to read more about, please tell us about it in the comments, and I might write another article about it later. 🙂

13 Things To Do In Ireland

Ballynahinch Castle {Connemara County Galway}
This 4 star luxury castle is set on a private 450 acre wooded estate. Views from the Ballynahinch Castle include the beautiful 12 Bens Mountain Range, a salmon fishery and tree upon beautiful tree. Speaking of trees, you can even plant your own on the property and watch it grow via the internet when you get home. Guided hikes, boat trips and fishing are also available, among other nature related fun.

Parknasilla Resort & Spa {Kenmare Bay}
A member of the Manor House Hotel Collection, Parknasilla Resort & Spa is a 500 acre resort is situated on the Wild Atlantic Way. Featuring an Ocean Side Spa, a 12 hole golf course, tennis courts, a beach, the Pygmalion Restaurant and walking trails, everything you need is right here.

Lough Eske Castle {Donegal Town}
Lough Eske Castle is an award winning, 5 star castle in Northwestern Ireland, located near the Bluestack Mountains. Superior hospitality and comfort is their specialty and they have a rich history dating back to the 1400s. Fully restored, experience old world charm and the luxuries of today.

It’s All About The Literature {Dublin & Belfast}

In this UNESCO City of Literature you can almost hear the words of Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and Samuel Beckett echo through the streets of Dublin.

In Dublin, you can visit Davy Byrne’s, a literary pub highlighted in James Joyce’s Ulysses. You can also take part in the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl or visit the Dublin Writers Museum.

Belfast was the birthplace of C.S. Lewis. If you are a fan, then the C.S. Lewis Tour should definitely be one of your stops in Ireland, where you will learn about many of the things and sights that inspired his writings.

Titanic Belfast {Belfast}
I visited the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge and found it fascinating. Did you know that Titanic was built in Ireland? People who love history and learning about the ill-fated ship should definitely visit Titanic Belfast, which includes a replica shipyard ride and an ocean exploration center.

Waterford Crystal {Waterford}
If you love beautiful pieces for the home, then I think you should definitely visit the House of Waterford Crystal. With 200 years of crystal making history, you will get to see how each piece is painstakingly made, right before your eyes. You can also check out their retail store, where you can purchase a piece of Waterford Crystal from the largest selection in the world.

See Where Game Of Thrones Is Filmed {Northern Ireland}
If you love Game of Thrones, then you will most likely love Northern Ireland, too. See caves, castles, and the Dark Hedges used in the hit HBO show for the Kingsroad. Check Ireland.com for a 3 day self-guided itinerary.

Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 1,500 mile tour that goes from the top of Ireland to the bottom of Ireland by way of the east coast, along the Atlantic Ocean. It really seems like a beautiful way to discover much of the beauty that Ireland has to offer, including UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skelling Michael, an early Christian Monestary. You can even sleep in castles and lighthouses along the way.

Amazing Archaeology Awaits {Londonberry}
If you love ancient archaeological treasures, then you need to visit Mountsandel. Dating back 9,000 years, it’s the earliest known settlement in Ireland. Beautiful views of woods and the river and ancient remains await. Many more archaeologically significant sites await including Clonmacnoise, Dun Aengus, Skellig Michael and Legananny Dolmen.

Learn About Your Ancestry {Dublin}
My family is from Ireland, Scotland and Australia. If you have familial ties to Ireland, here are some helpful tips to get you started tracing down your Irish roots. Also, while in Ireland, you should visit the GRO Research Room on Werburgh Street, since not all of their records are online yet. You can, however, access some of their GRO Research Room’s records online for a small fee. You can also search records for free at FamilySearch.org and you can see pay-per-view records up to 1900 at Roots Ireland.

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens {Cork Harbour}
Do you love Downton Abbey? I definitely do. Well, you will love this Regency Irish Country House preserved in the Downton Abbey style. At Fota House, you can experience how the Lords and Ladies of the house lived while also seeing how the Butlers and other house workers existed in the grand rooms and working kitchen and sculleries. Guided tours are available for both the house and the gardens. There is also easy access to the Wild Atlantic Way.

Sheep Herding {Ring of Kerry}
If you travel with Isle Inn Tours, you are offered some really unique experiences. Want to know what it’s like to heard sheep? Well, try it out and see. You can also adopt a lamb. I love animals {I mean, look at those faces!} and I think it would be so fun to “own” a lamb. They also offer other cool experiences like driving a vintage car along the Wild Atlantic Way and dolphin discovery tours {another animal I love!}.

World’s First Democratic Revolution {Ennis}
Site of the world’s first democratic revolution {1828}, Ennis residents elected Daniel O’Connell {aka “The Liberator”} to the House of Commons. This ended the rule that Catholics could not be members of Parliament.

Looking For Some Irish Inspired Recipes At Home?

Check out this Guinness Beef Stew Recipe and this Slow Cooker Guinness Onion Soup Recipe.

So, what did I miss? Feel free to add any other great things to do in Ireland in the comments below.

Of This List Of Things To Do In Ireland, What Is Your Favorite?