Places to Visit in Ireland (and the Cost)

It’s been a month or two since our epic trip to Ireland and I can honestly say that it’s one of the most beautiful countries that I’ve been to. While there wasn’t enough time to visit every place on my list, there are some key destinations that I think you’d enjoy. It’s not in any particular order, but I want to share with you some places that have a little something for everyone!

Dublin

Dublin is a beautiful city! It was the first place on our list of destinations and we decided to spend three days in the city. It’s a place where you can literally find something for everyone because it is a hub for all things related to Irish culture and history, but also a destination for young adult nightlife. If staying in the city, I recommend a hotel that has access to a discounted car garage. It gets expensive without a discount. I also recommend being within walking distance if possible, our hotel was a 10-minute walk to Ha'Penny Bridge and all the pubs. Prices vary on what you decide to do and the time of year. We spent roughly €100 on attractions, €100 on food, €70 on parking, and €142 during our stay.

Blarney

I definitely recommend Blarney if you want to see its castle and kiss the Blarney Stone. Blarney Castle is a huge estate; we had no idea how much walking was involved until we toured its grounds. There are gardens, a jungle, a lake (possibly a huge pond, but it looked like a lake to me), a gift shop, and a cafe. It’s definitely a place that I recommend visiting as soon as the estate opens because you’ll be there all day. Blarney castle cost us €18 per person. Because we wanted an early start, we stayed and the Blarney Castle Hotel across the street for €139 for one night.

Kilkea Castle

There’s no shortage of castle stays in Ireland, but if you’re looking for a castle stay that is charming and has a huge golf course, then Kilkea Castle is the castle for you. Located an hour away from Dublin, Kilkea is one of those castles that you can’t help wanting to live in. We stayed in this castle for three days and there’s plenty to do like horseback riding, golfing, and archery. The castle also has a bird of prey exhibition and a spa available for booking. We booked this castle stay for €310 which included our breakfast. You can also enjoy fine dining either in the castle or on its grounds at Hermione’s for varying prices depending on the season. This luxury stay is affordable and satisfactory.

Kilkenny Castle

Courtesy: getyourguide.com

Kilkenny Castle was a destination on our list that we just didn’t have time to see. The castle and gardens are open seven days a week with trails and exhibitions that would put Blarney to shame. As part of Ireland’s Ancient East and Medieval Mile Tourism Group, the castle serves as a historic attraction as well as a memorable cultural experience. Kilkenny Castle was the home of members of the Butler Dynasty. Tickets to this historic tour cost €8 for a self-guided tour.

Caves

Courtesy: doolincave.ie

Just like castles, there’s no shortage of caves in Ireland either. Another adventure that we did not have time to partake in (I’m not a big fan of it), but since I mentioned that there’s something for everyone, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include something for my cave-lovers. One particular cave that caught our attention was Doolin Cave. It’s 200-ft below the surface and an underground water wonderland. There are 125 steps into and out of the cave with plenty of time to experience its wonders. The guided tour lasts about an hour. Tickets for a tour cost €8.50 per person.

Cliffs of Moher

If you’re looking for gorgeous ocean views, then look no further! The Cliffs of Moher will (literally) take your breath away. Its winds are likely to push you around, but it is worth the view. Located an hour and 10 minutes from Limerick (an hour and 25 minutes from Galway), admission to the Cliffs of Moher costs €7 per person. There are shops for souvenirs and warm clothing for the winter as well as a restaurant. The Cliffs consist of paved pathways that stretch 8 miles along the coast which make for a perfect day trip. You can also enjoy local food along the drive across the Wild Atlantic Way to get there.

Ashford Castle

Courtesy: trafalgar.com

Another resort-like castle stay, Ashford Castle is a 42-minute drive from Galway. The castle hotel has a plethora of outdoor experiences including zip-lining and tree climbing. With over 800 years of hospitality experience, the castle is at the forefront of amenities to suit its guests’ needs. There are several dining locations within the castle as well as on its grounds. Booking this hotel stay currently starts at €750.

Galway

“Galway Girl” by Ed Sheeran was stuck in my head the whole time we drove through this city. While on the Wild Atlantic Way, we passed through Galway. A 20-mile-long city, Galway is located along the harbor with some of the best cheap eats and restaurants for outdoor dining.

Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is about 1,500 miles of road stretching along the Atlantic coast of Ireland from top to bottom. Connecting to areas like Malin Head, the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Dingle Penninsula, you can spend an entire day traveling the west coast and sightseeing. My recommendation is to get a car, gas it up, and go for a day's drive!

~Kels