Dublin — Temple Bar (then leave)
See it, take a photo, then walk 5 minutes to any other pub. Temple Bar is overpriced and for tourists. The Stag's Head, Kehoe's, and Toner's are where Dubliners actually drink.
✨ Must-sees in Ireland
The real must-sees in Ireland go beyond the postcard spots. These are the places locals point visitors toward once the obvious sights are out of the way.
In Ireland, must-sees comes down to a few things: dublin — temple bar (then leave), dublin — kilmainham gaol, and dublin — a walk along the grand canal.
Dublin — Kilmainham Gaol
The jail where Irish revolutionaries were imprisoned and executed. The guided tour is one of Ireland's most powerful experiences. Book online — it sells out.
Dublin — A walk along the Grand Canal
From Portobello to Grand Canal Dock. The Barge pub, the Patrick Kavanagh bench, and the Silicon Docks tech campus. Old Dublin meets new Dublin along the water.
Galway — The Latin Quarter
Cobblestoned streets, buskers, pubs with sessions every night. Galway is Ireland's most bohemian city. Tigh Neachtain pub is an institution. The Spanish Arch at sunset draws crowds.
Galway — Aran Islands by ferry
Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, Inis Oírr — Irish-speaking islands with stone walls, cliffs, and ancient forts. Dún Aonghasa perches on a 100m cliff edge. Rent a bike and circle the island.
Galway — Seafood at McDonagh's
The best fish and chips in Ireland (debatable, but most Galwegians agree). Or walk the Saturday market for oysters, chowder, and crêpes. Galway is Ireland's food city.
Cork — English Market
A covered Victorian market that's been trading since 1788. Artisan cheese, smoked salmon, spiced beef, and Hederman's smoked fish. The upstairs café overlooks the stalls.
Cork — A pub crawl on Oliver Plunkett Street
Live music in almost every pub. Sin É, The Corner House, and Coughlan's have sessions most nights. Cork's music scene is less famous than Galway's but equally vibrant.
Cork — Day trip to Cobh and Kinsale
Cobh was the Titanic's last port of call. The heritage center is moving. Kinsale is a fishing village with colored houses and gourmet restaurants. Both are 30 minutes from Cork city.