What are the 'Must See/Do's of Ireland for tourists?

25-09-2015 02:22PM

The Backwards Man wrote: »

Every single person on the planet should visit Donegal at least once in their lives.

Bring plenty of money and for the love of God, take the bypass around Fundoran.

Will you stop telling people that!!!

Visit the spectacular tumbleweeds rolling through the Main Street of Bundoran out of season.

Akrasia · 25-09-2015 02:26PM

Skellig Michael

Hands down the most impressive part of Ireland that I've been to.

Joe prim · 25-09-2015 02:30PM

whupdedo wrote: »

The gym , they should go to the gym , lift weights and get fit

Do you even lift?:cool:

the dark phantom · 25-09-2015 02:34PM

syklops wrote: »

Im going to have to disagree with you there.

Pity the N71 becomes a glorified twisted goat track after Bandon.

OldMrBrennan83 · 25-09-2015 02:59PM

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Curly Judge · 25-09-2015 03:27PM

Cienciano wrote: »

Agree with you here. Inistioge is probably the nicest village in Ireland, and the coast road from Belfast to Derry is the best drive.

No one mentioned Achill Island. Great drive around the south of the island, then right out to the end on the west.

Bunclody in Wexford would give it a good run for its money.

25-09-2015 03:36PM

Nice to see Inistioge getting such a good rep, such a beautiful place. I love the woods and the history, although I am not sure how much history info is available for the ordinary tourist

OldMrBrennan83 · 25-09-2015 03:38PM

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dundalkfc10 · 25-09-2015 03:42PM

Tell me how wrote: »

Personally, I think it's a fabulous country with sites to see in every county.

I think people could combine sports matches into a memorable 24 hrs. Travel to a town the evening before, socialise there that evening and then experience some of the banter in town just before the match. We have teams playing at world class levels in GAA and rugby and both could give a positive experience of friendly rivalry and camaraderie coupled with the game itself. Big part of this would be the bit around the game, don't just get off a bus and go into a ground with 20 other novices. Immerse themselves for a few hours. Doesn't have to be just Croker/Semple/Aviva either.

Or go to a League of ireland game!

malibu4u · 25-09-2015 04:53PM

Cosmo Kramer wrote: »

To be honest we massively overrate what we have to offer to tourists. A holiday here basically involves getting ripped off in Dublin, which offers a poor enough city break experience compared to many European capitals, followed by the opportunity to visit some fairly standard looking cliffs, a few unusual but not particularly interesting rock formations and some medium sized towns masquerading as cities. All while getting soaked thanks to our hopeless climate.

The main reasons we have a tourism industry of any size at all are Dublin's proximity to and ease of access from the UK and other heavily populated areas of western Europe, the fact we speak English and our history of emigration resulting in 2nd and 3rd generation Irish people coming here from abroad, particularly the US, chasing their family history.

Funny how I heard a few tourists say a few thoughts along those lines too, when they were probed as to what they really really thought about Ireland.

Wompa1 · 25-09-2015 05:14PM

SEPT 23 1989 wrote: »

A tour of Kilmainham Gaol should be first on the list for any tourist arriving in Dublin

Brought my American cousins there. They thought it was interesting but we wasted a lot of time there.. the tour is a bit long winded. Also, a tad on the overdramatic side from our guide.

"And the people were lying on the streets, dying, so weak from hunger that they couldn't move and the farm animals would come up to them and try to eat them while they were still alive" ......yeah.....

garrixfan · 25-09-2015 05:16PM

malibu4u wrote: »

Funny how I heard a few tourists say a few thoughts along those lines too, when they were probed as to what they really really thought about Ireland.

Didn't meant to like this! Ireland is an unreal place to go to for a young party goer from Europe and further afield. There is always something going on during the week(which can't be said for a lot of cities in Europe for example Madrid is dead Monday to Thursday) in terms of going out and partying. I know you boards types are neckbeards and the likes but yes young Europeans love Dublin because we know how to party!!!!

Balmed Out · 25-09-2015 05:19PM

Not sure there any must see sights just lots of great sights. Anywhere in the country has somewhere well worth seeing nearby which is what I love about it.

garrixfan · 25-09-2015 05:21PM

Balmed Out wrote: »

Not sure there any must see sights just lots of great sights. Anywhere in the country has somewhere well worth seeing nearby which is what I love about it.

I used to be one of these Ireland haters till I woke up and realized to appreciate the wonders of this beautiful world. Unlike you pale nerds I actually need the sun and love it, but I still appreciate the weather in Ireland and don't let it stop me from doing stuff like hiking, surfing and camping. Appreciate what you have got. We live in the best place in the world(EUROPE) and Ireland is part of that beauty!

Cienciano · 25-09-2015 05:22PM

malibu4u wrote: »

Funny how I heard a few tourists say a few thoughts along those lines too, when they were probed as to what they really really thought about Ireland.

Do you "probe" many tourists to find out what they really think of Ireland?

Tarzana2 · 25-09-2015 05:23PM

The Burren, Doolough, Downpatrick Head, Dublin, Cork, Galway, Achill Island, The Aran Islands, Glendalough, Kinsale, Sligo, Dalkey, Howth, Croagh Patrick, Louisburgh and environs.

Tarzana2 · 25-09-2015 05:26PM

looksee wrote: »

Favourite (not!) quote from tourists...'We want to get off the beaten track and see the real Ireland - we have a week and are planning on visiting the Cliffs of Moher, the Giants Causeway, Blarney Castle, Galway, Killarney, and the Ring of Kerry'.

They don't wanna see the real Ireland. Dreary market towns ahoy!

Wompa1 · 25-09-2015 05:27PM

malibu4u wrote: »

Funny how I heard a few tourists say a few thoughts along those lines too, when they were probed as to what they really really thought about Ireland.

It is far too expensive. The cost of a rental car or rather the insurance is terrible and it's the only real option you have. If you go for the other option, you can only see what you can get to via train bus or various tour operators. Each of which costs a small fortune.

Went to the Rock of Cashel last time I was home. They were still charging full price to get in, a lot was closed off and there was scaffolding all around it.

When you go to the Aran Islands during the tourism season it's like landing on a cold Greek Island. You get off the boat and there's lines of people there trying to coax you into a tour bus, rent a bicycle etc.

Personally, my favorite part of Ireland is Clare. There's so much beauty around there. Obviously there's the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren but you also have the caves, Spanish Point and Milltown Malbay. Lahinch is a nice little town. Even Ennis and Ennistymon have a bit of charm about them.

I remember as a kid going to Cobh and thinking it was a depressing sh1thole. I went there a few months ago. It's pretty amazing...the Cathedral overlooking the town looks massive. Stopped in for a cup of tea on the way back up to Cork city. Cork city itself, is kind of meh. It's nice along the waterways with some nice cafes and restaurants...I like that about Sligo too but both of them are MEH. Kinsale ain't bad, either.

Kerry is amazing. Between Kerry and Donegal, I have to say it's a great way to start or end the Wild Atlantic Way drive. They are the best parts of it. Parts of Cork and Kerry's coast are amazing. Donegal is also amazing. I think I'd give it to Kerry though between the two but my favorite is still Clare.

Connacht has a lot to offer. Lough Key forest park for kids. The Glencar waterfall. Clifden is incredible (The Alcock & Brown site and Marconi Wireless station ruins...even though, it's insulting how little has been done to commemorate them). The Sky Road. Clifden Castle. Spiddal, Cong. Westport. Strandhill...

Aw...now I've made myself homesick.

Dublin has a lot to offer too, I think. Unfortunately, I've met many people who just went to Dublin on their trip and had a bad impression of the entire country due to it. I can see how it can cast Ireland in a poor light BUT at the same time. The first time I brought my Thai American fiancé over, her favorite part of the trip was Dublin. The guy at Dublin Airport selling the bus tickets was very, very nice. Service everywhere we went was excellent..can't say the same for the rest of the country.

We were there when the Christmas lights were up and it was just turning dark. We also got her, her first ever Nandos. We went to Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo. She loved it.

DEFTLEFTHAND · 25-09-2015 05:30PM

I brought them to the Guinness storehose, lots of yawns and disinterest shown. Then the weirdos starting gagging when they took their first sip of Guinness in the gravity bar. They then started making disparaging remarks about Dublin's skyline, I really felt like saying, look I didn't want you two fcukers coming to stay with me for the week, I was just too polite to say no.

Tarzana2 · 25-09-2015 05:36PM

iDave wrote: »

Newgrange. Never understood how its not more famous internationally. More impressive and older than Stonehenge.

Agreed. Stonehenge is a huge letdown and SO busy. The New Forest nearby is sexy though.

garrixfan · 25-09-2015 05:42PM

Tourists have so much to do over a weekend, even just in Dublin

Go out and get hammered, temple bar is class(although if I was a tourist I'd avoid it but why more irish people don't go here and try pick up tourists is beyond me, maybe it does happen idk)
I think diceys is a great laugh, and coppers be an interesting experience lol.
and then just stroll around the city lmao tbh most cities bore me, its more about the vibe in the city than actually doing anything.

Tarzana2 · 25-09-2015 05:43PM

murpho999 wrote: »

You're assuming that the tourists here have a knowledge of Irish history.

The vast majority would know nothing about 1916 and Ireland's independence struggle, and many would even think that they are on holidays in the UK.

I have met a couple of British in my time who thought Ireland was still part of the UK despite different currency etc.

Old gaols are always good to visit. I like seeing them in different countries.

Balmed Out · 25-09-2015 06:29PM

garrixfan wrote: »

I used to be one of these Ireland haters till I woke up and realized to appreciate the wonders of this beautiful world. Unlike you pale nerds I actually need the sun and love it, but I still appreciate the weather in Ireland and don't let it stop me from doing stuff like hiking, surfing and camping. Appreciate what you have got. We live in the best place in the world(EUROPE) and Ireland is part of that beauty!

I think you misunderstood my post.

Reiver · 25-09-2015 06:30PM

Lock-in somewhere in the Gaeltacht. Seriously, just go to the west coast.

Wompa1 · 25-09-2015 06:59PM

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

I brought them to the Guinness storehose, lots of yawns and disinterest shown. Then the weirdos starting gagging when they took their first sip of Guinness in the gravity bar. They then started making disparaging remarks about Dublin's skyline, I really felt like saying, look I didn't want you two fcukers coming to stay with me for the week, I was just too polite to say no.

They are kind of sh1te, though. The Guinness storehouse and actually every brewery is a bore. I've been there 3 times. Twice the bar was wedged. Too packed to move. Gives a pretty crappy experience.

The Sky line of Dublin is pretty crappy but it's down to the fact it's been pretty well preserved for the most part. There's no huge skyscrapers or anything like that. I guess it's a bit of a cod if you go in just for the view but I think if it was quiet in there, you wouldn't mind so much.

Nichard Dixon · 25-09-2015 11:22PM

Read Tripadvisor, a lot of these guys want to go to Giant's Causeway, maybe Titanic or the someplace where House of Thrones was, next stop Blarney Castle, on to Killarney, Cliffs of Moher and that's Ireland done.

This must be a first where After Hours is more subtle than the reality.

OldMrBrennan83 · 25-09-2015 11:27PM

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Jimbob1977 · 25-09-2015 11:33PM

Glendalough

St. Mullins

North Antrim Coast

Dingle Peninsula

Aran Islands

Iveragh Peninsula

Barley Cove and Mizen Head

bodhrandude · 26-09-2015 12:26AM

Its not just the scenery or architecture they come for, there was quite a lot of tourists up in Sligo for the Fleadh, Galway and Clare have some great session pubs where the music is flying and you can't beat a kicking trad session to convert a tourist into a Galwegian taking tin whistle lessons from Mary Bergin in a quest and thirst to learn traditional music.

Nichard Dixon · 26-09-2015 01:19AM

Patww79 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

You actually took the trouble to type that. I feel sorry for you. Maybe you should take a holiday?

What are the 'Must See/Do's of Ireland for tourists?

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